Chapter History
In 2012, an article published in the Jamaican Newspaper engaged the attention of a small group of past students of Immaculate Conception High School. The article pertained to the fact that Jamaica and high schools were paying in excess of $1 billion JMD annually for electricity. In response to the article Ann Marie Brutus(nee Clarke '85) organized a meeting of six former students namely Sophia Garriques (nee Robinson '85) Natalie Spencer ('85), Nicole Blair ('85), Erica Johnson ('85), Marilyn Mathis (nee Marsh '86) and Novelette Hart (nee Graham '85). The small group generated a potent conversation concerning Immaculate Conception’s contribution to the $1 billion bill and sustainability of its contribution in light of prevailing and impending developments at the school. This initial meeting and momentum developed in the course of subsequent follow up conference calls marked the informal establishment of ICHS International Alumnae Association. The group has since matured in the scope and range of its interests and concerns. The following accounts for the events and milestones that punctuate this process of maturation into the current state of ICHS International Alumnae Association.
We are grateful to the Toronto Alumnae Association for their immense and invaluable support throughout the maturation. In particular, the much needed guidance through the procedural steps of establishing an association. The support to International culminated in a kickoff event which they hosted held in Niagara Falls Canada in the summer of 2014.
We are a 501(c) Non-Profit Organization under the US law. This was accomplished in February 2015. One important ramification of this status is that the organization is now open to channels of contribution from US citizens and corporations.
The primary goal of the International Alumnae Association is to leverage the support of the ICHS alumnae worldwide ensuring the financial sustainability and maintaining the legacy of ICHS. The intent of the International Alumnae Association is to facilitate engagement, participation and contribution among all alumnae in the international diaspora. We accomplish this by harnessing the benefit of virtual meeting platforms.
Meetings and events attended by membership to date are the following: 2015, 2017 and 2019 ICHS Hall of Fame Scholarship Gala in Jamaica, 2017 Florida Chapter Gala, 2017 New York Chapter Gala and 2017 Association Cruise. The 2015 trip to Jamaica included the 1st face to face meeting with Sister Angela Harris, OSF at the school. Subsequent meetings were held with Sr. Angella Harris, OSF the last meeting was 2019 continuing discussions about the ongoing needs of ICHS and Sr. Angella's upcoming retirement. In addition, an association introductory meeting was held with Sister Maureen Clare Hall, OSF at the Convent.
We have impacted the financial sustainability and legacy of ICHS through various partnerships with all alumnae associations and individual fundraising campaigns. The projects supported and funded by the International Chapter to date include Student Scholarships, Gears and welfare support for ICHS Athletics Program, Joint Alumnae Association Food and Nutrition Lab Renovation Project, Joint Alumnae Association Water Harvesting Sewer Management Renovation Project and COVID-19 Relief Support Student Welfare and Technology Fundraising campaign (Student/Family meals and 10 Tablets).
Mission
The purpose of the ICHS INTERNATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION shall be to use Social Media, Technology and various marketing strategies to increase brand awareness of ICHS and continue to promote ICHS as an institution of academic excellence. The Association shall also strive to create better synergy between all regional alumnae associations and ICHS by providing networking opportunities, connectivity tools, educational benefits and mentorship opportunities for past and present students. In addition, the Association shall strive to increase membership to support scholarship and fundraising opportunities in order to support the vision and mission of ICHS.
Objective
(1) To strengthen financial resources and sustainability of ICHS through individual fundraising events as well as support other chapter fundraising efforts by sharing information virtually.
(2) To effectively support and partner with all regional chapters to strengthen the sustainability of ICHS.
(3) To serve as an advocate and resource with marketing strategies for all regional chapters.
(4) Impact regional membership opportunities through information sharing and brand awareness.
(5) Create sustainable connectivity amongst ICHS alumnae.
(6) Build credibility as the center for virtual communication and information.