ANNE DUFFY MIRSCH '52
Classmate Dolores Sulzbach McDevitt says that our 2007 Eleanore Dolan Egan Award recipient was meant to be, as "her leadership abilities were evident from Day One as a student: class government, social events, and sports (especially basketball)."
Good friend and classmate Joan Mathers Eaves agrees: "Our class has always been a special class, always ready to contribute to every request. We are responsive, I am sure, because of the leadership of our class president, Anne Duffy Mirsch."
After graduating in 1952 with a degree in mathematics - cum laude and as a member of the National Honor Society - Anne immediately involved herself in what was then the Alumnae Association's Northeast Philadelphia group. She pitched right in and served as the group's treasurer only one year out of college. She then chaired many events, fundraisers, meetings, and celebrations before tackling larger responsibilities in the growing and active Alumnae Association.
Anne Mirsch's service in many offices and appointments have been reported by a number of classmates, including Ruth Wingel Doyle, Anne Toroni Murdock, and Joan Schmitt Markham. These roles include three terms as a member of the Alumnae, now the Alumnae & Alumni, Association Board of Directors (1968-70; 1995-96; 2004-2008), as well as election as the board's executive vice president (1972-74) and secretary (1997-98). She also served on its Nominating Committee (1957-59, 1972).
In addition, Anne served in several leadership capacities in the former Philadelphia Club of the Alumnae Association - as its Dinner Dance chairman in 1958, Luncheon chairman in 1969, president from 1962 to 1964, and as committee chair for many additional club activities. Further, Anne participated in a number of roles for larger events sponsored by the Association, including the Golden Jubilee Program Book Committee in 1975, the Diamond Gala Committee in 2000, and the 80th Anniversary Gala in 2005.
Anne volunteered her time to both Chestnut Hill College and other parish and community causes while also teaching and tutoring math and raising three children with devoted husband George. Marianne Mirsch Sypniewski '80 writes of her mother, always the CHC ambassador: "She has put her heart and soul into CHC for the past 55 years. She encouraged me to attend, and now she is working on her granddaughter."
What her many Chestnut Hill College friends and admirers appreciate the most about Anne, however, is her devotion to the Class of 1952. Joan Eaves says that "her classmates know that no request is refused. She gives her time, talent, and treasure without exception. Anne continues to be a role model for my classmates and myself."
Anne has held class offices since her early years as an alumna - as class fund agent, reunion co-chair and then chair, and secretary. She has been class president since her senior year. Mary Merz Berko notes: "What particularly distinguishes Anne is her never-ending dedication to CHC in her role as president 'for life' of our class. It is her continuing enthusiasm, her sincere interest for events in the lives of each class member, her constant communication, her example of generous financial support to the College that has led our class to record support at alumnae and other College events."
Joan Gerard Larkin points out that "ever since our graduation in 1952, Anne has not only kept us abreast of all the happenings of our class and the college, but she has also continually urged us to support our classmates and the outstanding efforts of Chestnut Hill. In short, she has kept our interest and spirit alive and well."
"Frequently, we have won acclaim for the best percentage of participation at reunions and in annual fundraising," Mary Berko adds. "We are proudly one of the outstanding classes in the Alumnae & Alumni Association largely because of Anne's leadership and dedication over these past 55 years." Joan Eaves goes to the heart of the matter when she suggests that "the Class of 1952 is an outstanding class because of Anne's caring and leadership skills." In fact, classmate Joan Amelia, SSJ (Barbara Ferruggiaro) says, "Anne should have a master's in volunteering."
The Chestnut Hill College Alumnae & Alumni Association is proud to name Anne Duffy Mirsch '52 recipient of the 2007 Eleanore Dolan Egan '28 Award for Outstanding Service to Chestnut Hill College.
