Stonehill College Alumni

Megan Litwin ’00 pays close attention to the world around her. This is how the children’s book author gathers ideas for her stories.

“I might see something interesting on a walk with my dog. I might hear a word or phrase I like while waiting in line at the store or listening to music,” Litwin says. “I might read an article or see a picture that gets me thinking. My ideas start very small, like seeds, and then I let them grow.”

In fact, the author of the "Dirt and Bugsy" series got the idea for her book, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night" (2022), while on a drive with her husband, Bill McDonald '00, and two young sons.

Named a 2023 Massachusetts Center for the Book Must-Read selection, "Twinkle, Twinkle" celebrates the bright lights that illuminate the world during the darkest months through Litwin's rhyming poem and illustrations by Nneka Myers.

In five questions, Litwin shares about that memorable family car ride, talks about the power of books and reflects on how her days playing soccer at Stonehill prepared her for life as an author. Read Litwin's profile at bit.ly/4ghTz6v.

To ring in this festive season, Stonehill alumni returned to campus in early December for two annual special events.

First up was the GOLD Gift Wrap Party, where our alumni put their wrapping skills on display and wrapped toys to be donated to Christmas in the City, a nonprofit organization for children experiencing homelessness in Boston.

Then the annual Children's Christmas Concert filled May Hall with holiday cheer. Our talented a ca****la groups, Girls From the Hill and Surround Sound, serenaded the crowd with festive favorites and classic hits. Children had a blast crafting holiday keepsakes and meeting jolly old Saint Nick himself!

A huge thank you to all our alumni and their families for making these holiday events so special!

Donna (Sarantakes) Meaney ’69 [pictured, third from left] recalls her days dancing as a Rockette in the summer and returning to Stonehill to study education in the fall. "It was the best of both worlds," says Meaney.

Visit https://bit.ly/4hPgDdK to read more on Meaney '69.

For close to three decades, Olly deMacedo ’82 has been cooking up something special for Thanksgiving.

The director of America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration in Plymouth, deMacedo is responsible for all aspects of the annual parade, which honors United States history and attracts more than 150,000 spectators each year.

“We start brainstorming in January, but I’m thinking about this parade all the time,” says deMacedo, who along with hundreds of others, volunteers his time to the effort.

Taking place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, DeMacedo narrates the parade on WCVB Channel 5, sharing the story behind each of the 20 handcrafted floats.

In five questions, deMacedo shares how gratitude inspires him to give back, explains why community is so important to him and recalls his first admissions interview at Stonehill. Visit https://bit.ly/3Zh3suT to read deMacedo's profile.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the gifts we have received and to pray for the needs of family and friends.

A special Alumni Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, November 24, at 11 a.m., in the Chapel of Mary. We invite you to submit intentions to be remembered at bit.ly/4hz5yO1.

All are welcome to join us at Mass, which will also be livestreamed at bit.ly/4hIn96e.

Congratulations to the newest inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame!

When Meredith Regan ’90 came to , she knew she wanted to be a math major. Her first-year calculus course with Professor Louise Hegarty was particularly impactful. “She was an amazing teacher who clearly elucidated concepts I’d struggled with in the past and was very encouraging. She solidified my path to math,” she notes.

This early path is what eventually led Regan to earning a doctor of science in biostatistics from the Harvard School of Public Health and to dedicating her career to breast cancer research as a biostatistician at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In five questions, Regan recalls a newspaper ad that sparked an enduring interest, shares the rewards and challenges of her work and notes how she finds light and hope in sharing advancements in breast cancer research. Read Regan's profile at https://bit.ly/3C0ygH7.



📸 St. Gallen Oncology Conference

Five Questions with Meredith Regan ’90 The biostatistician shares how an early path to math led to a career in breast cancer research.

The forecast for Saturday looks great—perfect for Homecoming! 🍁

We have a full day of activities planned, including "Hawktoberfest," an alumni tailgate with food trucks, a Shoveltown Brewery beer garden, music, lawn games, family activities and more. 🍔🍺 🎃

Highlights also include a Pillar Society Mass and lunch and a special alumni admission session. 💜

And don't miss out on DI football action. Head on over to W.B. Mason Stadium at 1 pm to cheer on Stonehill College Football as they take on Duquesne University. 🏈

Come back to the Hill for Homecoming! 💜🍂

In the first episode of “Stonehill Stories,” the College’s official podcast, Fran Dillon ’70 enlightens listeners with his thoughts on what it means to lead with compassion. The former vice president of advancement also traces his path to the Hill and talks about stewarding Stonehill’s fundraising efforts.

“What I carried away from Stonehill is be successful, but remember, always do the right thing,” Dillon notes in the episode.

🎧 Listen now on Stonehill's website: https://zurl.co/uYXX

🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://zurl.co/4Ss1

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://zurl.co/iKhx

Tune into Stonehill Stories today! 🎧

Stonehill Stories, the College’s official podcast, is now streaming! Discover invaluable insights and inspiration through impactful conversations with unique, talented and passionate members of the College community.

🎧 Listen now on Stonehill's website: https://zurl.co/uYXX

🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://zurl.co/4Ss1

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://zurl.co/iKhx

Join us on October 26 for our Pillar Society Mass and Lunch during .

Reconnect with friends, share memories and celebrate your experience.

Visit https://buff.ly/48aeapX for details and to register.

Come Back to the Hill for Homecoming!

Join us on October 26 for a day of fun, food and festivities. Highlights include "Hawktoberfest" at the Alumni Tailgate Tent with food trucks, music, a beer garden, lawn games, face painting, crafts and more.

At 1 pm, cheer on Stonehill College Football as the Stonehill Skyhawks take on D1 rival Duquesne University.

Alumni of all class years and their families are invited. Don't miss out on Stonehill Homecoming 2024!

Visit https://bit.ly/4eXIerc for a full list of events and registration.

Today, October 10, has been named a National Day of Giving from donor-advised funds. Collectively, donors can make a significant impact on the lives of Stonehill students.

Make an impact by recommending a gift from your donor-advised fund!

Learn more at https://www.stonehill.edu/giving/.

Join Archives Director Nicole Casper ’95 to learn about the female experience at Stonehill between 1951-1976, based on research conducted by Briana Ingraham ’23.

This special event will be hosted online on Tuesday, October 15th, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
To register visit https://buff.ly/3Nieb1w

📸 Photo of Luice Moncey ’53, the first woman to graduate from Stonehill.