Spring 2024 Spirit

Was it Mrs. White in the study with the rope?!

It was GAME ON as the Charger theatre department brought everyone’s favorite board game to life this fall! With a captivating performance of “CLUE: High School Edition,” audience members were on the edge of their seats, itching to find out who the murderer was in Boddy Manor. Was it Ms. Wadsworth, the butler? Mrs. Peacock, the wealthy senator’s wife? Or Colonel Mustard?!

There were a lot of “firsts” with this production. It was the first time the fall play was performed in the school’s Auditorium, the first time CJA used digital projections for scenery, and it was Mrs. Amy Top’s first time directing the fall play. Mrs. Top worked with our talented and passionate students, as well as our technology team to deliver an incredible performance.

To advertise the fall play among the student body, the Cor Jesu CJTV and Marketing classes modeled the game of CLUE with a mystery of their own. Each morning leading up to the play, the school would view clue videos on CJTV to help everyone figure out who murdered the Cor Jesu mascot, BOLT! The investigation also involved guest speakers and all-school assemblies to identify what weapon and where the crime took place. It was a fun way to get the entire school involved and excited for the performance!

‘CLUE’ was my last CJA fall play and will forever hold a special place in my heart. I loved playing the lead role, but it was even more special because I got to do the production with some of the best people. The cast created such a bond and each person involved made ‘CLUE’ such a rewarding experience. I can’t count the number of times we had to redo a scene because we couldn’t stop laughing. I will never forget this play and will always be thankful for the friendships, laughs and joy it brought me!

– KJ DRAZEN ‘24, “MS. WADSWORTH”

“We entertained more than 700 audience members over the course of three performances. They laughed joyfully as they cheered our CJA thespians on in a quickpaced, exciting production! The talent of the Cor Jesu students shined brightly on stage and backstage. I was so proud of all of them and feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful theatre community.

”

– AMY WILLARD TOP ‘91, DIRECTOR AND CJA FACULTY MEMBER

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! It was a dinner party to remember!

DIRECTOR

Amy Willard Top ‘91

STAGE MANAGER

Charlie Ramig '24

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Bridget Blase '25

CAST

Ms. Wadsworth – KJ Drazen '24

Yvette – Julia Witte '27

Miss Scarlet – Waverly Walker '26

Mrs. Peacock – Anna Meister '24

Mrs. White – Claire Baxendale '24

Colonel Mustard – Scott DuBois

Professor Plum – Nicholas Bruer

Mr. Green – Skye Lozano '25

The Cook – Clare Hinkamper '26

Ms. Boddy – Maggie Powers '25

The Motorist – Mary McKendry '25

The Unexpected Cop – Grace Oliver '25

Chief of Police – Hannah Witte '24

Newscaster – Abby Bollier '26

Singing Telegram Girl – Maura Horan '26

Back-up Cop – Genevieve Rasure '26

PRESIDENT

Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ '76

DEAN OF ACADEMICS

Dr. Meghan Bohac

DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE

Ms. Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger '88

ABOUT:

SPIRIT is Cor Jesu Academy’s publication for alumnae, parents, friends and benefactors.

CONTACT:

SPIRIT

Cor Jesu Academy

10230 Gravois Road St. Louis, MO 63123 cweber@corjesu.org

EDITOR:

Colleen Barry Weber ‘11

Director of Marketing & Social Media

SUBMISSIONS:

We welcome your story ideas and submissions.

Please contact Colleen Barry Weber ’11 at cweber@corjesu.org.

THANK YOU

Thank you to CJA alumna Alex Smith Adams ’09, owner of Birdeye Media, for capturing many of the images of Cor Jesu’s special moments that appear in this publication. And thank you to Stephanie Klinker Howe, owner of Klink Creative, for creatively displaying life at Cor Jesu in this magazine.

President’s Letter

Dear Cor Jesu Community,

Peace! What a blessing it is to present you with our latest edition of SPIRIT. While this isn’t my first official letter to the community as President, it is my first official letter as President published in the SPIRIT magazine! How fitting, as the theme of our school year is just that: Spirit. And my – has the spirit of Cor Jesu been alive this year.

Recently, over 600 alumnae and their family members felt the spirit of Christmas at CJA as they joined us for a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa. Our students showcased their unwavering school spirit at the 20th Annual Funderwear Challenge – which I am particularly proud to report was the most successful Funderwear yet! (Read more on page 14)

At the end of January, the spirit of Cor Jesu made its way through the St. Louis area, as parent volunteers delivered yard signs and special “spirit boxes” to the newly accepted members of the Cor Jesu Class of 2028 – the largest class in Cor Jesu history! And most recently, we celebrated our 45th Annual Auction. As I experienced the Auction from a new lens this year, it was so clear to me that it is more than an event to raise funds for Cor Jesu – it’s also an opportunity to come together and celebrate this special community and each person who is part of it.

The theme of this edition of the SPIRIT magazine, is “Game Time” – and what is a game, if there is no spirit? St. Paul tells us that we all “strive to reach the finish line,” however, we don’t run the race alone. For that, I am grateful. Grateful for every person who has made the transition to my new role a little smoother. Grateful for the spectacular faculty, staff and students who fill these hallways. And grateful for the spirited community that supports Cor Jesu each day.

I hope you enjoy reading through this issue, highlighting just some of the members of our community who “got game” and are sharing the spirit of Christ with the world in their own unique ways. As I look toward the finish line of my first year as President of Cor Jesu, I look back with gratitude for all those who have run the race with me, and our school.

Blessings,

Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ ‘76 Cor Jesu Academy President

Page 14

ON THE COVER

Erin Guffey Delawalla ‘05, the Cor Jesu alumna who started the Funderwear tradition as a student, celebrates the 20th Annual Funderwear Challenge in January with family and friends.

6

COR JESU ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT

Rooted in the charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cor Jesu Academy provides a premier academic experience while forming women of faith, integrity, community and service.

Keep in touch with us!

Cor Jesu Academy is constantly working to update our records. If your information has changed, please let us know. This includes:

• Mailing address

• Email address

• Phone number

• Name change

Scan the QR code to visit our website and provide your new info!

You may also visit this page from your desktop at www.corjesu.org/updates.

Page 24

Page

Around the Halls

1 In August, CJA's new parking lot opened, providing an additional 104 spots for students on campus.

5 CAMP CJA Student Council took us on the adventure of a lifetime with a wildernessthemed spirit week!

6 The senior class planned a Dance Moms-themed Freshman Welcome Week for the newest members of the CJA Family!

LET’S CELEBRATE CHARGER ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

10 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

1ST – AMELIA SCHWARTZ ‘25

2ND – ELIZABETH HANSON ‘25

3RD – EMMA KESTER ‘25

Fall Sports: CURRENT EVENTS

2 Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ ’76 was inducted as CJA's very first alumna President. To celebrate, the senior class gifted her with a custom Charger jacket to wear to spirit games and events.

3 FALL 2023 NHS FOOD DRIVE COLLECTED 1,608 CANS AND $1,334 FOR AFFTON CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY!

4 CJA history teacher, Dr. Thomas Curran, published his book entitled Funny Thing About the Civil War

7 WE WELCOMED GRANDPARENTS TO CAMPUS FOR OUR ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS' MASS!

Academic Awards:

8 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS

Kaitlyn Torack ’24 was named a National Merit Semi-Finalist!

Olivia Carpenter ’24, Abby Geldmacher ’24 and Allie Maloney ’24 were recognized as National Merit Commended Students,

9 Gabriella Snyder ’24 earned College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Award.

11 CJA FIELD HOCKEY COMPETED IN THE FINAL FOUR OF THE STATE TOURNAMENT!

12 The Charger Golf Team took 4th place in Districts and had three individual State qualifiers, who placed at the State Competition!

20TH – PAIGE DOLRENRY ‘24

29TH – ADDISON MCGAHAN ’24

51ST – ELOISE RILEY ’26

13 THE CHARGER TENNIS TEAM WON 1ST IN DISTRICTS!

Lanie Davis ‘24 placed 6th overall in singles at the State Tournament, marking her 3rd consecutive year medaling. Kate Cooper ’24 and Angel Hong ’24 competed in the Doubles Division of the State Tournament!

14

The Fall Sports GISL All-Conference Players of the Year include:

FIELD HOCKEY – MOLLY STUTTE ‘25

SOFTBALL – BEAU BELZ ‘27

VOLLEYBALL – GRACE KILLION ‘24

15 CHARGER CROSS COUNTRY FINISHED 7TH IN STATE AND HAD TWO INDIVIDUAL MEDALISTS!

Mary McKenzie ’26 set a new school record with a time of 17:40, finishing 3rd place overall. Maria Luna ’24 placed 25th, making her the third CJA student in history to finish all-state four times.

Student shoutouts:

16 Maddie DiMaria ’27 was selected for the 2023-2024 U.S. Under-15 Women’s Youth National Soccer Team! She is one of 24 young women chosen and is the only athlete from Missouri on this year’s roster.

17 Natalie Niemczyk ’25 had her artwork featured in the 2023 Young Artist Exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

18 ENTHRONEMENT

In October, we celebrated the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and honored CJA's first “Enthronement Court” – seven seniors who were recognized for their embodiment of the Charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart.

19 Maggie Baker ’24 was selected to serve on the Student Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis!

20 SUCCESSFUL SINGING!

17 Chargers auditioned for the District Honor Choir and all 17 were selected!

Addie Bader '26

Sienna Barnidge ‘26

Bridget Blase ‘25

Maddie Brotherton ‘24

Grace Downen ‘27

Brianna Esswein ‘24

Bella Flores ‘27

Abby Gansler ‘24

Abby Geldmacher ‘24

Lydia Hercules ‘26

Emma Martinez ‘27

Mary McKendry ‘25

Meghan McLaughlin ‘24

Anna Meister ‘24

Charlie Ramig ‘24

Abby Russell ‘24

Audrey Strohmeyer ‘26

21 COR JESU’S DANCE TEAM PERFORMED ON SHOW ME ST. LOUIS!

Congratulations to:

Kate Cooper

Maria Blase

Addy Keller

Bella Johnston

Brianna Esswein

Maggie Baker

Maria Luna

22 5 CHARGER ATHLETES SIGNED TO CONTINUE THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS IN COLLEGE!

Maddie Fowler – Track & Field at Bucknell University

Lauren Knox – Soccer at Grand Canyon University

Grace Killion – Volleyball at High Point University

Bridget Sisul – Crew at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Mattea Vest – Field Hockey at Longwood University

23 Abby Geldmacher ’24 was selected for the Missouri All-State Choir!

24 Three Chargers attended the Unite 4 Justice Conference with six other STL Catholic high schools!

Shoutout to Claire Lehmkuhl ’26, Reilly Foy ’26 and Kaitlyn Torack ’24 for participating!

25 Erin Zerban ’24, Gabby Richards ’25 and CJA faculty member, Bridget Rush, traveled to the border of El Paso, Texas and Juárez, Mexico to celebrate mass with hundreds of other Catholics.

Connecting People Across the Board

Likeplaying a board game, life often requires a combination of strategic thinking, determination, patience, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. At times, we must roll the dice. Sometimes, we pause, think and execute a brilliant move. Other times, cards are dealt to us, and we give our best response. CJA alumna, Kim Dobrynski McDaniel ‘92, can attest to this.

“If you had told me in high school that I would be making board games for a living, I would have thought you were crazy,” she said. “I also never thought I’d be widowed with three small children at 40 years old. Life didn’t turn out how I thought it would, both personally and professionally, but what I have found is important, is how I respond to the unexpected twists and turns.”

As a young couple, Kim and her husband, Ryan, would sit on their patio after their kids were asleep and dream about owning their own business. They wanted to achieve the American Dream and own something they could be proud of. No big ideas came to mind, until a family dinner at Ryan’s mother’s house. After the meal, she took out an old horseracing game. The group played for hours, getting lost in the fun.

The next day, Kim heard Ryan tinkering in the garage.

“I went outside and he was in the middle of making his own, wooden, horseracing game,” she laughed. “Mind you, he had no formal woodworking experience…Ryan was just creative…everything he touched was great. And the game he made that day, was beautiful.”

Ryan and Kim started playing their new game with friends and family, and soon, people were asking for one of their own – keeping Ryan busy in the garage. The popularity grew amongst their community. Seeing a potential opportunity, Kim – a businesswoman and marketer at heart – suggested they try

selling the games at the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick, Missouri. To have a booth, though, they needed a name.

“We had no idea what to name our so-called ‘business’ at the time,” Kim said. “I searched ‘horseracing terms’ and one of the first ones that came up was ‘Across the Board,’ so we went with it.”

They arrived at the festival with 50 games. They left with zero.

“It was wild,” Kim said. “After that, we thought…maybe we really have something here. So, we moved forward.”

Kim created a website, and they purchased a small CNC machine to help Ryan build the horseracing games in their garage. Both Kim and Ryan had full-time jobs, so they considered this a

side gig. But then, in 2011, economic challenges caused Ryan to lose his job – one of those unexpected twists.

“Our response? We took a leap of faith and decided to pursue our American dream,” Kim said with a smile.

In 2012, they rented a warehouse in Crestwood, moving the operations out of their garage – all while expecting their third child. Ryan worked in the warehouse building games, and Kim handled the business side in the office space. As part of the expansion, they also added a new game to the collection – a dice baseball game, uniquely created by Ryan. The rationale: While the adults played the horseracing game, the kids at the party would also need something to play.

With two game designs perfected, Ryan and Kim loaded their minivan and ventured to Atlanta for their first wholesale show in January 2013. It was here they signed the company’s first wholesale customer, Uncommon Goods, who would now carry Across the Board’s games in its catalog and on its website. The duo was excited and ready to build on this momentum.

A few months later, however, a new hand was dealt.

In September 2013, Ryan felt a lump on his abdomen. He went to the doctor on a Friday and was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. He started chemo that Monday.

The McDaniel’s family and friends immediately jumped to action,

helping Across the Board keep up with production – especially during the holiday season, its busiest time of year. Ryan and Kim were grateful for the support, but Ryan was also determined – he chose to keep going.

“He responded to his diagnosis and prognosis with so much courage and grace,” Kim said. “He had chemo treatments every two weeks for 48 hours, but still came into work and did everything he could – everything to keep our dream alive.”

To keep their family on track while managing medical bills, Kim began working as a consultant at Monsanto (now Bayer), in addition to running Across the Board. The family worked hard to preserve the company, while also cherishing their time together – many nights were spent playing games. Until May 2015, when Ryan passed way…leaving Kim to look at her cards and make another choice.

“Do I go work at Monsanto full-time to keep my family secure financially, or do I pursue this…do I pursue my husband’s dream?” she asked.

As a mom of three kids, in a pre-covid world, there weren’t work from home options to consider at a large corporation.

“I wanted to provide for my family, but I also wanted to be there for my kids, who just lost their dad,” Kim said. “I wanted the flexibility to be able to pick them up from school or go to their talent shows.”

“We took a leap of faith and decided to pursue our American dream.”

–KIM DOBRYNSKI MCDANIEL '92

She called a family meeting, and, together – with her three children, ages 11, 9 and 3 – they made a decision.

“I told them that we won’t make a lot of money if I work at Across the Board full-time, but we are going to see dad’s dream come true and be with each other a lot,” she said. “We were all on board.”

She dove in with her whole heart. Her first order of business: To earn Kentucky Derby licensing for the horseracing game – Ryan’s ultimate goal.

She flew to Las Vegas to attend the annual Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show. While there, she carried around Ryan’s Kentucky Derby game prototype and asked anyone and everyone where she could find the people who license Kentucky Derby games. Finally, she found them and presented the game. One month later, Across the Board had the licensing.

“That was by far my craziest trip, and yet resulted in my biggest accomplishment,” Kim said. “We have Ryan’s initials on the corner of every Kentucky Derby horseracing game. To see his legacy live on like that…it means everything.”

Carrying on Ryan’s legacy not only means the world to Kim, but it

also gives her children something to hold on to. Over the years, the company has created an entire repertoire of games, most of which Ryan designed before he passed.

“Ryan is the heart and soul of this place. He may not be here physically, but he still brings so much joy to so many people through his games,” Kim said. “Because of this business, we talk about him every day. It keeps him alive for our kids. They’re so proud of this place because it was dad’s.”

And while Ryan is the heart and soul, Kim is certainly the brains. With a hand in every aspect of the business from product development to licensing, finance to quality assurance, marketing to retail, and much more, she is putting Across the Board on track to achieve not only Ryan’s goals, but also one of hers.

“I want Across the Board to be a household name,” she said. “To be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of get-togethers with friends, tailgates and family game nights!”

She and Across the Board are well on their way. In 2021, Across the Board opened its first retail store in West County Center and in 2023, it opened a pop-up holiday

connecting with each

shop in Plaza Frontenac. Just before the Plaza Frontenac opening, Kim traveled to Palm Springs to be honored as a member of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2023 – a global program for successful women entrepreneurs whose businesses show more potential to scale.

Kim was the first St. Louis business owner to be nominated and selected for an EY Winning Women Class, after a rigorous application and interview process. As a member of the group, she has greatly expanded her network and resources, receiving access to EY professionals and global EY networks throughout the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

other

Kim, Ryan, and their children (L-R): Mallory, Jake and Ayden, at the annual Run for Ryan 5k in 2014. Run for Ryan was formed by members of the St. Catherine Laboure Parish to support the McDaniel family during Ryan’s battle against cancer. Since the first race, the McDaniel family created the Stay Strong Fund to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. The annual Run for Ryan has continued for the last 11 years.

“I’m honored beyond words to be recognized,” Kim said. “Not only as a woman entrepreneur, but also as a businessperson whose company has proven results and has shown more potential for growth.”

The sky is certainly the limit for Kim and Across the Board. And while she’s making many connections through her business, one of her favorites has been with her alma mater. Cor Jesu Academy now carries custom, CJA-branded Across the Board games in its Spirit Shop. Kim also donates products to Cor Jesu events and fundraisers such as the annual Auction and raffle items for Giving Tuesday.

“Reconnecting with Cor Jesu has been a high point in my career because it was at CJA that I realized I could do anything,” she said. “To now be in a position where I can give back to a place that gave me so much is really special.”

Kim believes Cor Jesu provided her an excellent education, along with the tools and confidence to become a successful businesswoman, but she also recognizes CJA gave her much more than that.

“My prize for going to Cor Jesu, really, is the friendships and connections I made there,” she said. “And the faith-based education gave me the foundation to endure the difficult times later in life.”

Connection. It just might be the reason for all of it.

Kim and Ryan connected – both as a couple and business partners – and they help others connect, too.

“In today’s day in age, with all the technology and the noise, how truly special it is to put down the screens, sit with your loved ones and play a board game,” Kim said. “We are quite literally helping people connect with each other, ‘across the board,’ and I’ll never stop being proud of that.”

Nor should she. Kim took the cards she was dealt and created a royal flush – all in her husband’s name.

PLAY BALL! Most recently, Across the Board received licensing to sell Major League Baseball (MLB) games this Spring! Be sure to check them out!

2024 Summer Camps

Calling all 3rd-8th grade girls! Summer fun is just around the corner at Cor Jesu Academy!

Join us this summer for a variety of enrichment and sports camps at CJA. Enrichment camps, ranging from cooking to digital photography, to dance and coding, will give campers an opportunity to explore new activities and learn new skills. Sports camps are run by CJA’s coaches and current players to help campers learn more about their favorite sports, pick up new sports, and develop their skills in a fun environment!

To register, visit www.corjesu.org/camps

Camp prices increase after May 15!

NEW CAMP ALERT!

CJA is proud to present a new all-day “Charger for a Week!” camp.

GRADE LEVELS: 3-6

DATES: June 17, 18, 20 & 21 (no camp on June 19)

SCHEDULE:

• 8 a.m.: Drop-off begins (light breakfast included)

• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Structured Camp Day (lunch included)

• 2-3 p.m.: Pick-up with final dismissal at 3 p.m.

At “Charger for a Week!” camp, campers will experience a sampling of sports, games and activities, including volleyball, soccer, field hockey, basketball, pickleball, foam hockey, yard games, board games, chess and more. Campers will use their bodies and brains to be active and have fun this week!

Goin' to the Chapel!

November 20, 2023, was a blessed day at Cor Jesu Academy as we officially broke ground on the future Blessed Clelia Chapel!

We celebrated the groundbreaking with our school community, in conjunction with a prayer service honoring the Feast of Blessed Clelia Merloni – the Foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the namesake of the future Chapel.

Our mission as a community of faith is at the core of what we do here at CJA, and we are proud

to celebrate this milestone. Each day, we strive to teach our students to go out into the world and live the Charism of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart by Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ. To prepare our hearts to do this, we believe we need a fitting space for prayer and reflection on campus.

We hope the CJA community is as thrilled as we are to expand, update and reorient our current chapel to provide our students, and entire community, with this sacred space. Thank you for your prayers as construction continues and we work to have the Chapel completed and open for worship by September 2024!

CJA President Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ ‘76, Board Member Kevin Kloster, Student Council President Addy Keller ‘24, along with members of the BSI Constructors team and the Hastings+Chivetta Architects team break ground on the Blessed Clelia Chapel.

Students, faculty and staff were invited to sign their names on the two Chapel walls that will stay standing through the renovation, as a reflection of their time here through the construction.

Original chapel size

Expansion

a sacred space

20 Years OF FUN!derwear

“Win the PANTS!” “Keep the PANTS!”

Imagine. You ask a Cor Jesu student: What’s your favorite school tradition?

The answer… befuddles you. Funderwear.

It’s not a real word. Not one you would find in a dictionary at least. At Cor Jesu, though, its definition is clear. What may not be clear, however, is the origin behind the fun – how did this 20-year tradition come to be?

It started with a carpool.

Katie Brooks ‘04 and Erin Guffey Delawalla ‘05 were both part of Holy Infant parish and carpooled to Cor Jesu together. At CJA, Erin played on the Charger soccer team, was involved with the spirit crew, student council, yearbook and loved to attend Charger sporting events. In addition, she spent time volunteering and making sandwiches for St. Patrick Center – led to these activities by Katie, who dedicated most of her time to helping others.

“Katie was the pillar of service,” Erin said. “She was so kind and so giving.”

Tragically, during Katie’s junior year, she was involved in an accident while on a school trip and passed away.

“Someone wrote on our parking spot, ‘Only the good die young,’” Erin remembered. “And it was so true… she was just so good.”

At 16 years old, losing Katie was Erin’s first experience with the death of a close family member or friend, in particular, one so close to her age. As she looked for ways to process her grief, she reflected a lot.

“I thought about what was important in life, and how I wanted to spend my time,” Erin said. “I thought: How can I channel this grief and create something positive?”

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, came to mind.

“It was a familiar place,” Erin said. “Growing up, my mom always donated our clothes to St. Patrick Center, and with Katie, I got even more exposure to the organization. It seemed like the perfect place to start.”

Inspired by Katie’s giving spirit and her own mother’s stories of the annual DuBourg High School vs. St. Mary’s High School Shoe Game to benefit the World Pediatric Project, a new idea was born – a clothing drive for St. Patrick Center.

“Cor Jesu really teaches its students the importance of service.”

–ERIN GUFFEY DELAWALLA '05

“Cor Jesu really teaches its students the importance of service,” Erin said. “Because of those lessons, I thought this would be exactly in line with CJA’s mission and would help me honor Katie.”

To get the student body more involved and create momentum to donate, Erin decided the clothing drive should culminate at a CJA soccer game – providing a venue to showcase the success of the drive and gift the clothes to St. Patrick Center. She brought her idea to CJA’s principal at the time, Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, who then got Sr. Maureen Flynn, ASCJ, and CJA Theology teacher, Mame Blumeyer, involved as well.

“It was awesome,” Erin said. “I threw out this big idea, and they treated me like an adult. They didn’t shut me down, rather they said, ‘okay – let’s figure out how we can do this.’ It gave me a lot of confidence that I could do big things.”

With the support of the administration and faculty, Erin got to work. She contacted Dan Buck, the Executive Director of St. Patrick Center at the time, and presented her idea: Cor Jesu students would collect clothes for St. Patrick Center the week leading up to the soccer game. Admission to the game would be a clothing donation. Then, at half time, the total number of

honoring a friend

Erin Guffey Delawalla ’05 wears the 2024 Funderwear t-shirt and holds up the first Funderwear t-shirt while cheering on the Chargers at the 2024 Funderwear Challenge.

2004 Clothing drive for St. Patrick Center + soccer game

presented to St. Patrick Center.

“We borrowed shopping carts from Schnucks and wheeled all the bags of clothes onto the field for the announcement,” Erin said. “It wasn’t officially called ‘Funderwear’ yet, but it’s where it all started – I can’t believe it’s been 20 years!”

St. Patrick Center was grateful for the donated clothes, but after the event, Mr. Buck shared with Erin that many people in St. Louis generously donate their old clothes to St. Patrick Center each year. Because of this, there is usually enough clothes for its clients. Instead, what the organization continually needs is new pairs of socks and underwear – the basic clothing essentials that are often taken for granted.

The sentiment made sense, so Erin and Mrs. Blumeyer altered the event. They decided the next year would solely be a socks and underwear drive, collecting newly purchased items.

“We understood that the need for new socks and underwear was so great, so we brainstormed ways to make the event even bigger,” Mrs. Blumeyer said. “Since I’m a St. Joseph’s Academy alumna, I thought – what if we brought the Angels in on this and doubled the impact? We reached out and they were excited to join the cause!”

With St. Joe on board, the schools decided that this time around, the

drive would culminate at halftime of the Cor Jesu vs. St. Joe basketball game. Tying the competitive nature of the game to collecting items for charity seemed like the perfect combination – and the “Funderwear Challenge” was officially created.

“There has always been something special about participating in the Annual Funderwear Game,” said Julie Matheny, St. Joe’s head varsity basketball coach. “Both schools’ students, from the athletes to the cheering sections, pour their hearts and souls into this memorable event each year. And while it’s competitive from start to finish, the vision for the beneficiary, St. Patrick Center, is always at the forefront. St. Joe is honored to be part of this event and proud to have helped make a difference in our community for so many years.”

The guidelines were similar to the first year. Both schools would collect new pairs of socks and underwear the week leading up to the big game. Admission into the game would be a pair of socks or underwear, and

spectators could choose which school collection to put their donation with. At halftime, two announcements would be made:

1. The total number of pairs of socks and underwear collected between both schools

2. The winner of the Funderwear challenge –the school who collected the most pairs

“Since it was a competition now, we, of course, had to have a trophy,” Erin said with a smile.

Not your typical trophy.

“My mom helped me make it,” she chuckled. “We starched a pair of boxers, stuffed them and stapled them to the platform.”

Little did they know… that starched pair of boxers would stand proud for 20 years, becoming the most sought-after prize for both schools each year. The PANTS as it is fondly referred to, has become a household name at CJA.

“Win the PANTS!” and “Keep the PANTS!” are common phrases

"Funderwear Challenge" made official with St. Joe 2005

Erin Guffey Delawalla ’05 holds the Funderwear trophy with her mom, Maria Guffey, and daughter, Elle Delawalla.

The Funderwear Challenge has included soccer and basketball games with St. Joe over the years. 2015

of Funderwear – all rooted in a desire to help St. Patrick Center.

From the first year to the 20th, Cor Jesu and St. Joe have collected almost 400,000 pairs of socks, underwear, and more recently, sports bras, for St. Patrick Center. The Funderwear Challenge game has included soccer and basketball competitions. The PANTS have spent time with the Chargers and the Angels, and Cor Jesu is proud to have won the PANTS the last two years. And prior to that, the trophy resided with the Chargers for a consecutive 11 years.

While it does get competitive, each school’s administrators and student leaders, who are chosen to run the event each year, do a phenomenal job reminding students of the real reason for the competition.

“Sure, the competition is fun, and it pumps everyone up,” Mrs. Blumeyer said. “But we realize

2019

The total raised grows each year!

that together, we can do so much more for our community. That’s why we do this every year – to share Christ’s love together.”

What started as a teenager’s idea to honor her friend, turned into a treasured tradition for both Cor Jesu and St. Joe students alike. It’s also a critical event for St. Patrick Center.

“We depend on the Funderwear collections heavily,” said Amanda Laumeyer, CEO of St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities. “It’s been going on for so long that it’s become a major consideration when creating our yearly budgets. Because of the amazing work of these students, we can allocate money that would go to socks, underwear and sports bras each year, and put it toward other important services for people experiencing homelessness in St. Louis.”

In January, the Cor Jesu and St. Joe communities celebrated

20 years of Funderwear. CJA was especially proud to welcome Erin, her mom, her sister, Carolyn Guffey Collins ‘08 (who took over Funderwear after Erin graduated), and the rest of her family, along with many friends from the Class of 2005 to the event. Erin hadn’t been to a Funderwear game since that first official one, her senior year.

“I was honored to come back and participate in this milestone year,” Erin said. “We may have started Funderwear, but the way the students and faculty from both Cor Jesu and St. Joe have sustained it and made it even bigger, was amazing to see. The enthusiasm and school spirit were unmatched!”

Erin took part in the halftime announcement as the official “trophy holder,” ready to present the starched underwear to the winning school’s students. But before the winner was announced, the most important stat was

for the community

2024 A record year!!!

revealed – the total number of socks, underwear and sports bras collected between the two schools.

64,393

The most successful year yet.

The crowd erupted. Erin got chills and prepared to hand off the trophy to the winning school’s students – who, she was warned, are known to rush the court in excitement. To Erin’s delight, the rush of students was red.

“I couldn’t believe how excited they were to win the PANTS, and just how energetic they were throughout the entire game,” she said.

From pushing shopping carts onto the soccer field to handing off the trophy in its 20th year – Erin’s idea has impacted the Cor Jesu community, the St. Joseph’s community and the St. Louis community in larger ways than she could imagine. But most importantly, this tradition has carried on a special legacy.

“It warms my heart to know that this charity event is the highlight of the year, because the original

inspiration for it was Katie,” Erin said. “She lived her life in such a way that inspired others to do good, so it’s beautiful to have her legacy live on in this way. I hope that all who experience Funderwear are inspired, like I was by Katie, to go out and make a difference in the world.”

HONORING Katie Brooks ‘04

The legacy of Katie Brooks not only lives on through the Funderwear Challenge, but also through the Cor Jesu CARE Club. CARE stands for Christian Action Reaching Everyone and is a service club at Cor Jesu. One CARE Club committee makes over 2,000 sandwiches for St. Patrick Center and St. Anthony’s Food Pantry,

and has been doing this for more than 25 years. Katie was an active member of this group. To honor her, years ago, the committee was officially named, Katie’s Krew. Additionally, Cor Jesu Academy created the Katie Brooks CARE Award. This award is presented to a junior each year, who

displays an unwavering dedication to CARE, particularly to Katie’s Krew. The recipient, like Katie, has a heart of service and truly lives out the Charism of Cor Jesu Academy by Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ with others.

Erin Guffey Delawalla ‘05 with friends from the Cor Jesu Class of 2005 at the 20th Annual Funderwear Challenge. (L-R: Denise Dickmann Maxfield, Kathleen Perniciaro Duggins, Erin Guffey Delawalla, Katie Milles Garrity and Teresa Lang Godfrey)

A SPIRITED Night!

The spirit of Cor Jesu was alive at the 45th Annual Auction on Saturday, February 3! With over 550 attendees and more than $100,000 in sponsorships, it was Cor Jesu Academy’s most successful Auction yet! Thank you to everyone who made the evening special! Whether you volunteered, donated auction items or raised your paddle, your dedication to Cor Jesu and its future is a true blessing.

Fund-a-Need

Live Auction Highlight

“Speak Now” or Forever Hold Your Bids!

The most popular items of the night were two Taylor Swift autographed guitars, followed by four tickets to see The Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London!

A very special thank you to Rory Barnawell ‘24 (AKA: Bolt) for sharing about her experiences at Cor Jesu, inspiring the audience to give generously to this year’s Fund-a-Need for financial assistance. Congratulations to Rory on an amazing four years at CJA and thank you to all who contributed to such a spectacular total!

FUND-A-NEED TOTAL FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

$253,000

FUN FACTS

A big congratulations to Colleen Conway, our 2024 Auction Chair, and Thetis Efstathianos Alcott ‘93, our 2024 Auction Co-Chair, on a beautiful night!

thank you!!

556 GUESTS

200+ VOLUNTEERS

135 ALUMNAE ATTENDEES

a faithful servant

Remembering Sr. Teddy

JANUARY 7, 1924 - NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Sr. Theodore Bollati, ASCJ, was professed an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for 79 years and spent much of her ministry at Cor Jesu Academy. Fondly known as Sr. Teddy, she lovingly and faithfully served as the Cor Jesu librarian for 32 years. Because of her commitment to providing a place of peace (and silence) for our students, the Cor Jesu library was officially named The Sr. Theodore Bollati, ASCJ Library to honor Sr. Teddy when she retired in 2008.

Sr. Teddy was a friend to all who entered her library, as well as a respected disciplinarian to those who broke the rules of her sanctuary. “Are you girls freshmen?” was a common Sr. Teddy phrase most young Chargers heard as they accepted their first detentions for talking in the library. Students quickly learned that

Sr. Teddy’s library was a place of silence. They also learned that if you lost anything… you went to Sr. Teddy. She faithfully prayed the prayer of St. Anthony with any student who needed to uncover a lost treasure. And rumor has it, with Sr. Teddy’s prayers, students always found their items within 24 hours. Her knack for organization and order did not stop with library shelves either, as Sr. Teddy efficiently ran the coat room at the Auction each year. While library disciplinarian was her most memorable role, the majority of the library culprits look back fondly on their encounters with dear Sr. Teddy. Each student knew she cared deeply for her, as she gave generously of her time, kept each one in prayer and provided memories that have lasted lifetimes. A few CJA alumnae and other community members shared some of their favorite memories of Sr. Teddy with us!

Thank you, Sr. Teddy for your years of service at CJA! May you rest peacefully in the Heart of Jesus.

In 2011, I submitted an online prayer request for a family emergency. To my great surprise, Sr. Teddy called me, after 32 years, to reassure me that I knew where to place my trust and that everything would be fine. She was such a faithful servant, well deserving of the heavenly happiness she has earned.

— MARIE AUCK PENDERGAST ‘79

In 2006, I was struck as a pedestrian while crossing Gravois Rd. Sr. Teddy spoke with me about guardian angels and gifted me a Sacred Heart keychain. I still have it on my keyring to this day!

— LIBBY BROOKING EVERS ‘08

Sr. Teddy allowed students to be in her spaces, knowing we weren't just there for academic reasons but also to connect with friends and fill our teenage need for socializing. She was patient but firm, kind but consistent. Rest in peace, and let perpetual light shine on her.

— JESSICA PEREZ MALTZMAN ‘96

Sr. Teddy always reminded us to push our chairs in when we got up from the tables in the library. I think of her each time I push my chair in when getting up and if someone else gets up leaving their chair out, I chuckle to myself thinking about Sr. Teddy as I push their chair in for them.

— NANCY STECHER HAMMOND ‘92

Sr. Teddy was more than a librarian, she was also a teacher in her own way. To make history seem more personal and alive, Dr. Hohlt and I would invite Sr. Theodore to speak to our American Studies students about the Great Depression. She told stories of her family's struggle during that time as she remembered living then. What a rich experience those talks were for all of us!

— JANE LAURENTIUS, RETIRED COR JESU ACADEMY TEACHER

While mortifying at the time, the detention I received from Sr. Teddy for talking in the library AFTER school as a freshman, has become one of my most cherished memories and favorite stories to share of my days at Cor Jesu. How close I came to a life of "crime." Luckily, Sr. Teddy was there to put my me and my friends on the path of righteousness (and silence). She was an incredible example of love and dedication and I'm so thankful I had the privilege to know her.

— CHRISTINE TOURKAKIS ‘02

I volunteered in the library with Sr. Theodore while my daughters were students at CJA. She helped me with library skills which later helped me obtain a part-time library position. She always insisted that we take a break during the morning announcements when she would offer us a lavish piece of cake or other dessert and a beverage. We would then share about matters of faith (Padre Pio was a favorite of hers). This charism of hospitality seemed to be part of her religious community. In fact, one of the other sisters would lovingly hide a "teddy" bear somewhere in the library every day for Sr. Theodore to find. Sr. Theodore, like the other women in her community, are true examples of Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ.

— BETH AMPLEMAN, ALUMNAE PARENT

sharing the love

Giving Tuesday

On November 28, 2023, Cor Jesu Academy was blessed to participate in its eighth Giving Tuesday, raising funds for The Charger Fund! It was a spectacular day full of generosity and spirit. We are grateful to our entire community for sharing Christ’s love with CJA!

What is The Charger Fund?

The Charger Fund is Cor Jesu Academy’s annual fund, which serves as our primary source of tuition assistance. This school year, we are providing $2,311,352 in tuition assistance – much of which is thanks to this important resource. Additionally, The Charger Fund supports a variety of aspects of student life – positively affecting each student in different ways. From the over 50% of students receiving tuition assistance to the countless members of teams and clubs whose experiences are made richer because of The Charger Fund, each gift matters.

Christmas with the Chargers

Did you know that every December, 10230 Gravois Road doubles as Santa’s Workshop?

On December 2, 2023, Cor Jesu welcomed back 150 alumnae and their families for our annual Breakfast with Santa event. The campus buzzed with festive energy as over 600 members of the Cor Jesu community – past, present and future –came together to celebrate Christmas with the Chargers.

Whether it was writing letters to Santa, whipping up a batch of reindeer food or decorating the perfect Christmas cookie –

there was something magical for visitors of all ages. Some opted for the high-energy bounce house, others delighted in the Christmas play, put on by CJA students, and everyone enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast prepared by CJA’s own Flynn’s Foods.

The Cor Jesu Chamber Choir spread cheer throughout the morning, singing Christmas carols, while other Charger elves painted faces, decorated ornaments and played festive games with

our guests. The Christmas spirit was amplified by the presence of familiar faces, including the man in red himself, Santa Claus, our spirited school mascot, Bolt, and even the Grinch!

As laughter echoed through the halls, it became clear that Cor Jesu’s Breakfast with Santa is more than a pancake breakfast or Christmas card photo op. It’s a cherished homecoming for alumnae to return to campus and create lasting memories with their little ones.

Bake It Til You Make It

Picture this: You’re 11 years old. It’s Christmas morning. What gift are you hoping, no, dreaming is under the tree?

What’s the one gift you can’t live without?

For Melanie Armbrecht ‘24, it was a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

The summer before 5th grade, Melanie and her friends were looking for ways to pass the days – they started baking. Before long, Melanie realized this was more than just a hobby.

“I wanted to do it constantly,” she said. “I didn’t have ‘my thing’ yet like a lot of my other friends, so as I got more and more into baking, I decided this was going to be it. I thought: If I work at it, I can be the best at this.”

Baking took over Melanie’s world, so much so, her mom – while supportive of Melanie’s craft – longed for a clean kitchen.

“I was baking non-stop, so our kitchen was typically a disaster,” Melanie laughed. “My mom loved the treats, but hated the mess, so lots of times, I waited until she left the house to run and preheat the oven.”

With lots of practice, and lots of cleaning, Melanie perfected her skill. Whether cookies or cupcakes, pastries or pies, if there was a recipe for it, she baked it. And not only did she bake tasty treats – she decorated them, too.

“I’m a self-taught cake decorator,” she said. “When I realized I loved it, I became obsessed

with finding every YouTube tutorial, Instagram account and TikTok video I could to learn more and more.”

It didn’t take long for Melanie’s family and friends to notice her newfound talent. Soon, the orders poured in.

“I was too young to have a phone, so I took my ‘business calls’ from my mom’s phone,” she chuckled.

As her popularity grew, Melanie decided that to be successful, her business needed a name, and Mel’s Cakes emerged.

With a name secured, it was now time to get the word out. She took advantage of the power of social media and created an Instagram account called @mels._cakes_ in 2018 – still from her mom’s iPhone.

At just 15, she got a job as a dishwasher at the Kitchen Conservatory in Clayton. With no driver’s license in hand, Melanie’s mom drove her to each shift.

“I think she was happy to get me out of her kitchen,” Melanie laughed.

While she was sponge-washing dishes, she acted as a sponge herself – absorbing everything.

“I listened to the bakers and chefs, asked for tips and tricks, and learned everything I could when I was there,” she said.

Less than a year later, she was promoted from dishwasher to Chef Instructor, teaching cake and cupcake decorating classes. Plus, she now also works as a souschef for a variety of the Kitchen Conservatory’s cooking classes.

“It’s funny because I can tell people are a bit confused when they walk in the kitchen and see me – a teenager – up front,” Melanie said. “But once we start working, they realize I’ve got this.”

That confidence – she attributes to Cor Jesu.

“Without the love and support I’ve felt at school, I don’t think I could stand up in front of a group of adults and teach a class,” she said. “Cor Jesu has given me so much – the confidence, the community…”

And the clients!

Over the last four years, Mel’s Cakes has become a well-known name around the halls of Cor Jesu. From Penny Queen bake sales to Administration Appreciation Day to sports banquets, Melanie has baked many sweet treats for a variety of CJA events and fundraisers. Not to mention the orders from her peers, teachers and Cor Jesu parents.

“I always smile when I get an order from a Cor Jesu family,” she said. “It’s nice to feel celebrated by the community here.”

She plans to carry that special feeling into college where she will study business and entrepreneurship. The school she will attend is still to be determined. But, no matter where she ends up, she knows she’s been equipped with the tools to excel. Her only concern…

“I may just cry without access to a commercial kitchen,” she joked. “I hope to go somewhere I can find a place to continue baking!”

While she searches for that special kitchen in college, she knows just the kitchen she wants to bake in after graduation.

“The Culinary Institute of America in New York,” Melanie said. “To combine business and baking and create a career that I love would be a dream come true.”

Just like a KitchenAid on Christmas morning.

Interested in ordering one of Mel’s Cakes?

Send her a direct message on Instagram @mels._cakes_ !

She’s Got Game!

In the summer of 2023, Melanie and her grandmother traveled to the United Kingdom. As they planned their trip, they discovered “The Big London Bake” – a baking competition modeled after “The Great British Bake Off.”

Melanie and her grandma, Maria Armbrecht, signed up for the competition, which featured 12 teams of two. All 12 teams were presented with the same challenge: To craft a unique jelly roll cake in just 90 minutes.

Ingredients and a basic recipe were provided, but it was up to each team to add their own creative touch to make their cake stand out.

Not only was it Melanie’s first baking competition, but also her first attempt at baking a jelly roll. Despite this, she remained calm, and she and Grandma Maria got to work.

“Melanie is the real baker,” Grandma Maria said. “So I let her take the lead and followed her directions.”

All those years of baking secretly while her mom was away, watching Youtube tutorials and teaching classes paid off. Melanie and her grandma won the competition, taking home the ultimate prize: two golden cake cutters!

“It was such a fun experience and was different to be baking against the clock,” Melanie said. “I’m so glad we took a chance and did it, and that I got to share it with my grandma.”

confidence, community, clients!

Alumnae INC career connections

Imagine, as a college student, having your summer internship lined up before Spring Break. Cor Jesu Academy’s Corporate Partners Initiative is proud to provide an exclusive career networking event to help our graduates get one step closer to doing just that.

On January 4, Cor Jesu hosted the seventh Internship Networking Connections (INC) event, in-person for the first time since the pandemic hit in 2020. At this event, Cor Jesu college undergrads and recent college graduates are invited to network with a variety of companies and organizations who are seeking candidates for internships and permanent positions. Professional coaches are also available to provide interview tips, networking advice and review resumes. In addition, complimentary professional headshots are offered to each attendee to build her LinkedIn profile.

This year, 69 registered alumnae had the opportunity to network with 20 organizations seeking to fill roles in accounting, engineering, marketing, finance, architecture, non-profit, healthcare and more! To kick-start the event, keynote speaker, Nina Di Mercurio McVey ‘77, a CJA alumna and the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at Enterprise Mobility, gave a presentation entitled: Putting Your Best Foot Forward: What You Can Control in the Hiring Process. Before attendees went out to network, Nina shared her advice and practical tips for how to impress hiring managers and stand out from the rest of the applicants.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING CORPORATE PARTNERS:

• Anders CPAs + Advisors

• Armanino

• Civil Design, Inc.

• Cor Jesu Academy – RISE Program

• Custom Joy Construction

• Empowered Homes

• First Bank

• Graybar

• Hastings+Chivetta Architects

• House Everyone STL

• Jacobs

• MSMF Wealth Management

• Midwest BankCentre

• NISA Investment Advisors, LLC

• Protiviti

• Stifel

• St. Louis Cardinals

• The Cigna Group

• The Clark-Fox Family Foundation

• Watlow

CJA Lives

Inspired!

Cor Jesu Academy was honored to welcome John O’Leary to speak with our students, faculty and staff on November 10, 2023. A St. Louis native and Desmet High School graduate, O’Leary, shared his incredible story of faith, perseverance and hope, after surviving an accident burning 100% of his body when he was nine years old. Since that time, O’Leary has written two books, traveled across the world to tell his story and recently finished filming for his movie, “On Fire.”

During his talk, O’Leary reminded our community that each of our lives matter and that we are all here to do good. Every day, we get to choose how we live – he encouraged us to choose to live inspired and always ask…

What more can I do?

BOOKS BY JOHN O'LEARY

what more can I do?

It was wonderful to welcome John to Cor Jesu as he has a special connection with our school! His wife, Beth Hittler O’Leary ‘97, is a Cor Jesu alumna, and his cousin-in-law is Betsey Knoll Stratton ‘96, who is a CJA wellness counselor. Plus, one of his dear friends is Melissa Kessler –Academic Support Specialist in the Cor Jesu Student Learning Center. L-R: Melissa, John, Beth and Betsey.

A Game Changer

THE COR JESU ACADEMY STUDENT LEARNING CENTER

In 2010, Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ ‘76 returned to Cor Jesu to begin the school’s first-ever Student Learning Center. For 13 years she served as the Director of Academic Support, building the program from the ground up before transitioning to her new role as CJA’s first alumna president last fall.

“The original vision of the Student Learning Center was to help students learn how to learn,” Sr. Susan Marie said. “But as we got the program running, we realized students needed two kinds of help: Learning how to learn and immediate needs in particular classes or subject areas.”

So, the vision shifted, and the Student Learning Center quickly became a place where teachers and specialists worked to meet as many students’ needs as possible – and it continues today. This means, the Cor Jesu Student Learning Center provides accommodations and regularly works with students who have a learning diagnosis, and is also open to all students who need assistance at any point in time.

“Most student learning centers in most schools require students to have an IEP (individualized learning plan) or some type of diagnosis to access its services,” Sister explained. “Cor Jesu’s is different in this way, as it serves the entire student body…the doors are always open!”

And the students have taken advantage. Last year, over 75% of the Cor Jesu student body used the Student Learning Center in some capacity.

“Some need help with organization, some have test accommodations, some need help learning how to prioritize tasks, and some are students in high-level courses, who stop in to get help with a particular concept,” Sister said.

Most importantly, all freshmen take a required course in the fall called Study Skills, taught by the Student Learning Center staff. In this course, students learn the skills necessary to help them better transition from middle school to high school. Lessons include time management, backwards planning, test-taking techniques, study strategies, organizational skills and spending time discovering their individualized learning styles.

“Many of our freshmen are so bright that they found success in grade school without putting in much effort,” said Cheri Dunn, Director of Academic Support. “Which is why we prepare them right from the start, equipping them with the tools they need to successfully prepare for tests, projects and papers at the high school level.”

A game changer, indeed.

“The Student Learning Center has been so important for me throughout my time at Cor Jesu,” said CJA senior, Maddie Nolan. “The Study Skills class helped me make the adjustment into high school, and I’ve been supported by the staff ever since. Whether they’ve helped me plan a study schedule for exams, let me pop in for a quick question or kept me on track when I was out of school for health reasons, I was always confident they would be there for me and help me succeed.”

This school year, the Student Learning Center has an entire new staff who is carrying on the tradition of this unique space – welcoming all students and supporting them through their academic journeys at Cor Jesu.

“...it serves the entire student body...the doors are always open!”

–SR. SUSAN MARIE KRUPP, ASCJ '76

Melissa Cheri

Meet the Student Learning Center Staff!

Cheri Dunn, Director of Academic Support

I am thrilled to join the Cor Jesu community! Working with these bright and curious students is such a joy and I look forward to getting to know each one even better while gaining an understanding of their individual learning styles. This is my 15th year in education where I have served as an English teacher, academic support coordinator and academic advisor. I graduated from Mizzou with a bachelor’s degree in English and earned a Master of Education from Maryville University. I am a self-proclaimed coffee snob, who enjoys teaching, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Melissa Kessler, Academic Support Specialist

Over the last 16 years, I have devoted myself to education. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in special education, my teaching experience ranges from birth to adulthood. I have been a lead teacher in both general education and special education classrooms, and have a passion for empowering children to reach their potential while fostering collaborative relationships. Outside the classroom, I live in Webster Groves with my husband and four kids. When I’m not driving my kids to their activities, I love to read, listen to live music and explore new restaurants. It’s a joy to be part of the Cor Jesu community!

Kristi Voytas Treml ‘00, Academic Support Specialist

As an alumna, I am ecstatic to return and support the bright young women of Cor Jesu as they embark on their journeys of academic and spiritual growth. Following Cor Jesu, I earned a bachelor's degree in communication science and disorders from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree in special education from Washington University in St. Louis. I have proudly taught for 17 years in both private and public sectors and hold six Missouri teaching certifications. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking and watching my three son’s sporting events.

Kristi supporting all students

In addition to the Student Learning Center staff, there are also part-time tutors available for students in specific subject areas, including:

Tommy Nolan – writing

Larry Russell – math and physics

Helen Colston – math

keep moving forward

Confidence by the Mile

Girls on the Run builds the leaders of tomorrow

What is she going to do next?!

Inspired, Lisa DiRaimondo Mulligan ‘02, asks herself this question every time she watches the last girl cross the finish line at the end of the Girls on the Run St. Louis 5k.

“It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve done it,” Lisa said. “Watching those kiddos cross the finish line shows me there is good in this world, there is energy and there is hope to keep moving forward.”

As the Director of Program and Development for Girls on the Run St. Louis, Lisa has always had a passion for serving her community. At Cor Jesu, she was involved in different service activities and continued that through college.

“The University of Dayton has a big focus on service and emphasizing how we can plug into the community,” she said. “That idea was familiar to me because of my foundation at Cor Jesu.”

She graduated from Dayton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in Spanish and social work. She worked for a year and then continued

her education at Washington University in St. Louis, earning a master’s degree in social work.

“While learning about Catholicism in high school, what I grasped onto was the social justice aspect of our faith,” Lisa said. “And that drove my decisions going forward in terms of my university, my major and my career.”

Lisa completed her grad school practicum in Denver, working a full-time internship for The National Conference of State Legislatures. She celebrated her graduation, married her husband, Ian Mulligan, moved to Denver permanently and began a full-time position with an organization called Invest in Kids – a statewide nonprofit focusing on social and emotional development for kids, and educating the adults in their lives on how to foster this development.

Together, Lisa and Ian settled in Denver, welcoming their daughter, Cora, in 2014, and son, Colin, in 2016. Lisa spent seven years with Invest in Kids before moving home to St. Louis where she began as

Program Director for Girls on the Run St. Louis. In this role, she oversaw the organization’s programming across the 23 counties it serves in Missouri and Illinois. A few years later, she transitioned into her current role with the organization – Director of Program and Development.

“It's incredibly empowering for a child to see she can make a difference in her community.”

–LISA DIRAIMONDO MULLIGAN '02

Lisa DiRaimondo Mulligan ‘02 and her family at the celebratory Girls on the Run 5k.

LEFT AND RIGHT: Lisa and her daughter, Cora (9), celebrate and run the 5k.

MIDDLE: Lisa with her husband, Ian Mulligan; son, Colin (8); and daughter, Cora.

“The mission of Girls on the Run is to ensure girls are joyful, healthy and confident by using an evidence-based curriculum that combines physical and mental health,” Lisa said.

The basis of the program is to teach young girls, in grades 3-8, critical life skills that strengthen their potential at a time when societal pressures can cause doubt and uncertainty. What sets it apart from other programs is the combination of these lessons with physical activity. The curriculum teaches the skills, while also preparing participants for a 5k at the end of the program.

“There’s a lot of research showing that when you are moving, you synthesize social and emotional skills more quickly and more deeply,” Lisa said. “The skills that you learn by setting a physical goal of completing a 5k and small incremental goals along the way are so transferable in life, and so necessary for these young girls.”

Participants not only work toward their goals individually, but also alongside teammates. Each team is led by a coach who is trained to teach the Girls on the Run curriculum. So, while participants work toward a

seemingly individual goal of completing a 5k, they do it in the context of being part of a team.

“It’s this beautiful package,” Lisa said. “We take all these proven, positive elements – physical activity, mental well-being, life skills, relationship building, teamwork – and put them into the curriculum for one program – there’s nothing else like it.”

The curriculum includes Richard Lerner’s 5Cs + 1 – lessons targeting the promotion of competence, confidence, connection, character, caring and contribution to the greater good of society. Specifically, lessons are divided into three sections that focus on promoting competencies and values related to:

1. Self-awareness and self-care

2. Selecting healthy social relationships and effectively communicating with others

3. Empowering girls to have a voice in their personal and community well-being

“The third part of the program is really unique,” Lisa said. “We not only teach the girls to learn about themselves, and how to work with others, but also what it means to be part of a community and what our responsibilities are as citizens.”

To teach this, the third section requires each team to complete a community impact project where they identify a challenge in their own community and come

up with ways to address it.

“It’s incredibly empowering for a child to see she can make a difference in her community,” Lisa said.

The entire curriculum culminates at the end of an eight-week season with a celebratory 5k, giving the participants, of all abilities, a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment. And while a 5k could seem like a daunting task for a grade schooler, the emphasis is on completion, not competition.

“We always say ‘forward is a pace,’” Lisa said. “You don’t have to run. Participants can walk, skip, dance, jump, whatever they want to do –it’s their accomplishment to own.”

The mantra at Girls on the Run is to meet people where they are and then inspire them to reach their potential. Dr. Meghan Bohac, Dean of Academics at Cor Jesu Academy, could not feel more similarly about a Cor Jesu education.

“At Cor Jesu, our goal is to meet students and their families where they’re at,” said Dr. Bohac. “Whether that’s financially, academically, socially – we are here to provide an exceptional experience that young women can make their own and feel proud of when they cross the stage at graduation.”

Lisa thrived on that supportive and encouraging environment at CJA, which sparked her desire to ensure all young girls feel

Lisa @ CJA then and now

BELOW LEFT: Lisa with CJA faculty member, Dr. Brian Hohlt, and former CJA faculty member, Sr. Doretta D’Albero, at her Cor Jesu graduation in 2002.

BELOW RIGHT: Lisa with current CJA students after speaking with them about careers with non-profit organizations.

empowered in the same way.

“My passion to make an impact in our community started at Cor Jesu,” Lisa said. “The education I received and experiences I had in high school filled me with the confidence to be a leader and pursue my passions.”

And she’s inspiring more members of the Cor Jesu community to join the effort. Two years ago, Lisa invited Cor Jesu Academy to join the Girls on the Run program as a sponsor.

“Partnering with Girls on the Run just makes sense,” said Colleen Smyth Dean ‘10, CJA’s Director of Campus Ministry. “Both our missions align so well. We both seek to help young women find the confidence within themselves to go out and make a difference in their communities while leading healthy, balanced and joyful lives. It was a no-brainer to get involved and support.”

As a sponsor, Cor Jesu has also sent students to the celebratory 5k events to volunteer, set up, clean up and cheer participants along the run. In addition, CJA served as a site for a Girls on the Run coaches training last year.

CJA senior, Sydney Ranson, was a Girls on the Run participant in grade school and has been part of the Cor Jesu volunteer and cheer crew at some of the 5k events.

“Cheering the younger girls on was such a special experience,” Sydney said. “I know we were there to motivate them, but at the same time, my friends and I felt inspired by the runners. We saw each girl accomplish her goal of completing a 5k, and it reminded us that we, too, can do anything we set our minds to.”

Exposing Cor Jesu students to Girls on the Run is energizing for Lisa, and she encourages all members of the Cor Jesu community to get involved. The opportunities certainly aren’t limited to cheering on the sidelines…

You can volunteer.

“I loved giving back to such an important organization in our community,” Sydney said. “My friends and I helped set up before cheering the girls along, and I was proud to have helped provide such a positive experience for the younger girls.”

You can donate or sponsor.

“My hope, and the hope of the entire organization, is that every child in our territory who wants to participate, has easy access to the program,” Lisa said. “Which is why our donors and sponsors are so important. They help us provide scholarships and financial assistance to many of our families.”

“The education I received and experiences I had in high school filled me with the confidence to be a leader and pursue my passions.”

–LISA DIRAIMONDO MULLIGAN '02

Get Involved!

To learn more about how to invest in the next generation of female leaders in our region, please visit www.gotrstl.org or contact Lisa directly at lisa@gotrstl.org.

In the Fall 2023 season, 97% of Girls on the Run St. Louis participants paid less than the $200 fee it costs to participate in the program. And as the second largest Girls on the Run council in the country, Girls on the Run St. Louis will provide over $500,000 in financial assistance to participants this school year.

And lastly, you can coach.

“Who better to teach our curriculum than strong Cor Jesu women?” Lisa asked. “As Cor Jesu girls, we had so much confidence poured into us in high school, so why not pay it forward and help instill that same kind of love and confidence in the next generation of female leaders?”

Because no matter how many times a Cor Jesu girl crosses the stage to receive her diploma or a Girls on the Run participant crosses the finish line, the question will always surface for both:

What is she going to do next?!

40 Under 40

Lisa was selected as a member of the St. Louis Business Journal's 2022

40 Under 40 Awards Class!

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE ENGAGEMENT

Dear Friends,

“Put a sign on your office door that reads, ‘I have reached the shores of my new dawn,’” my friend and Cor Jesu classmate joked when I shared the news of my new role as Cor Jesu’s Director of Alumnae Engagement. She was playing off a line from our Alma Mater, sung after every First Friday Mass. Her response made me chuckle, but when I really started to reflect on what I wanted to share in this note, it seemed like a good place to start.

Twenty years ago, I graduated from Cor Jesu with really no idea what would come next. As it turns out, I’ve reached a lot of shores into new dawns over the past two decades. And while my time at Cor Jesu was incredibly formative, I’d say I was more of a late bloomer when it came to growing into my own – yet it was the curiosity and confidence I found at Cor Jesu that allowed me to soar.

After graduating from Mizzou, I had the itch to explore new places, leading me to my (then) dream job as a buyer for Nordstrom in Seattle. Living out a way milder version of “The Devil Wears Prada,” I even had a CJA classmate give me the famous Anne Hathaway bangs before heading to the Pacific Northwest. After more than seven years with Nordstrom, I co-founded a fashion rental company geared toward women in the corporate world with a need to look sharp, but who were tight on free time for shopping.

Letter from the Director of Alumnae Engagement

So, we created an algorithm that shopped for them. I embraced the start-up life for over three years before moving to a business development role with Amazon. See, lots of new dawns in Seattle, including marrying my husband, Nick, who is also a Midwest native. Shortly after our wedding, we got a dog and a few years later welcomed our daughter, Cosette (Coco) into the world. Then, after a pandemic and what seemed like a lifetime of two of us working in tech and parenting, we decided to move back to St. Louis.

What brought me back to Cor Jesu?

That’s simple – the community and the magic that happens in these halls. This community, specifically the seven women who came into my life here, has held me up during the tough times and cheered me on during the sparkling times. Those relationships are what makes Cor Jesu so extraordinary for me. And while I know we all have different experiences as both students and alumnae, I also know we all share something. That “something” is special, and I hope to use it to connect with our alumnae while offering that embracing Cor Jesu support as you continue to reach the shores of your own new dawns.

Stay curious,

Brittany Peek Seabaugh, ‘04 Director of Alumnae Engagement

7th Grade Preview Day

Wednesday, March 20

Cor Jesu Academy

Spring Musical

– Freaky Friday

April 11-13 • 7 p.m.

Cor Jesu Academy

7th Grade Social

– Blacklight Bingo

Thursday, April 18 • 7 p.m.

Cor Jesu Academy

Spring Instrumental Concert

Tuesday, April 23 • 7 p.m.

Cor Jesu Academy

Spring Choral Concert

Thursday, May 2 • 7 p.m.

Chaminade Skip Viragh Center

6th Grade Backyard Bash

Thursday, May 9

Cor Jesu Academy

Alumnae Class Reunions

(for classes ending in 4 & 9)

Saturday, June 1 • 5 p.m.

Cor Jesu Academy

Girls Schools Unite

Alumnae Giving Challenge

May 7-9

CJA is participating in the 4th Annual Girls Schools Unite Alumnae Giving Challenge taking place May 7-9, 2024. Over the course of the three days, Cor Jesu alumnae will join forces with the alumnae at other girls schools in the St. Louis area to raise money for and awareness of the incredible impact of an all-girls Catholic education. Alumnae are encouraged to make gifts to their respective alma maters during the challenge, and yes, bragging rights are involved! So be sure to mark your calendars to make at gift to CJA, May 7-9. The school with the most alumnae participation will be crowned the 2024 champion! Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Alumnae Traces

1988

Mary Fran Toczylowski McGillicuddy was awarded the 2023 Volunteer Achievement Award by Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. She credits Cor Jesu for teaching her that one way to show gratitude towards something you love is to give back.

2001

Kathy Zeidler Terry was featured in the St. Louis Business Journal’s “People on the Move” section last fall, highlighting her promotion to Vice President, Finance, at Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures.

2009

Kerry Hogan became a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and launched her business, Canary Counseling LLC. She also got engaged to her fiancé, Tyler Votaw, in May 2023.

Stephanie French Maret and her husband, Jacob, welcomed their son, Peter Christopher Maret, on August 1, 2023. Big sisters, Lillian Gianna and Agnes Rose, are in love with their baby bro!

2010

Emily Murphy Ng ‘10 married Aaron Ng on December 2, 2023, in Washington, D.C., with fellow Chargers by her side! Carolyn Murphy Hannah ‘14 was the matron of honor and Emily Siebert Metzinger ‘10 was a bridesmaid.

2011

Cassie Sperruzza Farner and her husband, Lance, welcomed their daughter Reese Marie Farner, on November 2, 2023. Cassie is a CJA field hockey coach and can’t wait to see her future Charger on the field!

Christy Pendergast Gaus, and her husband, Andy, welcomed future Charger, Cecilia Rose Gaus, on November 10, 2023, weighing 8 lbs. 9 oz.

2012

2016

Paige Look Miesle graduated with her MBA from the University of Dayton in May 2023. She graduated alongside her husband, Adam Miesle, who earned a master’s in Electrical Engineering. Paige also launched her company WEquip on June 30, 2023. WEquip is a peer-to-peer item rental platform where users can list their underutilized items or find items they may need for short-term use.

Maura Fischer Fazlic and her husband, Haris, welcomed Josephine Esma, on May 10, 2023, weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz. Josephine is looking forward to becoming a Charger!

Tori Zanaboni Unser married Jacob Unser with five fellow Chargers by her side, including her sisters, Mia Zanaboni Ratz ‘14, Hope Zanaboni ‘16, Mary Zanaboni ‘16, and friends, Emily Bollinger ‘12 and Dani Murphy ‘12.

2013

Cassie Dace Galmiche and her husband, Joe, welcomed their second future Charger, Everly Jane Galmiche, on August 20, 2023.

2014

Carolyn Murphy Hannah married Steve Hannah on August 19, 2023, and celebrated with many Cor Jesu girls!

Ellie Lunte Rouse married Michael Rouse on June 10, 2023. Cor Jesu bridesmaids included Paige Look Miesle ‘16 and Natalie Gottschlich ’16. Maria Zack Witt married Daniel Witt on June 10, 2023.

2018

Rachel Look Miesle married AJ Miesle on October 29, 2022, with four Cor Jesu bridesmaids by her side, including Paige Look Miesle ‘16 as the matron of honor, and bridesmaids Emily Mollet ‘16, Patricia Villegas ‘16 and Bridget Weigle ‘16.

This fall, three CJA alumnae reconnected at Miami University (Ohio) for a weekend to celebrate the retirement of their college volleyball coach! All three were letter winners on the Miami (Ohio) Division 1 Women’s Varsity Volleyball team.

If

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Erin Siebert ‘16, Emily Siebert Metzinger ‘10, Emily Murphy Ng ‘10, Carolyn Murphy Hannah ‘14, Amanda Hitzemann Forguson ‘14, Kylie Meyer ‘14 and Casey Franz ‘14.

ABOVE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Meg Riley ’11, Emma Leahy ‘16 and Maria Leahy Eilers ‘06

you have exciting news to share about yourself or a fellow CJA alumna, please email Colleen Barry Weber ’11, Director of Marketing & Social Media, at cweber@corjesu.org.

In Memoriam

We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the families of the Cor Jesu community mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Cor Jesu mourns the loss of our alumnae:

Susan Ivanowski

Dieckhaus ‘74

Sister of Liz Ivanowski Brinkmann ‘75

Aunt of Megan Brinkmann ‘00

Althea Bruggenjuergen Romo ‘61

Cindy Chura

Rueschhoff ‘77

Sister of Mary Chura Hackett ‘79 and Kathleen Chura ‘83

Cousin of Cynthia Kopsky

Schwartz ’71, Linda Kopsky Schneider ‘74, Carol Kopsky Fraley ‘78 and Judy Schmidt Kloeppinger ‘78

Mildred Bade

Mother of Judith Bade Eime ‘75 and Jackie Bade Gegg ‘83

Grandmother of Millie Gegg ‘17

Sr. Theodore (Teddy)

Bollati, ASCJ

Cor Jesu librarian for 32 years

Robert Brewer

Father of Jill Brewer

Eichwald ‘74, Janet Brewer Klostermann ‘76 and Sally Brewer Howell ‘80

Stephen Brodersen

Father of former CJA faculty member, Sr. Catherine Brodersen, ASCJ

Victoria Challis

Grandmother of Megan Challis ‘24

Tracey Devoto

Sister of Dianna Devoto Meyer ‘89 and Jodey Devoto Streb ‘92

Judi Dobbertein

Mother of Mary Dobberstein ‘83

David Eichenauer

Father of Katie Eichenauer ‘04 and Amy Eichenauer ‘07

Dorothy Figueras

Mother of Ligaya Figueras Gudiswitz ‘90 and Delphine Figueras ‘94

Richard Fischer

Father of Andrea Fischer Funke ‘93

Grandfather of Abby Funke ‘19 and Ella Funke ‘22

Shirley Fox

Mother of Sandy Fox Kleffner ‘86and Cindy Fox Stutte ‘93

Grandmother of Grace Kleffner ‘21, Caroline Stutte ‘21 and Molly Stutte ‘25

Joseph Frechmann

Father of Lynn FrechmannBajier ‘79 and Lisa Frechmann Haiducek ‘84

Lois Goodman

Mother of Jill Goodman Brobson ‘89 and Kate Goodman Wacker ‘98

Joe Guarino

Husband of Rosemarie Lagermann Guarino ‘62

Joseph Gudiswitz

Father-in-law of Ligaya Figueras Gudiswitz ‘90

Valerie Hazelton

Mother-in-law of Emily Geraghty Hazelton ‘86 and Colleen Geraghty Hazelton ‘89

Grandmother of Kate Hazelton Dryden ‘15 and Claire Hazelton ‘18

Jim Hoffmann

Husband of Robyn Dunivin Hoffmann ‘81

Pat Holley, Sr.

Husband of Susan Vonder Harr Holley ‘78

Father of Katherine Holley ‘04 and Maureen Holley ‘15

Mary Kamler

Mother of CJA faculty member, Kelly Harfst

Grandmother of Emily Harfst ‘17

Howard Klocke

Father-in-law of Tina Burniski Klocke ‘78

John Komlos

Grandfather of Ellen Komlos Carlson ‘13

Father-in-law of Linda Capone Komlos ‘82

Sandra Kreilich

Mother of Lauren Kreilich Morris ‘84

Grandmother of Sarah Morris ‘11

Robert Leach

Father of Rachele Fulsom Leach ‘89

Michael Lundry

Father of Erin Lundry Chinnici ‘97 and Lauren Lundry Knickman ‘00

JoAnn MacLellan

Mother of Becky King Niehoff ‘78, Kerry King Bakula ‘81 and the late Amy King ‘83

Sister of the late Gerry MacLellan Cortello ‘67

Marie Minneman

Mother of Joan Minneman Cannon ‘78

James Moore

Brother of Debbie Moore Johnston ‘86

Tony Porter

Husband of Rachel Berry Porter ‘11

Brother-in-law of Alex Berry Shearon ‘13

Jim Radtke

Grandfather of Reece Radtke ‘24

George Russell

Father of Kelley Russell Krull ‘96

Dorothy Ann Ruzycki

Mother of Julie Ruzycki ‘76

Fran Schaller

Grandmother of Kimberly Sinclair Fothen ‘01, Michelle Sinclair

Birkenmeier ‘03, Sally Sinclair Perez ‘06 and Lori Sinclair Przyzycki ‘08

Dale Sonderman

Husband of Kim Leezy Sonderman ‘88

Brother-in-law of Julanne Leezy Howard ‘87

John Steuber, Jr.

Father of Barbara Steuber Lang ‘77

Sue Wachter

Mother of Cathe Wachter Duehren ‘83 and Christine Wachter Bandera ‘88

Grandmother of Samantha Duehren ‘10 and Sophia Bandera ‘18

Geraldine Walsh

Grandmother of Abby Walsh ‘12

Edward Wittgen, MD

Father of Dr. Catherine Wittgen ‘81 and Mary Carol Wittgen Parker ‘83

Grandfather of Caroline Parker ‘13, Clare Parker ‘16 and Victoria Wittgen ‘18