Blues in the News
Our alumnae are making headlines! Blues in the News highlights the remarkable achievements, innovations, and contributions of St. Mary’s Academy graduates across the globe. Stay connected and inspired by the stories of our incredible community.
From Blue to Nobel Laureate: Mary Brunkow ’79 Makes Medical History
St. Mary’s Academy alumna Mary E. Brunkow ’79 won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries in peripheral immune tolerance on Monday, as announced by a panel at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
A molecular biologist at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Brunkow was one of three scientists honored for their research, along with San Francisco-based Fred Ramsdell and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi from Osaka University in Japan.
At St. Mary’s Academy, the news of Brunkow’s achievement has reverberated throughout the halls among students and faculty. “We are so proud of this incredible achievement by one of our own,” St. Mary’s Academy President Emily Becker said. “Her groundbreaking work is a testament not only to her brilliance and perseverance but also to the values she carried with her from her time here — intellectual curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to others.”
Brunkow told The Associated Press: “From a DNA level, it was a really small alteration that caused this massive change to how the immune system works. Peripheral immune tolerance is a key pathway the human body utilizes to keep the immune system, opening more effective treatments to autoimmune diseases.
“Their discoveries have been decisive for our understanding of how the immune system functions and why we do not all develop serious autoimmune diseases,” Nobel Committee chair Olle Kämpe said in a news release.
As a Catholic all-girls school guided by the mission and charism of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, St. Mary’s Academy celebrated Brunkow’s achievements in medicine on the Feast Day of Blessed Mother Marie-Rose Durocher, the changemaking SNJM foundress whose life of service inspired countless young women to join the order.
In the same way the spirit of Mother Marie-Rose can be recognized in Brunkow’s accomplishment, we celebrate the embodiment of a St. Mary’s girl changing the world.
On the Run: Luciana Lenth ’19 Crosses the Finish Line First at Portland Marathon
We’re proud to celebrate Luciana Lenth, class of 2019, who claimed the women’s division title at the 2025 Portland Marathon.
Luciana has long been known for her strength and stamina as she competed in St. Mary’s cross-country and track teams.
On a crisp morning in October, the 53rd running of the Portland Marathon drew over 11,800 participants. On that day, Luciana outpaced a formidable field to secure first place in the women’s division.
Her win is more than just a race result it’s a testament to the perseverance and spirit nurtured during her years at St. Mary
A'shariá Pendergrass ’26 Powers the Blues Against David Douglas
Our very own Ashariá P., class of 2026, lit up the pitch recently by scoring both goals in a decisive 2–0 victory over David Douglas, helping lead St. Mary’s girls soccer to sweet redemption after last season’s playoff exit.
With cool composure and fierce determination, Ashariá’s performance didn’t just win the match — it sent a message that the Blues are back and eager for more.
It’s thrilling to see one of our upperclassmen lead the way in a big game like this. We can’t wait to watch A'shariá’s continued growth, both on the field and in all her future endeavors.