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.
Dear Saint Joseph Academy Community,
I am thrilled to share the latest edition of UPDATE magazine with you. This issue celebrates the many milestones and moments that define the heart of Saint Joseph Academy. At the core of our Academy is a strong and dynamic community—one that is continually shaped by the contributions of our alumnae, students, faculty, staff, parents/ guardians and friends. Each day, we are inspired by the ways our community members support and uplift one another—whether through acts of service, mentorship, academic and athletic achievements, or spiritual growth. Saint Joseph Academy is a place where connections thrive, traditions are honored and new opportunities emerge. We love to highlight the countless stories and activities that make our Academy so vibrant, and we hope this edition gives you a glimpse into the incredible spirit of our community.
Inside, you will find a special recap of our annual “Celebrate the Academy” gala—a truly joyous event! We were honored to recognize Maureen Fallon Adler ’79, P’06, ’08 & ’10 as our Distinguished Alumna and Terry Keenan as our Medaille Shield Award recipient. Both of these amazing Academy supporters embody the Academy’s values and mission in extraordinary ways.
This edition also introduces InspireSJA: Our Campaign for Remarkable Women, an ambitious capital campaign that will create new spaces for the arts, athletics, and community gatherings—enhancing the dynamic student experience that makes Saint Joseph Academy so special. The achievements of our award-winning music ensembles and athletics teams highlight the growing need for these state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring our talented students have the resources to continue thriving.
We are thrilled to share that The Howley Foundation has generously offered a matching opportunity, doubling the impact of every gift made toward InspireSJA. Enclosed in this edition, you’ll find an envelope offering the opportunity to support the Academy’s Capital Campaign and/or our Annual Fund. Your generosity strengthens the Academy’s mission, enriches student experiences, and ensures we continue providing transformative opportunities for years to come. Every gift makes a difference.
As we look ahead, we celebrate the Class of 2025, whose journey at Saint Joseph Academy is nearing its culmination. In the coming weeks, we will honor their growth, achievements and the legacy they will leave behind. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them!
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. Your support and commitment to our mission allow us to continue shaping students into leaders of faith, courage, and compassion.
I hope you enjoy this edition of UPDATE magazine!
With gratitude,
President, Saint Joseph Academy
UPDATE is published by Saint Joseph Academy for alumnae, parents/guardians and friends. Contributors to this issue of UPDATE include Maureen Fallon Adler ’79, P’06, ’08 & ’10, Cheryl Arnold, Erin Cunningham, Kathy Flinn, Nora Hennessy ’80, P’24, K athleen Jones Hensley ’15, Hannah Hill ’16, Becky Goede McNulty ’96, Melissa Murphy, Carolyn Conway Novak ’06, Brian Patton, Molly Powers ’18, Kathryn Purcell, Kerri Sadd, Constance S. Sipple, CFRE, Jeff Sutliff and Dr. Jessica Wrobleski.
Photography courtesy is extended to the following: AECOM, Al Fuchs Photography, Erin Cunningham, Kathleen Jones Hensely ’15, Lifetouch/Prestige Photography, Melissa Mandula ’04, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Becky Goede McNulty ’96 and Ripcho Studios.
For
information, please contact the Marketing Communications Director Cheryl Arnold at
or 216.251.5374 ext. 217.
Joseph Academy
www.sja1890.org
In March, the Academy welcomed Ms. Betsy Mitchell as the Keynote Speaker for the 18th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium. Betsy is a world record-holder, world champion and Olympic gold and silver medalist swimmer. She currently serves as the Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California.
Betsy talked to the community about how it’s important to lead a balanced life and believe in yourself. “Always trust and know yourself,” Betsey shared. “It’s your experience and life. Confidence is earned by failing and then how you keep going. Confidence is also about accepting yourself and being true to yourself.”
STUCO President Danielle Smith ’25 had the opportunity to introduce Betsy to the community. She shared the following about Betsy’s speech, “Ms. Mitchell was such an inspiring speaker and an incredible person to talk to. She was so down to Earth and easygoing, and her confidence made it easy to hear her message loud and clear: there is more to sports than just winning. This message perfectly aligns with what the WLS has encouraged us to understand, which is
that we are all capable of leading by example, learning from our mistakes, listening to ourselves, and understanding that satisfaction is more important than success.”
Following Betsy’s address, students went to two breakout sessions featuring female leaders across various professions including medical, legal, finance, engineering and arts.
• Lisa Abraham Hoekenga ’00 (sister of Sandy Abraham Wasnick ’03)
• Annie Carrocia Todd ’91 (mother of Rebecca Anderson ’10 and sister of Dawn Gitcheff Carrocia ’89)
• Emily Del Greco Campion ’10 (sister of Liz Campion ’08)
•Ucee Faenza
•Christine Fergus
• Donna Friedman ’08
• Annie Grove ’14 (sister of Grace Grove ’18)
• Gabriella Koussa ’14 (sister of Jiana Koussa ’13 and Sara Koussa ’16)
• Sara Koussa ’16 (sister of Jiana Koussa ’13 and Gabriella "Bella" Koussa ’14)
• Katie Kramer ’96 (sister of Maureen Kramer Christie ’88)
Thank you to the following female leaders for their participation in the symposium:
•Christine LaSalvia P’28
• Nina Dvorak Lawless ’08 (sister of Angela Dvorak ’02 , Carmen Dvorak ’03, Maria Dvorak ’11 and Ann Marie Dvorak Veneziano ’05)
• Kristin Nauman ’18 (sister of Jessica "Jessa" Nauman ’18)
• Esther Ngemba ’18
• Ellen Saracina ’13 (sister of Allison Saracina ’15 and Caroline Saracina ’17)
• Kelly Shea Quigley ’09
• Margaret Sweeney ’03
•Jamie Vega Hamilton
• Molly Walsh ’15 (daughter of Ann Posendek Walsh N’80)
• Lauren Zawie ’17
•Anele Fortunate Zondo
The Women’s Leadership Symposium has been a great opportunity for career exploration the past few years. The variety of career representations and the female leaders in front of us have offered great insight into what working in these fields would look like, which is extremely important for us as young women who are looking ahead to our futures.
After two years of discussions, research, and drafting, the Academy launched its newest distinguished program in the fall. Created by English and Student Support Services Teacher Mrs. Becky Goede McNulty ’96, the Academy Humanities Scholars Program (AHSP) will help students learn to preserve the past, appreciate the present, and imagine the future of humanity.
The goal of the program is to expose students to multiple humanities disciplines, allowing them to explore the intersections between these subjects and gain new perspectives about potential careers in humanities fields.
“Each of these disciplines informs the others, and collectively, they provide students with the resources they need to examine their values, reflect on their purpose, and—equipped with empathy and compassion—enter into the conversations that ultimately shape our culture,” Mrs. McNulty shared.
For the 2024–2025 school year, there are 23 students enrolled in the program: seven members of the Class of 2026 and 16 members of the Class of 2027.
“I joined AHSP because it was such a new and exciting opportunity to delve deeper into my love for humanities,” Mya Marquard ’26 shared. “From
this program, I’ve learned interesting things about disciplines of humanities that I previously wasn’t aware of. The program explores a variety of subjects and encourages students to engage with unfamiliar ones.”
During this school year, students have met with and learned from numerous dedicated and generous professionals in humanities careers: a judge, a journalist, a theater manager, an art historian, a volunteer coordinator and more. Mrs. McNulty looks forward to growing AHSP in the 2025–2026 school year for more speakers and field trips to experience careers in action.
In January, 26 students participated in the annual OMEA District 4 Solo and Ensemble Event, in which students from across Cuyahoga and Lorain counties performed as soloists or members of an ensemble before highly qualified music educator judges.
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Rating I and/or Rating II:
An outstanding performance, with very few technical errors and exemplifying a truly musical expression.
Carolyn Ewald ’25 (sister of Elizabeth Ewald ’23) - Flute
Grace Ljubi ’26 (daughter of Michele Haas
Ljubi ’80 and sister of Colleen Chambers ’12 and Molly Chambers ’17) - Flute
Willa Kenny ’26 - Clarinet
Elizabeth Siefker ’28 - Clarinet
Maeve Baker ’25 - Timpani
Catherine Yang ’28 - Violin
Danielle Ballard ’25 - Voice
Caroline Eddy ’27 - Voice
A strong performance in many respects, however not worthy of the highest rating due to minor defects in performance, ineffective interpretation or improper instrumentation.
Sumaiya Hegde ’27 - Clarinet
Julia Houghtling ’26 (daughter of Marie Roth
Houghtling ’87 and sister of Erin Houghtling ’24) - Voice
Lyla Patrick ’27 - Voice
Amari Reese ’27 - Voice
Elizabeth Holtz ’26 (sister of Victoria Holtz ’20), Grace Ljubi ’26 and Rachel Oldfield ’26Flute Trio
Gabrielle Torres ’27 (granddaughter of Suzanne Sanner Oleksy ’66, daughter of Elizabeth Olesky Torres ’95), Paige Frei ’27
Prayer is at the heart of our faith, a sacred conversation with God. At Saint Joseph Academy, we recognize prayer as essential to our relationship with God. Prayer nurtures our faith, strengthens our resolve, and brings peace in a world filled with distractions and uncertainty.
Scripture reminds us of the transformative power of prayer. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are encouraged: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This particular passage from scripture resonates with our community. We sometimes express the passage in our own words as “Pray, don’t worry,” but the meaning is the same. Each act of prayer is an invitation into God’s loving presence. When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on God and open our hearts to divine guidance, freeing ourselves from doubt, pride and despair. The importance of prayer is deeply embedded in Jesus’ greatest commandment: to love God with all your heart, soul and mind. We prioritize our relationship with God by recognizing prayer as an act of love and devotion. And Jesus’ second great commandment—to love the dear neighbor as ourselves—flows naturally from this, for
when we are grounded in prayer, our capacity for love and compassion expands.
In his recently published pastoral letter, Bishop Edward Malesic invites us to embrace a more active prayer life as a way to deepen our relationship with God. We are invited to answer what he describes as “perhaps the most important question.... What kind of friendship do I have with God?” His words remind us that prayer is not an obligation but a gift and an invitation, a source of renewal that draws us closer to God. We are called to respond to this invitation with gratitude and openness, making prayer a consistent part of our lives.
At Saint Joseph Academy, we recognize that teaching students how to pray is an essential aspect of their formation, and we strive to cultivate a culture of prayerful discernment, reflection and gratitude. Many of our teachers have a gift for strengthening prayer practices and for teaching students new ways to pray, helping them deepen their connection with God as they experience varied forms of spiritual reflection, petition and praise. In the tradition and spirit of the Congregation of St. Joseph, we teach our students how prayer lifts our hearts to listen, it directs our intentions and aligns our actions with God’s will. We pray as an expression of self-emptying love as taught to us and lived by Christ.
Let’s resolve to encourage one another to pray more - in times of joy and sorrow, in moments of clarity and uncertainty, at momentous times and
and Abigail Konjura ’25 (granddaughter of Alice Gerba Haught ’63) - Flute Trio
Molly Winchester ’27 (granddaughter of Mary Ann Prusak Winchester ’60 and Sharon Olson Bower ’60) and daughter of Mary Bower Winchester ’89), Sumaiya Hegde ’27 and Elizabeth Siefker ’28 - Clarinet Trio
Elizabeth Holtz ’26, Caitlin Gibel ’26 and Claire Barendt ’26 (sister of Rachel Barendt ’15, Natalie Barendt ’18 and Sarah Barendt ’20) - Woodwind Trio
Amalia Ward ’28 and Addison Lorenz ’28
- Cello Duet
as part of each day. Through prayer, we will find the strength to overcome challenges, the wisdom to make faithful decisions and the grace to become the people God calls us to be.
May our prayers reflect our trust in God’s infinite love and mercy. May we take comfort in knowing that every word, longing and praise we offer is heard. And may we always remember that in prayer, we are never alone— God is with us.
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-Puyen 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.
The Varsity Basketball team finished their season as OHSAA Division I Northeast District Runner-Up.
After a third place finish in the OHSAA Sectional Tournament, the Varsity Bowling team completed their season with a 15th place finish at the OHSAA Division I Northeast District Tournament and with three students shattering records:
• Emily Baird ’26 (sister of Chloe Knowles ’22) broke the school record for season average with an average score of 156.25.
• Ella McCabe ’25 broke the school record for a single game with a score of 230.
• Jaime Stutzman ’26 (sister of Jenna Stutzman ’22) broke the school record for a three-game series with a score of 538.
The winter sports season was filled with excitement, lessons and record-breaking achievements.
Katherine “Katie” Goodman ’26 qualified for the third year in a row to represent the Academy at the OHSAA Swimming and Diving Division I State Championship in Canton, Ohio. Katie also set two new school records at the District Championship finishing District Champion in the 200m IM and District Runner-Up in the 500m Freestyle. Kaila Reynolds ’28 also set a new school record placing 5th in the 100m Breaststroke at 1:08.25.
Joelle Puni ’27 broke the indoor 200m dash record with a time of 26.44. The 4x200m relay team of Ava Reed ’26, Bridie Hyland ’26 (sister of Mary Hyland ’17), Sylvia Mittendorf ’27 and Joelle Puni ’27 broke the indoor school record with a time of 1:46.98 at the NEOITC All-Star Meet.
The following student-athletes qualified for the State Indoor Track Meet:
Triple Jump: Ceecee Broadus ’28 and Amore Johnson ’27
Shot Put: Sienna Stephens ’25
4x200m Relay: Ava Reed ’26, Bridie Hyland ’26, Sylvia Mittendorf ’27 and Joelle Puni ’27
4x400m Relay: Ava Reed ’26, Bridie Hyland ’26, Amelia Litten ’26 and Joelle Puni ’27
Saint Joseph Academy proudly celebrates Senior studentathlete Belle Groomes, who has been named the 2024-25 Gatorade Ohio Volleyball Player of the Year. This is the first time in the Academy’s history that a student has received this prestigious honor, which recognizes not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement and community impact. Belle will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of San Diego next year!
The Gymnastics team competed in the OHSAA Division I Northeast District meet with Marina Stolarek-Houston ’28 and Ella Gus ’28 placing 35th and 18th in the All-Around Competition.
Take a moment to think about someone who has been influential in your life. Was it what they said, their actions, or simply their presence that made a difference to you?
This question connects to an ancient debate in moral philosophy: Is character “taught” or “caught”? Do we develop values and virtues through direct instruction, or do we absorb them through relationships and experiences? For Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, and many who study character education today, the answer is both. On one hand, values are taught–both explicitly and implicitly–in the context of family life and education, and can be reinforced or challenged through intentional reflection throughout one’s lifetime. And yet, most of us recognize the deep and abiding importance of the people and stories that inspire us, and the communities that we belong to, in shaping our personal character and aspirations.
The same holds true for The Character of a Saint Joseph Academy Graduate. Although it is helpful for students to learn the meaning of attributes like personal integrity, empathetic justice and emerging wisdom, we know from conversations with seniors (and our own experience as adults) that growing in these qualities most often happens through real-world encounters and relationships. Strengthening how we live our mission in this regard isn’t just about developing better lesson plans, but becoming better examples and finding new ways for students to “catch” the charism of unifying love and apply it to their lives.
Retreats, service opportunities and immersive learning experiences are fundamental to this, but activities such as athletics and performing arts also offer an important context for the development of these qualities. “Athletics at Saint Joseph Academy play such an important role in shaping our students, not just as competitors but as compassionate leaders,” explains Athletic Director Mrs. Erin Cunningham. “Through athletics, they learn resilience, teamwork and integrity. More importantly, they develop a deep sense of responsibility to others, learning how to support teammates, show respect for opponents and lead with humility.”
We believe that championships and awards are only one measure of the “success” of extracurricular programs, which can have a lifelong impact on the character of student participants, whatever their level of achievement. As we look to the future of Saint Joseph Academy, we do so with gratitude, hope and excitement for not only the inspiring stories that are part of our history but also those yet to be told.
What started as a conversation between three Saint Joseph Academy alumnae parents in 2021 has now become a weekly gathering for student-athletes to share their athletic and faith experiences. Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., Athletic Director Mrs. Erin Cunningham has the Academy Center open and hot pancakes ready for 25-40 student-athletes for their weekly Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meeting. FCA club moderator and one of the alumnae parents that brought FCA to the Academy is Maureen Fallon Adler ’79, P’06, ’08 & ’10.
FCA’s mission is to “lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.” The Academy’s FCA “huddle” is one of 22,000 across the world. Mrs. Adler works with the student-athletes to foster values of integrity, teamwork, service and excellence.
Senior Audrey Tytko (sister of Olivia Tytko ’24) has been a member of FCA for over three years. She joined FCA by recommendation of a friend and was interested in serving others and learning about what it means to bring faith into sports. “Being a member of FCA means a lot to me. I get to grow my relationship with God, and I also get to help those in the community by participating in lots of service projects. Being a part of FCA makes me feel like I have a really powerful voice because our moderators constantly ask for new ideas for the club, and I am always willing to pitch in or give feedback.”
FCA members not only talk about their faith, but also put it into action. Student-athletes bagged lunches for local shelters, made care packages for teachers, collected Christmas gifts for St. Herman’s shelter and made blankets for a local women’s shelter. “It is wonderful to see all of these students come together, share, pray and bond over their common interest in FCA,” Maureen shared. “This is part of the goal; to come together in the name of God to promote love, support and faith.”
Dr. Jessica Wrobleski Vice President of Mission
FCA Area Representative Kerri Sadd regularly attends the Wednesday morning meetings. Kerri sees first-hand the impact Maureen has had on student-athletes. “Maureen presents concepts of our Christian faith and Catholic religion passionately and with easy to understand parallels to sports and what it means to be a Christian athlete. She truly cares about the whole person and we are blessed to have her working with our youth and alongside the Athletic Department.”
Mrs. Cunningham shared the following about working alongside Maureen, “Maureen Adler has a remarkable ability to bring a room full of people together and get them on board with her vision. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her unwavering ‘yes’ attitude has been a driving force behind so many initiatives. Her passion for SJA and FCA shines through in everything she does, leading with faith, leadership, and community. Beyond the court and
field, Maureen is deeply committed to developing our student-athletes as individuals. She guides them to also grow in character, faith, and leadership, ensuring they leave SJA not only better student-athletes but better people.”
Thank you, Maureen, for continuing to live the mission of the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph and mentoring the next generation of young women at the Academy.
On February 22, 500 supporters gathered for the Academy’s annual fundraising gala, “Celebrate the Academy,” themed The Roaring 20’s. This year’s gala raised over $285,000 net, making it a huge success!
This year’s gala honored Distinguished Alumna Award Honoree Maureen Fallon Adler ’79, P’06, ’08 & ’10 and the Medaille Shield Honoree Terrence P. Keenan for their outstanding dedication and passion for advancing the Academy’s mission. Following the honoree presentations, President Kathryn Purcell shared exciting news about the future of the Academy, launching the capital campaign, InspireSJA-Our Campaign for Remarkable Women.
Thank you to the sponsors and attendees for a memorable “Celebrate the Academy.” Make sure to save the date for next year’s gala, Saturday, February 21, 2026
For over 50 years, Maureen has had a highly engaged relationship with Saint Joseph Academy. Since the day she arrived as a Freshman in 1975, she found the Academy’s atmosphere to be very welcoming— one where everyone has a place and a voice. Post-graduation, Maureen has been a valuable resource for the Academy, teaching Theology for 13 years, coaching basketball, softball, and varsity golf, serving as campus minister, speaking to classes, helping with fundraising—including cochairing the InspireSJA capital campaign—organizing alumnae activities, and however else she can share her many talents.
She has spent the majority of her lifetime spreading the good word about her beloved alma mater and has been described as its “staunchest cheerleader and greatest ambassador at every level.”
As a student, teacher, parent, and proud alumna, I want to enlighten people about all the great things that Saint Joseph Academy does for young ladies and for our community and beyond
Maureen currently works as a high school youth minister at St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park. She credits her parents, Jim and Mary Rita Fallon, with providing a foundation that shaped her and prepared her well for these roles. “They emphasized doing your best, believing in yourself, trying new things, and always helping and doing for others,” she says.
One aspect of the Academy’s influence that deeply resonated with Maureen and guided her future teaching style was its emphasis on
encouraging students to embrace the school and make it their own. Then-principal Sr. Patricia Finn, CSJ, and senior class moderator Miss Helen Delaney urged students to lead, learn, make mistakes, and figure out how to succeed.
Maureen adopted this same approach in the years she taught at the Academy. She spearheaded the creation of events and organizations that provided opportunities for students to lead their classmates in school spirit, pride, and faith. These included Paws for Pride, Ultimate Fan Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which she still moderates today.
She also has long endorsed the value of service projects to engage students. “It helps students know they are making a positive difference when they actively serve their dear neighbor,” she says.
Multiple nominators praised her service-oriented legacy: “Maureen has taken ‘serving the dear neighbor’ and made it a lifestyle. She is everywhere for everyone all the time and has inspired thousands of students to live lives dedicated to serving others. She is a leader who cares about others first and herself second—always.”
Maureen has been married to Chuck Adler for 37 years. They have three daughters—Erin Adler ’06, Mary Grace Adler ’08, and Eileen Adler ’10. The entire family is devoted to Saint Joseph Academy. “They will text me about volleyball game scores, alumnae events, bookstore postings, and ways they want to make the school even better,” Maureen says.
Being engaged with the Saint Joseph Academy community has been a joyful commitment for Maureen. “Former students, classmates, fellow coaches, and teachers have become my friends,” she says.
When she reflects on the decades since her graduation, Maureen recalls an important life lesson taught by Sr. M. Gilbert Schanbacher, CSJ from the book The Little Prince: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
“My heart brought me to Saint Joseph Academy—and my heart has kept me here,” she says.
Congratulations, Maureen, on being named Saint Joseph Academy’s 2025 Distinguished Alumna!
Terrence P. Keenan
Saint Joseph Academy was blessed to have Terry’s knowledge, dedication and advocacy during a period of extensive upgrades and renovations. As an active member of the Academy’s Facilities Committee from 20062019 and thereafter as a representative, Terry’s civil engineering and construction project management background helped him play an integral part in creating a vision for the Academy’s expansion.
In 2007, the Academy’s Board of Directors started an expansion strategy and subsequent master plan for the campus. This master plan included renovations to the Dining Hall and makerspace. Terry worked with the Academy’s leadership team to implement the design and construction of these improvements. “There was not a single project, big or small, that Terry didn’t help us with,” says then-President, Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71
Terry’s involvement did not stop there. He also served as the Academy’s Owner’s Representative for the expansion of the Dining Hall, the utility infrastructure upgrade, and the Howley’s Makerspace innovation lab and Fitzmaurice Hall “With Lifted Hearts” capital campaign. In the Owner’s Representative role, he attended all meetings with the architect and general contractor to ensure that any decision made was in the Academy’s best interest. Terry also reviewed all technical aspects of project plans and helped evaluate all bids.
Through these projects, Terry developed a strong affinity for Saint Joseph Academy resulting in well over 10+ years of service. He was especially interested in preserving the historical integrity and distinctive architecture of the Motherhouse from the Congregation of St. Joseph (now Fitzmaurice Hall). He regarded this addition to the campus as a game-changer that would further advance the Academy’s mission.
According to his wife, Anna Marie Sopko Keenan ’75, Terry’s selection as the Medaille Shield Award Honoree is a true blessing. “I am extremely proud that Terry played such a critical role in shaping the future of Saint Joseph Academy,” she says. “His passion for and dedication to the success of all the various projects were evident to everyone, and his love for the Academy grew when he saw the impact it would have on students for many years to come.”
Terry is a strong supporter of the Academy’s mission to attract young women from diverse backgrounds. He considers the school to be academically exceptional, offering students a rigorous curriculum while simultaneously nurturing their social skills to prepare them for a life of compassionate leadership and service. He especially admires the Academy’s dedication to elevating the overall scholastic experience by exposing students to people from diverse backgrounds through foreign travel programs and local service opportunities.
Terry served 11 years (1977-1988) in the United States Coast Guard where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. He has enjoyed a long career in construction project management in Cleveland, working for many years at the Richard E. Jacobs Group on local development projects. In 2001, he started Western Reserve Developers, LTD, a real estate and construction consulting company providing Owner’s Representation Services to clients. He currently works with the Ratner family as their Owner’s Representative at their newest building in the Van Aken Market District in Shaker Heights.
Terry and Anna together have Kristin Montague Nelson ’99, Josh Montague, George Keenan, Maria Housel, and Justine Keenan.
Congratulations, Terry, on being named Saint Joseph Academy’s 2025 Medaille Shield Award Honoree!
His passion for and dedication to the success of all the various projects were evident to everyone, and his love for the Academy grew when he saw the impact it would have on students for many years to come.
- Anna Marie Sopko Keenan '75
InspireSJA is a $6.5 million capital campaign to create an 8,400-square foot building adjacent to the Academy Center featuring new spaces for athletics and wellness, performing arts and a new commons area for building community and inspiring students to develop the skills and creativity that make them remarkable young women. This campaign will help the Academy advance its legacy of preparing its students to achieve their personal best while preparing them to succeed in college and beyond.
InspireSJA will invest in three key areas:
Welcoming front entrance and student commons
• New main entrance that is easy to locate
• Reception area that will serve as the first point of contact for all visitors
• Expanded student commons
• New, more accessible location on the first floor of the Academy building for the Paw Prints Store
Improved athletics, wellness and physical education facilities
• Improved athletics, wellness & physical education facilities
• Strength training equipment including dumbbells and weight racks
• New cardio equipment including treadmills, rowing machines and more dedicated space for functional training
• Large enough for an entire team to train together
• An expanded space that will prepare our students for college athletics and advance the health and wellness of the entire SJA student community
Expanded performing arts facilities
• New accommodations for chorus, orchestra, band, and drama
• Expanded performing arts room
• Additional practice rooms
• Enough space for multiple disciplines to practice/ rehearse at the same time
• A music “makerspace” that will include recording equipment and other technology
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and a transformative partnership with The Howley Foundation, the InspireSJA campaign is nearing completion. Because of an incredible matching gift challenge from The Howley Foundation, we have only $500,000 in additional donations left to raise to reach our $6.5 million goal. Each dollar you contribute towards that amount to InspireSJA will be matched by $1.40 from The Howley Foundation, more than doubling your impact and bringing us one step closer to completing this vital campaign.
Scan the QR code to make a donation. Click Capital Campaign in the Designation drop down selection.
InspireSJA is more than just a building project—it is an investment in our students’ futures. This addition will create spaces where young women can excel in athletics, express themselves through the performing arts and build the collaboration and community that define Saint Joseph Academy. Our commitment is to provide every student with the opportunity to grow, thrive and lead with confidence. Together, we are laying the foundation for generations of remarkable women.
- President Mrs. Kathryn Purcell
Honorary Chairs
Nancy Conway CSJ ’65
Mary Lou Wasmer Durkin ’54, P’77
Pat Kozak CSJ ’64
Campaign Committee Co-Chairs
Maureen Fallon Adler ’79, P’06, ’08 & ’10
Chuck Adler P’06, ’08 & ’10
Cathy O’Malley Kearney P’24 & SJA Board Member
Campaign Committee Members
Sarah Antonetti P’24 & ’27
Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis ’71
Cathy Lanning Knittel ’67, P’97
Julia Mayer P’21 & SJA Board Member
Cheryl Hagan O’Malley ’77 & Chair of SJA Board
Anne Marie Carey Pecon ’71
Jeff Pecon Visit sja1890.org/giving/capital-campaign for more information.
You can recognize a special Senior by supporting her ceremonial “Walk of the Roses” on Tuesday, May 27 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 up 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 2025 graduates.
To donate to the “Walk of the Roses” visit www.sja1890.org/walkofroses or mail your gift prior to Wednesday, May 21 to the Advancement Department, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111, with the notation “Roses.”
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
Your gift to the Annual Fund has a powerful impact on the lives of every student at Saint Joseph Academy. Your donation, of any size, will go towards academics, faith formation, service, arts, athletics and tuition assistance.
To make a gift, simply scan the QR code below, mail a check to Saint Joseph Academy, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111 or visit sja1890.org/donate
Your support is truly changing their lives!
Please remember in your prayers the following deceased alumnae:
Claire Mayer Smith ’42
Mary Patricia Chambers ’46
Rita Anne Sennish Brdicka ’48
Irene Burns Robinson ’48
Shirley Mader Schenkelberg ’48
Rosemary Girard Corcoran ’53
Margaret Nauman Corrigan ’53
Patricia Keller Haldi ’54
Carol Majher Krill ’55
Margaret Maloy Thompson ’55
Catherine O’Donnell Andrews ’57
Mary Lou Hess Brezina ’57
Shelia English Leonard ’57
Jane Ockuly, CSJ ’57
Joan Thomas Bowers ’58
Elizabeth Brady Koenig ’58
Mary Quinlan ’58
Sr. Kathleen Cooney, OSU N’60
Mary Jo Mullen Dash ’60
Carol Krivnak Knapton ’60
Julianne Stangel ’61
Mary Ann Maher Thomas ’61
Kathleen Shade Lewis ’62
Patricia Kocurko Paull N’62
Grace Kilbane Stropko ’62
Janice Kelly Andes ’63
Karen Anderson ’64
Madeline Vacha DuBois ’64
Vicki Jurist N’64
Judith Wirtz Kraft ’64
Jacqueline DeVita Stefko N’64
Maryellen Sheffield Zimberlin ’65
Linda Swaggard Guminey N’66
Paula Polidore Standen ’66
Therese McGreal N’67
Linda Opalach Whapham N’68
Bridget Gorman ’73
Mary Eink Temesvari N’76
Karen Lavelle Barry ’77
Mary Ann Novick Rakovan ’77
Mary Garrity ’89
Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Patricia Reddy Doran ’60 celebrates the publishing of her book, Honor Roll Illiterate: Dyslexia, School Failures and Phonics Successes, in 2024. Her book is based on both her own educational experiences, the experiences of others and the power of learning to read through phonics. Pat is still passionate about teaching, and resides in Minnesota with her husband and their granddaughter.
Karen Rath Dolan ’76 and her husband, Paul on being selected as the distinguished honorees of the 2025 Maltz Heritage Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates their exceptional leadership, philanthropic efforts, and dedication to promoting transformative change in Greater Cleveland.
Maria Michael ’01 turned her lifelong passion for art into MIRootsCreations, a thriving business specializing in custom tumblers, vinyl decals, woodburned items, and resin art. Inspired by her late father-in-law’s lesson to take chances, she launched her brand in 2021. Maria has sold her art to every U.S. state and six countries. A proud mom of four, she credits her family as both inspiration and motivation for her growing business.
Donna Friedman ’08 was recently selected to represent Cleveland through the Global Ambassador program at the Cleveland Council on World Affairs (CCWA). This prestigious program invites emerging leaders in Northeast Ohio on a transformative journey to develop a global perspective and a broader vision for the future of the city. As part of the program, Donna will participate in CCWA’s interactive global leadership course (LEADS) and embark on an international study tour to Finland and Spain, where she will explore business, social, and policy issues relevant to Northeast Ohio’s emerging professional leaders.
Brooke Hamilton-Seiler ’09 was inducted into Baldwin Wallace University’s 2024 Athletics Alumni Hall of Fame for Women’s Golf. During her time at BWU, she earned Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors for two consecutive years and was named a Women’s Golf Coaches Association Scholar All-American in 2011. The following year, she was an Elite 89 nominee at the NCAA Division III National Golf Championship. Most recently, in January, she was recognized as an Ohio Rising Star for Class Action by Ohio Super Lawyers for the 5th consecutive year.
Gabriella “Gab” Kreuz ’10 was inducted into the 2024 John Carroll University Athletic Hall of Fame for Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field. Highlights of her collegiate career include 12 All OAC Honors, 2 Great Lakes All-Region Honors, 1 AllAmerican in Cross Country and she was apart of the 2013 team that won the OAC title in cross country. In February, Gab attended the 25th Annual Greater Cleveland Sports Awards as a media correspondent and presenter.
Mary Sessions ’18 joined Saint Joseph Academy’s CORE Ministry department as a long-term substitute, teaching 9th and 12th grade Theology and supporting the Kairos retreats. After earning a Psychology degree from John Carroll University, she served with Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Houston and later worked in Mayor Justin Bibb’s office. Recently, she completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, deepening her faith.
Elizabeth “Liz” Fox ’19 has returned to the Academy as the new Campaign Coordinator. Liz will work with Campaign Director Nora Hennessy ’80, P’24 on the InspireSJA: Our Campaign for Remarkable Women.
Alexandra “Lexi” Soltesz ’20 graduated in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies (Mandarin) with an abundance of scholarships fully funding her junior and senior years. A Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup (MARC) grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supported her research, and with guidance from her mentor, Dr. Gino Panza, she skipped a master’s to pursue a PhD in Translational Neuroscience at Wayne State Medical School. Based at the VA hospital in Detroit, her research explores low oxygen treatments for partial spinal cord injuries. She’s traveled to present findings, been published, and plans to focus on POTS research.
Kelly Feke ’21 (daughter of Maribeth Bill Feke N’79) was awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award by the College of Science of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The award is given to students who demonstrate high academic excellence and involvement in their community or field. Kelly has completed her undergraduate work in Computational Mathematics and is working on a combined Master’s Degree in Computer Science at RIT.
Kristy MacCarthy Shawen ’00 and Trevor Shawen a daughter, Ophelia Rose, born September 3, 2024.
Elizabeth Maline Breha ’04 and Gregory Breha a son, Gatlin Trent, born September 12, 2024.
Emily Gehring ’06 and Matt Butkowski a son, Henry Paul, born December 26, 2024.
Marie Dantio Robinson ’06 and Andrew Robinson a daughter, Amelia Jane, born January 18, 2024.
Arianne Lovey Cruz ’09 and Daniel Cruz a son, Theo, born February 13, 2024.
Eleanore Hilow Andreani ’08 and Michael Andreani a daughter, Anastasia Rose, born November 10, 2023.
Alyssa Todd ’10 and Andrew Vasicek a son, Austin Joseph, born September 21, 2024.
MaryKate Caja Blankenship ’13 and Tom Blankenship a daughter, Emma Katherine, born August 17, 2024.
Emily Caja Haueter ’13 and Storm Haueter a daughter, Theodora, born November 7, 2024.
Monica Popi ’13 and Jonathan Vega a daughter, Isabella Nicole, born November 24, 2023.
Saint Joseph Academy 3470 Rocky River Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44111
www.sja1890.org
Dated Material
Monday, April 28-Wednesday, April 30
Are you up for the challenge? Let’s show our Jaguar spirit and win this year’s challenge!
Visit sja1890.org for more information on these upcoming events.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Cheer on the Class of 2025 during their ceremonial “Walk of the Roses” on Rocky River Drive.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Join us for the Spring Scholarship Luncheon at the Cleveland Yacht Club (Rocky River).
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Join us in celebrating our young alumnae who are making a difference in their communities.
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.