Spring 2024 Update

MAGAZINE

SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY

Talent Takes Center Stage

Spring 2024

MISSION Saint Joseph Academy, rooted in the spirituality of the Congregation of St. Joseph, fosters unifying relationships with God and all creation, empowers each young woman to achieve academic excellence and inspires a life of compassionate leadership and service in a global society.

Message from The President CONTENTS | Spring 2024 Dear Alumnae, Families and Friends of Saint Joseph Academy, As we enter the vibrant season of spring, Saint Joseph Academy is alive with activity and excitement. Following Easter and Spring Break, we jumped right back into a bustling schedule filled with spring athletics, musical and theater performances, standardized testing, Paws for Pride and the much-anticipated end-of-year recognitions and ceremonies. The campus is stunning, and the students are enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. There is much to rejoice about here at Saint Joseph Academy!

This year’s 17th annual Women’s Leadership Symposium was a testament to our commitment to nurturing leadership and empowerment among our young women. We were honored to host 28 female leaders, including 24 esteemed alumnae, representing diverse career paths ranging from law and art to education and finance. The symposium provided invaluable opportunities for our Classes of 2026, 2027, and 2024 to engage with these accomplished professionals. Through interactive breakout sessions and an inspiring keynote panel, our students gained insights into different career trajectories and received advice on navigating their paths to success. Notably, Dr. Laura Bloomberg, President of Cleveland State University, shared her journey and encouraged our Seniors to embrace their potential and to approach each day with confidence and determination.

Throughout this academic year, our focus has been on the theme of Emerging Wisdom, which encourages us to embrace a spirit of openness to growth and ongoing learning.

Many of our students have been recognized for their achievements in various art and writing contests, as well as in activities such as mock trial and Model UN. Moreover, they demonstrate a remarkable willingness to learn from one another and to enrich the SJA experience for all. Our student leaders have shown exceptional dedication in fostering inclusivity through rallies, dances and various activities, supporting each other through life’s triumphs and challenges alike.

As we look ahead, we are mindful of the importance of strategic planning in guiding our future endeavors. Rooted in Love, Partnering for Growth: A Strategic Vision for Saint Joseph Academy 2024-2028 reflects our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the holistic development of our students.

Guided by our mission to prepare courageous young women for compassionate leadership in our global society, we remain dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. To learn more, visit www. sja1890.org/strategic-plan.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated faculty, staff, alumnae, families, and friends whose unwavering support continues to enrich the SJA community. Together, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, united in our commitment to excellence and empowerment.

1 President’s Letter 4 Sports 5 Principal’s Corner 6 Women’s Leadership Symposium 8 Musical 10 Living the Mission 12 “Celebrate the Academy” 16 Lasting Impact 17 Scholarship 19 Memoriam 21 Class Notes and Cub Club

UPDATE is published by Saint Joseph Academy for alumnae, parents/guardians and friends. Contributors to this issue of UPDATE include Cheryl Arnold, Maggie Berry ’10, Erin Cunningham, Kathy Flinn, Jill Satanek Garlock ’92, Hannah Hill ’16, Anne Ising, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Maryann Marek, Mickie Matheis P’22, Melissa Murphy, Carolyn Conway Novak ’06, Molly Powers ’18, Kathryn Purcell, Constance S. Sipple, CFRE, Jeff Sutliff and Dr. Jessica Wrobleski.

Photography courtesy is extended to the following: Al Fuchs Photography, Cheryl Arnold, the Congregation of St. Joseph, Lifetouch/Prestige Photography, Melissa Mandula ’04, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Ripcho Studios and Thomas Cooke Photography.

For more information, please contact Marketing Communications Director Cheryl Arnold at 216.251.6788 ext.

217 or carnold@sja1890.org.

With gratitude,

On the cover: Six:Teen Edition lead cast members.

Mrs. Kathryn H. Purcell

Saint Joseph Academy 3470 Rocky River Drive • Cleveland, Ohio 44111 216.251.6788 • www.sja1890.org

2 | STUDENT TRAVEL

Living History Firsthand Students Travel to England and France for a Culturally Immersive Learning Experience From March 26 to April 4, 26 students and five chaperones embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. These students and chaperones traveled to London, Paris, St. Malo, the beaches of Normandy and the Loire Valley region of France.

Students explored the historical streets of London and Paris and gained a deeper understanding of WWII while touring Normandy.

Elizabeth Holtz ’26 (sister of Victoria Holtz ’20) shared this reflection of the experience: “I wanted to participate in the trip because I had a few family members that served in World War II and wanted to learn more about the history of it. I also always had a dream of visiting Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower ever since I was little. My favorite part about the trip was going around with groups of friends and exploring the cities and seeing the beautiful architecture. I especially loved visiting the castles and getting to see what “royal living” was like. Something I learned on the trip was the different cultures and ways of life in Europe. Not just seeing it, but experiencing it. I loved seeing how other people acted around each other and getting the opportunity to immerse myself in it. The people there were really understanding and were happy to hear us speak French.”

Normandy, France

Paris, France

Special thank you to Math Teacher Mrs. Jill Satanek Garlock ’92, Assistant Athletic Director Mrs. Erin Cunningham, Technology Director Ms. Laura DeFabio, Math Teacher Mrs. Maggie Kern and Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair Mr. Michael Shannon for helping these students prepare for the trip and traveling with them.

These opportunities would not be possible without their support and willingness to help students gain a deeper understanding of being part of a global society.

Mr. Michael Shannon, Ms. Laura DeFabio, Mrs. Maggie Kern, Mrs. Erin Cunningham and Mrs. Jill Satanek Garlock ’92 in Paris, France L-R: Grace Rowell ‘24, Keira Leneghan ‘24 and Rachel Garlock ‘24 (daughter of Jill Satanek Garlock ’92) at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England

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Paris, France

4 | SPORTS

Winter Sports

Congratulations to our winter sports athletes on their season!

Basketball: Seniors Mercedes Rodriguez (sister of Mariah Rodriguez ’16) and Mya White (sister of Tori Siggers ’22) Team competed in the OHSAA Sectional Tournament

Gymnastics: Senior Ava McElvany

Bowling: L-R: Seniors Mara Jane Somerville, Abigail Neate, Alyssa Hayes and Makaela Lubrano Team competed in the OHSAA Sectional Tournament

Swim and Diving: Katherine Goodman ‘26 Team advanced to the OHSAA District Tournament and Katherine Goodman ’26 advanced to the OHSAA State Meet for 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle

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IndoorTrack: L-R: Grace Harris ‘25, Keira Leneghan ‘24, Madilyn Jarc ‘24 and Bridget Mullen ‘25 Individuals advanced to the OATCC Indoor State Meet • Pole Vault: Morgan Riley ’24 • Weight Throw: Cailynn Cho ’24 • 4 x 800 Meter Relay: Grace Harris ‘25, Keira Leneghan ‘24, Madilyn Jarc ‘24 and Bridget Mullen ‘25

Thank You Teachers!

Thank you to our amazing teachers, who are role models for the young women of the Academy. Each day they inspire their students to try new things, to have a growth mindset and to not be afraid of making mistakes! Their leadership and positive outlook help not only students, but their peers grow and shine throughout the Academy.

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER “To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”

These words from Leonard DiVinci highlight the integral role of the Humanities in a holistic educational program. The Humanities provide students with opportunities for direct encounters with the charism of the Congregation of St. Joseph by fostering their understanding of the interconnectedness of all aspects of God’s creation.

The point was well-made to me ten years ago when we shared our first draft for the proposed Health Sciences Honors Program with stakeholder groups of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.

Comprised mostly of alumnae, parents/ guardians and friends of the Academy, the

advisory board understood, deeply, our mission and charism. As healthcare professionals, they didn’t minimize the importance of teaching our students upper-level science and math, but they also urged us to preserve the foundational role the study of the Humanities plays in preparing Academy students for a life of leadership and service. These healthcare professionals knew that the ability to build relationships through empathy, compassion and effective communication was just as important to their professional success and personal fulfillment as their ability to read a chart, make a diagnosis, or administer a treatment.

The wisdom of the advisory group continued to resonate at the Academy as we launched new academic programs for engineering & design and global studies. Today, as we look forward to the launch of our new Academy Humanities Scholars Program, the message rings even more clearly: a solid foundation in the Humanities is the basis of a holistic, Catholic education at Saint Joseph Academy.

We have continued to embrace the teaching of the Humanities as an essential element in the formation of women of unifying love who serve their dear neighbor with empathy, integrity, and wisdom. Encounters with the divine through the study of the Arts, Literature, Theology, Philosophy and History provide a context for the formation of students who see and understand the creative, healing and restorative power of God. Each performance, each work of art, each poem and story our students write connects them spiritually to a tradition that began with the 17th century Sisters of St. Joseph in Le-Puy-en Velay, France.

These first sisters earned the financial resources to support their work with the poor through their skill in the art of lacemaking. The ever-evolving, unfolding, and interwoven patterns of their beautiful work continue to this day.

6 | WLS

Women’s Leadership Symposium

Offers Learning Opportunities from Female Leaders On March 7, the community gathered for the 17th annual Women’s Leadership Symposium. This symposium is designed to help students explore possible career paths with female leaders across numerous professions, from finance, entrepreneurship, visual and performing arts, education, operations, law, health sciences, engineering and sports.

The event was made sweeter with the presence of Emily Hanes Henderson ’16, who was not only a guest speaker, but served the community ice cream from her very own Gold Spoon Creamery in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The community welcomed the following guests, including current parents/ guardians, old and new friends of the Academy and alumnae for the symposium: • Lisa Abraham Hoekenga ’00 (sister of Sandy Abraham Wasnick ’03) • Jazmin Bailey ’07 (sister of Aerica Bailey ’02) • Natalie Bauman ’18 • Dr. Laura J. Bloomberg • Maureen Bole ’10 (daughter of Mary Beirne Bole ’69) • Tori Brenneison ’04 • Emily DelGreco Campion ’10 (sister of Liz Campion ’08) • Kerry Colatruglio ’13 (sister of Hannah Colatruglio ’11) • Liz Conway ’99 (granddaughter of Carol Volk Simmerly ’45, daughter of Mary Simmerly Conway ’74, and sister of Carolyn Conway Novak ’06) • Brandilyn Cook ’09 (sister of Natalie Litchney ’21) • Dolores Dussault Schafer N’61 (grandmother of Hilary Gleske ’09 and Gabrielle Schafer ’21) • Christine Fergus

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• Catherine Leneghan Fox ’82 (sister of Eileen Leneghan Terrell ’87) • Michele Haas Ljubi ‘80, P’26 (sister of Gretchen Haas Hammer ’79, mother of Colleen Chambers ’12 and Molly Chambers ’17) • Emily Hanes Henderson ’16 • Gabrielle Kreuz ’10 (sister of Breanna Kreuz ’05) • Julie Lindstrom • Celine Mangan ’12 (sister of Teresa Mangan ’09 and Gráinne Mangan Smyth ’10) • Dr. Christine McCallum • Peggy McCrone Jones ’81 (sister of Mary Ellen McCrone Frey ‘70 and Eileen McCrone Driscoll ’72, mother of Katie Jones Hensley ’15)

• Kate McNeeley ’07 (daughter of Linda Baeslack McNeeley ‘76, sister of Colleen McNeeley Post ’06 and Megan McNeeley ’16) • Dr. Cheryl Hagan O’Malley ’77 (sister of Kellie Hagan King ’78 and Lisa Hagan Berry ’81) • Deborah Paul • Sarah Roman ’10 (sister of Michelle Roman ’13) • Denise Shade • Ellen Skonce ’11 • Rep. Bride Sweeney ’10 (sister of Molly Sweeney ’09, Samantha Sweeney ’14 and Margaret Sweeney ’22) • Margaret Sweeney ’03 • Julie Trott-Heisey P’24 • Lauryn Wasil ’08 (sister of Kristyn Wasil Armstrong ’10)

Back row L-R: Katherine Goodman ’26, Ella Antonetti ’27 and Brynn Berkowitz ’24 Front row L-R: Jazmin Bailey ’07, Dr. Cheryl Hagan O’Malley ’77 and Margaret Sweeney ’03

Brandilyn Cook ’09

Anna Maria Trakas ’27 shared this reflection of the symposium:

“I loved everything about what I experienced today, but my favorite part was the panel discussion because I got to hear about three really amazing careers from three powerful and amazing women. Something I learned from today is that most women had struggles and had doubts, but if it weren’t for those thoughts and struggles, they would not have been where they are today. I felt that the symposium did help me learn more about different careers because now I am more knowledgeable about future career paths. I really did enjoy learning about these impactful women, and I am so looking forward to doing this again next year!”

Peggy McCrone Jones ’81

8 | MUSICAL

Six: Teen Edition Bravo to Performing Arts Teacher and Theater Director Mrs. Anne Ising, cast and crew members of Saint Joseph Academy’s performance of Six: Teen Edition on an amazing show!

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Cast

Stage Crew

Costume Crew

Catherine of Aragon - Keira Scott ’24 Anne Boleyn - Vivian Ahern ’24 Jane Seymour - Alesha Brown ’25 Anna of Cleves - Amaya Moore ’24 Katherine Howard - Riley “Rain” Perz ’25 Catherine Parr - Moira Schlueter ’24 (sister of Gretta Schlueter ’20)

Coryn Barber ’24 Caroline Eddy ’27 Merrin Kennedy ’26 Grace Ljubi ’26 (daughter of Michele Haas Ljubi ’80, sister of Colleen Chambers ’12 and Molly Chambers ’17) Lucy McBride ’26 (granddaughter of Mary Mulrooney McBride ’54 and daughter of Rhonda Verchick McBride ’91) Julia McCafferty ’24 Clare Monahan ’27 Theresa Natt ’26 (sister of Margaret Natt ’22) Abigail Neate ’24 Ella Okin ’25 (daughter of Amanda Bostwick Okin ’97) Rachel Oldfield ’26 Emily Ostrom ’25 (daughter of Jamie McPherson Ostrom ’95) Sophia Payamgis ’26 Claire Polito ’27 Amari Reese ’26 Gianna Russo ’25 Zoe Schmidt ’24 (daughter of Andrea Isabella Schmidt ’84 and sister of Sophie Schmidt ’22) Angela Sharykina ’25 Veronica Talan ’24 Olivia Tytko ’24

Elizabeth Gareau ’25 Bridget Masterson ’25 Jessica Nader ’25 Ania Oshaben ’27

Ladies in waiting ensemble Grace Bailey ’27 Jaidyn Bisheimer ’25 Nora Carroll ’27 (sister of Margaret Carroll ’17) Delia Mulloy ’25 Eloise “Ellie” Nottingham ’27 (granddaughter of Susan Labuda Liscoe ’69) Poppy Wadenpfuhl ’27 Nina Yaman ’24 Julia Houghtling ’26 (daughter of Marie Roth Houghtling ’87) Addison Wolverton ’26 (granddaughter of Kathleen Korosi Reid ’80) Liliana Willrich ’27 Student Director – Nina Harris ’25 Stage Managers – Gianna Russo ’25 and Abigail Neate ’24 Asst. Stage Manager - Rachel Oldfield ’26

Orchestra Keyboard 1: Abigail Konjura ’25 (granddaughter of Alice Gerba Haught ’63) and Performing Arts Teacher Mrs. Hiliary Watts Bass: Gabby Geldart ’25 Reeds: Willa Kenny ’26 Trombone: Daniel Monahan ’26, St. Edward High School Trumpet: Margaret Morscher ’24 Guitar: Sadie Pernod ’24 Drums: Calvin Polenz ’26, St. Edward High School Guitar: Clarie Rath ’24 Keyboard 2: Caroline Visnovsky ’25 A special thank you to Tech Director/Scenic Designer Angela Detrick ’98, Tech Director/ Sound Designer Kate Valentino O’Dell ’08 and Lighting Designer Erin Summers-Jones ’10 for your willingness to share your talents and time back to your alma mater.

About the musical: Six: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ international phenomenon Six, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the Six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power!

This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. This production of Six: Teen Edition is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. https://www.concordtheatricals.com/ (Concord Theatricals Website) L-R: Kate Valentino O’Dell ’08, Angela Detrick ‘98 and Erin Summers-Jones ‘10

10 | LIVING THE MISSION

Building a Culture of Encounter

Rooted in Relationship

Treat everyone with the same care as if you were meeting God. (Maxim 49) Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has called on Catholics and people of good will to build a “culture of encounter” as an antidote to the hostility and indifference that we experience in the world around us. He has written that “we, as a people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone” (Fratelli Tutti #216).

Rooted in the merciful love of God, a culture of encounter means setting aside our fears and judgments of others in order to see the humanity of every neighbor. It means having the humility to open our minds and hearts to understand their concerns and perspectives, even when they are very different from our own. We see this in many ways in Jesus’ life and teaching, as he compassionately encounters those who were considered outcasts or enemies in his own society.

Opportunities to interact with the Sisters of the Congregation of St.Joseph are part of what makes being a student at the Academy so special. Enjoy the photos below of the many interactions between students and the Sisters during the 2023-2024 school year.

Madeline Pierce ’26 (granddaughter of Shirley Wagner Pierce N’63) with Sister Karen Van der Walle

Francis’ vision has many similarities to our Saint Joseph Academy mission of fostering unifying love and compassionate service in our global society.

We understand that when it comes to the development of empathy and personal integrity, there is no substitute for real face-to-face encounters that allow for shared stories, shared meals, and shared memories. For this reason, we are intentional about creating opportunities for students to encounter one another, as well as people they might not otherwise meet, through service, retreats, field trips, guest speakers, clubs, wellness events and more.

For example, Saint Joseph Academy recently revised the service requirements to focus on direct service because we recognize “relationship is the primary service” (Character of a Saint Joseph Academy Graduate).

Although there are many worthy ways to serve, the call to see and care for Christ in “the least” requires a personal encounter with those in need.

Additionally, for many students, a significant part of the impact of the Kairos retreat is the experience of small-group sharing and encountering Christ in the stories of others. Student clubs like Glamour Gals (which builds intergenerational relationships) or Labre (which provides direct outreach to those experiencing homelessness) also help to build a culture in which differences are something to learn from rather than to fear.

This is an important attitude for all who want to be agents of God’s love in a world that is often filled with division and suspicion of others. May we all strive to make this vision of a culture of encounter a reality in the months ahead.

Dr. Jessica Wrobleski Vice President of Mission

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Madallyn Dorries ’26 and Sister Juanita Shealey

Melissa Maline ‘24 (sister of Madeline Maline ‘21 and Margaret Maline ‘22) and Sister Rita Petruziello

L-R: Sister Judi Keehnen, Grace Schmidt ’27 (daughter of Andrea Isabella Schmidt ’84 and sister of Sophie Schmidt ’22), Ella Antonetti ’27 and Grace Henry ’27

L-R: Amariah Brown ’26, Amaya Moore ’24, Alesha Brown ’25, Sister Juanita Shealey, Danielle Ballard ’25, Amari Reese ’26, Jazmine Walker-Bonds ’26, Performing Arts Teacher Mrs. Hilary Watts

12 | CELEBRATE THE ACADEMY

Thank you for making “Celebrate the Academy” a huge success!

On February 24, close to 500 guests gathered in the Academy Center for Saint Joseph Academy’s annual fundraising gala, “Celebrate the Academy.” This year, thanks to our community of generous supporters, devoted parents/guardians, alumnae and spiritual sponsors, the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph, we raised more than $260,000 net proceeds for the Academy’s scholarship fund and academic initiatives.

During the gala, the community honored Distinguished Alumna Award Honoree Kathleen A. Durkin Ferry ’77 and the Medaille Shield Honoree Patrick R. Sheehan P’18.

Kate Mocho ’25 and Mary Tompkins ’25 (daughter of Catherine Corrigan Tompkins ’87 and sister of Cecilia Tompkins ’19)

Distinguished Alumna Award Honoree Kathleen A. Durkin Ferry ’77 (daughter of Mary Lou Wasmer Durkin ‘54) and President Kathryn H. Purcell

The Academy Chorale and Performing Arts Teacher Mrs. Hilary Watts

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Members of the Class of 1977

President Kathryn H. Purcell and Medaille Shield Honoree Patrick R. Sheehan P’18

Jeannie Rawlings P’06 unlocked the Treasure Chest and won the gift certificate to Vivid Jewelers for $1,895 and a sterling silver necklace from Peter & Co. Jewelers.

Mrs. Tara Coyne, Brigid Coyne ‘25 and Mr. Stephen Coyne

Save the Date! Next “Celebrate the Academy” is Saturday, February 22, 2025.

14 | CELEBRATE THE ACADEMY

Distinguished Alumna 2024 Kathleen A. Durkin Ferry ‘77

Kathleen Ferry values the role faith has played in her life. “If you have been taught to accept uncertainty, faith becomes your compass,” she says.

She credits her deep faith, along with the critical thinking and problem solving skills she learned at Saint Joseph Academy, for helping her successfully navigate a life that wasn’t easy.

Kathleen and her first husband, Jeff, started a fastener manufacturing business, Telefast Industries, in 1987—right around the time they had the first of their five children. They were partners in every sense of the word with Jeff handling sales and operations while Kathleen—who had a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Theology from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management—served as CFO. When Jeff unexpectedly passed away in 2002 on a business trip to Mexico, Kathleen was left alone to raise their family and run their business.

She remained committed to the company but knew it was imperative to get the right teams in place at work and at home. She hired people who knew manufacturing and could manage Telefast’s day-to-day operations while she focused on broader business planning.

When it comes to kindnesses, sometimes you are the receiver, and sometimes it’s time to pay it forward Moving to a neighborhood filled with families was another strategic step Kathleen took early on. Reflecting back on those years, she recognizes how profoundly blessed she was to have found those other families who became her “village”. It was just another example of faith in action, and it’s one of the main reasons it’s important to her to give back today.

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“When it comes to kindnesses, sometimes you are the receiver, and sometimes it’s time to pay it forward,” Kathleen says. Philanthropy was also encouraged by her parents, George and Mary Lou Wasmer Durkin ’54 (Distinguished Alumna 1992) and her grandparents.

One of the ways Kathleen gives back is by serving on the boards of organizations and institutions that support causes that are important to her, including education, health and family services.

She is a strong advocate for Catholic schools and has dedicated a great deal of time over the last 14 years to help ensure Catholic education and programs are available to everyone in the greater Cleveland community for generations to come.

She currently serves on the Finance Committee at Saint Joseph Academy and will finish a six-year term on the Board of Regents at Saint Ignatius High School in March 2024. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Cleveland Foundation since 2019 and served four years on the Board of Directors for the Jesuit Retreat House.

The all-girls experience offered at her alma mater was especially influential to Kathleen. The diverse environment taught her to feel comfortable with and respectful of people with different backgrounds, goals, and life journeys. “We were exposed to many different avenues and were encouraged to embrace whatever path felt right, all of which contributed to making my life richer,” she shares.

After serving as CEO of Telefast for 11 years, Kathleen sold the company in 2013. Today she is a principal with FocusCFO where she uses her 30+ years of corporate finance and business ownership experience to provide fractional CFO services to small and midsized companies in manufacturing, distribution, non-profit and financial sectors. She particularly enjoys developing succession plans for family businesses.

For all that she’s accomplished professionally, Kathleen’s most meaningful work has been nurturing empathy, compassion and spirituality in her children and grandchildren.

“You don’t get through life without a lot of different people helping you build a framework by which to live your life,” she says. “Saint Joseph Academy helped develop that framework for me and gave me my compass.”

Congratulations, Kathleen, on being named Saint Joseph Academy’s 2024 Distinguished Alumna!

Medaille Shield 2024 Patrick R. Sheehan P’18

As an intuitive and involved parent, Patrick recognized that his daughter, Allison Sheehan ’18, was someone who always followed her own path. He wanted to be sure she found a high school where she could be her authentic self. When he saw how excited Allison was after her shadowing experience at Saint Joseph Academy, he knew she’d found the right place.

“The traditions and the culture at Saint Joseph Academy allow students to feel a sense of belonging and to grow in a uniquely supportive environment,” Patrick says. “The Academy provided an atmosphere that encouraged Allison to freely explore her interests during those critical formative years.” She pursued her passion for the performing arts and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Management from The Theatre School at DePaul University.

The traditions and the culture at Saint Joseph Academy allow students to feel a sense of belonging and to grow in a uniquely supportive environment

During Allison’s high school journey, Patrick supported Saint Joseph Academy in a variety of ways and continues to do so. He served as the fundraising co-chair for the Swim Team for two seasons and spent three years as a committee member—including two years as president—for STArts, a volunteer group of parents/ guardians, alumnae and friends who help advance the performing arts programs through fundraising as well as donating time and talent at events.

Patrick served four years as a planning committee member for “Celebrate the Academy,” including two years as co-chair. He was a member of the search and selection committee for the Academy’s new president in 2019-2020. Additionally, he has spent six years as a member of the Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors, including two as Board Chair.

When it comes to a service-oriented mindset, Patrick looks to his own Catholic education and the example set by his parents.

Bill and Linda Sheehan were involved in many charities and often brought their family to help at service events. They were consistently involved in their children’s activities, whether that was chaperoning field trips, coaching or fundraising. “Their example made service second nature for me,” Patrick shares. “My hope for my children is that I have instilled this same example in them.”

His daughter has no shortage of praise for the man who faithfully attended every meet, game, concert, performance and milestone.

“My dad is someone who has given steadfast support to me my entire life,” Allison says. “I can never express enough how grateful I am for the way he has so freely given of his time and effort. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a greater example of quiet dedication and selfless love than my dad. I’m so proud of him, and it’s wonderful to see his efforts being recognized!”

Patrick credits the charism of the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph (CSJ) and the framework for the Character of a Saint Joseph Academy Graduate as two components that distinguish and elevate a Saint Joseph Academy education above other all-girls schools. His high regard for the school’s holistic approach to empowering young women to become compassionate leaders fuels his desire to make an education accessible to all girls now and into the future.

“My hope is to see the continued expansion of a committed Saint Joseph Academy community and alumnae base that will ensure the core mission of the CSJs remains as the school’s foundation for many years to come,” he says.

Patrick, a graduate of Saint Ignatius High School and Fordham University, is the president of TorrMetal, LLC, a Cleveland-based metal stamping and fabrication company. His previous volunteer work also included the Diocesan Parish Council and Parish Finance Council at St. Raphael Parish.

Congratulations, Patrick, on being named Saint Joseph Academy’s 2024 Medaille Shield Honoree!

16 | LASTING IMPACT Mary Lou Wasmer Durkin ‘54

Making a Lasting Impact The Durkin family has touched the lives of 25 young women with the gifts of scholarships to assist with their Saint Joseph Academy education. Through the Academy’s Named Endowed Scholarships, the Durkin family has not only created a way to honor their family members, but a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Thank you to the Durkin family for their commitment to advancing the Academy’s mission and educating future compassionate leaders for our global society. The community is humbled and grateful for your generosity.

Named Endowed Scholarships are the perfect gift and a lasting way to honor a loved one, to commemorate a special occasion or celebrate your commitment to the transformational power of a Saint Joseph Academy education. All scholarship gifts are permanently invested in the Saint Joseph Academy Scholarship Endowment Fund. Donations may be added to the principal of the scholarship at any time thereby increasing the amount of awards that can be provided.

Kathleen A. Durkin Ferry’s Family at “Celebrate the Academy”

The Durkin Family’s Endowed Scholarships May 2013: Mary Lou Wasmer Durkin ’54 Endowed Scholarship

April 2015: Barbara McEntee Durkin ’53 Endowed Memorial Scholarship

February 2024: Kathleen A. Durkin Ferry ’77 Endowed Scholarship

Established as a Mother’s Day gift for Distinguished Alumna Mary Lou Wasmer Durkin ’54 by her children Distinguished Alumna Kathleen A. Durkin Ferry ’77, Robert Durkin and William Durkin.

80th birthday gift from her children the late Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Durkin ’78, Kevin Durkin, Susan Durkin OSU ’81, and Patricia Schroer.

Established by her children Brian Ferry, Ann Marie Ferry Wernick, Laura Ferry, Dede Ferry Kalt, Michael Ferry and relatives in honor of Kathleen receiving the Distinguished Alumna Award in 2024.

November 2014: Dorothy Durkin Egan ’47 Endowed Memorial Scholarship 85th birthday present for Distinguished Alumna Dorothy Durkin Egan ’47 by her siblings and all of her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

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November 2016: Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Durkin ’78 Endowed Memorial Scholarship Established by the family, friends and classmates of Beth in honor of her profound love of Saint Joseph Academy.

SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY

Scholarship Granting Organization

Want to Save Now on Your 2024 State Taxes?

In 2022, the Ohio General Assembly established a program whereby Ohioans can receive a 100% donation credit against their Ohio income tax liability for cash contributions to certified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) who grant scholarships for tuition to students. The state of Ohio is one of only twenty with a tax-credit scholarship program. By creating an SGO, organizations will receive their contributions directly versus receiving them through a third party.

Saint Joseph Academy has created its own SGO the Saint Joseph Academy Scholarship Granting Organization (SJA SGO), designed for individuals to make donations for Saint Joseph Academy scholarships to students with the highest financial need while also receiving eligibility for an Ohio donation credit—dollar for dollar. This credit is limited to the lesser of $750 for an individual (or $1,500 if married filing jointly) or the related state of Ohio tax liability.

By contributing to the SJA SGO, you: • Have a voice in the distribution of the tax dollars you already pay • Directly impact our students with the highest financial need in receiving an outstanding Catholic education Please note, gifts must be made payable to SJA SGO in order to receive the donation credit.

To learn more, contact Constance Sipple, CFRE, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at 216.671.0166 or csipple@sja1890.org or visit www. sja1890.org/giving/sja-sgo This does not constitute income tax advice. Always consult with your tax professional for information on the impact of any charitable contribution.

18 | ADVANCEMENT

Sponsor a Senior by Donating to the “Walk of the Roses” You can recognize a special Senior by supporting her ceremonial “Walk of the Roses” on Tuesday, May 28 through a donation to cover the cost of her dozen roses. This beloved tradition will return this year, with each Senior carrying a beautiful bouquet of red roses down Rocky River Drive from Saint Joseph Academy to Our Lady of Angels Church. Your gift of $60 will sponsor a bouquet of roses and give you the opportunity to leave a dedicated message to a specific Senior or note of encouragement to one of the 2024 graduates.

To donate to the “Walk of the Roses” visit www. sja1890.org/walkofroses or mail your gift prior to Wednesday, May 22 to the Advancement Department, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111, with the notation “Roses.”

Annual Fund Your gift to The Annual Fund has a powerful impact on the experience of every student at Saint Joseph Academy, every day—from academics, faith formation and service, to the arts and athletics.

Contact Us To explore the many ways you can make a lasting impact on Saint Joseph Academy, please contact a member of our Institutional Advancement Department for a confidential conversation: Constance Sipple, CFRE Vice President of Institutional Advancement 216.671.0166 csipple@sja1890.org Melissa Murphy Development Director 216.251.6788 ext. 232 mmurphy@sja1890.org Hannah Hill ’16 Alumnae Director 216.619.1653 hhill@sja1890.org

Saint Joseph Academy | Spring

Your donation, of any amount, will make a difference in the lives of the more than 673 students who have been inspired to become women of unifying love and serving the dear neighbor. Without your generous participation in our Annual Fund, we would not have been able to provide the scholarships and resources that they needed to thrive in their time here at Saint Joseph Academy.

To make your gift today, simply visit online at www. sja1890.org/donate, scan the QR code or mail your gift to the Advancement Department, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland OH 44111 by Sunday, June 30. Thank you for your generosity that helps every student, every day!

Your support is truly changing their lives!

In Our Prayers Please remember in your prayers the following deceased alumnae: Rita Friedel Nist ’38

Elizabeth Pedace Sponseller ’61

Sr. Antoinette “Toni” Campanella, CSJ ’44

Rosemary Torrence ’63

Norma McCoy Ferrone ’44

Eileen Pogonowski Schafer N’64

Teresa O’Malley Wright ’45

Jeanne Battaglia Charles ’65

Sr. Mary Ann Lavelle, CSJ ’46

Mary Viginia Kelly McKnight N’66

Anne McGinness Wagner ’47

Kathleen Priefer Schmidt N’67

Mary Ellen Wagner Folan ’49

Roberta “Bobbi” Kirchner Davies ’68

Lois Miller Manigrasso T’49

Ann Stroempl Gailewicz N’68

Elizabeth “Betty’ Striegl Kovach ’50

Kathleen Kane Cavolo N’69

Mary Coyne Matava ’50

Anne Watrus Gorski ’71

Margaret Boll Weist ’50

Barbara Beachem N’73

Margaret “Peggy” Tumney Mullen ’51

Linda Koscso Johnson ’73

Kathleen Kelly Rolf ’53

Tereas Adamczyk Radesic N’76

Arlene Rose Kauffman Wedding ’53

Eileen Riley Brady ’77

Rita Cregan Joyce ’55

Mary Beth Majerick Kozak N’77

Joan Haytas Kilbane ’55

Michelle Cupicha Jech N’80

Judith Cole, CSJ ’56

Yvette Fuchs Forcht ’92

Mary Margaret Dowd Turella ’56

Erin Stojkov ’01

Betty Jane Hannon McGreal ’57

Elizabeth “Betsy” Needham ’03

Barbara Callahan Sponseller ’57

This list reflects alumnae losses that Saint Joseph Academy has been made aware of as of April 6, 2024.

Mary Kay Foster Wainio ’57 Constance “Connie” Welsh Weixel ’57 Mary Catherine Belle Woehrman ’57 Lenore Begin ’58 Marilyn Caleb Bertalan ’58 Kathleen Keenan Madden ’58 Kathleen Stackhouse Rolinc ’59 Kathleen Fedor Murphy N’60

Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace.

20 | IN HONOR OF

Honoring the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph It is with great sadness that we share five Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph passed away since the publication of the Winter 2023 UPDATE issue.

Please remember Sr. Toni, Sr. Mary Ann, Sr. Judy, Sr. Mary, Sr. Hope and the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph in your prayers. We offer condolences to all who have been touched by these women’s lives. May they rest in the peace and love of God and live on in our hearts and memory.

Antoinette “Toni” Campanella, CSJ ’44

Mary Ann Lavelle, CSJ ’46

Judith “Judy” Cole, CSJ ’55

Mary Schrader, CSJ ’61

Hope Greener, CSJ

Sr. Toni (formerly Sister Concetta) entered into her eternal rest on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Sr. Mary Ann entered into her eternal rest on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Sr. Judy (formerly Sister St. Jude) entered into her eternal rest on November 10, 2023.

Sr. Mary (formerly Sister Catherine Mary) entered into her eternal rest on November 3, 2023.

Sr. Hope (formerly Sister Mary of the Angels) entered into her eternal rest on March 15, 2024.

Saint Joseph Academy | Spring

New Cleveland Chief of Police Dorothy “Annie” Gitcheff Carrocia Todd ’91 (mother of Rebecca Anderson Schulte ’10 and sister of Dawn Gitcheff Carrocia ’89) was sworn in during a ceremony at City Hall on February 29, 2024.

Sara Lanzola ’98 (sister of Mary Lanzola Bailey ’02) was awarded the inaugural Jan Tyranowski Outstanding Youth Minister Award at the CLE 2:16 Cleveland Diocese Youth Conference. The award was created to recognize an outstanding youth minister in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland who, like Jan, has left a lasting impact on the lives of the teens in their parish or community and helped them grow deeper in their faith. She has been serving as the Director of Campus Ministry at Elyria Catholic High School since 2016.

Elizabeth Campion ’08 married Scott Selzer at Our Lady of Angels Church on October 7, 2023 with reception at St. Clair Ballroom. Elizabeth’s bridal party included Emily Del Greco Campion ’10 (maid of honor), Maddie DeMedal ’08, Ashley Blaylock ’08, Katie Reddy ’08, Beth Busa ’08, and Ally McGuire ’08.

2010s

Lindsey Keefe Recker ’14 and Luke Recker were married in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 21, 2023. Her maid of honor was her sister Madeline Keefe ’10

Sara Koussa ’16 (sister of Gabriella Koussa ’14 and Jiana Koussa ’13) is a fourth year medical student at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Sara matched at the Cleveland Clinic in Obstetrics & Gynecology and will begin her training in July.

Kayla Tomm ’17 was honored by University Hospitals for her bravery, compassion and empathy successfully helping two people in a personal crisis that were on the roof of the University Hospitals’ parking garage.

Julia Bennet ’20 (daughter of Elizabeth Weiland Bennet ’89 and sister of Laura Bennet ’22) was quoted in the New York Times article Will Taylor Swift Cry if Kansas City Loses? You Can Bet on It by Scott Cacciola. Julia was interviewed as a “Taylor Swift expert” as she started the Taylor Swift Society at Eckerd College.

2020s

1990s 1980s

Cheryl Brady Strom ’87 was selected by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Cleveland as the Women in Transactions Deal Maker of the Year 2023.

2000s

Alumnae Class Notes

Allison Busser ’04 (daughter of Marybeth Fox Busser N’74 and sister of Kelsey Busser Guyer ’07) recently began a new role as Operations Associate at The Howley Foundation. She joined The Howley Foundation in March 2024 after serving as the Director of Development at MedWish International.

Photo credit: One Red Door Photography

Kerrigan Ponsart ’20 is part of the “Alaska Fellows Program” working as Community Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Juneau, Alaska from September 2023 to May 2024.

Hannah McGlynn Netemeyer ’07 and Adam Netemeyer a daughter, Greta Estelle, born August 29, 2023.

Leah Cwynar Newman ’10 and Joe Newman a daughter, Annie Rose, born October 17, 2023. Annie is named after Joe’s grandmother, Ann McFadden Joyce ’53 .

Amy Melvin-Marko ’04 and Jeff Marko a son, Robert Rourke, born November 20, 2022.

Eleanore Hilow Andreani ’08 and Michael Andreani a daughter, Anastasia Rose, born November 10, 2023.

Morgan Draves Vogal ’12 and Jim Vogal a son, Marty, born January 2, 2024.

Melinda Saavedra Antill ’05 and Sean Antill a son, Nicolas, born December 15, 2023.

Maggie Berry ’10 and Sean Redmond a son, Owen, born February 7, 2023.

Emily Ginty Lindsay ’12 and Trent Lindsay a daughter, Maeve Margaret, born October 30, 2023.

Elizabeth Eganhouse Carpenter ’05 and Mark Carpenter a daughter, Catherine Joy, born October 25, 2023.

Bridget VanDenHaute Foldesy ’10 and Ben Foldesy a son, Alexander, born November 27, 2023.

Natalie Rodriguez Foster ’06 and Randall Foster a son, Gideon Randall, born December 27, 2023.

Karissa Dienes Leonhard ’10 and Charles Leonhard a daughter, Jacqueline Marie, born September 16, 2023.

Cub Club

Katie Jones Hensley ’15 and Frank Hensley a daughter, Hazel Elizabeth, born October 20, 2023.

Mariah Rodriguez ’16 and Cody Ratliff a son, Braxton Ace, born October 27, 2023.

MAGAZINE

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Adventures Await r e m at th Sum

Our summer programs empower girls in grades 3-9 to enhance their skills or explore new ones.

Whether their interests are sports, yoga, art, theater, inventing, cooking or STEAM, campers will have fun learning alongside our students in an all-girls environment.

Visit sja1890.org/summer Register early as spaces are limited and filling up quickly.

Stay up to date regarding Saint Joseph Academy’s events, follow us on social media or contact Admission or Alumnae Departments to request to be added to our mailing list.