Alumnae

Welcome

Mount St. Mary Academy opened it's 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 went on to do amazing things after graduation. 

Throughout our 95 year history, our alumnae have achieved success 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.

2022 - 2023 Alumnae Board Members


  • Amanda Blum '09 
  • Cindy Morgante Buffamonte '81 
  • Emily Curtin '09 - Executive Treasurer 
  • Jennifer Englert DeRose '89 
  • Kim Hoelscher '81 
  • Laura Belczak Heim '02 - Golf Tournament Chairperson 
  • Margaret Herdzik Ieraci '11
  • Victoria Mack '10 - Executive Secretary 
  • Grace Martone '20 
  • Marissa Brandel '19
  • Laura Brick '11 
  • Caitlin Balkin Rizzo '08 
  • Jennifer George Walsh '90 
  • Sara Jank '10 
  • Bry Gwitt Prince '12 

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, and 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 Paternostro '11 at rpaternostro@msmacademy.org. 

Focus Alumnae Magazine

All Mount St. Mary Academy alumnae receive a free subscription to the Focus Alumnae Magazine, which is published three times a year.

Focus includes information about the school, alumnae programs and updates on classmates. If you have not received your copy of Focus or if you would prefer to receive a digital copy, please update your contact information.


Alumnae Weekend 2023

Alumnae Weekend is moving! Join the Mount St. Mary Academy community of alumnae for a big celebration in June of 2023!

Reconnect with your sister alumnae in a fun-filled weekend of events dedicated to celebrating each other, and the next generation of Mounties! 

Alumnae Weekend will be held on June 23-25, 2023. We will start the weekend off with the Alumnae Board's Golf Tournament on Friday. Saturday we will celebrate reuniting with Mounties at a happy hour at a local restaurant. And Sunday we will celebrate with a mass and brunch at MSM. 

During this weekend, we will also be honoring our reunion years for 2022 (graduation year ending in ‘2 and ‘7) along with the reunion years for 2023 (graduation year ending in ‘3 and ‘8). Let’s celebrate the end of the next school year in a big way!

Additional information on our Alumnae Weekend 2023 will be communicated to all alumnae next year.

We are now taking nominations for the awards that are given out during mass on Alumnae Sunday. Listed below are the three awards and their descriptions. 

Sophia Award: Recognizes an alumna who has distinguished herself in her chosen career through wisdom and dedication. Selected by the MSM Administration.

Distinguished Educator Award: Recognizes a teacher who has greatly influenced the lives of Mount St. Mary Academy alumnae. Current teachers are exempt. Selected by the MSM Administration.

Alumna of the Year Award: Recognizes an alumna who exemplifies the Mount St. Mary spirit in her daily life. Selected by the MSM Alumnae Board from nominations submitted by the public.

*required
Which award are you nominating an alumnae or distinguished educator for?
Is there anything else you would like to share about the nominees?
Please email Alexis Arth.

The Bells of St. Mary

"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

Stephanie King '05 
Director of Development 

Alexis Arth 
Coordinator of Development & Special Events 

Rosie Paternostro '11 
Coordinator of Alumnae Outreach & Public Relations

Elizabeth Reiser '75 
Development Department Alumnae Volunteer 



Mount St. Mary Academy

3756 Delaware Ave.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 877-1358
We believe in academic excellence. Personal responsibility. Self-expression. Chasing dreams. Leading by example. We believe in smaller class sizes. Bigger college scholarships. Singing loudly. Marching to our own drum. We believe in celebrating our faith. Scoring goals. Mocha lattes. We believe in good friends. The importance of family. Making everyone feel welcome. We believe in you.