Nazareth Academy Blueprint Spring 2024

A Publication of the NAZARETH ACADEMY Community

Blueprint SPRING 2024

Educating the Whole Person Since 1900

IN THIS ISSUE 125th Anniversary Preview Ties that Bind Alumni Profiles Naz by the Numbers

Naz by the Numbers

This year’s student body includes

70 64 4

In September, the League of Women Voters helped register

117 students to vote.

9th

Place in State is the best-ever IHSA finish for our Competitive Dance Team.

legacy students of

alum parents and

alum grandmothers.

25

Nazareth juniors were chosen for the 6th annual Young Community Changemakers program.

AS PART OF OUR GOSPEL SERVICE PROGRAM, STUDENTS HAVE SERVED AT

262 DIFFERENT SITES THIS YEAR.

2014

The Football Roadrunners will be inducted into the ESCC Hall of Fame this year along with Mr. Dennis Moran.

Almost, Maine was selected to perform at the

48th

annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival.

41

seniors were recognized as 2024 Illinois State Scholars.

Campus Ministry and Parent Partnership Council hosted their

1st

Parent Retreat in October.

In a show of Service and Unity, Writers’ Society and Book Club donated

2,500

books to Bernie’s Book Bank, one of the charity’s largest donations of 2023.

Thanks to Young Hearts for Life and Mend-a-Heart Foundation,

504

Nazareth students received a free ECG heart screening in November.

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 www.nazarethacademy.com President: Mrs. Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 Principal: Mrs. Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79 Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 Director of Buildings & Grounds: Mr. Dennis Moran Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Ms. Jessica Radogno

Blueprint 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 Like us! facebook.com/NazarethAcademy Join us! facebook.com/NazarethLGP Alumni Tweet us! twitter.com/NazarethLGP Share us! instagram.com/NazarethLGP Connect with us! linkedin.com/school/nazareth-academy

Dear Nazareth Academy Alumni, Families and Friends,

One of the signs of a strong and connected family is how well we celebrate important milestones. Here at Nazareth, we are gearing up for quite the 125th Anniversary Year!

There is no shortage of ways that our mission of educating the whole person has been lifted up throughout our entire history. From those first brave and visionary Sisters in 1900 through the present day, a legacy of academic excellence and a commitment to unifying love permeate a Nazareth Academy education.

No doubt we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.

Everything we are able to accomplish today has much to do with the hard work and dedication of so many who helped to get us here. Of course the strongest shoulders are those of our CSJ Sisters … smart and wise, loving and capable, dynamic leaders who remain the cornerstone of who we are and all we do. We offer up this Anniversary Year in their honor and invite everyone to save the date of June 6, 2025 for our Gala Celebration where we will officially recognize these incredible women.

Our Nazareth family is also laced with alumni who continue to carry out the work of our Sisters by embracing our Four Pillars. We are delighted to share the stories of several of them in this issue. These women and men, like each of you, make us so proud to witness the ways our mission remains alive.

We look forward to celebrating with you throughout this coming year.

Who doesn’t love having so many reasons to celebrate? Let the good times roll!

Deborah Tracy ’82 President

Therese Hawkins ’79 Principal

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 18 as we celebrate our sixth annual Naz Give Day. All funds raised on Give Day support the Nazareth Academy student experience, such as financial aid, classroom and technology enhancements, Campus Ministry and extracurricular activities.

Please consider giving a gift of any amount and GIVE US THIS DAY. pg / 3

TIES that BIND

Sisters of St. Joseph and Nazareth Academy Continue Long History of Mission-Based Engagement

Nazareth Academy and the Congregation of St. Joseph will share a 125th Anniversary in 2024-25.

Throughout our intertwined histories, the Sisters’ spiritual influence and mission of unity – one with God, one with each other and one with all creation – have remained ever present and serve as the foundation from which we educate and serve our students and the community. The work of Board of Trustee members, Sisters Pat Bergen ’63, Mary Jo Curtsinger, Marianne Race ’59 and Jacqueline Schmitz ’64, helps to ensure that decision making is rooted in this shared mission.

Additionally, the Sisters’ presence as our next-door dear neighbors on our campus allows the connection between us to thrive and reflects an ongoing commitment to engagement that is lived out in many ways, including opportunities for spiritual and educational growth, service collaborations, fellowship and sometimes just for fun!

For over fifty years, Sister Terry Middendorf ’60 has been a daily presence for students. As Nazareth’s Academic Dean and Director of Admissions she works closely with current and prospective families to build the best possible academic schedule for each student. Keeping Nazareth’s Pillar of Scholarship at the center of her daily work sets an

pg / 4

example for living Nazareth’s mission for everyone around her. She also proudly keeps everyone looking forward, saying, “Every time we turn the page to a new class, we are looking at a number which is five years out. The gift of always looking ahead is that you can’t just accept the way things are, because you know that when that class graduates, the world is going to look different. They have to be ready for it; therefore, we have to be ready for it.”

Sisters and students regularly gather in Alexine Chapel for prayer services, Masses, graduations, concerts and other events. At last year’s graduation, Sisters Pat Bergen and Mary Jo Curtsinger handed each graduate a key tag emblazoned with the words, “Saint Joseph, Pray For Us,” to serve as a reminder to keep the Congregation’s mission and the values of their Catholic education with them always.

Sisters Pat and Mary Jo also recently visited theology classes as guest lecturers and spoke to students about how the CSJ mission can be lived out in today’s world. Musician and composer Sister Kathy Sherman has been present all year to inspire and celebrate with students at Masses and prayer services. “We Sisters consider it a joy to participate in mentoring students for leadership to carry out the mission of Unifying Love in the Church and our world,” said Sister Pat.

“ Because we are created in the image of God, I convey to students that each of us is creative in some way.”

-Sister Mary Southard ’54

Traditionally around St. Joseph’s Day, Sisters visit as guest lecturers, speaking to students about how academic subjects like Theology, Science, Social Studies and Art intertwine with and can express the mission. Those interactions can take place at any time. This fall, world renowned artist and sculptor, Sister Mary Southard ’54, whose beautiful work can be seen throughout campus, led the Art Club in a live painting demonstration called “Paint From Within.” “Because we are created in the image of God, I convey to students that each of us is creative in some way,” said Sister Mary. “At their age, they are actively dreaming about and creating their lives and futures.

Painting is one way to allow what is moving within to flow outward so that it can be seen and realized.”

Students and Sisters regularly collaborate in the Pillar of Service. Last spring they partnered with community members at the Quinn Center of Maywood to help plant a community garden at the annual Cultivate Quinn event.

Sisters Celeste Cotter and Julie Cannon ’51, worked alongside students and faculty to dig out weeds and plant flowers, herbs and vegetables. This is just one example of

many shared service projects that go on throughout the year.

Sister Celeste also serves as the Sacristan in Alexine Chapel, serving as a role model for student Eucharistic Ministers.

Intermingled with these spiritual, educational and service engagements are also opportunities for Sisters and students to interact, visit with one another and simply have a little fun! SMILE Club (Students Mixing in the Lives of the Elderly) regularly visits the Sisters next door for holiday celebrations, sing-alongs, games and more. Sisters attend Naz Drama performances with their SMILE friends and regularly support student-athletes by attending games and cheering for our Roadrunners.

As we celebrate our milestone 125th Anniversary along with the Sisters of St. Joseph, we are truly grateful to have their continued support, engagement and genuine care for our beloved Nazareth Academy and students. We are blessed to call them our dear neighbors and look forward to many more years of collaboration in the spirit of our shared mission, that all may be one. pg / 5

Profiles

Sr. Pat Borchardt

’50

In her almost 75 years around Nazareth, Sr. Pat Borchardt has been known for many roles - student, Sister, Bookstore clerk, Roadrunner athletics ticket seller, super-fan; she has relished all of them. “The best word for Nazareth is ‘family.’

I felt it as a student and I continue to feel that way today. Nazareth has always been a place of belonging and love for me.”

She treasures her memories from back in the day, including Sr. Mary Paul, her English teacher, who would regale students by reciting poetry from memory during class, a skill that Sr. Pat continues to practice, sometimes to the surprise of Sisters at the La Grange Park Center. She can also still sing the song that Sr. Angela utilized in order to teach Latin conjugations and can describe the path through the old building she walked from class to gym. To say that her four years at Nazareth made an impact on her would be an understatement.

Sr. Pat has spent most of her life in Catholic education and suspected, even before starting at Nazareth, that she felt called to religious life. “I wasn’t entirely sure.

It wasn’t until I met some of the girls in the prep program my freshman year and became friends with them that I decided to make the commitment to board here and follow that path.” She never looked back and remains friends with many fellow alum Sisters, including two from the Class of 1950.

Sr. Pat describes her life in the Congregation of St. Joseph as a true gift. After college she taught in Catholic grade schools all over the western suburbs and for five years

pg / 6

in Coal City, Illinois. She has been active in a number of CSJ ministries including the original SHARE Food Program, Constance Morris House, Harmony Hope & Healing and BEDS. “One of the things that has changed over the past 75 years is how much more we can be involved with the people we serve. We can really get in there and rub elbows.”

Sr. Pat continues to communicate with families who originally stayed short term in the La Grange Park BEDS site; she’s even attended their children’s weddings.

These days, Sr. Pat utilizes her lifelong sewing skills to benefit pediatric patients in local hospitals.

“My grandmother was a ‘crafter’ before that was a word and she taught me to sew. For 25 years I helped create things for the CSJ Christmas Fairs. Now it brings tears to my eyes to see the way a little frog I sewed can bring a smile to a child who is suffering.” She shows no signs of slowing down, bringing her “if you don’t use it, you lose it” approach to her work for Naz athletics and her craft studio.

“I am so, so proud of Nazareth and the way it reflects the Congregation’s pioneer spirit.

No matter the challenge, we are not afraid to try. That makes all the difference.”

John Gabriel With twenty-one years of active duty Army and international diplomacy experience, Colonel John Gabriel has worked hand in hand with allies and partners in fifteen countries and on four continents in a variety of roles and has earned commendations and accolades along the way. This summer he will join the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Jerusalem as its Director of Operations. After that, he will take command of a 3,500 soldier combat brigade, “at which I’ll again lead young women and men in helping them become the best version of themselves.”

John takes his role as teacher and mentor very seriously. “The Army has

’99

given me the ability to positively influence thousands of young people, a purpose for which I am incredibly grateful.” He also credits his roots at Nazareth with helping him develop his leadership skills. “I am also grateful to many of Nazareth’s leaders and teachers, specifically Coach Dennis Moran’s commitment to his students. I am who I am today in large part because of Coach Moran’s patience and mentorship. My leadership style and perspective of selfless service are in his image.”

John is a lifelong learner. Currently a student at the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA, he holds a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree from the School of Advanced

“Each organization brought different groups of students together allowing me to grow in helpful ways and experience the diversity Nazareth offered.”

Military Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education from Kansas State University. “There are a variety of perspectives helpful to senior leaders as we understand and adjust to the environments in which we operate. Historical mindedness, strategic empathy, systems thinking and design and changing culture are just a few. Although the classes I took at Nazareth didn’t present these frames directly, interaction with other students and the faculty did set the foundation for being open to novel frames of thinking and problem solving methods.”

In addition to playing football at Nazareth, John also participated in National Honor Society, Science Club and German Club. “Each organization brought different groups of students together allowing me to grow in helpful ways and experience the diversity Nazareth offered.” He has seen the direct benefit of that holistic approach throughout his career in the Army.

In a world that is increasingly more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, understanding and leadership are even more valuable.

Both are qualities he found and continues to see at Nazareth.

The future of international diplomacy depends on “fostering a culture of dignity and respect.

The United States Army’s values are very much in line with my personal values and those that underpin the Nazareth education. Though I did not originally intend to stay in the Army past my original term of service, I stayed and I continue to serve because of the quality of the people with whom I interact on a daily basis and the opportunities to make an enduring impact on the future of our country.” pg / 7

Rob Donat From his earliest memories Rob Donat has pushed beyond the safe and expected to excel. Even in middle school he seized the opportunity to take high school classes in computer science and worked extra jobs to buy his own computer. His embrace of computer technology would eventually evolve into a career that straddled finance and technology for Citadel Investment Group and ultimately to co-founding GPS Insight, a global tech-based company.

Nazareth was a financial stretch for Rob, who was raised by a single mother. Here again, he took on additional jobs to make that opportunity a reality. “I needed a place like Nazareth to develop academically. Sr. Ellen was just the

’87 best motivator and inspired me enough to keep studying Physics into college. Peg Cain opened my mind to thinking in new ways.

Mr. Mike [Michalek] found ways to reach me even though I wasn’t much of a history student.” His successful academic career led him to the University of Illinois and then, after earning his degree in Finance, he followed his dream to fly, joining the U.S. Army and ultimately piloting helicopters.

In 2000, Rob took another risk, leaving his successful job to co-found his own company and proudly has not worked for anyone else since.

His company (which he has since sold, but where he still consults) provides tracking services that have helped small and large trucking businesses with logistics and safety.

“It was an audacious plan back in 2000 before the advent of Google Earth and I often thought of myself as a Chief Survival Officer, just working hard and taking whatever the next step was to build it up.”

The success of GPS Insight has allowed Rob to follow his other dreams and interests, most notably music, one of his lifelong passions.

Even though he left the Marching and Concert Band behind after high school, he never completely gave up playing and learning music, which he described as “transcendent.” In addition to always having a trombone on hand, he has learned piano and guitar and delved more deeply into music theory, another way of opening up the ways he thinks and sees the world.

Rob is also determined to give back to the places and causes that have been key in his life including music programs, children’s charities and, of course, Nazareth Academy. “Nazareth has always been at the top of that list because if it weren’t for Nazareth, I would not be in the place I am today.

There are still plenty of kids from working-class families who cannot easily afford the tuition. Why wouldn’t you want to help the people who will be the next generation to do interesting and productive things?”

In fact, on the occasion of Nazareth’s 125th Anniversary, Rob is looking ahead. “I am wishing Nazareth another 125 years of the same exceptional dedication, not just to its students, but to the faculty and Sisters who work to make it successful.”

“Nazareth has always been at the top of that list because if it weren’t for Nazareth, I would not be in the place I am today. There are still plenty of kids from working-class families who cannot easily afford the tuition.”

pg / 8

Bridget Adams-King

’15

“It’s difficult for me to put into words just how much Nazareth Academy impacted my life.” Bridget Adams-King entered high school already sure that she wanted to pursue singing and acting, but was unsure of how best to use her voice.

As a young biracial woman she carried the additional challenge of a life split between her predominantly white home and grade school and her father’s legacy as a civil rights activist who marched in Selma.

Nazareth helped her find her way.

“High school is often about figuring out where we fit in. I was asking myself what my voice stood for. I am so grateful I was able to go through that surrounded by diverse faces and voices.

Nazareth provided a safe environment for me to figure out what it might mean to be an artist and a woman of color.”

She credits the way she was seen and valued for her gifts by teachers like Mrs. Maney and Mrs. White.

“They not only helped me grow my passion; they led a fine arts program that provided me with a stable base.”

She also recognizes the value in being pushed to develop as a student and storyteller by the likes of Ms. García and Mr. Banasiak.

“I was so focused on being an artist, but they encouraged me to do my

best in the classroom too. Now I can see clearly that to be a good artist you have to be a fully rounded person. Everyone at Nazareth helped me develop that.” It is also the place she formed friendships that remain as strong as ever, all established in an environment of warmth and kindness.

Pursuing a career in the arts requires the kind of security and confidence Bridget found at Nazareth since working actors invite a roller coaster of critique and temporary employment. Bridget embraces it all. “Theatre is a concentrated version of life. We all have our ups and downs. Sure, not everyone chooses to invite that criticism of every audition or performance, but I believe for every rejection or low moment, there is something better around the corner. I love the art of the story and the feeling that comes with connecting with other humans in such a powerful way.”

Certainly, Bridget made a powerful mark on Nazareth as an actress and a vocalist on stage and in the Chapel, where she has returned many times since graduation to lend her voice. She has also made her mark in the Chicago theatre scene, working onstage consistently, earning two Jeff Award nominations and even being named one of the “hottest new faces of 2018” by the Chicago Tribune. Bridget knows this stage of her career is only the beginning. “Life is about choosing to grow. Nazareth’s leaders have always known that and made it happen. I want that too.

I want to expand and grow the caliber of my storytelling. I hope to make my impact by inspiring others with those stories.”

pg / 9

Updates

Class Notes In December, Officer Eduardo Gonzales ’18, a probationary officer with Posen’s police department, was recognized for his restraint and sharp eye that helped thwart a pair of accused murderers on the run. He received the Gallantry Star from the Worth Police Department for his actions.

a member of Nazareth’s Board of Trustees, was honored with the Hometown Dream Weaver Award from Proviso Township’s Operation Uplift.

Carol Frugoli ’16 passed the Illinois

State Bar exam. She works as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Josie Suter ’16 was honored by the

College of DuPage with a Distinguished Alumni Award for her excellence as an engineer.

In September, Manpreet Kaur Teji ’08

started a new position as the Director for Immigration Policy, Domestic Policy Council at the White House.

Corboy & Demetrio Attorney Michael D. Ditore ’06, was selected to the 2024 edition of the elite national legal guide, The Best Lawyers in America and Illinois Rising Stars.

125 FACES OF NAZARETH’S LEGACY In 2024-2025 we will celebrate 125 people (or families) who have not only embodied our mission, but who also made an impact at Nazareth and beyond … people who have inspired us and helped create our legacy of educating the whole person.

Who do you think should be included in the list?

Find the nomination form at naz125.nazarethacademy.com pg / 10

Dr. Victoria Hansen Stockton ’00,

Nazareth Academy Assistant Campus Minister Katie McKeon ’04, pictured with Sr. Pat Bergen, CSJ ’63, was commissioned as a CSJ Associate.

In September, Tinamarie Hernandez ’89, Executive Director for Diveheart, was nominated for the 2023 Extraordinary Latina Awards by United Latinas.

In October, she was inducted into the Rotary Club of Downers Grove.

Dr. John Polivka ’03 was

inducted into the International College of Dentistry. Only 3% of practicing dentists qualify.

He also wrapped up his five year executive board commitment to the Chicago Dental Society West Side Branch in December.

Lauren Anderson Bradley ’02 has

joined the Oncourse Home Solutions team as the new Vice President, Customer Experience. Prior to joining the team, Lauren led the contact center team at Banner Solutions as the Senior Director of Service Operations. Lauren has a B.S. in Accounting from DePaul University and an M.A. in Counseling from Lewis University.

University of North Dakota College of Education and Human Development’s Dr. Ray Mitic ’02 was

named the 2024 recipient of the McDermott Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate or Professional Teaching. Dr. Mitic is one of two awardees from CEHD. He received his award at UND’s Founder’s Day celebration on February 15.

Catherine M. Adams Arredia ’79

was an MBA Named Recipient of the 2023 Women in Supply Chain Award.

This award honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network. She was honored at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Forum in November in Atlanta.

Barbara Jean Balaskas Fox ’78

retired this past summer from the Railroad Retirement Board after 40 years of service.

Charise Osinski McCarthy ’75 is

planning the 50th Reunion for the Class of 1975 to take place in 2025.

Please contact her with your updated information at charisemc@aol.com.

Dr. Lynne Saccaro ’66 is a

Co-Principal in the Chicago Archdiocese with Lynne Kramp Strutzel ‘61. Saccaro said, “Though we graduated from Nazareth Academy in different years decades ago, we both continue to serve the ‘dear neighbor’ through our work.”

Weddings SEPTEMBER 2023

Jorie Johnson ’06

OCTOBER 2023

Zac Basile ’09 married Laura Pollard.

Class of 2009 alumni in the wedding party included Harry Colmery, Dave Gustafson, Tim Heuer, Mike Smigielski and Chris Wanderling.

Victoria Hansen ’00

married Brian Stockton.

Johnson Foley ’11, Margaret Lewis Griedl ’09 and Mary Lewis Harrington ’10.

Ashley McGee ’14

married Ryan Rolfes.

The wedding party included Anne Canent ’14, Matt Henick ’15 and Ryan McGee ’19.

Amy Burke ’15 married Nick Wesela.

Elena Sofia ’15 was Maid of Honor.

Tammy Wisneski ’00

married Dr. Amir El Shami.

The wedding party included Class of 2000 alumni Samantha Kwit and Kathryn McGuire McGovern.

married Chip Blakemore.

Naz alumni in the wedding party included Maura

Carli Kebby ’13 married Sean Kelly ’12 .

The wedding party included Matthew McGrath ’09, Danny Callaghan ’12, Eddie Gengo ’12, Johnny Gross ’12, Victoria Lesnicki ’13, Donald Kelly ’15, Peter Kelly ’17 and Kyle Kebby ’20.

Jonathan Nelson ’09 married Anna Holod. The wedding party included David Nelson ’07, Julianne Nelson Pedi ’07, Thomas Doyle ’09, Antonio Miranda ’09 and Joey Nelson ’14.

Erin Torphy ’17 married Victor Austin II ’17.

Rachel Ziarko ’10 married John Bradshaw ’08. The entire wedding party was made up of Class of 2010 alumni, including Andrew Adduci, Elyse Broderick, Stephanie Christopher, Ashley Kosenesky Karpiel, Natalie Slechta Garcia-Klein, Christina Reckard Munoz and Mike Queroz.

The wedding party included Naz alumni Jessica

Madi Moster ’17 married Dakota McFarren.

The wedding party included Benedetta D’Alfonso ’17, James Moster ’18, Catherine Moster ’20 and Audrey Moster ’24.

Torphy ’10 and Lindsey Torphy ’14.

NOVEMBER 2023 Joe Alberts ’16

married Kourtney Burkhardt.

Cody Roll ’14 married Morgan Mulcahy.

The Best Man was Dylan Roll ’13.

pg / 11

Weddings continued

Babies Jake Damanskis ’15 married Anna Fox. The groomsmen were Dan Linares ’15 and Matt Berger ’16.

DECEMBER 2023

APRIL 2023 Michael Brennan ’02 and

wife Christy welcomed baby boy Emmett Michael.

Maddie Waun ’14 married Tom Kelly ’14.

The wedding party included Class of 2014 alumni Bridget Cascio, Grace Dewitt, Michael Driscoll, Pat McKenna, Vince Moskos, Jeff Nowicki, Andrew O’Hea, Matt O’Hea and Kasey Schaffer plus Matt Kelly ’17 and Mary Kate Kelly ’19.

SEPTEMBER 2023 Robert Tworek ’14

and wife Stephanie welcomed Matthew Gerard.

Maria Cali ’16 married Will McKenna ’16. The wedding party included Annabella Gofis ’16, Analisa Pieranunzi ’16, Andrew McKenna ’19 and Leana Cali ’20.

OCTOBER 2023 Alexandra Lombardo Burns ’10 and

husband Darin welcomed Adelyn Grace.

Big brother PJ is excited to have a baby sister.

Dinah Chavez ’16 and Jacob Matthews ’16

welcomed baby boy Jordan.

Justin Letcher ’11

and his wife Anna welcomed their first baby, Maeve.

June 7 & 8, 2024 All Alumni Welcome Significant reunions (graduating years ending in 4/9) Four Pillars Mass & Reception Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Details can be found at nazarethacademy.com under the Alumni tab.

pg / 12

John Romanelli ’08

and wife Alexandra welcomed their first baby, John Luca.

Stephanie Ruff Ulbrich ’08 and her

husband welcomed baby boy Jack.

In Memoriam September 2023 - February 2024

NOVEMBER 2023 Zach Blair ’14 and wife Ellie welcomed baby

boy Elliott Zachary.

Emily Duranty Grogan ’08 and husband John Grogan ’04 welcomed Henry Charles

to join big sibs Tommy and Grace.

DECEMBER 2023 Josie Moreno Jaworski ’12 and

husband Andrew welcomed Landon to join big sister Winona.

JANUARY 2024 Megan Tobin Bivin ’13 and her

husband Hunter welcomed their first baby, Mia James.

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

Maureen O’Connell Anderson ’57

Patricia Blaha Krumholz ’74

Patrick Casey, father of Kevin Casey ’03 and Colleen Casey ’09

James Lindwall, father of Mandy Lindwall ’00

Carol Lee Kersten Cikanek ’69, sister of Pamela Kersten Ajax ’78

Barbara Nadolski, mother of Jeremy Nadolski ’94

Christina DiBenedetto ’96, sister of Angela DiBenedetto Layden ’94 and brother-in-law Brian Layden ’93

Aleta Albert Nawrot ’59

John Englehart, father of Julie Englehart Kittridge ’83 (Andrew Kittridge ’83), Katy Englehart ’84, Elizabeth Englehart ’86 and Michele Englehart ’89 John Gabriel, father of Jennier Gabriel Weiler ’88 (Kevin Weiler ’88), Lisa Gabriel Dean ’90, Rebecca Gabriel Sawyer ’93, John Gabriel ’99 and Christopher Gabriel ’00 Cecelia Corbitt Garrett ’64

Grace Mazur Lawton ’12 and

husband Matt welcomed twin girls Sophia Mary and Olivia Ann.

Patricia O’Donnell Hill ’62 Patricia Putz Impens ‘47, mother of Gail Impens Gnatovic ’87 Sr. Sharon Jakicic, CSJ ‘49 James Jeske, father of Janine Jeske ’79 Lois Kedzior ’62

Molly Gros Nekic ’14 and husband Garrett

welcomed their first baby, Amelia Scott.

Carolyn “Cam” Marschall King ’53

FEBRUARY 2024

Bruce Knudsen, husband of Lillian Saul Knudsen ’58

Ben Cloutier ’11 and wife Angie welcomed

JoAnne Glimco Kosey ’60

Samuel “Sammy” Joseph Cloutier. Big brother Ollie is excited.

Correction We apologize for the error in our Fall 2023 issue of Blueprint. We misidentified a baby photo. Congratulations again to Maura Johnson Foley ’11 and her husband Patrick on the birth of Scarlett “Scottie” Marjorie in August.

Jack Noel, husband of Celeste Poterek Noel ’69 Judith Marschall O’Hara ’59 Mark Riedler, husband of Rita Mugg Riedler ’82 Adrian Romero, father of AJ Romero ’21 Barbara Feeney Shereck ’61, mother of the late Kathleen Shereck ’84, Kelly Shereck ’85, Erin Shereck Keohane ’88 and Maureen Shereck Wunderlich ’91 Charles Stasica, father of Lauren Stasica Tortorich ’01 Therese M. Tomich Veldman ‘46 Robert E. Waldoch, father of Denise Waldoch Gagliardi ’83 Christopher Wirth, brother of Suanne Wirth Tompkinson ’79

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

Marianne Koys, mother of Mary Lou Koys Lasky ’76 and Margie Koys Novotny ’79

pg / 13

125th Anniversary Mark Your Calendars!

We are excited to announce our 125th Anniversary Event Calendar filled with celebrations for students, alumni, parents and friends. Many details will be unveiled throughout this coming year, so thank you for saving these dates and visiting our dedicated anniversary website at naz125.nazarethacademy.com for more details.

Spoiler alert: Some fun Anniversary Nazwear and other merchandise will be added to our Nazareth online store. Be sure to check it out later this spring.

How can you help us celebrate?

• Save these dates and attend events with us • Follow all things Nazareth on Facebook and Instagram @NazarethLGP • Nominate special people for “125 Faces of Nazareth” • Send a photo which captures Nazareth’s reach to naz125@nazarethacademy.com (details on our back cover) • Pray for us and all members of our Naz Family • Tell your neighbors, friends and family members about Nazareth • Keep the mission alive through the amazing ways you live your lives

Alumni and Parents AUGUST 16, 2024

September 27, 2024

Kickoff Party

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

50th Annual WALK

Roadrunner Golf Invitational in honor and memory of Mr. Jim Danko

Homecoming

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

NazBash

APRIL 24, 2025

Give Day

JUNE 6-7, 2025

Reunion Weekend

Students

JUNE 7, 2025

Four Pillars Mass and Reception

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Opening School Mass OCTOBER 20, 2024

Roadrunners Give Back MARCH 18, 2025

125th Day of School Celebration

pg / 14

June 6, 2025 125th Anniversary Gala Honoring the Congregation of St. Joseph

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

Blueprint

PAID

Crystal Lake, IL Permit No. 174

SPRING 2024

Forwarding Service Requested

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

Nazareth Academy - 125 Years of Educating the Whole Person

Celebrating Our Reach

As we prepare to celebrate our 125th Anniversary in 2024-2025 we will honor how far and deep our mission extends. We know YOU, our beloved Nazareth Family, are the best examples of this reach. We invite you to show us where and how you live our Pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.

INSTRUCTIONS: • Tear off the logo on the opposite page.

• Take a photo holding the logo in a location that is meaningful to you.

• Send your photo to naz125@nazarethacademy.com along with your name, graduation year and a few words about how and where you carry Nazareth with you.

We will share select responses on both our anniversary website and our social media outlets.