Fontbonne Celebrates 70 Years with Memorable Time Capsule Ceremony
Member of Inaugural Graduating Class of ‘58 Shares Memories with Current Students
September 2024
Monday, September 9th, marked our 70th anniversary with a heartfelt Time Capsule Ceremony. The ceremony inaugurated the new school year with a celebration of its rich history and a vision for the future. The day brought together students and alumnae—including members of our first graduating class—to honor the school's legacy and ongoing commitment to excellence.
Distinguished speakers included Head of School Maura Spignesi, newly-appointed Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston Eileen McLaughlin, and members of the Sisters of St. Joseph. A standout moment was the address by Irene Desharnais, a returning alumna from the Class of 1958, who shared personal memories and reflections with the audience.
“In April 1965, I stood on the Boston Common and sang 'We Shall Overcome' with Martin Luther King Jr. and thousands of civil rights activists, and just recently, I stood with other civil rights activists in front of a Baptist church in Jamaica Plain to pray, reflect and sing 'We Shall Overcome,’ ” Desharnais told the assembled guests. “The struggle for justice that the sisters of Fontbonne awoke in me as a student continues to empower me today.”
Students contributed several items for their sisters 70 years from now to find in the time capsule buried on campus. The capsule included a variety of items to highlight events from 2024, including a Celtics championship banner, copies of the Milton Times and Boston Globe, a list of the Class of 2024’s social justice projects, notecards from students, Polaroid photos of students, and messages about current students’ hopes and dreams for the future. All of the items will be unearthed in the year 2094 to mark the 70th Anniversary.
“Today’s event is not just a celebration of our past, but a promise to our future,” Head of School Spignesi said. “The time capsule symbolizes our ongoing journey and the values we hold dear. It was inspiring to see our students and alumni come together to create a tangible link between generations, ensuring that the spirit of Fontbonne will continue to thrive.”
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of Fontbonne’s storied heritage and its unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders within a supportive and inclusive community.
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