1997 Class Notes for 2021

It’s been a difficult year, but the Blue Class of 1997 is positive and resilient. We were especially heartbroken to hear of the passing of Sister Seton Cuneen and Sister Maura Prendergast. These extraordinary women not only educated us, they enlightened us with their generosity and compassion. Our memories of their community spirit, quick laughter, and love of Trinity remain.

On January 1, 2020, Nicole Mayerhauser joined two outstanding partners to launch Emerald One LLC, a 100% woman owned technology strategy consulting firm. Who could have anticipated what would come next? It was a year of firsts and a year of surprises for Nicole. She is proud to be still standing and growing as they look to building the business in 2021. Nicole also joined forces with a Trinity sister, Lynne Carreiro (96), as a member of World Animal Guardians (WAG), an animal rescue organization dedicated to rescuing some of most disparate dogs and cats across the globe. For those of you who know the organization, Nicole says to watch out as they may be reaching out to you next to get involved. She wishes everyone safety, health, and love in the coming year.

Sarita Chapman has been working at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is still working at NIH (National Institutes of Health) which is located in Bethesda, MD. She mainly works on administrative duties and makes arrangements for the many scientists who travel to different places for conferences and to assist in research. Since travel has slowed down considerably, Sarita reports that it can become challenging at times when there is not much to do while working at home. Sarita has two parakeets which she named Martin and Gina. They talk to each other a lot at times.

Carolina Villalvazo and her family.

Carolina Villalvazo is living in CA with her family. They had an addition to the family four years ago with the arrival of their Maltipoo, Frida. They are so in love with her and get so much joy from having her in their lives. Carolina is still in Financial Services after 15 year and was managing a hotel which unfortunately closed due to the pandemic. Carolina says that it has been a blessing in a way because she has been home for a year with her children doing distant learning and spending amazing quality time with her family. She misses her Class of 1997 sisters and wishes everyone all the best.

Also living and working in the sunny Los Angeles area is Robin Hudson Romeo. You can find her both behind and in front of the camera on television shows such as “The Conners”, “Fuller House”, and “Alexa & Katie”. Robin also competes under the Roller Derby skate name “Charmed Robbery” with the L. A. Derby Dolls and will begin coaching once teams are allowed back on the track.

Aimee Yrlas Simpson and her family are doing well and safe. The family splits their time in GA between Lake Oconee in Greensboro and Atlanta. Aimee continues in her role at the American Diabetes Association and serves as a member of the Georgia Commission on Service and Volunteerism supporting Americorp grant funding and programs for the State of Georgia. Her husband Marsay continues his government affairs work with AGL Resources and his service on several state boards. They enjoy their time fishing, golfing and spending time with their daughter Idalia (now 6) and Yorker Hoss. Aimee stays in close touch with classmates Shaughna Rowson Giracca (97), Deka Nur Lee (96), and Sekeno Whittaker Aldred (96).

Reporting from the other side of the globe is Suzanne Fraley Paddock. She and her family are still living the dream in beautiful Queensland, Australia. She is sad that they haven’t been able to travel internationally but feels lucky that her children’s daily lives haven’t been as affected. Suzie, husband Ian, and sons Sean and Jax spend time studying, working, playing sports, eating out, and visiting friends.

I’ve been fortunate enough to catch glimpses of friendly faces via Zoom, including Suzie, Shaughna, Truck (aka Robin), Katie Doyle Andrews, Brooke Bechtold (98), Elizabeth Gulliver, and Kate Wirkus (Dec 96). I don’t post much on social media myself but I’m grateful to follow up with so many of you online. I’m currently teaching fourth grade at Mount Alvernia Academy, a Catholic elementary school in Chestnut Hill, MA. We’ve been in-person since September and the students have been wonderful. My daughter Calla started her high school career as a hybrid learner and is persevering through online activities including Zoom Girl Scout meetings. Our little Yorkie Chip has been loving the extra attention at home. I’m sending all of my fellow alums best wishes for a healthy and joyful 2021.

Janine Kayser
1997 Class Scribe