Thank you, Sr. Ellen, for your incredible dedication to Gesu’s children. Congratulations to the 2024 Gesu Graduates!
Susan Martinelli Shea
Cheers to Gesu School for 30 years of visionary and transformative education! Congratulations to Daryl Shore and Sister Ellen Convey, IHM for your well-deserved honors!
With love, The Solomon Family
Thank you for supporting our 30th Anniversary Gesu Gala! Tonight, as we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge our blessings and our entire community.
Thirty years ago, the Gesu parish, once a thriving community, was forced to close due to financial struggles and urban deterioration.
The Archdiocese requested that the Jesuits and the IHM Sisters keep Gesu School open as an independent Catholic school, Philadelphia’s first of its kind Gesu School remained to serve our North Philadelphia community and ensure the highest quality education.
Thanks to the contributions of so many over the decades, Gesu School is thriving as a national model for urban education. Your time and generosity have transformed thousands of children’s lives with faith, love, and learning.
Please take with you a commemorative 30th Anniversary book, which shares the full story of Gesu’s unique history and inspiring community
This evening’s gala raises funds that are critical to furthering Gesu’s mission: providing an innovative education that empowers students to transcend all forms of poverty. Your support directly impacts 400 students
We offer our sincerest thanks to all Gala sponsors for their generosity. And we are grateful to our Gala Co-Chairs for their dedication: Tom & Beth Belmont, Molly Belmont, and Susan Martinelli Shea.
We hope you enjoy this special celebration!
Bryan Carter President & CEO Alana Lee Principal
Sister Ellen Convey, IHM Principal
Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, creative hope, and love, Gesu School helps students to transcend all forms of poverty by providing a comprehensive, innovative education. We empower our students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.
Gesu School was founded in 1873 as a parochial school. In June 1993, it was in jeopardy of closing, but opened three months later as an independent Catholic school governed by an ecumenical board of trustees.
Gesu blazed the trail for what a thriving urban school looks like and what our students can accomplish. Nearly 30 years later, thousands of children have received a quality education, and schools nationwide have adopted Gesu's model.
Aligned with the Jesuit belief in cura personalis, "care of the whole person," Gesu provides a holistic education, nurturing students academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually In the spirit of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Gesu affirms that "every child can learn." We welcome children of all ability levels, faiths, and ethnicities. In 2023-24, approximately 54% of Gesu families had a household income of less than $30,000. Gesu School qualifies 100% for free/reduced breakfast and lunch programs.
Gesu ensures students reach their full potential with resources including remedial to advanced classes, spirituality and wellness, our soft skills curriculum, and our Graduate Support Program. All gala proceeds directly support Gesu's 400 students.
Cocktail Hour – CP Rankin Club
Awards Ceremony - Home Plate
30thAnniversaryVideo
Welcome
MasterofCeremonies,RickWilliams,6abc
OpeningPrayer
Fr MarioPowell,SJ &SisterMaryEllenTennity,IHM
GesuGospelChoirPerformance
RecognitionofGesuFaculty,Staff,andPresidents
StevePiltch,Ed.D.–Chair,GesuBoardofTrustees
RecognitionofPastGesuBoardChairs
BryanCarter,President&CEO,GesuSchool
PresentationoftheJamesFHiggins’45Distinguished AlumniAwardtoDarylShore‘94
BryanCarter,President&CEO,GesuSchool
GesuGospelChoirPerformance
Presentationof2024MarkSolomonGesuSpiritMedalto SisterEllenConvey,IHM
WinChurchill,ChairmanEmeritus,GesuSchool
ClosingRemarks
MasterofCeremonies,RickWilliams,6abc
Dinner – Main Concourse
Special Presentation – Main Concourse
Dessert and Dancing – Main Concourse
Videos produced by:
Gesu School is honored to announce that our highest honor, the Gesu Spirit Medal, will be re-named in memory of Mark Solomon, who passed away on September 30, 2023. Mark, the very first Gesu Spirit Medalist (2006), played an integral role in helping to keep Gesu open and transitioning the school into an independent Catholic School 30 years ago. His kindness, generosity, and love for Gesu’s children was boundless. Mark proudly embodied the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, a commitment to actions that help to make a better world. His legacy of philanthropy and advocacy for those in need can be felt around the world, from Philadelphia to Israel, and beyond.
The “Mark Solomon Gesu Spirit Medal” will continue to honor individuals and organizations who have shown extraordinary commitment to Gesu School through their loyal advocacy and actions, and who have made a significant contribution to Ge n elementary school.
This year we are honored to recognize Sister Ellen Convey, IHM
2023 Jonathan(posthumously),Gloria,&the DetwilerFamily Peter&KathyLinneman
2022 EthelMaeHockerFoundation H.ScottMiller
2021 TheHamiltonFamilyCharitableTrust Stephen&CheriZiegler
2020 RosemaryEspañol,CFM SaintJoseph'sUniversity
2019 WinstonJ.Churchill
2018 JGordonCooney,Jr,Esq StevePiltch,Ed.D.
2017 JamesF.Higgins'45 HChaseLenfest
2016 PeterG.Gould Rev.StephenD.Thorne
2015 TadDecker KeithPension
2014 Mrs.ElizabethR.Moran Rev NeilVer'Schneider,SJ
2013 Rev.WilliamJ.Byron,S.J. VivienneLambertEhret
2012 RobertM McAlaine
2011 ChristineS.Beck GeorgeW.Bur,S.J.
2010 JohnJ DiIulio,Jr,PhD
2009 Aline&AlMartinelli Susan&BillShea
2008 RalphSaul JohnJF “Jay”Sherrerd, (posthumously)
2006 MarkSolomon
For the last 32 years, Sister Ellen Convey, IHM has served as Gesu’s tireless leader and ardent advocate for our students and families. First in the building each day and often last to leave, her dedication and generosity are exceptional. Sr. Ellen began her career in education at the age of 20 as a 4th grade teacher at an urban parochial school in Philadelphia. She later taught in elementary schools in Somerville, New Jersey; Athens, Georgia; and R di P l i
Over the past three decades, Sr. Ellen has made an immeasurable impact on thousands of Gesu children, their families, and across our North Philadelphia community. Her compassion, love, and commitment have been, and continue to be, felt by all of those in her presence and who have been blessed to know her.
As Gesu School celebrates our 30th Anniversary as an independent Catholic school, there is no one more deserving of our highest honor than Sister Ellen Convey, IHM.
Named for alumnus and 2017 Spirit Medalist James F. Higgins ‘45, this award honors alumni who embody Jim’s legacy through their success, heart, Gesu pride, and dedication.
e, Gesu Class of 1994, currently he Senior Vice President of Finance at National Equity Fund re he is responsible for overseeing nal lending and workforce housing t platform, managing products, and with investors.
gnificant experience at Prudential Financial, where he specialized in Impact Investments and later progressed to the role of Vice President of Inclusive Communities. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in structuring and executing Prudential’s inaugural Opportunity Zone investment. Daryl also brings a wealth of expertise from his tenure as Vice President in Business Banking, Community Development, and Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase.
Daryl’s educational background is impressive, including a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Emory University. He continued his academic journey with an MBA in Finance from Clark university in Atlanta and holds an M.S. in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Daryl is actively involved in various civic and nonprofit organizations. He serves as a dedicated board member for Westtown School, Gesu School, and Community Housing Capital, contributing his time and expertise to support their missions.
Ariel M.
Alayna-Joy G.
Aleysha B.
Nina W.
Milan W.
Zoe B.
Laila G.
Madisyn F.
Nyvia H.
Destini J.
Demi J.
Kennedy H.
Zoe H.
Mi'kel G.
Ahvryn N.
Saniyah W.
Symir R.
Elijah C.
Caleb N.
Davian M.
Cameron F.
Gabriel C.
Kaius J.
Bryce C.
Chase A.
Joshua L.
Eric C.
Jeffrey A.
A’Jani G.
Amir T.
Tyler B.
Kharee W.
The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, directed by trumpeter Henri McMillian, is made up of world-class professional musicians with decades of experience that record and tour with major label artists such as Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Kool & the Gang, The Roots, and countless others.
The group is a full-time concert recording ensemble of the highest caliber, performing a wide-array of genres of a vast repertoire. UGO exemplifies versatility and sophistication and delivers an energy-packed musical experience that will rock you every second of the performance!
Pennsylvania allows qualified individuals and businesses to receive tax credits (yes, tax credits, not deductions) for contributions of scholarship aid through the Educational Improvement and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Programs (EITC & OSTC).
Gesu School relies on EITC and OSTC donations from businesses and individuals across the region to help us continue our mission to serve low-income children and families in North Philadelphia. You can help! The impact is enormous.
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA CO-CHAIRS
Tom & Beth Belmont
Molly Belmont
Susan Martinelli Shea
THANK YOU TO OUR GALA COMMITTEE
Kathy Asta
Kristen Barber
Kimberly Brennan
Rard Davies
Linda Hartzell
Kate Hovde
Alana Lee
Byron McCook
Allan Murphy
Keith Pension
H.L. Ratliffe
Megan Ryan
Mary Ryder
Rob Weinstein
Randi Zemsky
Gesu School is governed by a diverse, ecumenical board of trustees, a group of talented individuals united by their passion for creating a safe haven of learning for our children in North Philadelphia.
Steven Piltch, Ed.D., Chair
Susan P Manix, Vice Chair
Greg Rigdon, Vice Chair
Keith M. Pension, Secretary
Gerard J. Davies, Treasurer
Bryan H Carter, President and CEO
Jeff Armbrister
Honorary Donna Bullock
Rev. George W. Bur, S.J.
Craig Burns
Sr. Mary Sue Carwile, IHM
Andrew Cavacos
Bryan H Carter, President and CEO
Sr Ellen Convey, IHM, Principal
Alana D. Lee, Principal
Winston J. Churchill, Esq., Chairman Emeritus
John J Curry
Sherri Darden
Thomas A Decker, Esq
Rosemary Español, CFM
Tamika Evans ‘92
Peter G Gould, Ph D,, FSA
Frances Gray
Kellsey Guell
Junior Board President
Eve J. Higginbotham SM, MD, ML
James F. Higgins ‘45
Katherine H. Hovde
Rev Daniel R J Joyce, S J
Karen Lucey
Nyree S Lyons, RN ‘95
John Marinacci
Susan Martinelli Shea
Robert M. McAlaine
Byron A McCook, Ed D
Marie T. McCormick
Allan C Murphy
Louis R Pichini
Sr. Stephen Anne Roderiguez, IHM
Margaret Erin Rodgers Schmidt
Eilise Rouse
Angela Schwartz
Desmond Shannon ‘02
Daryl J. Shore ‘94
Sylvia Spector
Rasheed Stewart
Sherman Washington
Larry Wells, MD
Aneka Williams
Robert S. Weinstein, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Carolynn Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Ed Beckett, Vice President for Mission, Identity, and Inclusion
Mark Smith, Director of Facilities
Rev. Raymond J. Donaldson, S J , Chaplain
Kellsey Guell, President
Molly Belmont, Vice President
Kenyon Privott, Secretary
Kimberly Brennan, Gesu Staff Liaison
Imani Briscoe ‘09
Joseph Caraway
Daniel DiBerardinis
Shawn Futch
Kristen Herrmann
Mary Liva McNulty
Courtney Stroud
Mike Talvacchia
Lily Walter
The Maguire Foundation
Susan Martinelli Shea
The Solomon Family
The Connelly Foundation
The H. Chase Lenfest Foundation
Tom & Beth Belmont
Craig & Jeannie Burns
Gallagher
Peter Gould & Robin Potter
The James and Agnes Kim Foundation
Kevin & Karen Lucey
National Equity Fund
Cozen O’Connor
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Christine Beck
Kate Hovde & Ken Kulak
Allan & Pat Murphy
Philadelphia Kids in Care Foundation
Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Germantown Friends School
Bob & Anne McAlaine
DOUBLE SPONSORS
Arrupe House Jesuit Community
John & Jennifer Curry
Malvern Preparatory School
Saint Joseph’s University
Treasure Signs
Dr. Lawrence Wells & Dr. Bernadette Wheeler
Westtown School
Drs. Frank & Eve Williams
Vault Communications, Inc.
The Dorothy and Anthony Bardaro Foundation
Brown Advisory
The Carter Family
Rard & Judy Davies
Flynn O’Hara Uniforms
Liguori Academy
Keith Pension
Steve Piltch & Sunny Greenberg
PNC Bank
Scott & Barbara Renninger
Steve & Maria Schreder
Schultz & Williams
Toscani, Stathes & Zoeller LLC
OIlie Young
VIP PATRONS
Andy Anderson
Ed Beckett
Jim & Diane Brecker
Geraldine Geckle
Susan Manix & Glenn Gunderson
Byron & Angela McCook
Pat & Marie McCormick
Mark Murphy
Jerry & MM O’Neill
Paul & Wendy Rosen
Frank & Kathy Seidman
Don Thompson
William Untereker & Diane
Semingson
Paul & Lisa Welch
DONATIONS $10,000+
The Convey Family
DONATIONS $1,000+
The Ellen Farber Charitable Fund
Maryland Society of Jesus
Adam & Sylvia Spector
Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane
COMMEMORATIVE JERSEY
SPONSOR
Citizens Bank
DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK & SIGNAGE UNDERWRITING
Chuck & Carol Walsh
The Connelly Foundation congratulates the students and staff of Gesu School on thirty years of hard work and transformative love!
Our thanks to Sister Ellen for a lifetime of service to Gesu and the children of the community.
Your humanity, belief in what is possible, and commitment to make the possible into reality have defined the school. You are the Spirit of Gesu. We wish you a long life and fruitful next endeavors.
Peter Gould and Robin Potter
The Maguire Foundation is pleased to support Gesu School and the 2024 Gala.
Congratulations to the staff students, & alumni of the Gesu School on 30 years of creating positive, engaged members of the community!
Thank you Sister Ellen for your caring and leadership!
Congratulations, Daryl Shore on being such a positive force in the community!
Congratulations to the students and staff of Gesu School on 30 years of hard work and transformative love!
We also honor the Gesu Spirit Medalist Sister Ellen Convey and thank her for her many contributions to Gesu School.
Jeannie and Craig Burns
Congratulations to the Gesu Class of 2024 and to the fantastic teachers and staff, especially Sister Ellen, that support and lead the way!
Allan and PatMurphy
Congratulations to the Class of 2024, and thank you to Gesu faculty and staff, especially Sister Ellen! We will miss both the graduates and Sister Ellen, but look forward to seeing you at many future Gesu events.
With great appreciation,
Kate Hovde and Ken Kulak
A big thank you to Sister Ellen and all of the Gesu School faculty & staff for all you do for the students. Congratulations on 30 years of high-quality education!
Karen & Kevin Lucey
Gesu works because of you, Ellen. All will miss you but now you can teach 8th grade!
Love and hugs forever!
Chris Beck
The James and Agnes Kim Foundation congratulates the Gesu School on 30 years of hard work and commitment to transforming the lives of its students through learning and love. Congratulations and best of luck to 8th graders Jaelyn, at SJP, and Avi, at the Academy of the New Church.
The Jim and Agnes Kim Foundation
Arrupe Jesuit Community congratulates Daryl Shore and Sr. Ellen Convey.
Thank you for helping the souls of so many students of North Philadelphia.
Congratulations to Sr. Ellen and Daryl Shore on your much-deserved spirit awards, and to the Class of 2024 on reaching this exciting milestone.
Best wishes to all!
John and Jennifer Curry
We honor Sister Ellen Convey who inspires all who are lucky enough to meet her. Her dedication, hard work and love for the students and the entire Gesu family have made all the difference!
Randi Zemsky & Bob Lane
With Congratulations to the Gesu graduating class, Drs. Frank & Eve Williams ose who are piest are those o do the most others.” oker T. shington
Thank you Sister Ellen and Daryl for your generous support of Gesu School. Congratulations on this well deserved honor!
Bob & Anne McAlaine
With great respect and boundless admiration, we thank Bryan Carter, Sister Ellen, Ms. Lee and all the colleagues (faculty and staff) who make Gesu run on a daily basis. Although it is the children of Gesu who tell the Gesu story, a wonderful story, special thanks goes to Sister Ellen for playing such an instrumental role shaping, writing, and editing the story for more than 30 years. Congratulations, Sister Ellen!
Happy 30th, Gesu!
Congratulations and thank you to the entire Gesu community.
Rard & Judy Davies
Gesu and Sister Ellen have helped so many children and families over the years. This is well deserved!!!!!
Janet MaldonadoCongratulations to Gesu School for a great 30 years! Here’s to 30 more.
Steve & Maria Schreder
Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us and supporting our 30th Anniversary Gesu Gala!
The Carter Family
Weareproudtosupport GesuSchoolandits talentedandcommitted faculty,staff,and students. Congratulationson anothersuccessfulyear.
Scott & Barbara Renninger
Thank you to the faculty and staff at Gesu for their hard work supporting the students this year.
Best wishes to the Gesu Class of 2024.
Ollie Young
Congratulations to the entire Gesu School community for a successful 30 years!
Toscani, Stathes & Zoeller, LLC
