This story was originally featured in the Communiqué (Spring 2026 edition).

Margaret currently serves on the Academy of Holy Angels Advancement Committee.

What was Holy Angels like for you in the 1970s?

I have so many fond memories of my time at Holy Angels. The school was still adapting to having boys on campus; our team name was Co*Stars, and all of the boys sports teams were still being built. The girls basketball team won the State Championship my freshman year, and that was a huge accomplishment. The classes provided good preparation for college, particularly in English. The modular scheduling was an unusual concept. I recall joking about the modular scheduling, calling Religion class the God Mod, Phy Ed was the Bod Mod!

How has your AHA education impacted your life?

During my time at AHA, I had the opportunity to participate in Student Council, cheerleading, and lots of events and activities. I went on a study abroad trip to France with Mrs. Shimek and other students in the French program. There were lots of chances to participate and try things because the school was small and the staff encouraged active engagement. All of these experiences opened up a world of possibilities that has proven to be very valuable. In my career, I welcome new opportunities and the chance to make a difference. I think those skills learned from Student Council and planning and organizing sports-related activities translated into important skills that I used throughout my career in commercial banking.

As you experienced AHA as a parent, what did you see that had changed, and what had stayed the same?

Holy Angels continues to offer a close community, a college prep experience, an emphasis on community service, and a foundation built on faith. While there have been many important updates to the campus and buildings, it still has the same wonderful feel of the old architecture and rich history. AHA continues to be a place where students meet life-long friends. While the core mission has remained, AHA has grown and evolved over the years. Our son Michael experienced even stronger academic preparation. The college admission process has changed dramatically. The Holy Angels advisors and the college prep process is excellent. This is an invaluable resource and a key differentiator.

What has compelled you to be a participative alumni, a member of the Board's Advancement Committee, and a donor to AHA?

I reconnected and became more involved with Holy Angels when our son Michael ‘24 was a student. I could see that Holy Angels was doing a fantastic job preparing kids for college and for the changing world. I love that Holy Angels has a diverse student population from over 100 different grade schools, different backgrounds, and different areas of the metro. I wanted to support that outreach and the continued success of Holy Angels students.

What is one important thing that alumni from your era might not know about their alma mater today?

Today, Holy Angels serves a much more diverse student population that beautifully reflects the community and the world we live in. Nearly 50% of students qualify for need-based scholarship support. Alumni and donor participation have grown and are supporting a much-needed and strong scholarship program. This allows the school to offer financial support to families who would not otherwise be able to send their children to AHA. This benefits the entire student population and the AHA community.

Margaret’s family spans three generations at AHA. They include: Aunts, Carol Sarazin McGough ‘53 and Mary Sarazin ‘55, Sisters Sheila Sarazin Folkestad ‘83 and Jean Sarazin Baron ‘88, Niece Maggie Folkestad ‘12, Son Michael Murphy ‘24, and Father Terry Sarazin, AHA Board of Trustees.