Mother Theodore Guerin High School Reunions
Classes of ’72 and ‘86
Some friendships have a way of picking up exactly where they left off, even after many years have gone by.
That was certainly true on Saturday, September 19. Alumnae from the classes of 1972 and 1986 from Mother Theodore Guerin High School (MTG) gathered in Chicago for reunions filled with laughter, memories and the joy of being together again.
The years may have taken these women in different directions, but their reunions were a wonderful reminder of something that the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have always known: Relationships matter, community makes a difference and treasures found in one season of life can remain valuable for a lifetime.
Class of 1972
For members of the Class of ’72, coming together meant returning not only to old friendships, but also to a connection with the Sisters of Providence.
The classmates gathered at Nonno Pino’s, a restaurant owned by the nephew of Sister Maureen Sheahan, SP.
Adding a touch of nostalgia were familiar reminders of their Guerin days, including an original Guerin gym suit and school sweater on display. For those who once wore them, those familiar items brought back memories of days gone by in an instant. Memories of teachers, activities, friendships and all of the moments that seemed routine during their time at Guerin, but felt especially treasured today.
Around the room were women who once shared classrooms, hallways and teenage dreams. Now, more than 50 years after graduation, they share stories of careers, families, joys, challenges and life experiences. For one afternoon, it does not seem so long ago that they were students together at Guerin High School.
Class of 1986
Later that same day, the MTG Class of ’86 celebrated their 40th reunion.
Classmates gathered at Circle Tavern in Elmwood Park to celebrate and reconnect.
Reunions have a special way of reminding us that our lives are not just made up of the journey we’ve traveled, but the friends who have walked beside us along the way. For these alumnae, many of those friendships began at Guerin High School.
Spirit of Providence
When the Sisters of Providence opened MTG High School, they were continuing a mission of education that started with Saint Mother Theodore Guerin herself.
For the sisters, education has never just been about tests and textbooks. It was always about helping young students recognize their gifts and talents, grow in wisdom and compassion and utilize their resources to give service to others.
Generations of Guerin students were shaped by that spirit.
They learned about faith, love, mercy, justice and community. Sisters, teachers and staff helped guide young women who would leave Guerin High School and carry the lessons learned into their families, workplaces, parishes and communities.
Those lessons did not end at graduation. They remain with the women today.
The Guerin campus changed over time and eventually closed following the 2019-20 school year. For those who loved the school, its closing was the end of an important chapter, but it was NOT the end of the story!
The story lives on in its alumnae! It lives in friendships that survive the passing of time. It lives on in the values that the alumnae carry into the world.
The reunions of the Classes of ’72 and ’86 were celebrations of the past, but not only who the women were then, but who they have become.
Decades after these alumnae have left Guerin High School, Providence continues to bring them together. And the spirit of Mother Theodore Guerin High School, grounded in love, mercy and justice, still remains.
