Magnificat Magazine - Winter 2023

MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

Dearborn

Central, Cleveland Entrepreneurship John Carroll

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Marine Biolog Hinckley Lake - Medina County

ThinkFest

WINTER 2023

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All Over the Map

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Students venture around Cleveland and beyond on academic, service, and cultural field trips

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Contents

Around School

2-7

HM History & Heritage

8-9

Magnificat in Photos

10-17

Advancement

18-24

Alumnae

25-33

Class Notes

34-35

In Memoriam

36-37

Winter 2023 Issue BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Laura Nortz, Chairperson Bridget Barrett ’86 Martin Berry Barbara Waitkus Billings ’86 Gabrielle Ata Christman ’99 Lilian Reyes Cindric ’86 Molly McCarthy Connell ’00 Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79 Meredith Lahl Foxx ’95 Sr. Carole Anne Griswold, HM Beth Haas ’94 Linda Loesch Kelly ’77 Kelly Compiseno Lamirand ’94 Joe Lee Colleen Mountcastle ’91 Colleen Moran O’Neil ’88 Kathleen Casey Proctor ’89 Margaret Jeffers Rowe ’87 Andrew Strada

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Moira Clark ’77, President Julie Sims Gibbons ’80, Senior Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing Colleen Greller, Dean of Faculty & Academics Julie Reines, Dean of Student Life & Formation Kerry Bugala Capka ’88, Vice President of Operations Deborah Durbin ’81, Vice President of Advancement Katie Higgins ’99, Vice President of Mission

CONTRIBUTORS

Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10, Director of Alumnae Relations Meg Chochola, Senior Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist & History Faculty Member Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84, Director of Development Lexi Majoros, Assistant Director of Communications Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications Chris Rini Slyman ’84, Advancement Assistant PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos throughout from Kevin Kopanski Photography, Pat Gallagher Photography, Ripcho Studio, Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10, Lexi Majoros, and Teresa Messmore DESIGN: Lori Scheid | DesignLBS

Dear Friends,

FROM THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD CHAIRPERSON

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he 2022-2023 school year is a busy and spirited one for Magnificat, as you will see in this issue of our magazine. Students are filled with energy and enthusiasm for their classes, their artistic and athletic pursuits, and the co-curriculars and camaraderie that come with being a Blue Streak. As our alumnae know, on any given day students might experience lighthearted fun at an all-school rally, academic rigor with a challenging test or lab, and spiritual reflection during time for collective prayer. Such are the vicissitudes of school life at Magnificat, and we are truly blessed to be able to learn and grow together as we carry out our Mission.

With the second half of the school year well underway, we have much to look forward to this winter and spring. Field trips are being planned to Italy, Greece, France, and Belize, in addition to the fall excursions closer to home described on pages 2-4. The Class of 2023 is receiving exciting news about their college options, with acceptances to the University of Notre Dame, Tufts University, Duke University, the Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, Indiana State University, John Carroll University, and Case Western Reserve University, to name a few. As our seniors prepare for Graduation and life after Magnificat, we are welcoming the incoming Class of 2027 as current eighth graders enroll to become our newest Blue Streaks. Congratulations to all on the next stage of your educational journeys!

The entire Magnificat community is invited to campus for a series of upcoming events. Light the Way: The Magnificat Gala will take place on Saturday, March 25, in support of tuition assistance and more, and we are delighted to honor four alumnae (featured on page 20) with Gala awards at this festive celebration. The FAM Network will once again host Lenten Fish Fries in March, the annual Dance Concert will be held May 11-12, and the Golf Outing will be July 17 at Avon Oaks. Alumnae should also mark their calendars for Blue Streaks, Bags, and Bingo on June 1 and Homecoming and Reunion on September 22-24!

We hope to see you at one or more of these events that bring our community together. We also hope that your ties to our school, whether as an alumna, family member, employee past or present, supporter, or friend, continue to bring you a strong sense of connection and joy. You are in our prayers, and you are always welcome at Magnificat!

In the Spirit of Mary’s Magnificat,

Moira Clark ’77, President

Laura Nortz, Board Chairperson

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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AROUND SCHOOL

Beyond Classroom Walls

Field Trips Bring Together Academic and Co-Curricular Learning

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n a rainy Tuesday morning in October, the Seeds of Service Horticulture Club drove with moderators Karen Duffy Morley ’78 and Karen Ryan Tigue ’85 to the Central neighborhood of Cleveland to plant trees in a public housing development. They were met by an urban community forester from Holden Forests & Gardens, and by mid-day they had planted 20 saplings in an under-resourced area of the city to increase the urban canopy. The field trip was rooted in Eva Miller ’23’s Agape Experiment, exploring environmental and racial inequity in combination with service learning and Catholic Social Teaching.

“Until a few years ago in my Theology and Environmental Science classes, I didn’t really know that there was an intersection between all these social injustices and environmental issues,” Eva said. “Learning about that was the starting point, and then having this actual experience made me realize that trees are so important.”

Magnificat’s emphasis on holistic education has long encouraged such multifaceted learning opportunities, with field trips deepening understanding of lessons taught in the classroom. The 2022-2023 school year has brought field trips back in force following limitations necessitated by the pandemic. An increasing number of field trips have been proposed this year, ranging from science research outings to English classes visiting Playhouse Square. International travel resumed last summer to the Galapagos Islands, and this year trips have been planned to Italy, Greece, France, and Belize.

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“Magnificat is committed to providing these types of opportunities to our teachers and students,” Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller said.

“The purpose is to make meaningful, memorable connections between our curriculum and the outside world.”

For example, Magnificat’s AP Computer Science Principles class spent a day at the Passports to IT Careers Conference in October at the I-X Center in Cleveland. The course covers computing, problem solving, data management, the Internet, cybersecurity, and programming, and the field trip allowed juniors and seniors to meet professionals in information technology fields. Experts from local tech companies and college representatives explained various pathways available to a career in the digital economy at the event, which was organized by the Greater Cleveland Partnership as part of Tech Week.

“It’s a really valuable opportunity for students to understand what a tech career can look like and how people who work in tech don’t necessarily always work for tech companies—every company has roles in tech to fill,” faculty member Lynn Taylor said. “They really enjoy interacting with industry professionals and getting to talk to them one on one.”

Also last fall, the Entrepreneurship class ventured to University Heights for the ThinkFest Ideation Workshop at John Carroll University. The daylong event, sponsored by the Veale Foundation, focused on entrepreneurial mindset strategy, design thinking, networking, and public speaking. Students met the inventor of Baked Lay’s, Dr. Jeffrey Stamp, during interactive sessions meant to encourage innovation and pitching business ideas.

Faculty members have led several excursions to nearby waterways connected to the exploration of marine biology. Beth Toomey McBride ’90’s Marine Biology class went to Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve in Huron to learn about the functions of the estuary and the organisms living there. Students plan to return in the spring to conduct field research about what they learned. In September, the Marine Biology Club traveled to Hinckley Lake in Medina County and took to the water with a naturalist from the Cleveland Metroparks. They conducted water quality tests and studied a number of animals collected including macroinvertebrates and small vertebrates, learning about the impact of this human-made lake on the Rocky River watershed.

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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AROUND SCHOOL

“The purpose is to make meaningful, memorable connections between our curriculum and the outside world.”

In March, Arabic and French classes and the Arabic Club will explore Dearborn, Michigan, home to the largest Muslim population in the United States. The field trip will include a tour of the Arab American National Museum, lunch at the Al Ameer Restaurant, and a stop at the sweet shop Shatila. The goal is to strengthen historical and cultural connections to language lessons and practice speaking Arabic outside the classroom. The field trip was made possible through support and funding from Qatar Foundation International (QFI).

“This trip is an experience that all our past students have enjoyed and a trip our new students look forward to,” World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Sajida Abu Ali said. “Our trip aims to expand the number of people interested in Arab culture and help young people be more respectful of other cultures and traditions. It intrigues people to sign up to take Arabic and increases the students' dedication to learning the language.”

Field trips are also taking place for faith-based experiences through Campus Ministry. Students have heard inspiring speakers through the First Friday Club luncheons, including Bishop Edward Malesic, Auxiliary Bishop Roger Gries, OSB, Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Executive Director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, Mary von Carlowitz, Diocesan Director of the Office for Human Life and Erin Hathway, Executive Director at Zelie’s Home. Additionally, students participated in Diocesan Masses at the Cathedral, including the Mass for Life and Catholic Schools Week.

“Learning experiences outside the classroom have long been a defining characteristic of a Magnificat education,” said Vice President of Mission Katie Higgins ’99. “These memorable experiences deepen student learning and enhance holistic growth. We are grateful to be able to offer these opportunities again to our students.”

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Student Voices: Genesis Projects

Emma Draye ’23 ZOOLOGY

“I helped at the Cleveland Natural History Museum in the Perkins Wildlife Center, working with their animals on training and rehabilitation. I learned how different stimulants and different enrichment activities can help their brain activity. I also learned how to prepare different meals for them with very specific measurements, as well as administer medicine to sickly animals. My favorite part was probably training the animals. I got up close and personal with a lot of different animals that I never thought I could, like coyotes and albino raccoons, all sorts of stuff. My favorite was probably when I trained the black raven, Black Jack, to recycle. We scattered plastics about the aviary and told him to recycle. After a while of positive reinforcement, he was able to get the concept down and it was absolutely incredible to see his growth from that. I’ve always been really interested in zoology and working in the animal field, so this definitely solidified what I want to do with my life and what I want to major in at college.”

Becky Butler ’23 FINANCE

“I took part in the KeyBank KBCM Summer Finance Girls Immersion Program (started

by Alison Sammon '00) in Downtown Cleveland. I did the program with about eight other girls, two of them also being Magnificat students. While completing my project, I was able to learn the basics of finance and banking. Being in the office environment, I learned that a lot of this work is collaborative and you work with a team on most projects. I was also able to see the background of certain deals, and it allowed me to learn the reality of working in finance. This experience has opened my eyes to certain paths I would not have thought about before. I am planning on majoring in business in college.”

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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AROUND SCHOOL

Raina Sockman ’23

Student Voices: Genesis Projects

continued

HEART SURGERY

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Thembie Tembo ’23 CYBERSECURITY

“For my Genesis project, I shadowed the cybersecurity section of Sherwin-Williams.

I learned about their everyday lives and got a general simplification of their work. I also shadowed the different teams they had, such as the applications security team, the threat management team, and the privileged management account team. Most everything that I did was just observing and soaking in information, but I also got to make my own valid certification for a website. This experience reinforced my desire to be in the tech industry, and it also made me realize that I am more interested in the coding aspect of the industry.”

“I shadowed Dr. Edward Soltesz, who is a cardiovascular surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic.

I followed him around, and he introduced me to a few other surgeons. I also got to spend a couple days with the residents doing some rounds. I definitely learned a lot! I had different expectations going into it, and some were the truth—it's a very fast-paced environment, completely opposite from a desk job—but it’s not as serious an environment as I thought it would be. You know it needs to be serious in certain parts, like surgeries, but it is a very collaborative environment and there are a lot of different people in an O.R. aside from just the surgeon. My favorite part was being physically next to Dr. Soltesz as he scrubbed in for the O.R. and watching him perform open heart surgery. That was just unbelievable. I got to see a double lung transplant. It was a very long surgery, but afterwards I got to hold and feel the old lungs as one of the residents talked me through it. Just getting to hold and look at an organ was just so cool and fun to me.”

MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

Mia Sayles ’23 AUTO RACING

“I shadowed the Indy car team Preta Auto Sport. There are a few things I learned. On the business side, I learned how important sponsors are, because the team needs money and almost all the money comes from sponsors. It is really important to make connections when possible. On the engineering side, I learned how important it is to wipe down every part after the sessions and races because little bits of tire dust and rubber fly up from the car and get stuck to the outer body work, and that affects the aerodynamic performances. This only affects it a little, but that little bit goes a long way in racing. Eventually you’ll lose 1/10, which turn into seconds depending on how many laps you do. I think my favorite thing was the atmosphere. You walk into the paddock, and everyone’s moving around doing their own thing, but it's a busy environment where everyone has to do their things at this time. I really like fast-paced things, and there was never a dull moment.”

Ivy Socha ’23 NEWS WRITING

“I shadowed an editor at a local newspaper, ScripType Publishing.

Through this experience, I learned there's a lot more to a job than you think there is. I thought I was just shadowing an editor who got all these articles and just sent them off when they were finished being checked, but it was really a lot more than that—and I really enjoyed that. I thought I was going to be sitting at a desk and watching all this happen, but a lot of it was going to different places. I saw a City Council meeting, and I got to see what was going on in different places—and that was really cool. This experience really helped me think of what I could do, especially going into college not knowing exactly what I wanted to do. It helped me narrow my field into English, and then I will see where I go from there.”

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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HM HISTORY AND HERITAGE

This is a continuing feature in a series highlighting Magnificat’s principals over the years.

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FR O M T H E M AG N I FI C AT A R C H I V E S :

Sister Claire Young, H.M. (Sister Mary Pius) Principal 1967-1971

Article by Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist and Social Studies Faculty Member

“She never just walked. She flew … rosary beads bouncing along with her veil flying in the wake of her stride. She abounded with energy, always with a contagious smile and a full heart.”

So read Phyllis Kondrich Robitaille ’61’s Magnificat Magazine tribute to Sister Claire Young in the wake of her 2018 death. Claire was born on April 3, 1928, to Joseph W. and Claire (Pedrick) Young and was raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Reserve University in 1950. Four years later, she entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. Upon becoming a novice, she received the religious name Sister Mary Pius.

In 1965, she earned a Master of Arts degree in education from Marquette University in Wisconsin.

As Magnificat’s first physical education teacher from 1956 until 1967, Sister Mary Pius emphasized participation over athletic ability. Kathleen Patton Binnig ’65 recalled in 2019 that “Sister livened up her habit by wearing gym shoes of two different colors.” In 1958, Sister Mary Pius organized a heptathlon, a seven-event, interclass competition for Magnificat’s students. Today’s Big-Lil Challenge Cup Competition echoes Sister Mary Pius’s Heptathlon. She also coached Magnificat’s Speech and Debate Team.

In 1967, Sister Mary Pius returned to her baptismal name, Claire. In that year, she also succeeded Sister Honora McAndrew as principal of Magnificat.

Under Sister Claire’s leadership, Magnificat adopted a modular and mosaic schedule to enhance student learning. Magnificat continues to use a version of modular scheduling today.

large group instruction (LGI) room and lower level multipurpose rooms (today’s Student Success Center) were also part of the project.

After leaving Magnificat in 1971, Sister Claire served as a teacher and administrator at Villa Maria High School and Archbishop Hoban High School, respectively. From 1984 until 1991, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at a college in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Upon returning to the U.S., she ministered to immigrants, the sick, and the elderly in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, Florida, from 1994 until 2015.

In recognition of her contributions to Magnificat’s physical education program, Sister Claire was Magnificat’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame inductee in 2010. Always active, she swam competitively in her 70s. In 2004, for example, she placed 11th in the 50-yard backstroke at the International Masters Swimming Competition in Italy.

In 2015, Sister Claire joined the prayer ministry at Villa Maria Community Center, where she offered daily prayers for the Magnificat community. She also corresponded with Magnificat advisories. Sister Claire Young died at Villa Maria Community Center on December 11, 2018. She was a member of the H.M. community for 62 years.

Physical education teacher. Principal. Missionary.

Competitive Swimmer. Compelled by faith, Sister Claire Young, H.M. embraced new opportunities and challenges throughout her life. Here, she was a beloved teacher and administrator who embodied Magnificat’s Mission and Values and left an indelible mark on our community.

Sister Claire also shepherded Magnificat’s first building expansion. The 1969 Resource Center addition included areas for study and leisure and faculty carrels. The

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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PHOTO RECAPS

Fall Sports Recap

The 2022 fall season was one for the record books, with three State Tournament appearances, two Regional titles, and three District titles to cheer about! Thank you to our Magnificat families and fans for continuing to come out and support our Blue Streaks all year long.

SOCCER

The soccer team took its season to the State Semifinal for the first time since 2014, fighting hard all fall to capture the District and Regional Championships. The team ended with an impressive season record of 16-5-1.

GOLF

Left to Right: Anna Mancino ’25, Anna Bennett ’26, and Caroline Moritz ’23

TENNIS The tennis team competed in the District Championship, falling to Hoover 3-2. Anna Bennett ’26 in singles and the doubles team of Caroline Moritz ’23 and Anna Mancino ’25 advanced to the State Tournament and played in the State Semifinal.

Magnificat’s golfers secured their second consecutive District title and qualified for the State Tournament as a team, placing 5th.

Left to right: Head Coach Gina Battistone, Maureen O’Leary ’25, Isabella Paez ’23, Cara Heisterkamp ’24, Cammy Reed ’25, Claire Liu ’26, and Assistant Coach Rick Norris.

FIELD HOCKEY

The field hockey team made it to the second round of the State Qualifying Tournament and ended the season with a winning record of 10-5-3.

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VOLLEYBALL

The Blue Streaks volleyball team finished as the State Runner Up and clinched the District and Regional Championships for the second year in a row. Over the past two seasons, the team has amassed a match record of 49-9.

Congratulations!

CROSS COUNTRY

The Cross Country program made it back to Regional Meet for the first time since 2015 and finished in 14th place. The Blue Streak team was led

by Mariella Mayer ’24, who placed 48th overall with a time of 20:30.90.

ROWING

Rowing competed in three regattas during the fall season with several promising finishes. Over 30 girls participated in the rowing program last fall.

COLLEGE ATHLETIC COMMITMENTS Congratulations to our eight senior athletes who will be taking their talents to the collegiate level!

Chrissy Krncevic ’23 Centre College, Lacrosse

Gigi Ramirez ’23 Ursuline College, Bowling

Sophia Anghilante ’23 Indiana State University, Volleyball

Kylie Coughlin ’23 Miami (OH) University, Field Hockey

Kate Hayes ’23 Otterbein University, Soccer

Mia Sayles ’23 Wright State University, Bowling

Julia Walton ’23 Edinboro University, Soccer

Lauren Yacobucci ’23 Wright State University, Volleyball

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Backstage crew picture before curtain call. From left to right, top row: Lyla Arra ’25, Lilia Stanton ’23, Eliza Farrall ’23, Julia Low ’25, Nadia Hernandez ’23, Lindsay Farrall ’23, Ivy Socha ’23, Amelia Fisher ’23, Maddie Metz ’25, Emma Vega ’25. Bottom row: Ashley Raffin ’23, Finn McNamee ’24

Fall Musical

The six featured roles in the Cell Block Tango. From left to right: Sarah Celestina ’24, Chelsea Kacinari ’24, Lili Cortes ’24, Nora Stipanovich ’24, Sienna D’Agostino ’23, and Marta Minarik ’23.

The Magnificat Performing Arts Department dazzled audiences with its production of Chicago: Teen Edition! Seniors Calista Zajac '23 and Sienna D’Agostino '23 starred as the iconic duo of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, garnering a rave review from Cleveland.com. Thank you to all who came out in support of the school and the talented students, both on stage and behind the scenes. Congratulations to the Performing Arts team on another fabulous production!

Students will now prepare to take part in the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards this spring.

Last year with their performance of Mary Poppins, the cast brought home not one but four Dazzles! Good luck to our students this year, and “give ‘em the old razzle dazzle!”

Sienna D’Agostino ’23 leads the ensemble in the musical number All That Jazz to open Act I.

Students in the ensemble performing in All I Care About is Love.

Students in the dance ensemble performing in the Cell Block Tango.

Students acting as reporters for the group number in Act I.

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Visual Arts

Eva Miller '23

Erin Carney '25

Dottie Sayles '25

Anne Marie Williams '23

Mary Zeszut '23

Izzy Boland '26

Students have been busy creating art in various media this year in the newly renovated Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts.

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Big-Little Challenge Cup

Magnificat’s beloved Big-Little Challenge Cup brought frivolity and friendly competition to campus on September 30. The Freshmen teamed up with the Juniors (“Junfres”) and the Sophomores paired with the Seniors (“Semores”) to vie for the coveted prize in a day full of relays, games, and fun. This year, once again, the cup went to the Semores!

Clockwise, then center image: Semores sport their purple and yellow. | Freshmen dressed in the Junfre colors. | Nora Stipanovich '24 bounces toward the finish line in one of the many relays. | The prize trophy. | Members of the Class of 2023. | Freshmen and Juniors cheer on their teammates as they cross the finish line. | Julia Hatgas '23 dancing before the winner of the 2022 Challenge Cup is announced. | Freshmen in matching outfits.

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Clockwise top: FAM Network volunteers serving pasta dinners. | Playing games in the Kids' Corner. | Children enjoying the balloon artist. The courtyard all lit up for Night in Blue. | Fr. Raymond P. Guiao, S.J., celebrating Mass at the start of the evening. | Senior Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Julie Sims Gibbons ’80, Dean of Student Life and Formation Julie Reines, and President Moira Clark ’77 drawing names for prizes.

Bottom row: Seniors help attendees check in by the Main Entrance. | Sustainability Club members Julia O’Brien ’24 and Brooklyn Ramos-Kelly ’24. | The bingo hall, packed with family and friends.

Night-in-Blue The 65th Annual Night in Blue was a big success! Thank you to all who came out and continued to support students helping students. Students exceeded their quota goal and raised more than $260,000 net, with proceeds directly benefiting each student by allowing the school to enhance holistic academic, co-curricular, leadership, and faith-formation programming. As always, a huge thank you to everyone who made the event possible: our families, friends, and the amazing volunteers!

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Campus Ministry

Each year, the Freshman class visits the Villa to participate in Freshman Heritage Day. Students spend this retreat day participating in a series of activities and reflections that acquaint them with the history and heritage of Magnificat, while also building community and friendship among classmates. A highlight included listening to Humility of Mary Sisters share about their lives and ministries.

First semester included many such opportunities for students to grow in their faith, including all-school prayer services and Masses, welcoming a group of Sisters to campus, weekly service programs in the community, and our annual Humble Hands Advent Project.

Top row clockwise: Liturgical minister Molly Wilson ’23 at the Season of Creation Prayer Service in October. | Sisters of the Humility of Mary on a visit to Magnificat to see the new renovations in the Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts. | Student Council president Mary Kate Wichmann ’23 gives a tour of the new science facility.

Clockwise starting above: Theology teacher Kristen Slattery ’01 explains the history and importance of the farm that is located at the Villa. | Blessing of hands during the Humble Hands prayer service. | President Moira Clark ’77 opens the 20th season of Humble Hands Advent prayer service. | Retreat leaders bless the Freshman class as their daylong retreat begins at Villa Maria. | Student liturgical ministers gather before the Feast of All Saints Mass in November.

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Holly Market

The FAM Network hosted the annual Holly Market on December 9, bringing the community and small businesses together for festive holiday shopping. The school was filled with many friendly faces as guests prepared for the Christmas season. Alumnae gathered in the Marian Commons for a hot chocolate bar sponsored by the Alumnae Board. Thank you to all the volunteers, vendors, and shoppers who made this year’s Holly Market a success!

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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ADVANCEMENT

Construction of Smith Snack Shack Scheduled for Summer 2023

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any, if not most, schools of Magnificat’s size and stature have a concession stand and restrooms for use by athletes and fans during outdoor sporting events. Now, thanks to the generosity of a lead gift from Maureen Karnatz Smith ’81 and Stephen Smith, the Blue Streaks will have access to such a facility adjacent to Karnatz Family Field!

“Magnificat is deeply grateful to the Smith Family for taking the lead on making this much-needed project possible,” Vice President of Advancement Deborah Durbin ’81 said. “With that, we are still accepting donations to offset costs and provide our student-athletes with the facility they deserve.”

Construction of this significant campus upgrade is slated to begin in the summer of 2023. Please support this long-anticipated enhancement to Magnificat’s athletic program with a contribution to the Smith Snack Shack. Donations of all sizes are needed, and leadership gifts of $5,000 or more will receive recognition on the donor wall.

THE SMITH SNACK SHACK WILL INCLUDE:

>> Women’s and men’s restrooms >> Concession stand >> Ticket booth >> Paved patio space >> Storage

Scan to make a gift to the Smith Snack Shack

To learn more about this project, please contact Deborah Durbin ’81 at ddurbin@maghs.org or 440-331-7227. Thank you for supporting our Blue Streaks!

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Making a greater impact while reducing tax burden C

laudette Miller Landrum ’63 is grateful to Magnificat for providing her with the confidence and tools needed to not only navigate all of the ups and downs of life successfully, but to fully extend herself and achieve success beyond what she believed possible.

After graduating from Magnificat, Claudette married and raised three children, frequently moving from one place to another before putting down roots in Mississippi. It is there where the faith and values nourished at Magnificat were rekindled: lifelong learning, fortitude, and striving to be the best version of herself. She earned an associate’s degree in accounting while working full time and later continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi. She was fortunate to have challenging career opportunities, but being parish secretary at Sacred Heart Parish in Hattiesburg was her most fulfilling job.

Now retired from Sacred Heart, Claudette continues to serve the parish as a volunteer. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy spending time with family, swimming, nature walks with their dogs, and traveling domestically and abroad.

“I was inspired to give back to Magnificat because of the excellent formation I received that instilled in me the strength to overcome the rocks and crags of life—and walk with Jesus through it all,” she said. “I come from humble beginnings. I want to make [a Magnificat education] possible for others.”

With her background in accounting and the counsel of her youngest daughter, who is an accountant and foundation executive, supporting Magnificat by making qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to satisfy all or part of her required minimum distribution (RMD) is a no brainer. Making QCDs allows Claudette to make a greater impact at Magnificat while reducing her taxable income, which can lower Medicare premiums as well.

Contact your financial advisor or IRA administrator to see if making a QCD is a good option for you.

IRA owners who reach the age of 70½ can receive tax benefits from making a QCD, and once they reach the age of 73, QCDs can satisfy all or part of their RMDs. We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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Light the Way

ADVANCEMENT

Celebrating Our 2023 Gala Awardees For the first time in school history, all four Gala award recipients are Magnificat alumnae!

These distinguished awardees will be celebrated at The Magnificat Gala on March 25, 2023.

THE MAGNIFICAT AWARD

Rose Gates Jenne ’68

The Magnificat Award honors outstanding service and personal commitment to Magnificat High School and its Mission. As a graduate of Magnificat, Rose Gates Jenne ’68 experienced firsthand the importance of a Catholic, single-gender education. She has been an advocate for Magnificat for many years, as well as a member of the Board of Directors. She is the proud grandparent of Leah Jenne ’23 and Emmaline Jenne ’17. Her philanthropy and service to Magnificat have been invaluable, and the school is honored to present her with The Magnificat Award.

TRUE BLUE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Mara van der Oord Myers ’97

The True Blue Volunteer of the Year Award honors a volunteer whose dedication to Magnificat is exemplary. Mara van der Oord Myers ’97’s dedication to her Alma Mater is extraordinary. She understands that providing excellence in Catholic education requires extensive financial resources, and she is committed to helping raise these critical funds. It is important to her that new generations of young women succeed at Magnificat. Her tireless effort and dedication to building community support has never wavered. She believes, “Once women are connected back to Magnificat and reminded of the opportunities gained here, they feel the pull and want to give back.”

THE SR. CAROL ANNE SMITH, H.M. AWARD

Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76

The Sr. Carol Anne Smith, H.M. Award recognizes a former or current faculty or staff member who models and promotes the Mission, heritage, and core values of Magnificat High School. Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76 dedicated her entire career educating students to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. She taught Pre-Calculus, Algebra, and Physics and served as Junior Class Monitor and Genesis Coordinator. As Dean of Faculty and Academics, she worked to create systems and schedules that improved the school day, updated the Genesis program to be a more comprehensive experience, and expanded Student Support Services—all to meet the changing needs of 21st Century learners.

THE ALUMNAE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Mary Clare Fanta Oberst ’75

This award is given to an alumna who has devoted her life to living our Mission in the world. She is someone who demonstrates service and leadership while being an accomplished innovator in her field and in her community. Mary Clare Fanta Oberst ’75 has dedicated her career to faith formation, service, and outreach. She also worked in Campus Ministry and coordinated many retreats for students including Freshman Heritage Day, the Sophomore Retreat, and more than 20 Kairos Retreats. She wore many hats at Magnificat and spent much of her career educating our students on the importance of service to others in need.

20 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

September 22,2023

Introducing the Magnificat Fine Arts Hall of Fame!

The Magnificat High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame has been established to recognize and honor alumnae, faculty, and friends of Magnificat High School who have distinguished themselves in one or more of the various fields of the Fine Arts. Members of the Magnificat Fine Arts Hall of Fame will exemplify the school’s Mission “to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat.” Areas of Fine Arts include, but are not limited to, literary, media, performing, and visual arts.

Scan to make a nomination for the Fine Arts Hall of Fame

This event will be held bi-annually, with the first Induction Ceremony taking place on Friday, September 22, 2023. We are currently seeking nominations for our first class of inductees; scan the QR code for details.

HALL OF FAME NOMINEES MUST FOLLOW THE CRITERIA BELOW

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Individuals who have attended Magnificat High School and have graduated no less than five years prior to their acceptance into the Hall of Fame. An individual may be accepted into the Hall of Fame posthumously. Qualifications for evaluation will include their involvement and achievements in the Fine Arts as a Magnificat student, as well as their accomplishments and contributions in Fine Arts fields after graduation at the amateur and/or professional level.

Individuals who have served as teachers, directors, or advisors and have made significant contributions through their dedicated work with students in Fine Arts curricular, cocurricular, and extracurricular programs at Magnificat High School.

Individuals who have participated in the Magnificat Theater program but who are not alumnae. Qualifications for evaluation will include their involvement and achievements in the Magnificat Theater Department, as well as their accomplishments and contributions in Fine Arts fields after graduation at the amateur and/or professional level.

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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ADVANCEMENT

Named Endowed Scholarship Brunch E

ach year, more than 300 students benefit from the generosity of 175 Named Endowed Scholarships that have been established over the last three decades by families and foundations.

Donors were welcomed to campus last fall to join an all-school Mass and brunch with students. Thank you to our generous supporters who help make a Magnificat education possible for young women!

Scan this QR code to view more NES Brunch photos!

22 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

Geis Family Education Endowment Fund Reception

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agnificat hosted a special event recognizing Geis Scholarship recipients from schools around the Cleveland area in November. The Geis Family Education Endowment Fund was established in December 2010 through the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland to ensure deserving students are provided access to quality Catholic education. Each 2022-2023 Geis Scholar gave a speech at the reception about their experiences, with family members, teachers, and school administrators in attendance.

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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The newly established Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization is giving donors the opportunity to use their State of Ohio tax dollars to directly impact the lives of students in need of tuition assistance. So far, 118 donors gave nearly $85,000 for Magnificat students through this new giving vehicle.

A Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that receives contributions from donors and grants educational scholarships to eligible students in the State of Ohio. Donors who contribute to Ohio-certified SGOs can receive a tax credit through the Ohio Tax Credit Program, created by the state legislature in 2021.

SGO donors receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $750 annually per individual or up to $1,500 annually if married filing jointly.

The Magnificat SGO was established in December, and qualified donors who gave in 2022 will receive a tax credit on their 2022 state tax returns. SGO gifts made in 2023 will qualify for a 2023 tax credit.

Gifts made to the Magnificat SGO are used to fund tuition assistance for current students. Families that are within 300 percent of the poverty level will be prioritized, but any student needing financial assistance is eligible.

“It’s a win-win for taxpayers and Magnificat students,” Vice President of Advancement Deborah Durbin ’81 said.

“We are excited to bring a Magnificat education within reach for even more families and thank all of our early contributors to the Magnificat SGO.” For more information, contact Meg Chochola at mchochola@maghs.org.

Scan for more information

HOW CAN I GIVE TO THE MAGNIFICAT SGO? 1. Estimate your State of Ohio tax liability. If your

State of Ohio tax payment is greater than or equal to your contribution (with a limit of $750 per individual, or $1,500 if married filing jointly), your contribution ultimately costs you nothing.

2. Give online to the Magnificat SGO using the

Magnificat SGO webpage or write a check payable to the Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization.

3. Save your receipt and claim your tax credit on your State of Ohio tax return.

This information does not constitute legal or tax advice.

Please consult with your tax professional.

24 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

Lourdes Academy Reunion T

he Sisters of the Humility of Mary founded Lourdes Academy in 1892, and each year women who attended Lourdes gather at Magnificat for their Reunion Mass and Reception. This year’s event took place on August 14, with attendees sharing memories and updates with lifelong friends.

Although Lourdes closed in 1972, the schools shared a connection with the Sisters, and many Lourdes alumnae have family members who attended or attend Magnificat. In fact, Lourdes alumnae established the Lourdes Academy Scholarship, which is awarded to daughters and granddaughters of Lourdes alumnae.

Top to bottom by row: Celebrant Monsignor Richard Antall with student and alumnae liturgical ministers. | Lourdes Academy alumnae show their school spirit before mass begins. | Martha Logan Chrosniak ’66L, Cathrin Roman Peter ’58L, and Marcy Rhome Milota ’66L | Katie Weir McBride ’54L, Karen Knable Gill ’62L, and Suzanne Dister Bettinger ’54L | Sister Katie King, H.M. as festivities begin with a gathering in the lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts. | Members of the Lourdes Academy Class of 1958. | Music Ministers Peggy Miller Ciolek ’67 and Mery Tomsik. | Barbara Elliott ’71L, Vicky Lynn Kruzer ’71L, and Gloria Mitchell ’71L

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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ALUMNAE

Homecoming and Reunion T

he Magnificat Alumnae Board hosted more than 400 alumnae who traveled from 29 states for the first annual Homecoming Weekend on Sept. 23-25. The classes ending in 2s and 7s were celebrated on Saturday night at the annual Reunion Celebration, with the Class of 1972 celebrating its 50th Reunion. Members of the Class of 1997 raised their glasses with a champagne toast as they celebrated their 25th Reunion and their victory in the Homecoming Challenge! Their class placed 1st in both participation and the amount raised, bringing in over $9,000 for the Magnificat Fund.

Magnificat’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend was a Great Success!

The weekend’s events also included the Athletic Hall of Fame, where we celebrated 13 incredible inductees at Friday night’s Induction Ceremony, the Alumnae of Color Brunch, a Homecoming Tailgate, and Sunday’s Alumnae Brunch.

Photos from the weekend can be viewed at www.magnificaths.org/ homecoming or scan this code:

Save the Date for the 2023 Homecoming Weekend!

Sept. 22-24, 2023 All are welcome to celebrate the classes ending in 3 and 8 at Saturday night’s Reunion Celebration.

26 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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ALUMNAE

28 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

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agnificat celebrated 13 alumnae athletes and coaches at the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Induction Ceremony on September 23 during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

Started in 2010, this bi-annual event recognizes the accomplishments of athletes and coaches who demonstrated the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and moral character. A large crowd including alumnae, family, and friends filled the Center for the Performing Arts for the ceremony, which was followed by a reception for inductees.

“Each of them is a team player who made Magnificat and their community a better place,” Athletic Director Paul Barlow said about the induction class. “They lead by example. The legacy they pass on is valuable to all of us in the Magnificat community, not just to Athletics. Those we honor this evening have been models of our very mission: They are persons of faith, who learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. We are so proud of them, and we are immeasurably grateful for their contributions to Magnificat.”

Back row, left to right: Maria Shaker, M.D. ’98 (volleyball, basketball), Mary Boag French ’97 (volleyball), Kevin Fitzgerald (lacrosse coach), Mary Kate Glowe ’04 (volleyball, softball, basketball), Adelaide Aquilla ’17 (track and field), Meghann Hubach Campbell ’97 (volleyball, basketball, basketball coach), Elizabeth Tigue Thibodeaux ’91 (field hockey, lacrosse), Patrick Nortz representing Kelly Nortz ’11 (gymnastics, not pictured) Front row, left to right: Lindsey Cooke Wallace ’01 (field hockey, lacrosse), Laura Wolff Demaline ’99 (swimming), Kaitlyn Chambers Kaiser ’04 (cross country, track & field), Joan Cundey Green ’99 (basketball, soccer), Chelsea Cahill ’06 (gymnastics, track & field)

To read about the achievements of each Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, scan this code:

Denise Cundey ’94 introduces her sister, inductee Joan Cundey Green ’99, during the ceremony.

Adelaide Aquilla ’17 delivers remarks as Athletic Director Paul Barlow looks on.

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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ALUMNAE

A LU M N A E PR O FI LE

Mary Lavelle O’Donnell ’80

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ary Lavelle O'Donnell '80 believes that a vocation doesn't just apply to careers like nursing and teaching. It can also apply to companies that value and respect their employees. Her vocation has called her throughout her life to work to build positive and healthy work environments, she said, “because when you love where you work, it comes through in the products you make.”

“When you feel like you are in a safe environment, you are willing to step outside your comfort zone to try something new.”

Mary is the owner and CEO of Terrapin Ridge Farms, a small specialty food brand that produces savory jams, mustards, dips, dressings, and sauces. She and her business partner purchased the company in 2010 and have been making the world a more delicious place ever since.

While Mary was a student at Magnificat, she participated in Student Council and volunteered for leadership roles in clubs and committees. Her all-girls’ high school education gave her the confidence and courage to succeed, crediting her teacher Sr. Jane Marie Kudlacz, H.M., with pushing her to reach her full potential.

“When you feel like you are in a safe environment, you are willing to step outside your comfort zone to try something new,” she said.

HER SECRET SAUCE FOR SUCCESS

After graduating from Magnificat, Mary attended The Ohio State University and received a bachelor’s degree in business management. She continued her education at Cleveland State University, where she earned a Master of Business Administration degree. Her career led to positions at major corporations like American Greetings and Little Tikes.

“I learned a lot about people—managing them and working with different departments with different needs,” she said. “It was great training for my current role as a CEO.” At Terrapin Ridge Farms, Mary wears many hats.

She works on new product development and employee relations. The culture at the company recognizes growth through experimentation which, in the end, produces success. She strives to make sure her employees know that they are valued and respected and that they can make mistakes and grow.

Mary lives in Florida with her husband of 32 years, Sean, and their two children. She loves getting together and traveling with Magnificat classmates.

30 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

A LU M N A E PR O FI LE

A PASSION FOR FASHION

Kenetha Holsey Martin ’96

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or Kenetha Holsey Martin ’96, it’s all about making connections. At Magnificat, she loved connecting with her classmates to learn about their lives and families. In her career, developing the right connections with mentors and colleagues is how she moved up the ladder.

Currently, Kenetha is a market director for Gucci in the brand’s Northwest and Hawaii territory, but she wasn’t always planning for a career in fashion. When she graduated from Magnificat, she attended Hampton University and intended to go into medicine. Her sophomore year, she transferred to Miami University, and in searching for her true passion, she switched her major to psychology and finance.

After college, she took a job in finance while also working part-time at Ann Taylor. It was there that she found her love of working in retail. After a few promotions, she became a Store Manager for Brooks Brothers, which took her to Chicago and then Minnesota.

In 2009, she received a call from a former co-worker at Burberry, who asked her to move back to Ohio and open their Columbus store as the general manager.

“From there I found all my roles through connections I had and people I worked with,” she said. “People remembered the work I did and thought of me when new positions became available.”

Over the last decade, she has gone from Columbus to New Jersey, where she oversaw stores locally and across the United States for Henri Bendel, to New York City, where she ran Gucci’s flagship store. She has worked her way up from general manager to a market director. In 2022, she moved to San Francisco for her current role, where she is in charge of the market’s 12 Gucci stores.

Kenetha lives in San Francisco with her husband and two boys, and she still enjoys trips back to Cleveland to visit family. She is also proud to co-chair her company's Women's Empowerment group, which hosts speakers and events.

“My favorite part of my role is developing future leaders."

“My favorite part of my role is developing future leaders,” she said. “I love to see people who love this business and love retail fashion.

Working behind the register is not the most glamorous of roles, but if you work hard, you can be highly successful in the industry.”

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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ALUMNAE

Micaela Gonzalez Kail ’02

A LU M N A E PR O FI LE

FOR THIS TRIATHLETE, QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION

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enacious is the perfect word to describe Micaela Gonzalez Kail ’02, who credits her work ethic to her days on the Magnificat swim team.

She remembers practicing twice a day: early in the morning before school at Tri-C and after school at Cleveland State University. She would even practice with a team in Florida when she was on vacation.

After graduating from Magnificat, Micaela attended Case Western Reserve University to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. During her senior year she had a baby girl, and although that was not part of her plan, she did not slow down. When her daughter was just a few months old, Micaela earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering.

Life took another turn for Micaela when she learned that her daughter was born with a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue, called neurofibromatosis.

“We were going to so many doctors and she was getting so many tests, but through it all my daughter always had a smile on her face, and I found it inspiring,” she said.

To bring awareness to neurofibromatosis and show her daughter her tenacious spirit, Micaela signed up to run the Cleveland Marathon to raise money

for the Children's Tumor Foundation. At the time her co-worker, now husband, helped her train—and he proposed to her at the finish line!

After her success at the Cleveland Marathon, she wanted a bigger challenge and was inspired by a Magnificat classmate posting about competing in triathlons. So, she signed up for one and completed her first triathlon in 2019. She didn’t stop there. In 2021, she completed her first Half Ironman. In 2022, she traveled to Utah for a second time, where she competed in the Half Ironman World Championship.

She beat her previous time and was inspired to keep going. She finished 9th in the Sprint Distance National Championship, qualifying her for Team USA at the 2023 World Triathlon Championships in Spain.

In the meantime, Micaela works as a product complaint investigator at Coherus BioSciences, a biopharmaceutical company, and lives in Broadview Heights with her husband and two children. Her daughter with neurofibromatosis is now 15 years old and doing great. In her spare time, Micaela is one of the assistant coaches/mentors for Kids That Tri Cleveland (KTT), a non-profit organization that creates a pathway for student-athletes in grades 6-12 to learn to swim, bike, and run with the goal of completing at least one triathlon. This program prioritizes supporting youth who may not otherwise experience sports inside or outside of school.

Micaela believes that once you set your mind to something, you can never give up. Her motto is, “No matter what path you take, don’t quit. See it through to the end. Even if you change paths, prove to yourself that you can do it. Don’t quit on yourself.”

32 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

WORKING IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Catherine Oakar ’99

A LU M N A E PR O FI LE

F

or as long as she can remember, Catherine Oakar ’99 has wanted to work to make people's lives better. She credits Magnificat for instilling this desire to help others in her and for helping her answer the question, “How can I give back to my community?”

Catherine currently serves as the Special Assistant to the President for Public Health and Disparities at the White House in Washington, D.C. While she has come a long way from her time as a research assistant at MetroHealth, her mission remains the same: help people, especially those often neglected or underserved, lead healthier lives.

After graduating from Magnificat, Catherine majored in pre-med, Spanish, and anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. Growing up she always wanted to be a physician, but she found herself gravitating towards other career options during college. After working at MetroHealth’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities, she decided to pivot and went on to the University of Michigan to receive her master’s degree in public health, focusing on policy and management.

While at Michigan, she earned a Winston Health Policy Fellowship that took her to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C. She worked to implement healthcare reform law and educate the general public about the changes.

Catherine Oakar ’99 in front of the White House.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama with Catherine and her sisters, Michelle Oakar Adams ’85 and Margaret Oakar ’96.

the Nutrition Facts Label, managed events, and worked with major corporations like McDonald’s and Pepsi, encouraging them to offer healthier options.

When the Obama Administration ended, Catherine had to find a new job. She picked up consulting jobs and eventually started her own consulting business. Soon, she was asked to join the Biden-Harris transition team, overseeing the hiring of all incoming presidential appointees for HHS. Catherine has learned a lot since her days at Magnificat, but she treasures her education and incredible teachers who taught her life lessons.

“If people don’t understand the policy and how it can benefit them, it doesn’t matter how good it is,” she said.

“My Magnificat teachers showed me how to look at the world in a new way, to seek out new people and cultures because there is so much to gain from our differences,” she said. “They encouraged me to work hard, be nice to people and learn as much as I can, and with that commitment, everything will work out.”

From there, Catherine moved on to work with First Lady Michelle Obama on her Let’s Move Initiative dedicated to ending childhood obesity.

She helped drive policy development to modernize

Catherine lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband. She is still very close with several of her Magnificat friends and prides herself on being an ambassador for Cleveland because “it’s such a great place with such great people.”

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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1986

CLASS NOTES WINTER 2023 3

2

Vollmer Brennan was named 1 Bridget one of the Top 10 Admired Leaders of

1

2022 by Industry Era magazine. She was also awarded "Best of Jackson 2022" in the category of Event Planner. She owns Jackson Hole Concierge in Jackson, Wyoming.

1988

Kristin Curran graduated from Malone University in December with a Master of Arts degree in education in clinical mental health counseling. She is currently a licensed professional counselor with Children’s Resource Center.

5 4

1990

Campbell Chambers, a Deloitte 2 Fiona professional of 29 years, has been named

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Northeast Ohio managing partner for Deloitte LLP.

6

2006

Michael Ianni and her husband, 3 Sarah Rick, welcomed their second son, Anthony Michael, in July. He joins big brother, Dominic.

Gosky Cummings welcomed 4 Julianna her son, Martin Richard Cummings, in December.

2007

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Smith Szep and her husband, 5 Elizabeth Matthew, welcomed their daughter, Rose, in September.

2008

Burkhart Gannon and husband, 6 Sarah Troy, welcomed their first child, Eleanor Margaret, in March.

2009

Bernardone Dorner married 7 Talyah Thomas Dorner in July in Akron.

34 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

6

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Madeline Fox Greco was married to 8 St. Ignatius alum, Matthew Greco, in

October at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. Many Magnificat alumnae were in attendance.

Beattie Hunter and her 9 Elizabeth husband, Jake, welcomed their first child, James Theron, in November.

Naticchioni Webb and her husband, 10 Kayla Anthony, welcomed their first child, Sophia Rose, in December.

2010

Hazel Gillette married Kevin 11 Gabrielle Gillette in October at Blue Heron in

8

Medina. Her bridesmaids included Elizabeth Hazel Barry ’06, Angelica Bradac Conroy ’10, Erin Leimkuehler McCarthy ’10, and Chelsey Starin Meader ’10.

O’Malley VerHoef married Andy 12 Megan VerHoef in October in Cleveland. There

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were many alumnae in attendance, including her mother, Mary Beth Lempke O'Malley ’69, and her sister, Molly O'Malley Uhlenhake ’05.

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13

2011

Sims Buffington married Colton 13 Kaitlin Buffington in September in Cleveland. Her bridesmaids included Kirsten Larson ’11, Kelly Nortz ’11, and Meghan Wolf ’11.

2013

Werling Longo married Joseph 14 Lauren Longo in April at St. Christopher Church

surrounded by their bridal party, which included fellow alumna Kayleigh Werling Appelt ’12 (Matron of Honor) and Meghan Yonkof ’13 (bridesmaid). They celebrated the evening at the Old Courthouse in Cleveland with their families and friends.

Lauren and Joe currently reside in Washington, D.C.

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2014

Send us your news!

Email Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10 at cmacbride@maghs.org with your alumnae updates.

Randall Cardamone married 15 Kristina Vinnie Cardamone in May at St. Joseph Church in Avon Lake.

Correction: In our last issue, we incorrectly listed the class year of Natalie Hostacky Stevens. She is a member of the Class of 1997.

We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. | MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE

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IN MEMORIAM

Please join us in Kelly Wagner Amen ’96

r e y for the families of our students and alumnae. a r p

Barbara Klepacz Aschenbener ’55L

Sister of Carolee Klepacz Zentkovich ’61L; Aunt of Lisa Zentkovich Powers ’83 and Angela Zentkovich Gute ’91; Great Aunt of Carrie Zentkovich Campbell ’08

Mark J. Auer

Father of Stephanie Auer ’84†; Uncle of Ann Butler Luba ’72, Mary Butler McDermott ’77, Mary Cachat Papa ’79, and Molly Butler Coleman ’79

John Barrett

Brother of Ann Barrett Richards ’85 and Maureen Barrett Breitenbach ’86; Brotherin-law of Peggy Patton Barrett ’79; Uncle of Lily Richards ’13 and Isabella Richards ’16

Elizabeth “Bette” Consydes Berry ’45L Margaret Ellen Betz ’65 Cousin of Eileen O’Neill Burchell, Ph.D. ’66

Jean Bihn

Mother of Susan Bihn Mitchell ’84; Sister of former faculty member Zoe Murphy; Great Aunt of Kara Scullin ’18

Mary Jane Biss

Former faculty member; Mother of Terri Biss ’88 and Karen Biss Russell ’91 Kevin Patrick Blake Father of Caitlin Blake ’06 and Erin Blake Ramsey ’10 Rose Breen Mother of Bonnie Breen DiMarino ’75, Margaret Breen Weitzel ’78, and Rosemarie Breen Anderson ’82; Mother-in-law of Catherine Telzerow Breen ’80

Steven “Sparky” Buza

Husband of Carolyn Geib Buza ’66; Father of Julie Buza Bodman ’92 and Jennifer Buza ’97; Grandfather of Maura Bodman ’21; Brother-in-law of Francine Geib Kennedy ’68, Patti Geib Dietz ’70, Peggy Geib Dugan ’71, and Deirdre Hickey Geib ’76; Uncle of Colleen Geib ’03, Kerry Geib ’06, Molly Geib ’08, Abbey Geib ’09, and Anne Geib ’11

David Cavera Sr.

Husband of Mary Margaret Fitzpatrick Cavera ’67

William “Bill” Chambers

Stepfather of Mary Kay Bomberg Mullen ’86 and Ann Bomberg ’88

Kathleen Mahon Chaney ’60 Kevin Class

Father of Julia Class ’07; Former Spouse of Kelly McCarthy ’78

Anne Cloonan

Mother of Katie Cloonan Hall ’11 Nancy Novotny Corrigan ’71

Martin Coughlin

Father of Jennifer Coughlin Kennedy ’95, Christine Coughlin ’97, Carrie Coughlin Butler ’99, and Laura Coughlin ’04; Grandfather of Caroline Kennedy ’23

Mary Frances Coyne

Mother-in-law of Ann Litzler Coyne ’88; Grandmother of Claire Coyne McCoy ’15, Emily Coyne ’18, and Elizabeth Coyne ’21

Mary Kathleen Crow ’64 Nancy O’Callahan D’Arcy ’49L

Mother of Mary Kay Sammon Flaherty ’75, Sharon D’Arcy ’84, and Annette D’Arcy Blanc ’86

Dennis M. Duffy

Father of Michelle Duffy Hauck ’87 and Colleen Duffy Elwood ’88; Grandfather of Olivia Elwood ’24; Brother-in-law of Sheila Carlin Duffy ’62; Uncle of Maura Duffy Shepard ’97

Ruth Duffy

Mother of Janet Duffy Leitch ’68 and Karen Duffy Morley ’78; Grandmother of Megan Leitch Townsend ’00 and Caroline Wagner ’05; Sister of Renee Ursem Betz ’61; Aunt of Connie Foster ’67, Mary Beth Jackman DePasquale ’81, Devra Ursem Phillips ’83, and Durene Ursem Motsis ’88

Anne M. Evans

Sister of Margaret Kundtz Maleski ’64; Sister-in-law of Janice Stelbasky Kundtz ’64

Julie Frantz

Mother of Katie Frantz ’96, Elizabeth Frantz ’97, and Mary Frantz Valletta ’04; Mother-in-law of Katherine Henterly Frantz ’09

Jonell Frost

Grandmother of Bina Frost ’16 and Eva Frost ’19 Charles "Chuck" Furstenau Husband of Carol Riley Furstenau ’63

Marilyn Jean Gagen ’62

Aunt of Shannon Gagen ’96

Patrick Grealis

Husband of Pamela Klimko Grealis ’85; Brother-in-law of Renee Klimko Rupp ’92; Son-in-law of Kathleen Stein Klimko ’62 Marlin J. "Chip" Hall Husband of Mary Sheehan Hall ’64; Father of Megan Houser ’95 and Bridget Hall Dixon ’97

Antoinette Healy

Mother of Maryann Healy Fanous ’73; Aunt of Sr. Mary Pat Cook, H.M. ’63, Carol Cook Obrock ’65, Kathleen Cook Luke ’66, Nancy Cook ’69, Barbara Cook ’70, and Janet Cook Derby ’72

Patricia Ann Condon Henke ’60 Johann (John) Hoffmann

Father of Rosemary Hoffmann Pasternack ’77, Rita Hoffmann Bilas ’79, Caroline Hoffmann Malloy ’82, and Sylvia Hoffmann Potter ’91 Mitchell Kaduboski Father of Christine Kaduboski Slogar ’86

Margaret Mary “Bubbles” Kahl

Mother of Julie Kahl Weaver ’88 And Rose "Lisa" Kahl Moore ’92

Kevin Robert Kelley

Father of Grace Kelley ’11, Cara Kelley ’14, and Kathleen Kelley ’16

Richard J. Kmiecik

Father of Kathleen Kmiecik Bruner ’73, Kelly Kmiecik Jarvis ’78, Karen Kmiecik Kieltyka ’79, and Kiera Kmiecik Black ’81; Grandfather of Jessica Jarvis Reljac ’97, Erin Kilbane ’96, Julie Jarvis ’03, and Emily Linton ’13

Loretta Krause Koshel ’56L Carol Krach

Mother of Cheryl Krach Spremulli ’02 and Nancy Krach Grech ’04

36 MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | WINTER 2023

John Lancione

James Ohliger

Diane Davis Lardie ’55L

and Janet Ohliger Fuchs ’63; Father of Rosemarie Ohliger Osowik ’74, Mary Beth Ohliger Mitterko ’81, Megan Ohliger O’Neill ’86, and Molly Ohliger Lavelle ’86; FatherIn-Law of Cynthia Ginley Ohliger ’77; Grandfather of Alison Ohliger ’06, Emily Ohliger ’10, and Erin Ohliger ’11

Father of Jennifer Lancione Murion ’84

Joan Lehmann ’47L John C. Logue

Father of Annmarie Logue ’87

Charles MacMillan

Father of Bridget MacMillan ’83, Julie MacMillan ’84, and Annie Macmillan Powell ’87; Father-in-law of Cathy Snyder MacMillan ’90; Grandfather of Wren Powell ’23 and Ella MacMillan ’23; Brother-in-law of Joan Petrie Cannon ’61 and Colleen McDonald Walsh ’66; Uncle of Maureen Cannon Rosfelder ’73, Colleen Cannon ’75, Karen Cannon Janettas ’76, Roberta Coone Cannon ’77, Julie Schriner Nader ’79, Sue Schriner Sullivan ’80, Kate McBride ’81, Sheila Cannon Meyer ’82, Mary Beth Schriner ’82, Maureen Walsh Farrell ’85, Molly McBride Steen ’85, Kate Schmotzer McBride ’92, and Katie Walsh Pfahl ’93; Great Uncle of Mary Kate Rosfelder Hearns ’02, Erin McBride Ventura ’07, Mary Clare Becker Carson ’08, Megan McBride ’13, Mallory Cannon ’21, Samantha Cannon ’23, and Maggie Steen ’26

Brother of Joan Ohliger Kossoff ’60†

Raoul Perez

Husband of former faculty member, Dottie Perez

Robert R. Price Jr.

Father of Mary Elizabeth Price ’15 and Victoria Price ’17

Fred Princehorn

Husband of Patrice Mansfield Princehorn ’64; Brother-in-law of Marilynne Mansfield Wood ’63, Mary Rita Mansfield ’68, and Janice Mansfield McNichol ’75

Mary Dianne DiLuciano Quinn ’66 William John Reidy Jr.

Dr. Edward Mansour

Husband of Katie Heben Reidy ’59; Brotherin-law of Pauline Hebing Alma ’60 and Teddi Hebing Musson ’67; Brother of Luanne Reidy Drago ’61†; Father of Jennifer Reidy ’85, Debbie Reidy Norton ’86, and Kristee Reidy Mays ’99; Uncle of Anne Drago ’96; Grandfather of Anna Norton ’18, Sydney Norton ’18, and Taylor Norton ’18

John Joseph Mathews

Father of Dena Rhodes Adler ’85

Johanna Humanek Mader ’60 Father of Maura Mansour DePrisco ’89 Father of Ericka Mathews Ghazoul ’04, Jacqueline Mathews Johnston ’05, and Nicole Mathews ’08; Brother of Christine Mathews Long ’71, Mary Kay Mathews Doyle ’72, Therese Mathews Leisinger ’73, Judith Mathews Nash ’74, and Ann Mathews O’Malley ’81; Uncle of Lauren Nash ’00, Sarah Nash ’07, Kate Mathews ’07, and Mary Mathews ’11

Lance Albert McGannon, DDS

Brother of Patricia McGannon Tobin ’65 and Laura McGannon Berben ’70; Father of Keira McGannon ’90

Timothy McGlynn

Father of Katherine McGlynn Smith ’92; Father-in-law of Karissa Butts McGlynn ’97

Jane McNamara ’80

Sister of Lynn McNamara ’70 and Nora McNamara ’72; Sister-in- law of Meghan Hickey McNamara ’80.

Janet Meany ’63 Jean Biermacher O'Connell ’61 Sister-in-law of Judy Herron Sahlica ’66; Mother-in-law of Tracy Tober Herron ’83

Robert Rhodes

Ruth C. Riley Mother of Carol Riley Furstenau ’63 Fayiz A. Salwan

Father of Mary Salwan Miller ’88; Grandfather of Paige Miller ’18, Alexa Smalley ’18, and Gabbie Miller ’20

Thomas Scanlon

Phyllis Stanton ’62 Sister of Carol Stanton Buckley ’59† and Mary Stanton Cook ’64

Adele Yurick Stile ’63

Sister of Ellen Yurick Shimko ’73; Aunt of Lisa Shimko ’08

Claire Bednar Stobierski ’55L John Sullivan

Father of Claire Sullivan, M.D. ’02

Gayle A. Thomas ’68 Phillip Vedda

Father of Margaret Vedda Furin ’75

Gregory A. Verbick

Husband of Mary Solma Verbick ’68; Brother-in-law of Sr. Annette Solma, H.M. ’69

Raymond J. Votypka, MD

Brother of Lenore Votypka Krempansky ’61; Father of Veronica Votypka ’95 and Vanessa Votypka ’00

John Walkowiak

Father of Susan Walkowiak Hannon ’62, Janet Walkowiak Striegl ’69, and Carol Walkowiak Duffy ’75; Grandfather of Jane Hannon ’91, Mary Beth Striegl James ’98, and Kate Hannon Fleming ’99

Mary Manning Wasmer

Mother of Barb Wasmer ’65; Aunt of Mary Wasmer ’84 and Lynne Wasmer ’86

Allen “Stan” West Sr.

Father of Megen West Berry ’81; Grandfather of Erin Berry ’10, Caitlin Berry ’12, and Lauren West ’21

Thomas Wissman

Husband of Margaret O’Toole Wissman ’59

Joseph H. Witouski

Father of Marla Witouski Spaeth ’90

Father of Elizabeth Scanlon Donnelly ’82, Colleen Scanlon Miller ’83, Cyndy Scanlon ’86, and Kimberly Scanlon Klein ’90

Julia Woods ’10

Cathi Schwind

Grandfather of Jacqueline Lee ’20 and Pilar Lee ’23

Aunt of Mary Wasmer ’84 and Lynne Wasmer ’86

Cynthia Sharak ’81

Sister of Victoria Woods Ballantine ’01

John “Jack” Ruel Zern

George Simon

We have included all individuals for whom we received notification following the publication of the Fall 2022 issue of the Magnificat Magazine, and we have listed all of the relationships we could locate in our records. If we have missed anyone, kindly let us know by emailing Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10 at cmacbride@maghs.org.

Ed Smietana, Jr.

† Deceased

John “Jack” Sheehan

Brother of Mary Sheehan Hall ’64; Uncle of Megan Hall Houser ’95 and Bridget Hall Dixon ’97 Husband of Nancy L. Bugos Simon ’59L Father of faculty member Liz Capezzuto

L denotes a graduate of Lourdes Academy

20770 Hilliard Boulevard Rocky River, OH 44116-3397

Light the Way

THE MAGNIFICAT GALA March 25, 2023

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 31

Lenten Fish Fry

MAY 11-12

Dance Concert

JUNE 1

Blue Streaks, Bags, & Bingo

JULY 17

Golf Outing at Avon Oaks

SEPTEMBER 22

Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

SEPTEMBER 22-24

Homecoming & Reunion

APRIL 17-28, 2024

Trip to Italy for Alumnae, Family, & Friends

WINTER 2023 | ISSUE 9

www.magnificaths.org

Are our records correct?

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Email all updates and changes to Kathy Caldart at kcaldart@maghs.org.

MISSION We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat.