HOLY CROSS VALUES + MISSION
DIVINE PROVIDENCE
EXCELLENCE
EDUCATING HEARTS AND MINDS
INCLUSIVENESS
DISCIPLINE
OPTION FOR THE POOR
HOPE
FAMILY
ZEAL INTEGRITY
We are a Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition.
We celebrate our diversity, value each person, and welcome one another with the hospitality of Christ.
As a family of learners, anchored in gospel values, we empower each other to grow spiritually, develop intellectually and reach out in service to others.
Within an innovative and orderly learning environment we are committed to challenging each student in both heart and mind to be a compassionate individual, a lifelong learner, and a responsible steward of God’s creation.
Give Foward
2025 ANNUAL APPEAL
There is much to celebrate within the Hoban community. Every day, we remain committed to expanding opportunities that enrich the student experience and prepare our Hoban Knights to be compassionate leaders and responsible citizens.
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to join us in this mission. Your support of the 2025 Annual Appeal ensures that we can continue to educate the hearts and minds of students
THE HOBAN FUND SUPPORTS THE HOBAN COMMUNITY
Gifts to the Hoban Fund provide essential, flexible resources that impact nearly every aspect of school life. These unrestricted donations allow Hoban to respond quickly to unexpected needs and invest in programs that directly shape the student experience.
‘FUND AND FEED’ FUELS STUDENTS
When the Brothers of Holy Cross founded Hoban in 1953, they made a promise: to serve students of all backgrounds. That commitment continues today. This academic year, 30% of Hoban students—279 Knights—qualify for free or reduced lunches based on federal poverty levels. Unlike public schools, Hoban does not receive state funding for subsidized lunch programs. Instead, we rely on private donations to ensure that no student goes hungry. Your gift directly supports these students, making a profound difference in their daily lives.
Every contribution—no matter the amount—strengthens Hoban’s ability to meet the needs of today’s students while securing a strong future for tomorrow’s Knights. Learn more at hoban.org/giving/2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2025-26
CHAIR
Matthew Wartko ’99
President, Don Wartko Construction
SECRETARY
Steven A. Dimengo ’79
Managing Partner, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC
TREASURER
David Kunce
Chief Financial Officer, NMG Aerospace
PRESIDENT
Christopher DiMauro ’99 Archbishop Hoban High School
Ahmed A. Abonamah ’00
Chief Financial Officer, Rock Entertainment Group/ Cleveland Cavaliers
The Rev. G. David Bline
Spiritual Director, Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology
Richard C. Fedorovich ’70
Executive Chair, Bober Markey Fedorovich
Anne Flynn-Pulaski ’04) Vice President, Flynn's Tire Group
Brother Kenneth Haders, CSC Provincial Superior, Midwest Province, Brothers of Holy Cross
Stephen Hammersmith
Partner, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC
Annette Kratcoski, Ph.D.
Director of Research Center for Educational Technology, Kent State University
Angela (Spitaleri ’95) Ianiro
Executive Director, NOIA Foundation
Publisher, La Gazzetta Italiana
Derrick B. Owens ’89
Vice President of Government Affairs, WTA–Advocates for Rural Broadband
Kathleen Piker-King, Ph.D. Professor Emerita, Sociology, University of Mount Union
Brian Reilly, M.D. ’05
Physician, Akron Children's Hospital
Brandon Roberts, M.D. ’99 Physician, Akron Children's Hospital
Jeffrey Salamon President, Lumis Marketing
Arthur Sunday
Vice President of Sales, The House of LaRose, Inc.
Patricia (Bralek ’77) Wartko
Retired, Don Wartko Construction
DIRECTORS EMERITI
William H. Considine ’65
Retired, Akron Children’s Hospital
Alice (Maher ’76) Luse
Retired, American Heart Association
Rev. Paul J. Rosing
Pastor (Retired), Holy Family Parish
David Showers ’64
President, Strausser Development
The Holy Cross Center is blessed and dedicated on Aug. 19, prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year.
3
the Class
Hoban's Senior Project provides seniors the opportunity to explore potential career options before graduation. 16
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Christopher DiMauro ’99, President
Catherine Perrow, Principal,ChiefAcademicandSchoolOperationsOfficer
Melanie White, Director of Communications
Staff Writers: T.K. Griffith ’89, Matthew Monter, Tara Pizer and Melanie White
Photography by: Scott Dudek, Elaina Karafilis, Tara Pizer, Alexander Sprungle ’07-Secret Creative Org., Melanie White and Vicki Zingale
Greetings Hoban Family,
After an extended summer break filled with the management of new construction projects and long hours spent planning new and exciting Hoban initiatives, we are thrilled to welcome students back to the 2025-26 school year! The feeling around campus is never quite the same without the great energy and positive spirit of our young people. The joy of seeing 915 faces experience all the new amenities of the Holy Cross Center and the renovated Foley Commons and kitchen areas was certainly worth the wait. I am so proud of our Hoban community for their collective efforts in making this happen for our current Knights, as well as for the generations of future Knights in the years to come.
Our theme for the new school year, Created Anew, is appropriately contextual for the many developments happening at Hoban. Adopted from the Holy Cross Constitutions, Created Anew is not only a playful nod to reimagined physical spaces on campus, but it is also a call for all of us to “reimagine” the value we provide to one another. Personally, it is dually motivating and inspiring to commit to daily habits that are rooted in building up those around us, no matter how we might feel on any given day. Like the Brothers of Holy Cross, who made a lifelong commitment to educating hearts and minds, we now carry the torch and the responsibility to bring nothing but our best each day. The universal impact of this small daily commitment has tremendous power! I invite you to join our school community in taking this initiative to heart in remembering that each of us can truly become Created Anew at a moment’s notice.
We look forward to the many exciting moments (and the challenges!) that the 2025-26 school year will bring. I am confident that our students and Holy Cross educators will rise to every occasion, meeting the high expectations that await us. As always, I invite you to become actively involved here at Hoban in any way that you can. From supporting our students at cocurricular events, performances and athletic contests to volunteering for one of our signature events and everything in between, you can become a difference-maker for Hoban while simultaneously becoming Created Anew. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Until next time, God Bless & Go Knights!
Chris DiMauro ’99, President
CREATED ANEW IS NOT ONLY A PLAYFUL NOD TO REIMAGINED PHYSICAL SPACES ON CAMPUS, BUT IT IS ALSO A CALL FOR ALL OF US TO “REIMAGINE” THE VALUE WE PROVIDE TO ONE ANOTHER. ”
CHARGE FORWARD
EVERY KNIGHT, EVERY DAY CAMPAIGN, CONSTRUCTION COMES TO A CLOSE BEFORE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR
On August 19, 2025, approximately 150 members of the Hoban community gathered for a blessing and dedication of Hoban's newly constructed student center, the Holy Cross Center.
After eight months of construction, the Holy Cross Center was unveiled with a blessing and dedication. The Rev. Michael McCandless ’98 blessed the state-of-the-art student center, marking a significant milestone in the school's growth and commitment to enhancing student life. President Chris DiMauro ’99 welcomed and thanked everyone in attendance for the immense amount of work—a culmination of hundreds of hours of dreaming, planning, hard work, perseverance, and now, celebration.
"What started as an inspiring professional adventure quickly morphed into one that was also deeply personal," DiMauro said. "The individuals involved in bringing the Holy Cross Center to life and their faith and trust in a purposeful, creative and structured process have allowed us to model so many of our Holy Cross values to the outside world. I can say with clear eyes and a full heart that, despite the sheer physical beauty of this space and all that it will do for Hoban now and in the future, exemplifying these core values in honor of our Holy Cross heritage is what I will ultimately cherish the most."
The Holy Cross Center is designed with flexible functionality and universal application. The two-story 14,500-square-foot facility serves as Hoban’s new cafeteria and large-group meeting and testing area. Additionally, the student center centralizes all before and after-school activities, creating a safe environment in which students can utilize to study and enjoy time with peers.
THE RENOVATION OF FOLEY COMMONS
The student center also allowed for the renovation of the Foley Commons and current kitchen areas into usable classrooms, learning spaces and offices. The renovation project began at the end of the 2024-25 school year in order to meet an aggressive timeline and be open for the start of the 2025-26 school year. The space now houses three new classrooms, the new home of the Hoban Academic Success Center, which provides tutoring and intervention services, testing spaces and a new area for the Office of Student Services.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ATHLETIC FIELD HOUSE
During DiMauro's remarks, he also shared an exciting new capital project initiative, a new athletic field house on Hoban's campus
"I am overjoyed and elated to report to all our friends here tonight that funding for a new, indoor turf field house facility, to be located on the band field across the pedestrian bridge, is nearing completion of fundraising," DiMauro said. "This 100% donor-driven project will impact Hoban students now and in generations to come, by providing an indoor practice space equipped with state-of-the-art indoor turf for year-round use."
DiMauro plans to be able to share more information for the field house with the Hoban community in the coming months.
"It is our hope that this project, as well as other school initiatives in the works, will continue Hoban’s upward trajectory," DiMauro said. "There are no limits on what we can accomplish, and I can promise you that we remain focused on the future while remaining deeply embedded in our roots."
SENIOR PROJECT
EXPLORING POSSIBLE FUTURE CAREERS
During the spring semester, six Hoban seniors took part in the school’s Senior Project, an immersive program that allows students to explore a professional field of interest before graduation. Unlike a traditional job, the Senior Project is an unpaid learning experience where participants serve as student-learners rather than employees. While optional, the program has quickly become a valuable opportunity for students to gain insight, experience and professional connections that can guide their future.
The initiative was launched by Associate Principal of Student Services, Jennifer Mattes, during the 2022–23 school year to better equip students for life after Hoban. Now in its third year, interest in the program continues to grow among soon-to-be graduates.
“Making decisions about your career at 18 is a daunting task,” Mattes said. “Hoban students are prepared academically, and the Senior Project gives them the chance to make a more thoughtful, intentional plan for life after high school. My hope is that each year, more students take advantage of this opportunity.”
This year’s participants—Kaitlyn Llewellyn, Elle Tibesar, Dara Robinson, Emmanuel Cain, Carter Sisak and Amber Watson— were placed in a variety of professional environments, from the Cleveland Cavaliers to medical practices to radio stations.
Amber Watson, who spent her project at OMNI Orthopedics, shadowed physician assistants and surgeons.
“I was grateful to have taken anatomy and AP biology at Hoban,” Watson said. “I understood most of what was discussed, and I was even able to scrub in for three spine surgeries. Through the experience, I discovered that I’d prefer to work with pediatric patients. I also had the chance to ask questions about PA school. One of the physician assistants, a former Division I student-athlete, shared advice on balancing academics and athletics, which was especially meaningful since I’ll be playing volleyball at Furman University next year.”
Dara Robinson, who plans to pursue a career in law, shadowed in the office of Judge Amy Corrigall Jones, a Hoban parent of two. Judge Corrigall Jones praised Robinson’s professionalism and engagement.
“Dara has been a phenomenal representative and ambassador for Hoban,” she wrote in an email to Mattes. “I tried to provide her with a diverse perspective of the Summit County justice system, and I was so impressed by her candor and curiosity. Dara’s presence is a shining example of how well Hoban prepares students for their life’s journey.”
Reflecting on the program, Watson offered advice for future seniors: “I would 100% recommend the Senior Project. It gives you a real look into the career path you’re interested in and the chance to make connections and ask meaningful questions.”
HOBAN WELCOMES ALUMNA AS NEW BOARD MEMBER
ANNE FLYNN-PULASKI ’04
"After graduating from Hoban in 2004, I attended Kent State University. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2008 and a Master of Business Administration in 2009. Throughout my high school and college years I worked part-time for my family business, Flynn’s Tire. After graduation I started working fulltime at Flynn’s. Since then, I have worked in many areas of our business. Currently, I am a Vice President focusing on finance, real estate and business acquisitions."
WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN SERVING HOBAN'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
"I am grateful for the education I received at Hoban. It helped prepare me for the future, and I want to pay it forward to help future generations. As a mother, I believe it's important that all children have access to a quality Catholic education close to home. I want Hoban to be a leader in the competitive private school environment."
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE BOARD THROUGH YOUR SERVICE?
"I hope to bring the combined perspectives of a mother, business owner and a Hoban graduate. As a mother, I know what I want in a high school for my children. As a business owner, I understand the need to be competitive and maintain a sustainable business model. As a graduate, I want Hoban to be the best option for students and parents in the Akron area."
WHAT CHALLENGES AND/OR OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE THAT HOBAN FACES?
"Hoban has an opportunity to highlight its academic excellence as well as the opportunities for student engagement outside the classroom. There is a place for everyone. One challenge I see is making sure a Hoban education is obtainable for families as the cost of education increases."
Junior Izzy Ralph, sophomore Abby Alden and senior Mary Hottinger won awards in the 37th Annual Akron-Summit Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest. Izzy earned 3rd place for her drawing entitled "Truth in Reflection." Abby placed 4th for her piece entitled "The Headlines." Mary won an Honorable Mention for her "Lady Liberty?" drawing.
The artworks were on display at the Akron-Summit County Library during the month of April. An awards ceremony was held at the library on Thursday, April 24, where students and attendees heard the story of Holocaust survivor Erika Taubner Gold, born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1932.
Third Place: "Truth in Reflection," Izzy Ralph ’26
Honorable Mention: "Lady Liberty?," Mary Hottinger ’25
Fourth Place: "The Headlines," Abby Alden ’27
NOBODY WANTS U
By: T.K. Griffith ’89
If you understand the reverse chain rule or integration by substitution (referring to the u substitution in calculus), you may be a math nerd. If you love math and Hoban, you probably know Rose Zaucha and/or Jeni (Berlin ’96) Kostko.
IDENTIFY THE INNER FUNCTION
I dare you to find someone more persistent than Rose Zaucha. If you do, it’s not a person; it’s a u substitution = unicorn. Between her and Hoban’s current Mathematics Department Chair Jeni (Berlin ’96) Kostko, they have directed the Hoban math program for most of the 40 years between 1985 and today.
“Rose simply set the bar high, almost unattainably high, in her classes,” Kostko recalled as she sat next to her mentor. “Yet, she offered constant support and encouragement, and if you worked, you didn’t even realize how far you had gone until you got there.”
Zaucha, who enjoys sewing now, threaded a tapestry of life lessons, high standards and passion for math education that hangs in the memory banks of thousands of Knights.
Perhaps her impact is best told by her students. 1989 graduate Laura Martin didn’t make the cut to get into her senior calculus class, but she valued Zaucha so much she pleaded to get in.
“I literally got down on my hands and knees at her desk to beg for a spot in her class—a story she apparently told many times, and understandably so,” Martin said. “Who does that? I didn’t care about the grade—I just wanted to be in her classroom, because she made learning feel like something worth chasing. Mrs. Zaucha had that rare gift: the ability to make something difficult feel worth the effort, even fun. She was calm, kind, incredibly smart and she never made you feel small for not knowing something. She was more than a great teacher—she was a role model. Truly the best teacher I ever had. She changed the course of my life.”
From lawyers and doctors…to engineers and White House staff members…to nanotechnology experts to nuclear consultants, Rose Zaucha has shaped the lives of students since her first year as a teacher at Firestone High School, where she taught math and monitored a study hall when they announced that JFK was assassinated.
“It was 1963, and the school was stunned,” Zaucha said. “I tried to console the kids, but they just sent them home. A few months later, I was pregnant, and the old rule in society was that if you were showing, you couldn’t work any longer,” she said with disappointment.
FIND THE DERIVATIVE OF U
Even her own father was raised in a world that only saw women as homemakers, and Rose fought hard to show him that she was more. “I would score and graph the Indians baseball games every day by listening to them on the radio, and when my Dad got home, he would look it over. I did it for him every day, but he never said much, I guess he wasn’t really into gratitude.”
A tough Italian father wasn’t going to stop Rose from majoring in Math at Detroit Mercy College after being named a National Merit Finalist at St. Vincent High School and playing CYO softball, volleyball and basketball. After raising four children, Zaucha reentered the classroom at Our Lady of the Elms, but a 1985 call from Brother Richard Gilman would set her on course to come over to the school that her husband, Ron, had graduated from in 1958: Archbishop Hoban. After all, all four of her children would be Hoban graduates: Lisa ’82, Joe ’83, Tim ’86 and Jerry ’88.
SUBSTITUTE U AND DU
“Richard was looking for a strong department chair, and for a few months, he never even told the old chair that I was taking over… the brothers didn’t love conflict so much,” Zaucha said. “But in our first academic council meeting, I immediately noticed that only 40% of our students were college-ready, and I told him it was time to rip the band-aid off. I wasn’t going to allow that low percentage.”
Rose immediately noticed that Hoban students were only taking three years of math, and that the senior year was empty. “That wasn’t going to help our percentages,” she said.
So she stomped down to Brother Richard’s office and demanded a senior course…every day for weeks. Eventually, Brother Richard caved in and said, “Rose, do whatever you want to do.”
SIMPLIFY AND INTEGRATE
She did. A new class, college algebra, started, and kids brought her flowers and thank you cards after the first year. They knew they had someone who truly cared about them enough to always hold them accountable. “I would rather have you hate me now than have you hate me later,” she laughed. “I wanted them to know they can do hard things.”
What Hoban gained wasn’t just a strong chair; she was a teacher who would never allow her students to fail. Someone who lived the “no student left behind” mantra—literally every day.
Former Principal Mary Anne Beiting agrees. “Rose was my first colleague when I started in the summer of 1988, and we built the master schedule together,” Beiting said. “She helped me learn so much about what made Hoban a special place where students could grow in both mind and heart.”
So many situations would require both of those for Zaucha.
“In 1988, I think, two students had tried to avert the credit rule, and one of our counselors was actually so upset at these kids that he tried to lobby the teachers to not allow them in their last semester class…to sabotage their ability to graduate. So I just tracked down the kids and said ‘take my class.’”
The counselor begrudgingly put one in Pre-Calculus and the other in Trig. No one thought they would make it.
“Well, the one student recopied three weeks of notes in two days,” Zaucha laughed. “I don’t think the kid had ever taken notes.”
“He got an A in the class and won the subject award…and is a chemist today,” she beamed. “And the other one got through with a B- in Trig.”
They both graduated because Rose stuck her neck out. “If you are willing to work, anything is possible,” she said.
Zaucha encountered tragedy, too. Not only did she live through JFK’s death, but in 1989, she lost a beloved math student in a car crash when Chuck Ballou ’89 died on prom night. “The kids called me to come to the hospital,” she said. “I had them in class that Friday, and I pleaded with them to make good decisions…but a girl in his class called me just crying. His Mom asked me to do a reading at the funeral. It was so sad.”
Young women would go on to careers in pharmacy, medicine, law and engineering from Zaucha’s class, but the ultimate goal was just to give them possibilities and pride in their work.
“What I remember most about Mrs. Zaucha, was her ability to make each student feel seen, supported and capable. You could see that teaching wasn't just a job for her, it was a calling,” recalls Stephanie (Yap ’05) Unton. “I took that with me all the way through college and my profession, as I pursued my career as an ER nurse.”
“I always told the kids, YOU CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT TO BE, but if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, be a math teacher!” Zaucha said.
“I’m happy!” chimed in her protege, Jeni Kostko, who has been at Hoban for 25 years now—mostly as chair of the math department. Kostko, who met her husband, Eric Kostko ’96, at Hoban and who took Rose’s calculus class with him, relishes her role in carrying on Rose’s core values of accountability, rigor, passion and love of math games.
“When Jeni graduated from John Carroll, we were over the moon that she would come to Hoban to work with Rose and Jayme Donnelly to perfect her craft,” Beiting recalled.
INTEGRATION BY SUBSTITUTION
In so many ways, they mirror each other. In other ways, they deliver their gifts in different packages. “I had a girl today who spent all weekend working on a math game solution,” Kostko bragged to Zaucha. They spoke a language I barely understood about triple factorials and sub factorials.
Both had fathers who were a bit older, Rose’s dying in 1967 and Kostko’s on October 17, 2023—ironically on Rose’s birthday. They both had children graduate from Hoban. They both will be aunts to Hoban Knights. They love math and hold kids to high standards. They both have an inner confidence in what they do.
“I had her in precalculus and calculus,” Zaucha claimed. “She was an excellent student, but I had to remind her a few times that it wasn’t a drive-in movie over there with Eric lol!”
“And you had me in a study hall,” Kostko retorted. “You asked me if I needed help, and I wasn’t sure if you could help me because it was Algebra I and you did the higher math courses…so I thought.”
“Well, people forget I loved teaching all levels, in fact, I taught pre-algebra and descriptive geometry for years,” Zaucha said.
“Do you remember the day I threw you out of class?” she pointed at me. Weirdly, I don’t remember, but she remembers every detail. I still feel bad for that.
“I never got thrown out!” scoffed Kostko. “But you did chase me down to get me back in pre-calculus on Rent-a-Junior day when I tried to avoid a quiz…you sat me down and said here’s your quiz.”
Another time, Brother Richard dismissed the school early (2:21 p.m.) even though the school day ended at 2:25 p.m. Rose ran down to confront Richard about it. He apologized and said he thought it was 2:24 p.m. on his watch. When she ran back up to her classroom, the kids were still in her room, scared to leave. “I said, look at me, guys, all of you can outrun me.” They replied, “We just don’t want you to be disappointed in us.”
“We both want kids to think big, 4th dimension stuff…that students are capable of big things,” Kostko said. “I sat in her classroom every day after school during my first few years of teaching here. I would just share my day and listen to her wisdom.”
BACK SUBSTITUTE
“We both knew that to have a great math program, you needed three things: You had to work together as a department. You need weekly review quizzes. And you have to have a homework philosophy that makes sense and reduces the urge to copy,” Zaucha and Kostko said, basically in a harmonic duet.
“When the math department needed a new chair, we knew the time was right for Jeni to build on the strong foundation that Rose had built,” Beiting said.
“One of my favorite memories was teaching Honors Algebra II together,” Kostko said. “At the time, I was 37 and she was 73, a bit of an age difference yet both of us were in our prime… and I learned so much as an educator that year,” Kostko said, gloating about the fact that both ages were prime numbers.
Like Zaucha, Kostko knows grief as well. This year, she lost one of her most beloved students when senior valedictorian Alex Lin passed away. Along with students and administration, Kostko shepherded the Lin family, sitting with them at graduation and greeting them a few days after the ceremony to hear a song that senior Molly Maltempi had written for the Lin family. “It was a privilege and … a lot,” Kostko explained, holding in emotions that still run deep. From mentor to protege, the circle seems complete in their love for kids and willingness to do the hard stuff.
Today, Rose Zaucha loves sewing almost as much as she loved teaching. It helps her work on concentration, problem solving and finding a more efficient way.
“I don’t know, sometimes I think I just want to make something that remains long after me,” Zaucha said.
She didn’t need sewing to accomplish this goal.
Her impact as a teacher will reverberate forever in the halls of Hoban. It will reverberate in Jeni Kostko. It will reverberate in the next generation of teachers who believe that anything is possible with work ethic and accountability. It will reverberate in students like Martin and Unton and thousands of others who were pushed to be their best.
Perhaps the quip Nobody Wants U does not fit the equation in this instance. Let’s transform this integral and simplify the Rose Zaucha formula: Everybody loves U. After all, love is earned.
During Freshman Retreat, new students took time to reflect on their hopes and goals for their years at Hoban, writing personal promises to themselves on sticky notes. Today, those notes remain in the Holy Cross Chapel—a daily reminder for all of us to live with purpose and intention.
LIVING A LIFE WITH INTENTIONALITY
Dear Hoban Family,
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about intentionality—what it means to live, learn and lead with purpose. In my role as principal, I see it everywhere at Hoban. It shows up in the decisions we make, the way we care for one another, and the spirit that fills our halls. Coming to Hoban, staying at Hoban, and remaining connected to Hoban—none of these things happen by accident. They’re all choices. Intentional ones.
Choosing Hoban is an act of faith. Families don’t just choose a school; they choose a community that believes education should shape the heart as much as the mind. I see that intentionality in the way our teachers prepare lessons that reach beyond academics—encouraging curiosity, compassion and courage. I see it in the way our students show up each morning, not just to complete assignments, but to participate fully in something bigger than themselves.
Remaining at Hoban is also a choice. It’s the decision to stay invested in growth, even when the work gets hard. It’s showing up for your teammates, classmates and teachers. It’s leaning into challenges and trusting that each moment—whether joyful or difficult—has the potential to form you into the person God intends you to become. As principal, I’m continually inspired by the resilience and commitment I see in our students and staff. They remind me that being intentional means staying rooted when it would be easier to drift.
And then there are our alumni— the living proof that a Hoban education leaves an imprint far beyond these walls. When graduates return to mentor a student, support a scholarship or simply visit the Castle, they carry with them the same intentional spirit that started here. They understand that giving back is not an obligation; it’s a reflection of gratitude and purpose.
Holy Cross founder Blessed Basil Moreau believed in forming hearts and minds together—that faith and reason are intertwined in the pursuit of goodness. At Hoban, that belief lives on in every intentional choice we make: to welcome, to serve, to lead, to love. Whether it’s a small act of kindness in the hallway or a life-changing decision to dedicate a career to service, intentionality shapes who we are and how we live.
As I walk through our campus each day, I’m reminded that nothing meaningful happens by accident. The joy, the energy, the sense of belonging we feel here—they all come from people choosing, again and again, to be part of something special. Hoban is home because we make it so—intentionally, faithfully and in unity.
Go Knights, Catherine Perrow Principal and Chief Academic and School Operations Officer
BE UNDENIABLE: MOCK TRIAL STATE CHAMPS
Hoban’s Mock Trial Gold Team was crowned state champions on March 8, capping off an undefeated season with first-place finishes at both districts and regionals. Alongside the team victory, senior Gabrielle Obhof earned the Outstanding Witness Award, and junior Rachel Greer received the Outstanding Attorney Award in the state competition. Fittingly, the all-female team claimed the title on International Women’s Day.
“Earning second place in last year’s state competition lit a fire in all of us,” Greer said. “At the start of the season, one of our legal coaches, Carol Tran, asked us, ‘Why not us?’ From that point on, we were determined to give it everything we had. Our mantra was ‘be undeniable’—and we left it all in the courtroom. I hope to carry that same energy into next year and lead by example.”
Heading into the state finals, Hoban’s Gold Team had not lost a single ballot. Their relentless preparation and command of the case material set them apart. Obhof, in particular, took on a unique challenge by serving as a witness for both the plaintiff and the defense.
“It was fun having two roles,” Obhof said. “It helped me see the strengths and weaknesses on both sides and better prepare for the team.”
This fall, Obhof will begin her studies at the University of Notre Dame, where she plans to double major in theology and English with the goal of becoming a theology professor and published author.
“I’m so thankful for the time and dedication of all our coaches,” Obhof said. “They juggle busy professional and personal lives yet still make time to guide us to success. I’ve learned so much about writing scripts, the legal process, and teamwork. The experience of this year will help fuel next year’s team as well.”
Left: The all-female Hoban Mock Trial Gold Team leaves the state courthouse after earning the state championship on International Women's Day.
HOBAN THEATRE PRESENTS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: ON STAGE
On March 28-30, Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical came to life on Hoban's Barry Gymnasium stage. Disney's High School Musical tells the story of Troy, Gabriella, played by senior Molly Maltempi, and the students of East High dealing with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and cocurricular activities.
“Hoban Theatre was such a great experience," Maltempi said. "It was a joy to perform on stage with some of my best friends!”
It's the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
HOBAN CAST AND CREW
Troy Bolton James Kline
Gabriella Montez Molly Maltempi
Ryan Evans Roman Delgado
Sharpay Evans Gabriella Stephens
Chad Denforth ..................... Waylon Kirt
Taylor McKessie ................... Abigail Chirdon
Zeke Baylor .......................... Jaylin Hall
Martha Cox........................... Haley Slay
Jack(ie) Scott Anna Ribovich
Kelsi Nielsen Cortazhia Walker
Ms. Darbus Hayla Hoffman
Coach Bolton Madison Watson
Ms. Tenny Kalira Pryer
Moderator Olivia Pfander
Jock Ensemble Karsen Browning, Liana Powers, Maggie Sejba, Sophia Stapleton, Maliya Templeton
Theatre Kid Ensemble......... Audrey Ater, Claire Jopperi, Madelyn McAninch, Janaiya Thomas Brainiac Ensemble Isabella Doss, Nora Lightel, Serenity Lindsey, Emma Pomeroy, Lailah Ramsey
Stage Manager Alexander Haran
Stage Manager Jocelyn Person
Assistant Stage Manager KaRayah Davis
Assistant Stage Manager Leonardo Kepler
Stage Crew Landon Jacobs, Christian Kleinman, Lydia Pulos, Vincenza Maltempi, Emma Shircliff
Costume Head ..................... Sandra Montes
Costume Assistant .............. Denver Black, Myah Butler, Abigail Coleman, Lauren Neloms
Makeup Assistant Taryn Dotson, Cassidy Ford, Jayden Gilchrist
Prop Head Ava Turner
Prop Assistant Sofia Macavei, Malaki Richards, Gianna Rowe
Hair Head Elle Tibesar
Hair Assistant ...................... Sophia Hardesty, Alyvia Severns
Front of House ..................... Da'Miya Brunson, Sophia Hardesty, Amiya Walker
Lighting Head & Operator Lauryn Brown
Spotlight Operator Maleeyah Frost, Mikay Mon
Soundboard & Sound Effects Operator....Reagan Ahlstrom
Sound Crew Barrett Miller, Jay Hernandez, Aleece Thompson
Projections Operator ........... Liza Twizere
Set Building ......................... Wilbur Chase
Student Assistant ................ Audrey Hodges
GAR FOUNDATION GRANT FUNDS BLACK HISTORY EDUCATION
Throughout the academic year, Hoban's Black Student Union (BSU) has provided students with enriching experiences that celebrate and explore Black history, thanks to a $6,000+ Educator Initiator Grant from the GAR Foundation. Guided by moderator Dr. Diane Vrobel, the BSU used the grant to deepen students' understanding of both the struggles and triumphs in Black history.
On January 10, the BSU welcomed Reva Golden of the Summit County Historical Society for a presentation on Harriet Tubman. In February, during Black History Month, the group toured the historic John Brown House in Akron. Once home to the renowned abolitionist who led the 1859 Harpers Ferry raid, the house offered a powerful look into Ohio's role in the Underground Railroad.
“The John Brown House was an informative and inspirational look into Ohio's involvement in the Underground Railroad,” said senior Lauryn Brown. “It was a fun and engaging experience that enlightened us about our history.”
Also in February, the BSU hosted a talk with historian and author Gabriel Scott, who shared little-known stories from his book "100 Unsung Black History Facts."
To conclude the year’s programming, 12 members traveled to Cincinnati on April 4 to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a museum dedicated to honoring the fight against human enslavement and the pursuit of freedom for all.
TWO JUNIORS COMPLETE JUNIOR LEADERSHIP AKRON PROGRAM
Juniors Ben Rovnak and Izzy Ralph completed the Junior Leadership Akron program as Hoban's representatives for the 2024-25 school year.
Junior Leadership Akron is modeled after the Leadership Akron Signature Program and provides community awareness and leadership skills for high school juniors throughout Summit County. Through a nine-month curriculum of community-based experiences, participants become familiar with current issues, community and natural resources and other factors influencing Akron's future.
"Through JLA, I saw a new side of Akron," Ralph said. "They highlighted the beauty of the city. I feel honored to attend JLA and learn all the different paths people take in life. It helped me understand that life is a journey with ups and downs, but if you keep pushing forward, you will eventually reach your goals."
CLASS OF 2025 EACH CHALLENGE WE WILL MEET
The 69th Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises were held on May 18 at the Akron Civic Theatre. The class is made up of 165 graduates who joined ranks with more than 12,000 Hoban alumni worldwide. As a class, the graduates earned more than $24 million in merit-based scholarships and will attend more than 50 colleges and universities in 15 states. One graduate, Tad Holzapel, will attend the U.S. Naval Academy and another will study abroad in Scotland.
The Rev. G. David Bline celebrated Mass with concelebrant the Rev. Alexander Susai, CSC. Rachel (Cowley ’89) Tecca was the commencement speaker. Address were given by Salutatorian Joshua Macinga, who will matriculate at John Carroll University, and Class President Sevanna Hamad, who will attend the University of Louisville in the fall.
"Hoban taught me what it means to belong. Not to just fit in, to be seen. To be accepted for who I was and to extend that same sense of welcome to others. And that's what inclusivity really is. It's not just a value we write on posters. It's a daily choice. When we lead with integrity and respect, we all rise higher." —Rachel (Cowley ’89) Tecca
RICHARD A. DOWED
SCHOOL SPIRIT AWARD MONSIGNOR
CLASS
OF 2025 RECIPIENTS
Over their four years at Hoban, seniors Sevanna Hamad, Skylar Schmidt, Madison Watson and Sam Kosko were awarded the Monsignor Richard A. Dowed School Spirit Award. Given annually to one student in each grade, the Dowed Award is the highest honor awarded to Hoban students. Faculty select students who have best exemplified the ideals of Christian service, leadership and spirit.
The award dates back to 1957, and is named after the late Msgr. Richard A. Dowed, who was responsible for convincing Archbishop Edward Hoban of the need for a new Catholic high school for boys in Akron and acquired the land that was to become its campus. Other 2024-25 Dowed Award winners are junior Ava Turner, sophomore Zachary Fuhrer and freshman AJ Clemens.
Q&A
WITH THE
CLASS OF 2025 DOWED AWARD RECIPIENTS
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS?
My four years at Hoban flew by, and while I don’t necessarily wish I was a freshman again, I do wish I had taken it all in more deeply. If I could give any advice, it would be these three tips. First, get involved in as much as you possibly can. Over my four years, I’ve been part of many sports and clubs, and it's truly life-changing to experience Hoban from different perspectives. Next, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are, and never pretend to be someone else just to seem "cool." Lastly, build relationships with your teachers and staff. They are here to help and support you. The relationships I’ve built with the staff at Hoban have shaped me into the person I am today. Don’t wish it all away. One day, sooner than you think, you’ll be putting on your cap and gown and officially becoming a Hoban graduate. –Skylar Schmidt ’25
My biggest piece of advice for other students would be to unapologetically be the best version of yourself. You develop so much as an individual, learn so much about yourself, surround yourself with people of different backgrounds, all while trying to stay true to who you think you are as a person. Allow yourself to change. Allow yourself to grow. Be open to trying new things or making new friends, and don’t be afraid to leave things behind that don’t work for you anymore. Hoban is about so much more than just being a college prep school. The biggest lessons I’ve learned here about life and myself as a whole have nothing to do with school work. So when you feel all the stress of life weighing on your shoulders, remember it’s okay to feel everything you’re feeling, and a lack of consistency is exactly what we all need sometimes to learn how to grow and thrive as good human beings. –Sevanna Hamad ’25
The best advice I could give is to take in every opportunity this school has to offer. Hoban and the adults in the building want nothing less than to see each and every one of the students succeed. Their dedication is so strong that they are willing to offer us the best experiences so that we all can reach the highest level of success. All you have to do is branch out and accept those opportunities. It may seem a little out of your comfort zone, and it may scare you a little bit, but I promise it is worth it in the end. I can only describe this place as truly magical and the more open you are towards that magic, the more success you will have. —Madison Watson ’25
SAMUEL KOSKO ’25 2025 RECIPIENT
MADISON WATSON ’25 2024 RECIPIENT
SKYLAR SCHMIDT ’25 2023 RECIPIENT
SEVANNA HAMAD ’25 2022 RECIPIENT
492 $24M+ 165 74
GRADUATES GRADUATES REPORTED RECEIVING SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS EARNED
BROTHER ANDRÉ HEART OF HOLY CROSS AWARD
TORCHBEARER AWARD
TAD HOLZAPFEL
78
SENIORS IN NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
30
SENIORS COMMITTED TO PLAYING A COLLEGIATE SPORT
ACADEMIC HALL OF HONOR
JOSHUA MACINGA
GABRIELLE OBHOF
JOSEPH SANCHEZ
4
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS
1
ACCEPTED IN MILITARY ACADEMIES OR SERVING OUR COUNTRY
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD AWARD MADISON WATSON AND JOSEPH SANCHEZ
JOSHUA MACINGA
RON MARTIN
STEEL DRUM BAND DIRECTOR, FINE ARTS
DEPARTMENT
WHICH HOLY CROSS CORE VALUE RESONATES MOST FOR YOU?
“Excellence. I do my best to get the steel drum band to a level of excellence each year and to create a real work of art that they are proud of.”
WHAT MAKES HOBAN SPECIAL?
“The family atmosphere here. All the kids and employees really care about each other. Hoban holds onto good, talented and caring people who make this school a really special place to work.”
At home, Martin and his wife Molly, married for 14 years, are raising four children—two biological and two adopted—ages 6, 9, 15 and 20. One of them will be joining the Hoban family as a freshman this fall.
If you walk the halls of Hoban at just the right time, you might hear the bright, unmistakable rhythms of the Caribbean drifting from the music room—an unexpected soundtrack for Akron, Ohio, and the signature sound of Mr. Ron Martin’s steel drum program. Now in his 12th year at Hoban, Martin brought with him years of experience teaching general music, but the move to Hoban offered something new: the chance to focus entirely on his core strength, steel drums. What began as a small program was gaining momentum when he arrived, and as a longtime music educator, he stepped right in, ready to help it grow into something much more.
Martin didn’t set out to become a teacher. After earning a bachelor’s degree in percussion performance from the University of Akron, he spent time performing, running a private music school and even launching his first steel drum band through his own business, Jam Session Music Studios. His path to education began unexpectedly. While attending Mass and singing in the choir at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, he was asked to step in when the music director retired. That foot in the door led to roles teaching general music at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary and Sacred Heart in Wadsworth, where he also directed a small steel drum band.
The steel drum program at Hoban began in the mid-2000s under the leadership of Brother Philip Smith CSC, following former President Brother Ken Haders’ vision to introduce a nontraditional instrumental offering. In those early days, Hoban unknowingly purchased its first set of steel drums from Ron Martin’s personal collection. Years later, when a teaching position opened to lead the program, Martin saw it as a natural next step.
“Before this position was even a thought for me, Hoban bought their first set of steel drums from me to get their program going,” Martin said. “So, when I was hired to continue to grow the program, it was really a full circle moment for me.”
Martin now teaches several completely full steel drum classes throughout the day: three beginning, two intermediate and one honors-level class. In total, the program serves around 180 students each year, representing a wide range of backgrounds, interests and musical experience. The steel drum program has grown rapidly in popularity, and now has a waitlist each year of students hoping to join.
“Steel drums are incredibly accessible,” Martin explained. “You don’t have to read music or have years of training. The instruments are fixed pitch, and we teach mostly by rote. Students can come as they are and be successfully involved in instrumental music without a ton of training or a large time commitment.”
This model mirrors the history of steel drum culture in Trinidad, where many players are community members who learn by ear. In this way, Hoban’s steel drum classes function as a musical melting pot—a place where student-athletes, artists and everyone in between come together.
“It’s the ultimate group project,” Martin said. “Everyone has to work together to make it sound right. There’s a lot to be learned from working with others to make a good-sounding final product.”
Students perform a minimum of two concerts each year—one during the holidays and one in the spring. Those concerts regularly fill Hoban’s Barry Gymnasium to standing-room-only capacity, featuring up to 12 songs per show. The performances are not only crowd-pleasers, but they also give visibility and recognition to students who may not find it elsewhere.
“Musical performances fill a gap for some kids,” Martin said. “It gives them a place to shine through the experience of creating art.”
About half of the students who take steel drum return for a second year, and many continue on through graduation. The program has become so well respected that students often say they regret not signing up sooner.
Outside the classroom, Martin is a performer in his own right. He plays weekly with a country western band, performs steel drum music for private events across the region and even takes weekly lessons to keep his own musicianship sharp. When he’s not making music, you’ll find him playing chess or adding to his vast collection of vintage He-Man and the Masters of the Universe action figures—of which he owns hundreds.
In addition to teaching steel drum band at Hoban, Ron Martin also works part-time making steel drums right here in Akron, a craft he has learned over the years.
KNIGHT SOFTBALL PICKS UP MOMENTUM
COACH KEVIN YUN WRAPS UP FOURTH SEASON AS HEAD COACH, CONTINUES TO BUILD THE PROGRAM
Kevin Yun was ready for a new challenge in the spring of 2021.
Yun had been an assistant coach at North Canton Hoover for 10 years, winning three state championships alongside legendary head coach Jerry Goodpasture. Yun’s daughter, Katie, was finishing up a stellar softball career at Ohio University, where she was a fouryear starter at shortstop.
“I knew that I wanted to be a head coach once my daughter was done playing,” Yun said. “Hoban was looking for a coach at that time, and it worked out perfectly.”
Things have indeed worked out well for Yun and the Hoban softball program. The Knights have a 68-36 record during Yun’s four seasons as head coach, including district championships in 2022 and 2025.
Yun arrived at Hoban without any prior connections to the school or community, but quickly felt at home.
“From day one, I felt like I was accepted and part of the family,” Yun said. “Any type of help I have ever needed from the administration or athletic office, they have always been there to help out.”
The Knights were 19-9 in 2025, a season that ended with a 2-0 loss to Dover in a regional semifinal. That was Dover’s closest game of the tournament by far, as they went on to outscore their next three opponents 30-2 and capture the Division III state championship.
Hoban will return nine of the 11 girls who were in last year’s regular lineup, including junior Gracie Schultz, who earned second-team all-district honors as a pitcher. Juniors Alivia Havanas and Madison Shenigo were honorable mention all-district selections last season as well.
There are plenty of reasons for optimism. The Knights hit .379 as a team in 2025, while holding their opponents to a .242 average. They boasted a .953 fielding percentage. Hoban’s JV team went 16-6, an indication that the depth of the program is strong.
“We’ll find out how good we are,” Yun said, “because our schedule is very tough.”
That might be an understatement. Hoban’s 2026 schedule includes 10 games against teams that were district champions in 2025, as well as a trip to Myrtle Beach over Easter break to play several games against strong competition from other states.
WRESTLING
STATE TITLE
“The state champion seems like it always comes out of Northeast Ohio,” Yun said. “The competition we play in our area really helps us prepare for the tournament.”
As he prepares for his fifth season, Yun is pleased with how the program has grown during his tenure.
“We are excited about this incoming freshman class and the direction we are heading as a program,” Yun said. “My first year here, we didn’t have enough players to have a JV team. Each year, our numbers have gotten bigger. This year coming up should be our biggest group yet. We will probably have over 40 girls tryout for softball this year.”
That growth mirrors the growth of Hoban’s student body at large, which is increasingly diverse. Yun sees those same characteristics within the softball program.
“We have kids from all types of backgrounds,” Yun said. “Some kids play travel, some come straight from rec ball. But they all come together, and each learns their role and how they can help the team. No matter how big or small their role is, it’s all part of the bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve.”
BROTHERS MAKE HOBAN HISTORY ON THE MATS
March 7-9 was a historic weekend for Hoban wrestling at the OHSAA state wrestling tournament. Freshman Brydon Feister won the Division II 190-pound state title, securing a last-second takedown to claim the victory. He became Hoban’s first state wrestling champion since Richard DiCola ’83 in 1981.
"Brydon wrestled like an animal in those last two matches, controlling the pace and dictating the terms of each match,” said Dominic Cursio, Hoban’s wrestling head coach. “The joy he experienced after winning the title will be a life-long memory for me."
The weekend also marked the first time in Hoban history that two wrestlers competed for a state championship in the same tournament. Brydon’s junior brother, Brayton, finished as the state runner-up in Division II at 215 pounds, battling until the very end in a close match.
"You could coach your whole career and not get a chance to experience a family dynamic like what the Feister's went through at the state tournament,” Cursio said. “They embraced and supported each other in victory and defeat."
Dear Hoban Family,
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS REPORT
JULY 1, 2024—JUNE 30, 2025
The Office of Advancement is thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent fundraising efforts, which reflect the unwavering generosity and spirit of the Hoban community. Through events like the Extravaganza series and the heartfelt support of families, alumni and friends, we are making significant strides in advancing the mission of Archbishop Hoban High School. These funds directly support student scholarships, campus improvements, innovative academic programs and spiritual engagement opportunities—ensuring that we continue to form the hearts and minds of future Knights. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future for Hoban.
We are excited to share that we had another successful Extravaganza 2025: Havana Knights and the exciting lineup of events that led up to this unforgettable celebration of our Hoban community. The Extravaganza Golf Outing was held in September 2024, followed by our first Browns Watch Party held in November and A Knight of Spirits the beginning of February. All of these events led us to Extravaganza 2025: Havana Knights—a night full of celebration, live entertainment, community connection and an incredible outpouring of generosity. During the evening, we were deeply honored to recognize the Wartko Family for their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their extraordinary support of the Hoban community. Their dedication exemplifies the very heart of our mission and the power of faith in action.
The success of these events would not have been possible without the many volunteers, sponsors, donors and attendees who gave so generously of their time, resources and energy. Your involvement ensures that Hoban can continue to provide transformative opportunities to our students—spiritually, academically and personally.
With the successful completion of the Every Knight, Every Day Capital Campaign, we were proud to host the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Holy Cross Center—a nearly 15,000-square-foot addition that will serve as a vibrant space for
students to gather, enjoy lunch and share in the Hoban experience. This transformative project is more than just a building—it’s a testament to what our community can achieve together. The Holy Cross Center stands as a symbol of our shared commitment to creating an environment where students can grow in faith, fellowship and Knight pride.
On September 28, we were honored to dedicate the new Academic Success Center and Student Services area—an important milestone in our continued commitment to supporting the whole student. This newly renovated space provides expanded resources for academic support, counseling and student well-being, ensuring that every Knight has the tools and guidance they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The dedication ceremony was a celebration of progress, partnership and our shared mission to educate and empower every Hoban student.
We had great success with several alumni updating their information in our database, and we are grateful for their efforts to stay connected. Keeping alumni records current allows us to share important updates, event invitations and school initiatives to engage with the Hoban community. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our alumni network and celebrating the lifelong bond that comes with being a Knight.
Through the generosity of our donors—especially those who contribute through scholarships and planned giving—Hoban is able to build and sustain a growing trust fund dedicated to student scholarships. These vital contributions directly impact our ability to make a Hoban education accessible to more families, while also honoring the legacy of those who believe in the transformative power of a Catholic, Holy Cross education. Each gift helps ensure that current and future students have the opportunity to learn, grow and lead as Knights.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Hoban. Together, we are shaping a bright future for our community.
Go Knights,
Cathy (Keller ’80) Reeves Chief Advancement Officer
Hoban Giving
BY THE NUMBERS
JULY 1, 2024—JUNE 30, 2025
TOP 10: CLASS GIVING PERCENTAGES
$6.4M+
1,603
TOP 10: CLASS GIVING AMOUNTS
"My scholarship means a lot to me and my family! I've been able to maintain above a 4.0 GPA, participate on the Hoban dance team, and I'm planning to attend the University of Louisville to study nursing. Thank you for your generosity and helping me realize my dreams for a successful future."
SEVANNA HAMAD ’25
HEART OF HOBAN SOCIETY
Since its founding in 1953, Hoban has provided an exceptional educational experience for its students. Hoban educates the heart as well as the mind. Students learn the values, attitudes and behaviors necessary to make a real difference in the world.
Through the planned giving program, the Heart of Hoban Society, Hoban provides numerous opportunities for alumni, parents, friends and benefactors to invest in Hoban's future and in the future of the young men and women who seek a quality educational experience in the Holy Cross tradition.
Planned giving is truly just “gift planning” and is “tax wise” philanthropy. It is the result of informed and careful thinking about what to give, when to give and how to give. Our goal is to enable those who support Hoban to maximize the level of their giving plus the personal benefits of making a legacy gift by utilizing simple planned giving strategies including outright cash gifts, bequests by your will or living trust, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA, life insurance policies or other charitable trusts. All gifts, no matter the size, make a difference and have an impact on students.
Anonymous Friend of Hoban
Dennis Ashley ’72 V
Caroline (Guzi ’94) and James Baxter
Heather Beer
Terry and Jamie Bendo
Ralph V and Florence V Bernard, Sr.
John ’61 and Marie Brooker
Ronald Brown ’68
Michael Burtscher ’70
Steven ’88 and Tiffany Cavanaugh
Frank Comunale
"I appreciate your generosity and your value of a Holy Cross education. When I graduate, I plan to study healthcare to become a registered nurse. My high school experience would not be possible without your support."
BRE WALKER ’27
Andrew Roth and Teresa (Conroy ’86) Conroy-Roth
William ’65 and Rebecca Considine
Eddie ’80 and Ilona
Cunningham
Dr. Elizabeth Davies ’77
Michael Del Medico ’73
Franklin V and Delores V Dietzler
Chris DiMauro ’99
Michael ’80 and Sabina DiMauro
Chris and Cynthia Fahey
Richard ’70 and Lisa Fedorovich
Alan ’70 and Mary Ann Fodor
Vendora Foster ’81
MaryAnne Georges V
Jerry ’71 and Tamara Gonsiewski
Patrick and Kim Hackett-Boykin
Zachary Hahn ’17
Stephen and Catherine Hammersmith
Lisa (Saxton ’81) and Tony Hembree
Drs. Kashyap ’85 and Ameesha Kansupada
Charles V and Patricia V Kelly
David ’67 and Susan Kirkendall
John and Jean V Lanshe
Edward Lariccia V
David and Loretta Long
Michael Marz ’81
William and Linda Mattingly
Philip ’60 V and Tomiko Maynard
Rev. Michael McCandless ’98
Mary McIntyre ’77
Thomas Metzger ’06
Kevin Mickunas ’74
David Mikolay
Timothy Morrissey
Donald ’67 and Karen Mullen
James ’63 and Janet Mungo
Paul ’70 and Catherine Mungo
Dennis ’57 and Brenda Murphy
Tom ’79 and Dawne Paris
Jerry ’64 V and Rebecca Pecko
Dr. Charles ’59 and Therese
Peter
Alfonso Petrosino ’04
Nancy Rettkowski
Stephen ’67 and Rose Reymann
Richard V and Patricia Rinella
David ’61 and Joann Robb
John Ryan ’57
Gregory Sain ’68
Frederick ’66 and Christine Sax
Paul ’68 and Joy Scala
William ’71 and Sally Scala
Michael Sekel ’70
David ’64 and Martha Showers
Patricia Shultz
David Slaght
Jack Slinger, Jr. ’64
Melissa Snowe
Jeffrey ’70 and Dana (Garro ’78) Stetz
Katelynn Stetz ’05
Roy and Melanie V Stype
Michael ’67 and Judy Thomas
William Thomson ’62 V
Dr. G. Lawrence ’63 and Darlene Timpe
Thomas and Beverly Tonya
Helen Trares
Irene Volchko V
Dr. Francis V and Marie V Waickman
Michael and Diane (Jackson ’84) Whalen
David Wilke ’70
Bernard ’64 and Janet Zaucha
BLUE AND GOLD SOCIETY
The Blue and Gold Society provides special recognition to alumni, parents and friends who annually support Hoban with a gift of $1,000 or more. We are truly grateful to recognize the uncommon loyalty, sacrifice and commitment of these generous individuals and organizations.
INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous Friends of Hoban
Michael ’89 and Mary (Hudak ’90) Alexander
Victor ’98 and Abby Alexander
Dr. David ’58 and Nancy Auth
John ’71 and Karen Bader
Dr. Robert ’66 and Darlene Baranek
Shawn ’65 and Margaret Bayes
Michael and Mary Anne Beiting
Chris and Lisa Bender
Adam Bernard
Ralph L. Bernard ’62
Jason and Tiffany (Brown ’99)
Bernd
Lisa Berry
Craig Blike and Ashley Paulsen
Tom and Amy (Traina ’91) Brewer
Mike and Stacy Bridges
William D. Broadhurst ’68
John ’61 and Marie Brooker
Ronald A. Brown ’68
Dr. James ’95 and Lori Burke
Steven ’88 and Tiffany Cavanaugh
John and Mary Kay Chlebina
Scott and Taryn Chmielowicz
Dominic ’93 and Ann-Marie (Zaucha ’92) Ciavolella
Frank Comunale
Brian and Kelley (Conklin ’95) Doss
Captain Richard ’64 and Shirley Conner
Ryan and Erica Cook
John ’70 and Maryann Coudriet
James ’69 and Mary Coughlin
Matt and Theresa Coyne
Patrick and Angela Craig
Greg Creighton and Mona Turakhia
Dominic Cursio
Peter and Sue D’Agostino
Joanie D’Amico
Christa D’Amico-Sansone
Philip and Gail Danford
Josh and Kristine (Sokol ’10)
Darling
Mark and Teresa Davey
Gregory ’72 and Alix Davis
Tim Davis and Cecelia Bearer
Amanda Dean
Patty DeCamp
Chris and Mary Anne DeCenzo
Ken and Kathy DeCrane
Michael J. Del Medico ’73
Matthew ’93 and Jasmin Denholm
Frank and Melanie DePasquale
Tony and Cynthia Didado
Gary and Rhonda Didado
Christopher A. DiMauro ’99
Frank ’71 and Marilyn DiMauro
Dr. Michael ’80 and Sabina DiMauro
Steven ’79 and Tina Dimengo
Dr. Nicholas DiNicola ’93 and Dr. Kathleen DiNicola
Louis and Molly Doenges
Angelo ’93 and Natalie Donatelli
Greg and Laura Drensky
Michael ’92 and Mary Ann (Barno ’92) Driscoll
Scott and Juli Dudek
Norman and Marianne Duffy
Jonathan E. Dunay ’82
Jim and Maryann Eickelman
Eric and Jenny Engelke
Jim and Karen Evans
Todd and Fran Evans
Richard ’70 and Lisa Fedorovich
Richard ’69 and Paulette Fisher
Kenneth and Anne (Flynn ’04) Pulaski
Dr. Shannon Foster ’95 and Adam Smye-Rumsby
Jim and Ali Franz
Chris Freeman
Chris and Christine Fricker
Nathan M. Fulmer ’12
Dottie Gaffney
Janis Gallagher
Tim and Jill Gallagher
Jonathan and Gina (Spitalieri ’02) Gannon
Jerry ’71 and Tamara Gonsiewski
Lynn Gorman
Paul and Amy Goske
Gilbert ’68 and Marianne (McDermott ’84) Gradisar
Greg and Tricia Griffith
Kevin M. Griffith ’96
Shaun ’91 and Kippi Griffith
T. Kirk ’89 and Amy (Maynard ’89) Griffith
Michael ’70 and Sally Griffiths
Robert ’75 and Julianne (Musci ’78) Grimaldi
John and Christine Hahn
Steve and Cathy Hammersmith
Daniel ’92 and Patricia (Godzinski ’92) Hardman
Bernadette Harris
Joseph R. Harrison ’65
Mark and Nancy Hayden
Dennis and Kayne Hays
Paul ’65 and Dawna Heising
Jeff and Vicky Hemlick
Cody and Brianne Henninge
Demetrius and Kim Henry
John and Georgina (Groborchik ’79) Hermann
Rosemary Hickin ’86
Kevin Hillery and Barb Metzger
Mike and Heather Hoffman
James and Monica Holzapfel
Kenneth ’82 and Hillary Hudak
Paul ’57 and Patricia Hummel
Anthony and Angela (Spitalieri ’95) Ianiro
Bobby ’91 and Kristen (Howiler ’91) Johnson
Russell and Erin Johnson
Kelly L. Johnson ’89
Sir’ean ’03 and Wakita Johnson
Joseph ’61 and Margaret Joliet
Erik and Amy Jones
Danny & Laura Karam
Kurt and Laura Karhoff
Todd and Kelly Kennedy
Matthew ’02 and Kathleen Kinsinger
David ’67 and Susan Kirkendall
Edward ’59 and Leslie Kissel
John ’68 and Susan Klein
Steven and Shannon Kosko
John ’58 and Patricia Kovac
Peter ’81 and Annette Kratcoski
Rob and Leighann Krenz
Mark and Lori Krohn
Mark ’68 and Lisa Krosse
Nicholas ’99 and Tina Kukta
Dave and Cindy Kunce
Tracy Kusmits
Catarina LaGuardia
John ’65 and Vicki LaGuardia
Yang Lin and Li Wang
Timothy ’97 and Nela Lucey
David ’65 and Marsha Luff
John ’64 and Nancy Lupo
John and Alice (Maher ’76) Luse
Michael and Kristin MacDonald
Jim and Carrie MacLellan
Frank ’93 and Heidi Maltempi
Louis and Amie Mancine
Michael and Adrienne Manella
Thomas and Holly Marchese
Dr. Kevin ’87 and Helene Markowski
Josh and Elizabeth (Way ’97) Marks
James ’58 and Claudia Markwald
Chris and Karyn Martin
Susan Martin
Michael J. Marz ’81
Steven and Michelle Masica
Vince and Patti Massoli
Bill and Lin Mattingly
Peter ’64 and Susan Maynard
Russell and Tricia Mazzola
Rich and Rosaria McCarthy
James ’77 and Diana McCool
Donald ’65 and Jeannie McDaniel
Peter McDermott
Laura McDonald
Scott McVey
Robert and Babette Medcalf
Colin and Maria Meeker
Nathaniel ’96 and Jenny Michel
Edward ’83 and Tricia Mikula
Brian and Kathy Miller
Patrick and Julie Miller
Kenneth ’66 and Patricia Minrovic
Damon and Kally Mintz
Nick and Eileen Mlachak
Frank and Bonnie Monteleone
Matt and Maria Monter
Joe and Darcy Morris
Mark and Erika Moundros
Donald ’67 and Karen Mullen
Dr. James ’63 and Janet Mungo
Dennis ’57 and Brenda Murphy
Dr. Phillip ’64 and Loretta Nasrallah
Robert ’67 and Patricia Neidert
Al and Lisa Noe
Terry ’65 and Joyce Nolan
Bill and Mary Nolan
Mark and Stephanie Norton
Edward (’82) and Dr. Laura Novak
Marc and Colleen Nowacki
Dedee O’Neil
Aaron Otte
Derrick ’89 and Denise Owens
Kevin and Tanya Pantalone
Hazel Paris
Thomas ’79 and Dawne Paris
Michael and Julia Pasternak
John-Paul Paxton and Jennifer Popovsky
Kevin and Mary Peinkofer
Michael ’67 and Janet Pera
Dr. Charles ’59 and Therese Peter
Eric and Karen Petersen
Kathleen Piker-King and Fred King
Nelson Polack and Cynthia Andes-Polack
Chris and Jennifer Pollak
Marlon (’82) and Kathi Primes
Brian ’99 and Karrie (Mothersbaugh ’99) Pritt
Joseph ’71 and Cynthia Pritt
Kevin and Renee Radabaugh
Aaron and Jen Rasmussen
Bob and Cathy (Keller ’80) Reeves
Nicholas ’16 and Kelly (Reece ’16) Reeves
Brian ’05 and Tomilee Reilly
Mickey and Angie Remen
Anna Marie Reymann ’78
Michael ’84 and Stephanie Reymann
Stephen ’67 and Rose Reymann
Adrian and Kate Ribovich
William and Marcy Richards
David Richmond
William ’62 and Eileen Riley
Joe and Mary Rinaldi
Richard J. Rinella ’83
David ’61 and Joann Robb
Dr. Brandon ’99 and KeYanna Roberts
Pat and Nancy Roberts
Michael ’86 and Kristen Robinson
Chris Rojas and Heather MazeRojas
Kyp and Kym Ross
Nicholas ’77 and Joycie Rozumny
Terrence ’67 and Patricia Ruip
Dale A. Ruther ’77
John Ryan ’57
John A. Sahayda ’62
Alexander P. Salamon ’10
Jeff and Diane Salamon
Matt and Andrea Salmon
Dr. Lawrence and Marilou Saltis
Anthony ’73 and Ann Salvatore
Mike and Traci Sarver
Brian Saus ’90 and Catherine Perrow
Paul ’68 and Joy Scala
Samuel ’08 and Cassie Scala
William ’71 and Sally Scala
John ’82 and Christine Scheatzle
Ben and Jenn Schlater
Lewis and Kristi Seikel
Matthew and Melanie Sejba
Michael P. Sekel ’70
George ’75 and Cathryn Sesock
Dr. Joseph ’66 and Susan Shadeed
Alex and Gina Shannon
Joseph Shannon ’57
Jeffrey ’75 and Cynthia Sheeks
David ’64 and Martha Showers
Erick and Anna Siders
Patrick Sweeney and Margaret Sitko
Margaret (Reymann ’76) and Jack Skinner
Denise (Garro ’76) and Charles Slack
Jack L. Slinger ’64
Jack ’87 and Lisa Slinger
Dominic ’04 and Lindsey Spitalieri
Pete and Celeste Spitalieri
Vincent ’97 and Jennifer Spitalieri
Alexander ’07 and Alison Sprungle
Andrew ’05 and Alyssa Sprungle
Judith Steiner-Krajewski and John Krajewski
Jeffrey ’70 and Dana (Garro ’78) Stetz
Katelynn Stetz ’05
Patrick and Karyn Stetz
Daniel P. Steurer ’72
Mike and Stacey Stewart
Michael ’83 and Kristina Stiller
Lynne (Davis) Stone ’79
Rod and Samira Strata
Mark J. Stuecheli ’71
Thomas D. Stuecheli ’68
Lawrence ’64 and Nancy Stuhldreher
Roy and Melanie Stype
Dr. Donald ’78 and Melissa Sullivan
Patrick ’70 and Linda Sullivan
Art and Cindy Sunday
David ’79 and Kathleen Sutter
Steve Swann
Ernie and Amy Tarle
David E. Tarr ’77
James ’64 and Mary Tawney
David ’83 and Ann Tersigni
Dennis L. Testa ’64
Michael ’67 and Judy Thomas
Dr. G. Lawrence ’63 and Darlene Timpe
Todd and Kris Tonsing
Michael Toth
Tim and Julie Tyrrell
Robert O. Ulrich ’71
Christopher ’98 and Kristy Unton
Michael ’62 and Kathleen Urbano
Todd and Lisa Valendza
Dustin and Allison Vrabel
Mark and Patricia Waickman
David ’75 and Patricia (Bralek ’77) Wartko
Matthew ’99 and Audrey Wartko
Michael ’77 and Maureen Wartko
Thomas ’72 and Margaret Wartko
Cullen and Alisha Waugh
Jan Weirath
Wes Wenning
Lewis and Heather Wentz
Todd and Corey Westover
Patrick and Jena Wiedt
Dr. Craig ’67 and Carol Williams
John ’65 and Jean Wilsterman
Robert and Diane Woo
Mark and Gail Yakubowski
Robert ’66 and Mary Yanko
Robert ’68 and Stephanie Yomboro
Ryan and Sharron Young
Bernard ’64 and Janet Zaucha
Denise M. Zaucha ’90
Gerald ’88 and Jacqueline Zaucha
Joseph Zaucha ’83 and Dr. Silvia Cardenas
Julie A. Zaucha ’87
Lisa M. Zaucha ’82
Ronald ’58 and Rose Zaucha
Dave and Gwen Zielasko
Paul J. Zraik ’89
ORGANIZATIONS
965 Midwest Challenge
Akron Children's Hospital Medical Ctr.
Akron Community Foundation
Alco-Chem Mandala Products
All Pro Sportscards
Amore Services LTD
Bober Markey Fedorovich
Boreman Norton Cook
Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC
Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP
Burkholder Family Foundation
Chas E. Slusser Agency, Inc.
Clearstead Advisors LLC
Constellation Energy
Custom Apparel
David M. & Martha Showers
Family Foundation
Dermatologic Surgery Center of Northeast Ohio
Don Wartko Construction, Inc.
Engelke Construction Solutions
Fairchance Construction Co
Folds of Honor Foundation
FortyTWO Event Production
Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Hamad Family Charity Golf Outing
Hoffman Family Foundation
Huntington Bank
J. W. Didado Electric, Inc.
Kelly Reeves Memorial Foundation
Koala Kruizers
M.G. O'Neil Foundation
Military Aviation Preservation Society
Momentum Wealth Partners LLC
Nardone Holdings LLC
NOIA Foundation
Our Lady of Victory Church
Papa Roni's Pizza
Petitti Garden Centers
Portal Associates, Inc.
Precious Cargo
Prep Gridiron Logistics LLC
Ralph L. & Florence A. Bernard Foundation
Raskob Foundation for Catholic Charities
St. Hilary Church
St. Vincent de Paul School
Synthomer Foundation
The Burton D. Morgan Foundation
The House of LaRose
The K Company, Inc.
The Maynard Family Foundation
The Mintz Group
The PAS Foundation
Thompson Electric, Inc.
VanDevere Chevrolet
Warmus and Associates
Wentz Financial Group
"Thank you! With your support, I continue to grow in the familial and welcoming environment at Hoban. I aspire to one day practice medicine. Thank you for helping me to achieve my full potential so I can one day help others."
AVERY NEUGEBAUER ’27
HEARTS AND MINDS SOCIETY
The Hearts and Minds Society honors our most generous alumni and friends, whose vision and support enable Hoban to accomplish its boldest goals for building a world-class academic environment, enhancing the Hoban experience through lifetime gifts of $25,000 and above.
INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous Friends of Hoban
Anthony Alexander
Victor ’98 and Abby Alexander
Karin Allen
Roy Allen (deceased)
Mark ’72 and Michele Allio
Fred Ambach
Joseph ’67 and Heather Antonucci
Charles ’68 and Lynn Asente
Dr. David ’58 and Nancy Auth
John ’71 and Karen Bader
Christopher ’01 and Alison Baranek
Dr. Robert ’66 and Darlene Baranek
Shawn ’65 and Margaret Bayes
Dr. Mary Anne and Michael Beiting
Paul ’80 and Joanie Belair
Adam Bernard
Ralph V and Florence V Bernard
Ralph L. Bernard ’62
William and Pamela Bernard
Nicholas and Michelle Bisconti
Joseph T. Bolognue ’60
Steven and Julieann Brandle
David V and Ann V Brennan
James F. Burke ’67
Dr. James ’95 and Lori Burke
Steven ’88 and Tiffany Cavanaugh
James V and Barbara Censky
Robert Cohen and Nikki Baumann
Frank Comunale
Captain Richard ’64 and Shirley Conner
Christopher ’78 and Teresa (McGuinness ’78) Considine
William ’65 and Rebecca Considine
Russell and Deborah Corwin
Matthew and Theresa Coyne
Angela and Patrick Craig
Regina and Tony Dain
Joseph and Tracy Dankoff
Mark and Teresa Davey
Dr. Elizabeth A. Davies ’77
Gregory ’72 and Alix Davis
Mark ’73 and Dawn Deaton
Brian ’00 and Patricia DeCenzo
Kenneth and Kathy DeCrane
Michael J. Del Medico ’73
David and Anne DiCola
Lee V and Dorothy V DiCola
Anthony and Cynthia Didado
Gary and Rhonda Didado
Franklin V and Delores V Dietzler
Steven ’79 and Tina Dimengo
Paul V and Jane V Drexler
Drs. Gregory Droba and Elaine Markowski
J. Christopher and Patricia Easton
Emily (Maynard ’91) and Matt Eckart
James and Karen Evans
Richard ’70 and Lisa Fedorovich
Jacob and Janet Frego
Cynthia Frola
John L. Frola ’86
Michele Frola
Janis Gallagher
Jerry ’71 and Tamara Gonsiewski
Lynn Gorman
Paul and Amy Goske
Greg and Tricia Griffith
T. Kirk ’89 and Amy (Maynard ’89) Griffith
Michael ’70 and Sally Griffiths
Robert ’75 and Julianne (Musci ’78) Grimaldi
Br. Kenneth Haders
Stephen and Catherine Hammersmith
Bernadette Harris
J. Michael and Olivia Hochschwender
Michael and Heather Hoffman
Steven and Meg Hopp
Kenneth ’82 and Hillary Hudak
Carl and Georgia Hummel
Brinton and Julie Hyde
Angela (Spitalieri ’95) and Anthony Ianiro
Bobby ’91 and Kristen (Howiler ’91) Johnson
Joseph ’61 and Margaret Joliet
Eric Jones and Bob Kish
Erik Jones and Amy Corrigall Jones
Joel ’84 V and Kristin Kallman
Joseph ’61 V and Sandra Kalmar
John Kelly
Br. Paul Kelly V
Edward ’59 and Leslie Kissel
John ’68 and Susan Klein
Adam ’92 and Kathryn Koly
Kevin and Therese V Kramer
Robert and Leighann Krenz
Catherine (Wartko ’80) and David ’78 Krummel
John P. Kukta ’64
David and Cynthia Kunce
Edward Lariccia V
Frank J. LaRose ’74
Mark ’75 and Marianne (Varca ’74) LaRose
James and Lori Lawrence
David and Janice Logsdon (Janice deceased)
John ’64 and Nancy Lupo
Neil Mann III
Paul V and JoAnn V Marcinkoski
Dr. Kevin ’87 and Helene Markowski
Michael E. Markowski ’82 V
James ’58 and Claudia Markwald
Paul and Michele Marshall
Christopher and Karyn Martin
Susan Martin
Michael J. Marz ’81
Dr. Richard ’79 and Sonja May
Marian Maynard
Philip ’60 and Tomiko Maynard
Richard and Rosaria McCarthy
James ’77 and Diana McCool
Charles V and Rosalie V McDermott
Dr. Daniel and Nancy McMahon
Lee and Sandra McMannis
Joseph McMullin
Scott McVey
Margaret and Tom Medzie
Brian and Kathy Miller
Patrick and Julie Miller
Damon and Kally Mintz
James J. Mong ’62
Joseph and Darcy Morris
John ’64 V and Theresa Mueller
The Estate of Mark M. Mueller
Donald ’67 and Karen Mullen
Dr. James ’63 and Janet Mungo
Dennis ’57 and Brenda Murphy
Dr. Phillip ’64 and Loretta Nasrallah
Robert ’67 and Patricia Neidert
Terry ’65 and Joyce Nolan
William and Mary Nolan
Nevin and Laura Nussbaum
Rory ’61 V and Diane O’Neil
Gregory J. O’Neill ’70
Joan Olszeski
Derrick ’89 and Denise Owens
Samuel and Mary Josephine Parri
Ara V and Kathleen Parseghian
Louis and Joan Perry
Dr. Charles ’59 and Therese Peter
Virginia Peter V
Jim and Bev Peters
Kathleen Piker-King and Fred King
Guenter ’61 and Wendy Posjena
Kevin and Renee Radabaugh
Les ’60 V and Linda Radwany
Roger and Sally Read
Joseph ’83 and Nicole (Peter ’83) Redle
Cathy (Keller ’80) and Bob Reeves
Robert and Lisa Reffner
Thomas and Maureen Reilly
Michael and Angie Remen
Joseph and Mary Rinaldi
Richard Rinella ’83
Mike and Karen Ritenour
David ’61 and Joann Robb
Christopher Rojas and Heather Maze-Rojas
Dale A. Ruther ’77
Dr. Nancy Ryland and William Pepple
Gregory R. Sain ’68
Jeffrey and Diane Salamon
George and Diane Sarkis
Michael and Traci Sarver
Brian Saus ’90 and Catherine Perrow
Paul ’68 and Joy Scala
Samuel ’08 and Cassie Scala
William ’71 and Sally Scala
William ’06 and Kathryn Scala
John ’82 and Christine Scheatzle
Benjamin and Jennifer Schlater
Frederick ’95 and Tami Schmitt
Thomas and JoAnn Semans
Joseph ’57 and Carole V Shannon
Jeffrey ’75 and Cynthia Sheeks
David ’64 and Martha Showers
Jack L. Slinger ’64
Kevin and Brenda Spear
Peter and Celeste Spitalieri
Br. James Spooner
Judith Steiner-Krajewski and John Krajewski
Jeffrey ’70 and Dana (Garro ’78) Stetz
Michael ’83 and Kristina Stiller
Theodore and Rita Stitzel
Marilyn Stripe
Mark J. Stuecheli ’71
Thomas D. Stuecheli ’68
Robert and Cindy (Boland ’81) Stull
Dr. Patrick ’71 and Rose Sturm
Roy and Melanie V Stype
Dr. Donald ’78 and Melissa Sullivan
Arthur and Cynthia Sunday
Dennis ’64 and Patricia V Testa
Randall Theken
David ’67 and Karen Thomas
Michael ’67 and Judy Thomas
Dr. G. Lawrence ’63 and Darlene
Timpe
Timothy and Julie Tyrrell
Irene Volchko V
David and Charlotte Waddell
Jean Palmer Wade V
David ’75 and Patricia (Bralek ’77) Wartko
Doris Wartko V
Michael ’77 and Maureen Wartko
Ronald ’74 and Jan Wartko
Thomas ’72 and Margaret Wartko
Mary J. Weirath
Lewis and Heather Wentz
Corey and Todd Westover
Dr. Craig ’67 and Carol Williams
Edward ’63 and Lucia Wise
Michael and Allison Wojno
T. Mark and Gail Yakubowski
Bernard ’64 and Janet Zaucha
Julie A. Zaucha ’87
Ronald ’58 and Rose Zaucha
Angelo ’07 and Nicole Zimbardi
ORGANIZATIONS
965 Midwest Challenge
AAA Akron Automobile Club
Akron Children’s Hospital
Medical Ctr.
Akron Community Foundation
Alco-Chem Mandala Products
All Pro Sportscards
Allen Aircraft Products, Inc.
Associates of Saint Joseph
B.R.’s Landscape Construction
Bahmer Family Charity Golf Outing
Bober Markey Fedorovich
Brothers of Holy Cross
Brothers of Holy Cross
Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP
Catholic Community Foundation-Diocese of Cleveland
Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Foundation
Chas E. Slusser Agency, Inc.
David M. & Martha Showers
Family Foundation
Diocese of Cleveland
Don Wartko Construction, Inc.
Estate of James E. Seibert
GAR Foundation
Haslam Sports Group
Hoban Alumni Association
Hoban Booster Club
Hoban Parents Club
Hoffman Family Foundation
Huntington Bank
J. W. Didado Electric, Inc.
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Jones Group Interiors, Inc
K Nova LLC
Kelly Reeves Memorial Foundation
Kenmore Construction Company, Inc.
Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust, KeyBank, Trustee
Louis Perry & Associates, Inc.
M.G. O’Neil Foundation
National Philanthropic Trust
NOIA Foundation
Ohio Attorney General
Ohio Department of Education
Ralph L. & Florence A. Bernard Foundation
Raskob Foundation for Catholic Charities
Reymond Products International Inc.
Sisters of the Humility of Mary Standard Printing Company
Stark Community Foundation
The Akron Automobile Club Safety Fund
The Burton D. Morgan
Foundation
The Cafaro Foundation
The House of LaRose
The Jean P. Wade Foundation
The Joan M. and Louis B. Perry
Family Foundation
The K Company, Inc.
The Lee J. DiCola Charitable Fund
The Lehner Family Foundation
The Maynard Family Foundation
The Mintz Group
The PAS Foundation
The Sisler McFawn Foundation
The Van Devere Bunch, Inc.
Tulsa Community Foundation
VanDevere Chevrolet
Wentz Family Foundation
Wentz Financial Group
Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
"Thanks
to your gracious help,
I
have been able to receive a wonderful education at Hoban and will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
ZION JACKSON ’25
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
The Hoban Trust Fund oversees the school's endowment to provide for Hoban's future. Each year, a percentage of the Trust Fund's assets are allocated to provide students with merit and need-based scholarships, ensuring a premier Holy Cross education remains accessible for qualified students.
Anyone can make a gift to the following existing endowed funds. For information on establishing a new, fully endowed scholarship, contact T.K. Griffith ’89 at griffitht@hoban.org.
Class of ’57/Shannon Endowed Scholarship
Class of 1960 Scholarship
Class of 1962 Scholarship
Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship
Class of ’67 Scholarship
Class of ’79 Scholarship
Class of ’99 Scholarship
Alumni/Unrestricted Scholarship Fund
Associates of St. Joseph Scholarship
Aylward Family Scholarship
Marie Baboila ’77 Memorial Scholarship
John and Karen Bader Family Scholarship
John P. (Jack) Bahmer Scholarship Fund
Ralph L. & Florence A. Bernard Scholarship
Saint Brendan/Annie Moore Scholarship
Burke Family Scholarship
Burkholder Family Foundation Scholarship
Brother James Caley, CSC Memorial Scholarship
Clem Caraboolad Memorial Scholarship
Robert Cohen Scholarship
Frank Clarke Comunale and Philip H Maynard Leadership Scholarship
Gene & Howard Considine Family Scholarship
Coudriet Family Memorial Scholarship
The Dankoff Family Endowed
Scholarship
Davey Family Scholarship
Joseph P. Davis Memorial Scholarship
Chris & Mary Anne DeCenzo Family Scholarship
Del Medico Family Scholarship
Daniel Jay Dietzler ’68 Memorial Scholarship
Antoinette & Patsy DiMauro Family Scholarship
Steven A. Dimengo ’79 Scholarship
Sergeant Johnnie Downs Family Scholarship
Drexler Family Scholarship
Richard J. Duffy Memorial Scholarship
East Akron Minority Scholarship
"Sam Strong" - The Samuel Eaton Endowment Scholarship
Lawrence Fanelli Memorial Scholarship
John J. & Marge Fedorovich Family Scholarship
Foley/Kelly Family Scholarship
Brother Joseph Fox CSC Scholarship
Sandra A. Freeman Scholarship
GAR Minority Scholarship
Pat & Rita Garro Memorial Scholarship
GAR Foundation Scholarship
Cheryl Lynn (DiCola) Grescovich ’83 Memorial Scholarship
Tim Griffith ’66 & Tom Goodall ’66 Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Penny Griffith Scholarship
Anthony M. Grimaldi ’05 Memorial Scholarship
Growing Local Leaders Scholarship
The Hamad Family Scholarship
Hammersmith Family Scholarship
Dick Harris Family Scholarship
David Michael Henry Memorial Scholarship
Holy Cross Legends Scholarship
Howiler/Johnson Family Scholarship
The Juliette (Hromco ’94) Goldstein Family Scholarship
Sisters of the Humility of Mary Scholarship
Mildred Hunsicker-Stella Watkins Memorial Scholarship
Wayne M. Jones ’72 Scholarship
The Tom Kearns Sleeper Scholarship Award
Brother Paul Kelly, CSC Scholarship
Michael Kempel ’66 Scholarship
Krajewski Family Scholarship
Kukta Family Scholarship
Jean & John Lanshe Scholarship
LaRose Family Scholarship
Brothers LeBon and Libbers Memorial Scholarship
Alexander W. Lin Memorial Scholarship
Richard (Dick) Malloy Memorial Scholarship
Marcinkoski Family Scholarship
Markowski Family Scholarship
Norman Maynard Scholarship
Rev. Thomas McCann ’59-Immaculate Heart of Mary Scholarship
McDermott Family Scholarship
McIntyre Family Scholarship
Kassie McMullin Family Scholarship
Memorial Scholarship Fund
Morris Family Scholarship
Mueller Family Scholarship
Donald C. ’67, Karen, & Derek ’93 Mullen Scholarship
Dr. James F. ’63 and Janet Mungo Scholarship
Murphy Family Scholarship
Richard D. Murray Christian Life Scholarship
Terry Nolan Family Scholarship
Hugh M. O’Neil ’63 Scholarship
Tony & Hazel Paris Family Scholarship
Peter Family Scholarship
Josef & Helene Posjena Memorial Scholarship
Raymond J. Pritt ’58 & Family Memorial Scholarship
Les "Bulldog" Radwany Scholarship Fund
Kelly Reeves Memorial Scholarship
Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation Scholarship
Clement & Margie Reymann Scholarship
Rev. Paul J. Rosing Scholarship
The Ruip Family Scholarship
Sister Stephanie Mueller Memorial Scholarship
David F. Sain ’73 Memorial
Scholarship
Scala Family Scholarship
The Schlater Family Scholarship
Schmitt Family Scholarship
Don & Doris Schubert Scholarship
David M. ’64 & Martha A. Showers Scholarship
Sisler McFawn Scholarship
Steve & Rita Sitko Family Scholarship
Slinger Family Scholarship
SP1SP2 Scholarship
Stephen P. Stetz ’07 Memorial Scholarship
Conrad E. Stuecheli Memorial Scholarship
Stype Family Math & Science Scholarship
Francis & Rose Sullivan Scholarship
Henry Thomas Family Scholarship
Dr. G. Lawrence ’63 & Darlene Timpe Scholarship
Sharon (Brown ’86) Ulman Memorial Scholarship
James Shannon Vocke ’68 Memorial Scholarship
Donald A. Wartko Family Scholarship
Peggy Wichman Scholarship
Zaucha Family Scholarship
Rev. B. Thomas Zeisig-St. Eugene Scholarship
ENDOWED PROJECT FUNDS
Class of 1962 3D Print Room
GAR Faculty Endowment
Brothers of Holy Cross Mission Endowment
Jerry ’71 & Tamara Gonsiewski Work Crew Fund
David & Janice Logsdon Teachers Fund
Jeff & Peg Schobert "Mock
"As a senior, I participate in cross country, wrestling and tennis. I take my education seriously and strive to do my very best. Next year, I hope to continue my education at the US Naval Academy."
JAMES "TAD" HOLZAPFE ’25
SCHOLARSHIPS NOT YET ENDOWED
Tony and Martha DiMauro Scholarship
Steven C. & Anna Guban Scholarship
Hoban Hope Scholarship Johnson Family Black Excellence Scholarship
David T. & Donna Marie F. Kaminsky Scholarship
Robert M. Mandala Memorial Scholarship
Marz Family Scholarship
Patrick Mattes Family Scholarship The Scaduto/Srail Scholarship
Shamrock Cultural Charities Scholarship
Victoria & Terry Spoonster Scholarship
Tarle Family Scholarship
Tyrrell Family Scholarship
Urbano Family Scholarship
John T. Waller ’64 Memorial Scholarship
NON-ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
Knights Ohio Tax Credit Fund
Donna Ray ’83 Memorial Scholarship Spitalieri Family Italian American Scholarship
Scholarship donors are invited to an annual luncheon, where they connect with students whose educational journeys are made possible through their generosity.
1960s
Jeff Ardnt ’64 was inducted into the Ohio Football Coaches Hall of Fame on June 13.
1970s
Mike Firtha ’71, president of Inclusioneers, accepted the University of Akron Community Engagement Award on behalf of the nonprofit organization for their service to the Summit County community. Inclusioneers is a local organization that designs and engineers projects that eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.
2000s
Michelle (Webb ’03) Baechel and Crystal Webb ’09 are both in remission after battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Rebecca (Mayors ’06) and Matthew ’03 Considine welcomed their third child, Julian Matthew, in December.
2010s
Ryan Arto ’12 was ordained to the priesthod by Bishop Edward Malesic, alongside six others, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland. He serves as parochial vicar at St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village.
Sean Robbins ’12 was named the owner of Kent Automation and Kent Pultrusion.
Kaleigh Roop ’12 was named head softball coach and assistant athletic director at Mount Mary University.
Lauren Donatelli ’13 married Timothy Wiersma on Aug. 10, 2024. Lauren is a second-generation Knight, daughter of Erin (Gallagher ’89) and Tony ’87 Donatelli.
Olivia Bittner ’16 and Colton Foster ’12 were married on November 23 at the University of Dayton Chapel. Although they are both Hoban alumni, they met later in life at the University of Dayton. Their wedding day was celebrated by several other Hoban alumni, Megan Dunn ’16, Eric Maynard ’12, Julia Bittner ’12, Emily Dunn ’15 and Joey Santucci ’16.
James Parisi ’16 was ordained to the priesthod by Bishop Edward Malesic, alongside six others, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland. He serves as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in Painsville.
Samantha Rinaldo ’16 married William Zisk in a civil union on July 2, 2021, before Will's deployment. The couple celebrated their union at Immaculate Heart of Mary on July 5.
Alexandra Sheldon ’16 graduated from Ohio State University College of Medicine in May and matched into Orthopaedic Surgery at Ohio State, where she will complete her surgical training over the next five years.
Armbrust ’17 and Jonathan Davis were married on December 28, 2024, in the mountains of Alaska.
Emily
Jonathan Banks ’17 and Meg Lyren ’17 were married on July 19 in Cleveland. Hoban alumni in attendance included Connor Banks ’19, Alex Illitch ’17, Jaret Corwin ’17, Lauryn Clark ’17, Daisha Hawkins ’17, Allison Bailey ’17, Evan Dannemiller ’17, Joe Brode ’17, Rachel Chessar ’17, Makenzie Deighen ’17, Tyler Lyren ’14, Brian Race ’14 and Charlie Malen ’24.
Cameron Ferrell ’17 was ordained a transitional decon on April 12 by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost. Deacon Cameron will serve the Diocese of Cleveland at St. Ladislas Parish in Westlake as he continues his final year of studies and preparation for ordination to the priesthood in May of 2026.
Laney Jones ’17 was named the softball pitching coach at Div I George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Also pictured is Alexandria Whitmore ’18.
2020s
Maia Ferry ’21 received the 2024-25 Outstanding Sociology Senior Award at Kent State University. The award's purpose is to recognize one outstanding senior in the sociology major and is based on academic record, leadership and university and community service. Maia entered Kent's MA/PhD Sociology program in the fall.
From left to right: Andrew Knight ’17, John Bozzelli ’17, Brandon Eckman ’17, Lance, Ellen, Conner Maloy ’17, Jacob Wagner ’17, Brian Cuppett ’17, Logan Harding ’17 and Danny Eckman ’17
Alexandria Whitmore ’18 was named an assistant softball coach at Kent State University.
Update your information and submit content to be published in the Hoban Magazine
Visit hoban.org/AlumniUpdate to notify us of your recent changes and accomplishments (i.e., career and professional achievements, weddings, births, awards, etc.) to be included in the magazine. You can also email whitem@hoban.org Accompanying photographs can be submitted for publication in the magazine.
Lily Sargent ’17 married Albert Hehr IV on June 28. Lily was also promoted to Academy Director for Cleveland Ballet.
Lance Talmage III ’17 married Ellen Peters on May 10 at St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles, Ohio.
ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD, REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
1950s
John Grey Jr., Class of 1958, died Jan. 17.
1960s
Jerald Skoff, Class of 1960, died March 5.
Leo "Ted" Kempel, Class of 1960, died June 3.
Frederick Dettling, Class of 1961, died Oct. 20, 2020. Father of Deborah (Dettling ’90) Agpoon; brother of Louis ’57 (d); uncle of Dylan Dettling ’92
Dennis Hoskins, Class of 1963, died May 14.
Jerome Pecko, Class of 1964, died June 7. Brother of Joe Pecko ’71 and Maureen (Pecko ’76) Prebynski.
Lawrence Biskner, Class of 1965, died April 19. Brother of Stephen ’69 (d), Edward ’74 and Bernard ’78 (d) Biskner.
Carl Nitz, Class of 1965, died Nov. 22, 2007.
Daniel Luff, Class of 1966, died April 6. Brother of Larry ’64 (d), Dave ’65, Paul ’70 and Brian ’75; uncle of Kristen (Luff ’92) Parker and Courtney (Luff ’96) Siedlecki; great-uncle of Olivia Parker ’22 and Sydney Parker ’27.
Paul Musci, Class of 1966, died April 7. Brother of Al ’68 and Juli (Musci ’78) Grimaldi; brother-in-law of Tim Murty ’59 and Bob Grimaldi ’75; uncle of Brian Murty ’88, Anthony ’05 (d), Nick ’07 and Pat ’09 Grimaldi.
William Grow, Class of 1967, died May 25, 2022. Brother of John ’62.
John White, Class of 1967, died May 6. Father of Phil ’99 and Sarah (White ’05) Sheppard; father-in-law of Sarah White, Hoban employee.
Richard Williams, Class of 1967, died May 15. Brother of Robert Williams ’62.
Anthony Montana, Class of 1967, died June 3. Father of Rose (Montana ’04) Carducci.
Stephen Biskner, Class of 1969, died April 19. Brother of Lawrence ’65 (d), Edward ’74 and Bernard ’78 (d) Biskner.
1970s
Gregory Novak, Class of 1970, died June 13. Brother of Chester ’67 and Vince ’81 Novak.
Harry Vezzani, Class of 1971, died April 4. Brother of Dennis Vezzani ’65.
Michael Dell Angelo, Class of 1973, died March 4.
James Beringer, Class of 1974, died Feb. 21. Father of Alan Beringer ’98.
David Griesmer, Class of 1976, died Nov. 2, 2020. Brother of Michael ’75, Lisa (Griesmer ’79) Schroeder and Daniel ’89 Griesmer.
Bernard Biskner, Class of 1978, died Jan. 1. Brother of Lawrence ’65 (d), Stephen ’69 (d) and Edward ’74.
Mark Roland, Class of 1979, died in July 2015.
Audrey (Mizerock) Harper, Class of 1979, died April 8, 2012.
1980s
Doreen (Knapp) Riley, Class of 1981, died Jan. 26. Sister of Mark ’80, Kelly (Knapp ’84) Blay and Ray ’89 Knapp; sister-in-law of Gretchen (Pfieffer ’90) Knapp; aunt of Olivia ’18, Caroline ’19 and Harrison ’23 Blay, Catie ’20 and Allison ’22 Knapp.
Tiffany Wright, Class of 1985, died April 8. Sister of Toccata (Wright ’88) Murphy and Takina Wright ’90.
Ann Marie (Porpora) Nikirk, Class of 1986, died June 23. Sister of Michael ’82, Mark ’83 and Steve ’87 (d) Porpora; niece of John Demko ’62 (d); aunt of Andrew Porpora ’23.
2000s
William Cardina, Class of 2008, died Feb. 16. Brother of Isabella Cardina ’10.
Friends of Hoban
Thomas Alexander, Sr. died March 23. Father of Thomas Jr. ’79, John ’81, Edward ’83, James ’86 and Michael ’89; father-inlaw of Lora (Pianelli ’81) Alexander, Mary (Hudak ’90) Alexander; grandfather of Rachel ’22, Max ’22 and Jackson ’22 and Addyson ’26 Alexander.
James Belinsky died June 21. Father of Debra (Belinsky ’86) Perkins; father-in-law of Michael Perkins ’86; grandfather of Haley Perkins ’18.
Donald Conklin died March 9. Father of Kelley (Conklin ’95) Doss and Jen (Conklin ’99) Sunderland; grandfather of Colin Doss ’23 and Bella Doss ’28; brother-inlaw of Joe Barbieri ’68.
Judith Coyne died Feb. 15. Mother-inlaw of Hoban employee Theresa Coyne; grandmother of Matt ’19 and Colin ’23 Coyne.
Marcia Cummins died Feb. 24. Motherin-law of Hoban Board Member Jeff Salamon; grandmother of Luke ’09 and Eileen ’13 Cummins, Alexander ’10, Jacob ’13 and Christian ’16 Salamon.
Rosalie Danko died June 9. Mother of Dennis ’71 and Tom ’74 Danko.
Shirley DeCheco died May 30. Mother of Nathan DeCheco ’07.
Peggy Hoskins died July 3, 2020. Spouse of Denny Hoskins ’63 (d).
Rosella Howieson died Oct. 7, 2024. Mother of Gary Howieson ’64.
Rosaline Klaben died March 18. Grandmother of Alison ’15 and AJ ’17 Klaben.
Joyce Krejsa died April 27. Mother-inlaw of Hoban employee Jennifer Krejsa; grandmother of Jessica ’26 and Julia ’28 Krejsa.
Ruth Loss died April 24. Mother-in-law of Jeff Zaucha ’94; grandmother of Rylee ’24 and Makenna ’26 Zaucha.
Robert Lucey died June 26. Father of Bob ’96 and Hoban employee Tim ’97; father-in-law of Jackie (Cooley ’96) Lucey; grandfather of Ava ’23, Sophia ’26, Josh ’26, Brady ’26 and Jack ’29 Lucey.
JoAnn Marcinkoski died Jan. 17.
Spouse of former Board Member Paul Marcinkoski (d); mother of Thomas ’75, Joan (Marcinkoski ’76) Kolodzik, Beth (Marcinkoski ’78) Altieri, Ann (Marcinkoski ’81) Gruska, Laura Jo (Marcinkoski ’83) Hawk and Jenifer (Marcinkoski ’86) Burt; mother-in-law of Robert Gruska ’82; grandmother of Lauren (Gruska ’10) Steudler and Hoban teacher Austin Hawk ’16.
Joseph Martis Jr. died June 25. Father of Melissa (Martis ’96) McClelland and Beth (Martis ’97) Hradesky.
James Misanko Sr. died June 2, 2024. Father of Jim Misanko ’75.
Kimberly Murphy died March 30. Mother of Sam Murphy ’28.
Laura Neidert died Feb. 14. Daughter of Bob Neidert ’67; niece of John Neidert ’64; cousin of Paul Merda ’88.
Judith Pennington died May 25. Aunt of Hoban employee Kate Ribovich; great aunt of Anna ’25 and Lauren ’27 Ribovich.
Imogene Pennington died June 30.
Grandmother of Hoban employee Kate Ribovich, great grandmother of Anna ’25 and Lauren ’27 Ribovich.
Kenneth Redfern died March 13, 2019.
Father of James Redfern ’95; uncle of Marla ’04 and Sara ’06 Testa.
Mary Redfern died March 6. Mother of James Redfern ’95; aunt of Marla ’04 and Sara ’06 Testa.
Nicholas Rozumny died April 23. Father of Nick ’77, Steve ’81 and Rod ’83 Rozumny; grandfather of Brian Rozumny ’16.
Michael Schmitz died June 1. Former Hoban football coach from 1988-1991.
Edward Steinkerchner died April 20. Father of Hoban employee Nancy Roberts; grandfather of Erica ’16, Nicole ’18 and Jackie ’20 Roberts.
Sylvia Stull died June 13, 2023. Grandmother of Nick Kukta ’99, Kristen Kukta ’02 and Lauren (Kukta ’07) Keith; mother-in-law of Ken Frank ’71.
Melanie Stype died April 10. Mother of Amanda Stype ’04.
Hans Warmenhoven died June 6. Father of Claudia (Warmenhoven ’75) Folt, Rosemary Warmenhoven ’79) and Gabriella (Warmenhoven’82) Matus.
Doris Wartko, one of Hoban's most devoted supporters and family members, died June 2. Doris and her late husband, Donald, steadfastly supported Hoban and Catholic education for more than 60 years. As a dedicated parent of five children to attend Hoban: Tom (Class of 1972), Ron (Class of 1974), Dave (Class of 1975), Mike (Class of 1977), and Cathi (Class of 1980) Krummel, Doris was an active and integral member of the Hoban community.
Doris, alongside Donald, was a familiar presence at school events—grilling sausages at Oktoberfests, preparing meals for athletic team banquets, and taking a leading role in the "Save Hoban" campaign, which ultimately ensured the school’s continued existence.
Doris was the ultimate matriarch of the Wartko family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her family was the center of her world. Everyone who knew Doris knew how much she loved sports, especially Notre Dame. A typical Saturday during football season entailed Doris dressing in her Notre Dame gear, sitting in her chair, watching College GameDay to hear the predictions followed by watching her beloved Fighting Irish with Rosery in hand. One of her family’s favorite memories of her we will cherish forever.
Doris co-founded Don Wartko Construction Inc. with Donald, an everlasting legacy she is leaving behind. She has been an active supporter of her parish, Our Lady of Victory.
The published notices have been received January 1 to June 30, 2025. Please email the office of advancement at advancement@hoban.org to notify us of a death within the Hoban community.
hoban.org/alumni/we-remember
KASSIE'S SONG
When Kassie McMullin ’92 was a freshman at Kent State, she pulled a phone number off a bulletin board. It was for a job to become a quasi-health aid to a quadriplegic student named David, who had been injured in a car accident. Kassie got the job, and over the next three years, she and David became best friends. Kassie would give until it hurts, taking care of David’s every need while building a friendship of love and trust. She loved giving to others and thrived on making a difference. When Kassie had the opportunity to move to Atlanta with friends, David urged her to spread her wings. His selflessness led to her meeting her husband, Mike Biglow, and become a mother to their son, Mikey, just 10 months prior to her death.
By: T.K. Griffith ’89
“When she saw me in the hallways, her beautiful face would light up and she would literally scream my name with pure joy, not caring who would see her, or what they thought,” Colli said.
Over the years, Kassie tried volleyball, tennis and track and field. While the effects of Lupis impacted her play, the “win” for her was that she was staying active. The win for everyone around her was to interact with this resilient soul.
Kassie’s father, Joe, shares the details of this story as he wipes tears from his eyes. Joe’s wife, Mary Jane, passed away in 2021. The two met in the registrar’s office at St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia. Mary Jane worked as a receptionist and Joe was over his psychology classes and hoping to move on to political science. Joe enjoyed a career working for the FBI office in Akron. He and Mary Jane raised three kids at Holy Family Parish in Stow and sent two of them to Hoban—Maureen ’86 and Kassie ’92—and one to Walsh—Joe Jr. ’88.
Kassie was in line to follow in her siblings’ footsteps as a studentathlete, and her father saw the potential in her early. Joe coached CYO basketball, coaching Maureen. He waited a few more years to coach Kassie, who was always present at Maureen’s practices and games—dribbling on the side. From an early age, it was obvious that Kassie had it: passion, intellect and a feel for the game.
One Saturday, Maureen and her fifth-grade team were blowing out the opponent. CYO Athletic Director Mary Anne King suggested that Joe let Kassie, a second grader still, play in the fourth quarter. He threw her in, and she made her first shot. While the game went back downcourt, she stayed and jumped up and down, jubilantly celebrating her accomplishment. Kassie won several CYO championships with her teams, but everything changed for her when bruising on her legs revealed a dangerously low platelet number entering her eighth-grade year. Doctors recommended removing her spleen, and later, a rheumatologist diagnosed Kassie with Lupus, forever detouring her athletic career.
Kassie’s years at Hoban were marked with great friendships and a close-knit class. One of her best friends, Amy (Tomits ’92) Colli, recalls seeing her in the hallways between classes at Hoban.
“I remember when she got shingles while we were in high school and I visited her in the hospital,” Colli said. “She was blaring Billy Joel’s Only the Good Die Young. I was amazed at her strength and resilience and realized at that time how fragile her health was.”
Kassie was cast as the lead role in Hoban's production of Fools during her senior year.
Kassie even tried out for the school play. When she got home to deliver the news that she made the cast, her dad replied, “What are you playing, a tree?” She had earned the lead role.
The year after Kassie died, her family was struck by how many times they saw butterflies every time they stepped outside. Ironically, the symbol of the Lupus Foundation is a butterfly. David (her college friend) wrote a compelling letter to NBC’s Today Show that won the coveted Green Book Auction and eventually resulted in Kassie’s name serving as a catalyst for hundreds of thousands of dollars for Lupus research. The Lupus Foundation has established a permanent research grant in her name.
The butterfly effect is a phenomenon whereby a small impact or action can result in massive change. Kassie’s life embodies this principle and teaches transcendent life lessons. Kassie, the second grader who danced and jumped when making a basket reminds us to hold on to the heart of a child in a world that often hardens our emotions. Kassie, the high school student who took a chance to try out for the school play and landed the lead, reminds us to take chances and be brave. Kassie, the college freshman who took a job as a caregiver for a peer in need, shows us the value of raw service in the face of adversity
Now, Kassie and her legacy are forever embedded in Hoban. Joe recently established an endowed scholarship for Hoban students in her memory, serving as yet another way Kassie continues to give back to others.
KNIGHTS OHIO TAX CREDIT FUND
SUPPORT STUDENTS AND RECEIVE AN OHIO TAX CREDIT
The Knights Ohio Tax Credit Fund is Hoban’s Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), and was created to allow donors to make donations to support tuition assistance for Hoban students while also receiving eligibility for an Ohio tax credit. It is a dollar-for-dollar credit but is limited to the lesser of $750 for an individual (or $1,500 if married filing jointly) or the donor’s related State of Ohio tax liability.
NEW: HELP SPREAD THE WORD AND BE ENTERED TO WIN!
Tell your friends and family about the Knights Ohio Tax Credit Fund! Ask them to include your name on the online contribution form or in writing if they mail their contribution. Your name will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Amazon gift card. Two names will be drawn on April 16, 2026.
3 EASY STEPS
1. ESTIMATE YOUR OHIO TAX LIABILITY
Review line 8C on the 1040 form you filed during your last Ohio tax return.
2. CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND
It ultimately costs you nothing to redirect your tax dollars to Hoban scholarships. Contribute online or send in a check. If you'd like to contribute by check, please make payable to Knights Ohio Tax Credit Fund and mail to: Archbishop Hoban High School, Office of Advancement, 1 Holy Cross Blvd., Akron, OH 44306.
3. CLAIM YOUR TAX CREDIT
Complete your Ohio income tax return and include your receipt. Receive a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. Some contributors are asked to provide the name of the SGO and the organization’s tax identification number when filing:
Hoban Scholarship Granting Organization EIN: 93-1421420 (DBA: Knights Ohio Tax Credit Fund) HOBAN.ORG/OHIO-TAX-CREDIT
One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44306-1531
Central Office
330.773.6658
Advancement Office
330.773.8620
info@hoban.org hoban.org
