Widening Our Lens: Nazareth Academy Blueprint, Fall 2019

A Publication of the NAZARETH

ACADEMY Community

Blueprint FALL 2019

Widening OUR LENS

IN THIS ISSUE Hello & Goodbye Shining a Lens on the 4 Pillars 25 Years of Lisa’s Girls Focus on Alumni Class Notes

HELLO AND GOODBYE Goodbye Kathy O’Hara Gurney

Happy Retirement...

Hello O’Hara Hall

Welcome to the Family

Though she only planned to stay on staff for one year, Kathy O’Hara Gurney ’69 stayed for 44. Beyond her work as a counselor and Head of Guidance, Mrs. Gurney was instrumental in forming and leading a variety of clubs, support groups and philanthropic causes. She retired in May 2019, ending an incredible era of O’Hara Family members at Nazareth. She added up 100 years of O’Hara’s who have been students, faculty and staff, and all of whom have been “squares in a beautiful Nazareth quilt” as she described it.

In celebrating the legacy that she and the O’Hara Family have created at Nazareth, President Deborah Tracy announced that the Guidance floor would be renamed O’Hara Hall. “The naming of a classroom or meeting space or building is usually reserved in the development world for those who have given significant contributions to our school. Your contributions, dear friend, have been priceless to us...and we thank you, your parents and the entire O’Hara Family from the bottom of our hearts.”

We never find it easy to say goodbye, not to our graduating seniors each year, and certainly not to our beloved faculty and staff. But in the case of several long-time members of our family who retired at the same time as Mrs. Gurney, we can gratefully say “fare-thee-well.” Both Wayne Saunders and Lori Scelsi served Nazareth professionally and compassionately, holding down a variety of jobs while here. They are both proud alum parents and so we hope they won’t be strangers to our campus.

Happily, we were able to welcome many new faces to Nazareth.

Stephanie DeAngelis (Spanish), Jen Larson (Social Studies), Jim Legner (Guidance), Anne Osenbaugh (English), Kelly Pack-Scott (Art), Colleen Sacks (Development), Anna Slabek (Math) and Alex Wilkinson ’11 (PE/Health) joined the Faculty and Staff for 2019-2020.

We also officially welcomed Margaret Hayes Keenan ’95, who started in our Guidance Department in February. Be sure to say hello next time you’re on campus.

A New Face in Development Gratefully we did not need to say goodbye to Mrs. Angela Broucek, but she did make a move to the Registrar’s Office for 2019. Our new Development Director is Mrs. Colleen Sacks. She brings experience as the Associate Director of Advancement of Frances Xavier Warde School, Assistant Director of Development at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services, Director of Special Events at Pillars and Account Manager for Positive Coaching Alliance.

“I’ve found myself inspired by the love, loyalty and commitment donors have to the organizations they care so much about,” she said. “No matter the size of the gift, the choice to extend a blessing in that way has always moved me. If you are ever feeling defeated by the state of our world today, look no further than the donors at your local community center, school or church. With every hour volunteered, every dollar donated, every prayer given up in the name of a cause - people are making a difference in our world and fundraising has given me a front row seat to their kindness.”

She is looking forward to connecting with parents, alumni and the greater Nazareth community.

Dear Nazareth Academy Alumni, Families and Friends,

Nazareth Academy, sponsored by the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school dedicated to living Jesus’ mission of unity and committed to educating the whole person.

1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 Phone: 708.354.0061 Fax: 708.354.0109 www.nazarethacademy.com President: Mrs. Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 Principal: Mrs. Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79 Director of Finance: Mrs. Mary Callaghan Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 Director of Athletics and Maintenance: Mr. Dennis Moran Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Ms. Jessica Radogno Editor: Ms. Alena Murguia ’89 Graphic Design and Print: The Stevens Group Please direct comments to: amurguia@nazarethacademy.com View Blueprint online at: www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint Contact the editor to help stop duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your address. Your help is appreciated.

Like us! facebook.com/NazarethAcademy Join us! facebook.com/NazarethLGP Alumni Tweet us! twitter.com/NazarethLGP

Widening Our Lens….That All May Be One is the theme of our 2019-2020 school year.

It calls each of us to consider how clearly we see what is all around us.

How we view the world, our perceptions of the world we live in...has an immense influence on our attitude, our mood and ultimately the energy we put into the world. A wider lens gives us the opportunity to consider another’s point of view and to empathize more readily with others.

If this sounds somewhat familiar to you as a member of our Nazareth family, we are not surprised. You know that the cornerstone of our shared mission with our Sisters of Saint Joseph is our pillar of Unity. What better way to drive home the message of uniting all of creation through God and one another than by inviting each of us to widen our lens.

We are so very proud and excited to continue the legacy of our Sisters and of all who have gone before us here at Naz. The academics, the service components, the athletic and extracurricular programs all remain spectacularly strong. But what sets us apart is our rootedness in the CSJ mission. It always has and always will.

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Blueprint and the ways that it inspires each of us to broaden our own perspective. We hope you take up the challenge this year and consider widening your own lens in whatever way God might be calling you.

We see you...and we thank you...

Deborah Tracy ’82 President

Therese Hawkins ’79 Principal

Share us! instagram.com/NazarethLGP pg / 3

Shining a Lens ON THE FOUR PILLARS In keeping with this year’s school theme, Nazareth Academy has broadened its own focus on stretching learning, opening new paths to serve others, widening our leadership in terms of school spirit and reaching the hearts of students in the pursuit of unity.

As we “Widen Our Lens...That All May Be One,” we continue to keep the four pillars of our mission in the foreground.

Scholarship The Modified Block The start of the school year saw a complete overhaul of the schedule to a Modified Block. Nazareth still has courses that last an entire semester or full year, but instead of all classes every day, students have four 80-minute classes on block days.

Block days also include a 30-minute Activity Period, during which students can choose to study, burn off steam, collaborate with classmates or just hang out with friends. A typical 5-day week also includes an All Contact Day when students attend each of their classes.

Principal Therese Hawkins is confident about the change. “In making the decision to adopt a new schedule, our focus remained

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on one important question: What will best serve the students of Nazareth Academy both now and in the future? Adopting a new schedule required all of us to stretch ourselves and to think about how our daily schedule could equip our students with a world-class academic program while tending to the social/emotional needs of young adults in today’s world.”

The faculty and staff spent the past two years re-examining curriculum, receiving professional development, designing the daily activity period and updating several spaces so that students reap the benefits this schedule affords them. The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive as they appreciate having to prepare for fewer classes each night and the freedom of choice that comes with the Activity Period.

Service Young Community Changemakers With pride and gratitude, community members gathered in April to celebrate the inaugural Young Community Changemakers Program (YC2). 14 Nazareth juniors and seniors were chosen for the program which was sponsored by Community Memorial Foundation, The Burjan Family and Allow Good. They joined students from Lyons Township High School to explore the social challenges in our community and deepen their understanding of philanthropy; they ultimately awarded $15,000 to nonprofit organizations.

Caity Sarin ’19 said, “Whether we are from Naz or LT, no matter our background, we can make a change. Through YC2 all of us were given a voice, made our own decisions and brought our own thoughts to the table.” Connor Dempsey ’20 added, “I think our effort really speaks to the power of young people: when we are given the power and tools to rise above, we absolutely will.”

“We are particularly proud of our partnership with a program that lifts up key values of service, community investment and philanthropy,” said President Deborah Tracy. “What an outstanding accomplishment for our students to already be recognized as such positive changemakers for our community and our world.”

Spirit Freddie Fanatics Our student fan section, the Freddie Fanatics, has its roots in the passion and spirit of Sr. Frederick Molitor ’46, While all members of the Naz Family are considered Fanatics, each year certain seniors are designated as leaders, best known for their themes and chants during football and basketball games. This year, Nazareth looks to broaden their scope, opening this leadership opportunity to more seniors by creating three distinct groups of Freddie Fanatics leaders, one for each season.

Leaders applied for this role at the end of their junior year and were selected based on the quality of their application.

“We have been so lucky that since the inception of the Freddie Fanatics nearly 10 years ago, there have been dedicated seniors who have embraced this important role,” said Director of Student Activities, Mrs. Kate Hamm. “This change gives more seniors an opportunity to lead our pillar of Spirit outside of the school day. We also hope that by having three different groups, the leaders will be able to attend more sporting events and encourage their peers to do so as well.”

“At first I was hesitant about the new idea,” said Tommy Weyer ’20, “but now I’m excited. This will give leaders the opportunity to focus on each season’s sports and get the best ideas out of each leader.”

Cam Chambers ’20 agreed, “This is a great way to give more students opportunities to express themselves and be a part of the Nazareth community. It gives more people confidence and lets them have the ability to fill a leadership role.”

Unity The Alexine Chapel Reflecting on our lives and the presence of God within us and among us has been part of our Nazareth history since our start in 1900. Although these reflections can happen anywhere, we have been blessed with the ability to worship and pray as a school community in the beautiful CSJ Chapel for over 30 years. It has been the site of retreats, Masses and Prayer Services.

This year, it becomes an even more integral part of Nazareth’s educational mission.

We are pleased to have worked with the Congregation of St. Joseph through their building transitions on campus and to now obtain charge of this magnificent and special space.

In officially adding the chapel as part of our vibrant campus, we are pleased to announce that its name is now the Alexine Chapel.

“It seems fitting in Nazareth’s 120th Anniversary year to acknowledge our foundress, Mother Alexine in this significant way,” said President Deborah Tracy. “We are forever grateful to her and to all of the Sisters of Saint Joseph who have paved the way for us. They remain our biggest supporters and the very best role models for each of us.”

Beyond the new honorary name, Nazareth is grateful to continue using the chapel to deepen students’ sense of unity.

“The Chapel is so much a part of who we are at Nazareth as a faith community,” said Campus Minister Janet Houda Rausch ’91.

“This next chapter allows us to always remember our core identity as we continue to reach out to our dear neighbors around us.”

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Focus on Alumni

Sr. Julie Cannon, CSJ Sr. Julie Cannon’s life philosophy is to always be alert to opportunities to serve and to learn. Her openness to both has led her to five advanced degrees, travel to six of the seven continents and untold numbers of friendships. She traces this philosophy back to her Nazareth days, where she was inspired by “teachers who were giants of education. Sister Aquinas, Sister Constance and Sister Paulita [Ellen Springer] made learning so interesting that I never wanted to stop.”

And she hasn’t. Her love, particularly of science, led her first into teaching (including a stint as Nazareth’s Biology instructor), and then into nursing. “I was pretty content teaching when a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph community asked if I had ever considered nursing. It wasn’t something I planned for, but it’s where I specialized for the next 40 years.”

She worked clinically in both critical care and psych and was instrumental at Rush Hospital in helping to develop a stress unit with dual diagnosis from each department. Even when she took up

’51 “ I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE TRAVELLED TO SIX CONTINENTS AND PRACTICED NURSING ON FIVE OF THEM. LEARNING ABOUT CULTURES IS SO DIFFERENT THAN THE TECHNICAL APPROACH OF LEARNING ABOUT NURSING. IT HAS ADDED RICHNESS TO MY LIFE.”

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teaching nursing at North Park University, she continued her clinical work. “I loved working with patients so I made sure to keep a clinical rotation, particularly at Chicago Read Mental Health Center.”

The development of an international nursing program at North Park led Sr. Julie to her next great passion - travelling. “I am so blessed to have travelled to six continents and practiced nursing on five of them. Learning about cultures is so different than the technical approach of learning about nursing. It has added richness to my life.”

At the age of 85, Sr. Julie is still “alert and quite mobile so off I go,” most recently to Croatia.

She takes immense pride in both Nazareth Academy and the Congregation of St. Joseph, recognizing the power of the gifts she received from both and the grace that comes from passing those gifts on to others. When given the chance, she reminds students that “love is always the answer.

Whatever the problem or challenge, a kind and loving heart opens the door to the future.”

David Bowman

’86

SOMETIMES SUCCESS DOESN’T COME AS MUCH FROM A PLAN AS IT DOES FROM AN OPENNESS TO THE GIFTS AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME YOUR WAY. DAVID BOWMAN IS A CASE IN POINT.

The award winning photographer did not set out to make his career behind a lens, but he did know that he wanted to stretch himself, do things a little differently, travel.

“Even in high school, I didn’t fit it any one category. At Naz I played sports, I was in a rock band, I really enjoyed art. I was friends with all sorts of different people. I didn’t feel the need to rebel against anything specifically, but I did feel a freedom to pursue an inner joy on my own terms.” Where David found that inner joy at Nazareth was in Nan Garside’s photography class senior year.

It was a surprising discovery for a kid who liked art, but didn’t even own a camera until Nan gave him an old one of hers. That was just the beginning. David learned best by experimenting and following his vision. True to form, he didn’t take pictures by the book with expected equipment; he saw and framed the world based on the story he was telling with the equipment at hand.

“When I was set to study abroad in Ireland, I went to say goodbye to Nan and admitted I did not have a camera. Again, she gave me one - this time one that had been her father’s - and insisted I take pictures.” Those initial roles of film in Ireland prompted David to join a photo society and his career took off from there.

He worked successfully for many years in commercial photography until going back to school in 2009 to pursue his MFA. “With two young daughters and a house, I was ready to pursue the academic side of photography.” While finishing the program (from which he graduated as Valedictorian), he was contacted by National Geographic - the magazine ultimately published one of his images as the opening spread to their 125th anniversary edition.

That exposure led to more opportunity, including the invitation to sell his photographs worldwide as exclusive, limited-edition prints in National Geographic Fine Art Galleries.

Art is similar to life in David’s view. “The camera shapes my perception in that it gives shape to my art by providing a frame.

As an artist I use this to determine what to exclude and what to include. I choose what I want to show people in my story.”

In April 2020, David Bowman will be inducted into Nazareth Academy’s Fine Arts Hall of Fame. pg / 7

Nicole Jeray

’88 NICOLE JERAY ALMOST DID NOT ATTEND NAZARETH.

She was set to go to her local public high school, but had spent the entire summer on the golf course and that school wasn’t going to let her play on the boys team (all they had).

Nazareth did not have a girls team at that point either, “but the administration granted me permission to try out for the boys team and I absolutely fell in love with Nazareth.

My male teammates all accepted me and they were really good, so I got better.”

Nicole’s high school choice story is indicative of a life lived figuring out how to overcome obstacles. She persevered in a male dominated sport in high school, went on to a successful golf and academic career at Northern Illinois University where she won eight collegiate titles and was inducted into the NIU Hall of Fame. Nicole joined the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour out of college. “I was a few years on tour, shooting well, really at the height of my career when illness struck.” It took some time for Nicole to be diagnosed with narcolepsy and even longer to figure out how to manage her disease.

Narcolepsy is an incurable and often misunderstood disease so Nicole dealt with years of trial-and-error medications and nutrition plans alongside the (mis)perception that she was simply tired. “What I took from that experience was a greater determination to help sufferers and educate the public about narcolepsy. It was in meeting other patients and sharing treatment strategies that I figured out how to manage my disease.”

Nicole decided to use her LPGA platform to raise awareness, improve education, fund research and inspire other people to know they can continue to live their dreams even with narcolepsy. “My main inspiration is the other patients.

I am hopeful we’ll have a cure soon, but meanwhile I still plan to live my life to the fullest.”

That full life includes playing on the LPGA Legends Tour, a job as a Teaching Pro at Mistwood Golf Club and, most recently, a return to Nazareth as the Assistant Girls Golf Coach. “It is so exciting to be back at Nazareth teaching girls about the game that I love. Hopefully, I’ll also teach them to have a dream and not be defeated by setbacks. When you choose the attitude that you can learn from mistakes, you live without fear.”

Next up for Nicole: The Senior LGPA Championship, October 14-16.

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Tim Contois Nazareth Academy has always been proud of its partnership with the La Grange Park Police Department, but we can now boast that the local department is part of the Nazareth Family. In June, Tim Contois, a member of the LGPPD since 2002, was sworn in as Police Chief.

His path to this new position was not so obvious.

He joked about Mrs. Tracy seeing him for the first time in police uniform and maybe wondering about the high schooler who didn’t apply himself as much as he should have. “I learned from that high school experience though. I had teachers, a football team, and a structured environment at Nazareth that helped me grow from a juvenile into an adult.” He took those lessons and pursued a life in public service.

He worked as a dispatcher while attending classes in law enforcement, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Governors State University and a Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University; Tim is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command Program.

Chief Contois plans to take what he’s learned and what he’s experienced into his new role.

“Very simply, I am looking to build a partnership with the community.” Knowing that communication between the department and the citizens has to be a two-way street, he takes pride in the Citizens Police Academy, National Night Out and frequent Coffee with the Chief gatherings as ways to begin a dialogue. “Having the ability to communicate in a non-enforcement atmosphere is a better way for everyone to be comfortable to speak their mind.”

As much as he recognizes himself and his Naz classmates in the ways today’s students interact and high-five each other in the hallways, he also recognizes the diversity in the community he serves and tries to listen and learn from each encounter.

“I would tell Nazareth students something similar to what I say to my officers. Keep yourself open to learning. If you learned one new thing today, it was a good day.”

’96 “I WOULD TELL NAZARETH STUDENTS SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT I SAY TO MY OFFICERS. KEEP YOURSELF OPEN TO LEARNING. IF YOU LEARNED ONE NEW THING TODAY, IT WAS A GOOD DAY.”

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HONORING 25 YEARS: THE LISA MARIE SANTORO SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION In 1994, Lisa Marie Santoro had just graduated from Nazareth when her life was taken due to an act of violence. She was just 18.

“The loss of our beautiful Lisa is overwhelming, the pain unbearable, and the act of violence unconscionable,” said parents Tom and Barbara, but instead of dwelling in pain and anger, the Santoros devoted their lives to educating students through their “Dear Lisa” Dating Violence and Prevention Program.

They also established a foundation in their daughter’s name. For 25 years, the foundation has awarded a $5,000 scholarship to a female Nazareth graduate to attend college.

“Lisa was a gift from God and we treasure every minute we had with her,” said her parents. “We can envision Lisa’s wide, wonderful smile had she known how many young women would be touched by her brief and beautiful life.”

The outreach and philanthropy of Tom and Barbara Santoro has been recognized by a number of community organizations and the couple was named as the 2019 Nazareth Academy Four Pillars recipients for Scholarship.

Most importantly, they have impacted the lives of all of “Lisa’s Girls” as Santoro recipients are lovingly known. Those girls, now women, carry Lisa in their hearts always.

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“ Since I was on the squad with Lisa, I was deeply impacted by her death.

Being the recipient of the scholarship gave me a sense of purpose beyond myself - I was now carrying a piece of Lisa’s legacy on my shoulders.

My children know they have an “angel Lisa.” My friends and family have been touched by her story and by the work of her parents. I tell her story to make sure her legacy lives through me.” ~Kristen Pawlowski Fischer ’97 “ Being a part of a community that otherwise would not be if it had not been for Lisa’s death means that this is more than a high school club or memory, it’s a responsibility to prevent and educate on domestic violence.

The Santoro’s are family. They have shown a genuine love and concern for each one of us. It’s always a pleasure to see Mrs. Santoro’s smile and to hear from Mr. S.” ~Kristan Jones-Scales ’02

“ Being named one of Lisa’s Girls is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received.

As a pediatrician, Lisa’s story and legacy provide me a unique perspective when caring for the adolescent population and I feel so fortunate to be part of this scholarship family.” ~Mary Elizabeth Calabrese ’07

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 FOUR PILLARS RECIPIENTS

Scholarship | Thomas & Barbara Santoro P ’94, ’96 Service | Sheila Brown Sullivan ’57

“ Being named one of Lisa’s Girls provided me with a platform to advocate for the victims of abuse. Lisa’s story has been disseminated by recipients at numerous universities, allowing her legacy to extend far beyond the Nazareth community.

Increasing the awareness of this issue has empowered victims to seek necessary help and also continues to promote healthy relationships each day.” ~Justyna Falat ’13 “ There aren’t enough thank you’s in the world for what the Santoro’s have given to each of us. To be part of this group of women who are each accomplishing great feats in their own way is truly an honor.

Although I never met her, Lisa has forever changed my life and her legacy continues to shine through every heart her story reaches.” ~Kaitlyn Yarka ’14 “ Lisa’s story is heartbreaking. I admire the way the Santoro’s have turned such pain into a beautiful legacy. I carry them with me in all that I do.” ~Maya Vondrasek ’17 “ Being named the newest member of Lisa’s Girls has opened all sorts of connections.

The Santoros have truly welcomed me into their family and have provided me with the opportunity to attend college to become successful. The cause they support is truly meaningful to me and I congratulate them on receiving the Four Pillars Award.” ~ Caity Sarin ’19

Spirit | Lisa Hable Urzen ’84 Unity | Sr. Marianne Race, CSJ ’59

Announcing the 2020 Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductees PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE 2020 FINE ARTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Jennifer Aparicio ’02 Jennifer has a BA in Theater from Columbia College and is currently a Production Manager for Teatro Vista and a self employed Stage Manager.

She has worked for JAM Productions/JAM Theatricals/Advice Agency, 16th Street Theater, American Theater Company and Chicago a Cappella.

David Bowman ’86 Photographer David Bowman has won numerous awards (34+) and has worked on editorials for many top magazines, including Rolling Stone, NY Times and Vanity Fair. David’s photographs are sold in National Geographic Fine Arts Galleries. He has served on the faculties of Art Institutes International Minnesota and Academy of Art University.

Ryan Jagiello ’93 RyTheMovieGuy has always been a lover of cinema. He is the co-founder of CinemaJaw and each week releases an episode podcast reviewing the latest films. CinemaJaw has booked amazing guests including media personalities, filmmakers, actors, directors, rock stars, comedians, content creators, podcasters and film critics. Ryan is also a current member of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle.

The 2020 Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at 6 p.m. Please join us for the induction ceremony and reception in the Oremus Media Center prior to the 7 p.m. Naz Drama production of Footloose.

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Alumni News ALUMNI NEWS

Young Alum Veronica Alfred ’18 was named a leader for the field staff of the St. Ambrose Fighting Bee Marching Band for the 2019-2020 school year!

Daphne Bigelow ’18

received the Hazel Brakebill Perrault Scholarship for advanced achievement in the study of Italian Language at Oklahoma University. She credits former faculty member Mr. Matthew Mullen for inspiring her love of all-things Italian.

Tony Miranda, Nazareth religion teacher, went to Beijing, China, this past summer where he connected with two Naz alum, Jason Wei ’18 and Xinzic Chen ’17.

Congrats to Jorge Palacios ’15 who joined Northwestern Mutual Chicago full-time in July. He started in the NM College Program while a student at Concordia University and rose to among Northwestern Mutual’s top 100 college advisors nationwide.

Sydney Stancik ’15 was named one of

the 2019 Senior 100 Honorary recipients at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. These students have proven to go above and beyond in academics, leadership and vast campus involvements during their time at UIUC. Also at UIUC, Carl Robst ’15 was named a 2019 Gies Business Deans Scroll recipient.

James Turek ’15 was commissioned

into the United States Army in May. Second Lieutenant Turek graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and was commissioned as an Adjutant General Officer. He is attending training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. We thank James for his service.

Congratulations to David Zavala ’17, who has been selected as a McNair Scholar at Knox College for their 2-year cohort.

Kyle Kane ’16 set a Millikin University

Baseball program record for hits in a single game. Kyle went 6-6 in April.

Bridget Adams King ’15 received a

2019 JEFF Award nomination for her performance as Lucy Parsons in Haymarket under the category of Non-Equity for Best Performer in a Principal Role/Musical.

At the awards ceremony she ran into fellow Roadrunner, Jeff DeLong ’84.

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Way to represent Marri Gragnani ’14!

Marri was chosen to represent the Italian American community in Chicago as a member of the 2019 Columbus Day Court.

Felicia David ’13 graduated from Trinity

Christian College with her B.A. in Special Education and Elementary Education.

She started a new position as a Special Education teacher at Elim Christian School.

Congratulations Katie Durnell ’12 on her new job at Clinical Outcomes Solutions.

Katie holds a BS as well as an MPH. Will Ernst ’14 accepted the position of Assistant Director of Bands & Music Production at York Community High School.

Gianna Esposito ’14 has continued to pursue her love of music and performing, recently releasing her first album Abraxa

by Gianna Rachelle on song.link.

Kevin Reardon ’11

is already sharing his skills as a dentist.

He spent five weeks in the Dominican Republic this summer through the Institute for Latin American Concern which is a nonprofit organization run by Creighton University. He was one of fifteen 4th year dental students providing care to five rural communities throughout the DR. “I learned so much about what it means to be a compassionate healthcare provider and what interprofessional care looks like.”

Kevin is also the President of Creighton Dental School’s Class of 2020 and expects to graduate in May.

Class Notes Reporter Sara Maslar-Donar ’11 is on the move. The Mizzou alum, who was reporting for mid-Missouri’s ABC 17 News, made the move to Madison, Wisconsin in June to work for WKOW. Keep up the great work Sara.

Congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Suchy ’10. After earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois, she joined the veterinary staff at Hinsdale Animal Hospital.

Where John Gurney ’06 plays,

Roadrunners follow.

At a local show in July, John was cheered on by

Kathy O’Hara Gurney ’69, Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82, Ben Cain ’89 and Melissa Dudak Byram ’01.

Welcome home Nicole Jeray ’88. Nicole continues to compete on the LPGA Senior Circuit, but can be found closer to home these days, instructing at Mistwood Country Club and happily returning to the Roadrunners as the Assistant Coach for Girls Golf.

See page 8.

Barbara Balaskas Fox ’78 and husband John treated their nephew Keenan and his daughter Hailey to their first Indianapolis 500 race this past May. Barbara and John have attended this event since 2004.

The Schaumburg Boomers made the wise decision to add Brendan Green ’02 to their roster in 2019... as the color announcer. Congrats Brendan.

Congratulations to Bethany Mager ’99 who received the

Multiple congrats to Carrie Turek ’10 who successfully

defended her dissertation at the University of Notre Dame and became engaged on the same June day.

2019 Educator of the Year Award at Nazareth. The Educator of the Year Award is determined by the students who vote for an educator who has made an impact on them.

What a great choice!

Tim Contois ’96 was sworn in as La Grange Park

Police Chief in June. See page 9.

Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ ’74, a member of the

Congregation of St. Joseph’s leadership team, attended the International Union of Superiors General gathering in Rome. The gathering included more than 800 Superiors General, from 80 different countries, and included an audience with Pope Francis.

Madelyn Giloth Balitz ’73

Antonette Minniti ’96 earned her Ph.D. in Education from Illinois State University in May. The College of Teaching and Learning granted her doctorate in Social Emotional Learning through Depression Education in a High School Setting.

This degree is Antonette’s 5th, having earned a Bachelor’s, three Master’s and now her Doctorate.

Antonette is currently an honored and beloved Guidance Counselor at Fremd High School.

Tinamarie Gonzalez Hernandez ’89 was profiled in the February issue of Hinsdale Magazine for her role as Executive Director for Diveheart. Diveheart is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build confidence, independence and self-esteem in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities. Her role there began as a volunteer and grew to the Executive Director position.

is now a published author.

A hospice social worker, she wrote All is Well based on the premise that while planning for or talking about death is uncomfortable, everyone faces the loss of a loved one or their own end of life and being prepared is wise in both pragmatic and emotional ways.

Congratulations to alumni and former faculty who are celebrating their Jubilees with the Congregation of St. Joseph. We celebrate Sisters Ann Terese Reznicek ’48, Mary Schaefer ’58 and Joellen Sbrissa ’58.

During Nazareth’s Faculty Staff celebration of milestone anniversaries in May, we had the pleasure of honoring the 25th Naz anniversary for Jeanne Paliatka ’86, Debbie Vondrasek Tracy ’82 and Kristen Driscoll Stojetz ’89. pg / 13

ALUMNI NEWS continued

In Memoriam

Weddings

We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away.

Jennifer LeBeda ’92 and Patrick Hannigan - April Taylor Hanson ’05 and Dan Cummings - May

May 2019 - August 2019

Shana Alvi, daughter of Erica Petersen Lazaridis ’88

Amber Hitney ’08 and Anthony Amarino ’01 - July

Yvonne Balian, mother of Jackie Balian Stasch ’87, Michael Balian ’91 and mother-in-law of Ned Stasch ’87

Josh Izzo ’03 and his new bride Julie - July

Carol Ann Kurth Bubolz ’67

Kim Calarco ’85 and Marc Lovett - July

Marian Mikich Cosgrove ’43 Mary Beth Schlanser Doyle ’62

Births

Betty Braza Frampton ’49

Jennifer LeBeda Hannigan ’92

had her 2nd daughter, Caiside Patricia, in January. Big sister Hannah (age 10) adores her!

Tanya Jech ’06 and husband Georgio welcomed their first baby in June. Welcome to the world Andriano Martin Sourbis.

Liz Letcher Marsh ’05 welcomed

her third baby, Camden Robert, in June. Big sibs Liam and Abby adore her.

Disa DiBuono Simpson ’06

and husband John ’04 welcomed Siena Lanai Simpson in July.

Baby Sam Sobol joined mom Laura Meyer Newman ’00 and husband Rob adopted two beautiful boys in March. Welcome to the family Jackson “Jack” and Brendan.

Jaclyn Broucek Sobol ’06, dad Clayton and brother Anthony in August.

Congrats to Charlene Halek ’98 on the birth of son Brandon Matthew Kurtz in April.

Rae Ann Guzzo ’66 Barbara Perry Marksbury ’56 Mary McKenna Martin ’49 Judy Novak ’58 Eleanor O’Connor ’43, sister of Irene ’44 Bruce R. Paugh ’88 John Ray ’86 Barbara Rice ’62, sister of Ruthann Rice Coleman ’60 and Mary Kay Rice ’64 Jane Rezek Schymeinsky ’57 Janice R. Sorensen, mother of Mike Sorensen ’91 and Liz Sorensen Maltz ’98 Irene Halligan Spahn ’42

Matt Matkovich ’04 welcomed William in May. Mom, Dad, and big brother Ben are beyond blessed to have Will join the party!

Robert Sullivan, husband of Sheila Brown Sullivan ’57, father of Kelly ’79, Maggie Sullivan Wilhelmi ’82, Maureen Sullivan Pacana ’83, Patrick ’89 and Timothy

Lacey Buidosik Hatfield ’98

Angela Tarantino, mother of Tracey Tarantino DiBuono ’74 and grandmother of Darci DiBuono Pinello ’06 and Disa DiBuono-Simpson ’06

and husband Justin welcomed their second daughter Lillian Isabella to the world in June. Lily Belle joins her big sister, Dotty.

SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! Alumni news and photos can be sent to ccook@nazarethacademy.com

Cynthia Stadler “Cynnie” Wittosch, mother of Cynthia Wittosch McCullough ’89 Stephen Yandel, husband of Vanessa Cervantes-Yandel ’06

Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section.

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NAZ BY THE NUMBERS

30

minute mid-day Activity Period allows students to engage more fully in extracurriculars as part of the Modified Block Schedule.

19

alumni are a part of Nazareth’s full time faculty and staff.

15th

02.22.20

ANNIVERSARY

Save the Date! The annual Mothers Club Auction on February 22, 2020 will be in a brand new location!

of the Solsberry Hill Service trip involved 26 students and 4 faculty chaperones.

8

CLUB 1209

offers alumni from 2009-2019 a unique way to give back while receiving membership perks.

students’ projects advanced to the Regional History Fair in 2019, with Mary Welenc ’20 ultimately qualifying for National History Day.

6th

in State team finish for Boys Tennis along with Michael Rooney’s 3rd Place individual finish, a new Nazareth record.

THE CLASS OF 2023 comes from 33 communities and 57 different grade schools

1 BOOK, 1 NAZ asked all students and faculty to read A Man Called Ove as we began a year-long focus on empathy.

40

Happy Nan-iversary!

Art teacher Nan Garside celebrates 40 years at Nazareth this year.

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Crystal Lake, IL Permit No. 174

Forwarding Service Requested

NAZARETH ACADEMY 1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 www.nazarethacademy.com

CONSIDER HOW AN AMAZING, FAITH-FILLED EDUCATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE. REMEMBER HOW IT CHANGED YOURS?

It’s not promised to us, it’s sustained by us.

Be a monthly giver. #sustainit

Visit nazarethacademy.com and click Support Nazareth to make your sustaining gift.

If you receive duplicate copies of Blueprint, please contact Alena Murguia at amurguia@nazarethacademy.com or 708.387.8536 with your current address. Thank you in advance for helping conserve our resources.