Jane Raymond Ciarcia ’51 started submitting Class Notes the summer after her graduation, and didn’t stop for 59 years. “I was happy to take on the role because I wanted to keep my classmates in touch with one another,” she says.  “I felt privileged to report their news,” she adds. “The column brought friends together.  It was gratifying when classmates took the time to contact me.”

During those 59 years, class reporting was hardly the only thing Ciarcia did. The Stratford, CT, resident explains, “My life included five years on the production staff of Rodgers and Hammerstein, four years as personal assistant and production secretary to Broadway producer/director Hal Prince, service on the SLU Alumni Council, marriage in 1957 to the Rev. Albert Ciarcia (SLU Theological School ’52), the births of daughters Holly and Joy, and much involvement in their school activities.”  She was also president of the Stratford (Conn.) Arts Commission, and founded and directed Chapel Street Players community theater in Stratford and Playreaders Theatre in Waterbury, CT.

The French major and Alpha Delta Pi (now Chi Omega) sorority sister says “I was able to fulfill all my college dreams for a good liberal arts education, and enjoy the many school activities, especially theater. SLU made it possible for a poor kid to get a terrific college education.”