SPRING/SUMMER 2023
Celebrating the Class of 2023
The 34th Annual Magnificat Gala
Alumnae in Finance
Laura Nortz, Chairperson
Bridget Barrett ’86
Martin Berry
Barbara Waitkus Billings ’86
Gabrielle Ata Christman ’99
Lilian Reyes Cindric ’86
Molly McCarthy Connell ’00
Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79
Meredith Lahl Foxx ’95
Sr. Carole Anne Griswold, HM
Beth Haas ’94
Linda Loesch Kelly ’77
Kelly Compiseno Lamirand ’94
Joe Lee
Colleen Mountcastle ’91
Colleen Moran O’Neil ’88
Kathleen Casey Proctor ’89
Margaret Jeffers Rowe ’87
Andrew Strada
Moira Clark ’77, President
Julie Sims Gibbons ’80, Senior Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing
Colleen Greller, Dean of Faculty & Academics
Julie Reines, Dean of Student Life & Formation
Kerry Bugala Capka ’88, Vice President of Operations
Deborah Durbin ’81, Vice President of Advancement
Katie Higgins ’99, Vice President of Mission
Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10, Director of Alumnae Relations
Alee Burke, Assistant Director of Communications
Meg Chochola, Senior Director of Development & Alumnae Relations
Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist and History Faculty Member
Janetta Hammock, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84, Director of Development
Lexi Majoros, Assistant Director of Communications
Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications
Chris Rini Slyman ’84, Advancement Assistant
COVER PHOTO: Kevin Kopanski Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos throughout from
Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10, Alee Burke, Kevin Kopanski Photography, Lexi Majoros, Teresa Messmore, Ripcho Studio, and Alex Weil.
DESIGN: Alee Burke
Each May, it is bittersweet to bid farewell to the members of our graduating class as they begin their next chapters as alumnae living Mary’s Magnificat in the world. Treasured traditions help ease this transition, linking each class to the many that came before: the Sentimental Sleepover, Senior Prom, uniform decoration during Senior Week, group photos on the Magnificat sign out front, receipt of their final pendant at the Baccalaureate Mass, and the red roses and the “M” formation on stage at Graduation. While their college destinations and dreams for the future vary as much as their interests, backgrounds, and personalities, they share a lifelong bond as part of our alumnae sisterhood. We wish all the best to the members of the Class of 2023, and we look forward to seeing them at Homecoming and Reunion!
Departing with the Class of 2023 is Dean of Student Life and Formation Julie Reines, pictured right, here with President Moira Clark '77 and Board Chairperson Laura Nortz. Thank you for your service, Dean Reines!
While classes have ended and lockers are empty, our campus is anything but quiet this summer. We have over 925 girls enrolled in our Magnificamps, Summer Enrichment Program, and Athletic Camps. Many of our students, faculty, and alumnae are helping the Summer Programs team run these activities, and we are excited to help keep future Blue Streaks’ minds, bodies, and friendships active this summer.
We are also busy with several large construction projects on campus. The Smith Snack Shack will bring a long awaited concession stand and restrooms to our outdoor athletic facilities, and the second phase of the Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts is underway. Both of these projects, which you can read about on page 28, are slated for completion by the start of the upcoming school year. We thank Maureen Karnatz Smith ’81 and Stephen Smith, Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79 and Fred DiSanto, and the other generous donors who made these capital projects possible.
Before we know it, we will be welcoming the Class of 2027 to our upgraded campus as our incoming freshmen. School traditions will begin for these ninth graders, starting with them convening outdoors for a group photo during orientation wearing their class color. We are eager for these young women to formally join our Magnificat community, and we wish everyone who is already a part of it many blessings as our tradition of learning, leading, and serving continues!
In the Spirit of Mary’s Magnificat ,
Moira Clark ’77, President Laura Nortz Board ChairpersonOver Easter break, students taking French had the opportunity to travel to France! After flying across the Atlantic, they took a high-speed train to Avignon and enjoyed a culinary tour, a chocolatier visit, and kayaking along the Gard River to see the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct. Students visited Marseilles by boat ride to explore the Calanques and swam in the Mediterranean Sea. In Arles, they took a cooking class, viewed Roman architecture and saw venues painted by Van Gogh. Finally, the group traveled to Paris, where they visited the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and a French School.
During Magnificat's Diversity Week, students explored different cultures through activities led by student clubs and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Each day focused on a different culture and featured displays, music, food samples, and crafts. The week was capped off by a cultural fashion show and Bollywood dance performance, sponsored by the Cultures and Traditions Club.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, several alumnae joined English faculty member and Feminism Club Moderator Emily Clark, Ph.D. ’92 for a Women’s Empowerment Panel with the entire school in the audience. The panelists were Gwen Rosenberg ’92, owner of Popped! popcorn shop and Kent City Council member; Kristin Warzocha, CEO and President of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and a current Magnificat parent; Syma Dar ’97, M.D., a Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist; and Kathy Cruz ’91, co-founder and owner of The Salvaged Boutique in Lakewood and former police officer and homicide detective.
The Digital Media Production class taught by Joe Hnat received an Honorable Mention in Full Sail University’s Creativity Marathon Competition. This global competition included hundreds of student groups from five countries creating videos about the 17 UNESCO 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The class produced and edited a video about clean water and sustainability in Cleveland.
Three Magnificat students were recognized in the Ohio K-12 Chinese Essay Contest, an annual competition organized by the Ohio Association of Teachers of Chinese. Congratulations to Mengxin Deng ’25, Jennifer Song ’25, and Luqing Li ’24, along with Chinese teacher Guilan Ding, Ph.D.
The Seeds of Service club created many beautiful floral arrangements over the course of the year for school masses and events and reinstalled a honey bee hive, enhancing the campus and demonstrating care for God’s creation.
The Arabic Honor Society along with Arabic and French classes journeyed to Dearborn, Michigan, to visit the National Arab American Museum. Along the way, students were given a guided tour of the museum, sampled authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and purchased sweets to take home.
The 65th Annual Commencement Ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 23, in celebration of 178 graduates and their many achievements at Magnificat High School. The ceremony took place in the Center for the Performing Arts for the first time since 2019, having been moved outdoors due to the pandemic. Graduates resumed the time-honored tradition of forming an “M” shape on stage, joined by underclasswomen in blue gowns.
“As you officially graduate tonight, know that you are forever a part of the Magnificat community, and that you will remain in our prayers as you go forward and as your lives continue to unfold,” President Moira Clark ’77 said. “We are proud of your personal, spiritual, and academic growth and accomplishments, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment to service you have demonstrated within our school, the greater community, and the world.”
Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller recognized the recipients of the school’s highest honors: Beatrice Ghosn ’23 was named Phi Beta Kappa; Class President Mary Kate Wichmann ’23 received the
Sister Mary Pat Cook, H.M., Leadership Award; Yasmine Samara ’23 was presented with the Nancy Powell Service Award; and Mary Lutz ’23 received the Sister Bernadette Vetter, H.M. Award. Emma Latchford ’23 was the Class Speaker, addressing the family, friends, faculty, and staff in attendance on behalf of the Class of 2023.
“It is clear that our hard work did pay off and did not go unnoticed,” Emma said. “We have made our families and teachers so very proud and have served as role models for younger students. Our talents have led us this far, and each of us has an aptitude to accomplish amazing things outside of Magnificat.”
Commencement was preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass on Sunday, May 21, presided over by Monsignor Richard C. Antall. The theme of the mass, “Trusting and Sending Forth,” was chosen by representatives of the Class of 2023. Graduates were given a final pendant to add to the ones stamped with Learn, Lead, and Serve that they received the last three years, reminding them to live Mary’s Magnificat in their next chapters as alumnae.
Sister Bernadette Vetter, HM Award: Mary Lutz '23, Nancy Powell Service Award: Yasmine Samara '23, Commencement Speaker: Emma Latchford '23, Phi Beta Kappa Award: Beatrice Ghosn '23, and Sister Mary Pat Cook, HM Award: Mary Kate Wichmann '23.
Above: President Moira Clark '77 welcomes family and friends during the 65th Annual Commencement.
College of Charleston
Cuyahoga Community College
Denison University
Duke University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach
Florida State University
Fordham University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Illinois Institute of Technology
Indiana State University
Indiana University-Bloomington
John Carroll University
Johns Hopkins University
Kent State University
Northwestern University
Ohio Northern University
Ohio University-Main Campus
Pennsylvania State University
PennWest Edinboro University
Purdue University
Saint Mary's College
Salve Regina University
Savannah College of Art & Design
Syracuse University
The College of Wooster
The New School
The Ohio State University-Main Campus and Newark Campus
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
University of Kentucky
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of South CarolinaColumbia
University of Southern California
Ursuline College
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Walsh University
Wright State University
Xavier University
Scan to see more Commencement photos!
We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat |
The Class of 2023 has a bright future ahead! Graduates will be off to colleges and universities around the country this fall, with plans to study a wide range of majors: engineering, social work, chemistry, nursing, communications, education, business, art, politics, English literature, psychology—and many more! We stopped just a few to hear about their dreams for the next stage of their educational journeys and how Magnificat helped them prepare.
Caroline’s plans for the future were directly influenced by a class she took at Magnificat: AP Macroeconomics. “Prior to taking this class, I would not have known that business was something that would interest me or that I would want to go into finance in college,” she said. “I learned how the economy functions and the many ways that businesses, the government, and the markets work together.” She also participated in the KeyBank Immersion Program through Magnificat’s Genesis Program and met professionals working in the world of finance. Having participated in the Outreach Club and varsity tennis at Magnificat, she hopes to continue her involvement with clubs and organizations at Wake Forest—and potentially study abroad in a 19th-century house the university owns in Venice, Italy.
Pilar plans to further her education in theater at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts this fall in New York City. Having been involved in community theater since a young age, she gave a memorable performance as Mrs. Corry in Magnificat’s production of Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical and also appeared in Matilda. In addition, she participated in the Magnificat Dance Team, Student Council, and the Spanish Honor Society, all on top of taking five AP classes this year.
Beatrice credits classes such as AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics, and AP Calculus BC with helping her recognize her interest in computer science and engineering, which she will study at Duke University. “Magnificat’s rigorous classes and focus on college prep helped me feel ready to take on my next chapter,” she said. “The all-girls environment helped me to gain confidence and allowed me to delve into my interests without hesitation.” She has also enjoyed taking Chinese to gain greater appreciation of her Chinese heritage and culture, and she found a second family as a member of the Magnificat Dance Team. At Duke, Beatrice hopes to be involved in tech-related clubs, the Dancing Devils Dance Team, the Chinese Student Association, and other clubs that will allow her to explore her interests. “I am so grateful for my four years at Magnificat and cannot wait for the next four years to come,” she said.
Anne Carmody holds many fond memories from her 45 years as a faculty member in the English Department. The veteran teacher devoted her entire career to Magnificat, advancing the English, theater, and track programs in a remarkable tenure spanning six decades. While many of her family members attended Magnificat, Anne went to Westlake High School to take advantage of the many sports offered at the time. An all-around athlete, she was a champion speed skater, garnered city titles in track and field, and also played field hockey, volleyball, and basketball. After graduating, she went on to study communications and literature at John Carroll University, where her uncle, Father Joseph Owens, was a Jesuit priest. He introduced her to Magnificat Founding Principal Sister Bernadette Vetter, H.M.
“We used to visit her at the Convent, and I just kind of fell in love with this place,” she said. “So when I got an interview here, I knew I was going to take it.”
She joined the faculty in 1977 and taught English ever since, engaged by the enjoyment of wrapping students up in a story and inviting them to relate literary themes to their own lives. Two of the favorite books she has taught are The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald for their themes of guilt, honesty, and living in the past. Over the years, she taught a variety of English classes, produced one-act plays, and directed many of the school’s musicals. She even helped recruit then-unknown actor Tom Hanks to discuss Shakespeare at Magnificat while he was a cast member with Great Lakes Theater.
Anne also put her running experience and knowledge to good use in establishing the track and field program at Magnificat, joined by former faculty member Shirley Doyle, and recruited girls to the team as the program grew and succeeded over the years. Her contributions to the school include involvement with the Ski Club, Genesis, and the Video Club— back when announcements were done by video in the 1980s—and she used to bring a trampoline out on Fridays for lighthearted faculty social hours. Looking back, she is struck by the expansion of the campus facilities during her time here, as well as the collegiality of the faculty and staff. While she looks forward to gardening during retirement at her home in Avon Lake, she said she will miss Magnificat and plans to return to see the completion of the Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts in the fall.
“It has been such an honor to work here,” she said. “Everybody is so professional and collaborative. I love it here.”
The Blue Streaks were on fire this winter! The gymnastics team had a State Champion for the second consecutive season as Keira Leneghan ’24 scored a 9.525 on the uneven parallel bars. Keira’s State Title matched the State Title that her mother, Meg Griffin Leneghan ’87, won in 1987 on the same event as a member of the Magnificat gymnastics team (see photo on inside front cover). Coach Liz Wojtkun ’02 was awarded this year’s OHSAA Gymnastics Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award.
The bowling team won its first Sectional Championship in school history, and Mia Sayles ’23 closed out her Blue Streak career with a tie for 35th in the state. She is the first Magnificat bowler to qualify for the State Tournament and has signed to continue her athletic career at Wright State University in the fall.
The Indoor Track & Field team had eight State qualifiers this year in their various events: Megan White ’23 (Shot Put and Weight Throw), Madison Miller ’24 (High Jump), Mariella Mayer ’24 (4 x 800 Relay and 4 x 400 Relay), Kate Adler ’23 (4 x 800 Relay and 4 x 400 Relay), Mikaela Davala ’26 (4 x 800 Relay), Megan Martin ’26 (4 x 800 Relay), Brooklyn Ramos-Kelly ’24 (4 x 400 Relay), and Izzy Loeffler ’26 (4 x 400 Relay). The swimming and diving team sent Makenna Mincey ’24 to the State tournament! Lastly, the basketball team claimed its first District Championship since 2020, and Abby Rosol ’23 was named to the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Division I Academic All-Ohio team. Congratulations to the Blue Streaks on their impressive seasons!
Congratulations to the seven senior athletes who committed this spring to take their talents to the collegiate level— in addition to the eight already featured in the last issue of Magnificat Magazine!
In spring sports, the softball team finished its season with an overall record of 12-12. Abigail Sito '23 was named First Team All County, and Ruari Dever '24 was named Second Team All County by the Cuyahoga County Softball Coaches Association. In addition, seven of our athletes received an all academic award from the Cuyahoga County Softball Coaches Association. The Track and Field team had a record breaking season: Anna Powers '23 broke the Magnificat Track and Field triple jump record with a jump of 31' 91/2', while Megan White '23 broke the Bay Invitational Meet record in shot put with a throw of 37'11. Lacrosse continued its dominance on the field this season with a record of 14-5 after falling to Massillon Jackson in the Regional Quarterfinal. Lastly, the Spring Rowing team finished a stellar season at the Midwest Regional Scholastic Championships putting five boats in the grand finals and a total of nine boats finishing in the top 16 in the region!
Abby Oblena ’23
The Ohio State University, Rowing
Kate Hayes ’23 Otterbein University, Soccer
Abby Rosol ’23 John Carroll University, Basketball
Julia Walton ’23 Edinboro University, Soccer
Chrissy Krncevic ’23 University of ColoradoColorado Springs, Lacrosse
Julia Kure ’23 Miami University (OH), Soccer
Megan White ’23 Marquette University, Track & Field
The varsity lacrosse team celebrates a win over Avon.
Left: Madison Miller ’24 placed second in the high jump at Regionals and earned the opportunity to compete at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus in the Division I State tournament.
The Magnificat Dance Training Company and The Magnificat Dance Team performed their annual Spring Dance Concert, titled "Reflections," in May. They performed 62 numbers, several of which received awards and national honors at this year's competitions.
Congratulations to the following students, whose artwork was on display at the Beck Center for the Arts!
Jasmine Abeid ’23
Ella Brett ’25
Olivia Brugnoni ’26
Emma Cantu ’24
Mengxin Deng ’25
Tianna Dixon-Williams ’23
Evie Foutty ’26
Emily Grubic ’24
Amanda Haas ’23 (Honorable Mention)
Aurelia Igielinski ’23
Caroline Kustra ’24
Quinn McCabe ’23
Finley McNamee ’24
Ella Modaralli ’24
Bella Sinagra ’25
Kristina Telban ’23
Thembie Tembo ’23
Anne Marie Williams ’23
Congratulations to the Performing Arts Department for garnering nine Dazzle Awards nominations—and four wins—for the fall production of Chicago: Teen Edition:
Best Actress: Calista Zajac ’23 (win)
Best Supporting Actress: Marta Minarik ’23 and Nora Stipanovich ’24 (win)
Best Ensemble/Chorus (win)
Best Choreography Execution (win)
Best Costume Design
Best Musical
Best Scenic Design
Best Technical Execution
Aurelia Igielinski '23If you happened to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular from 2007-2010, you probably watched Magnificat’s new artistic and choral director, Ken Lear, perform. The Parma native and Saint Ignatius graduate got his first big break in New York City, performing as a featured singer in the beloved holiday show.
“I’ve done a lot of other things, but that’s got a name to it,” he said. “It’s one that people recognize.”
Ken is bringing his talent and expertise to Magnificat as a full-time faculty member in the Performing Arts Department this fall, having already music directed Chicago: Teen Edition, all-school masses, Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement during the 2022-2023 school year. He will be responsible for teaching choir and acting classes, expanding participation in the choral program, and preparing vocalists for musicals, Masses, prayer services, and off-campus performances.
Having played the piano since the age of 6, Ken became serious about music and theater during high school while participating in the Saint Ignatius Drama Program. He decided to audition for college programs in musical theater performance and enrolled at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, where he became friends with Magnificat dance teacher Kim Worden Summers ’98. The two kept in touch, even after his career took him to New York City, regional theater appearances around the country, and cruise line engagements as a lead singer.
After Ken returned to the Cleveland area during the pandemic, Kim helped recruit him to music direct Magnificat’s production of Chicago: Teen Edition in the fall of 2022. The musical was a great match: He had already worked on a production of the show in Florida directed by Charlotte d'Amboise, who was one of the first actresses to play Roxie Hart on Broadway.
“I learned Chicago from the people who learned it from [Bob] Fosse,” he said. “It was very cool, so I was super excited to get to do it here at Magnificat.”
This summer he is holding a sold-out musical theater Magnificamp for girls in Grades 4-6, and he is excited to
begin teaching choir and acting to Magnificat students this fall. Looking ahead, the classically trained vocalist hopes to build upon the longstanding success of Magnificat’s Performing Arts Department and increase the number of students participating in choir. He plans to bring back the Christmas Concert with Show Choir and the Music Settlement, and he hopes to eventually have two levels of choir for beginning and advanced students.
“Ken is the perfect fit for our department,” said Director of Dance and Performing Arts Jill Haller. “His professional experience matches his passion for teaching the arts. With his strong ability to lead and serve, our students will receive a musical education that is unparalleled. We are excited to expand the possibilities and opportunities for our talented and driven students.”
FAM Network events continued throughout the spring thanks to the hard work of parent and guardian volunteers, including Pastries with Parents for all four classes. As seniors prepared to graduate, the FAM Network hosted two events for them: Father/Father Figure-
Daughter Game Night with the theme of Top Dad at the Main Event, and the annual MotherDaughter Mass and Luncheon at the Music Box with Fr. Finbar Ramsak. What a wonderful way for Magnificat students to bond with their families!
Campus Ministry has been busy with retreats, masses, the Lenten Project, and connecting with the H.M. community! Students were given the chance to participate in many different retreats, such as the wellness, nature, racial equity, and art retreats along with Kairos. Our Campus Ministry department offers many different opportunities for students to deepen their relationship with God and each other in various ways. The Sisters of the Humility of Mary came to campus in April to view the Annual Spring Art Show and spend some time on campus with the students and faculty. It is always a special day when the Sisters come to visit!
Top row clockwise: The flags these students are holding represent the countries that the Lenten Project supported for our Ash Wednesday All-School Prayer Service. | Students enjoying lunch outside at Lakewood Park during their Wellness Retreat. | Sister Marguerite Holz talks with Madeline Turner ’25
Clockwise starting above: Students experimented painting only by touch, not with sight, during the Art Retreat. | Campus Ministry and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partnered for the first Racial Equity Retreat. | Vice President of Mission Emerita Sister Helen Jean Novy, H.M., gives ashes to a student on Ash Wednesday. | Student music ministers share their talents during the Baccalaureate Mass. | HM Sisters visit the Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts.
This is a continuing feature in a series highlighting Magnificat’s principals over the years.
Magnificat’s fourth principal, Sister Ann McManamon, H.M. ’52L , was born on November 7, 1933, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Patrick and Mary McManamon. She graduated from Lourdes Academy in 1952 and entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in 1953. Ann received Sister Mary Patrick as her religious name, and she professed final vows on July 17, 1958. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Notre Dame College in Ohio and a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
Arriving at Magnificat in 1958, Sister Mary Patrick taught English literature and theology and served as a moderator for the Junior Class and the Yearbook. Vice President of Mission Emerita Sister Helen Jean Novy, H.M., recalls that she was “an educator who based decisions on understanding the theory behind practice.” Sister Joanne Gardner, H.M., meanwhile, is “forever grateful” for Sister Mary Patrick’s “support and encouragement” when she was a young teacher.
In 1967, Sister Mary Patrick returned to her baptismal name, Ann. Sister Ann served as assistant principal under Sister Claire Young until 1971, when she herself was named principal.
As principal, Sister Ann shepherded in new programs. In 1971, Magnificat introduced a 1-3 numeric scale that complemented the A-F letter grade scale and holistically evaluated students’ intellectual and emotional processing abilities as well as their content mastery. Sister Ann also approved new courses including Advanced Creative Writing and Popular Literature and Oral Communication.
Magnificat’s signature Genesis program began in 1973 under Sister Ann’s leadership. The program released senior students from their classes three weeks before graduation
for self-directed research and experiential learning. The Genesis program has undergone changes since its inception, and it continues to distinguish Magnificat graduates as women dedicated to lifelong learning.
After leaving Magnificat in 1974, Sister Ann ministered in educational, hospital, and parish settings in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
In 2009, Sister Ann helped to open the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in Youngstown, where she served as its coordinator for many years. Sister Ann explains that this ministry offers “hospitality that overwhelms” to people experiencing homelessness and marginalization. Guests receive hot meals, clothing, showers, and other necessities. Sister Ann and her volunteers also attend to spiritual needs while emphasizing the dignity of each person. In this work, they model Magnificat’s core values of respect, compassion, and faith-filled life.
Sister Ann continues to inspire Magnificat students. On a Magnificat Service Retreat, students volunteered alongside her at the Dorothy Day House. Additionally, Magnificat’s annual Humble Hands Advent Project includes the Dorothy Day House as one of its partner organizations. Today within the Ministry of Prayer, Sister Ann continues to support and encourage Dorothy Day House volunteers and guests.
As a teacher, principal, and tireless social justice advocate, Sister Ann embodies Magnificat’s Mission. Of the Dorothy Day House, she has said, “It’s a great place to be. It’s hard, but it’s great.” In this, Sister Ann reminds the Magnificat community that learning, leading, and serving in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat can be challenging, but answering God’s call is life-giving.
“Sister Ann is a person of faith who sees persons in need with the eyes of Jesus of the Gospel.”
—Sister Helen Jean Novy, H.M.
Light the Way: The Magnificat Gala was held this March to support Magnificat tuition assistance. This year we honored four members of our community for their dedication to Magnificat over the years: Rose Gates Jenne ’68, The Magnificat Award; Mary Clare Fanta Oberst ’75, The Alumnae Award of Excellence; Mara van der Oord Myers ’97, The True Blue Volunteer Award; and Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76, The Sister Carol Anne Smith Award. By the end of the night, more than $455,000 was raised from the live auction, paddle raise, and silent auction. Thank you to everyone who supported this night of giving and celebration!
Sister Carol Anne Smith, H.M., and Vice President of Mission Emerita Sister Helen Jean Novy, H.M.
Christopher Nortz, Terry Gibbons, Board Chair Laura Nortz, Stephen Cindric, and Board Member Lilian Reyes Cindric '86
Dede Hickey Geib '76, Sue Niehaus Del Vecchio '73, and Mary Louise Madigan '78.
Elizabeth Grace, Leslie Rechin, Matt Rechin, Mark Kurtz, Heather Kurtz, Gala Committee Chairs Amy and Brian Kelly (Gala Committee Chair), Ian Woidke, and Molly McCormick '13.
Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller and her husband Ian Greller.
Leah Jenne '23, Deana Dellafiora Chamberlain '89, and Michelle McNulty Flando '85.
Magnificat graduates have long found successful careers in the financial sector, building on fundamentals learned during their high school years. In this issue, we profile just a few making an impact in the world of finance and supporting today's Blue Streaks in one day joining their ranks!
The world of finance and banking is still a male-dominated industry, and Alison Sammon ’00 is looking to change that. Alison is currently the managing director of syndicating and leveraged finance for KeyBanc Capital Markets and the creator of the company’s “Women in Finance” summer program for high school students. Many Magnificat students have participated in the program, and some have gone on to be hired by KeyBank.
Alison started at KeyBank in 2005 after graduating from Miami University, where she majored in finance and minored in Spanish. While at Key, she also received her M.B.A. from Cleveland State University. She has held many different positions within asset-based lending, commercial lending, and capital markets that have taken her to New York City and back.
“As a student, I didn’t have an appreciation for all the avenues of finance and accounting,” she said. “Working in different positions and departments inspired me to start the summer program to help girls explore the world of finance.”
After hosting four Magnificat Genesis students out of her cubicle, Alison knew she needed to build up a program that allowed for more female students to have access to the various departments. In 2013, the Women in Finance Summer program was officially launched and has grown ever since. She also helps host a Women in Finance conference for sophomores in college, where she brings students together with different department heads for the students to learn from and network with.
“My job is really technical, and having conviction gets you a long way,” she said. “Magnificat gave me the confidence and conviction to succeed in my career. My time at Magnificat also taught me to be detail-oriented. I once failed my American Lit final because I put my answers on the wrong lines of a scantron test. I have always double-checked my work since.”
Alison encourages those in the summer program, and all students, to learn as much as they can about what they think they want to do in the future. She says, “Explore all avenues to find your passion.”
Alison has a 10-year-old daughter, whose Girl Scout troop she leads. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her daughter and large extended family.
Jastany Santiago ’17 (pictured opposite page on right) is a recruiter for Keybanc Capital Markets and is also involved with the company's Women in Finance Summer Program. With the involvement of Human Resources and Jastany, the program has added a professional development aspect, helping students build resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
After graduating from Magnificat, Jastany attended Miami University and majored in human capital management and leadership with a minor in Spanish. In college she was a member of Greek life, met some of her best friends, and traveled every opportunity that she could.
Jastany is now back in Cleveland and loving her new career. In her spare time, she still enjoys traveling and continues to explore the city and new restaurants.
Alison Sammon '00 speaking to Magnificat students on campus about the KeyBank Immersion Program, in which 11 students enrolled for this summer.When Alexandra (Alex) Vidmar ’02 was 3 years old, her parents signed her up for gymnastics. With Alex being a strong-willed and thrill-seeking toddler, they determined that “learning how to fall” was, for her, a necessary life skill at that age. She loved the nature of gymnastics. It was difficult and thrilling, and it required her to cultivate personal responsibility, self-reliance, accuracy, precision, and a desire for demanding work—all things she ended up loving about working in the world of capital markets.
After graduating from Magnificat, Alex attended John Carroll University to study at the Boler School of Business. Investment banking appealed to her in college, in part because of how relatively few women there were.
“Magnificat imposed no limits on what I could learn; it was implicit that I just learn everything I could,” she said. “We are called to ‘glorify the Lord by our lives,’ and one way this can be done as you leave Magnificat is by doing your very best work at the most challenging opportunities you know of. Over time, occupations and vocations change, bifurcate, and blend together, but the foundational behaviors needed for success in any career or vocation will always be the same: a desire to do your very best at the hardest challenge you can find.”
A love of numbers drew Ann Huesken ’16 to a career in finance. “I like that investment banks and private equity firms give you responsibility early in your career,” she said. “You need to take initiative and prove yourself right away, and I think my time at Magnificat was fundamental in giving me the confidence to do that. The all-girls’ environment allows you to speak up and gives you the confidence to state your opinions. It taught me that women can do anything men can do.”
Ann’s path to Stonepeak, a private equity firm, began with her Genesis program at KeyBanc Capital Markets.
“Alison [Sammon ’00], is one of the reasons I became interested in investment banking,” she said. “It was wonderful to see all the different avenues of finance at a young age.”
After graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2020 with a double major in economics and Spanish, Ann worked as an investment banking analyst for Barclays. As part
The fall of her senior year, Alex received a full-time offer to participate in the GE Capital analyst program in Chicago. After graduating with a B.S./B.A. in finance, she moved to Chicago and spent three years at GE Capital.
A desire to return home brought her back to Cleveland, where she spent eight years at KeyBanc Capital Market, first in Syndicated & Leveraged Finance then in Loan Sales. During her time at KeyBanc, she also helped Alison Sammon ‘00 with the Women in Finance Summer Program. Most recently, Alex worked at Huntington Capital Markets.
Alex, her husband, and their three children now live in Strongsville. She enjoys spending time with her family, involvement in St. Joseph Church, and serving moms and babies of Zelie's Home.
of the Natural Resources group, she worked with companies including Chevron and Marathon. Last August, she moved to Stonepeak, an investment firm specializing in infrastructure. She is enjoying the change from advisor to investor.
“My job requires a lot of critical thinking and analysis,” she said. “Even as an associate, I am expected to have an opinion on every potential investment we look at.”
She would love to see more women go into STEM fields, especially finance. She credits her wonderful Magnificat teachers, specifically Peg Szczesniak, Carol Fedor, and Carolyn Wanzor, for instilling in her a love of math and science. They pushed her towards a career, and finance was the perfect fit within STEM.
Ann is enjoying living in New York City, where she has wanted to live since she first visited after 4th Grade. She likes exploring the city with friends and trying new restaurants (some of her best friends from Magnificat visited in April). She is also a mentor to a ninth grader at an all-girls’ Catholic high school in the Bronx.
“It is fun to be young and living in New York,” she said. “There is always something to do or see.”
Passion, enthusiasm, and hard work have defined most everything Carrie Kirk Schroen ’94 has worked to achieve in high school, college, family, and career.
“Much of my success is rooted in the opportunities I took advantage of at Magnificat to learn and grow,” Carrie said. “It’s a very special place, founded by the thoughtful, smart, and inspiring Sisters of the Humility of Mary.”
She credits great teachers, inspiring and highachieving classmates, and participation on the swim team for teaching her how to be a team player and how to excel while wanting the best for others. Magnificat teachers “challenged us to think broadly about the world and our opportunities,” she said. Her passion for swimming helped the Magnificat team win State Titles in the 200-yard and 400-yard team relays and earned her a scholarship to Boston College, where she studied business management.
During a college internship, Carrie quickly learned the investment banking world was dominated by men. She enjoyed the internship and the work, but all but one of the 128 successful financial advisors in the office were men—a daunting statistic. So as a senior in college, she accepted a position in retail management, but it was not long before she pivoted and turned her attention back to the world of finance and investments. She has not looked back. Carrie went on to earn an M.B.A., and she was recently promoted to the role of National Sales Manager for Blackrock. Her enthusiasm for financial services makes the hard work a great experience she describes as “much more fun than she can describe in short form.”
Carrie also is passionate about women and investing— both as a career and as an essential means for gaining financial security. She led a team at Blackrock to develop new investment products tailored specifically for women, and in July 2022, Carrie and a Blackrock colleague rang the bell at the Nasdaq in celebration of this achievement. According to Carrie, “Research tells us that 90 percent of women will one day be solely responsible for their household financial decisions. We need more women in finance helping to guide others seeking better financial futures for themselves and their families.” This enthusiastic pursuit of great investment strategies for women led to a nomination for the Asset Management Woman of the Year Award in 2023, a proud moment for Carrie.
Career success aside, Carrie is most passionate about her family and most proud of being a mom and step-mom to two beautiful and strong girls. Her stepdaughter, Sydney Schroen Williams ’14, started her own line of women’s clothing: Swayed Stature. Carrie, her husband, and youngest daughter, Charlotte, now live in North Carolina.
Do you have a suggestion of an alumna to feature in an upcoming issue of Magnificat Magazine or on our social media? Great! Please contact Director of Alumnae Relations Caitlin MacBride Berg '10 at cberg@maghs.org.
Carrie Kirk Schroen '94 at Nasdaq to ring the bell in celebration of her work at BlackRock serving female customers.The fact that many Magnificat alumnae go on to successful careers in finance and business comes as little surprise. A longstanding tradition of educating young women about financial literacy through a multifaceted approach today spans Lemonade Day Camp for grade school girls through AP Macroeconomics for upperclasswomen. Coursework in math and economics and a variety of co-curricular activities provide every student with engaging learning opportunities, and a curriculum expansion prompted by new State of Ohio requirements will further deepen students’ understanding of the world of finance.
“Economics and personal finance impact students every single day, all day long,” social studies teacher Peg Szczesniak said. “Studying these subjects makes them better decision makers.”
Economics has long been a required class taken during 11th Grade that covers the fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics, including types of economies, the stock market, supply and demand, types of business organizations, the Federal Reserve System, economic indicators, personal finances, and the filing of income tax forms. Most students are unfamiliar with these topics coming in, Peg said, so the addition of a 10th Grade Personal Finance class will help lay a stronger financial foundation.
The new curriculum is being developed in partnership with AlphaJump, created by Saint Ignatius teacher Dan Hess and catered to the needs of Magnificat students. Students will take a total of 60 hours of self-paced, online modules about topics such as long-term savings, how to apply for a job, entrepreneurship, digital citizenship, artificial intelligence, crypto-currency, and more. The class will satisfy the one half-credit of financial literacy required for graduation by a state law passed in 2021 beginning with the Class of 2026.
“This course offers opportunities to focus on the specific areas of finance that aren’t typically focused on,” Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller said. “It’s additional instructional time for kids to expand their knowledge.”
Magnificat owes a debt of gratitude to former faculty member Dottie Perez for building business education into the school day decades ago, elements of which remain today. Dottie established a Business Technology Center on the school’s lower level, where students learned business accounting and computer skills. She started the course Business and Finance, now called Entrepreneurship, that follows a University
Faculty member Peg Szczesniak teaching economics.
of Iowa curriculum through which students can earn 3 college credits by passing the final exam.
Dottie also forged a partnership with the Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, which provides grants and learning opportunities for students, and she expanded student cookie and popcorn sales in the cafeteria into a formal Business Club that went on to sell smoothies and Mitchell’s ice cream.
“She’s really the reason why we have all of this,” said faculty member Krista Slife, who now teaches the Entrepreneurship class and moderates the Business Club. “She laid the groundwork from the beginning, and she paved the way.”
Today, students highly interested in pursuing careers in business or finance can prepare by taking courses in AP Macroeconomics, AP Statistics, and Calculus in addition to the Entrepreneurship elective. Many choose to participate in the KeyBank Immersion Program for their Genesis experience, including at least 11 students taking part this summer. In addition, a new concentration diploma in business is being added during the 2023-2024 school year to help students focus their interests and demonstrate to colleges their interest in potential majors.
Students can complement their classwork with hands-on experiences on campus. The Business Club manages ice cream sales through the Brew Streaks Cafe, and last year the Marketing Club worked on branding and marketing for the Seeds of Service Club’s honey production. When the Smith Snack Shack opens this fall, students hope to be involved in food and merchandise sales. Even future Blue Streaks entering Grades 4-6 can learn about social entrepreneurship at the popular Lemonade Day Camp, which raises money for a chosen non-profit organization each year.
“I think we do a great job across the curriculum empowering girls to feel confident in their ideas, speaking about them, and advocating for themselves and others,” Krista said.
The benefits can last a lifetime. Whether students go into business or not, they are better equipped to manage their own finances at home and in their chosen careers. Many cite their all-girls experience at Magnificat in helping them navigate traditionally male-dominated financial fields.
Dean Greller sees more opportunity ahead for continual enhancement of the curriculum and co-curricular activities, especially as computer programming and artificial intelligence introduce changes and challenges. She plans to bring more alumnae entrepreneurs and financiers back to campus to meet with students and make connections between academics and the outside world.
“We need even more offerings,” she said. “We have a lot of alumnae who own businesses that can speak to our students. So that’s one of my big goals for the next few years.”
tickets!
September 22-24, 2023
e Arts Hall of Fame
September 22 6:00PM-9:00PM
omecoming Mass
September 23 5:00PM-6:00PM
Homecoming Tailgate
September 23 11:00AM-2:00PM
Homecoming Family Fun Tailgate with sporting events, games for all ages, and more!
Reunion Celebration
September 23 6:00PM-10:00PM
All alumnae are invited to celebrate the classes ending in 3s and 8s
All Alumnae Brunch
September 24 11:00AM-1:30PM
Cleveland Yachting Club
Main Clubhouse
The Magnificat High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame has been established to recognize and honor alumnae, faculty, and friends of Magnificat High School who have distinguished themselves in one or more of the various fields of the Fine Arts. Members of the Magnificat Fine Arts Hall of Fame exemplify the Magnificat Mission “to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat.”
Friday, September 22, 2023
6-9 p.m. at Magnificat
6-7:30 p.m. - Induction Ceremony in the Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts
7:30-9 p.m. Reception $40 per person
$20 Magnificat student ticket
Join us to celebrate our 10 wonderful inductees!
Megan Malley Cannon ’93
Set Decorator
Patti DiBennedetto Corna ’65
Artist
Sheila Matyjasik Edwards ’88
Furniture Design Professor
Kiki Dettling Goshay ’77
Filmmaker, Founder of Goshay Productions
Sr. Paulette Kirschensteiner, H.M.
Former Magnificat Faculty (1971-1977)
Sr. Rose Marie Kramer, H.M. (Sr. Gilmary) Former Magnificat Faculty (1961-1977)
Kelly Markus ’90 CVO, Owner of Hunters Point Events
Eryn Murman ’04 Performer
Zoe Murphy
Former Magnificat Faculty (1982-2018)
Marilyn “Lynn” Szalay ’68 Artist
Please contact Caitlin MacBride Berg '10, Director of Alumnae Relations, at cberg@maghs.org or 440.331.1572 ext 391 with any questions.
The second phase of construction for the BurkeDiSanto Center for the Visual Arts is taking place this summer. Several classrooms left untouched due to time constraints during last year’s initial renovations will be transformed into inspiring learning spaces for two- and three-dimensional art, photography, digital art, ceramics, and metalwork. These studios will match the look and feel of the rest of the Center, which opened in August 2022 thanks to a generous $2 million lead gift from Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79 and Fred DiSanto and support from additional donors. The increased natural light, new furnishings, gallery space, and other improvements are creating an inspiring environment for student creativity. Completion is scheduled for August 2023.
Also under construction this summer is the new Smith Snack Shack, located between the Karnatz Family Field and Coyne Courts. Made possible by a lead gift from Maureen Karnatz Smith ’81 and Stephen Smith, this facility will house a concession stand, restrooms, a ticket booth, and paved patio space. This long-awaited upgrade to campus will improve the experience of student-athletes, visiting teams, and spectators, with completion expected by the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Leadership gifts of $5,000 or more will receive recognition on the donor wall.
The Learn at Lunch series brings alumnae back on campus to share their college and professional experiences with current students and answer questions about life after Magnificat. Thank you to our recent speakers!
Special thanks to the following alumnae for presenting during Learn at Lunch on Feb. 15!
Kate Mathews ’07 Relationship Manager at KeyBank
Kaitlyn Kilbane ’10 Staff Attorney for Judge Michael Shaughnessy, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Sarah Nash ’07 BSN, RN, CMSRN Nurse Manager at Cleveland Clinic
In March the Whitmore sisters spoke to students about their wide range of professions and how teachers from Magnificat inspired them to pursue their respective career paths. Above, from left to right: Margaret Whitmore Ribeiro, J.D. '07, Claire Whitmore Grubaugh
'05, Mary Whitmore Frye '10, Elizabeth Pillari Whitmore '04, and Julie Whitmore '16. Katie Whitmore '15 presented virtually.
Joanna Celestina '13 spoke with students about her career in industrial design and her day to day responsibilities at work.
Above: Alumnae gathered at West Park Station for the One Month to St. Patrick's Day Happy Hour in February. From left to right: Fallon Radigan '01, Christine Vacha '05, and Adrienne Linnick. | Maggie Harkness Hyland '85 and Molly Corrigan Lipscomb '84. | Kathleen Casey Proctor '89, Mary O'Donnell '86, Maureen Whitford '89, Lilian Reyes Cindric '86, Terri Vandivort Griffin '86, and Barbara Waitkus Billings '86
Alumnae were invited to join President Moira Clark '77 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, in May for a regional reunion and evening of wine tasting. From left to right: Alex Bello Martin '08 and Caroline Bello '14. | Group picture of all alumnae attendees. | Elizabeth
Kuebler '06, Katy Harrington '08, Anne Johnson Haskell '08, and Amelia Esber '07.
Mary Boag French '97, Nora French '97, Elizabeth Mannas McManamon '96, Debbie Drake, Ann Marie Greaney Drake '89.
Mary Hudec '10, Alexa Latina Bajic '12, Nora Hudec Romanelli '12, Carrie Goold '79, Grace Conroy '12, Annie Foliano Seybert '12, Karen Conroy.
Judy Crowley '85, Bridget MacMillan '83, Janet Snelly Kast '85, Peggy Kaye Jones '83, Maryjo Flynn '85, Christine McAndrews Higgins '85, Colleen Reagan Bucy '85, Judi Flynn-Carrie '83, Cindy Ingram Dougher '86, Debbie Haneline, Beth Crowley King '85.
“It seems too good to be true” is a common refrain from donors inquiring about the Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO)—wondering how it’s possible or if they will really receive their money back as a tax credit. However, as they began to file their Ohio tax returns this spring, their feedback quickly shifted to, “This is a no-brainer!”
The Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization gives donors the opportunity to use their State of Ohio tax dollars to directly impact the lives of students who need tuition assistance to attend Magnificat High School. Last year, the newly established Magnificat SGO received nearly $100,000 from donors who were then able to claim every dollar back on their Ohio state tax return. Magnificat is then able to apply those funds directly to tuition assistance for our families who need it most. It’s a win-win situation for Ohio taxpayers who desire to support tuition assistance at Magnificat. Individuals can receive tax credits for donations made to SGOs up to $750 annually per individual or up to $1,500 if married filing jointly.
For more information, please contact Senior Director of Development and Alumnae Relations Meg Chochola at mchochola@maghs.org.
Scan for more information
1. Estimate your State of Ohio tax liability. Note: If your State of Ohio tax payment is greater than or equal to your contribution (with a limit of $750 per individual), your contribution ultimately costs you nothing!
2. Give online to the Magnificat SGO at www.magnificaths.org/sgo or mail a check made payable to Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization to the school.
3. Save your receipt and claim your tax credit on your State of Ohio tax return. Your receipt will be mailed to you within a week of your gift.
This information does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with your tax professional.
Magnificat has a longtime tradition of graduates forming an "M" on stage during the Commencement Ceremony. Here's a look back at how the configuration changed
Bridget Kelly Mulcahy attended the wedding of her son, Capt. Brendan Mulcahy USMC, in Maya Riviera, Mexico. Brendan and his wife, Taylor, were married in a Catholic Nuptial Mass on November 5, 2022.
Mary Covell Rhoades recently completed running a half marathon in ALL 50 States! Her 50th race was in Maui, Hawaii, in January.
Kathy Keeler and her husband are the owners of Rancho Azul Y Oro Olive Farm in San Miguel, California. Their 2022 Estate and Arbequina Extra-Virgin Olive Oils were awarded Gold Medals at the 2023 New York International Olive Oil competition, the largest and most prestigious olive oil competition in the world.
Carrie Wagner is the founder and executive director of the Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS) in Los Angeles, a charter school for Grades 6-8 that takes a holistic approach to educating girls for success. The school is in the process of building a permanent site that will be built entirely out of shipping containers, a sustainable and eco-friendly design created by an all-women architect team.
Katie Walsh-Pfahl , mother of four, has been promoted to full-time occupational therapist at MetroHealth and is also coaching girls’ volleyball at Boss Volleyball Club. Her husband and kids voted her World's Best Mom.
7
Hannah Smith was named as a 2023 Northeast Ohio Top 25 Under 35 Movers & Shakers Award recipient by The Cleveland Professional Twenty-Thirty Club. Hannah is an attorney at Tucker Ellis LLP and a part of the Magnificat Blue Streak Barristers.
Elizabeth Johnson Osinski and her husband, John, welcomed their first child, Mildred "Milly" Coade Osinski, in May 2023.
Sam Birchfield Dugan and her husband, Tim, welcomed their first child, Monroe Eleanor in January.
Bridget Sweeney married Tom Camargo at Villa Woodbine in Miami, Florida, on St. Patrick's Day. Her bridal party included Carrie Dunn ’11, Mary Mathews Michael ’11, Carolyn Khouri Elias ’11, Annie Francis ’11, and Jacqualyn Hearns Nasir ’11.
Annie Foliano Seybert was married to St. Ignatius alum Zach Seybert in January. Marielle Seybert ’13, Maggie Conti ’12, Kelly Plagens Spellmire ’12, Grace Conroy ’12, and Jessica Hollis ’12 were a part of the wedding party.
Elizabeth Myers-Bandy and her husband, Aaron, welcomed their first child, Emerson, in October 2022. Maria Mangione ’13 is Emerson’s godmother!
Grace Arroyo Babb and her husband, Nate, welcomed their first child, Theodore, in November 2022.
Dr. Caroline Caldart graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in June. She matched with Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital and begins her residency in pediatrics this summer.
Michelle MacBride Trotta published her first children’s book, Rusty the Raccoon is Scared of the Dark. Working as a speechlanguage pathologist, she saw a need for a children’s book that embraces kids' fears and differences.
Please
Donna Altmos Bartos ’60
Sister of Karen Altmos ’65; Sister-in-law of Sr. Deann Bartos, H.M. ’60†
Eugene Richard Bodziony
Father of Cheryl Bodziony Nickels ’79, Connie Bodziony Nickels ’81, Linda Bodziony Brogan ’84, and Laura Bodziony Lawless ’84; Grandfather of Erin Nickels McLaughlin ’98, Meghan Nickels
Haberman ’01, Abby Lawless ’12, Hayley Lawless ’14, Laine Brogan ’16, and Lillian Brogan ’19
Barbara Jean Stefanic Cashin ’61
John S. Chamberlin
Father-in-law of Deana Dellafiora Chamberlin ’83
Mary Ann Barrett Cody ’59L
Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Dechant
Mother of Susan DeChant Wilgus ’72 and Jann DeChant ’75; Grandmother of Elizabeth Wilgus Malik ’98; Aunt of Carole Moore Stephenson ’62, Barbara Moore ’64, and Margaret Moore Cristino ’69†
Leonard M. DeFino
Uncle of Katie Kleinert Anderson ’92 and Christina Kleinert Graves ’93
Rose Morella Dikis ’66
Sister of Mary Lou Morella ’67 and Gerri Morella Zaleski ’69
Jacqueline Emch ’60
Nadine Fitzgerald
Mother of Aileen FitzGerald ’68, Jain FitzGerald Meermans ’72, and Maureen FitzGerald Kantorak ’74; Grandmother of Meghan Wolf ’11 and Emma Kantorak ’17
Timothy John “Tim” Gauntner
Husband of Maureen “Rini” McGannon
Gauntner ’59; Father of Molly Gauntner ’90 and Maureen Gauntner Capellas ’95; Father-in-law of Angelica DiLalla Gauntner ’94; Grandfather of Anne Breninghouse ’24
Nancy Ann Gibbons
Mother-in-law of Julie Sims Gibbons ’80; Grandmother of Meegan Gibbons Matthews ’08 and Kali Gibbons Fisher ’09
Kathleen "Kate" Foley Gibbons ’67
Sister of Sarah Foley Sessions Reid ’61; Aunt of Elizabeth Sessions Langfeldt ’98
Michael D. “Goody” Goodelle
Father of Lena Goodelle ’19
Mary E. Hubman
Mother of Michelle Duffy Hauck ’87 and Colleen Duffy Elwood ’88; Grandmother of Olivia Elwood ’24
Rita Kaye
Mother of Peggy Kaye Jones ’83
Larita Norris Kaspar
Mother of Jacqueline Kaspar Gibson ’84 and Katie Kaspar McCausland ’88; Mother-in-law of Katie McKane Kaspar ’86
Karl W. Kleinert
Father of Katie Kleinert Anderson ’92 and Christina Kleinert Graves ’93; Fatherin-law of Meghan Barry Kleinert ’91; Grandfather of Elizabeth Kleinert ’21, Charlotte Kleinert ’23, Amelia Kleinert ’24, and Lily Kleinert ’25
Clara Louise Knisley
Mother of Caren Knisley O’Donnell ’78, Stephanie Knisley ’79, Claudia Knisley
Spencer ’81, Stacie Knisley ’82, and Cara Beth Knisley Gallagher ’84
Marilyn Kinzel
Mother of Mary Kinzel Ripich ’85; Mother-in-law of Debi Quinn Kinzel ’88; Grandmother of Madison Ripich ’15 and Emilie Kinzel ’19
Sandra “Sandy” Kovach
Mother of Deborah Miller ’84; Grandmother of Alyson Kovach ’19, Alexis Kovach ’21, and Lauren Kovach ’21
Genelle Louise Lee
Grandmother of Jacqueline Lee ’20 and Pilar Lee ’23
join us in for the families of our students and alumnae.
Thomas Lempke
Husband of Eileen Graves Lempke ’73; Father of Kimberly Lempke Lapinski ’98 and Rebecca Lempke Hutchison ’01; Brother of Nancy Lempke Bekeny ’66 and Mary Beth Lempke O’Malley ’69; Brother-in-law of Karen Thornton Graves ’72; Uncle of Jennifer Graves Horval ’00, Kristen Graves Ward ’03, Molly O’Malley Uhlenhake ’05, Megan O’Malley Ver Hoef ’10, Michelle Lempke Durkin ’10, and Jordan Lempke ’13, Grandfather of Lydia Hanicak '15 and Natalie Hanicak '18
Lawrence J. “Larry” Lins
Husband of Penny Robinson Lins ’64
Antonio Martinez Lopez
Father of Esther Hanicak, Magnificat faculty member
H. Virginia Marks Maver ’44L
Jane McDade
Mother of Jane McDade ’74
Cynthia Nachtman Merkel ’68
Earl J. Miller
Husband of Mae Woolson Miller ’49L; Father of Sandra Miller Meadema ’77, Pam Miller Shepard ’78, and Gail Miller Barber ’82; Grandfather of Sarah Meadema Monroe ’06, Paige Shepard Kettani ’07, Mackenzie Shepard Wendall ’09, and Katie Barber ’17
Beverly J. Nieberding
Mother of Jean Nieberding Devaul ’63, Judi Nieberding Slife ’64, Janet Nieberding Moran ’65, Jinette Nieberding Monteleone ’78, and Julie Nieberding Morrow ’81; Grandmother of Bridget Moran Garsh ’88, Megan Moran Lodge ’93, Shanna Glasstetter Platten ’97, Maeve Slife ’18, and Ella Nieberding ’21
Carol Ann Detzel Olson (Cotter) ’59
Martha J. “Marnie” Roznowski
Mother of Debi Quinn Kinzel ’88; Grandmother of Emilie Kinzel ’19
Patricia L. "Patty" Ryan
Mother of Abby Ryan Hoffman '10, Tess Ryan '13, and Caty Ryan '17
Jeanne Rusinko Saccany ’61
John Shaerban
Father of Amanda Shaerban Steyer ’00; Uncle of Melanie Shaerban Irvin ’00
Bishop Gilbert Sheldon Retired Bishop and former resident chaplain at Magnificat
Mary Ann Silagy
Mother of Laura Bucci, former Magnificat staff member
Gerald "Jerry" Sullivan
Father of Molly Sullivan deJesus '86 and Maggie Foley '92; Uncle of Janet Saas Pier '81, Holly Saas Rhodes '83, Loretta Sherman Jolliffe '87, Julie Saas Gaul '90, Sarah Hack Mooney '94, and Catherine Hack '99; Great Uncle of Caitlin Pier Canton '06, Margaret Pier '10, Abby Pier '14
Marilyn Kortan Todia ’51L Grandmother of Liz Todia ’13
Timothy V. Turcus
Husband of Millie Kara Turcus ’67; Brother-in-law of Marie Kara Montgomery ’64
Corinne (Connie) Suel Turek
Mother of Margaret Mary Turek ’77 and Jennifer Turek Miller ’81; Grandmother of Natalie Turek Palcko ’04 and Stephanie Turek ’07
Carol Slavik Webb '65
Daniel A. Zahn Jr.
Father of Catie Zahn ’19 and Maggie Zahn ’21, Husband of former Magnificat staff member Traci Zahn
Alfred Zitnik
Father of Kathleen Zitnik ’86† and Karoline Zitnik Weir ’90
† Deceased L denotes a graduate of Lourdes Academy
We have included all individuals for whom we received notification following the publication of the Winter 2023 issue of the Magnificat Magazine, and we have listed all of the relationships we could locate in our records. If we have missed anyone, kindly let us know by emailing Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10 at cberg@maghs.org.
“May all be comforted by the compassionate heart of Christ, who will draw all to abundant life and fullness of joy!”
—Sr. Helen Jean Novy, H.M.
