Spirit - Summer 2022 by Natalie Gorla

COR JESU ACADEMY MAGA ZINE

Smile

SUMMER 2 02 2

State CHAMPS!! The Charger Volleyball Team won the 2021 MSHSAA Class 5 State Championship in November! This was Charger Volleyball’s first trip to the Final Four since 2007 and first state championship since 2002. Special shoutout to Coach Tim Haffner, who is also a Cor Jesu faculty member, for leading the team to victory in his first year as varsity head coach!

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

EDIE BEHRENS ‘22 *JACQUELINE BEVILLE ‘22 PAULA BOSER ‘22 *KAYLIE DRYSDALE ‘22 MIA HINKAMPER ‘22 *MADDIE HOFFMAN ‘22 SIDNEY HOGAN ‘22 NATALIE LEININGER ‘22

GRETCHEN OLSON ‘22 SOPHIE NEWMAN ‘23 ALEXA SWALLER ‘23 ALLIE BENJAMIN ‘24 GRACE KILLION ‘24 ANNA MOORE ‘24 MAGGIE SCHER ‘24

MANAGER: ELLIE MUSKOPF ‘22 HEAD COACH: TIM HAFFNER ASSISTANT COACH: STACY BIRDSELL

*2021 Class 5 All-State Team Selections

President’s Letter

Visit Opportunities

Congratulations Class of 2022!

Around the Halls

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FEATURE

One Stage to the Next: Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger '88

FEATURE

Reconnecting with the Charism: Dr. Meghan Bohac Joins the Cor Jesu Community 12 FEATURE

A First for Everything: Sr. Veronica Beato, ASCJ '74

FEATURE

The Art of Leadership: Jeanne Suda

Smiling Back on 79 Years at CJA

Reigniting Spirit, Reinventing Tradition

Smiles on the Dance Floor!

Welcome Class of 2026!

Be Our Guest!

Reunions

Summer Camps

Summer Immersions

Alumnae Traces

In Memoriam

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COR JESU ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT Cor Jesu Academy, a Catholic, collegepreparatory school founded by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, offers an academically challenging program committed to the total education of young women. Inspired by the charism, “SHARING THE LOVE OF THE HEART OF CHRIST,” students embrace personal dignity, faith, integrity and compassion. Empowered intellectually, spiritually, and morally, graduates serve as responsible members of the global community.

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PRESIDENT Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D. 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 digitally capturing many of Cor Jesu’s special moments and contributing to this publication. And thank you to Stephanie Klinker Howe, owner of Klink Creative, for creatively displaying life at Cor Jesu in this magazine.

corjesu.org @corjesuacademy

President’s Letter Dear Cor Jesu Community, I have had the joy of working with many first-time parents throughout my years in ministry. I always love hearing them rejoice over their baby’s milestones – especially those first smiles. There’s something about that moment that seems to lighten the load of a new parent’s exhaustion and anxiety. I felt a twinge of that elation in February, when Covid cases had receded enough for us to allow our students, faculty and staff to enter the building without masks for the first time in nearly two years. Seeing their smiles, unmasked, was precious and priceless. It brought us all a sense of hope, a sense of new beginning. We did our best to harness that energy and strengthen it as the year progressed. Just before Easter, I had the privilege of announcing a new administrative team and model for the year ahead. On July 1, we welcomed Dr. Meghan Bohac and Ms. Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger '88 as our new (and first) Deans of Academics and Student Life, respectively. Meghan, the beloved former president of Notre Dame High School (p. 12), and Kathleen, the storied (and widely adored) music director at CJA (p. 8). I hope the pages of this magazine allow you to get to know them, and that in the year ahead, you are able to meet them in person and see them in action! Of course, the thrill of beginnings is rarely possible without the sadness that accompanies farewell. Sr. Veronica Beato, ASCJ ‘74 has been assigned to another ministry after six years of service as Cor Jesu’s principal (p. 14), and Jeanne Suda is enjoying a well-earned retirement after 41 years as an art teacher-turned-Dean of Curriculum and Professional Development (p. 16). I am forever grateful to both of these women, who so graciously welcomed me to Cor Jesu in the midst of the pandemic, and helped me get to know the faces of this school before I could even fully see each one. In May, 133 students smiled brightly as they received their diplomas, and in the great circle of school life, another 122 will smile (a bit more nervously) as they step onto campus as Chargers for the first time this August. They will join us at a time of transition and of great potential – both for our students and for our campus. We’re setting the stage for great things to come. And while I cannot share the details yet, I will leave you with this tease: these changes are sure to bring a smile to your face! Sincerely yours in Christ,

Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D. Cor Jesu Academy President

Your future is

BRIGHT at CJA! Middle schoolers are invited to join the Cor Jesu Chargers at a variety of admissions events this school year! We want to learn how you share your light with the world and help you discover the many ways in which you are brilliant. We hope to meet you soon!

Visit Opportunities: High School Nights (fall)

Learn more at corjesu.org/visit.

#ShineBright #BeBrilliant

6th Grade Backyard Bash (spring)

Open House (fall)

8th Grade Shadow Days (fall)

7th Grade Preview Day (spring)

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CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2022! CONGRATS TO THE

TOP 5

RANKING SENIORS IN THE CLASS OF 2022!

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#1 (Valedictorian) – Edie Behrens #2 (Salutatorian) – Maya Roukoz #3 – Julia Hartweger #4 – Samantha O’Leary #5 – Libby Meister

TOP 10%

(LISTED ALPHABETICALLY, EXCLUDING THE TOP 5):

Audrey Beuligmann Allison Fischer Tara Gallardo Kate Hamel Rosemary Mihindukulasuriya Mary Nacanaynay Lucy Niederer Ellie Rimsky Grace Welker

In August of 2018, the Cor Jesu Class of 2022 smiled brightly as they walked into the building on their first day as Chargers. It was impossible for them to know that their freshman year would be the only full “normal” year of their high school experience. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Class of 2022’s sophomore year was cut short, and the majority of junior year followed a hybrid model. Senior year brought a little more normalcy. Though still in masks for the first half of the year, dances came back, lunch schedules returned to a more typical pattern, they celebrated Mass as a whole community, and the Class of 2022 could feel a revitalization of the spirit they experienced three years before. “This year felt like a new beginning!” said Mary Nacanaynay ‘22. “The memories I made with my CJA sisters this year feel much sweeter because I also know what it feels like not to be with them. I will truly miss this place next year, because though it sounds cliché, it has formed me into who I am today.” The Class of 2022 worked hard to make sure the

traditions they remembered weren’t lost. They guided the underclassmen through Spirit Weeks, promoted service events around the school such as Funderwear, and encouraged the freshmen and sophomores (who had never experienced a high school dance before) to dance their hearts out and cherish those moments with friends. They led cheers at the first First Friday lunch held in the cafeteria since 2020, and fittingly, they smiled brightly – unmasked – as they ran the halls of Cor Jesu for the last time. “I’m so grateful that my class got to experience a normal ending to senior year, celebrating exciting traditions that we haven’t had since freshman year,” said senior class president, Julia Sise ‘22. “Some of our favorite events in the last couple weeks were the all-school lunches during Spirit Week and running the halls on the last day of school. Having the opportunity to be in school and to celebrate our accomplishments was very special. Although it was difficult to slowly bring back traditions after the height of the pandemic, I could not have asked for a better ending to four amazing years at CJA!”

Thank you, Class of 2022!

Because of your leadership, flexibility and love, Cor Jesu continues to shine!

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Around the Halls The Chargers showed their school spirit at the start of the school year on KSDK! 1

Let us celebrate the many reasons the Cor Jesu Academy Chargers have given us to smile this school year! 8

CJA’S FIELD HOCKEY TEAM ADVANCED TO THE FINAL FOUR! THREE PLAYERS WERE SELECTED TO THE 2021 ALL-METRO TEAM: Kate Hamel ‘22

– 1ST TEAM

Molly Stutte ‘25

– 2ND TEAM

Sydney Spieckerman ‘23

Julia Hartweger ‘22 and Samantha O’Leary ‘22 were

– 3RD TEAM

named National Merit Finalists.

The Charger Golf Team placed

7TH OVERALL at the State Championship! G.G. Rogers ‘23 led the way for the team, PLACING 28TH.

SCHOOL RECORD ALERT!

HISTORIC RUNNING!

CJA’s Cross Country Team placed 3rd in State! Individual medalists: *Francie Luna – 7TH PLACE Adie Luna – 19TH PLACE Maria Luna – 24TH PLACE

*Francie Luna became the first Charger in school history to earn All-State for all four years!

All 5 Charger tennis players who qualified for the State Tournament earned medals!

Lanie Davis ‘24

– 5TH PLACE IN SINGLES Maria Klevorn ‘22 &

CJA’S ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS:

1ST: Sophia Figliola ‘23 2ND: Ella Nacke ‘23 3RD: Caroline Appelbaum ‘23

Ginny Jost ‘22

– 8TH PLACE IN DOUBLES

Kate Cooper ‘24 & Katie Pekic ’23

– 5TH PLACE IN DOUBLES

2 CHARGERS WERE SELECTED FOR THE 2022 MISSOURI ALL-STATE CHOIR!

Cecilia Hellmuth ‘23 (alto) Rachel Herr ‘23 (soprano alternate)

BRAVO to the cast of CJA’s Fall Play, “And Then There Were None!”

WELCOME GRANDPARENTS!

Charger grandparents were invited back to CJA for the traditional Grandparents’ Mass for the first time since October 2019!

KatieMarie Anderson ‘23

earned a position in the 2021-22 St. Louis Metro District 8 Honors Band.

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”

- PROVERBS 15:30

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14 CHARGER ATHLETES SIGNED ON TO CONTINUE PLAYING THEIR SPORT IN COLLEGE!

Jacqueline Beville – Volleyball at the University of South Alabama Paula Boser – Volleyball at Central Methodist University Kaylie Drysdale – Beach Volleyball at Georgia State University Mia Hinkamper – Volleyball at Quincy University Maddie Hoffman – Volleyball at Wingate University Sidney Hogan – Volleyball at Flagler College Francie Luna – Track & Cross Country at University of Mississippi Anna Moehn – Swimming at University of Pennsylvania Kaitlyn Finnegan – Soccer at Maryville University Andi Lipic – Soccer at Trine University Erin Morie – Swimming at Trinity University Emily Passini – Soccer at Bellarmine University Ellie Rimsky – Soccer at Drake University Camille Welker – Soccer at University of Iowa

ULTIMATE SUCCESS

CJA’s Ultimate Frisbee Team earned 3RD PLACE in the state tournament!

Vivian Truong ‘24

PENNY QUEEN 2022

and Erin Zerban ‘24 participated in the Catholic Girls Schools Unite for Justice Conference.

CJA threw it back to the year 2000 this Penny Queen,

raising $22,515.45 in just one week for the 2022 Penny Queen

charities! It was an inspiring week that the Chargers finally got to celebrate in April with the first Penny Queen dance since 2020! PENNY QUEENS: FRESHMEN: Macy Budd, Sophie Rakel & Hannah Right SOPHOMORES: Sophia Ford, Olivia Loar & Mattea Vest JUNIORS: Anna Loeffelman, Adie Luna & Maura Peters SENIORS: Caroline Burdge, Ginny Jost & Anna Moehn 21

BENEFITTING CHARITIES: Bridge Bread Bakery World Pediatric Project The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mission in Benin, Africa Cor Jesu’s Mission Trip Cor Jesu Endowment Fund

CJA’s Robotics Team

22 179 seventh graders joined us on campus for the first 7th Grade

PLACED 17TH at the FIRST St. Louis Regional Competition!

Preview Day since 2019.

$173,439 RAISED FOR CJA’S ANNUAL FUND ON GIVING TUESDAY!

HAIRCUTS FOR LOVE

112 inches of hair donated by CJA students at our Haircuts for Love event, benefitting Children With Hair Loss.

23 CJA hosted its

first-ever Masked Singer competition to

promote the Spring Musical, "Beauty and the Beast!"

SNOW DAY!

In February, CJA teachers passed out 300+ oranges to students at dismissal, believing the old wives' tale that if you put oranges in the freezer, you will get a snow day. Guess what? It worked!

Emily Bonifant ‘22 was awarded the Platinum level Graduating Seniors Award from the U.S. Figure Skating High School Program. 24

Kate Hamel ‘22 was named to the NFHCA High School Impact Senior Team, which honors senior student athletes’ accomplishments on and off the field, including leadership and community service. 17

18 Charger Musicians

competed in the 2022 Missouri State Music Festival!

FUNDERWEAR 2022

The rescheduled event was still a success! Together, with St. Joseph’s Academy, CJA collected 27,334 pairs

of socks, underwear and sports bras to benefit St. Patrick Center.

The total was announced after the CJA vs. SJA varsity soccer game. Shoutout to Marlene Garcia ‘25 whose art piece entitled “Our Voices” earned Honorable Mention in the 2021-22 Creating on the Margins Youth Art Contest, sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. 27

STATE SWIM

Charger Swim & Dive earned 2nd in the Class 2 State Championship! Individual champions and honors: Anna Moehn ‘22 – 1ST PLACE in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle + 2022 All-Metro Swimmer of the Year Caroline Foltz ‘23 – 1ST PLACE in the 100-yard breaststroke + 2022 Swim & Dive All-Metro 2nd Team

Anna Moehn ‘22, Ellie Weckherlin ‘23, Caroline Foltz ‘23 and Allie Maloney ‘24 – 1ST PLACE in the 400-yard freestyle relay Coach Qi Franz was named 2022 Swim & Dive Coach of the Year!

Stay current as it all happens! SUMMER 2022

@corjesuacademy

Spirit Magazi n e

One Stage

to the Next F E AT U R E

s a kid, Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger ‘88 loved to play outside. But each afternoon, her mother would call her in to practice the piano – no easy task for Mrs. Wobbe. Kathleen would debate with her mother, discern the pros and cons of coming inside or not, and sometimes even pray that her mother would forget to call her in. But once she got inside, sat at the bench and started playing, Kathleen never wanted to stop. She may have loved playing outside with her friends, but she was passionate about playing the piano.

She inspires me not only “to be a good musician, but a good person.” –SHANNON BURKE '22, FORMER CHOIR PRESIDENT

Now, Kathleen, who came to be known as “KP,” has served as the school’s Director of Music for the past 14 years, plus another six years from 1994-2000. And after teaching music for over 30 years, she heard another call – but this time, not from her mother. “For the past three or four years, I was feeling called by the Holy Spirit to do something new, but I didn’t know what that new thing was yet,” Kathleen said. “And then Sr. Mary Grace announced that Cor Jesu was hiring for a new position – a Dean of Student Life.” And just like she debated, discerned and prayed as a kid, Kathleen repeated the process, deciding to apply for the position. Why? “I realized that while I love teaching music, what I’m passionate about is Cor Jesu Academy as a whole.” Kathleen said. Her passion for the school started early, as a student. She has a clear memory from the spring of her freshman year in 1984. She was laughing with friends during a musical rehearsal, and suddenly thought, “I love this place.” “I remember being stunned that I would ever love a school,” Kathleen said. “But I truly did, and honestly, I still do.” While not every day of high school – nor every day of teaching – has been perfect, Kathleen

has always felt at home within Cor Jesu’s walls. It’s a place where she feels safe, supported, encouraged and challenged. And, she says, it’s a place full of people who are alive in their faith, committed to excellence and unafraid to love. “I want to take my passion for this school and make a difference in our students’ lives,” Kathleen said. “And as the Dean of Student Life, I can do that for all our students, not just the ones in my classroom.” Impressed by Kathleen’s desire to strengthen Cor Jesu and contribute to its future, the hiring committee recommended her for the position and CJA’s President, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., extended the formal offer. And after some debate, discernment and prayer, Kathleen graciously accepted. “It’s definitely scary moving from the classroom to administration, and I’ll really miss making music with the kids,” Kathleen said. “But there were too many Holy Spirit moments and God winks throughout the process telling me that this was where I needed to be next.” “We are so excited to add Kathleen to the administrative staff at Cor Jesu,” Sr. Mary Grace said. “She brings a beautiful combination of enthusiasm and professionalism to our team, and her ability to connect with our students is

DIRECTED

15 MUSICALS CONDUCTED OVER

75 CONCERTS TOOK CHOIR STUDENTS ON

8 TRIPS

ST. LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER AWARD

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTION 2018 & 2019

OUTSTANDING MUSIC EDUCATOR ST. LOUIS METRO DISTRICT 8 2016

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 2020

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remarkable. We are blessed to continue the mission of Cor Jesu with Kathleen in a position of leadership.” As Cor Jesu’s music director, both stints combined, Kathleen directed 15 musicals (one of them in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic), conducted over 75 concerts, and took choir students on eight trips (including one to Rome in 2012 to sing at the Vatican). She also has two St. Louis High School Musical Theater Awards for Outstanding Musical Direction (one earned in 2018 and one in 2019), was named Outstanding Music Educator for the St. Louis Metro District 8 in 2016, and earned the Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago in 2020. Kathleen elevated Cor Jesu’s choir concerts by securing larger, more acoustically sophisticated venues such as the Logan University Purser Center and Chaminade High School’s Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. She took CJA’s choirs to dozens of senior living centers to perform, including in December 2020 when her students sang Christmas carols outside senior center windows to spread Christmas cheer to those isolated because of the pandemic. She created Cor Jesu’s first choir camp for middle school students and taught a variety of instrumental classes at different points in her career. “I’m always looking for events to invite our supporters to that showcase who we really are at Cor Jesu,” Director of Leadership Giving, Katie Magee Thiemann ‘81, said. “Kathleen’s choir concerts have been those events. Her concerts aren’t only about music, rather, she brings the entire essence of Cor Jesu to her performances, portraying our faith, student growth and community all in one spectacular evening.” Not only did Cor Jesu’s music program shine during Kathleen’s time, but choir also served as an emotional touchpoint for many students, both for those pursuing music and those who sing as a hobby. “KP always made me feel safe at Cor Jesu,” former choir president and CJA alumna, Shannon Burke ‘22 said. “She inspires me not only to be a good musician, but a good person. She defined my high school memories, always cheering me on and pushing me to be the best I can be. She is what Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ means to me.” “Kathleen is worth the price of Cor Jesu’s tuition all on her own,” said Patti Dundon, mother of choir alumna, Colleen Dundon ‘22. “She is not only an extraordinary choir teacher, but she is a valued mentor to her students. Kathleen is able to befriend the girls and help them through the perils of their teenage years in a way that commands respect and love. As much as the school’s music program will never be the same without her, I cannot think of a

I believe Cor Jesu “exists to help young women find within themselves their own personal excellence, while at the same time assisting them in developing a vibrant spiritual relationship and a commitment to service – service not only in the community, but service to the people we encounter on a daily basis. –KATHLEEN WOBBE POTTINGER '88

F E AT U R E

better person to lead as Dean of Student Life.” Cor Jesu’s music program flourished and the choir students excelled during Kathleen’s tenure, and as Dean of Student Life, she hopes to infuse that kind of spirit throughout the Cor Jesu experience. “I believe Cor Jesu exists to help young women find within themselves their own personal excellence, while at the same time assisting them in developing a vibrant spiritual relationship and a commitment to service – service not only in the community, but service to the people we encounter on a daily basis,” Kathleen said. In her new role, Kathleen is particularly interested in finding ways to promote fellowship among the different classes so that all students have the chance to know and feel comfortable with people in different grades. She also hopes to revitalize some of the extracurricular activities and club programs that lost momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most importantly, she plans to be extremely present for the current student body, as well as for the middle school students going through the admissions process. “My goal is to be an adult in the building that really knows our students and our prospective students,” Kathleen said. “I want to meet them where they are, see the potential they have and encourage them to embrace it here.” As Kathleen plans for her future as Dean of Student Life, some may wonder where this leaves the choir program. She is certain that the future looks bright. Addie Aiken, who served as the Choral Music Director at Saint Louis University High School from 2015 to 2022, will begin as Cor Jesu’s Director of Music in August. “I am thrilled for Addie to take over the music program at CJA,” Kathleen said. “I’ve worked with her for years and I know she is a fine musician, an incredible educator and is deeply faithful. Addie will be a great fit for Cor Jesu, not only in the music department, but within our community.” And Kathleen couldn’t leave the music room without some parting words for her choir students: “Keep singing! And remember how much joy you have when you sing together.” With her succession plan in place, Kathleen confidently began her new role on July 1, and she is excited for the future of the place she’s called home since 1984. She is ready to dream big, embrace the challenges and ultimately be a light for her students. “I know that every day won’t be easy in this role,” Kathleen said. “I’ll have many days of decision making where I’ll once again be debating, discerning and praying. But when I look back at my time at Cor Jesu, it’s the people I remember. I am passionate about this community, and I want to help it thrive.”

”

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n Good Friday in 2007, Meghan Bohac, Ed.D., celebrated two major milestones: her son Gus’ first birthday and her first job offer as a school administrator.

RECONNECTING WITH THE CHARISM: F E AT U R E

Dr. Meghan Bohac Joins the Cor Jesu Community

“It was so crazy,” Meghan laughed, thinking back. “Here I was, this young mom with a baby and my mom drove me to the door of St. Stephen Protomartyr. I thought, ‘They’ll never give me this job – I look like a kid!’” But give her the job, they did. Not long after she started as principal at St. Stephen, her son began preschool at Sacred Heart Villa on The Hill – in Cor Jesu’s original building. “That first introduction to Blessed Clelia Merloni and the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus made an impact,” Meghan recalled. “It’s a spirit that I’ve carried with me as I’ve built my career and my family.” Her career and her family both grew quickly. In addition to Gus (16), Meghan and her husband, Joe, welcomed two daughters to their family while she was working at St. Stephen, Caroline (12) and Kate (8). “Those were some hectic years. That early morning hustle was a team effort. Joe and I were grateful to have a lot of family support to help us get out the door in the morning.” For Meghan, out the door meant inside the school well before the first bell. She knew the importance of the seemingly little things, like greeting the students by name in the morning and opening their milk cartons at lunch. “As a principal, you inevitably have to discipline kids. It’s part of the job,” she said. “But that discipline is to help them grow as people, and you can’t help them grow without first having some connection.” Somewhere between closing the school for the afternoon and tucking her kids in at night, she worked toward her doctorate.

From the start, it was “clear that Meghan was – and is – mission driven.” Dr. Meghan Bohac with a group of CJA alumnae friends celebrating her new role at Cor Jesu. (L-R: Carolyn Gau Guidry ‘00, Meg Dierkes Fisher ‘94, Tracey Hoell Miesner ‘91, Karen Callanan Schneider ‘97, Shannon Moriarity Gilligan ‘04

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–TODD GUIDRY, ED.D. PRESIDENT, CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL COR JESU ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

She was part of the first group of students to earn a degree through Saint Louis University’s Doctor of Education program with a concentration in Catholic Education. Todd Guidry, Ed.D., president of Chaminade College Preparatory School and member of the Cor Jesu Advisory Board, was part of her cohort. “From the start, it was clear that Meghan was – and is – mission driven,” he said. “She has devoted her life and career to Catholic education with joy and purpose.” No doubt those qualities contributed to her success in her next endeavor: serving as president of her alma mater, Notre Dame High School. “I felt called to serve,” she said. Over the next seven years, she played a formative role in shaping the future of the school that had been so formative in her life. She created various new programs, increased enrollment by 20%, grew the endowment by $4 million and restructured the leadership model. Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., first encountered her at a meeting of the private high school presidents in St. Louis. “Meghan’s energy struck me,” Sr. Mary Grace remembered. “She has an enthusiasm for education, namely, Catholic education, that just shines.” So when Sr. Mary Grace saw her resume come through for the Dean of Academics position, she picked up the phone right away. “I knew she was the kind of dynamic leader I was seeking for this position,” Sr. Mary Grace said. “I was delighted when the search committee came to the same conclusion.” In 2007, Meghan received her first job offer as a school administrator on Good Friday. Fifteen years later, she received a similar call on Palm Sunday. It was just a few days after her son’s 16th birthday. After several rounds of interviews and follow-up conversations, Sr. Mary Grace was calling with a job offer. “I’ll never forget her response,” Sr. Mary Grace said. “She said, ‘Let’s do this!’” “It was at the end of a busy weekend. I was wearing a baseball cap!” Meghan laughed. “I called my mom and she said, ‘Do you want me to drive you? It was good luck before!’” She thanked her mom for the offer, but wound up driving herself down Gravois and walking into an almost empty building. She had been to Cor Jesu before, both for her interviews and for events for her nieces (Maura Braunel ‘23 and Molly Braunel ‘25), but she had never had the kind of access that comes with a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Sr. Mary Grace and outgoing principal, Sr. Veronica Beato, ASCJ ‘74, gave her a tour, shared stories and answered her questions. “Walking around Cor Jesu with the Sisters, I felt this sense of welcome. It reminded me of my early interactions with the Apostles at the Villa – of watching Sr. John Catherine teach my young son and working with Sr. Jude as a volunteer,” Meghan said. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to reconnect with their Charism.” Sr. Mary Grace made the announcement on Wednesday of Holy Week. Todd Guidry was among the first to share his excitement over the hire. “Meghan will be a great addition to the CJA community,” he said. “She will collaborate well with the faculty, staff and students to ensure academic excellence, but with an eye toward enhancing the overall student experience at Cor Jesu.” By Thursday, Carolyn Gau Guidry ‘00, a friend and Cor Jesu alumna, had taken a photo of Meghan and photoshopped her wearing a red suit. A few days later, a group of CJA alumnae friends threw her a welcome party. Known for wearing bright colors and bold patterns, one thing became clear to Meghan immediately, “I’m going to need to buy more red!” While she updates the school colors in her wardrobe, there is no escaping that the transition is a little bittersweet. She may not have had to open their milk cartons, but Meghan found ways big and small to connect with the students at Notre Dame. Known fondly as “Doc,” she was there to greet them in the morning, help them through their struggles and celebrate their successes. “I addressed the girls as soon as I knew I would be leaving,” she said. “I told them it was time for me to graduate again.” From teacher to principal to president to dean, she has approached every role with one task prioritized above all others: building community.

“My greatest strength is in relationships,” she said. “And I’m excited to get to know the entire Cor Jesu community!” SUMMER 2022

Spirit Magazi n e

A First for Everything T F E AT U R E

he oldest of seven children, “firsts” come easy to Sr. Veronica Beato, ASCJ ‘74.

She was the first of her siblings to graduate from St. Gabriel the Archangel Grade School, the first of her sisters and cousins to attend Cor Jesu Academy, and the first to enter religious life where she even found a love for the first Friday of each month. The most notable “first,” of late, for Sr. Veronica, though, is her tenure as Cor Jesu’s first alumna principal. “There’s no place like Cor Jesu,” Sr. Veronica said. “And it was the best feeling to come back after many years on the East Coast!" Approaching high school graduation, Sr. Veronica had to make a decision: go to college and pursue a medical degree or enter religious life. After lots of discernment, she chose the religious path and began her life with the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During her formation as an Apostle, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Albertus Magnus College. From there, she began her journey in education starting in the Bronx, New York where she taught reading and religion to young children, as well as science to middle school students. Next, she became a high school science teacher at Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in Hamden, Conn. – another Spirit Magazi n e

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Sister Veronica with CJA's beloved dog, Cori.

all-girls high school owned and operated by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “I really enjoyed teaching at Sacred Heart Academy because it reminded me so much of my time as a student at Cor Jesu,” Sr. Veronica said. After eight years at SHA, Sr. Veronica was excited to return home in 1990. Home had double meaning for her – she was coming home to live in St. Louis and to serve at her other home, Cor Jesu. She spent 12 years on the Cor Jesu faculty, teaching mostly biology, anatomy and genetics. Additionally, she was a moderator for Cor Jesu’s chapter of the National Honor Society and Yearbook. In 1999, she became an associate principal while earning her second master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Louis University (she earned her first master’s degree in biology while working at SHA). “I really, really love teaching,” Sr. Veronica said. “I especially enjoyed teaching honors biology with sophomores – it was always fun to put something out there for the students to investigate and think through logically.” In 2002, Sr. Veronica was asked to become the principal at St. Raphael

School, an inner-city elementary school in Bridgeport, Conn., where she served for the next eight years. During this time, she worked under a governance board that was founded to develop endowment programs for schools like St. Raphael so that they could continue to uplift their student populations. “I cherish my time at St. Raphael,” Sr. Veronica said. “It was the most enlightening and rewarding experience I’ve had in my ministry, and to be part of it all was a privilege.” After St. Raphael, she then moved to Manhattan, New York where she served for six years as principal of Our Lady of Pompeii, a Catholic school for preschool – 8th graders, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. In 2016, however, it was time to come home for a second time to yet another first – becoming Cor Jesu Academy’s first alumna principal. “I was thrilled to return to Cor Jesu as principal,” Sr. Veronica said. “The special spirit that was here when I was a student and as a teacher was still present as I began my term as principal, and I could feel it.” From the fall of 2016 to the spring of 2022, Sr. Veronica led

Cor Jesu through a multitude of changes – none of which was small. In 2017, she oversaw the opening of the long-awaited new gym, student commons, dance studio and active learning classrooms. During the 2019-2020 school year, she assumed a dual role, as the interim president and principal of the school, after Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ was called to serve as the Provincial Superior of the Apostles. Most notably, however, the past two years brought daily “firsts” for Sr. Veronica, as she became the first principal to lead Cor Jesu through a worldwide pandemic. “When Covid hit, my goal was to provide the students as much normalcy as possible, especially during the stay-at-home order,” Sr. Veronica said. “To do this, we decided to keep our normal school schedule via online learning – this way the girls were accountable for logging in to their classes via Zoom so they interacted in some way with their peers and teachers. It provided them some structure during a very uncertain and scary time.” Under Sr. Veronica, Cor Jesu Academy was one of the few schools in St. Louis that did not lose even one day of teaching. “I am still so amazed at how the faculty came through,” she said. “Even though it was hard, everyone got on board to do what we needed to do for the girls. It was truly incredible, and I’m so grateful for each of them.” In addition to preserving their educational experience, Sr. Veronica did her absolute best to provide students, especially the Class of 2020, with the special experiences all high schoolers look forward to, like prom. On the night of the Class of 2020’s originally scheduled prom, Sr. Veronica turned on all

the lights in the school and invited the seniors – who hadn’t seen the school in over a month – to drive through. Little did the seniors know, Sister also invited the faculty and staff to line up along the drive and cheer the students along. “Of course, it was pouring that evening, but it honestly made it all the more special,” Sr. Veronica said. “The seniors had many emotions driving through, and when they saw their teachers standing in the rain, cheering for them – I think they felt loved and special at a time where they were losing out on so much.”

Sister Veronica (right) with other ASCJs cheering on the Class of 2020 at their "prom."

“I am so grateful to Sr. Veronica for planning that night for us,” CJA alumna, Mary Tiffin ‘20, said. “At the time, our class didn’t know if we would even have a graduation, so it was amazing to come back to school for the first time in what felt like forever and really feel seen and celebrated. It meant the world to us!” After a spring of quarantining, Sr. Veronica was pleased to be able to invite students, faculty and staff back to campus in the fall of 2020. She worked with Cor Jesu’s nurse, Lou Oswald, to draft as many protocols and take as many precautions as possible – even working through a hybrid schedule – to safely bring students back to the classroom. “As a parent and staff member, I saw how Sr. Veronica led the school from two perspectives,”

The world needs women of integrity, “women who care and women who love.” –SR. VERONICA BEATO, ASCJ '74

CJA’s Director of Finance, Stephanie Monnig Hoelscher ‘89, said. “I saw my daughters continue to receive a quality Cor Jesu education, I saw traditions being held up around the school as much as possible and I saw students continue to flourish thanks to Sr. Veronica’s leadership. From the back end I saw what kind of effort went into making those things happen. Sr. Veronica worked tirelessly – all for the students and faculty. She allowed herself to be flexible and truly led by example in some trying times.” It is only fitting that as the Class of 2022 was the first senior class in two years to close their time at CJA “normally,” Sr. Veronica, too, got to end in a normal fashion, and lead the end-ofyear celebrations one last time. “The world needs women of integrity, women who care and women who love,” Sr. Veronica said. “Cor Jesu educates those types of women. Cor Jesu graduates will be the leaders of tomorrow and I feel extremely privileged to have been a part of their journey.” It is no surprise that Sr. Veronica’s next mission with the Apostles is a first for her – her first time working outside of education. She began working this summer as the director of Sacred Heart Manor, the retirement home for the Sisters in Hamden, Conn. “It is really hard to leave education, and my home at Cor Jesu, but I trust that God is calling me to this new role,” Sr. Veronica said. “My wish is that everyone at Cor Jesu – faculty, staff and students – knows how deeply they are loved by God and that they are in my prayers daily. I have no doubts with all the talented and driven people in the building that Cor Jesu will continue to flourish.” As she begins her new ministry, she looks forward to making Cor Jesu her first stop on her next visit home.

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The Art of Leadership J

F E AT U R E

eanne Suda isn’t “from here.”

She grew up in Chicago, attended Infant Jesus of Prague Catholic Grade School and Marian Catholic High School. She went from there to Dubuque, Iowa, earning her bachelor’s degree in art education from Clark College – an all-girls Catholic college at the time – graduating in 1973. From college, she went right back to high school. “I learned in my student teaching that I liked working with the teenagers,” Jeanne said. “I felt a connection with them and enjoyed helping them develop during their formative years.” Jeanne taught one year at St. Elizabeth Setan High School, an all-girls Catholic high school in Chicago, before taking a job in St. Louis – a position teaching art at DuBourg High School. From the minute she arrived, though, Cor Jesu was in the picture. “I passed Cor Jesu every day on my way to DuBourg,” Jeanne said. “I didn’t know that that building on Gravois would later become such a huge piece of my life.” And she would become such a huge piece of Cor Jesu’s story. In late summer 1981, Cor Jesu Academy’s principal, Sr. Ellen Cronin, ASCJ, needed to hire an art teacher. She followed the procedure at the time and reviewed the applications submitted to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. One struck her and she called the phone number provided. The rest is history. Jeanne began that school year as CJA’s art teacher, teaching every art class offered. And while she may not be “from here,” she knew she was where she belonged. “I never left Catholic education, really,” she said. “And that’s good for me, because I love being surrounded by

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the religion and the values taught in Catholic schools.” In addition to teaching art at Cor Jesu and serving as department chair, Jeanne worked extensively with a team of other faculty and staff members on many cycles of the school’s accreditations. She also worked closely with Sr. Rosemary Buttice, ASCJ ‘60, CJA’s assistant principal at the time, on professional development with the faculty, and in 2002, she became the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) Test Coordinator. And if that wasn’t enough, Jeanne found time along the way to earn a master’s degree in education from National Lewis University. In 2003, Cor Jesu restructured and added a Dean of Curriculum and Professional Development to the administrative team. CJA’s principal, Sr. Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ, Ph.D., offered Jeanne the position. “It was an exciting opportunity for me to continue working in Catholic education in a new way, but I was sad to leave the classroom, too,” Jeanne said. “I love making connections with students, so I wanted to be sure I continued to do that.” So she did. Jeanne kept one course on her schedule – freshman art – a requirement for all freshmen. “It was the best way for me to guarantee that I met each student in the building at the beginning of her time here,” Jeanne said. “Often times they didn’t realize that I was also the Dean at first. It was always funny when they made that connection later.” And when they moved on from freshman art, the students continued to see Jeanne enjoying her lunch in the cafeteria alongside them. “Lunch was my favorite part of the day!” she said. “I loved walking around to the tables and catching up with the students. Being with them in the cafeteria and in the classroom gave me life!”

we were meeting all the standards,” Jeanne said. “It’s a never-ending process because the world is always changing, and our students are always changing. But we always did our best to grow with the changes in a positive way.” There have been very few changes at Cor Jesu that Jeanne hasn’t been a part of. From land acquisitions and building expansions to interior design to curriculum and technology, Jeanne has been at the table. It’s rumored that there isn’t one piece of art on Cor Jesu’s walls that Jeanne hasn’t framed. Jeanne’s accomplishments during her time at Cor Jesu are too many to count. Yet, the accomplishments she values most are her personal relationships with the students. “People often ask educators: What do you teach?” Jeanne said. “They think the answer will be math, science, art – a subject. But I always remember what my good friend and former Cor Jesu teacher, Jane Laurentius, would tell me: I teach students." For 41 years, Jeanne approached each student with that same spirit. She helped instill in hundreds – actually, thousands – of Cor Jesu graduates values they would carry throughout their lives, ensuring that while she may not be “from here,” Ms. Suda will forever be a part of Cor Jesu.

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Twenty-one years as art teacher and 20 years as Dean of Curriculum and Professional Development/freshman art teacher adds up to 41 years. In that time, not one student received a diploma without knowing “Ms. Suda.” In addition to keeping up with the students, Jeanne also felt it was important that she stay in the classroom to give her more credibility and relatability among faculty. “Every time Jeanne walked in my classroom for an observation, I knew she was there to support me and to help the students succeed,” Cor Jesu Theology teacher, Bridget Rush, said. “She gave pragmatic advice and helped me improve as a teacher with each observation. I always felt relieved knowing Jeanne was in my corner.” When she wasn’t in the cafeteria or observing a class, Jeanne was hard at work making sure Cor Jesu’s accreditations were up to date and that Cor Jesu’s academics remained top notch. She was constantly researching, attending workshops and talking with other schools to identify the ways Cor Jesu could improve. She analyzed the curriculum and handbook. She also evaluated the types of students coming into the school, as well as what colleges were looking for in graduates to ensure Cor Jesu was providing the best education for its students. “I did everything I could to stay current with the trends in education and make sure

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Smiling back on at CJA R E T I R I N G FAC U LT Y & S TA F F

79 Years

A big congratulations and thank you to our retiring faculty and staff members this year! Each retiree has shared her smile and her light with Cor Jesu for many years, and has helped our students discover their unique brilliance. We have been blessed by your commitment to CJA and wish you all the best in your new adventures!

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Kathy Grana

YEARS IN EDUCATION: 35 YEARS AT COR JESU: 28 DEPARTMENT: Science EXTRACURRICULARS: Junior Class Moderator, Junior Ring Dance, ECHO Club WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB AT CJA MADE YOU SMILE? My students and the people that I worked with made me smile. FAVORITE MEMORY: When my daughter Liz (Class of 2002) was the commencement speaker for the Class of 2016’s graduation ceremony. SPIRIT WEEK OR PENNY QUEEN WEEK? Spirit Week CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SPRING CONCERT? Christmas Concert 1:40 DISMISSAL OR LATE START? 1:40 Dismissal CHRISTMAS BREAK OR SPRING BREAK? Christmas Break WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST? I will miss the people at CJA. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN RETIREMENT? Everything.

Lou Oswald

(retired at the end of the 2020-21 school year) YEARS AS A NURSE: 44 YEARS AT COR JESU: 16 WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB AT CJA MADE YOU SMILE? I loved working with the girls, faculty and staff. Everyone is so friendly and it is a true community. FAVORITE MEMORY: The students. I loved having them come into my office just to talk. I also loved putting on Health Days. It was fun to see the girls so happy about learning outside the classrooms. SPIRIT WEEK OR PENNY QUEEN WEEK? Penny Queen Week CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SPRING CONCERT? Christmas Concert 1:40 DISMISSAL OR LATE START? 1:40 Dismissal CHRISTMAS BREAK OR SPRING BREAK? Christmas Break WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST? I miss the faculty and staff, and the great community feeling of spirit and love. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN ENJOYING IN RETIREMENT? I have loved sleeping in!! I am a night owl and love to sleep late. But most of all, I have enjoyed having the flexibility to visit my kids and grandchildren anytime I want.

Karen Schuering

Rita Ryan YEARS IN EDUCATION: 38 YEARS AT COR JESU: 17 DEPARTMENT: Science EXTRACURRICULARS: Green Team Moderator WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB AT CJA MADE YOU SMILE? The delightful students that I was privileged to teach each day. FAVORITE MEMORY: So many…..freshman biology, chemistry Mole Days, genetics book club days, and watching my science students excel at concerts and school plays. SPIRIT WEEK OR PENNY QUEEN WEEK? Penny Queen Week CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SPRING CONCERT? Christmas Concert 1:40 DISMISSAL OR LATE START? 1:40 Dismissal CHRISTMAS BREAK OR SPRING BREAK? Christmas Break WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST? I will miss my students the most but, of course, the many talented and kind administrators, faculty and staff that I have worked with. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN RETIREMENT? I am looking forward to having more free time to spend with family and friends, and to pursue other interests.

YEARS IN EDUCATION: 36 YEARS AT COR JESU: 10 DEPARTMENT: Math EXTRACURRICULARS: PSAT Prep, NHS Faculty Council, Department Chair, Class Moderator, SEE Week, Summer School Teacher WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB AT CJA MADE YOU SMILE? I smiled at the energy and the joy in the school building in the morning before classes even began. The girls recognized that being with friends and learning is fun, and I could feel the anticipation of a good day at school. FAVORITE MEMORY: There are so many! Maybe a day when I have a good activity or good game to match what we are learning that day. Maybe the optional review day last December when my classroom was full of students wanting to practice for their math exam. Maybe the day that I get a set of class projects hung up on my classroom walls and I am amazed at the creativity of my students. Maybe the day that a student finishes a statistics project and said that it really affected the way she sees the world. Maybe just a regular school day when everyone is on task, asking good questions and anticipating what comes next on a topic! SPIRIT WEEK OR PENNY QUEEN WEEK? Spirit Week CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SPRING CONCERT? Spring Concert 1:40 DISMISSAL OR LATE START? 1:40 Dismissal CHRISTMAS BREAK OR SPRING BREAK? Spring Break WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST? I will miss the smiles on the faces of students when they are proud that they have learned a tough concept. I will miss students saying, “I heard something that reminded me of what we have been doing in math class.” I will miss the resounding “thank you” when students leave the classroom. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN RETIREMENT? I look forward to more time with my family, more books, more golf, more vacations and more mornings to sleep in!

Teresa Zielonko

YEARS IN EDUCATION: 39 YEARS AT COR JESU: 8 DEPARTMENT: College Counseling WHAT ABOUT YOUR JOB AT CJA MADE YOU SMILE? I smiled every day in my job because I worked with wonderful people. FAVORITE MEMORY: Pam Hopkins and I took a picture that Lou Oswald had colored of a turkey and mounted it and hung it in the Clelian hallway as part of the art display that Mary Jo Clark put up. SPIRIT WEEK OR PENNY QUEEN WEEK? Penny Queen Week CHRISTMAS CONCERT OR SPRING CONCERT? Spring Concert 1:40 DISMISSAL OR LATE START? Late Start CHRISTMAS BREAK OR SPRING BREAK? Spring Break WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST? I will miss the friendships and the laughs as we went about our normal work day. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN RETIREMENT? I am really looking forward to traveling and reading more and having the ability to do anything I want at any given time of the year rather than being constricted by the school year. I hope to spend time with my granddaughter and I would like to write a bit, particularly to leave her with a knowledge of her great grandparents, whom she never had the chance to meet. SUMMER 2022

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Each year, the Cor Jesu student body elects five students to be on the Student Council Executive Board – these students are the primary leaders of the school in terms of community building events, such as dances, pep rallies, spirit weeks and more. Any student can be elected to the Executive Board, but this year, it happened to be a group of five seniors.

Caroline Hite '22 TREASURER

Maggie Pudlowski '22 SPIRIT COMMISSIONER

Claire Schoenekase '22 SECRETARY

This Executive Board, in particular, felt a greater responsibility to Cor Jesu than its predecessors. This last school year, the Class of 2022 was the only class in the building that had one full year of “normal” Cor Jesu traditions – their freshman year. They are the only ones who experienced a Cor Jesu year before Covid, and the Executive Board was determined to do what they could to make sure they shared those traditions with the rest of the student body. We caught up with the five Executive Board members to learn more about the year and how they managed it all.*

As the Executive Board of Student Council, how would you describe Cor Jesu spirit? Maggie: In a couple adjectives, I would say dedicated and supportive. It is best shown at big events when everyone has the opportunity to come together.

Ella Funke '22 PRESIDENT

Our students are loud and passionate, and truly want to cheer their peers on – it’s pretty cool. Ella: I love seeing people get excited about things that they aren’t involved in, and I was happy we didn’t limit the hype to just sports this year. For example, the Fall Play and the Spring Musical were incredible, and students were just as excited about those as they were about a spirit game. It’s special to see people support each other’s passions.

What do you remember from your freshman year at Cor Jesu? Your last year that was completely normal from August to May? Ella: I definitely remember the dances. They were a big deal because it was our first year of high school dances. There was also just so much more going *Interview conducted May 2022

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Caroline Burdge '22 VICE PRESIDENT

Claire: I remember being so excited! The spirit around the school was so different than grade school. You could feel it, even just on a normal day – it didn’t have to be a spirit day. Caroline B: I agree with Claire. Things were just bigger and better than grade school and it was cool to experience. There was so much momentum around everything we did! Caroline H: We definitely threw ourselves fully into all the spirited aspects of the school. We followed the seniors’ lead, and it’s definitely been hard for us to be the oldest this past year. We only have one year to base our leadership off of, so it’s been a challenge for sure.

What does it feel like to be the only class in the building that has had one full, normal year, experiencing all the CJA traditions in the way they are intended? Caroline H: As I was kind of saying before, it’s hard. The responsibility is big. I remember when we were freshmen, the seniors felt so old, and they seemed like they knew exactly what they were doing. We didn’t get two other normal years to learn or form into those leaders. We were just all of a sudden seniors after two weird years. So, we had to figure out on our own how to carry on everything, without much experience. Maggie: I think the other hard part has been having to adapt to the fact that we couldn’t do

some of the traditions that we remembered from freshman year. We are the only class who knows some of these old traditions existed, so we had to accept losing them. Luckily the end of the year has been pretty much normal, but we did lose some senior things, especially in the fall. It’s harder to lose things that you knew were there before. Ella: While it’s definitely been difficult, it has also given us the opportunity to develop new traditions or get rid of old ones that were kind of stale. Since the other classes don’t know about all the traditions that we just kept doing to just keep doing, it was easy for us to re-think some of them without people being upset that something wasn’t the same as it used to be. So that opportunity has been pretty cool! Caroline B: What I think is the hardest thing, is carrying on the momentum that we felt here our freshman year. There’s lots of important traditions, like Funderwear, that are hard to hype up unless you’ve experienced it. We can talk about how we want to win The Pants as much as we want, but it’s hard to get the buy-in from the rest of the school who has never been to the game and seen the intensity of it. But I’m hopeful we are getting back to it all, and I’m excited for the students to finally have a normal year next year… hopefully!

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on during a regular day because there were no restrictions. I also remember our first Spirit Week. As freshmen, we had never done anything like this so our class got really into it and it was a blast.

Even though it was difficult to carry on CJA’s spirit, you worked hard to do it – how did you carry on that dedicated and supportive spirit? Ella: I think we did a really good job of setting the tone for the next Executive Board. We were able to plan a lot of things that have been canceled in the past, we just had to do it around Covid restrictions. SUMMER 2022

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For example, we had all of our dances this year for the first time since our freshman year. That was amazing! Sure, we had to wear masks at Fall Ball and collect vaccination records or negative tests, but the point was that we had it. And then the dances only got better in the spring! We started to build the momentum back up, and I think next year’s seniors and Executive Board will be able to continue it. Caroline H: I’m grateful that the mask mandates and Covid restrictions lightened up in the spring of our senior year. If it had gone on for one more year, then next year’s seniors wouldn’t have anything to go by – they would be starting from zero because they never experienced a normal year. We at least had that one year of normal traditions to share with the underclassmen so they can continue.

You’ve talked about carrying traditions on, even around Covid guidelines, how did you do that? Caroline B: Our goal for this year was to just have the events in whatever way we could. So for Fall Ball, that meant collecting vaccine cards or negative Covid tests, and wearing masks. But we were just grateful to have a dance again. Caroline H: We tried really hard to create a positive narrative around everything we were planning. And I think the students were excited that we were making stuff happen, no matter what guidelines we had to follow. Ella: Not only were Fall Ball and Penny Queen the freshmen’s first high school dances, but they were also the first high school dances the sophomores experienced. So we were glad they didn’t have to go another year without them. Both those classes were so excited!

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Do you feel like you created any new traditions? Maggie: I don’t necessarily feel like we created new ones, but we brought back some older ones. For example, “Inflatapalooza” hadn’t happened in years, but we made it happen again. Now underclassmen know that big things like that are possible, which is important. Ella: I feel like “tug-of-war” may be worked into future STUCO BBQs, and that’s a new thing. Everyone got really excited for it, so it will be cool to see if it sticks around as a new tradition. Caroline B: I think the big thing is that underclassmen know that if you find something you want to do and can come up with a plan, within reason, the administration is pretty receptive. So we want them to remember to dream big!

What were your goals as the Student Council Executive Board going into the 2021-22 school year? Caroline B: We definitely wanted to give the school as much of a “normal” CJA experience as possible, and we wanted to keep Cor Jesu’s spirit alive throughout the year. Caroline H: We also understood that Covid was still on people’s minds. We started the school year in masks, and it was still prevalent. So one of our goals was to be very inviting at all of our events. We wanted to invite people to join in the spirit, but also not force people out of what they were comfortable with at that moment in time. Ella: In the spirit of inviting, not forcing, we tried to have something for everyone at each event. For example, at the BBQ in the spring you could go watch a movie in the Little Theater, if you didn’t want to be around a crowd in the inflatables, or you could play a yard game with two friends. There were things for everyone at all comfort levels to make the day special and fun.

Caroline B: It took a lot of planning, that’s for sure. Ms. Cowan helped us ask the administration if we could do this, and they were supportive. We knew about it since January, so it was a big secret to keep. No one in the school knew about it except us five, Ms. Cowan, Sr. Mahilia and the administration. The teachers didn’t know until about one week before, so it was an incredible surprise for the rest of the students. Ella: At the end of the day, so many teachers stopped and told us how nice it was to see everyone genuinely enjoy themselves for an afternoon. It felt good that we could bring a day like that to our peers, especially after these last two years. Caroline H: I think our team works really well together, which is why we could pull it off. We have a good understanding of each other’s strengths and we work those to our advantage when planning big events.

There was a 100% chance of rain on your planned half-day BBQ. How did you work around that? Caroline H: We talked about canceling it, which would have been easy. But when we really thought about it, we had just gone through two years straight of canceled events, and we were done with it. We wanted to do whatever we could to give this day to the school, so we pivoted and moved everything inside. Ella: The same thing happened with the Penny Queen Dance in February. Covid cases were spiking so we couldn’t do the dance on its scheduled date. Again, we talked about just canceling it, but we didn’t want

that to be our solution anymore. So, we rescheduled it for April, which then meant we got to have it without masks! Rescheduling it to April definitely made our April crazy on Student Council, but it was worth it.

What do you view as your biggest accomplishment as the Student Council Executive Board this year? Ella: I’d say the entire year was an accomplishment. It maybe wasn’t the best year ever, but we put the foundation down for the years to come, and hopefully they can piggyback off this year and help get spirit levels back to normal with normal events. Caroline H: I was proud of our Spirit Week themes. Lots of times themes get re-used, but we tried a lot of new things that people were excited about. Maggie: The half-day BBQ was incredible. That was definitely an accomplishment and a highlight. Caroline B: We did a lot this year. We put a lot of effort into everything and I hope people recognized that.

What are your hopes for Cor Jesu’s future?

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You worked with the administration and gave the school a surprise halfday on the last day of the spring Spirit Week, and you brought in inflatables, yard games, had a tug-of-war contest, and more. How did you pull that off?

Ella: I hope the juniors keep the momentum going. They were so spirited during the spring Spirit Week that I feel like good things are to come. I hope they keep old traditions and continue to make new ones, too! When we pulled off the BBQ this year, alumnae in college were texting us to tell us how awesome it looked. I hope that I’m looking back at CJA and am proud of what the next Student Council Exec Board accomplishes. Caroline B: I’m excited to see where Ms. Pottinger and Dr. Bohac take Cor Jesu. And I hope the next Executive Board pushes the boundaries. We’ve said it already, but things are possible if you think it through and come up with a good plan!

Smiles on the DATE: March 25, 2022 LITURGY: Cor Jesu Academy DANCE LOCATION: Andre's West DANCE THEME: Roaring 20’s / The Great Gatsby

JUNIOR RING

DANCE COMMITTEE: The Junior Class Board Anna Loeffelman (President) Mia Carosone (Vice President) Mackenzie Lorms (Secretary) Kate Virtel (Treasurer) HIT SONGS: Umbrella by Rihanna was so much fun for our class to share “Itsuch a special tradition and celebrate with each other all day, from receiving our rings with our parents at Mass to the dance that evening! We are the first class in a few years that has been able to experience this tradition the way it is meant to be experienced, and I know we were all grateful. Junior Ring Day is something we will never forget and will quite literally carry with us throughout our lives.

”

–ANNA LOEFFELMAN ‘23

am the youngest of three sisters that have “Iattended Cor Jesu, so receiving my ring was a big deal. My sisters mean everything to me and with them away at college, I don’t get to see them as much as I’d like. Luckily, my sister, Isabella (Class of 2018) was able to clear her schedule and fly in to surprise me for my Ring Day! It was really great to experience this with her and feel connected through our school in this unique way.

”

–MIA CAROSONE ’23

Anna Loeffelman '23 (right) and Leah Wegman '23 (left)

Mia Carosone '23 (right) and sister Isabella Carsone '18 (left)

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Dance Floor! DATE: April 22, 2022 LOCATION: Windows on Washington THEME: Golden Moments PROM COMMITTEE: Natalie Leininger, Kathryn Thomas and Ella Vergara DESSERTS: chocolate covered strawberries, mini cheesecakes, gooey butter cakes LATE NIGHT SNACK: Gus’ Pretzel Bites PR O M

HIT SONGS: Pitch Perfect – Bellas Final Performance and Dancing Queen

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 COR JESU ACADEMY PROM QUEEN! Trenay Caruthers is such a once in a lifetime experience, “Prom and I’m really happy that I was able to spend it with the people I love! ” –TRENAY CARUTHERS ‘22, PROM QUEEN

of the pandemic, we “Because did not have the traditional Junior Ring Dance with just our class, so to experience both our first and last dance as a class was truly a memorable experience. It was special because it gave us the chance to enjoy one of our last few moments together and make up for the lost time.

”

–KATHRYN THOMAS ‘22, PROM COMMITTEE CHAIR SUMMER 2022

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INCOMING CL ASS

122 55 46 42 26 62%

DIFFERENT GRADE/ MIDDLE SCHOOLS DIFFERENT PARISHES

TOTAL ZIP CODES STUDENTS ARE THE ONLY ONE ATTENDING CJA FROM THEIR GRADE SCHOOL

OF STUDENTS HAVE AN ALUMNAE CONNECTION (mom, sister, aunt or cousin attended or is attending CJA)

23 daughters of alumnae 12 have a sister who is an alumna

22 have a sister who is currently a student

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2 0 2 6 NEW SENDING SCHOOLS TO COR JESU (compared to the last three years)

Assumption (O'Fallon, MO)

Blessed Sacrament Blessed Teresa Calcutta Fort Zumwalt South Middle School Fox Middle School Queen of Heaven Academy St. John Neuman Catholic School Providence Classical Christian Academy Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill Wildwood Middle School

NEW ZIP CODES TO COR JESU

(compared to the last three years)

62223 – St. Clair, IL 62234 – Collinsville, IL 63102 – Barnhart, MO 63107 – Chesterfield, MO 63112 – St. Louis City, MO 63136 – Jennings, MO

As of June 21, 2022

Our Class of 2026 Chargers! Jacqueline Adams Madeline Ahearn Selene Ahlersmeyer Ella Alexander Gabriella Angeli Addie Bader Sienna Barnidge Devin Bergan Layla Birner Margaret Blasi Ava Bognar Abby Bollier Lucy Borgmeyer Erica Boyer Claire Brandt Dylan Breckenridge Addysen Brennan Clare Brinkley Margaret Bruno Joanna Bull Lorelei Cioffi Nora Cooke Marina Cornett Gabriella DeLuca Annaliese Dierker Sabrina DiMaggio Jillian Eichhorn Catherine Figge Gabriella Findlay Kendyl Flannery Sophia Flowers Reilly Foy Samaria Galloway Anna Gansler Joseline Garcia Mara Glaus Lindsay Good Gabrielle Gremaud Alyson Grzovic Kate Gurley Abigail Hahnel

Kerry Harrington Eva Haywood Margaret Heffernan Saoirse Henderson Lydia Hercules Clare Hinkamper Alli Hof Makayla Hofer Angelina Hong Sydney Hopfinger Maura Horan Mia Hunt Paige Johnston Rachel Karcher Morgan Kerner Zoe Kershenski Chloe Knese Isabella Knese Vanessa Kroon Milana Lake Sofia Lancia Isabelle Larkin Madeline Lee Claire Lehmkuhl Katherine Leiber Isabella Lutostanski Eleanor Madsen Lauren Maloney Regina Manley Zoey Mathews Jolena Mazzola Mary McKenzie Meaghan McKenzie Elayna Melching Sarah Meyer Madeline Mispagel Ellie Mitchell Sofia Moehn Amanda Munie Emily Nguyen Dayana Nieto-Morales

Virginia Normile Josephine O'Brien Lauren Ortwerth Isabella Parmeter Sophia Piotrowski Sophia Pitcavage Sophia Pozzo Ava Rapp Grace Rasmussen Genevieve Rasure Vivian Rega Eloise Riley Brooke Rodden Valeria Rodriguez Isabella Rohr Izabella Ruzicka Olivia Sampson Samantha Schmelig Lucy Shepard Audrey Sherman Juliet Siemer Clarice Slama Georgia Slinkard Katie Smith Lillian Snyder Audrey Strohmeyer Audrey Taylor Josie Taylor Katie Beth Terrill Emily Tran Layne Traxler Victoria Volansky Kayla Wahl Waverly Walker Katherine West Abigail Wiese Sofia Work Cecelia Yehling Elsa Yezbick Sarah Zollner As of June 21, 2022

SUMMER 2022

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S PR I N G M US I C A L

Be Our Guest!

After putting on a show with a limited cast in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Cor Jesu Chargers were ready to go big for this year’s Spring Musical, performing a fan favorite – Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast." All were invited to “be our guests” at each of the four incredible performances, featuring 40 cast members and 45 crew members, who brought this treasured tale to life. Both the students and directors were thrilled to invite a larger group to be involved with the show, and to, once again, perform in front of a full audience. “‘Beauty and the Beast’ was very special to produce this year because we were able to collaborate with a large group again, and work together toward the same goal,” said Julie Schneier Hubbard ‘12, musical director and CJA faculty member. “There were so many great opportunities for our girls to get involved and lots of great roles to showcase our students’ talents – it was a joy!” Not only was this year’s musical special because of the sheer number of students involved, it was also special because, unbeknownst to all, it was Kathleen Pottinger’s last show. Kathleen served as Spirit Magazi n e

SUMMER 2022

Director of Music at Cor Jesu for the last 14 years (plus a sixyear stint from 1994 to 2000) and was hired in late spring, after the musical performances, as Cor Jesu’s new Dean of Student Life. “Every year, there is a point when artistically, everything clicks and the kids really start to get it and all the pieces of the musical come together to create something beautiful,” Kathleen said. “And while I’m excited for my new role, I’m really going to miss those moments with the kids.” In addition to the performances, CJA also hosted two new events tied to the show. The Friday evening performance was dubbed “Incoming Freshman Night at the Musical,” in which the Cor Jesu Class of 2026 was invited to join their classmates for dinner and games before enjoying the show. Seventyfive incoming freshmen attended! Before the Saturday matinee, Tim Haffner’s marketing class organized a "Beauty and the Beast" Character Lunch where alumnae were invited to bring their little princes and princesses for an afternoon of Disney fun before the show. Guests spent the day crafting, dancing, meeting the characters and enjoying a Chick-fil-A lunch, all before whisking off to France to watch the performance with "Beauty and the Beast" cookies in hand.

“

'Beauty and the Beast' was incredibly special to me because it was a return to normalcy onstage! I have spent the year looking forward to my senior show, and it was everything I could have hoped. This cast and crew worked tirelessly to produce an entertaining and highquality production, and I could not be more proud of the result. I’m so grateful to have been part of this experience! – AINSLEY BURNS '22, "BELLE"

“

”

The 'Beauty and the Beast' Character Lunch and performance were such family-forward events! It was a joy to see my daughter’s excitement walking the halls of Cor Jesu. I enjoyed spending quality time with my family and reconnecting with my alma mater, and the values that make it so special to me – faith, family and fellowship. – AMANDA BRENNAN DAILEY ‘09

”

REUNION CLASSES

We were overjoyed to welcome our alumnae back to campus for summer reunions! We hosted 12 classes – some on June 4 and some on June 11 – for an evening full of sisterhood, spirit and fun. Each reunion began with Mass in the new gymnasium, followed by Russo’s appetizers, drinks, attendance prizes, tours of the school, dancing and more! Thanks to all the classes who joined us. For those who could not make it, we hope to see you at your next reunion in five years! **Special shoutout to CJA faculty member, Dr. Brian Hohlt, for planning such wonderful evenings!

SUMMER 2022

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R EU N I O N S

Welcome back, alumnae!!

1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017

SU M M E R C A M P S

AT CJA! HUNDREDS OF GRADE SCHOOL GIRLS got to experience life as a Cor Jesu Charger at our many enrichment and sports camps this summer! Cor Jesu’s diverse camp offerings provide opportunities for students with all interests to join us for a summer of fun. From coding to cheerleading, babysitting to photography, and drama to cooking, plus every sport in between, campers always have a great time exploring their passions and learning new skills. We are especially grateful for our student volunteers who make each camp extra special!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOUR FUTURE CHARGER ON CAMPUS NEXT SUMMER! 30

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SUMMER 2022

Summer Immersions

Thank you to this year's corporate hosts! SBE:

SEE:

A special thanks to the SBE professional coaches for guiding our students as they created their own business! • Cassie Sperruzza Farner ‘11 • Rob Funke • Beth Lamping Tiffin ‘84 • Megan Pitlyk Vollmer ‘08

SBE STUDENTS visited with Edward Jones, NISA Investment Advisors, Stifel Financial and Krilogy Financial. They worked directly with professionals to learn about different facets of running a business including: • Marketing/Customer Experience • Human Resources/ Company Culture • Finance • Leadership/ Strategic Vision In the afternoons, students worked in pre-designated teams with their assigned professional coaches to incorporate what they learned into their own business plans. On Friday, student teams presented their business models to corporate partners, parents, professional coaches, and faculty and staff.

C O R P O R AT E PA R T N E R S I N I T I AT I V E

Cor Jesu’s Career, College & Wellness Center (CCW) was thrilled to, once again, offer the annual Summer Business Experience (SBE) and Summer Engineering Experience (SEE) to rising juniors and seniors! This year was extra special because both groups were able to experience these weeks with the participating corporate partners, on-site at each business, for the first time since Summer 2019. (Only in its third year, this was SBE Week’s first time on-site ever).

STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SEE worked on a variety of hands-on projects with the following organizations: • Watlow • Saint Louis University Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology • Pfizer • Burns & McDonnell Each day introduced students to a different type of engineering, including manufacturing, biomedical, civil, pharmaceutical and engineering consulting. Each company provided students with real-life scenarios, giving them the tools and knowledge to problem solve like a professional engineer. At the end of the week, students were divided into groups to present what they learned at each site and how engineering contributes to our everyday lives in terms of health, joy, sustainability and security. SUMMER 2022

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Alumnae Traces C L A S S O F 19 91

Jenny Niemira Lawlor was inducted to the Quincy University Sports Hall of Fame in March 2021 for her accomplishments as a twosport student athlete. Jenny was part of the Quincy women’s basketball and softball teams.

CL ASS OF 2004

In the spring of 2021, Kathryn (Kate) Ellerbrake finished her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at Saint Louis University. This year will be Dr. Ellerbrake's fourteenth as an English teacher and her eighth at Notre Dame High School.

CL ASS OF 2006

Taylor Smith Fortune and her husband, Gabel, welcomed their son, Barrett William Fortune, on November 6, 2021.

CL ASS OF 2009

Alex Smith Adams and her husband, Michael, announced the birth of their daughter, Cameron Lorelle Adams, on March 24, 2022.

C L A S S O F 2 011

Colleen Barry Weber and her husband, Brett, welcomed their son, John Anthony Weber, on December 28, 2021.

Aubree Smith Campbell and her husband, Anthony, announced the birth of their daughter, Vella Josephine Campbell, on January 26, 2022. Christy Pendergast Gaus married Andrew Gaus on October 23, 2021 with six Cor Jesu bridesmaids by her side, including: Katie Pendergast Dolan ‘08, Lorie Pendergast ‘08, Anna Diraimondo Arcipowski ‘11, Lizzie Jansen ‘11, Madeline Galen O’Connor ‘11 and Colleen Barry Weber ‘11.

C L A S S O F 2 013

Cassie Dace Galmiche and her husband, Joe, welcomed future Charger, Zoey Quinn Galmiche, on January 23, 2022.

C L A S S O F 2 014

Mary Ringwald Pogue married Zach Pogue on December 11, 2021. She had five Cor Jesu bridesmaids: Paige Grasso ‘14, Carina Marino ‘14, Ashley Hebenstreit Nichols ’14, Bridget Ringwald ‘15 and Mia Pogue ‘20. Aubree Campbell + Vella, Taylor Fortune + Barrett, and Alex Adams + Cameron celebrating the three babies' joint baptism.

If 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.

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SUMMER 2022

Grandparents’ Mass Sunday, September 11 Cor Jesu Academy Cor Jesu Golf Tournament Monday, October 10 Sunset Country Club Deceased Alumnae Liturgy Friday, November 4 8:10 a.m. Cor Jesu Academy Admissions Open House Sunday, November 6 Cor Jesu Academy Fall Play November 10-12 Cor Jesu Academy Giving Tuesday Tuesday, November 29 Winter Instrumental Concert Thursday, December 1 7 p.m. Cor Jesu Academy Christmas Concert Sunday, December 11 3 p.m. Chaminade Skip Viragh Center

In Memoriam

Milton Lenkman, Jr.

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

John “Jack” Magee

Cor Jesu mourns the loss of our alumnae: Gerardeen “Gerri” MacLellan Cortello ‘67 Aunt of Kerry King Bakula ‘81, Becky King Niehoff ‘78 and the late Amy King ‘83

Laura “Lori” Ehrhart Edwards ‘80 Sister of Mary Ehrhart Owens ‘78

Marilyn Willer Folkl ‘64

Sister-in-law of the late Patricia Sinclair Willer ‘72

Liz Mugavero Guzdial ‘60

Mother of Kate Guzdial Stratton ‘81 Grandmother of G.G. Rogers ‘23

Mary Beth Faulstich Mahn ‘73 Cousin of Kathy Murphy ‘68, Barbara Murphy Kumar ‘71, Linda Murphy Alrutz ‘74

Rebecca Perez Robeen ‘02

Daughter of Danna Duebelbeis Perez ‘71 Sister of Jessica Perez Maltzmann ‘96 and Jackie Perez Hoffman ‘04

Shawn Erante Rogers

Cousin of CJA faculty member, Rachel Brcic ‘08

Charlotte Schneider ‘64 Patricia Sinclair Willer ‘72

Sister-in-law of the late Marilyn Willer Folkl ‘64

Jessica Young ‘69

Sister of Jayn Young ‘72

Rose Marie Auck

Mother of Marie Auck Pendergast ‘79 Grandmother of Katie Pendergast Dolan ‘08, Lorie Pendergast ‘08, Christy Pendergast Gaus ’11, Molly Auck ‘18, Angela Auck ‘19

Irene Becker

Mother of Roberta Perno ‘91

Walter “Bruce” Blattenberger

Husband of Anita Friedrich Blattenberger ‘61 Father of Erika Blattenberger Holryd ‘96

Kathleen Bonifant Mother of Emily Bonifant ‘22

Jason Brown

Husband of Kate Batisto Brown ‘99

Cary Cusumano

Son of Patricia McCarthy Cusumano ‘62 Brother of Donna Cusumano Campbell ‘83, Theresa Cusumano Sciaroni ‘84, Karen Cusumano Naeger ‘85 and Christy Cusumano Briegleb ‘87 Uncle of Maria Sciaroni ‘09, Laura Naeger ‘14 and Jenna Sciaroni ‘20

Lorraine “Lala” Davis Mother of Barb Davis Reinholz ‘85

Katherine Dunivin

Mother of Sue Dunivin Dombek ‘75, Kathy Dunivin Mueckl ‘78 and Robyn Dunivin Hoffmann ‘81

Paul Eckinger

Geraldine Gauvain

Mother of CJA soccer coach, Dave Gauvain Mother-in-law of Jenny Hoffmann Gauvain '86 Grandmother of Kristin Gauvain Halama '07 and CJA soccer coach, Korey Gauvain

Karen Gauvain

Wife of CJA soccer coach, Dave Gauvain Mother of CJA soccer coach, Korey Gauvain Sister-in-law of Jenny Hoffmann Gauvain '86 Aunt of Kristin Gauvain Halama '07

Kathleen Goodyear

Mother of Karen Goodyear Krekeler ‘80 Grandmother of Katharine Krekeler Odom ‘05

August “Gus” Heck Father of Colleen Heck Elliott ‘04

Stephanie Helm

Father of Jeannie Huddleston Kuntz '89 Grandfather of Maggie Kuntz '18

Michael Johnston

Eugene Enger

Elsie E. Klutho

Mother of Sr. Maureen Fitzgerald, ASCJ ‘70, Kathy Fitzgerald ‘78 and Nancy Fitzgerald Gilstrap ‘82 Grandmother of Katie Fitzgerald Gettinger ‘02

Mother of Karen Klutho Reimer ‘69

JoAl Knox

Mother of Gretchen Knox Kolokithas ‘82 and Holly Knox ‘88

Marian Kramp

Mother of Alison Kramp Talbot ‘77 and Barb Kramp Hoppe ‘82

George Kuehl

Father of CJA faculty member, Kevin Kuehl

Kathy LaRose

Mother of Julie LaRose ‘82 and the late Linda LaRose ‘80

Sebastiana “Nella” Russo

Joshua “Josh” Mueller

Shirley Schallom

Father of the late Jennifer Metherd ‘90 Son of Donna Hutchinson ‘82

Kathleen Nolan

Mother of Erin Nolan Hebenstreit ‘89 Grandmother of Ashley Hebenstreit Nichols ‘14, Miranda Nolan ‘18, Mackenzie Nolan ‘20 and Maddie Nolan ‘24 Sister-in-law of former CJA counselor, Tommy Nolan

Charles “Chuck” Ohmer Joseph Ojile

Daniel R. Huddleston

Husband of Patti Berger Rosenkranz ‘70 Father of Annie Rosenkranz ‘03 and Sarah Rosenkranz Nashleanas ‘06 Brother-in-law of Debbie Berger Sigrist ‘67 Father-in-law of former CJA faculty member, Nathan Fouquet

Mother of Mary Lynn Russo Trower ‘91 Grandmother of Mary Clare Trower ‘21

Kathryn Hubbman

Mother of Claire “Puck” Hubbman ‘19

John Rosenkranz

David Metherd

Mother of Lilly Helm ‘24

Husband of Katie Coffy Johnston ‘67 Father of Kerry Johnston Peery ‘90

Irene Fitzgerald

Father of Katie Magee Thiemann ‘81 Grandfather of Elise Thiemann ‘09, Erin Thiemann ‘09, Nora Thiemann ‘15, Mary Magee ‘15 and Kathleen Magee ‘17 Uncle of Denise Barnhart Brown ‘84

Father of Katie Ohmer Gibbons ‘89

Father of Jill Eckinger Kinstlinger ‘99 and Chrissy Eckinger ‘03 Father of Karen Enger Bourneuf ‘89 Grandfather of Claire Bourneuf ‘19 and Elaine Bourneuf ‘23

Father of Jane Lenkman ‘86 and Susan Lenkman Bradley ‘93

Mother of Jean Schallom ‘74, Mary Schallom Hulsey-Lupp ‘76 and Lynn Schallom Brown ‘87

Nancy Schukai

Mother of Johanna Schukai Schloss ’83 and Jennifer Schukai Fletcher ‘89

Mary Seematter

Mother of Sara Seematter ‘89 and Colleen Seematter ‘90

Charles Smith

Father of Sr. Bridget Smith, ASCJ ‘79 and Sr. Colleen Smith, ASCJ ‘81

Father of Christine Ojile ‘78, Ann Ojile ‘88 and Elaine Ojile Simon ‘88 Grandfather of Maria Simon ‘15, Theresa Simon ‘16, Sarah Simon ‘18, Caroline Simon ‘20, Rebecca Simon ‘22 and Elizabeth Simon ‘23

William J. “Will” Pepperdine

Son of Carrie Hoffmann Pepperdine ‘90 Nephew of Debbie Hoffmann Dugan ‘84, Jenny Hoffmann Gauvain ‘86 and Becky Hoffmann Casey ‘92 Cousin of Kristin Gauvain Halama ‘07 and Evelyn Casey ‘23

Jonalee Reichert

Mother of Libby Reichert Williams ‘96

Kristina “Tina” Ripper Mother of Morgan Ripper ‘18

Ron Rolfes

Shirley A. Steinkamp Mother of Pamela Steinkamp Solon ‘89 Grandmother of Jessica Solon ‘19

Sharon Stoverink

Mother of Terri Stoverink Noles ‘79 Grandmother of Sarah Noles Muth ‘10 and Claire Noles ‘13

Michael Sullivan

Husband of Michelle “Mickey” Erbs Sullivan ‘82 Brother-in-law of Jeanne Erbs Lampe ‘87 Uncle of Emily Erbs ‘17 and Natalie Erbs ‘21

Donald Volansky

Father of Liz Volansky ‘92 Grandfather of Ellie Volansky ‘20 and Lily Murphy ‘23

R. James Wachter

Father of Sue Wachter Boubek ‘83, Lisa Wachter Vogt ‘86, Janet Wachter Long ‘88 and Julie Wachter Bresnahan ‘93

Father of Tessa Rolfes ‘22 SUMMER 2022

Spirit Magazi n e

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