Class Notes: 1970s

Choose a year below to see what your classmates have been up to.

Click here to submit your class note.

1979

Gail Hamilton — Scott has retired from the Community Hospice. During her time since graduation, she received national credentials in Hospice and Palliative Care.
Submitted: May 2017

1976

Elizabeth Bouchard — is responsible for the beautiful new curio cabinet in the Maria College Library reference room. She received the New York Library Association Excellence in Library Innovation Award for 2012 and donated the honorarium to Maria so the College would have a place to display items from its archives and special collection. Elizabeth earned an AA in liberal arts from Maria, a BA in English from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, and an MLS from the University at Albany. She has worked as a librarian in the Capital Region for nearly 30 years. Currently, she is the catalog librarian at Bethlehem Public Library and a part-time librarian at Maria.
Submitted: Fall 2014

1975

Mary C. Dytko Foley, RN — has worked as an RN for 32 years. Currently, she is a cardiac rehabilitation coordinator at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans, LA. Mary has been ANCC board certified as a nurse executive since 2009 and is taking certification courses in diabetes education. She earned an AAS in nutrition from Maria in 1975, an ASN from Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Nursing in New Orleans in 1982, a BSN from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1997, and an MSN from Loyola in 2006. Her 28-year-old son followed in her footsteps, becoming an RN and earning his MSN. He is a nursing instructor at LSU School of Nursing. Her husband is retired from the Navy and works for the Army Corps of Engineers in New Orleans.
Submitted: Fall 2014

Susan (Frank) Lahue — recently began a new position as an education specialist in the Department of Learning and Development at Albany Medical Center. Previously, she was a faculty member for 25 years in the Nursing Department at Maria. Susan has one daughter, Sarah, who lives in Queens, NY, and has a master’s degree in American literature and film studies. She teaches online courses in those subjects for Ashford University, while pursuing her love of theater. Sarah has credits for stage managing off, off Broadway productions and hopes to soon obtain her Equity Card. Susan looks forward to crossing things off her bucket list, starting with a trip to Ireland and England.
Submitted: Fall 2014

1974

Jane Marsh — After retiring from Nursing I spent 6 months in Eastern Europe teaching english.
Submitted: May 2017

Susan Tobin — Serves as Director of Development at Academy of the Holy Names in Albany.

1973

Kathleen Schongar — I recently retired after 44 years in early childhood and special education. Most of that time was in Day Treatment at St. Catherine's Center for children as a teacher assistant, and later mater teacher in the special education program. I also provided remedial services for learning disabled students and remedial reading services. I retired from Marillac Homeless Family Shelter where I was Child Care Specialist. These days I enjoy working a few shifts a month at the shelter. Maria College instilled in us the importance of education and the value of service to others. Those values were always in my mind in the classroom and when working with homeless families.
Submitted: May 2017

1972

Rena L. Aggen — In 1999 I retired as Nursing Coordinator for NYSOMRADD. I have been a member of the NYS Board for Nursing since 1997; serving 10 years as an active member and 9 years as an extended member. Originally appointed by the NYS Board of Regents in 1997, and again in 2002, 2007 and 2012!
Submitted: May 2017

Kathleen O. Vito — Was promoted to full Professor in the Graduate Nursing Program at Felician University. Teaching online and loving it. Grandmother of three.
Submitted: May 2017

Barbara Unser-Ochampaugh — Vice President New York State Perianesthesia Nurses Association - Certified Perianesthesia Nurse
Submitted: May 2017

1971

Carole Montepare — was named vice president for client engagement at MVP Health Care.

1970

Fran Nantista — I am finally retired. After 25 years working for a group of physicians, I left that position in 1995 to open my own NYS Registered daycare in my home. After caring for 47 children in these many years, I finally retired in December 2016. I travelled to Florida to visit friends and was stuck an extra week because of the snowstorm. My spare room is now my paper rafting studio and I am busy designing and making such great things.
Submitted: May 2017

Patricia Underwood — went on to earn a BA in math from The College of Saint Rose in Albany and to found Underwood Services. The successful bookkeeping business marks its 25th anniversary in February. “I am fast coming up on retirement but planning to keep my business going for at least a few more years.” Patricia enjoys being an aunt and great-aunt to her brother’s and sister’s children and grandchildren. She is very involved with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) and serves as Lodge Secretary for Lodge #141 in Troy.