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HOLY NAMES, ALBANY

Departing AHN principal recalls past 32 years

Sister Constance Casey, SNJM, didn't expect to serve for 32 years at the Academy of the Holy Names in Albany.

"I didn't think that I would be here that long," she mused. "I was a graduate of the school. It was wonderful coming here. I was born in Troy and my family was here. I thought I might be here a significant amount of time - but not 32 years. It's been wonderful."

Sister Connie is stepping down at the end of June as president of AHN. She was recently honored at a Mass and reception at the school. To replace her in August, the school has named Eva Joseph, who is retiring as Albany school superintendent.

Sister Connie came to Holy Names in 1977 as principal of its upper school. In 1990, she became campus president. 

According to Nancy Johnson, public relations director for the school, Sister Connie conducted a $4.2 million capital campaign and completed a three-year facilities expansion project, established a financial aid program for students and built an extensive "Partners in Education" program.

Sister Connie also developed a board of trustees for the school and collaborated with the staff in achieving the U.S. Department of Education National School of Excellence Award.

Child-focused
Despite these accomplishments, Sister Connie said the highlight of her time at the school was working with the students. 

"I love the students," she said. "I loved helping them form their lives, forming them as good people and helping them discover their talents."

During her tenure, hairstyles changed as did the style of the school uniform, but some things remained the same: AHN's lower and middle school (pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade) and its upper (high) school are for girls only.

Sister Connie said that single-gender education benefits girls because girls have different learning styles than boys. The single-sex environment of the school allows students to take academic risks and leadership roles that they might not try in a coeducational school.

It is common, she said, for graduates to return to school after their first year of college and praise their Holy Names education.

Sister Connie recalled a recent group of graduates who visited the school: All said they were well prepared for college and many had been asked to mentor and tutor other students. 

Another constant at AHN is community service. Sister Connie said students at all grade levels participate in service projects. Sister Connie said it is common to encounter Holy Names students working with local charities.

Steady legacy
Despite economic challenges facing families, Sister Connie said the school's enrollment remains on track for the 2009-'10 school year. Currently there are 440 students enrolled in the school. 

"We've had more requests for financial aid, but we also have a broader base for financial aid," she noted.

The upcoming school year will also mark AHN's 125th anniversary. One of the events planned is a "generational luncheon;" Sister Connie said that, for many families, attending Holy Names is a tradition. Some families have had grandmothers, mothers and now daughters attending the school.

This tradition has led to a broad base of alumnae. Sister Connie reported that the Alumnae Association recently became a national organization, as graduates are located across the country and even the world. 

Although AHN's future seems solid, Sister Connie is unsure of what her own future holds. She plans on taking the summer off and then hopes to continue in ministry in the Albany Diocese. She is also looking forward to attending the school's anniversary celebration.

M. Patricia Rowlands, president of the school's Board of Trustees, said Sister Connie will be missed. 

"Thirty-two years is such an incredible amount of time," she said. "She will always be a part of the school."

Mrs. Rowlands said Sister Connie was noted for her style of leadership. Those who worked with her felt respected and loved, Mrs. Rowlands said, adding: "She is a very strong leader - gentle but strong."

(For more information, visit AHN's website at www.ahns.org.)

(06/11/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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