In this Issue President’s Letter
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Around the Halls
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FEATURE
Welcome Home Alumnae: Staying Connected at Cor Jesu
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FEATURE
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Hearts in Motion: Global Education at Cor Jesu
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The First Day of School
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Spirit Week: Off to the Races!
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FEATURE
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Why We Ask You to Give
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Giving Tuesday
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Fall Play: TRAP
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Cor Jesu Students Explore Careers During exp3 Day
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FEATURE
Meeting God Through Service: Theology 465: Charism & Service 20
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KEEP IN TOUCH!
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Girls Schools Unite!
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Breakfast With Santa
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Reunions
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Alumnae Traces
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Upcoming Events
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In Memoriam
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Cor Jesu aims to maintain connection with our alumnae and community. 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! VISIT WWW.CORJESU.ORG/UPDATES.
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Spirit Magazine
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PRESIDENT
Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ '76 DEAN OF ACADEMICS
Dr. Meghan Bohac
DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE
Mrs. Kathleen Wobbe Pottinger '88 ABOUT
SPIRIT is Cor Jesu Academy’s publication for alumnae, parents, friends and benefactors. 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. CONTACT
SPIRIT Cor Jesu Academy 10230 Gravois Road St. Louis, MO 63123 marketing@corjesu.org SUBMISSIONS
We welcome your story ideas and submissions. Please contact the Marketing Department at marketing@corjesu.org.
corjesu.org @corjesuacademy ©2026, Cor Jesu Academy. All rights reserved.
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Peace! “Peace” is a word that means different things to different people. When we say we want peace in the world, we are hoping that wars will stop and people will be able to live side-by-side. When we say “peace” during the Liturgy, we look at our neighbor and wish them well. When I write an email or a letter such as this one and begin with the word “peace,” it is my prayer that the peace of God be with you: that you are attuned to God’s presence in your life and live as Jesus calls you. The first semester of this school year was filled with God’s peace. Walking down the halls at school you saw joy and laughter emanating from students, faculty and staff. Even amid challenges, that peace prevailed. Students were challenged by in-depth classes and challenging assignments but know that if they use the gifts God has given them, all will be well. Sometimes the challenge is individual, trying harder and being successful at one’s attempts, and sometimes it is communal, as in a sporting competition or Funderwear challenge. As you read through this issue of Spirit, you will see the peace of God at work in individual lives and in our whole Cor Jesu Community. You will read about the Fall Semester at Cor Jesu including our joyful first day of school, our fun Spirit Week, our Giving Tuesday success and all the simple moments of academics, faith and love in between. And so, as you read this issue, I pray that the peace of God fills your heart and your life. Be open to the people and events God puts in your life and allow God to use them to help you be a person of peace. Blessings,
Sr. Susan Marie Krupp, ASCJ ‘76 Cor Jesu Academy President
2026 Calling all 3rd-8th grade girls! Spend time with the Chargers this summer! Our enrichment camps, including babysitting, cooking, dance, coding and creative writing are the perfect way for girls to have fun, make new friends and explore the Cor Jesu campus. For budding athletes, our sports camps offer the chance to learn and play basketball, soccer, volleyball and more with Cor Jesu coaches and current players.
To register, visit www.corjesu.org/camps
NEW THIS YEAR! •
Caring Community (Service Camp)
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Drawing (Drawing I and Drawing II)
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Game Design Camp (Design your own board and card games!)
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La Fiesta Del Mundo (Spanish Cultural Camp)
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Painting
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Pickleball
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Speech Camp
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Stop Motion Movie Making
Register early to secure your spot and enjoy discounted pricing before May 15!
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Around Halls THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
In August, we welcomed our students back on the first day of school, including the new Class of 2029.
GRANDPARENTS MASS In September, we welcomed Grandparents to campus for our annual Grandparents Mass.
COR JESU GOES VIRAL
FI R S T S E M E S T E R
A spontaneous third-period PA announcement at Cor Jesu about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement turned into a viral moment seen by over five million people, capturing the joy, connection and authenticity that define our school community.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Students shared their heritage through Cultural Perspectives Presentations, celebrating the diverse traditions and stories that shape our Cor Jesu community.
ENTHRONEMENT OF THE SACRED HEART
We celebrated the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, recognizing seven seniors in our “Enthronement Court” for their outstanding embodiment of our Charism.
TRACKER’S BIRTHDAY
Cor Jesu celebrated the second birthday of beloved facility Duo Dog Tracker with decorations, treats and plenty of love thanks to a festive Student Council– led celebration.
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Congratulations to the 15 Cor Jesu students selected for the 2025 District Honor Choir, chosen from 347 auditionees, with rehearsals leading to a November performance. Addie Bader ’26 Sienna Barnidge ‘26 Ellie Brotherton ‘29 Sofi DeBoo ‘27 Grace Downen ‘27 Rose Farrell ‘29 Bella Flores ‘27 Clare Hinkamper ‘26
Rose Miller ‘28 Elizabeth Rachelski ‘28 Genevieve Rasure ‘26 Juliette Satchell ‘27 Mary Schoenekase ‘28 Audrey Strohmeyer ‘26 Sylvia Strohmeyer ‘28
NATIONAL MERIT-COMMENDED SCHOLARS Layla Birner ‘26 Clare Hinkamper ‘26 Juliet Siemer ‘26
Izzy Rohr ‘26 Katie West ‘26
CJA Senior Gabrielle Gremaud ‘26 was named a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
FALL SEMESTER CLUB FAIR The Fall Semester Club Fair highlighted the creativity and passion of our students, showcasing more than 40 clubs and organizations that offer something for everyone at CJA.
2025 DISTRICT HONORS CHOIR
Sofia Lancia Layla Birner Amanda Munie Ella Alexander
FRESHMEN DAY OF SERVICE
The Class of 2029 lived out Cor Jesu’s Charism during Freshman Day of Service, volunteering across the St. Louis area and reflecting on how they shared the love of the Heart of Christ.
Mara Glaus Maddie Mispagel Addie Bader
UNITE 4 JUSTICE CONFERENCE
CJA was proud to take part in the Unite 4 Justice Conference, joining other Catholic high schools for the powerful two-day event.
YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT TRIP TO JEFFERSON CITY
Our Chargers shined at the Youth and Government convention in Jefferson City, showcasing their talents in the Legislative and Judicial branches.
Angelina Hong ‘26 finished 4th place in the tennis state tournament. This marks the highest individual finish in Cor Jesu tennis history. Kaitlyn Loeffelman ’27 was named Big River All-Metro to the 2nd Team in her debut Cross Country season.
Audrey Strohmeyer ’26 was selected as an alto for the 2026 Missouri All-State Choir.
6 ALL-STATE FALL ATHLETES: Nora Cooke ‘26, Golf Angelina Hong ‘26, Tennis Kaitlyn Loeffelman ‘27, Cross Country
FALL FOOD DRIVE TOTALS
Chargers collected 1,696 cans and more than $1,400 donated to the Affton Food Pantry.
Maddie DiMaria ’27 shined for Team USA with a goal and an assist in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup win over China! Maddie was also the 2025 recipient of the Carl O. Bauer Award at the Missouri Athletic Club’s Jack Buck Awards!
Volleyball brought home the Class 5 District 1 Championship against Jackson!
SPORTS Field Hockey advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, and had three Chargers receive 1st Team All-Conference Honors: Dylan Breckenridge ‘26, Avery Etling ‘28 and Georgia Slinkard ‘26.
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS
Golf finished third in the State Championship!
Tennis snagged the District Championship.
FI R S T S E M E S T E R
Mary McKenzie ‘26 won State runnerup in Class 5 Cross Country. Mary was also named the Post-Dispatch All-Metro Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.
CHRISTMAS INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
The Symphonic Orchestra and Handbell Ensemble delivered a beautiful performance at the Winter Instrumental Concert.
Softball had an impressive season, playing in the State Quarterfinals.
Claire Madsen ‘28 was selected for the Metro 8 District Band for the second year in a row.
CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT
Mrs. Addie Akin and our talented students spread holiday cheer at our annual Christmas Concert.
Cross Country wrapped up an incredible season with a 6th place team finish at State.
Mary McKenzie ‘26, Cross Country Lauren Ortwerth ‘26, Volleyball Grace Rasmussen ‘26, Softball
5 CHARGER ATHLETES SIGNED TO CONTINUE THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL Maggie Bruno ‘26, Lacrosse @ Rockhurst Chloe Knese ‘26, Soccer @ St. Mary’s College Isabella Knese ‘26, Soccer @ St. Mary’s College Lauren Ortwerth ‘26, Volleyball @ Lindenwood Sofi Work ‘26, Softball @ Northwest Florida State Want to learn more about first semester at Cor Jesu? Visit WWW.CORJESU.ORG/ABOUT-CJA/BLOG
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WELCOME HOME!
F E AT U R E
Ways to Stay Connected at Cor Jesu
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o matter how many years have passed since you last walked the halls of Cor Jesu, there is still a place for you here.
Being an alumna is not something you outgrow. It is a lifelong connection, one rooted in shared memories, faith and the enduring bond of the Charger community. Throughout the year, Cor Jesu offers opportunities for alumnae to come home in ways that fit every season of life. Some gatherings are large and celebratory. Others are simple and personal. All are designed to foster connection, friendship and belonging. Whether you live nearby or far away, there are meaningful ways to stay engaged with your alma mater. Here are just a few of the ways we welcome our alumnae home.
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FRIDAY MASSES IN THE BLESSED CLELIA MERLONI CHAPEL Fridays during the school year at 7:15 a.m. On Fridays when school is in session, Cor Jesu welcomes alumnae, students and the community to a 7:15 a.m. liturgy in the chapel to begin the day in prayer together. On First Fridays, the community gathers for a 9:25 a.m. liturgy in the gym in place of the morning Mass in the chapel.
SPIRIT GAMES Fall, Winter & Spring We invite alumnae to wear their red and white, fill the stands and cheer on Cor Jesu teams together as one spirited community.
F E AT U R E
FALL PLAY October Come back to campus in October for the annual Fall Play and enjoy a great night of student talent.
ALUMNAE MASS OF REMEMBRANCE November On the first Friday of November, gather with fellow alumnae for a meaningful Mass as we pray and remember members of our community who have passed.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA December Bring the whole family back to Cor Jesu for holiday crafts, breakfast and a visit with Santa. Kathleen Golterman Robinson ‘13 and Nancy Horas Robinson ‘84 at Breakfast with Santa this year.
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ALUMNAE INTERNSHIP, NETWORKING, CONNECTIONS (INC) January College-aged alumnae are invited to INC, an annual professional development and networking event connecting with Cor Jesu corporate partners.
FUNDERWEAR January Funderwear is a student-led service initiative that collects new socks, underwear and sports bras to support St. Patrick Center while putting Cor Jesu’s mission of service into action. This event culminates at a Varsity basketball game, where the winner of the coveted Pants Trophy is announced.
F E AT U R E
THE COR JESU AUCTION February The Cor Jesu Auction brings alumnae, families and friends together for an unforgettable evening supporting the school’s mission and future.
PENNY QUEEN CARNIVAL February This event is designed for kids in grades Pre K-5 and packed with games, activities and prizes, all while supporting great charitable organizations.
ALUMNAE TRIVIA NIGHT February Round up your classmates for a faculty-hosted night of trivia, laughs and friendly competition, all in support of Penny Queen Week.
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ST. LOUIS ALUMNAE SOCIAL March The St. Louis Alumnae Social offers Cor Jesu alumnae a relaxed evening to reconnect, meet new friends and enjoy great food and conversation together.
F E AT U R E
SPRING MUSICAL April Come enjoy the Spring Musical and support our students as they take the stage.
ALUMNAE RETREAT April Step away for a bit and join fellow alumnae for prayer, reflection and a peaceful day on campus.
WANT TO JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT? visit WWW.CORJESU.ORG/EVENTS for more information specific to 2026!
COR JESU REUNIONS June Come home to Cor Jesu to catch up with classmates, share stories and celebrate the years that connect you.
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Hearts in Motion GLOBAL EDUCATION AT COR JESU by Jennifer Ahrens ‘87
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Hearts in Motion offers a thoughtful, four-year framework that allows students and families to explore cultures, communities and realworld learning in meaningful ways throughout their Cor Jesu experience. Rooted in our mission to educate the whole young woman, the program builds confidence, curiosity and compassion while fostering a global mindset grounded in understanding.
As Cor Jesu’s inaugural global education coordinator, I have the joy of working with school leadership to imagine what is possible. Our vision includes classroom-connected travel such as an Irish literature trip to Ireland and a Southeast Asia experience tied to Asian history, along with STEM-focused opportunities, language and cultural exchanges and service-learning in the U.S. and abroad. We are also launching Global Local experiences, quarterly programs that bring cultural immersion to life through speakers and field trips in the St. Louis area. Hearts in Motion builds on Cor Jesu’s strong tradition of experiential learning, including Youth and Government, the National Catholic Youth Conference, March for Life, CLOSEUP in Washington, D.C., International Thespian Society conventions and service opportunities across the country.
F E AT U R E
am thrilled to share the launch of Hearts in Motion, Cor Jesu Academy’s global education program designed to deepen experiential learning opportunities for our students, both locally and around the world.
As an alumna and educator, I am excited about where Hearts in Motion is headed and the ways it will enrich student life at Cor Jesu, preparing young women to lead with confidence, compassion and a global perspective.
Jennifer Ahrens is one of Cor Jesu Academy’s most beloved teachers. A proud Cor Jesu alumna of the class of 1987, she returned in 2002 and has spent more than two decades teaching theology and social studies while inspiring generations of young women through her passion for learning and faith.
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T H E FI R S T DAY OF S C HOO L 12
CHARGERS, CHARGERS, ARE YOU READY? There's nothing like the feeling of being exactly where you're meant to be. The Chargers were welcomed back to another school year at Cor Jesu on August 18, 2025. The day began with the senior class enthusiastically cheering and welcoming students. Dressed in their signature denim jackets and red and white spirit wear.
Spirit Magazine
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Ready? Set. Charge! Spirit Week had our Chargers speeding into the fun from September 16-19 with this race-themed week. MONDAY:
Welcome to the RaceTrack The week kicked off with F1, NASCAR and Mario Kart inspired looks that set the pace for the days ahead.
TUESDAY:
WEDNESDAY:
Day at the Derby Dressed in their Sunday best, students embraced southern style for this Churchill Downs-inspired day.
S PI R I T WE E K
Space Race Students soared through the halls as aliens and astronauts for an out-ofthis-world day.
THURSDAY:
Gravois Triathlon From helmets to goggles to running shoes, the halls were filled with energy as the Chargers wore triathlon chic.
Georgia Slinkard ‘26 and Katie Beth Terrill ‘26 join in on the fun playing Mario Cart during lunch.
FRIDAY: Finish Line The Chargers crossed the Spirit Week finish line decked out in classic red and white, wrapping up the week with the Student Council BBQ! SPRING 2026
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F E AT U R E 14
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Y
ou might wonder why your high school still asks you for money.
After all, you paid tuition. Shouldn’t that be enough? F E AT U R E
It is a fair question, and one many alumnae quietly hold. The answer is simple: tuition covers only part of what it actually costs to educate a Cor Jesu student. The remaining cost is intentionally built into our financial model through philanthropy. Like most strong independent schools, Cor Jesu relies on a blend of tuition and charitable support to operate. Tuition funds the core costs of running the school. Gifts provide the essential dollars that close the gap between the price families pay and the real cost of delivering the education, opportunities and mission-driven experience our students receive.
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That gap matters. It is what allows Cor Jesu to provide tuition assistance for families who need it, recruit and retain exceptional educators, invest in academic and spiritual formation, develop leaders, offer arts, athletics and co-curricular programming and maintain safe facilities. In short, giving makes it possible for Cor Jesu to be the school you remember, and the school young women need today. Here is something easy to forget: your Cor Jesu experience was made possible not only by tuition but by the generosity of others. Previous generations of alumnae, parents and friends gave so that your teachers could teach, your programs could thrive and your classmates could attend. We stand on their investment.
F E AT U R E
Today, we are the stewards of that legacy. Giving is about shared responsibility. When alumnae participate at any level, they strengthen the school’s financial foundation, demonstrate confidence in its mission and help ensure that future young women have access to the same formative experience you did.
So why do we ask you to give? Because Cor Jesu’s operating model depends on it. Because our mission demands it. And because stewardship of this school has always belonged to the community that loves it. Your gift, of any size, helps Cor Jesu remain a place where young women learn, lead and share the love of the Heart of Christ. Thank you for being part of that work.
For more information on giving, visit www.corjesu.org/support, or contact Brittany Peek Seabaugh ‘04, Director of Institutional Advancement at bseabaugh@corjesu.org.
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Tuesday GIVING TUESDAY STATS: TOTAL RAISED
$302,848
11% PERCENT INCREASE FROM 2024 57 1,198 TOTAL DONORS
100%
NEW DONORS ALUMNAE GIVING
FACULTY & STAFF PARTICIPATION
$142,722
100%
ALUMNAE DONORS
TOP CLASSES (DOLLARS) 1. CLASS OF 1983 2. CLASS OF 1973 3. CLASS OF 1978 4. CLASS OF 1980 5. CLASS OF 1985
TOP CLASSES (GIFT #) 1. CLASS OF 1992 2. CLASS OF 2000 3. CLASS OF 1991
BOARD PARTICIPATION
Thank You, Cor Jesu! Because of you, Giving Tuesday was record setting with more than $300,000 raised for The Charger Fund. Your generosity fuels tuition assistance, strengthens academic and faith formation and ensures that every young woman at Cor Jesu has access to the opportunities she deserves.
+36%
4. A THREE-WAY TIE!
1998, 1978, 2008
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FALL PL AY
This fall, the Cor Jesu Theatre Department welcomed us into the mystery of the Oak Box Theatre through their production of Stephen Gregg’s TRAP. Part documentary, part mystery and all goosebumps, TRAP tells the secret behind a town tragedy, reminding viewers that everything is not what it seems. This performance had audiences on the edge of their seats (and maybe checking over their shoulders).
Kudos to the cast & crew for pulling off such a spine-tingling thriller!
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exp 3 Day Cor Jesu students took learning beyond the classroom through exp3— short for exposure, experience, exploration. Students spent the day immersed in hands-on career experiences across the St. Louis area. From engineering to interior design to accounting, there was something for every interest.
Anders Bayer Benrus Surgical Associates Birdeye Media Boeing Burns & McDonnell Central Bank The Cigna Group Civil Design, Inc. DJM Ecological Services The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Equifax Forensic Science Geospatial Intelligence Careers Girls on the Run St. Louis Government and Politics Grant’s Farm International Food Products Mackey Mitchell Architects Metro Theater Company
Microsoft MSMF Wealth Management NISA Investment Advisors, LLC OBP (Osborn, Barr, Paramore) Pfizer Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital Rawlings Saint Louis Counseling Saint Louis University SLU, Department of Aviation Science SLU, School of Engineering SLU, School of Law SLU, School of Nursing Shanna Britta SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital SSM Health Physical Therapy Wildwood Integrative Healthcare
E XP3
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING CORPORATE PARTNERS:
We’re so proud to offer opportunities that help students connect their interests to real-world experiences, and we’re so grateful to our community partners for supporting this mission. To learn more about exp3 and our Corporate Partners Initiative, visit www.corjesu.org/cpi.
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Meeting God Through Service
F E AT U R E
THEOLOGY 465: CHARISM & SERVICE
Emily Tran ‘26, Gabriella DeLuca ‘26, Ali Geminn ‘26 and Selene Ahlersmeyer ‘26 volunteer at St. Justin Martyr.
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I
n their final year at Cor Jesu Academy, seniors are invited into a theology experience that looks very different from a traditional classroom. Theology 465: Charism & Service is not centered on lectures alone, but on encounter.
Rooted in Catholic social teaching and lived service, the course asks students to step beyond comfort, build real relationships and discover how faith takes shape through action.
ith
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Photo courtesy of One Classroom.
on
Using the “See, Judge, Act” framework, students examine social issues in St. Louis through the lens of the Gospel. They study human dignity, economic justice, care for creation and the dignity of work, then move from reflection to response through approximately 20 hours of direct service. The goal is not charity alone, but relationship. Students are encouraged to encounter those they serve as neighbors, not projects, and to allow those relationships to shape their understanding of justice, faith and responsibility.
F E AT U R E
The course was originally envisioned by former faculty member, Sister Clara Johnson, ASCJ, who said she initially met God most clearly through service. That belief remains at the heart of the class today. Through intentional community engagement, students learn what it means to live Cor Jesu’s mission to share the Love of the Heart of Christ in a world marked by injustice and need.
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F E AT U R E
For Layla Birner ’26, that purpose came into focus while volunteering in the memory care wing at Cardinal Ritter Senior Living. “The most impactful part was helping preserve the dignity of the residents,” she shared. “Even something as simple as sitting with them, playing games or talking mattered more than I expected.”
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That same site helped Nora Cooke ’26 clarify her future path. While she always knew she wanted to become a doctor, her time volunteering at Cardinal Ritter’s Memory Care Center helped her discover a specific calling to neuroscience. “Working with residents who were living with memory loss made me more curious about how the brain works and how much compassion matters in medicine,” Nora said. “It helped me see the kind of doctor I want to be.”
COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY OUR STUDENTS IN ‘25-’26 Affton Christian Food Pantry
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Bethesda Dilworth
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Cardinal Ritter Senior Services
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Froebel Literacy Center
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One Classroom
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St. Anthony’s Food Pantry
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St. Justin Martyr
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St. Michael the Archangel
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Slamapalooza Scholarship Fundraiser
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YWCA South County
F E AT U R E
The experience does not end with graduation. Gianna Curdt ’25, who volunteered at St. Anthony’s Food Pantry through the course, continues similar service work while attending Marquette University. The habits of awareness, generosity and advocacy formed at Cor Jesu have stayed with her well beyond senior year.
•
Charism & Service is designed to do exactly that. It helps students connect faith to lived experience, discover purpose beyond themselves and recognize Christ in the faces of others. In giving, students learn what Cor Jesu has always taught. We receive far more than we expect.
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SAVE THE DATE! MAY 5-7, 2026
GIRLS SCHOOLS UNITE Alumnae Giving Challenge
G I R L S S C HOOL S U N I T E
Cor Jesu is participating in the 6th Annual Girls Schools Unite Alumnae Giving Challenge, May 5-7. Alumnae are invited to make a gift during these three days to support Cor Jesu and the impact of an all-girls, Catholic education.
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On Saturday, December 6, Cor Jesu Academy welcomed alumnae and their families to campus for our annual Breakfast with Santa event.
B R E AK FA S T WI T H S AN TA
Guests enjoyed festive activities for all ages, including letters to Santa, reindeer food, cookie decorating, holiday stories and a Christmas play performed by CJA drama students. The morning also featured a delicious breakfast from Flynn’s Foods, Christmas carols from the Cor Jesu Chamber Choir and visits from Santa, Bolt and even the Grinch.
SAVE THE DATE FOR BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 2026:
Saturday, December 5, 2026.
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R EU N I ON S
! 5 6 9 1
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 6, 2026, as we welcome back all Cor Jesu classes ending in ‘1 and ‘6 for a special reunion. Whether it’s been five years or fifty, we can’t wait to gather and share the memories that make CJA so special. Stay tuned for more details, but for now, save the date and spread the word!
1970
!
! 5 7 19
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
1980
!
1985!
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Alumnae Traces Debbie Moeller Peirick ’68 was inducted into the IU Indy Athletics Hall of Fame. She coached women’s tennis from 1987 to 2003, leading her 2002–03 team to a conference championship and NCAA tournament berth. This past February, she and the team were honored with induction into the University’s Hall of Fame.
Christy Pendergast Gaus ’11 and her
husband, Andrew, welcomed baby Richard James “RJ” Gaus on August 13, 2025.
Emily Erbs Malone ’17 married
the 2025 Kona Ironman World Championships Triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for the 2nd time.
Ryan Malone on October 4, 2025. Bridesmaids included Olivia Hanford ’17, Sydney Henry ’18 and Natalie Erbs ’21.
Megan Pitlyk Vollmer ’08 and her
husband, John, welcomed Amelia “Mia” Vollmer on July 8, 2025. Her safe delivery can be credited to fellow Cor Jesu alumna, Dr. Jill Rose Scherbel ’03.
Lorie Pendergast Wahl ’08 and her
husband, Andy, welcomed Maria Rose Wahl on September 30, 2025. Both alumnae grandmas, Marie Auck Pendergast ’79 and Kathy Kleffner Rehmer ’75 are over the moon.
Colleen Smyth Dean ’10 and her
husband, Andrew, welcomed baby Noelle Dean on November 24, 2025.
ALU M N AE T R AC E S
Terri Fiala Menghini ’83 completed
Hannah Sullivan Rhodes ’17 married
John Rhodes on August 23, 2025. Bridesmaids included Lizzie Slinkard ‘16 and Ann Leiber ’18.
Emily Leight ’24, Anna Meirink ’24 and Maggie Pozzo ’24 completed their first triathlon together.
If you have exciting news to share about yourself or a fellow CJA alumna, please email the Marketing Department at marketing@corjesu.org.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.CORJESU.ORG/EVENTS St. Louis Alumnae Social Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6th Grade Backyard Bash Thursday, April 30, 2026
7th Grade Preview Day Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Spring Choir Concert Sunday, May 3, 2026
7th Grade Social Friday, April 10, 2026
Girls Schools Unite May 5–7, 2026
Alumnae Retreat Saturday, April 11, 2026
Summer Camps (offerings vary by week) Begins June 1, 2026
Cinderella Spring Musical April 16-19, 2026 Spring Instrumental Concert April 29, 2026
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Cor Jesu Reunions (for classes ending in ‘1 & ‘6) Saturday, June 6, 2026
In Memoriam We extend our sincere condolences and prayers to the families of the Cor Jesu Community mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Marcia Hrdlicka
Mother of Beth Hrdlicka ’84
Theresa Langevin Hurt
Sister-in-law of Lisa Handte Slama ’86
Cor Jesu mourns the loss of our alumnae:
Patrick Kenny
Claire Krieg Applewhite ’73
LeRoy Kittel
Sister of Donna Krieg Buehne ’82
Suzanne Browne ’82
Sister of Stephanie Browne ’79 and Shelley Browne Rosser ’79
Maureen Farren Butler ’78
Sister of Regina Farren Pimmel ’79
Patricia (Pat) Harbaugh Coppinger ’74 Cousin of Mary Browning ’04
Beth Drewett ’74
Brother of Campbell Kenny ’24 Father of Sandra Kittel Brennan ’87
Joe Kleffner
Grandfather of Grace Kleffner ’21 Father-in-law of Sandy Fox Kleffner ’86
Thomas Lagermann
Brother of Rose Lagermann Guarino ’62 and Sr. Marilyn Lagermann, ASCJ ’64*
Marietta Lewandowski
Aunt of Linda Perry ’86 and Lisa Perry Eisenhauer ’88
Mother of Loretta Lewandowski ’83 Sister of Veronica Hicks, former faculty member
Jill Gagliarducci Maglasang ’77
Jane Magee
Mary Ann Pirone ’67
Mother of Katherine Magee Thiemann ’81 Grandmother of Erin Thiemann Borg ’09, Elise Thiemann ’09, Nora Thiemann ’15, Mary Magee ’15 and Kathleen Magee ’17
Sister of Patricia Pirone Opfer ’69
William O’Brien
Sister of Janice Gagliarducci Summers ’81
Grandfather of Katie Hart Freeze ’08, Emily Hart McCurren ’11 and Julie Schneier Hubbard ’12
Gerlinde Allmendinger
Mother of Susie Allmendinger ’83 and Rosie Allmendinger Adams ’90 Grandmother of Andrea Adams ’22 and Jackie Adams ’26
Donald Capone
Barbara Pellegrini
Grandmother of Sophie Gayer ’28
Marlene Phillips
Grandmother of Maggie Phillips Gran ’02, Susie Phillips Ackley ’04, Jenny Phillips Hushion ’06, Caroline Fugel ’13 and Teresa Phillips ’19
Father of Linda Capone Komlos ’82 Grandfather of Amy Collmeyer Schlueter ’09 and Ellen Komlos Carlson ’13
David Ridge
Donald Clayton
Edward Rosenhauer
Father of Julie Clayton Kukurza ’04
Jon Dulle
Father of Heather Essig, Faculty Father of Kathy Grana, former faculty member Grandfather of Liz Grana ’02 and Stephanie Grana ’06
Father of Lisa Dulle Ashabranner ’84, Amy Dulle Becker ’86 and Tracey Dulle Kopp ’91 Grandfather of Alayna Kopp ’20 and Kayla Kopp ’22
Peggy Schmees
Mary Ann Erbs
Sheila Sorrentino
Mother of Michelle Erbs Sullivan ’82 and Jeanne Erbs Lampe ’87 Grandmother of Emily Erbs Malone ’17 and Natalie Erbs ’21
Tom Hadican
Father-in-law of staff member, Tina Hadican Grandfather of Grace Hadican ’21, Avery Hadican ’22, Reagan Hadican ’25 and Shea Hadican ’27
Robert Hoelscher
Mother of Cindy Schmees Shannon ’77 and Terry Schmees Ostlund ’78 Mother of Theresa Sorrentino Twellman ’80* and Lisa Sorrentino Young ’85 Grandmother of Laura Twellman Herman ’05, Clare Carr Breda ’12 and Tori Carr ’14
Bernard “Bernie” Swaykus
Grandfather of Annabelle Swaykus ’27 Father-in-law of Lynn Ziegler Swaykus ’94
Father-in-law of Stephanie Monnig Hoelscher ’89 Grandfather of Sarah Hoelscher ’19, Emma Hoelscher ’21 and Sammy Hoelscher ’24
Doris Tucker
Raymond Hohlt
Husband of Alice Visser-Furay ’84 Brother-in-law of Ann Furay Poelzl ’88, Clare Furay ’91*, Elizabeth Furay Bundt ’92 and Suzanne Furay ’94
Father of faculty member, Dr. Brian Hohlt
Kevin Holliday
Husband of Meaghan Juergens-Holliday ’96 Brother-in-law of Debbie Barket Juergens ’88 and Mary Juergens Winkeler ’94
Mother of Vicki Tucker ’70 and Jan Tucker ’72
Jeroen Visser
Names marked with an asterisk (*) indicate those who are remembered in loving memory.
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