Dedication of the Mary P. Dolciani Halloran ’44 Mathematics Wing

Mary Dolciani ’44 was a noted mathematician and chair of the Hunter College Mathematics Department. We were deeply honored to dedicate our math wing in her memory on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Joined by the faculty of the math department, selected students, and her grandson Matthew Thomas, the dedication began with remarks by CHS President Juliette Picciano, “Our goal for every Cathedral student is to ignite in them the same love of learning that Mary Dolciani possessed for mathematics. We want all Cathedral women to lead lives of purpose and to cultivate the intellectual, personal, and spiritual gifts that God has given them.”
The dedication was followed with a blessing by Reverend Monsignor Joseph P. LaMorte, the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Archdiocese of New York. “Next to your power, Lord, there is no greater power than knowledge” and a prayer that “the values and perspectives of tomorrow’s leaders be shaped and formed here each day.”
Matthew Thomas performed the ribbon cutting and shared that while at CHS his grandmother’s superlatives were “most studious, most reliable and the ideal Cathedral girl.” Although she was a prolific textbook writer and her books sold 50 million copies worldwide, her real passion was teaching. 
Principal Maria Spagnuolo concluded the dedication by thanking Matthew for the gift from the Mary P. Dolciani Halloran Foundation and promising that we would be good stewards of her gift as we continue her legacy. Principal Spagnuolo remarked that as an outstanding educator, Mary never stopped looking for ways to captivate and ignite passion in her students and that she is an excellent example for our students to always be the best versions of themselves as they face life’s challenges. 
The afternoon ended in the library with a reception where we learned more about Dr. Halloran’s remarkable life. Mary was truly an inspiration for educators and students and really was an ideal Cathedral girl!