Alumnae

Welcome

Mount St. Mary Academy opened its doors to our first students - or "Mounties" as we call them - in 1927. Since then, over 6,000 young women have walked the beloved halls of MSM and have gone on to do amazing things after graduation. 

Throughout our 97 year history, our alumnae have achieved success in all aspects of their lives. They've gone on to become professionals, leaders, and humanitarians, and even can be found living throughout the United States and across six continents! 

At MSM, we truly believe that the unique opportunities our students receive here as high school students help them to become the best versions of themselves. Our alumnae consider their Alma Mater as a second home, and are eager to return and show their support. 

Each individual Mountie has her own story, and no matter where it leads them, we will always greet them with a "Welcome Home!"

Alumnae Board

The Alumnae Board is a group of up to 20 alumnae who represent Mount St. Mary Academy's community of graduates. 

These volunteers provide support to the school and its surrounding community, as well as working to engage alumnae of all decades, near and far. 

The Alumnae Board also governs the Alumnae Scholarship Fund, a means of financial assistance awarded each year to the relative of an alumna. The Board sponsors these four-year awards by fundraising, and oversees the award selection process. Additionally, the Alumnae Board assists the school in its endeavors, offering support and volunteerism as needed.

2024 - 2025 Alumnae Board Members



  • Cindy Morgante Buffamonte '81 
  • Emily Curtin '09 
  • Jennifer Englert DeRose '89 
  • Kim Hoelscher '81 
  • Laura Belczak Heim '02 
  • Victoria Mack '10 - Executive Secretary 
  • Laura Brick '11 - Executive Chairperson
  • Caitlin Balkin Rizzo '08 - Executive Treasurer 
  • Sara Jank '10 
  • Rebecca Brandel '16

List of 1 items.

  • Interested In Joining The Alumnae Board?

    All graduates of Mount St. Mary Academy are eligible for membership. The MSM Alumnae Board operates on a system of bylaws enforced by the members themselves.
    Membership entails:
    • Attending the monthly Board meetings in-person or remotely
    • Actively participating in alumnae stewardship & engagement
    • Planning and executing Alumnae Board fundraisers and attending MSM events throughout the year which support the Alumnae Scholarship Fund
    • Be an ambassador of the Mount within your community. Engage and connect our school to neighbors, family, friends, and classmates, thereby promoting and strengthening our Alma Mater for the generations to come.

    All interested alumnae are encouraged to fill out an Alumnae Board Interest Form and submit it to the Coordinator of Alumnae Outreach and Public Relations, Rosie Richards '11 at rrichards@msmacademy.org. 

Focus Alumnae Magazine

All Mount St. Mary Academy alumnae receive a free subscription to the Focus Alumnae Magazine, which is published twice a year. Our Summer/Fall edition is printed and mailed out yearly, while our Winter/Spring edition will be published digitally.

Focus includes information about the school, alumnae programs and updates on classmates. If you have not received your copy of Focus, please update your contact information.

Alumnae Visitation Policy

Welcome home, Mounties! We're so glad when our alumnae come back to their school to visit! 

If you would like to visit MSM, please email our Alumnae Office at rpaternostro@msmacademy.org to arrange an appointment. 

All visits are by appointment only. Please allow 24 hour notice to arrange an appointment. 
"The Vesper bells chiming in sweet harmony,
Our farewell is sounding to Mount Saint Mary,
And oft in the future as years glide along,
We’ll return, Alma Mater, to greet you in song." 

- The Bells of Saint Mary 

Our Development Department

Bryanna Gwitt Prince '12 
Director of Institutional Advancement

Marissa Brandel Palumbo '19 
Coordinator of Annual Giving & Events

Rosie Paternostro Richards '11 
Coordinator of Alumnae Outreach & Public Relations

Elizabeth Reiser '75 
Development Department Alumnae Volunteer 

Patricia Pike '74
Development Department Alumnae Volunteer

Contact Us 
alumnae@msmacademy.org





Mount St. Mary Academy

3756 Delaware Ave.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 877-1358
Mount St. Mary Academy, founded by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, is a Catholic, private, college preparatory school for young women. Within a nurturing and academically challenging and inclusive environment, the Academy strives to develop the whole person’s gifts and potential. Guided by our Catholic tradition, and rooted in Gospel values, we empower scholars to be leaders dedicated to lifelong learning, moral integrity, social justice, and service to and inclusion of others.