Alumnae

Alumnae Spotlight

Proof Positive

Our alumnae are a true testament to the value of a Visitation education and the lifelong impact of the Viz experience. We hear countless stories from our alumnae about how they have taken the knowledge, skills, and virtues gained during their years at Viz out into the world to achieve success in a diverse array of careers.

Each month, we spotlight one alumna who is being who they are and being that well to showcase the variety of opportunities available to Viz graduates and the wide range of accomplishments that our alumnae achieve. Our alumna of the month shares a reflection on their experience at Viz. She also takes over our social media channels for "throwback Thursday," where we get to see memories from her time on campus, and "takeover Tuesday," a peak into her current day-to-day life.

Marianne Muellerleile ’67 is a highly sought-after character actor in Hollywood, well regarded for her vast range of comedic and dramatic work in film, television, and stage.
Mary Engelbreit ’70 is a well-known artist and owner of Mary Engelbreit Studios and has earned a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Wendy Wiese ’79 is a well-known St. Louis radio and TV host.
Alicia Fronckiewicz Elsner ’91 is the President and General Manager of KSDK NewsChannel 5.
Christina LoNigro ’91 is the Press Secretary and Communications Advisor for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Tracy Roberts-Pounds ’93 is a United States Foreign Service Officer who has served at U.S. Embassies in the Middle East for the past decade. She currently works as the Director for International Media in the Bureau of Public Affairs at the Department of State in Washington, DC.
Sister Madonna Buder '48 graduated from Visitation Academy in 1948. She is also fondly referred to as the Iron Nun. Sister has competed in 45 Iron Man triathlons. Sister Madonna is well known in the triathlon community for her many age-group wins. In 2005, at the age of 75, she became the oldest woman to ever complete the race.

Read a sampling of personal stories from accomplished Viz alumnae below.

BEing Themselves and BEing That Well: Viz Alumnae Spotlight

Hon. Mary Elizabeth Ott ‘78, Presiding Judge, 21^st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis County Circuit Court
Hon. Elizabeth Byrne Hogan ‘86, Presiding Judge, 22^nd Judicial Circuit, St. Louis City Circuit Court
Laura Thielmeier Roy ‘82, Clerk of Court for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District
Breahna Blakely-Henderson ‘05

When did you start at Viz?
I started in 7^th grade!

Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I attended Howard University in Washington, DC, and the University of the District of Columbia. I fell in love with Washington, DC after I visited to participate in the National Youth Leaders Conference during my junior year at Viz. Furthermore, I felt at home in the HBCU community and marveled at the opportunity to meet so many unique and diverse people from around the world.
Vivian Van Bogaert ‘00

When did you start at Viz?
I started at Viz in 7^th grade.

Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I attended Vanderbilt University. In the spring of my senior year, I was invited to spend a few days at Vandy. I was impressed with the beautiful campus and liked that it was in a city. Ultimately, what drew me the most to the school was the great energy around campus and how nice and genuine the students, faculty, and staff were during that visit.
Lydia Prebish ‘15

When did you start at Viz?
7^th grade

Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I attended the University of Tulsa for undergrad. I visited a LOT of colleges, but TU was my last stop. The campus was pretty and not too big or too small. Their history department was focused on subjects I really liked, and the anthropology department had connections for working at the Gilcrease museum. The school also had an enthusiastic recruiter for STL, which helped too. 😊
Mei Fields ‘17

When did you start at Viz?
I started at Viz in August of 2013 as a new Freshman!

Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I went to Boston College and had the most incredible experience there. I had an incredibly intense college search process that involved three separate road trips and a European trip where I visited around 80 different colleges and universities! I was able to see so many different schools and honestly figure out what would be the best fit for me, and BC checked every box. I wanted a mid-sized university near a city that still had a vibrant campus life, and I wanted to double major in theater and psychology, and that is what I did! I am forever grateful to Viz for preparing me so well for college and for helping me attend my dream school.
Laura Arnold '84

When did you start at Viz?
I started as a freshman in high school.

Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I went to Northwestern University. It is a great academic school and gave me the opportunity to play basketball in the Big Ten. It also was not too far from home.
Jenna Dooling '14

When did you start at Viz?
I started at Viz in the seventh grade. I feel very fortunate that my parents let me choose where I wanted to go to high school. We went to a few different high school nights, but Viz always stood out amongst the rest. I was drawn to Viz’s small class sizes and performing arts opportunities. My parents came to love Viz so much that my mom now works there!
Holly Jacoby '03

When did you start at Viz?
I started at Viz in ninth grade. At the time, only about 5-6 new students began in ninth grade, as most new Upper School students started in seventh grade.

Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I went to Colby College in Waterville, ME. I chose Colby because I wanted to go to a smaller school in a colder climate that was a bit off the beaten path.
Summer Sensations!

Two Vivettes, Abigail Isom '15 and Rebecca Mooney '24, appeared in The Muny production of Legally Blonde, The Musical, which ran Monday, July 25 through Monday, July 31.
Marian "Bo" Mehan '70 Named to the Billiken Hall of Fame

Viz alum Bo Mehan, proud member of the Class of 1970, was named to the Billiken Hall of Fame Class of 2022 by the Saint Louis University Department of Athletics.

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3020 N. Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO 63131 314-625-9100

Visitation Academy is an independent, private Catholic school offering a coeducational Montessori preschool and Kindergarten program, the area's only all-girl elementary program for Grades 1-5, and an all-girl middle school and all-girl high school.