Outstanding Alumnae Award Winners

The MSMU Alumnae Association recognizes distinguished alums who have attained notable achievement or made a lasting contribution in his or her professional, philanthropic, or voluntary endeavor. Click on the photo of each recipient to read their bio.

three alums smiling in front of a MSMU back-drop

Homecoming

October 6-7, 2023

All are invited to meet us at the Mount for Homecoming - a Celebration of the Generations! This annual tradition has been reimagined to encourage alumnae to bring their families and guests, and for current Mount students to participate in the celebration!

Register View attendee list

Schedule for Homecoming

*Please note that some schedule details are still being confirmed and will be added here when available.

Doheny Campus - Rose Hills Plaza

Kick off your Homecoming experience by attending the Cocktail Social, where you can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks with your classmates under the stars. Wear your party clothes and dancing shoes as we’ll have music and plenty of room to show off your dance moves! If you plan to attend, select this additional add-on ticket in the Homecoming registration.

Chalon Circle

  • Please plan to arrive to campus 20 minutes before the event you plan to attend first to allow time for parking and check-in.
  • Vans will be available to transport you from Parking Structure A to the Circle where the check-in staff will assist you.
  • Class of 1973 "Golden Grad Gab" and photo at 9:30 AM
  • Various tables and exhibits in the Circle throughout the day
    • The Graduate Admission Office will be present to share information about all of the exciting graduate degree programs.

  • Campus Tour
    Has it been a while since your last visit to the Mount? Explore the Chalon Campus on this guided tour to see the latest renovations and hear about the student experience. (Wellness Pavilion excluded)

  • First Look: Wellness Pavilion Hard-Hat Tour
    Maximum 20 people per tour. Be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces and stairs – this is an active construction site. Close-toed shoes are required. Hard hats and safety vests will be provided and must be worn at all times while on the construction site.

  • Advancing Social Justice: Rest is Resistance 
    Join the Center for Equity, Diversity and Justice to explore the concept "Rest is Resistance", inspired by the work of writer and founder of the Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey. This workshop is designed for alumnae juggling busy careers, childcare, eldercare, self-care and/or other priorities. We will offer a powerful tool for growth and inclusion: implementing restful habits.

  • Manifest Your Dreams: A Vision Board Workshop with Career & Professional Development
    Grounded in our CSJ and Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we invite you to reflect on these three key questions: "Who am I? What does the world need me to be? How am I becoming?" in this interactive vision board-making activity.

  • Wellness Reset / Meditation Workshop
    Join The Mount’s Director of Sports, Recreation & Wellness for a gentle and restorative experience, including mobility work and relaxation techniques!

  • Mount Mural-Making in Hannon Hallway
    Sign the MSMU Homecoming mural or add your own artwork.

  • Table Activities in the Circle
    Write a letter to a current student to encourage them in their semester and studies. Check out the Student Clubs tables to see what activities students are involved in around campus. Stop by the Alumnae Association and make sure you get your free Mount swag, plus more options at the Bookstore.

Mary Chapel

  • Hosted by Campus Ministry & Spirituality
  • Honoring our CSJ founders and the Class of 1973 Golden Graduate Society Induction

Campus Center

  • Program with remarks from President Ann McElaney-Johnson
  • Buffet lunch, drinks and dessert
  • Outstanding Alumnae Awards Ceremony
  • Class-specific photos

  • Campus Tour
    Has it been a while since your last visit to the Mount? Explore the Chalon Campus on this guided tour to see the latest renovations and hear about the student experience. (Wellness Pavilion excluded)

  • First Look: Wellness Pavilion Hard-Hat Tour
    Maximum 20 people per tour. Be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces and stairs – this is an active construction site. Close-toed shoes are required. Hard hats and safety vests will be provided and must be worn at all times while on the construction site.

  • In the Footsteps of Our Founders: A Virtual Pilgrimage to Le Puy, France
    Join the CSJ Institute to delve deeper into the spiritual heritage of the Mount founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. Learn more about how their charism of unifying love continues to inspire the Mount experience today, and ways for you to connect with the traditions as an alum. 

  • Celebrating History and Making New Memories in the Library
    Come inside the library to see historical photos,  browse our alumnae authors collection, and add to the Community Memory Board! We'll also have activity tables with puzzles, games, and coloring for family members of all ages.
  • Create in the Mount MakerSpace, Library
    Get creative in the Mount MakerSpace with various projects like custom button making and keychain creation.
  • Move More with Mount Wellness
    Break up your day with a little movement! Choose from a pleasant campus walking group or a fun (non-sweaty) dance party!

  • Mount Mural-Making in Hannon Hallway
    Sign the MSMU Homecoming mural or add your own artwork.

  • Table Activities in the Circle
    Write a letter to a current student to encourage them in their semester and studies. Check out the Student Clubs tables to see what activities students are involved in around campus. Stop by the Alumnae Association and make sure you get your free Mount swag, plus more options at the Bookstore.

Join us for the 32nd annual Athenian Day to cap off the Homecoming celebrations with a friendly competition and dinner! Alumnae are encouraged to create a team or join an existing student team. Athenian Day brings together the entire Mount community for fun and collaborative competition in a variety of challenges designed to build school spirit and a sense of belonging. Alumnae, students, faculty and staff can make a team of six individuals and compete for awesome prizes! If you register as an individual, you'll be placed on a team. Athenian Day will incorporate feats of the body, mind, and spirit. We also encourage everyone not participating to cheer on the teams. Teams will be awarded points at each event, and one team will win the Athenian Cup for 2023! Register Here.

  • Check-in starts at 3:30 in the Circle
  • Event starts at 4:15 in Hannon Theater
  • Dinner at 5:00 in Campus Center (Plant-Based, GF Options Available)
  • Continued competition and Awards Ceremony to follow
    Events Include: (2 Minute performance), (Tug of War), (Sculpting Challenge), (Bingo), (Water-Based Competition) & (Rock Wall Competition)! Once you or your team have registered, you will receive a detailed itinerary of events and hints to help you prepare!

Class Ambassadors can choose to arrange an additional gathering off-campus to elevate the celebrations throughout the weekend. The sky is the limit to do something fun, creative or community-building around Los Angeles, as long as it doesn't conflict with the on-campus programming. Organized events will be posted here and shared with you by your class ambassador. If your class does not have a volunteer representative, please contact the Alumnae Association if you’d like to plan an off-campus, virtual or hybrid gathering.

Athenian Day - Mount Olympus!

Following Homecoming:

Alumnae are encouraged to create a team or join an existing student team to compete in the 32nd annual Athenian Day tradition! Anyone can make a team of six individuals, or register as an individual to join a team and compete for awesome prizes.  We also encourage everyone not competing to register for a spot at dinner and to cheer on the teams. Teams will be awarded points at each event, and one team will win the Athenian Cup for 2023!

Join a Team

Class Reunions

Congratulations to the classes celebrating reunions this year: 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018, 2023!

  • Mount Connect users

    Connect with your classmates on Mount Connect!

    Log in to join your class group where you can share updates and make plans for Homecoming.

  • Reunion Giving

    Reunion Giving

    Check out the leaderboard, make a challenge gift or matching gift to inspire your classmates.

  • Reunion photos

    Send your pictures

    Email your photos from when you were a student to alums@msmu.edu to be included in the slideshow!

Reunion Volunteers

Class Ambassadors are vital to ensuring a successful class reunion. No experience is required. We will provide you with the tools you need to invite your classmates to the reunion. Review the Volunteer Toolkit and see all class ambassadors.

Email alums@msmu.edu to sign up to volunteer as a Class Ambassador to keep your classmates informed and connected before and after the reunions. The more volunteers per class, the better! Current or interested volunteers can reach out to the Alumnae Office to learn more. Sign up to volunteer!

Class Year  2022 Reunions Class Ambassadors
1963 60 Year Reunion Lois Risinger, Barbara Buckman
1968 55 Year Reunion  
1973 50 Year Reunion Mary Breden, Mary Pat Gonzalez, Angie (Kucia) Samstag, Mary Ann (Young) Mailloux, Annie Yau-Young, Mary Strong
1978 45 Year Reunion  
1983 40 Year Reunion  
1988 35 Year Reunion Patricia (Espinoza) Fernandez
1993 30 Year Reunion  
1998 25 Year Reunion Geovanna Brasfield, Sonali Bridges, Keisha Holland 
2003 20 Year Reunion Geovanna Waters, Elizabeth Jimenez, Janet Li, Rachel Guitierrez
2008  15 Year Reunion Taline Hanna
2013  10 Year Reunion Shawndeeia Drinkard, Shar Moassessi (DPT), Michelle Diaz (DPT)
2018  5 Year Reunion Catherine Knight (Weekend/Evening/Online College)
2023 0 Year Reunion Stephanie Pagan, Kaylene Chacana, Mark Chavez (MBA),

Lodging & things to do in Los Angeles

If you're coming from out of town and are looking for a convenient hotel, we recommend staying at the Hotel Angeleno near the Chalon Campus.

If you have some extra time in the city or maybe want to grab a meal with a classmate, check out this guide on the 50 best things to do in Los Angeles and 13 great restaurants in West LA.

Can't attend Alumnae Weekend?

If you can't attend in person, there are a few ways you can still participate in the celebration.

  • Email us your photos from your time as a student to be included in the slideshow!
  • Join Mount Connect to find your class group and use the directory to connect with your classmates, former professors and current students.
  • Make a gift that is meaningful to you in honor of your time at the Mount and to support current students, or donate a registration to an alum who may need financial assistance to attend Homecoming - the donation option is on the registration page.
  • Share an update about your life by submitting a Class Note to be included in the next Mount Magazine.
  • See what the campus looks like today by exploring the virtual tour and interactive map.

Past Events

As we get ready for this year, please enjoy a few event highlights from previous year's Homecoming!