FACULTY & STAFF SPOTLIGHTS Some career journeys move forward. Others come full circle. For Ms. Anna Lootens ’15, the path from student to teacher brought her back to the very place that shaped her — and reminded her of why she fell in love with teaching in the first place. After graduating from Aquinas, Ms. Lootens pursued a career in education, spending five years teaching in the public-school system. But somewhere along the way, something began to stir. “I was missing what got me excited about teaching in the first place,” she said. “I wasn’t planning on leaving public school, but one day I just happened to check job postings and saw an opening at Aquinas. It felt like a sign. Something was calling me home.” Ms. Lootens describes her time teaching in public schools as essential for her growth, especially in terms of classroom management and building relationships. “College can only prepare you so much,” she said. Coming Home to AQ Ms. Anna Lootens ’15 returns to her roots — and rediscovers the joy of teaching in faith and community. 30 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2025 Aquinas Forever: Saying Farewell, Not Goodbye As we celebrate the end of another school year, we also take a moment to honor two incredible educators who have left a permanent mark on Aquinas. Mrs. Judy (Skirment) Epstein, who has dedicated nearly four decades to the school, and Mr. Scott Rutan, who has shared his faith and wisdom with our community since 2018, are both retiring this year. Though they may be closing the door on their day-to-day roles at AQ, they remain an everlasting part of our Aquinas family. In the following Q&A, reflect on their time at AQ, what they’ll miss most, and the legacies they leave behind. MRS. JUDY (SKIRMENT) EPSTEIN HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU TAUGHT AT AQUINAS? I have taught at AQ for 39 ½ years! WHAT HAS MADE AQUINAS FEEL LIKE “HOME” ALL THESE YEARS? The support from and the relationships with colleagues that I have worked with over the years. ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR MEMORIES OR MOMENTS THAT STAND OUT TO YOU? Interactions with former students in all types of settings in the community and throughout the world. I am so touched and proud when former students stop me and say, “Didn’t you teach me at Aquinas?” My family and friends now expect this wherever we go! WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR TIME AT AQUINAS? I’m most proud of having had the opportunity to teach multiple generations of students within the same families—a true testament to the lasting connection AQ fosters. It’s been incredibly rewarding to celebrate the accomplishments of former students as they’ve grown into successful adults. I’m also especially grateful for the unforgettable experiences I’ve had as a co-leader on many AQ student trips. I’ve been fortunate to travel with students to Spain, Italy, France, Ireland, Great Britain, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Wales— and even Hawaii. Sharing those journeys and watching students grow through travel has been one of the greatest joys of my career. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN RETIREMENT? Traveling with my family and friends, cooking, gardening, and training my dog to become a therapy dog! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENTS AND/OR FACULTY? Enjoy, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful differences that you find in a Catholic school setting. IF YOU HAD TO SUMMARIZE YOUR AQUINAS EXPERIENCE IN JUST A FEW WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE? AQ is more than just a school — it’s a lifelong community. Every day, students, alumni, faculty, and parents continue to connect in meaningful ways, well beyond 1127 Dewey Avenue. I wouldn’t trade a moment of my teaching experience here. ¡Gracias y adiós, AQ!
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