Meet our 2025 Hearts Afire Gala Honorees
MARGE McLOUGHLIN
Former Chair, Board of Directors
St. Dominic's Family Services
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Marge graduated from Marymount College with a degree in Psychology, received a Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, and subsequently did postgraduate work in the Management of Social Organizations.
Her career in social work began at the New York Foundling Hospital, followed by work at the Westchester Department of Social Services, St. Dominic’s Home, and Cardinal McCloskey Children and Family Services, where she was appointed Executive Director.
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For 10 years, Marge was an Adjunct Professor of Organizational Theory and Management at the postgraduate school at Hunter. For 7 years she served on the committee for the review of priest pedophile cases.
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After retiring, she worked in consulting for the Alfred E. Smith Foundation and New York Catholic Charities.
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Marge has been on various Boards, including:
The NYS Council of Children and Family Services
The NY Day Care Council
Pius XII Home for Boys
The Valley Cottage Library
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Marge joined the Board of St. Dominic’s in 2013 and was appointed Chair of the Board in 2018, retiring this year.
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ST. DOMINIC'S HOME ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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With the blessings of Sr. Francis McLean and Judith Kydon, then Executive Director of St. Dominic’s Home, the Alumni Association officially began in 2006. However, its roots were planted earlier by former residents David MacMillan, Amy Ali, and Grace Koklas. Reconnecting at the Annual Pool Parties hosted on the St. Dominic’s Home grounds since 1984, the three often reminisced about their class and cottage mates, encouraging fellow attendees to reach out to other alumni and invite them to future gatherings. Their efforts were often met with success.
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In 2003, after attending her first Pool Party, Jeannette Borgia was inspired to search the internet for alumni and share cherished photographs from her family albums. Meanwhile, for years, Amy Ali had been capturing memories through her camera, ensuring copies of her photos reached individuals while also preserving a complete set for Sr. Francis’ St. Dominic’s Home albums which were a beloved highlight of every gathering. Jeannette soon joined Amy in this effort.
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At the 2006 Pool Party, Jeannette approached David MacMillan, a founder of the St. Agnes Alumni Association, to ask how she could help formalize the St. Dominic’s Home Alumni Association. Guided by his advice, she took the necessary steps, securing a nonprofit tax identification number and a checking account for the Association by the following Monday. With these milestones in place, David’s vision for an alumni network became a reality.
Sadly, over the years, we have lost too many beloved alumni, including two of our founders, Amy and Grace. Yet, we have been blessed with dedicated members like Bob Moore, George Chue, Joseph Olano, and Pamela Mason, who have stepped forward to continue their legacy. The Association remains steadfast in supporting the Sisters’ ministries, publishing a biannual newsletter to reconnect classmates and preserve memories.
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Above all, we live by our mission: to open our hearts to new friendships, to uphold the values instilled in us by the Sisters, and to give back in gratitude for all they sacrificed to care for us.
The Mother Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service
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Each year, the Sisters of Saint Dominic honor individuals whose lives have demonstrated a spirit of faith and deep caring for others. These individuals are presented with the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service.
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Past Honorees of the Mary Ann Sammon Award for Compassion and Service include:
Mark Jacobs, Sr. Mary Eileen O'Brien, Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, William H. Connolly & Co., Patricia Finan, Phyllis Yonta, Jerry Haas, Peter McKeever, Teresa Radzinski, Laura & Dan Grable, Anthony & Marian D'Ambosio, Lane & Janet Jorgensen, Ruth Young (Posthumously), Phyllis & Bruce Schweizer, Judy Kydon, John Nevins, Barbara & David Bender, Robert S. Manzella, Sisters of Our Lady of the Christian Doctrine, Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, Michael Ragno, Benedict Versaci, John & Eileen White, Kathleen Gregg, Hector May, Keith R. Taylor, Reverend John F. Dwyer, J. Robert Lunney, Peggy Bell Kalter, James F. Hurley, Monsignor Gerald Ryan, Clifford Lai, Sr. Bernadette Kenney, RSHM, Br. James Kearney, FMS, John Caffrey, Rita & Jim Sullivan, Nancy & Bill Hynes, the Moroney Family, the Cullen Family, FDNY Pipe & Drum Band, and in Memory of Timothy J. Mara.