50 Years of Women at Loughlin

In the fall of 1974, the first cohort of young women entered the hallowed halls of 357 Clermont Avenue as students.

Just a few years earlier, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School and the De La Salle Christian Brothers had celebrated our 100th year in Brooklyn. When the beloved Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School closed in 1973, a series of events resulted in the fortuitous decision for Loughlin to become a coed high school.

Fifty years later, the young women of Loughlin have shaped our proud institution in every way imaginable. Thousands of young women have since graduated and made their imprint on Brooklyn and, indeed, the world.

“Sometimes, an opportunity comes without warning. That was the arrival of women at Loughlin because of Bishop’s closing. That event proved to be a “golden” opportunity, as women have enriched Loughlin spiritually and academically since their arrival. They are the thread woven through the fabric of our community, uniting us in our mission.” — Bro. Dennis Cronin, FSC, President

To celebrate this historical milestone, we announce Then, Now, Next Generation: Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Loughlin throughout 2024 and 2025. We will recognize the impact and many achievements at Loughlin and beyond. The young women of Loughlin exemplify and strengthen the Loughlin Mission and make us the dynamic institution we are today.

Throughout the year a special committee will plan a series of events and activities, engaging students and alumni during our commemoration. We will invite women to speak to our students about their journey at Loughlin and after.

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50 Years of Women at Loughlin: A Year of Legacy, Culture, and Empowerment

As we wrap up an unforgettable year, we're proud to look back on the ways we celebrated 50 Years of Women at Loughlin, we’ve proudly hosted a vibrant series of events throughout the spring that have honored the voices, experiences, and achievements of Loughlin women across five decades. Each gathering reflected the rich history and dynamic future of our alumnae community. Here's a look back at some of the season's highlights:

January: Legacy in the Spotlight- Boosters

Boosters

Boosters filled the stands from 1976 –1984 and helped the cheerleaders bring unmatched energy and support. At its peak there were almost 50 Boosters creating an electric atmosphere during games. Their enthusiastic chants, creative signs, and unwavering encouragement fueled both the players and the cheerleaders, fostering school spirit and unity. Boosters truly made every game day unforgettable and this year as we celebrate 50 Years of Women at Loughlin, we thank the Boosters for the role they played in furthering Loughlin’s Legacy.

Read more about our 83' and '85 Championship Teams in January 10, 2025- 'Legacy in the Spotlight' Booster Recognition

February: Breakfast With – The Black Woman Experience

We began the year with an empowering Breakfast With event entitled "The Black Woman Experience," featuring Arkell Cox, entrepreneur, restaurateur, and widow of beloved 1980 Loughlin alum Dave Cox. Arkell shared personal reflections on entrepreneurship, family, and resilience, offering guests a compelling glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Black women navigating personal and professional spaces. Her story inspired and uplifted, setting the tone for a powerful season of storytelling and celebration.

March: An Evening of Culture & Fashion + Loughlin Pop-Up Shop

March brought a festive return of An Evening of Culture & Fashion, preceded by the Loughlin Pop-Up Shop in the Library Media Center. Guests enjoyed drinks, light bites, and an interactive history display honoring women’s contributions to Loughlin over five decades, featuring diverse perspectives from girls transitioning from McDonnell, a trailblazer who graduated early to pursue other paths, a student following in the footsteps of her male relatives, to a proud Loughlinite thrilled to be part of the school’s transition to coeducation decades. The evening featured live performances by the Loughlin Small Band, Victory Music and Dance, and a lively fashion show with vintage looks curated by Indigo Style Vintage. It was a night of style, art, and community that honored the creative legacy of Loughlin women.

April: Bishop McDonnell Legacy Luncheon

In April, we welcomed graduates of Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School, for a special Legacy Luncheon. Spanning more than 40 years of graduates, this heartwarming event bridged generations, celebrated shared values, and reaffirmed the enduring bond between Bishop McDonnell and Loughlin communities. The stories exchanged were a testament to the lasting power of women’s education and sisterhood.

May: Breakfast With – Impactful Women in Action

Our May Breakfast With was held on Founders Day (May 15th), celebrating the legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the Lasallian mission of faith, service, and community.

In the spirit of these enduring values, this special event spotlighted a dynamic multigenerational panel of Loughlin women who exemplify what it means to lead lives of purpose and impact.

Kim Cherry Burnett, Ph.D. ’87, Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement at Micron Technology in Washington, D.C.
Joslyn White ’04, Ph.D. student and instructor at Howard University
Jendaya Workman ’14, Senior Hospital Care Investigator at NYC Health + Hospitals

Each panelist reflected on how their Loughlin education and the school’s Lasallian values shaped their journey—instilling in them a commitment to service, social justice, and academic excellence. From corporate social responsibility to public health advocacy and higher education, these women are living proof of Loughlin’s mission in action.

Committee Members

Dana Bazemore '89, NiaChloe Bowman '15, Rev. Kimberly Council '90, Stephanie Cyrus '75 BMD '75 BL, Anna Dillard '75, Lattasha Fanfair, Michael Foley, Nikki Freeman '95, Tanya Kennedy '02, Natasha King 10, Andrew Leary, Josephine McKenna '90, Terrence Nissen '02, Tiffany Perkins P 25, Dr. Marisa Rivera 74, Angela Proce, Pamela Sloan, Esq. '73 BMD, and Kahalia Solano-Johnson '04

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