SCHOOL NEWS
Meet the New Members of the Magnificat Leadership Team Katie Higgins ’99, Vice President of Mission As a child, Katie Higgins ’99 knew she wanted to become a teacher, and she credits the deepening of that desire to Magnificat teachers like Betty McMahon who inspired her to pursue history and political science studies at the University of Notre Dame. Having discovered a love for theology during her sophomore year of college, Katie eventually graduated summa cum laude with degrees in both history and theology. Katie’s early career pursuits took her to the outskirts of Philadelphia where she taught theology and served as the first campus minister at Villa Joseph Marie High School, an all-girls Catholic school. She returned to the Cleveland area and Magnificat in 2006, and has served as campus minister, Director of Campus Ministry, Theology faculty member, Senior Writer & Editor, and most recently as the Assistant Vice President of Mission during the 2019-2020 school year. In 2012, Katie received her Masters of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University of Chicago, where she attended classes online and over the summers during her time as the Director of Campus Ministry. Katie is grateful for the wisdom, expertise, and example of Sr. Helen Jean Novy, HM, with whom she has worked closely for many years. In looking to the future, Katie reflects on the collective and collaborative nature of her new role: “Together, we hold the Mission of Magnificat in our hands. Mission touches every aspect of our school community, and we each play a vital role in living out and carrying forward the Mission. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this work in partnership with so many.”
Julie Reines, Dean of Student Life & Formation Julie Reines brings 14 years of experience in education to her role as Magnificat’s new Dean of Student Life & Formation. Julie takes the place of Mary Therese Dwyer-Kueller who retired in June after 27 years of teaching Theology and three years in the role of Dean of Student Life & Formation. Having earned her B.A. in Adolescent to Young Adult Education from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Educational Administration from John Carroll University, Julie has spent the majority of her career at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls where she taught Economics and Global Studies and served as the Dean of Students for the last five school years. While teaching and during her role as Dean, Julie also served as the Associate Director of Admissions, the Varsity LaCrosse Coach, a leader for the school’s retreat and immersion programs, and moderator of student government, all experiences that have prepared her to oversee Magnificat’s Counseling, Athletic, Performing Arts, and Summer Programming departments as well as the Humility of Mary Center. “Magnificat is educating and forming young women for the future, and I knew this community was something I wanted to be a part of,” Reines said. “I am excited for the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead!”
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MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | SUMMER/FALL 2020
