Milestones Gala Honors Four Members of Mount Community
On the evening of Thursday, September 16, the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren was filled with members of the Mount community who were proud to honor and recognize the achievements and contributions of S. Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed. S. (Directress); Lisa Fittipaldi Digirolamo ’75, Amelia ’63 and Robert McTamaney, and JoAnn Rojek Minnicino ’74.
S. Lisa Griffith, RSM (Executive Director of Mercy Education System of the Americas) said, "The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and Mercy Education System of the Americas express our gratitude to the honorees for your 'courageous action' and 'selfless spirit' in support of education in the Mercy tradition. Thank you to students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff who make up the vibrant school community at Mount Saint Mary Academy. Thank you to the Benefactors of the Milestone Gala and all those who provide support to the Mount. We are grateful to all of you for your ongoing commitment to the Sisters of Mercy’s mission and ministry of Mercy education."
Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski, Bishop Emeritus, said, "S. Lisa is, by far, one of the finest religious women I have had the joy of working with as a Sister of Mercy, not only here in NJ, but nationally. Her leadership abilities have benefitted thousands of Mount Saint Mary Academy students and have put the Academy on the map as one of the best women’s high schools in the country."
He added, "Lisa Fittipaldi Digirolamo, Esq. ’75, one of our star graduates of the Academy, is an exceptional lawyer who has exhibited her talents in the area of civil law. She is recognized in the state for her legal abilities and is also very generous in giving of her time, talent, and treasure to many charities. Her leadership on the Board of Trustees and her decades of pro bono work at The Mount have proved to be an invaluable resource."
"Another star alumna, Amelia Alonso McTamaney ’63 together with her husband, Bob, continue to maintain their loyalty to The Academy through their philanthropic investment, their networking capabilities, Amelia’s vast educational expertise, and in Bob’s case, pro bono legal work," said Bishop Bootkoski. "Amelia is not only a proud Mount graduate and former Board of Trustee chair, but also a graduate and trustee of Georgian Court University. She is a renowned leader in support of Catholic education for women."
"Last and certainly not least, our final star of the evening, JoAnn Rojek Minnicino ’74, is the backbone of the Mount Saint Mary Academy Alumnae Association, having served nearly two decades as President. JoAnn holds multiple professional degrees, is a dedicated Mercy Associate, and always finds time to serve on campus, volunteering her time at McAuley Hall, the House of Prayer, and The Academy itself. We could never adequately recognize JoAnn’s years of devotion and fidelity," he added.
"Each of this evening’s distinguished honorees personifies “Mercy”. They have worked to achieve numerous milestones," concluded Bishop Bootkoski. "May God continue to bless them for their dedication and leadership. To each of you who have helped support this event, I extend heartfelt gratitude for sharing my belief in the power of Catholic education."
© Mount Saint Mary Academy