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Fulfilling a Dream
Michael Molla '84

Unlike many students whose parents question their decision to major in art, Michael Molla ’84 had the full encouragement of his family to pursue an art degree – if he attended a small, private college.

“They knew I would only flourish in that environment,” Mike recalls. “It was important for them, and me, that I had a broad based education that offered a comprehensive student centered experience.”

Accompanied by his grandfather, Mike came to campus for an interview and portfolio review with Professor Ralph Parente, then chair of the art department. Professor Parente began the review by asking him to talk about each of the 15 pieces in his portfolio for which Mike was well-prepared. Professor Parente then asked a question that caught him off guard.

Within minutes of flipping through his portfolio, Professor Parente asked Mike to describe in detail, ‘How do you think?’ “I remember responding nervously that I don’t really know,” shares Mike. “I was prepared to talk about each piece of work in my portfolio, not answer the type of question he was asking.” According to Mike, Professor Parente responded, “this is one of the first questions you will ask yourself on your journey to become an artist this September here at Anna Maria.”

For Mike, his education started right then and there and continued through his four years at AMC. “Professor Parente systematically raised my creative and professional aspirations beyond what I ever thought possible,” he says.

Mike’s education was rounded out by other faculty and staff, including Dean of Students, Hollie Ingraham, Sr. Rollande Quintal, SSA ’62, and Sr. Paulette Gardner, SSA ’67. “Their commitment to students...continues to echo in both my heart and mind today. They helped inform, educate and develop values that are reflected in my daily work to this day,” he claims.

After graduating, Mike planned to become an art teacher, but teaching jobs were in short supply in the wake of Proposition 2 ½, which impacted school systems in Massachusetts. Utilizing his experience as a resident assistant at Anna Maria, Mike accepted a full-time job as a Resident Director at Fitchburg State College. This led to a residence life position at Denison University in Ohio, followed by a stint as Assistant Dean of Student Life at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Maryland.

Fulfilling a dream to combine his dual love of art and student affairs, Mike moved to Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, one of the top art colleges in the country. After rising through the ranks to become a chief student affairs officer, Mike currently serves as MICA’s Vice President for Operations. Although very happy in his current role, he hopes to one day serve as a college president.

Mike credits Anna Maria College with providing him with both a strong academic and co-curricular preparation and for supporting his aspirations. “Every moment at AMC, whether in the classrooms, studios or participating in student organizations, I felt as though the entire College was there to support my personal and educational journey,” he comments. “We could not get away with just being average students at AMC; we were expected to be great students.”

Strength and Courage to Succeed

Sr. Yvette Beford aspired to lead a religious life filled with good works, teaching and helping others since she was in kindergarten. She became familiar with the Sisters of St. Anne while studying at Holy Name of Jesus School in Worcester and soon after graduation she traveled to Lachine, CA to prepare to take her vows. “I was a member of the first graduating class at Holy Name of Jesus high” remarks Sr. Yvette. “The Sisters of St. Anne were an inspiration to all of us and I wanted to become a part of their legacy.”

In 1948, Sr. Yvette took her vows and was sent to Cohoes, NY to teach. A few years later, she made her way back to Massachusetts to join the music staff at St. Anne Academy in Marlboro. From there she attended Anna Maria College, which had recently moved to its Paxton location. “I lived in the dormitory as a resident assistant and was able to watch the expansion of Trinity Hall,” she recalls. “It was exciting to be a part of Anna Maria during its early years of growth.”

The study of music, and in particular the organ, became Sr. Yvette’s focus and she graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Music degree in this field. Her recital included performing the “Westminster Chimes” on the organ, a feat that few are able to accomplish well. “It is not an easy piece to play,” Sr. Yvette explains. “With both hands and feet moving in different directions, it takes a great deal of dexterity and energy.”

Sr. Yvette’s exceptional abilities led her to further study of the organ with renowned Boston organist, George Faxon, who was teaching at Boston University. After accomplishing four years of work in two, she received her Master’s Degree in Music in organ performance and returned to Anna Maria to share her talents with its students. Sr. Yvette loved teaching, and as one of only a few music faculty she taught piano, organ, music history, theory and other music courses as needed. “Although we were a small department, we had a strong and vigorous program,” shares Sr. Yvette. “My experiences teaching at Anna Maria College will stay in my heart forever.”

During her time at AMC, Sr. Yvette helped to build and strengthen the program, and as moderator was twice able to travel to Rome with the Women’s Chorus. One of the trips included 85 students from both the art and music departments. The Chorus performed at the Vatican for Pope Paul VI and met with him after the performance.

Recognizing Sr. Yvette’s hard work to develop AMC’s music department, Dr. Louise Soldani supported her decision to take some time away from campus. During this period, Sr. Yvette worked at the La Salette Shrines both in Enfield, NH and Attleboro, MA assisting “Fr. Pat,” as he is known, with his retreats, often accompanying him on the organ. She also became acquainted and interested in a new profession, pastoral ministry. She then studied at the Allentown College of St. Frances de Sales, PA, where she received her Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and took her gift of service to British Columbia, Canada. Sr. Yvette then spent 20 years in British Columbia, bravely traveling by herself to remote the villages of Tahsis and Gold River, providing adult faith formation and a religious presence to the faithful of these mission churches. “There were times when the unpaved, mountainous roads to these villages were treacherous,” shares Sr. Yvette. “However, I knew that I needed to put my fears aside and trust in God to get me safely to my destination.”

When she returned to the States, Sr. Yvette assumed ministerial duties in local parishes in Massachusetts until she suffered a major stroke. Sr. Yvette remains strong and committed to her life as a religious woman. She strives to be present to the residents of Marie Esther Health Center in Marlboro. She visits the sick, leads the rosary, and heads a Lectio Divina session on the Sunday Scripture readings. “I have had a blessed life and have appreciated every minute of my religious vocation,” states Sr. Yvette. “While I can’t play the organ right now, I can still help others understand the power of prayer. I will never give up on this.”