RED & GOLD: A Dons Tradition | Edition III, Winter 2023

EDITION III | WINTER 2023

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THE LEBHERZ FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

A GATEWAY OF OPPORTUNITY A PATHWAY FOR YOUNG MINDS TO FLOURISH Cathedral Girls High School · University of San Diego High School · Cathedral Catholic High School

generations of excellence This proud tradition continues as seniors, alongside their parents, who are esteemed alumni themselves, come together to celebrate their achievements at graduation. The torch of excellence is joyfully passed down from one generation to the next, showcasing the enduring legacy of the Dons family.

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CLASS OF 2023 Photo by Nick Hurt

W I N T E R 202 3 | 2

GET TO KNOW US An interview with Sean Doyle ‘80, Director of Alumni and Anne Pickard Majer ‘95, Assistant Director of Alumni, reflecting on their time at UNI and how they pay it forward.

What is your most cherished memory from your time as a student at UNI?

family. Like Anne, I think it is incredible to see all of our students at Mass together and the reverence showed during liturgy.

SEAN: Playing football and baseball, being with friends and everything from the gym dances, to the Convention (for UNI ASB) and everything in between.

ANNE: I love our All-School Masses. There is something about getting almost 1700 students and employees together in our gym.

ANNE: I loved planning the rallies with Tim Foley ‘95 and all the events through ASB with Mr. Geiger. I made some of my best friends on the swim team (after I got cut from softball). Shout out to Shandon, Kelle, Cara, Monique and Dana, who I still see regularly for “UNI Girls Dinners.”

Who was your favorite teacher or staff member at UNI, and how did they impact your life?

How has University of San Diego High School/Cathedral Catholic High School evolved and grown since your own graduation, and what changes have impressed you the most?

SEAN: The move to a new home and all the incredible facilities, but the wonderful community that has always made Uni/ Cathedral Catholic unique has remained.

ANNE: Obviously, the new beautiful campus, eventhough we have almost been here 20 years. I am impressed by how the same school spirit has carried over. It is our people who make our community so great!

Can you share a memorable or unique tradition that sets the Dons apart from other high schools?

SEAN: I love the great community that makes up the Dons

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SEAN: Wow, Coach Casciato, and Coach Ramos, who I still get to see from time to time. They are the reason I got into coaching and their influence has directed my entire life. Who would have thought? Coach Serrano, Mr. Gorsich in physics, Fr. LaRiviere, to mention a few. There were so many who have impacted my life.

ANNE: It is hard to pick one! Being on ASB, I worked closely with Mr. Geiger and love being his colleague now. I was also an office aide for Mr. Smola in the Dean’s Office and had a very prankster relationship with Mrs. Maria Oliver (her granddaughter is a sophomore at CCHS now!) Mr. Fares will always stand out to me (his wife was one of my teachers at All Hallows). He had a nickname for everyone - mine was “all hell kid” coming from All Hallows. Mr. A for ceramics will always be one of my favorite classes.

What Dons Alumni events or activities do you look forward to the most each year and why?

SEAN: The reunions and homecoming. It is awesome to see alumni gather and reconnect. They reminisce and share what

they are doing now. What great times.

ANNE: I LOVE Homecoming! It’s a chance for alumni to return to campus, reconnect with old friends and share in the school spirit that defines us as Dons. We throw an amazing tailgate for our alumni, with unique traditions like the football players and cheerleaders walk-through (it gets me every time!) Plus, this year we got to celebrate in The ZAK, which made it extra special.

In your role, you’ve likely met many inspiring alumni. Can you share a story of an alum, whose accomplishments have particularly impressed you?

SEAN: The one thing that never fails to amaze me is the incredible alumni community. We have alumni doing incredible work in so many different fields: Hollywood, science, sports, business, teaching, service work and the list goes on. Everytime we have a Distinguished Dons event, I am truly in awe at what our alumni have accomplished.

ANNE: Sean and I had the pleasure of meeting Guymon Casady ‘87 for lunch in Los Angeles last year. The first thing he said to us when we sat down was, “Tell me everything about the Dons!” I thought to myself, “This is a guy who is well known in Hollywood, has produced hit TV shows and movies, and he wants to know about the Dons!?” I was so impressed with everything he has accomplished and moreover, his humble spirit. You can read more about him in this issue of the Red & Gold Magazine.

The Dons have a strong sense of community. How do you see alumni contributing to and benefiting from this community?

SEAN: The alumni that have been involved in our career day, alumni board, golf tournament and more, receive so much satisfaction from giving back and being a part of the community.

Our “Dons Alumni Connect” is just taking off, but there area lot of opportunities available through the platform itself. I know that it will do wonders for our Dons Alumni Community.

ANNE: This is a great opportunity to plug the “Dons Alumni Connect.” It is a platform to help alumni connect (hence the name) looking for a service, a job or mentor. We encourage you to sign up today (see the link on the back page of this magazine).

What upcoming initiatives or projects is the alumni office working on that alumni can get excited about?

SEAN: We are working on increasing the scholarship opportunities for students at Cathedral Catholic. The Lebherz Family Scholarship benefits students from Nativity Prep Academy attending CCHS. We have our Legacy Scholarships

supporting children of alumni, who are in need of assistance, with the goal of continuing the Dons legacy. The Mario Fierro and Zak Myers scholarships are also among the special initiatives that help students attend CCHS. Our community has always been made up of students from all over San Diego county, which makes us so unique.

ANNE: I love that we are hitting the road to visit Dons who live outside of San Diego County. We are looking forward to connecting with our alumni on the East Coast this spring!

What advice would you give to current Cathedral Catholic High School students to make the most of their time at the school and as future alumni?

SEAN: Do as many things as you can here at CCHS. Take advantage of all the opportunities that our school offers. Lastly, remember that the Dons community is a special one with a long history.

ANNE: To current students, I would say, cherish your time at Cathedral Catholic. Get involved in extracurricular activities, build meaningful relationships and take advantage of the resources available. Your experiences here will shape your future. I often emphasize to our students that our campus has the potential to be even more expansive, stunning and majestic than the college they might choose to attend in the future. The reason we get to attend this beautiful campus is because of the sacrifices and tireless efforts of our UNI alumni and Dons community. We are standing on the shoulders of incredible people who built UNI and Cathedral Catholic.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the alumni community at Cathedral Catholic High School and how can alumni support those goals?

SEAN: Just as I would tell the current students: get involved, whether it be part of the Dons Connect, attend our events and reconnect with people who walked the same halls as you. Get involved in planning your class reunion, speak at career day or offer your expertise in an area of the school. Last but not least, help us keep this wonderful experience open to all by donating to our scholarships. You will truly change lives, as Dons helping Dons!

ANNE: Our goal for the alumni community is to foster stronger connections and engagement. We aim to host more regional alumni events and continue to grow our scholarship fund to support the next generation of Dons. I particularly love the Lebherz Family Scholarship, which supports students coming from Nativity Prep Academy. Phil Lebherz ‘71 matches the gift, so your donation is doubled!

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PATHWAY for YOUNG MINDS TO FLOURISH PG. 10

REUNIONS

DONS NOTES

FROM UNI to WESTEROS

SAVE THE DATES

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PG. 16

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IN THIS ISSUE 7

DONS ALUMNI ASSOCATION: BOARD MEMBERS & LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

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DONS ALUMNI REUNIONS

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WHY GIVE?

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FIRST FEMALE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT

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RELUCTANT READER TO AWARDWINNING AUTHOR

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HOMECOMING 2023

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SAVE THE DATE

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CAMPUS UPDATES

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DONS NOTES

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DONS ALUMNI BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Red & Gold Editors Sean Doyle ‘80, Director of Alumni Anne Pickard Majer ‘95, Assistant Director of Alumni Creative Director John Paul De Vera, Director of Marketing & Branding Contributing Writers Anne Pickard Majer ‘95 Charlie Corny ‘26 Annelise Motto ‘24 Pamela Poe, Director of Communications Colleen Windsor ‘81 Copy Editors Pamela Poe Printing Acacia Print Group, Inc. Change of address Please email your change of address to alumni@cathedralcatholic.org.

Stay Connected facebook.com/donsalumni instagram.com/donsalumni twitter.com/donsalumni donsalumni.org Interested in Writing a Story?

Please contact Anne Pickard Majer ‘95 at amajer@cathedralcatholic.org

W I N T E R 202 3 | 6

DONS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing alumni presidents, Brooke Finley Mullvain ‘08 and Marissa Douglass Sumler ‘06. Over the past five years, they have shown remarkable dedication and leadership, even while juggling the demands of parenthood, careers and a global pandemic. We are thrilled that they will remain active members of our team.

The Dons Alumni Association’s vision is to be engaged as a valued and influential partner on matters relevant to the growth, development and continued excellence of Cathedral Catholic High School and its constituents on behalf of the students and alumni of Cathedral Girls High School, University of San Diego High School and Cathedral Catholic High School.

The Dons Alumni Association establishes and maintains traditions and helps plan and execute alumni events including: The Academy of Distinguished Dons Alumni Mass Career Day for Juniors Class Reunions Dave Thoennes Alumni Golf Tournament Dons Athletics Alumni Games Dons Sports Hall of Fame Homecoming Tailgate Networking Events

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The Dons Alumni Association has an Executive Leadership Committee, which consists of past Presidents of the Association. The Executive Leadership Committee reviews, guides and supports the selection process for membership on the Board, the development of current Board officers, the strategic engagement of high-profile alumni and the long-range plans for the Board.

The Executive Leadership Committee also assists with effective communication strategies with alumni and on-campus constituents.

Want to get involved?

If you are interested in getting more involved with the Dons Alumni Association, please contact the Office of Alumni at alumni@cathedralcatholic.org or(858) 523-4000 or contact anyone on the board.

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Drew Gaffney ‘13 W I N T E R 202 3 | 8

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PATHWAY for

YOUNG MINDS TO FLOURISH The Lebherz Family Scholarship is not just about financial aid; it’s a gateway to opportunity, a pathway for young minds to flourish and achieve their full potential.

BY ANNE PICKARD MAJER ‘95, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI

T

his scholarship, supported by the Lebherz Family Foundation, plays a pivotal role in assisting students from Nativity Prep Academy, who aspire to attend Cathedral Catholic High School. Nativity Prep Academy is dedicated to providing educational support to economically disadvantaged students from 6th grade through college. The Lebherz Family Scholarship ensures that these young scholars receive a full year’s tuition for four years to attend Cathedral Catholic High School. It is important to note that the funds allocated for their high school education will also benefit Nativity Prep, helping them extend their reach while maintaining support for their students.

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Phil Lebherz, a proud alumnus from the Class of ‘71, has made a remarkable commitment: a million-dollar matching gift. We are now reaching out to our incredible alumni community to join us in matching this generous donation and supporting the dreams of Nativity Prep students.

The impact of this scholarship is profound. The majority of Nativity Prep students choose Cathedral Catholic for their high school education. Furthermore, an astounding 100 percent of Nativity Prep students who have attended Cathedral Catholic matriculate at fouryear universities. They feel academically, emotionally and spiritually prepared for the challenges of higher education, thanks to the foundation provided by CCHS. We invite you to contribute to this exceptional initiative. Your support will make a lasting difference in the lives of these promising students and help ensure the sustainability of the scholarship for future generations. To make a donation, please visit our website at www.cathedralcatholic.org/support-cathedral-catholic/make-agift, and select “Lebherz Family Foundation Scholarship” from the dropdown menu.

“I aspire to give back to Nativity Prep and Cathedral Catholic for all they have given me. I want more students to have the same Dons experience I had because of what the donors gave me. I am so thankful to be a Don.” VANESA PEREZ ‘24

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact The Office of Alumni. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedication to nurturing faith-filled students and shaping them into responsible global citizens. Together, we can continue to light the way for future generations.

5X

more likley

Nativity Prep students are 5x more likely to graduate from college than other historically underserved students.

HOW TO GIVE

“I come from a family of five. I was very involved in clubs and sports at Cathedral Catholic. I wanted to go into engineering or accounting and I knew they offered classes that would set me along that path, so it was a perfect fit for me.”

MOISES MORALES ‘18, BA SDSU ‘22, MBA SDSU ‘23

ONLINE Scan the QR code below or visit cathedralcatholic.org/makeagift.

Then select “Lebherz Family Scholarship” in the drop down menu.

CHECK Write a check made out to Cathedral Catholic High School.

Note “Lebherz Family Scholarship” in the memo.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

Mail to: Cathedral Catholic High School Attn: Office of Alumni 5555 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA 92130 W I N T E R 2023 | 10

Dons Alumni

REUNIONS Cathedral Girls Class of

1963 Class of

Class of

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1973

Class of

1978 Class of

1983

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Class of

1993 Class of

2003 Class of

2013 13 | RED & GOLD

DONS ALUMNI REUNIONS 2024 Mark your calendars for the 2024 reunion dates, as the Dons Alumni Office is here to support class reunions by handling all event details. The dedicated reunion committees play a crucial role in ensuring the success of each gathering.

If you’re interested in playing a part in organizing your upcoming reunion or have any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Alumni, alumni@ cathedralcatholic.org. We look forward to reuniting with you and making your reunion unforgettable!

We look forward to hosting your class reunions at The ZAK!

SAVE THE DATE Cl ass of 2014: Saturday, June 22 Cl ass of 2004: Saturday, June 8 (Million Meals E vent) Cl ass of 1994: Saturday, July 20 Cl ass of 1984: Saturday, July 27 Cl ass of 1974 & 1964: Homecoming Weekend

* Cl ass of 1964 (C athedral Girls)| 60th Reunion: M ay 17, 18, & 19

* C a t h edra l G i rl s c l a s s o f 1 964 i s p l anni ng a r euni on weekend .

Fo r m ore deta i l s c o n t a c t L or r ai ne D unn J eane s, ljea nes@ fa stma il.c om or M a u ree n D y e C u m m i n g s, mg queen02@ y a hoo.c om .

F o r reuni on d etai l s, p l ease vi si t:

w w w . c a th ed r al c athol i c .or g/al umni /r euni ons

W I N T E R 202 3 | 14

If this is all Greek to you, just know that one of your fellow alums helped birth a worldwide phenomenon. If you’re still uncertain as to what Casady did on this extremely popular television series, you’re not alone. Casady’s own family isn’t quite sure what the mega-successful media executive does as a career.

Suffice it to say, as a talent manager and producer, he’s had and continues to have a significant impact on culture, representing and putting together some of the biggest talent and most relevant movies and television series in Hollywood.

UNI HIGH to WESTEROS

THE HOLLYWOOD JOURNEY OF GUYMON CASADY ‘87 Uni High alumnus Guymon Casady ‘87 is a co-executive producer of the hit TV series Game of Thrones and has had a significant impact in the entertainment industry as a producer and talent manager. Despite facing setbacks, Casady’s passion for storytelling through cinema led him to a successful career and he continues to strive to make an impact through his work.

BY COLLEN WINDSOR ‘81

H

ouse of Dragons. Red wedding. White Walkers. The Iron Throne. If reading those words conjures up immediate emotional reactions, you are most certainly one of the 46 million worldwide avid fans of Game of Thrones. You might also be surprised to know that the Dons family and the world of Westeros are tightly intertwined. Uni High alumnus Guymon Casady, class of 1987, is the originating producer of the most Emmy Award-winning scripted television series of all time.

Casady grew up in Mission Hills and attended Uni all four years. He played varsity soccer and varsity tennis in his sophomore and junior years. As a senior, Casady switched sports and began rowing for the San Diego Rowing Club, which he says kept him out of trouble. To bed by 8 pm. Up at 4:15 am. By 5 am, Casady was on the water rowing for two hours before school. And, it was worth it. He and his brother Bret, rowing in the four with coxswain, won the California State Rowing Championship on the way to winning the U.S. Junior National Rowing Championship.

At Uni, one teacher who left a lasting impression on Casady was Mr. Peck, his 9th-grade English teacher. “He was an iconoclast and called it as he saw it,” shared Casady. “He was always very straightforward, harsh at times, but you always knew where you stood with him.

He was also inspiring and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”

The path to success was not always paved in gold for Casady. He endured his first, what he thought at the time, devastating blow in high school. Despite being an exceptional student, Casady did not get accepted into Stanford, where his father and uncle had attended. Everyone believed Casady was a shoo-in, which made the sting that much more painful.

“When I didn’t get into Stanford,” shared Casady. “I thought my life was over.”

Casady

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would

instead

attend

the

University of Pennsylvania, where his passion for storytelling through the art of cinema was born. He learned the importance of reading, especially literature. It taught him how to think both critically and creatively. Casady earned his BA degree in European History, but his college experience went much deeper than that.

boss, at the time, was representing a young actress named Winona Ryder, and he also worked on the Tom Cruise account.

In 1992, Casady went to work for producer Steve Golin, the CEO of Propaganda Films, who helped revolutionize the music video and

“When I didn’t get into Stanford... I thought my life was over.”

“I studied art history and fell in love with it.” In his junior year, Casady studied abroad in Florence and took an Italian cinema class. “It was through the Italian neorealists and Fellini’s 8 1/2 that my obsession with cinema was born.” He returned to Penn and that semester took Dr. Vogel’s film theory class, where he was exposed to Scorsese’s early films.

“Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy… my mind was blown.” And that’s when he started to think that this could lead to a profession in entertainment, not yet knowing exactly what that might be.

If he had not gone to Penn, Casady says his life wouldn’t have turned out the same. “It was the cosmic irony of it all.”

As Casady was graduating, he read an article in Vanity Fair about what it was like to work in the Creative Artist Agency (CAA) mailroom. It talked about the extraordinary list of talent that CAA represented and how the agency was at the epicenter of the entertainment business. “I decided I had to work at CAA as my first job in Hollywood. I came to LA not knowing anybody, but figured out how to get hired.” At CAA, Casady put in very long hours working as an assistant for a motion picture talent agent and was exposed to and learned many aspects of the entertainment industry. His

commercial production business.

The firm produced music videos for artists including Michael Jackson and Madonna and commercials for brands including Coke and Nike, with a growing roster of directors (including Spike Jonze, David Fincher, Michael Bay, etc.), whom they represented exclusively and who would become some of the biggest movie directors in Hollywood. Propaganda had just produced Twin Peaks and Wild at Heart, directed by David Lynch and Kalifornia, starring a young Brad Pitt.

“It was the coolest place I could have worked to truly immerse myself in the independent film business.”

While still an assistant, Casady wrote a business plan as to why Propaganda should start a talent management company. He thought that in addition to producing music videos, commercials and movies, they should also represent the directors for film and television. “He (Golin) thought it was a great idea and we ultimately started a management company. That was my first, first-hand look at what talent management looked like.”

A few years later, Casady left Propaganda and began his career as a manager/producer at a leading management/production firm, Industry Entertainment. It was there that his career would take off. He started building a client list, signing David Benioff, the future co-creator of Game of Thrones.

He also began producing. Two years later, in 2002, he and two other colleagues left Industry to start Management 360, which became a leading talent management and production firm overnight. As their website states, they ‘represent an extraordinary roster of award-winning writers, directors, actors and creators, using a collaborative and innovative approach tailored to the constantly evolving nature of our industry.’

In addition to producing Game of Thrones, Casady has been the executive producer or producer, on over twenty films and television shows, including the Expendables franchise, Steve Jobs, Office Christmas Party and Universal’s upcoming The Fall Guy movie and Ripley series for Netflix, to name a few.

When pressed to name the project he is most proud of, Casady states, “Game of Thrones… we started on a journey without knowing or having any idea of what the future had in store for us all. It was a beloved show and entertained audiences for ten years. It impacted the global culture.

It was a once-in-a-generation show. It was a story about power and an exploration of human nature.”

Casady with Henry Warren Beatty

What Casady loves best about his career is “the creativity. I also love the human interaction. As a manager and producer, I love creating opportunities for artists to be

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fulfilling to see a project actually get made. They’re never easy. Sometimes a project can take ten years. It requires an almost monomaniacal tenacity to keep pushing that rock up the hill.”

Casady with No. 1 tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic.

able to tell their stories. I think it’s a privilege to be in a position now to advocate for a broadening group of folks, to make their voices heard and to tell their stories”. Casady is also very proud to have built his company, Entertainment 360, into what it is today and the very special culture that he and his partners have created.

The highs of Casady’s career have also come with lows. A second major proverbial punch in the gut came when two of Hollywood’s highestpaid creators in the business, whom Casady had represented for twenty years, suddenly fired him. “All of my professional identity was wrapped up in representing them. When it happened, I was devastated. It left me in the fetal position. I didn’t think I could go on. I thought people wouldn’t treat me the same,” recalled Casady.

Instead of being the end of the road, being fired resulted in Casady having the space to become the producer that he is today.

Casady is driven to make and leave an impact. “I’m a competitive person at heart. I want to get things done on behalf of clients and projects. It’s very fulfilling to get someone a job, to find an opportunity that will change that person’s life forever. And it’s really

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When not working all hours of the day and night, due to currently living in Spain, Casady and his wife Robyn spend their time on the tennis court and baseball fields, watching their fourteen-year-old twin sons, Ford and Boone, compete. Casady also enjoys playing racket sports such as paddle tennis, pickleball, ping pong and especially a popular game in Spain called Padel tennis.

When asked rapid-fire questions, Casady was quick to answer:

why I love what I do so much and what it is I actually get to do, to me that is rewarding to be able to share that. And if I get one or two or ten, or twenty, or one hundred kids wanting to come to Hollywood because of it, then I will have made a difference.”

Participating in Career Day and meeting the students and being honored as a Distinguished Don made an impact on Casady. “I felt connected to the school in a way that I haven’t felt since graduating. And I aspire to remain connected, however I can, with the legacy of the school.”

After some reflection, Casady shared that he felt Uni helped shape and develop him. “I am blessed to be a Uni grad. I give Uni a lot of credit for all of the ways that it contributed to my development and for who I am today.”

Casady’s guilty pleasure?

“Looking at real estate and vintage furniture online.”

Star Trek or Star Wars?

“Star Wars.”

DC or Marvel?

“Christopher Nolan’s DC”

Without sharing any Hollywood secrets, Casady has a few projects that will be released soon and is still very actively producing. “I want to keep making entertaining movies that continue to impact culture and challenge the way people think about things. I believe that entertainment can change the world, so I feel responsible to tell stories that will inspire people and uplift, challenge and provoke them to think.”

Casady has shared his passion for the entertainment industry at Cathedral’s Career Day and admits he’d like to do it again. “If I can pay it forward and share with people what I do,

Guymon with wife, Robyn and twin sons, Boone and Ford.

Once a Don, always a Don.

BE A PART OF THE ZAK

LEAVE A LEGACY We are thrilled to announce the official opening of The ZAK, a beloved gathering place for all Dons.

Now, we invite you to make your mark on this special venue by participating in our exclusive opportunity to purchase personalized bricks, stadium seats and stools inside The ZAK.

PERSONALIZED BRICKS

EXCLUSIVE SEATING

Leave a lasting impression on the walkway at The ZAK with your personalized engraved brick. Choose from the following options:

For a unique opportunity to have your name associated with a seat in The ZAK, consider purchasing naming rights for stadium seats or stools. Each seat and stool include a personalized nameplate on the back, showcasing your connection to the Dons community.

6 x 9 brick: 3 lines, 13 spaces per line 6 x 6 brick: 3 lines, 9 spaces per line 3 x 6 brick: 2 lines, 9 spaces per line

Please note that this opportunity is for naming rights only and does not reserve the seat. However, it provides a tangible and enduring way to demonstrate your support for our school.

LEAVE A LEGACY, SUPPORT THE FUTURE

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

All proceeds from your purchase will directly contribute to the Zak Myers Memorial Scholarship, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of future Dons. These opportunities will be prominently displayed in The ZAK, serving as a meaningful reminder of your connection to our vibrant community.

Scan the QR code or visit www.cathedralcatholic.org/alumni/the-zak to explore the options and leave your mark today.

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WHY GIVE? As proud members of the Dons family, we share a special bond forged by our experiences at Cathedral Girls, UNI and CCHS. We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt appeal to consider making a donation to support our alma mater.

Dear Alumni, Why give? It’s a question we often ask ourselves when deciding where to direct our charitable contributions. For many of us, the answer lies in the profound impact CCHS has had on our lives. The unique experiences, friendships and education we received as Dons are reasons enough to give back.

Here are five reasons to consider while supporting our alma mater.

KEEPING CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC ACCESSIBLE CCHS operates on a tuition-based budget and we have a steadfast commitment to keeping tuition affordable. Your support ensures that aspiring students, regardless of their financial background, can access the exceptional education that defines Cathedral Catholic. Over $4,000,000 in need-based financial aid is provided annually, a substantial portion of which comes from our operating budget.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY Our commitment to diversity is another compelling reason to contribute. CCHS welcomes students from all socio-economic positions, enriching the fabric of our community and fostering an environment that reflects the real world.

DEDICATED EMPLOYEES Moreover, your generosity supports our dedicated employees. We strive to maintain competitive pay, while keeping tuition as low as possible. Your contribution directly impacts the quality of education and the well-being of those who impart knowledge and guidance to current Dons.

DESIRE TO HONOR Perhaps you are motivated by the desire to honor someone special in your life – a teacher, mentor, or friend – through a named scholarship. Your generosity can create a lasting legacy that benefits future generations of students.

THE LEBHERZ FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP Our goal for the current school year is ambitious: $1,000,000. The Lebherz Family Scholarship, highlighted in previous communications, is a key initiative this year, but your support can be directed to any area you feel passionate about.

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Where are we?

Where do you fit in?

A motto we use at Cathedral Catholic High School states, “It takes a village.” You are an integral part of the village and we need Dons to help Dons in order to acheive our shared goals. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Once a Dons, Always a Don, Sean Doyle ‘80 and Anne Pickard Majer ‘95 Office of Alumni

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CATHY KELLY VALENZUELA ‘76

FIRST FEMALE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT Cathy Kelly Valenzuela ‘76 made history as the first female student body president of University of San Diego High School.

Her journey at the school has paved the way for future female leaders and continues to inspire the current generation.

BY CHARLIE CORNY ‘26

A

s a female sophomore student currently attending Cathedral Catholic High School, I am a part of a rich history of incredible women in leadership and this inspires the work I do today. Cathy Kelly Valenzuela ‘76 made history by becoming the first female student body president of University of San Diego High School. Valenzuela joined UNI

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in 1973, three years after women began attending the school.

Cathedral Girls School began in 1939 and merged with UNI in 1970. As a pioneer of the female history of this new coeducational school, Valenzuela shares her thoughts about her time as the first female student body president, to help inspire others to follow in her groundbreaking footsteps.

“We lived in a moment in time where the opportunities for women were more wide open than before or since. The women’s liberation movement had begun in earnest. Title 9 had passed, and women were breaking career barriers every day.” She spoke enthusiastically about her time at UNI, elaborating on her experience as a woman in society and her leadership role at the school.

“We lived in a moment in time where the opportunities for women were more wide open than before... Title 9 had passed, and women were breaking career barriers every day.”

“When someone pointed out to me that I would be the first female student body president were I to win the election, I was surprised. I hadn’t considered that a reason to run.” Valenzuela reported that at her graduation, Dave Gorsich, the ASB facilitator at the time, told her that he was sorry he hadn’t mentored her more during her term as president, but he also felt that she didn’t need it like other students before her. Valenzuela then cried at the compliment, feeling accomplished and humbled at the recognition of her accomplishments.

Kelly with friend in photobooth (left).

With classmates, Jim Greenwell and Mike Hartman (top). With Jaques and teachers, Dave Horshich as Santa and Dan Ramos (Middle). Photo from senior year with friends (bottom).

We all should hail recognition towards Catherine and her journey at this school. She is an inspiration and led the way for women during her time and beyond. By carrying out her responsibilities diligently, she courageously became a trailblazer in fostering female confidence within Cathedral Catholic’s student leadership. What would the school be without her?

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RELUCTANT READER to AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR THE JOURNEY OF DOMINIC CARRILLO ‘94

Dominic Carrillo had different aspirations as a child and being a writer was not one of them.

However, while attending UNI, he experienced a transformation that encouraged him to take his studies and reading seriously.

BY ANNELISE MOTTO ‘24

D

ominic Carrillo ‘94 did not know from a young age that he wanted to be a writer. “I wanted to be Indiana Jones.” He avoided schoolwork and reading until something in him changed when he began high school. Carillo attended UNI, where he began to apply himself and work hard so that he could attend college like “my friends.” When he was eighteen and finished high school, he became what he considered a “voracious reader.” Carrillo proves it takes time to discover your passion, which can ultimately determine your future.

His love of reading and books propelled him to graduate from UCLA, for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Creative Writing. After college, Carrillo became a young adult writer, creating stories about the coming-of-age. He writes about experiences that express how we “make mistakes and learn from them.” His novels tell stories of “figuring something out about yourself or the world.” Some of his most well-known novels are The Acts of Renaissance and The Improbable Rise of Paco. Carrillo explains that his goal for 2024 is to “complete and fully edit Paco Returns - a sequel to The Improbable Rise of Paco Jones. The book is about a boy named Paco, a sophomore

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in high school and his desire to impress a new girl, which leads him to a misadventure in Tijuana. The book is about “identity, bad decisions and coming-of-age.”

Today, Carillo is a teacher, freelance writer and award-winning novelist. He currently lives in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Dons

ON THE ROAD The Office of Alumni hits the road to reconnect with Dons.

In September, the Office of Alumni embarked on a memorable journey to reunite with Dons in San Francisco and Las Vegas. The gatherings before our Dons football games for Happy Hour brought together alumni from a wide range of graduating classes, spanning from 1972 to 2000 and in between.

These road trips allowed us to connect with Dons in their current cities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia. As we reflect on these fantastic encounters, we eagerly anticipate hitting the road again in the spring, this time heading east to continue strengthening our alumni bonds. Stay tuned for more exciting gatherings!

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HOMECOMING September 29, 2023

The first Dons Alumni Tailgate at The ZAK was a hit, bringing together 500 alumni for a day of music, great food, drinks and a triumphant Dons victory against UC High School (49-21). We extend our thanks to all who attended and supported this Homecoming Tailgate.

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Continuing a cherished tradition, former homecoming queen, Lynn Izidoro Guidi ‘73, had the honor of crowning this year’s Homecoming Queen. The national anthem was beautifully sung by Justin Haupt ‘15. Tim Foley ‘95’s music added nostalgia and energy.

A special shout-out to our sponsors: James Iagmin Trial Attorney, The Carballo Agency, Jump Insurance, The Kilroy Family, Second Chance Beer and Abbey’s Real BBQ for their generous support.

We look forward to more such gatherings that strengthen our alumni bonds and celebrate our shared love for the Dons!

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SAVE

CAREER DAY For Juniors Interested in speaking or being a moderator?

Scan the QR code and submit your information to be a possible speaker or moderator.

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Feb 2

the

DATE

Dons Sports HALL OF FAME All are invited to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our Dons as a new class will be inducted into our Dons Sports Hall of Fame.

Proceeds from the event will support Alumni Scholarships.

Mar 9

33rd Annual WINE & MICROBREW More details about the 33rd Annual Wine & Microbrew tasting and auction with ticket information to come via email.

Mar 16

The Dave Thoennes ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT

Jun 3

Join us at Maderas Golf Club for The Dave Thoennes Alumni Golf Tournament, honoring Mario Fierro.

Proceeds from the tournament go to support the Alumni Scholarships.

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Dons

CAMPUS UPDATES

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1.

Fourteen of our Dons were recognized as Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Their exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) last October has earned them this well-deserved honor.

Their academic excellence sets them apart within the esteemed community of high school students across the nation.

2.

Cathedral Catholic High School and our Pacific Steel 5025 Robotics Team hosted this year’s First Robotics Fall Competition in our Claver Center Gym: Battle at the Border on October 14 and 15. Robotics teams from schools across San Diego County competed during this two-day event.

3.

This fall, our incredible Drama program put on a thrilling production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.

4.

Girls Flag Football made its debut as a CIF sport and our Dons accepted the challenge! Our flag football team was 6-1 in league and advanced to the CIF finals in mid-November, led by head coach Ryan Wiegand ‘05.

5.

Last summer, CCHS sent two groups of students, teachers and chaperones on educational tours throughout Europe, making their way to Italy, France, Czech Republic and Germany. They immersed themselves in language, culture and cuisine.

6.

Last June, Mission & Ministry hosted a service immersion trip to Costa Rica with students, teachers and one of our chaplains, Fr. Paul.

7.

The new athletics scoreboards are up at the Waitt Aquatic Center, Claver Center and Manchester Stadium.

8.

On August 18, CCHS, with the generosity of the Myers Family, opened and dedicated The ZAK Memorial Park with Mass and a celebration in honor of Zak Myers ‘11, on the night of our first home game for football.

9.

Our student section, Los Locos, won the D1 Small/Medium School Battle of the Fans.

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10. In September, our Seton Scholars embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Walking in her footsteps, guided by Dr. Calkins, they found inspiration in the life and mission of their patron saint.

They also visited Catholic University of America/Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, along with some must-see DC landmarks.

11. In October, we celebrated the 2nd Annual Kermés Dons Familia Fundraiser. It was a true fiesta of flavors, vibrant culture and community love. From savoring delicious dishes to dancing to the beats of Peru, Brazil and Mexico.

12. At the end of October, we welcomed Dr. Peter K. Kilpatrick, the president of the Catholic University of America, for the first installment of our Cathedral Catholic Speaker Series.

Dr. Kilpatrick spoke on the topic, “Why Catholic Education Matters.”

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Dons

NOTES THOMAS SWAPP ‘62 Thomas shares that he and his wife are celebrating fifty-eight years of marriage.

RUTHANN (O’NEILL) RUGGIERO ‘65

JIM KEOGH ‘69

LAURETTA (ROYCE) JOHNSON ‘63

Lauretta welcomed her first greatgrandchild, also the niece of Carl Johnson, class of 1973 and Christopher Johnson, class of 1976.

CHRIS STRATTON COL(RET) US ARMY ‘64

Once a Don, Always a Don! Chris Stratton shares a photo with “original” Cathedral grads 1964 Cathedral Girls High (CG) and USDHS (U) Danny Wilson (U), Sylvia (CG) and John (U) Belleau, Barb Pico (CG), Karen and Chris (U) Stratton, Frank Giacalone (U), and Jon (U) and Sally Chrisianson.

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It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Ruthann (O’Neill) Ruggiero, Cathedral HS Class of 1965.

She died in April 2022. At Cathedral, Ruthann was active in academics and student government. After graduation, she attended UCSD and later got a teaching credential from UCLA. She taught school for more than 30 years, mostly high school mathematics. She leaves behind her husband Gary, three children: two brothers William O’Neill (Uni HS ’68) Tom O’Neill.

Jim retired at the end of 2017 after 30 years in state service (WA), primarily in economic development and policy analysis. He still lives near Olympia, WA. DAVID A. NARDI ‘70 David is currently enjoying life with his wife of nearly forty-five years; two successful daughters, & four healthy, intelligent, growing grandchildren!

DAVID FARMER ‘73

RON MOORE ‘66

This December Ron and his wife will have been married 55 years. They have three beautiful daughters, eight grandchildren, one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter. They still reside in San Diego.

David celebrated 42 years with his wife Sheila (Cahill). They have 5 grandkids. They’ve been in Poway since ‘88 and love it. Their son Chris (class of ‘02) is his partner on the

Farmer Home Team. Proud to be a Dons alumni and excited to see you at the games.

ANDY WEIS ‘75

GINA MARIE (BACHOFNER) MELTON ‘88 Lives in San Diego with her husband Bill. They have three children, all of whom are all married. They have four grandchildren.

CHRIS GEORGI ‘92

PETER PALMIOTTO ‘91

Chris will be retiring after 28 years in the Marine Corps next year at a ceremony in Annapolis on May 17, 2024. He’s not sure if he’ll be staying in the DC area or heading somewhere new, but looking forward to his next adventure.

PATRICK GILES ‘92 Andy Weis shares that a new family member has been added: Henley James Goodwin, his grandson. God is so good!

STEVE MANGIN ‘84 Steve and his wife just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, reside in West Tennessee and have been blessed with four sons, ranging in age from 14 to 23. He was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church in 2016. His current “day job” is working as a Senior Director of Architecture, Design and Construction for Hilton.

Peter and his wife Kim just celebrated their 20th anniversary and have been living in Annapolis, MD since 2018.

They have four beautiful daughters with the oldest heading to college in the Fall of ‘24. He founded a Medicare insurance business in 2011 and has proudly embraced the Baltimore Ravens, but still loves the Padres!

VIC FUENTES ‘91 & CURTIS PEOPLES ‘01

DR. KATHY (KNEESHAW) MCINTOSH ‘92

CHRIS SEXTON ‘86 Chris shares that he is happy, married to Keri Sexton, celebrating 10 years of marriage and in his 14th year of sobriety. He couldn’t be better!

AMY GOODPASTER STREBE ‘87 Amy graduated from The George Washington University with a MA in Museum Studies in May 2023.

Additionally, Amy’s daughter Abbie graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BA in Cinema and a minor in Creative Writing in May 2023. Her son Spencer graduated with honors from Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA in June 2023.

Patrick is the Executive Chef for Sushi Florist, serving Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas and surrounding areas of San Diego County.

Curtis Peoples and Vic Fuentes, from their band 3 Simple Words, had a number one song at Alternative Rock Radio with a song they wrote called “Emergency Contact” for Vic’s band Pierce The Veil! The song went to number one this past July.

Kathy recently took on the role of Director of Student Life and Leadership at CCHS. She oversees numerous aspects of student life, including ASB, Link Crew, Los Locos, honor societies, academic teams and student clubs. She loves sharing stories of the Uni days with her students and carrying on the Dons traditions.

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MARC TKACH ‘95

Marc is the 2022-23 White House Leadership Development Fellow leading cross-agency science policy initiatives from the Executive Office of the President. Marc is also the Director of Infrastructure for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (www.mcc.gov) building large-scale civil transport and water supply systems and associated policy prescriptions throughout Africa and Eastern Europe. Marc lives in Washington DC with his wife and two teenage sons.

JOE MOORE ‘00

Joe Moore married his long-time partner Michelle in June on the red carpet at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. It was a well-attended wedding with family and friends from both sides, from coast-tocoast. Here’s to a long and happy life together!

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JASON WEINERT ‘02

Jason is happy to announce the birth of their second daughter Jaelyn Weinert. His family started their new location-based business called Yard & Sea, a special event venue, located in Pacific Beach.

DR. SUMMER OHLENDORF ‘04

Dr. Summer Ohlendorf and husband Ben Cagle welcomed their son Chase in June. The family of three resides in Palmer, Alaska, where Summer is the Science and Operations Officer at the National Tsunami Warning Center.

KATHY (CHARTZ) BERGMAN ‘07

LOUIE CENTANNI ‘03

Louie released his debut standup comedy special in October, available through Dry Bar Comedy (www.drybarcomedy.com/ louiecentanni).

Kathy just moved back to San Diego after 10+ years in San Francisco. She also just welcomed her first child, Blair Bergman in January. Kathy and her family are looking forward to getting more involved in the community and reconnecting with other Dons.

AMANDA (D’ACQUISTO) NELSON ‘07

ROMAN FERREIRA ‘09

Roman Ferreira and Selene Delgado got married on May 6, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Point Loma. Both currently live and work in San Diego.

ARIEL (WALLACE) MCCOY ‘12

Anneke got married on April 2 this year! She currently works at UC San Diego as the Director of Alumni Engagement. Connect with her on LinkedIn or on Dons Alumni Connect!

JONATHAN PENDERGAST’15 & RACHEL WAYNE ‘15

On August 12, 2023, Amanda’s family welcomed Avery Laine to the world!

Weighing 6lbs 11oz and measuring 19.5” long, she’s the sweetest addition to complete their family.

COCO (GOODSON) RODENHUIS ‘08

ANNEKE (ROY) GARRETSON ‘15

Ariel got married in June 2022 at the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens in Fallbrook, CA. KRISTIN (ROWLAND) HOWELL ‘14 & TITO HOWELL ‘15

CoCo is happy to share the birth announcement of Everett Rodenhuis.

Future Don coming!

Tito Howell and Kristin Rowland got married in La Jolla on July 1, 2023!

Jonathan Pendergast and Rachel Wayne were married on September 30, 2023, at Saint Brigid Parish. They first met at Cathedral in 2011 and started dating during college. Many of their bridesmaids and groomsmen are also Dons alumni!

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MADISON HOLLAND ‘16

RILEY MARSHALL ‘15

Riley Marshall married Nicholas Valverde on October 15, 2022 in the traditional Latin Rite. They honeymooned in Italy, where they attended the Sposi Novelli, the opportunity for newlyweds to receive a special blessing from Pope Francis!

They are now blessed to be expecting twins in July 2023.

Madison graduated from Bellarmine University in 2020 in Louisville, KY! She studied abroad for an entire semester in Rome, Italy and was able to visit 18 countries during that time!

As for what life is like now, she is currently a healthcare recruiter and specializes in placing travel nurses to travel contracts all throughout the US. She and her boyfriend live in Louisville, where he owns his own company. They have a yorkie named Mia and a cat named Juicy J.

Let us know what is new

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SARAH E. BLACKER ‘18

Sarah played five years of PAC12 beach volleyball at the University of Arizona. Last April, Sarah set an all time University of Arizona school record for beach volleyball career wins at 87. She earned an Undergraduate degree in Public Health and a Masters degree in Healthcare Management.

Scan the QR code to submit your Dons Notes for the next edition of Red & Gold!

In

MEMORIAM Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen. St. Joseph Our Patron, Pray for Us.

Rolan Kleinsorge ‘61

David Rebelo ‘61

Gregory Hayes ‘63

Ruthann (O’Neill) Ruggiero ‘65

John B. Davis ‘66

Nicholas M. Reveles ‘66

Robert Todd Caroll ‘67

Peter Martin ‘70

Broeck Oder ‘71

Irma Contreras ‘73

Brian Owen Wissinger ‘73

Mary Ellen Driscoll ‘74

Michael (Mike) Ecks ‘82

Marc Cooper ‘83

Hector Macis Dons basketball coach for 15 years

Kathy Nickason Wife of Jim Nickason ‘68

John Henry Lawson Grandfather of Matt Lawson ‘09, Lucas Lawson ‘13, John Lawson ‘16 and Grace Lawson ‘19

Dina Silva Mother of Jennifer Silva-Reis ‘02 and Jocelyn Silva ‘03, wife of Joseph Silva ‘75

Do you know a Don who has passed?

If one of our beloved Dons has passed away in the last year, we would love to honor them in the next edition of Red & Gold Magazine. Please let us know by scanning the QR code and completing the form.

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Dons Alumni

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Diana Castaldi ‘02 Diana Marie Makeup Artistry

Wall Street Girl Next Door Nicole Ayub ‘01

Diana Marie is a makeup artist and hairstylist specializing in bridal makeup and hair styling in Central Texas. Upon graduation from Uni, she earned a degree in Biology with intentions to go to med school, but needed a job to bridge the gap before the next step. That’s where she started working for MAC Cosmetics in 2007 and worked with other classmates behind the counter (Victoria McGrath ‘02). She always had a passion for makeup, but was fully able to exercise her passion there and when med school was no longer possible, God put the longing in her heart to pursue beauty full-time.

Nicole Ayub started a personal finance coaching business in 2022, to pursue her passion of helping people have a healthy relationship with their money and finances.

She currently lives in New York City and works in wealth management on Wall Street. She observed that her industry can tend to overlook the everyday person, which led to the genesis of her brand. Her goal is to bridge the gap for individuals who do not qualify for financial advising, provide support and resources they need to make healthy financial decisions and save for their future.

She pursued education to use her degree and minimize the risk of opening a business, but remained involved in makeup artistry on the weekends. Essentially, Diana Marie put her dreams of a beauty biz on hold because it wasn’t the right time or seemed so risky. During the pandemic she felt she was being called to finally realize her dream. She started full-time in her business in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. She is a “soloprenuer” handling day-to-day business responsibilities, managing a website, advertising and financial decisions. She contracts other artists in Central Texas to work with her on weddings and larger projects.

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Another challenge she has encountered through financial coaching is that most people across all demographics live with an element of fear or shame around their money.

Through her coaching, Nicole hopes to bring awareness to clients’ relationship with their money on a mental and emotional level, so they can achieve financial freedom.

Threshold Event Co. Christine Poletto ‘08

Pacific Fiduciary Group Monika Pelletier ‘87

Threshold Event Co. is a San Diego-based specializing in event planning for weddings, corporate, and any sort of celebration or program: From full planning to month-of coordination and on-site management, we are happy to have anything logistics-related left in our capable hands.

We excel in transforming venues into unforgettable experiences and providing your guests with the fullest level of ease and enjoyment, priding ourselves on the ability to make our attendees feel they’ve been transported into a memorable, even unforgettable experience for the books.

Pacific Fiduciary Group provides professional and confidential trustee services such as Estate Management, Special Needs Trusts, Probates, Trust Administration and Representative Payee.

Threshold was founded in Feb of 2021 because the pandemic shifted priorities/opportunities and made people take unexpected leaps that they may not have otherwise. Christine always dreamed of owning a business of her own ‘one day,’ but didn’t expect one day to come so soon! She has had a deep-rooted passion for planning and executing events dating way back to her time on ASB at CCHS from 2006-2008. She even had the privilege of coordinating one of her classmate’s weddings that she served with on ASB, and it has been a true blessing and pleasure to watch her life come as full circle as it has and to fulfill her destiny in the way that she’s sure many classmates expected (i.e. voted Most Organized for senior class standouts).

Monika can make the process of ensuring your concerns are met and handled with the utmost integrity and care.

She will take the time to explain all of the details to you and leave you with a feeling of confidence and security.

Finding the right Fiduciary for your family’s needs can help to let you live your life in security, knowing your most precious assets are safe and sound.​

We’d love to feature your business Scan the QR code and submit your business for the next edition!

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