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 Spring 2026 edition of UPDATE magazine with you. This issue reflects the energy, momentum and deep sense of connection that continue to shape Saint Joseph Academy. Our community remains the foundation of all that we do, and it is through your shared commitment to our mission that the Academy continues to thrive.
In the following pages, you will find inspiring examples of how our students and educators are living out our mission in meaningful and forward-thinking ways. We are especially proud to share that Saint Joseph Academy has been named a 2025-2026 ITEEA STEM School of Excellence, an honor that reflects our commitment to empowering young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. This national recognition affirms the strength of our STEAM programming and the passion of our faculty who guide students in discovery, creativity and problem-solving. That spirit of innovation extends beyond the classroom, as seen in our recent STEAM student trip to Disney, where students engaged in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. In that same spirit, our Construction Academy sessions are providing students with unique opportunities to learn about and experience the building process firsthand as our campus evolves. Together, these experiences reflect our commitment to dynamic, experiential learning that prepares students to lead with confidence and curiosity.
This edition also highlights one of the year's most joyful traditions, our “Celebrate the Academy” gala. The 2026 gala was a beautiful evening of connection and gratitude as we gathered to honor our distinguished award recipients, Anne Marie Carey Pecon ’71, our Distinguished Alumna Award honoree, and the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Tuition Trust, our Medaille Shield Award honoree. Their lives and leadership exemplify the very best of Saint Joseph Academy, and we are proud to recognize their impact and enduring commitment to our mission.
We were also thrilled to share an exciting update on InspireSJA: Our Campaign for Remarkable Women at CTA. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have exceeded our campaign goal, and construction is well underway. Thank you to all who helped us reach and surpass our goal. Because of you, we are able to move forward with additional adjacent projects and will continue fundraising to support these important efforts.
As always, we are inspired by the many ways our community supports one another, through service, through mentorship, including opportunities like our Women’s Leadership Symposium, and through a shared dedication to excellence. These stories remind us that Saint Joseph Academy is not simply a place, but a dynamic community rooted in love and committed to growth.
I hope you enjoy this edition of UPDATE magazine and the many stories that make our Academy so special.
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 Cheryl Arnold, Joseph Basalla, Jessica Carny, Erin Cunningham, Kathy Flinn, Nora Hennessy ’80, P’24, Kathleen Jones Hensley ’15, Hannah Hill ’16, Anne Ising, Kathleen Loftus ’18, Mickie Matheis P’22, Melissa Murphy, Bryce Ormiston, Carolyn Conway Novak ’06, Molly Powers ’18, Kathryn Purcell, Constance S. Sipple, CFRE, Tammy Sparks, Jeff Sutliff, Dr. Jessica Wrobleski and Robert Zdankiewicz.
Photography courtesy is extended to the following: Al Fuchs Photography, Cheryl Arnold, Jessica Carny, Erin Cunningham, Kathleen Jones Hensley ’15, Lifetouch/Prestige Photography, Kathleen Loftus ’18, Melissa Mandula ’04, Laura McCarty Waryk ’07, Ripcho Studios and Kathleen Tipka P’27. For more information, please contact the Marketing Communications Director Cheryl Arnold at carnold@sja1890.org. Interested in receiving UPDATE via email versus mail? Send an email to alumnae@sja1890.org
Back row L-R: Engineering Teacher and Department Chair Mr. Bryce Ormiston, Math Teacher Mr. John Lesko, Cybersecurity Teacher Mr. Scott Carroll and Engineering & Design Honors Program Coordinator Mr. Robert Zdankiewicz. Engineering & Design Honors Program Members. Front row L-R: Ella Schneider ’27, Rachel Oldfield ’26 and Sophia Payamgis ’26 (sister of Katarina Payamgis ’24).
Saint Joseph Academy 3470 Rocky River Drive • Cleveland, Ohio 44111 216.251.6788 • www.sja1890.org
The Academy’s 8,400-square-foot expansion, adjacent to the Academy Center is on schedule, with a plan to open in the fall. This addition will create new spaces for athletics, wellness and performing arts, as well as a welcoming common area for students. It will also include a new Paw Prints Store.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we have surpassed our capital campaign goal! Surpassing our goal now allows us to pursue additional enhancements in the connecting spaces to the new addition.
We will continue to fundraise for these enhancements and invite you to help us build on our momentum. If you would like to be part of this historic project to the InspireSJA campaign, please scan the QR code and select InspireSJA in the designation options.
Thank you to the InspireSJA’s campaign committee for their dedication to the advancement of the Academy.
Nancy Conway CSJ ’65
Mary Lou Durkin ’54, P’77
Pat Kozak CSJ ’64
Campaign Committee Co-Chairs
Maureen Fallon Adler ’79, P’06, ’08 & ’10
Charles Adler P’06, ’08 & ’10
Catherine 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 Chair
Cheryl Hagan O’Malley ’77 & SJA Board Member
Anne Marie Carey Pecon ’71
Jeff Pecon
In March, the Academy held the 19th annual Women’s Leadership Symposium. The symposium began with a keynote panel of female leaders from Regency Construction Services, Inc., including Founder & President of Regency Construction Services Tari Rivera, Vice President of Construction Operations Janelle Hinkle and Project Manager Claire Novak.
In the afternoon, students attended two breakout sessions giving them an opportunity to learn from alumnae and female leaders in the community. Seniors attended a panel discussion featuring students from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead Women in Business. All six leadership team members spoke to students about making the most of their college experience and the importance of networking and professional development.
Thank you to all the women leaders who volunteered their time to this year’s symposium. The guidance and insight shared with students was invaluable.
• Christine Skordeles ’81
• Dorothy Carrocia Todd ’91 (sister of Dawn Carrocia ’89 and mother of Rebecca Anderson ’10)
• Sarah Murphy ’98 (sister of Lauren Murphy Radford ’00)
• Emily Hanson Ramos ’99 (sister of Melanie Hanson Bahr ’04)
• Katherine Janca-Feliz ’03 (sister of Terise Janca ’93)
• Margaret Sweeney ’03
• Ashley Jordan Calmer ’06
• Liz Campion ’08 (sister of Emily Del Greco Campion ’10)
• Christina “Nina” Dvorak Lawless ’08 (sister of Angela Dvorak ’02 , Carmen Dvorak ’03, Ann Marie Dvorak Veneziano ’05 and Maria Dvorak ’11)
• Brooke Hamilton Seiler ’09
• Melanie Kortyka ’09
• Emily Del Greco Campion ’10 (sister of Liz Campion ’08)
• Grainne Mangan Smyth ’10 (sister of Teresa Mangan ’09 and Celine Mangan ’12)
• Bride Rose Sweeney ’10 (sister of Molly Sweeney ’09, Samantha Sweeney ’14 and Margaret Sweeney ’22)
• Courtney Fallon Job ’12
• MaryKate Caja Blankenship ’14 (granddaughter of Bernardine Kall Caja ’52 and sister of Ashley Caja ’03, Allison Caja ’09 and Rachel Caja Tolbert ’11)
• Virginia “Ginny” Sullivan ’13 (sister of Patricia “Rose” Sullivan ’16)
• Annie Grove ’14 (sister of Grace Grove ’18)
• Allie Hippler ’15 (sister of Jessica Hippler ’12)
• Michaela Beno ’16 (daughter of Melissa Duchnowski Beno ’87
• Emily Hanes Henderson ’16
• Corrine French Jeric ’16 (sister of Emily French ’17)
• Rachael Kean ’16
• Claudia Becker ’18 (granddaughter of Shelia Allen Becker ’54 and sister of Molly Becker ’21 and Ruth Becker ’25)
• Kady Cushing ’19 (sister of Carly Cushing ’23)
• Marcia Moreno
• Juliana Dotson
• Milana Sacco
• Sonakshi Vikranth
• Olasumbo Olaegbe
• Olunchi Efobi
• Carrie Li
Congratulations to Rachel Oldfield ’26, Zoe McCafferty ’26 (sister of Julia McCafferty ’24), Alexandra Humphrey ’29, Mia Strauss ’26 and Madeline Pierce ’26 (granddaughter of Shirley Wagner Pierce N’63) whose artwork was selected for the Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition. Their work was selected from 5,786 pieces from across Ohio. The artworks will be on display at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
Also, congratulations to Madelaine Catacutan ’26 (sister of Rafi Catacutan ’25) as her artwork was selected for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Digital Art Display.
The College Board is pleased to announce that Saint Joseph Academy has been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning the highest level, Platinum distinction. This is the second year in a row the Academy has earned Platinum distinction.
“We are incredibly proud to once again be recognized at the Platinum level on the AP® School Honor Roll,” President Mrs. Kathryn H. Purcell shared. “This distinction reflects the dedication of our faculty, the determination of our students and our intentional commitment to expanding access to rigorous, college-level learning. At Saint Joseph Academy, we believe advanced
academic opportunities should be both challenging and inclusive, empowering young women to discover their strengths, pursue their goals with confidence and graduate well prepared for college and beyond.”
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP® programs are delivering results for students while broadening participation. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing
Discernment has brought me to a new chapter in my life—one in which I am called to step away from my role as Principal of Saint Joseph Academy at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year. The past 13 years have been filled with so many wonderful blessings. As I look back and look forward, one word captures the state of my heart: grateful
I’m grateful for all of the people I‘ve had the gift of sharing time with during my tenure as principal. Through you, I’ve experienced God’s presence and heard God’s voice each day, and I’ve felt supported by an unwavering community.
I’m grateful for my family members, who bring me enduring joy. My vocation has been their journey, too.
I’m grateful for my parents and grandparents, who—like the Holy Family—loved unconditionally and sacrificed for their
children, while teaching patience, persistence and the value of hard work. And I’m grateful for the parents and grandparents who love their children and grandchildren in the same way, and who’ve entrusted us with the care and education of their daughters and granddaughters.
I’m grateful for the Sisters of St. Joseph and the other vowed religious women and men who established an enduring system of Catholic schools, and for the lay people who continue to spread the Gospel through their work.
I’m grateful for the students and alumnae who manifest unifying love through their empathy, wisdom, integrity and service to the dear neighbor, as well as through their commitment to ensuring that Saint Joseph Academy “is not just an all-girls school; it’s an all kinds of girls school.”
Working and learning with them, witnessing their growth, brings wonder, joy and inspiration.
I’m grateful for the teachers and staff whose love and tender care remind me of St. Joseph. Each day, they secure the future of the Academy by answering Pope Leo’s call to “Draw New Maps of Hope.” to make Catholic education a beacon, “not a nostalgic refuge, but a laboratory of discernment,
opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
During the 2024-2025 school year, 82% of Saint Joseph Academy's Seniors took at least one AP® exam during high school, 62% of Seniors scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP® exam and 20% of Seniors who took five or more AP® exams!
pedagogical innovation and prophetic witness.” From them, I’ve come to realize that even the hardest days aren’t so hard when you work with people you love.
I’m grateful for the people whose hard work and care make our campus and our West Park neighborhood lovely and safe, and for the animals and plants whose presence mark time and remind us of God’s grace.
I’m grateful for the Diocese of Cleveland and for its leadership in advancing Catholic education, as well as for our sister and brother schools, whose friendship, partnership and competition have been a source of inspiration and strength for us all. We all do well when we all do well.
I’m grateful for Cleveland, where the generosity of each generation supports the institutions that nourish our present and secure our future through education, innovation, community engagement, the arts and athletics.
I’m grateful that I will carry this community in my heart wherever I go.
In February, 28 Juniors and Seniors traveled to Orlando, Florida to participate in a once in a lifetime immersive Disney experience at Walt Disney World® Resort. Students participated in the Theme Park Design Workshop at Magic Kingdom, Leadership the Disney Way and the Behind the Seeds Tour at EPCOT. These workshops on leadership, art and science allowed students to enhance their creativity and critical thinking skills. In addition to these educational workshops, students had the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney firsthand, enjoying classic attractions.
Lucy Lepore ’26 (sister of Mary Lepore ’22) shared the following about the experience. “I wanted to attend the Disney experience because it offered a unique opportunity to learn outside the classroom in an engaging, hands-on environment. Seeing how The Walt Disney Company creates meaningful guest experiences at Disney World was both educational and inspiring. Being able to explore the park afterward allowed me to see these concepts in action, making the experience truly memorable. I learned how much teamwork and planning go into creating a park experience at Walt Disney World® Resort. The leadership workshop showed me the importance of communication and collaboration, while the design workshop taught me how creativity and careful planning bring attractions to life.”
A special thank you to faculty members, Science Teacher & Department Chair Mrs. Jessica Carny, Visual Arts Teacher & Department Chair Mrs. Tammy Sparks, CORE Ministry Member Mr. Joseph Basalla and Science Teacher Mr. Matthew Srsich for chaperoning the experience. This invaluable learning opportunity would not have been possible without our amazing faculty members!
During her lifetime of ministry to the poor, Dorothy Day regularly quoted the novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who wrote that “Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams.” I am sometimes struck by a similar thought, as we seek to live our Catholic CSJ mission of fostering unifying relationships and serving those in need today. “Unifying love” can sound soft and comforting–like a one-size-fits-all sweater–but in a deeply divided society where almost any topic can ignite political tensions, seeking unity is far from easy or comfortable.
To give one small, recent example: in late January and early February of this year–as news cycles focused on protests in Minneapolis and students heard about walkouts at Cleveland area public schools–a number of SJA students reached out to teachers and administrators with a desire to show their support for those who might be targeted by ICE. They said that they weren’t looking to be disruptive, but they did want to take a stand because these matters were on their hearts–and they understood that this is a matter of empathetic justice, our Character of a Graduate theme this year.
The challenge for educators and school leaders in times like these is how to support students in forming and expressing their moral convictions without themselves entering into partisan politics in ways that might alienate those who see things differently. In this instance, we brought concerned students together to share their ideas and hopes. Through those conversations, students developed a variety of ways to demonstrate their support for immigrants and engage their peers. For example, several seniors organized an event to teach other students how to write letters to their elected representatives, and we continue to partner with local organizations like Cleveland’s Hope Center for Refugees and Immigrants. We’ve also collaborated with other CSJ high schools around the country to pray for immigrants during the season of Lent.
My point is not to hold up this example as a model for what to do when contentious issues arise, only as an illustration of the concrete challenges of putting love in action in a deeply divided world. From immigration policy to school cell phone policy and countless other matters, leadership in the spirit of unifying love requires listening and making space for multiple perspectives, even when we feel like the guidance of our mission–and our own judgment–is clear. We often say that unity is not uniformity; we believe that dialogue and communal discernment are actually far more important to true unity than agreement on all things, but they also require the difficult counter-cultural virtues of patience, humility, and trust in God’s guidance.
Dr. Jessica Wrobleski Vice President of Mission
Saint Joseph Academy is proud to announce that it has been named a recipient of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) 2025-2026 STEM School of Excellence Recognition, an honor that celebrates outstanding schools and universities committed to delivering robust Integrative STEM education programs and truly “making waves” in the field. The Academy is one of 37 schools around the world for the 2025-2026 school year to receive this recognition.
“We are proud to be named an ITEEA STEM School of Excellence, a recognition that reflects the passion of our faculty and the curiosity and drive of our students,” President Mrs. Kathryn Purcell shared. “This honor celebrates a learning environment where young women are empowered to innovate, problem-solve and lead with confidence in an evolving world.”
ITEEA’s STEM School of Excellence recognition underscores the importance of STEM education in today’s rapidly evolving world and highlights the critical role schools play in nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. By recognizing and celebrating these exemplary institutions, ITEEA aims to promote the adoption of effective STEM education practices across the globe and encourage educators to dive into what’s next in the field.
One of the reasons the Academy received the recognition was its robust Engineering & Design Honors Program (EDHP), which began during the 2018-2019 school year.
EDHP prepares students for a life of compassionate leadership and service in engineering and design related careers through studies in the classroom and hand-on learning outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to visit many of Northeast Ohio’s corporations and organizations to see real-world applications of engineering and design.
Engineering Teacher and Department Chair Mr. Bryce Ormiston accepting the award on behalf of the Academy.
The Engineering Design Honors Program has given me the chance to explore my interests.
Sophia Payamgis ’26 (sister of Katarina Payamgis ’24)
“We are also grateful for our partnerships with Sherwin-Williams, JobsOhio, Motogo and CLEBuilds, whose support has been invaluable,” Principal Mr. Jeff Sutliff shared. These partnerships truly enrich students’ learning outside the classroom and help them understand future career opportunities. Since 2018-2019, 50 students have graduated from either the Gold or Purple pathway. In the 2025-2026 school year, there are 35 Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors enrolled in the program.
“My favorite parts about the Engineering & Design Honors Program are the field trips and experiences that we get to take to really learn about the application of skills that we are gaining from this program to the real world and learn what we might like to do in the future and what we might not,” Rachel Oldfield ’26 shared. Rachel plans to major in engineering with a focus on entertainment and live performances such as theater productions and concerts.
Congratulations to our Pre-Engineering and Programming Department for this outstanding academic achievement! Scan the QR code to view the Engineering & Design at the Academy video on YouTube.
I wanted to be a member of the Engineering & Design Honors Program because I have always been interested in math and science, and I thought that this program would be a great opportunity for me to enhance my problem solving skills and critical thinking skills and figure out if I wanted to pursue acareer in engineering.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the spring play, A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie. A special thank you and congratulations to Theater Director Mrs. Anne Ising on her 25th Saint Joseph Academy production! Also, we are incredibly grateful for our three alumnae who also help make our wonderful shows possible. Thank you to Tech Director/Scenic Designer Angela Detrick ’98 (assisted with 49 shows at the Academy), Tech Director/Sound Designer Kate Valentino O’Dell ’08 (assisted with 34 shows) and Lighting Designer Erin Summers-Jones ’10 (daughter of Lorraine Daley Jones N’80 and sister of Gwenevear Jones ’15) (assisted with six shows) for your commitment to the Academy’s Performing Arts Department.
Letitia Blacklock - Poppy Wadenpfuhl ’27
Miss Marple - Nora Upchurch ’28
Dora Bunner ("Bunny") - Agnes Butler ’28
Patrick Simmons - Ellen Camardo ’29
Julia Simmons - Rebecca Bub ’28 (daughter of Kathy Haney Bub ’92)
Mitzi - Paige Golish ’28
Phillipa Haymes - Annie Gilbride ’27
Mrs. Swettenham - Addison Wolverton ’26
(granddaughter of Kathleen Korosi Reid ’80)
Edmund Swettenham - Zoe Knotts ’29
Inspector Craddoc - Madelynn Sparrow ’27
Sergeant Mellors - Sophia Payamgis ’26 (sister of Katarina Payamgis ’24)
Rudi Scherz - Roslyn Jannette ’28
Stage Manager - Rachel Oldfield ’26
Asst. Stage Manager - Clare Monahan ’27
Student Directors - Claire Polito ’27 and Merrin Kennedy ’26
Tess Natt ’26 (sister of Margaret Natt ’22)
Terria Myrick ’28
Kyra Gazso ’27
Emily Sabol ’29
Analise Rodriguez-Gabriel ’27
Amalia Ward ’28
Claire Polito ’27
Elena Mansour ’28
Layne Masterson ’28 (granddaughter of Sandy Schmale Masterson ’65)
Zoe McCafferty ’26 (sister of Julia McCafferty ’24)
Molly Laudolff ’29
Lily Weppleman ’27
Amari Reese ’26
Paige Frei ’27
Scarlet Davis ’28
Marissa Hale ’26
Ania Oshaben ’27
Gabriela Vanegas ’26
Lucy McBride ’26 (granddaughter of Mary Mulrooney McBride ’54, daughter of Rhonda Verchick McBride ’91 and sister of Frances McBride ’24)
Erin Kelley ’28 (sister of Mary Margaret Kelley ’14, Nora Kelley ’17, Grace Kelley ’19 and Maeve Kelley ’21)
Avery Anfindsen ’28
Roslyn Jannette ’28
Merrin Kennedy ’26
The Varsity Basketball advanced to the OHSAA OHSAA District Championship and finished the season with a record of 11-13.
Four gymnasts competed at the OHSAA District Meet, where the team earned a 5th-place finish. Ella Gus ’28 earned All-District honors and qualified for the OHSAA State Meet on both vault and balance beam. She became just the second gymnastics state qualifier in Saint Joseph Academy history and went on to place 14th in the State in vault.
Eight swimmers competed in the OHSAA District Meet and the team placed 10th with 101 points, the most ever scored by SJA at a District Championship. For the fourth year in a row, Senior Katherine “Katie” Goodman competed at the OHSAA State Meet. She finished 12th in the 500m Freestyle.
Jamie Stutzman ’26 (sister of Jenna Stutzman ’22) advanced to the OHSAA District Tournament as an individual and finished 47th out of 124 bowlers with a score of 486.
The Indoor Track and Field team had a record breaking indoor season. Leah Corrigan ’28 (granddaughter of Barbara Thompson Heffernan ’55) broke the long jump record, Joelle Puni ’27 broke the 60m dash record, Ava Reed ’26 broke the 60m hurdles record, and Cionnie Broadus ’28 broke the triple jump record. The team sent seven athletes to the OATCCC State Indoor Meet, where the relay team of Leah Corrigan ’28, Sylvia Mittendorf ’27, Joelle Puni ’27, and Ava Reed ’26 broke the school record in the 4x200m relay, the relay team of Brigid Hyland ’26 (sister of Mary Hyland ’17), Amelia Litten ’26, Joelle Puni ’27, and Ava Reed ’26 broke the school record in the 4x400m relay, and Cionnie Broadus ’28 broke her own school record again in the triple jump.
On February 21, 450 supporters gathered for the Academy’s annual gala, “Celebrate the Academy.” This year’s theme, Under Construction, gave a nod to the gala being held at the InterContinental Hotel while construction on the Academy’s new addition progresses. This year’s gala raised over $430,000.
This year’s gala honored Distinguished Alumna Award Honoree Anne Marie Carey Pecon ’71 and the Medaille Shield Award Honoree, the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Tuition Trust for the continued commitment to the Academy.
Following the honoree presentations, President Kathryn Purcell shared that the Academy’s InspireSJA-Our Campaign for Remarkable Women has met and exceeded its goal!
Thank you to all the “Celebrate the Academy” sponsors and attendees for a fun and unforgettable gala! Make sure to save the date for next year’s gala, Saturday, February 27, 2027.
Anne Marie’s high regard for her alma mater is rooted in its academic excellence and the robust extracurriculars that broadened her worldview at a young age.
“Academic achievement is an important element of one’s education, but what I took away during my time at Saint Joseph Academy was the ability to relate to a wide range of people—in social circles and work environments—at the best and most vulnerable times of their lives,” she says. Talent shows, yearbook club, prom committee and bowling class at Kamm’s Corner were just some of the activities that allowed her to build friendships across an entire class of girls, enriching her own overall growth.
My gifts of time and treasure to Saint Joseph Academy stem from my sincere gratitude for the tremendous experiences I enjoyed as both a student and board member/chair and my deep hope that the school will not only survive, but thrive, for many years to come
She also credits an exchange student program with other all-girls schools at the time—Trinity and Villa Angela—for helping her flourish. Then-principal Sr. Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ ’39† selected Anne Marie for this program during her sophomore and junior years. “I was so proud to represent Saint Joseph Academy and have felt that way ever since,” she recalls.
Anne Marie graduated from John Carroll University after high school, and went on to earn an MBA and a labor relations certification during a long and successful career in executive-level roles in human resources.
She spent 20 years at Rockwell Automation, a global leader in digital transformation and industrial automation systems, as its Director of Human Resources. She spent another eight years as Vice President of HR Power Systems at Danaher Corp., an American manufacturing company highly regarded for its Danaher Business System, an integrated framework of tools that helps businesses of all types attain operational excellence, innovation and growth.
Over the course of her career and now in her post-retirement life, one of Anne Marie’s greatest joys is seeing people succeed. That quality prompted her to accept a part-time role with Key College Academy after retiring from Danaher. Funded by a grant from Key Bank, the program, through the Cuyahoga County Public Library system, prepared individuals of all ages who were pursuing post-secondary education later in life. Seeing the confidence on the students’ faces as they learned to navigate a college environment was immensely rewarding. She remained with the program for eight years.
Anne Marie dedicated many years of service to Saint Joseph Academy, joining its Board of Directors in 2005 and serving until 2013. She also served on the Congregation of St. Joseph Ministries Board from 2016-2024. She has given her time and expertise to several capital campaigns benefitting the Academy, including the latest InspireSJA campaign with her husband of 29 years, Jeff Pecon.
“My gifts of time and treasure to Saint Joseph Academy stem from my sincere gratitude for the tremendous experiences I enjoyed as both a student and board member/chair and my deep hope that the school will not only survive, but thrive, for many years to come,” she shares.
Anne Marie is currently focused on supporting her husband’s board work with Solutions at Work (SAW), an organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities. She is also involved with the Weston Ideation Center at Cleveland State University, which supports students in their entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition, she continues to provide counseling to college students who seek assistance with resume writing and interview skills.
The couple enjoy traveling and have some ambitious international trips planned in 2026, including a visit to the Holy Land and various parts of Asia.
Congratulations, Anne Marie, on being named Saint Joseph Academy’s 2026 Distinguished Alumna!
The nine children born to Mary Catherine and William (Bill) Hagan were raised in a household that emphasized the values of faith, family and education.
Given their upbringing, there was never a question about the children receiving a Catholic education. It would nurture those same values outside of the home, providing a strong academic foundation and a solid moral platform to rely on for life’s challenges. The Hagans have witnessed firsthand how faith has helped them manage difficult times individually and as a family—especially when one of their own faced a devastating medical diagnosis.
All of the children attended St. Angela Merici School in Fairview Park followed by four years of Catholic high school. Youngest daughter, Lisa Hagan Berry ’81, joined sisters Dr. Cheryl Hagan O’Malley ’77 and Kellie Hagan King ’78 at Saint Joseph Academy.
After obtaining a degree in Education from Hiram College, Lisa became a fourth-grade teacher at St. Mel School in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood, effectively weaving together those three core tenets of her upbringing—faith, family and education—into the perfect career. She married Thomas Berry in 1987, and the couple had a son, Brendan, in 1990. Lisa was pregnant with her second child in 1993 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Lisa delivered daughter Colette Berry ’11 in June and passed away in February 1994.
As a way to celebrate Lisa’s life, honor her vocation and commemorate her commitment to her faith, the Hagan and Berry families established the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Tuition Trust to support Catholic education. The trust is a non-profit—a 501(c) (3)—designed to accept donations in Lisa’s memory. The families organized a golf outing to help fund the trust and initially selected St. Mel School as the beneficiary and then Saint Joseph Academy when St. Mel School closed in 2009.
The inaugural golf outing took place in September 1999 at Springvale Golf Course in North Olmsted. Twenty-six years later, the event is still held at Springvale, consistently drawing a large and dedicated crowd of immediate and extended family and friends. Participants are not only motivated by the challenge of increasing the endowment, but also by the chance of winning the coveted martini shaker that serves as the event’s trophy. The 2025 golf outing sold out, raising an impressive $11,150 for the trust.
The outstanding faith-based education that Lisa received at the Academy shaped her in many ways. She was a Jaguar ahead of her time, demonstrating the Character of a Saint Joseph Graduate long before those attributes were identified and formalized as part of the school’s guiding philosophy. Selecting the Academy as the trust beneficiary also made sense because of the many family connections to the school. In addition to Lisa and her sisters, other alumnae include her father’s two sisters, Mary Hagan Barrett ’42 and Elizabeth (Betty) Hagan Neary ’48, her mother’s cousin, Kathleen Kilbane, CSJ ’52, her father’s aunt, Miriam Therese Ebenger, CSJ, and several nieces.
The Hagan and Berry families approached the Academy to establish the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Endowed Memorial Scholarship. According to the families, since its inception, approximately $200,000 has been raised for this scholarship, allowing for more than $42,500 in awards to 42 students beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.
One of those students was Samantha Matheis ’22, currently a Senior at the University of Dayton. “I am so grateful for my time at Saint Joseph Academy,” she says. “I grew up in a single-parent household, and the tuition assistance I received from the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Endowed Memorial Scholarship helped me be able to attend this school where I felt so at home and where I was always encouraged and supported to become the best version of myself. I hope the Hagan and Berry families understand the far-reaching and long-lasting impacts of their generous financial aid to families like mine in preparing girls academically, spiritually, socially, and mentally to go out and change the world.”
Lisa’s family feels humbled and honored to have provided tuition assistance to Saint Joseph Academy students for the last 14 years. The continued success of the golf outing is a true testament to Lisa’s life and the love her family shares.
Congratulations to the Hagan and Berry families on the Lisa Hagan Berry ’81 Tuition Trust being named Saint Joseph Academy’s 2026 Medaille Shield Award Honoree!
You can recognize a special Senior by supporting her ceremonial “Walk of the Roses” on Tuesday, May 26 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 on Rocky River Drive from Saint Joseph Academy to Our Lady of Angels Church. Your gift of $65 will purchase 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 2026 graduates.
To donate, visit sja1890.org/giving or mail your gift prior to Wednesday, May 20 to the Advancement Department, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111, with the notation "Roses" or scan the QR code below.
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 gift, 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 or mail a check to Saint Joseph Academy, 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland, OH 44111 or visit sja1890.org/donate
Please remember in your prayers the following deceased alumnae:
Alida Hebing Rossin ’45
Celine Jackson Burger ’47
Mary Slattery Dambach ’47
Charlotte Miller Haggerty ’47
Sally McCarthy ’47
Loretta Cullen Gannon ’49
Joan Zelis Skoda ’49
Joan Hicks Dalrymple ’50
Margaret Loan Tarr-Smith ’52
Barbara Buerman Bentler ’56
Carole McDonnell Burke ’56
Mary Jane Walsh Stacho ’57
Nancy Campbell McNulty ’58
Virginia Delgaudio Reynolds ’58
Kathleen "Kathy" Betz ’59
Kathleen Jochem Dudchenko ’59
Marlene Lucas ’59
Geraldine "Gerry" McCarthy Savel ’59
Barbara Smith Brown ’60
Mary Lou Schneider Dixon ’60
Helen Schneider Brown ’61
Chris McCormick Bush ’61
Linda Derthick Guzay ’62
Mary Ellen Mayhall Cachat ’63
Ruth Ann Reinartz Leslie ’63
Barbara Bodnar Erjavec N’64
Ellamay Corrigan ’65
Margaret Mary "Peggy" Twohig Ziegenruecker ’65
Linda Lovell Fantino ’66
Barbara Watts Grygier ’66
Michele Davis Kristy ’66
Marilyn Lindler Metz ’66
Mary Porter ’67
Mary Ann Brill Grabiec ’67
Lynn Cleary Eifel N’70
Linda Korosi ’71
Noreen Dubecky Wolf ’72
Barbara Mathews Sovol N'73
Mary Cooney Bechtel ’75
Jennifer White ’01
Erin McQuillen ’11
Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Dr. Mary Beth D’Alessandro Christoff N’71 (sister of Jeanne D’Alessandro N’70 and Kathy D’Alessandro N’72) is a retired elementary school principal and former art teacher, who always wanted to write a children’s book. After the loss of her mother and older sister, she began writing and in the process created a beautiful story called, “The Ribbon Bow Shoes,” about how memories may help a person heal when facing a loss.
Anna Marie Lapp Taylor ’73 (sister of Mary Jo Lapp ’73) has been an operating room nurse for 48 years. On March 11, 2026, Anna Marie spoke to students in the Health Sciences Honors Program (HSHP) about nursing. She demonstrated how to maintain a sterile field, brought surgical instruments for the students to pass around and explained how human anatomy is manipulated in surgery in order to access tumors deep within our tissue.
Sarah Murphy ’98 (sister of Lauren Murphy Rudford ’00) has been named Executive Director of The Edna House for Women, a powerful full-circle moment as both an alumna of the program and a dedicated staff member since 2019. She steps into the role bringing lived experience and a passion for supporting women in recovery. Her leadership reflects the mission at the heart of The Edna House, continuing its legacy of hope, healing and community. Sarah also joined us this March as a featured speaker at the Women’s Leadership Symposium, where she shared her inspiring journey and insights with our students.
Rachel Hope Valley ’08 married James Valley on November 8, 2025, in Norton, Ohio. The celebration was a true Saint Joseph Academy family affair, with several alumnae playing special roles, including her mother, Catherine Hope Rupp ’82, as Mother of the Bride; Megan Hinkle Hope ’09 as Matron of Honor; Nasja Aude ’08 as Maid of Honor and officiant; and bridesmaids Patricia Rupp ’05, Jennifer Rupp ’07, Amanda Majka Mitsch ’08, and Mary Wallenhorst ’08
Kerry Colatruglio’13, PA-C, MSPAS (sister of Hannah Colatruglio ’11) is a Cardiothoracic Physicians Assistant (PA) with the Cleveland Clinic. She spoke to members of the Academy’s Health Sciences Honors Program (HSHP) on January 12, 2026.
Dr. Jenea Adams ’15 has a Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology and is a Principal Scientist at GSK. She is also the founder/ executive director of The Black Women in Computational Biology Network. Jenea spoke to members of the Academy’s Health Sciences Honors Program (HSHP) on March 9, 2026.
Elissa Matthews ’16 was recently promoted to Digital Marketing Manager at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, where she creates high-energy content for a global audience of nearly one million followers. A 2020 graduate of Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication, she joined the Rock Hall in 2022 as a Digital Coordinator and quickly advanced into this leadership role. Elissa leads social media strategy and content, manages digital storytelling across the website, and oversees the content calendar, while also supporting on-site engagement through the Hall’s “Street Team” at concerts and events.
Kady Cushing ’19 (sister of Carly Cushing ’23) is the Communications Specialist for the Brunswick Division of Police. She was recently named the Communication Specialist of the Year for 2025. Kady graduated cum laude from Ohio University with a B.S. in Psychology. She returned to the Academy to speak at the 2026 Women’s Leadership Symposium and to Ms. Emmy Levine’s Women Leading in the 21st Century class.
Katherine “Katie” Kane ’21 was selected to receive the Lutheran Education Association's 2026 Outstanding New Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award. Katie is in her first year of teaching at Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, Ohio, where she teaches Kindergarten. Katie teaches alongside fellow alumna Jessica Lehrke Smith ’08. During National Lutheran School's Week held February 23-27, Katie and Jessica brought back their Jaguar spirit on Twist on Twinning Tuesday.
Madelyn “Maddie” Hubbell ’25 was selected for Team USA’s Global Youth 7s Team. She competed in Auckland, New Zealand December 19-21, 2025. Maddie is in her first year at Harvard University and a member of the Rugby team.
Rosemary Brewka ’03 and Gregory Shuck a son, Francis Gregory, born October 21, 2025.
Caitlin Kahler Ubbing ’08 and John Ubbing a son, Lawrence Henry, born October 7, 2025.
Alyssa Deis Biggar ’10 and Nicholas Biggar a son, Zachary Rhys, born January 19, 2026.
Molly Butler Bonamico ’10 and Carmen Bonamico a son, Carmen "Carmy" Anthony, born January 4, 2025.
Charlene Torres Winans ’11 and Jackson Winans a daughter, Cirilla Faye, born August 25, 2025.
Cari Cutler Dober ’16 and Matthew Dober a son, Thomas Mark Dober, born October 10, 2025.