St. Mary’s Academy Celebrates Expansion Into the Former University Station Post Office

Portland, October 30, 2014. More than 400 friends of St. Mary’s Academy gathered in the former University Station post office, now owned by the school, to celebrate the purchase of the property, located adjacent to the school’s current campus. The Party at the Post Office transformed the building into the venue for an elegant gala, unlike anything the school has ever hosted. Shannon Thomas and board member, Hayden Thomas, parents of alumnae, Marilyn Fink, Bryan Concannon and event co-chair, Tracy Hooper joined in the excitement.

Guests write their ideas for the future of St. Mary’s Academy on a wish wall.

Guests shared their hopes and dreams for the future of St. Mary’s Academy on a “wish wall,” and were encouraged to share what they envision for the school’s campus expansion including centers for innovation and learning, athletics, performing and fine arts, and sacred spaces. Doubling St. Mary’s footprint in downtown Portland ensures the school will continue to provide the highest caliber educational opportunities to future women leaders, thinkers and creators.

Kent Roberts, St. Mary’s Academy’s chair of the board of directors, releases celebratory confetti.

Steve Kucas, St. Mary’s Academy Principal Kelli Clark and Emily Niedermeyer Becker, St. Mary’s Academy VP for Development, toast to the school’s future.

Chair of the St. Mary’s Academy board of directors, Kent Roberts, and President Christina Friedhoff spoke of the bold future and continued strength of the school. Event committee co-chairs and parents of alumnae, Tracy Hooper, and board member, Debi Dereiko, spoke of successful women who have graduated from St. Mary’s and other all-female institutions. At the end of the speeches, partygoers released brightly colored confetti from celebratory poppers, scattering festively colored bits of paper across the floor of the building. Guests enjoyed live music as they danced into the evening.

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