Christine Dziak Gunn ’95

Principal of St. Mark Catholic School

By Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10, Director of Alumnae Relations

For Christine Dziak Gunn ’95, Principal of St. Mark Catholic School in Cleveland, the call to education began in 3rd Grade, when her teacher filled the classroom with joy and creativity. At Magnificat, teachers like Colleen Neville and Mary Dwyer-Kueller reinforced that spark, showing her what it meant to teach with passion, care, and faith.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Gunn said. “But there were people and moments along the way that really solidified it.”

Gunn followed that calling to John Carroll University, where she earned her degree in elementary education. She later pursued a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Cleveland State University and completed studies in educational leadership at Notre Dame College. Her first teaching job was at St. Patrick’s in West Park, where she taught 4th Grade, and later she taught 5th Grade at Sts. Joseph and John. Along the way, principals and mentors recognized her gifts and encouraged her to join the Diocese’s two-year Aspiring Leaders program, which she completed before earning her principal’s license in 2017.

Gunn joined St. Mark School as its first-ever assistant principal. Under the guidance of longtime principal Karen Cocita, she was able to shape the role into something uniquely her own. When Cocita retired, St. Mark pastor, Fr. Adam Zajac, asked Christine to step into her shoes.

“I was so humbled when he entrusted me with that responsibility,” she said.

Being a principal, Gunn quickly realized, is far more than a 9-to-5 job.

“It’s not just paperwork and legalities,” she explained. “You’re forming the character and spirituality of your students.”

Motherhood deepened her understanding of that mission. With her husband Joe, she raised two children, Allison ’22 and Ryan.

“When I became a mom, it made me a better educator,” she reflects. “It’s about everyone else, not just you.”

The foundation she built at Magnificat remains central to her leadership, with the Mission and Values impacting her leadership at a Catholic school and Mary’s example serving as an example of strength.

“Mary didn’t know what she was saying yes to, but she did,” Gunn said.

Gunn believes true leadership is about service.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the people I serve,” she said. “Families are entrusting their children’s care to me. That requires humility, compassion, and integrity.”

Alumna Advice: “Take every opportunity. Know that there are so many people who want to see you succeed—accept their help and knowledge. And be of service to others. Serving others helps you to better learn and lead.”