Nazareth Academy Blueprint Fall 2025 by Nazareth Academy

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A Publication of the Nazareth Academy Community

An Education That Matters

CREATING A DYNAMIC SPACE FOR THE MODERN STUDENT

Oremus Media Center Redesign

Anticipated Groundbreaking - June 2026

CREATIVITY

FUTURE-FOCUSED LEARNING SUCCESS

To meet the educational needs of today and best prepare students for tomorrow, we are reimagining our Media Center into a cutting-edge learning environment designed for collaboration, creativity and community.

Our redesigned space will offer: STATE-OF-THE-ART FLEXIBLE SEATING •

• COLLABORATIVE WORKSPACES AND PRESENTATION AREAS • ADVANCED AV CAPABILITIES •

• MODERN STUDY SPACES •

Please consider supporting this effort which will serve Nazareth Academy students for years to come. More information can be found at nazarethacademy.com or by scanning the QR code.

Nazareth Academy is a Catholic, Coed, College Prep High School inspired by the mission and spirituality of the Congregation of Saint Joseph. We are committed to academic excellence, educating the whole person and fostering a community of inclusivity rooted in Gospel values. Above all we value Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.

Our Prayer: “That All May Be One” (John 17:21)

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

Director of Communications

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

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends,

As we take a breath and turn the page following our wonderful 125th Anniversary Year, we joyfully welcome the start of our 126th!

A refresh is good for the spirit—and for this issue of Blueprint. We hope you enjoy its updated look and feel, designed to reflect the vibrant energy of our Nazareth community.

In the spirit of our Sisters of St. Joseph, we continue to look forward with purpose and passion. We’re excited to share plans for the Oremus Media Center redesign, anticipated for June 2026. Our goal is to create a dynamic, future-ready learning space that will serve students for years to come. Be sure to explore the details on the opposite page.

While change propels us forward, some things remain constant—especially our mission, rooted in the Gospel message of unity. This year’s school theme, Choosing Hope, Kindness and Inclusive Love, That All May Be One, beautifully expresses the heart of our identity and the call to live as Jesus taught us.

A Nazareth Academy education matters—for many reasons. Our alumni go on to do remarkable work across countless fields. More importantly, they are people of character. It matters that their lives are guided by faith and values. It matters how they speak, act and serve. It matters how they choose hope, kindness and inclusive love in their everyday lives.

When we challenge our graduates to “Go Light Your World,” this is exactly what we mean. Be the living example of what you’ve learned here.

Does it matter?

It matters most.

Blessings to you and yours,

Deborah Tracy ’82

Therese Hawkins ’79 President Principal

MEETING STUDENTS’ NEEDS WITH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH EDUCATION

Recent growth in STEM education enhances Nazareth’s legacy of cutting-edge, future-facing learning.

“Growing up, the idea of becoming an engineer seemed to be a far-fetched notion that was only reserved for the top 1% of minds,” said Jalen Reed ’21. “When I took AP Physics at Naz, it gave me hope that being an engineer was something that I could achieve. The class was challenging but Mr. Foster’s belief in us motivated me to succeed. I think this class was the one that prepared me most for the workload of a college course and gave me the confidence I needed to make it through my undergraduate studies.”

Amy Zasadzinski ’12 credits Mrs. Sheila Emmett for helping her find “a passion in breaking down difficult scientific concepts and explaining them in a way that was approachable for people. I went on to get a B.S. degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Biology, with my first full time job being a curriculum developer for a STEM education start up.”

Alecia Bell ’16 also found STEM inspiration and confidence at Nazareth. “My journey into Computer Science began thanks to Ms. Biga’s AP Computer Science class. That course sparked a curiosity that ultimately led me to choose CS as my college major and software engineering as my career. What once felt intimidating quickly became something I was passionate about.”

The addition of a STEM Lab in 2023 offers the space and tools necessary for exploration and growth. And, beginning in 2025-26, an Intro to Engineering course is providing students ways to explore multiple engineering fields and their real life applications. Science Department Chair Matt Foster stressed that this new elective meets students’ interests and prepares them for the future. “Colleges and businesses are looking for people who can think outside the box and bring critical thinking to projects. That’s what we’ll practice in class through projects that tackle real life challenges.” Their first project was to research and present a report on a specific engineering-related career.

Sal Imbarrato ’24 said, “Going into engineering I didn’t fully understand what was expected of me, so being able to get a very basic foundation in high school would have helped me not only understand the field, but also which discipline of engineering I would want to go into.”

Jalen agreed, “College students who take engineering courses or have STEM lab experience in high school gain the technical know-how, engineering jargon and discipline it takes to succeed in engineering. Having the ability to learn a little bit about engineering more directly can ease worries and support dreams.”

Josie Suter Lawter ’16 also understands how lab and engineering coursework are a real advantage. “The best way to learn how to do engineering is by doing it. You need to work on projects and be stumped by problems. It’s fun, but sometimes it’s fun because you’ve found a solution to something after banging your head against the wall for weeks. There is no greater advantage in this field than years of experience, so the sooner you start head-banging, the sooner you grow.”

GIRLS SOCCER CARVING THEIR OWN HISTORY

2025 4TH PLACE IN STATE

It wasn’t so long ago that Nazareth Academy did not have a Girls Soccer team; in fact, Karen Boston Trayser ’96 played with the Boys team before Girls Soccer became a Naz sport in 1994.

“I still remember that first season and the pride we felt just stepping onto the field as a team of our own. So many great girls played – we had a lot of laughs and fun together.”

And so, it is quite a feat that in June 2025, with Karen’s daughter Annie Trayser ’25 as one of the team captains, our Roadrunners made program history by qualifying for the State Finals, finishing their season as 4th Place State medalists.

“It’s such a full circle moment, to watch Annie play and make it to State – I couldn’t be prouder. Not just as a mom, but as someone who was there at the beginning of it all.”

Olivia Austin ’24, former Soccer player and Naz State Champion in Girls Basketball, was thrilled to watch the program’s success from Dartmouth College.

“The State run was outstanding, but the team’s off-the-field progress fills me with

even more pride. The program teaches girls to struggle through adversity, to trust and rely on others, and to remember what is important in life.” We say it again and again – these are the lessons that matter and that carry students well into the future.

The players have taken this to heart over the program’s 30-year history, developing competitive skills and growing a culture that has led to success.

“The lessons I learned at Naz and with Coach Nik [John Nikchevich, former Head Coach] are ones that I brought with me everywhere in life: hard work, perseverance and dedication,” said

Gillian Alberto ’21 returned to Nazareth in 2025 as part of the coaching staff under Head Coach Rob Cianci, placing her on the sidelines to see it all happen. “The best memories I have are when the girls felt truly involved in the team decision making. This year’s run is a reflection not just of skill, but the way we care for our players and want the best for them. With that comes the love of the sport and being excited to play.”

Play they did. We know this is just the start for a program on the rise.

Gianna Milaro ’13, who went on to play D1 at Purdue University and professionally with Chicago City in the WPSL and abroad in Australia and Iceland.

WHY DOES MAKING IT TO STATE MATTER?

TOP FOUR TEAM FINISHES IN STATE SINCE 2010:

Baseball

3A Champions 2023 & 2022, 2nd Place 2015, 3rd Place 2018, 3rd Place 2012, 4th Place 2011

Boys Golf 4th Place 2019

KAREN “Success creates a culture of confidence, pride and belief that carries forward. I know Annie will always remember the experience – not just the wins, but the lessons, the friendships and the pride of being part of something bigger.”

GIANNA “Achieving great things is one thing, but doing it surrounded by your best friends and teammates is something that stays with you forever. As the players before them did for them, they are continuing to build the foundation for the wonderful and life-changing experience that is Naz soccer, which will continue to be passed on to younger classes.”

OLIVIA “The recent success the girls have seen is beyond impressive, yet still just a step toward what the program is capable of. I am excited to watch the program continue to grow, to spread Naz culture beyond the team, and inspire the young women who play to utilize teamwork and fight hard for their goals.”

GILLIAN “Treasure it. Tomorrow is never promised, so work hard every day and show up for yourself and your teammates. You can only live this dream once!”

Football

5A Champions 2024, 2023, 2022 & 2015, 7A Champions 2018, 6A Champions 2014, 2nd Place 7A-2019, 6A-2017

Girls Basketball

3A Champions 2023, 2nd Place 4A 2024 and 3A 2022 & 2017, 3rd Place 2018

Girls Soccer 4th Place 2025

Girls Volleyball

3A Champions 2021, 2nd Place 2022, 3rd Place 2019

Softball 4th Place 2017

SPOTLIGHT ON FINE ARTS EDUCATION

Thanks in large part to the gifts, talent and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Fine Arts have always held an important place in a Nazareth Academy education.

In growing that tradition and legacy, the Fine Arts Department has found more ways for students to showcase their talents. 2025 saw the establishment of a Nazareth chapter of the National Fine Arts Honor Society; student work is recognized with Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and published Goulash magazine twice a year.

For several years the department has also provided a gallery style Scenes & Sounds spring showcase for artwork. Each spring, hallways, bulletin boards, display cases and extra tables are covered with sketches, prints, graphic design, ceramics, paintings, photography and more. “It is wonderful to see the entire campus filled with student artwork,” said Fine Arts Department Chair Kelly Pack. “It is especially rewarding to see alumni return to campus to support their fellow artists.”

“A showcase is a chance for artists to have reflected back to them what their work shows to others, and it’s one of the important ways artists grow,” said Clare Grill Ryan ’97 “I remember making a drawing in Mrs. Nan Garside’s class that was chosen for an exhibition. It was so exciting to be recognized in that way and to be able to share the drawing beyond my home and classroom.”

Carrie Ann Schumacher Bronkowski ’04 agrees, “The opportunity to have art displayed in a celebratory showcase [in high school] would have been wonderful, and excellent exposure into the exhibition system. I could go on forever as to why Fine Arts is so important to our education; it is complex and multi-layered. Art also teaches such skills as critical thinking, experimentation and risk taking.”

Vincenzo Giampietro ’15 agreed, “I was in love with drawing since I could first pick up a pencil and I was so grateful the art classes at Naz furthered my admiration for creation. We were allowed such creative freedom in each and every project. … I hope the arts continue to get the love and support that was on full display during my high school days, especially in an era filled with AI and shortcuts!”

Scenes & Sounds also provides showcases for Band, Choir and Drama, programs that continue to thrive as both classes and extra-curriculars, for which Josephine Lies Doherty ’72 is very grateful. “I am very proud that Nazareth has such a strong Fine Arts Department, including the Drama program. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed being in many of the plays.”

1 Sr. Kathy Sherman pays tribute to Nazareth student-artists.

2 Grace Degnan ’26 and Sr. Mary Southard, CSJ ’54 share their love of creation.

3 A moment from the 2025 Scenes & Sounds Showcase.

4 Addrian West ’23 paints a bench for an Art Club display.

NAZARETH FINE ARTS CALENDAR

October 31-November 1, 2025

The Addams Family

December 10, 2025

Band & Choir Christmas Concert

March 27-29, 2026

Shrek, the Musical

May 6, 2026

Scenes & Sounds Showcase

ALUMNI NOTES

Class Notes

2020’s

Cooper Malamazian ’24, who plays Baseball for the University of Indiana, was named to the Big10 All-Freshman Baseball Team.

Gillian Grimes ’22 and the Penn State Nittany Lions won the NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship.

Jalen Reed ’21 graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Concentration in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in Philosophy. He was the 2025 recipient of the Brother Andrew R. Weber, S.M. Award of Excellence for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Mechanical Engineering.

Danielle Wojtycki ’20 was sworn in as a Paramedic with the North Riverside Fire Department, just the third woman to join the department.

2010’s

The 2015 Roadrunner State Champion Football Team was inducted into the ESCC Hall of Fame in April.

Flashback

Carl Jackson ’13 received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School.

Rachel Meyer ’11 received a Doctorate in Nutritional Science investigating nutrition and the gut microbiome. She plans to continue researching the effects of aging in metabolic diseases.

Michael Mossing ’11 was voted the 2025 ESCC Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

Leading students in the Pillar of Unity through class retreats is nothing new for Nazareth seniors. Take a look at this crew from the Class of 2001. See anyone you know?

James Kennedy ’09 was ordained a priest in June and celebrated his first Mass at his home parish, St. Cletus.

2000’s

Tim Griffin ’08 is moving up the ranks in the La Grange Park Police Department, recently promoted to a Commander.

Dr. John Polivka ’03 was named one of “America’s Top Young Dentists” in the Incisal Edge magazine 40 Under 40.

1990’s

Nick DiBrizzi ’99 received the 2024 Hans Wessel Lifetime Commitment to Cystic Fibrosis Award.

Nicole Rogus Pulia ’97 was elected as a 2024 Fellow of the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association.

Tom Martin ’94 marked 25 years working with Enterprise Fleet Management in October of 2024. He is currently the director for Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and northern Virginia.

Janet Houda Rausch ’91 received the inaugural Sister Marianne Race ’59 Faculty & Staff Leadership Award, granted to a person who exemplifies leadership, perseverance, creativity and vision rooted in the CSJ mission of Unity.

Carolyn Jean Brady ’90 was named Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s new Managing Director.

1980’s

Tracey Tarantino DiBuono ’74 and Lisa Turano ’85 were both recipients of the 2025 Impresa Award, given by the Women’s Division of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.

Patty Filomeno ’84 was named Nazareth’s Educator of the Year for 2024-2025.

1970’s

St. Catherine-St. Lucy School

Principal Sharon Walsh Leamy ’75 received the Gretchen A. Ludwig Principal Award from Big Shoulders Fund.

1950’s-1960’s

Congratulations to our Sisters celebrating Jubilee years with the Congregation of St. Joseph. Sr. Dorothy Randall ’54 and Sr. Mary Southard ’54 celebrating 70 years and Sr. Jacqueline Schmitz ’64 celebrating 60 years as Sisters.

FUTURE STARS, FOREVER ROADRUNNERS

2025 saw not one, but two Roadrunners drafted by professional sports teams. CJ West ’20 was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft in April. Jaden Fauske ’25 was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the 44th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, making him the highest MLB draft pick in program history. We wish both of these Forever Roadrunners all the best!

HONORING A LEGEND

Dennis Moran has held many titles in his decades at Nazareth Academy, but none dearer than Coach. Coach Moran has been a fixture on Spirit Field as Head Football Coach and has remained connected through athletics, activities and as a parent and now grandfather to Moran Roadrunners. In honor and recognition of his ceaseless loyalty, hard work and Naz Spirit, Nazareth officially renamed Spirit Field to Dennis Moran Field during Homecoming Weekend.

FOUR PILLARS 2025

Nazareth closed out our 125th Anniversary Year in great style with a beautiful Gala and our annual Four Pillars Mass and Reception. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us. Congratulations again to our 2025 Four Pillars Award recipients.

Weddings

Congratulations to our Roadrunner newlyweds!

Maria Giampietro ’18 married Andrew Ries.

Tyler Pondel ’18 married Kaylee Domek. The wedding party included Nick Pondel ’12, Matt Pondel ’14 and Andrew Staelgraeve ’18

Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ ’74, Unity

Community Memorial Foundation, Service

Sr. Carol Crepeau, CSJ ’57, Unity

Kathy O’Hara Gurney ’69, Scholarship

Loraine Kubiak ’49, Service

Dennis Moran, Spirit

Shannon Swilley ’95, Scholarship

Lisa Turano ’85, Spirit

Carlie Wilson ’17 and Roger Veome ’17 were married in June surrounded by bridesmaids Julia Veome Love ’15 and Samantha Veome ’19, and groomsmen Jordan Veome ’21 and Julian Love ’16.

Julia Durnell ’16 married

Aidan Walton ’16. The wedding party included Alec Podock ’16, Darren Flanigan ’16, Charles Feng ’15, Katherine Durnell Kirk ’12, Amanda Sadowski ’16, Cat Klostermann Fagan ’16 and Colleen Cavanaugh ’16

Emma Holly ’14 married Patrick Sproule.

John Mazur ’14 married Emily Jozwiak. The wedding party included Grace Mazur Lawton ’12, Katie Mazur ’16 and Kevin Connelly ’14

Anisa McHugh ’14 married Joe Coyle. Kerry Kilcoyne Freivogel ’14 was in the wedding party.

Lexi Petrovic ’14 married

Alexander Isola. The wedding party included Juliana Petrovic ’16, Sydney Newman O’Hara ’14, Emma Holly Sproule ’14, Marri Gragnani ’14 and Alysa Straub Matchette ’13

Taylor Beach ’13 married Jacob Cypranowski.

Francesco Ricchio ’16 married Gabriella Biancalana. The wedding party included Annunziata Ricchio ’20, Rosaria Ricchio ’25, Jack Rizzi ’17, Analisa Pieranunzi ’16, Matt Berger ’16 and Andrew Rizzi ’12.

Alexandra Plenys ’15 married Ricky Graziano.

Marri Gragnani ’14 married James Wick. The wedding party included Matt Gragnani ’07, Mike Gragnani ’07, Lexi Petrovic Isola ’14, Eileen Kennedy ’14, Emma Holly Sproule ’14, Sydney Newman O’Hara ’14, Frankie Citro Daniels ’14, Erin Getty ’14, Juliana Raimondi Perez ’14 and Gioia Solano ’21

Katie Bialas ’13 married Matt Stanislowski. The wedding party included Faye Domokos ’13

Jimmy Rubino ’13 married Lexie Maksymiu. The wedding party included Ethan O’Hare ’13 and Mitch Rubino ’13

Bridget Brogan ’12 married Brien Garvey. The wedding party included Ashley Abed ’12 and Rebecca Adams ’12

Eddie Gengo ’12 married Chloe Mutchler.

Julie Maline ’11 married Gavin Grant. The wedding party included Anna Tassi ’11, Danielle Scaletta Krull ’11, Kayleigh Ryan Kelly ’11, Maura Johnson Foley ’11, Dana Hillsman Ryan ’11, Mary Beth Xenakis ’11, Jenny Maline Kelly ’01 and Kelly Maline Richied ’03

Katie DeMatteo ’10 married Ross Corby. The wedding party included Anne Marie DeMatteo ’11, Nick DeMatteo ’14, Paige Cascio Cox ’10, Erin Dine ’10 and Alexandra Lombardo Burns ’10

Patrick Smith ’10 married Isabella Park. The wedding party included Tom Doyle ’09, Maggie Smith Mulvey ’12, Joe Smith ’15 and Sean Smith ’16

Tim

Birth Announcements

Welcome to the Naz Family!

Vincenzo Giampietro ’15 and wife Brianna welcomed Leonardo Lorenzo.

Madison Waun Kelly ’14 and Tom Kelly ’14 welcomed Stetson Thomas.

Kaitlyn Yarka Pipik ’14 and husband Drew welcomed Heath Vincent.

Cody Roll ’14 and wife Morgan welcomed Collin James.

Christiana Romano Ryan ’14 and husband AJ Ryan ’11 welcomed James Joseph.

Haley Renehan Gallagher ’13 and Riley Gallagher ’12 welcomed Maeve Ryan.

Jack Conlon ’12 and wife Alyssa welcomed Owen Graham.

Alyssa Hudik Evans ’12 and husband Jake welcomed Robert Wally.

Jack Mahoney ’12 and wife Kathryn welcomed Colin Thomas.

Jordan Maloney Yacinich ’12 and husband Jake welcomed Lane Marie.

Megan Pelino Fletcher ’11 and husband Mike welcomed Morgan Charlie.

Matt Radford ’11 and wife Emily welcomed Tyler.

Ashley Kosenesky Karpiel ’10 and husband Rob welcomed Jason.

Erin Goode Pagliuco ’10 and husband Christopher welcomed Joseph John.

Jane Schiffler Sexton ’10 and her husband Phil welcomed John Michael.

Stephanie Suchy Williams ’10 and husband Ben welcomed Theodore Rex.

Rachel Bomher Maher ’09 and husband Brian welcomed Henry Vincent.

Julie Schiffler Kesnick ’08 and her husband Mike welcomed William John.

Michael Polivka ’08 and wife Mary welcomed Weldon Wyatt.

Stew Brase ’07 and wife Lauren welcomed Parker Jane.

Dana Scalzitti Nuzzo ’04 and Joseph Nuzzo ’02 welcomed Hugo James.

Ben Boyd ’02 and wife Christina welcomed Bennett Michael.

Vita Di Pasca ’08 married Marco Prandini.

Beltran ’02 married Christine Hurley.

In Memoriam

We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away. September 2024 - August 2025

Margaret Mary Gordon Agress ’59, sister of Elizabeth Gordon Polezani ’62

Eve Alexandre, mother of Michelle Alexandre ’88, Jean Alexandre ’90 and Daniel Alexandre ’93

Betty Allison, former staff

Samuel Alonzo, father of Amber Alonzo Saraceno ’02 (John Saraceno ’02)

Patricia Balik ’67

Christopher Bigelow, father of Drake Bigelow ’22

Mary Anderson Bouwman ’49

Ron Brom ’84

Sharon Elaine Buidosik, mother of Lacey Buidosik Hatfield ’98

Robert Buuck, husband of Gail Karstens Buuck ’59

Jennifer Cegielski ’88, sister of Michael Cegielski ’92

Peter Confer, husband of Pat Goehl Confer ’65

Dolores Crilly, mother of Donna Crilly Foody ’69, Judith Crilly Menne ’71, Mary Jo Crilly Conway ’73, Lori Ann Crilly Noonan ’86

Dolores “Dee” Kickels Curns ’59, sister of Mary Kay Kickels ’54

Janet Mary Dalton, mother of Steven Dalton ’86 and Philip Dalton ’90

AJ D’Apice, father of Ally D’Apice ’26 and Henry D’Apice ’29

Eulalia Laz DeSanto ’60

Marian Nowak Dillon ’49

Corinne Matthis Doland ’52, sister of Arlene Matthis Tistle ’56

Bob Driscoll, father of Kristen Driscoll Stojetz ’89, Brian Driscoll ’93 (Nora O’Connell Driscoll ’92); grandfather of Ryan Stojetz ’22 and Jack Stojetz ’26

Meg Malek Duranty ’80 (former staff), mother of Brad Duranty ’05, Kevin Duranty ’06, Emily Duranty Grogan ’08 (John Grogan ’04) and Brian Duranty ’11; sister of the late Mary Malek ’76, Maureen Malek Dunham ’77 and Mindy Malek Reineke ’78

Joan Dvorak ’51, sister of the late Jean Dvorak Sinderson ’51

Jackie Gleitsman Dyll ’64

John Ericksen, father of Chad Ericksen ’85 and Traci Ericksen Stewart ’88

Sherry Sue Falco, mother of Nicole Falco Jensen ’89 and Carlo Falco ’91

James Falduto, father of Jane Falduto Liquin ’79 and Jim Falduto ’81

Meg Fredian, mother of Alan Fredian ’10, Lindsey Fredian Blomberg ’12 and Emily Fredian ’16

Barbara Wenzel Gacek ’54, mother of Matt Gacek ’84 and Mike Gacek ’86

Philomena Kania Gaspard ’62

Charlotte Janda Gerber ’49

Christina Gilsdorf ’06

Paula Gotsch ’75

Marian Swanson Grady ’57

Debra Hopper Grealish ’75, sister of Kathy Hopper Foreman ’76

Tracy Greco, mother of Anthony Greco ’19 and Trista Greco ’22

Katie Russell Gunderson ’86, sister of Steve Russell ’85

Ann Saflover Haibach ’65

George Havelka, father of the late Dr. Wendy Havelka ’81

Dorothy Galos Hinds ’60

Barbara Dadich Hollis ’70

Kathleen “Kay” McKenna Hoppenrath ’50

Kathleen “Kay” Simmons Jiral ’51

Patricia Buban Johnson ’60

Beverly Krohn, mother of Meggan McNulty Kilmurray ’03, Kasey McNulty ’05, Greg McNulty ’06 and Erin McNulty ’09

Celeste DiPirro Lake ’70

Rosemary Lanzillotti, mother of Angela Lanzillotti ’79 and Francine Lanzillotti Lazzara ’81

Sheila Link, mother of Alison Link Dawley ’81, Cathy Link Relias ’84 and Bill Link ’87 (Cathy Ortiz Link ’87)

Lori Metz Malmborg ’72, sister of Katie Metz Catino ’71, Johanna Metz Beucher ’75 and Maggie Metz Colbert ’80

Marguerite Klump Mariani ’52

Janet McMahon, mother of Kara McMahon ’89 and Erin McMahon ’96

Jason Meyer, brother of Laura Meyer Newman ’00

Caroline Mhley, daughter of Colleen Custer Mhley ’94

Nancy Sala Mihel ’62

Barbara Jo Moran Miller ’62

Georgiana Stonich Pascente ’49

Ellis Bryant Pearson, mother of Sean Pearson ’91; grandmother of Tagen Pearson ’20 and Talen Pearson ’24; great grandmother of Justyce Washington ’29

Patricia Potokar Brennan Petrucci ’57

Geraldine Heintz Piven ’61

Patricia Polich ’53

Rita Baisz Reed ’60

Carl Reina, father of Maria Reina Tambellini ’83

Nancy Perry Richardson ’57

Regina Corbitt Ross ’59

Ralph Rudolph, father of Ella Rudolph ’16

Sr. Grace Sbrissa, CSJ ’56

Marilyn Kost Schrock ’57

Therese Hefele Shelven ’54, mother of Nancy Shelven ’93

Kimberly Smeltzer ’91

Susan Testen ’68

Norma Dini Tonietto ’53

Jeannie Turano, mother of Gena Turano ’88, Jennifer Turano ’92 and Jessica Turano ’96

Sandra Tybor, mother of Sarah Tybor Clark ’96 and Adam Tybor ’99 (Kelly Hartigan Tybor ’99)

Barbara Varak, mother of Rob Varak ’89 (Jean McNulty Varak ’89) and Susan Varak ’93

David Vesely ’87, brother of John Vesely ’84

Angelica Barrios Viloria ’92

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

NAZ BY THE NUMBERS

46 YEARS

1957-2019

In June, alumni from classes of 1957-2019 gathered on campus to live the Pillar of Service. They made “super-crayons” for children with special needs and delivered 100 sandwiches to Marillac St. Vincent.

22

Alum professionals shared expertise with almost 300 students at our 2025 Career Day. They represented grad years from 1973-2020 and careers in law & public policy, healthcare, business, education, communications, engineering and more.

65

Nazareth students earned AP Scholar Recognitions based on exams given in May. This includes 16 AP Scholars with Distinction and 16 AP Scholars with Honors

202

The Class of 2029 began their Naz Legacy 202 students strong. They join us from 53 different schools and 35 communities.

At the 2025-2026 Opening School Mass, 33 seniors were celebrated as Eucharistic Ministers. 46 years strong, our student Eucharistic Minister program is one key way students live the Gospel message on campus.

#10

Nazareth retired the #10 Baseball jersey, honoring the legacy created by Michael Spidale ’00, including numerous honors and accolades as a Roadrunner and with the White Sox and Phillies affiliates. He’s a member of the Naz Athletic and AA Reading Phillies Halls of Fame and was inducted into the ESCC Hall of Fame in April.

The legacy lives on. 93 current students are legacies - the children of 74 alum parents, 10 alum grandmothers and 1 alum great grandmother.

BLUEPRINT

Nazareth Academy 1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526

www.nazarethacademy.com

REUNION WEEKEND June 5-6, 2026

FALL 2025 2026 FOUR PILLARS AWARDS

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

2026 FOUR PILLARS AWARDS

7-10 P.M. The Class of 2001 25th Reunion at Hillgrove Tap in Western Springs.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

1 P.M.-3:30 P.M. | Nazareth luncheon on campus for significant reunion classes 1976 and earlier (1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956).

10 A.M.-3:30 P.M. | Nazareth luncheon on campus for significant reunion classes 1976 and earlier (1976, 1971, 1966, 1961, 1956).

4 P.M. | Reunion Mass in Alexine Chapel to honor Four Pillars Award recipients and 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame honorees. Reception in the Rooney Student Center to follow.

Class representatives are needed! If you are interested in being a class rep, please contact Colleen Cook at ccook@nazarethacademy.com or 708-387-8506.

Scholarship - Shamus Weiland ’91

Service - Matthew Hammer ’99

Spirit - Julie Ryan ’87

Unity - Priscilla & Bill Boston

2026 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Athlete: Stew Brase ’07 (Baseball)

Matthew Clark ’16 (Golf)

Emily Marcheschi Dorner ’06 (Soccer)

Holly Haberkorn ’13 (Softball)

Friend: Duane Buturusis (former Athletic Director)