WINTER 2024
New STEM Partnerships Expand Opportunities for Students
Genesis Projects Launch Career Plans
H.M. Spotlight: Sister Carol Anne Smith
Laura Nortz, Chairperson
Bridget Barrett ’86
Martin Berry
Barbara Waitkus Billings ’86
Gabrielle Ata Christman ’99
Lilian Reyes Cindric, CPA ’86
Molly McCarthy Connell ’00
Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79
Meredith Lahl Foxx ’95
Sr. Carole Anne Griswold, H.M.
Beth Haas ’94
Linda Loesch Kelly ’77
Kelly Compiseno Lamirand ’94
Ann Lutz
Colleen Mountcastle ’91
Colleen Moran O’Neil ’88
Kathleen Casey Proctor ’89
Margaret Jeffers Rowe ’87
Andrew Strada
Shameka Jones Taylor
Moira Clark ’77, President
Julie Sims Gibbons ’80, Senior Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing
Colleen Greller, Dean of Faculty & Academics
Angie Boie, 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 Shrewsbury, Senior Director of Development & Alumnae Relations
Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist and History Faculty Member
Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84, Director of Development
Lexi Majoros, Assistant Director of Communications
Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications
COVER PHOTO: Lexi Majoros
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos throughout from Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10, Alee Burke, Jonathan Hesford, Daren Stahl Photography, Lexi Majoros, Teresa Messmore, and Ripcho Studio.
DESIGN: Alee Burke
Dear friends,
This issue of Magnificat Magazine features new developments on campus in STEM—the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and math. Our administration and faculty are providing exciting opportunities for students that will broaden their horizons and challenge them to work creatively and collaboratively, and we hope you enjoy reading about our latest updates in this realm.
STEM is but one example of interdisciplinary learning at Magnificat, as our holistic approach to education regularly provides lessons and experiences that weave together various fields of study. Field trips, co-curricular activities, international travel, service, performances, and visual art projects regularly encourage students to think outside the box and step beyond their comfort zones. The intriguing Genesis projects and alumnae profiles included in these pages demonstrate where a multifaceted Magnificat education can lead approaching graduation and continuing into the workplace and life.
We are blessed to carry out our Mission each day to educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat , and thank you to every teacher, staff member, family, and benefactor who helps make this possible. Our fundraising events and appeals are providing vital support to our day-to-day activities, and we are extremely grateful for every gift. We look forward to furthering these efforts at our upcoming Light the Way: The Magnificat Gala in support of tuition assistance on Saturday, March 23, as we also celebrate honorees Christine Noga Booth, M.D. ’88 and the Nock Family. Please join us!
As the 2023-2024 school year heads into a busy spring, we wish you and your family many blessings and hope you’ll keep in touch by attending an event or sharing news with our Class Notes. It is always wonderful to hear where a Magnificat journey leads!
In the Spirit of Mary’s Magnificat ,
Moira Clark ’77
Laura Nortz President Board Chairperson
Through a partnership with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, Senior U.S. Commercial Liaison and Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank Danica Starks spoke with students on campus in November about her career and global banking.
Honors Spanish 4 students collaborated with Buhrer Dual Language Academy in Cleveland to create original digital children's stories in Spanish. Their stories featured fictional characters and highlighted art, architecture, cuisine, and main points of interest in Spanish and American cities. The students from Buhrer Dual Language Academy viewed the stories and provided valuable feedback.
Actors from the Great Lakes Theater Company joined freshmen during their English classes to act out scenes from The Crucible. Each year the company helps students find connections to various plays and bring words on the page to life within the classroom.
Nationally recognized expert in teen and family psychology, Lisa Damour, Ph.D. delivered a presentation to Magnificat faculty/staff, parents, and alumnae in January. She is a founder of Laurel School’s Center for Research on Girls, writes a monthly adolescence column for The New York Times, and is a regular contributor at CBS News. Her most recent book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents, is a New York Times bestseller.
Students had the opportunity to meet Cleveland Cavaliers Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Shelly Cayette Weston at a Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) luncheon in October. Weston was the first African Amerian woman to earn the role of CCO in the NBA and manages all revenue for the Cavaliers, including ticket sales and sponsorships with corporate partners.
In January, the freshman and junior classes visited the Maltz Museum in Beachwood to view The Girl in the Diary Exhibit and hear from a family member of a Holocaust survivor. Founded in 2005, the museum’s mission is “to build bridges of tolerance and understanding by sharing Jewish heritage through the lens of the American experience, serving as an educational resource for Northeast Ohio’s diverse communities.” Magnificat’s English Department helped prepare students in their classes for the field trip, and afterwards students discussed their experience during Advisory.
Magnificat’s recently revived Model United Nations team participated in the Cleveland Council on World Affairs conference at Lorain County Community College in December. Club president Samantha Malley ’25 won an honorable mention for her work on the Economic and Social Council Committee. Coincidentally, Magnificat alumna Ambassador Heather Hodges ’64 was the keynote speaker.
A group of students traveled to Washington, D.C., with Campus Ministry to represent Magnificat at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ). They gathered in prayer with over 2,000 people in order to live out a faith that works for justice. Students learned about social justice issues and participated in political advocacy on Capitol Hill. As a part of this advocacy, Juliana Abeid ’24 spoke in meetings with both Senator Sherrod Brown's and Senator J.D. Vance's staff regarding immigration. The whole group spoke in a meeting with OH-7 Representative Max Miller's staff.
We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat
Magnificat’s offerings in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—or STEM—are continuing to expand this year thanks to strategic partnerships with outside organizations. Under the leadership of Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller, faculty members are providing students with new opportunities in medicine, field research, drones, and robotics during the 2023-2024 school year.
“Interdisciplinary learning is a key part of Magnificat’s holistic approach to education, and STEM programs are an excellent way to bring together multiple areas of study,” Mrs. Greller said. “With women still underrepresented in STEM fields, we are strongly committed as a girls’ school to exposing our students to engaging STEM programs during their formative high school years.”
In October, Magnificat took a group of students to STEM Goes Red for Girls at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. Sponsored by the American Heart Association, the day-long event introduced girls in Grades 7-9 to leading STEM companies and organizations, including University Hospitals, NASA, Avient, and Lubrizol. The program consisted of a hands-on exhibitor fair, speed mentoring, and educational classes.
“I enjoyed being able to hold a pig heart, going to the different vendor stations to see some applications of engineering in everyday items, and talking to different women and hearing their experiences working in STEM fields,” Sabrina Syed ’27 said. “By participating, I’ve gained more insight into different STEM careers and the many fields that could benefit from having more women in them, which was very inspiring.”
The American Heart Association holds similar events around the country as part of an effort to increase the number of women entering STEM careers, especially in healthcare. Participants are eligible to apply for scholarships to major in a STEM-related field in college or to attend a vocational or technical trade institution.
Two Magnificat juniors have been selected to participate in a year-long NASA Glenn Research Center capstone project, which connects NASA professionals with high school students to engage in STEM-based research. Grace Cooke ’25 and Mengxin Deng ’25 are conducting hydrology field research to determine water quality at Rocky River Scenic Park, taking weekly samples to determine dissolved oxygen, nitrate, electrical conductivity, and pH levels. They are uploading their findings into the NASA GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) database.
“I am learning many things such as the nitrogen cycle, rates of efficiency for photosynthesis depending on raw reactants, and proper fieldwork lab procedures,” Grace said. “The beauty of this project is that it allows us to apply what we are learning in AP Environmental Science and AP Biology to the real world around us and see these processes and their contributions in real-time.”
Supervised by science faculty members Nina Stanfar and Rob Ryan, the students perform laboratory testing at Magnificat and meet biweekly with a NASA mentor to discuss progress and results. They will tour NASA Glenn’s facilities and present their scientific findings in April.
“Doing research in this project is giving me a good sense of what research might be like in the future of my career, as I do want to go into a STEM-related major in college,” Mengxin said.
Sabrina Syed '27 holds a pig heart during STEM Goes Red for Girls.
Magnificat received a grant from the REC Foundation to start an Aerial Drone Team and participate in drone flying competitions. Equipped with six drones, a set of course obstacles, and directions on how this year’s game is structured, students are learning to operate and maintain small drones and work together as a team.
“The drone competition is set up as a group activity,” said Data and Information Systems Manager Keith McMillan, who serves as the club moderator. “There’s a lot of group decision making, group dynamics, leadership, and follow through that they’re going to be working on, as well as drones are in just about every industry these days—so the understanding and ability to fly even a very basic drone can really translate to an interest in the future.”
The competitions involve maneuvering the drone through obstacles, moving ping pong balls using the drone’s downdraft, and precisely landing on objects within time constraints. Students are tested on four challenges: piloting the course with another team; an autonomous flight programmed with Python or block coding; flying through an obstacle course as one team to earn as many points as possible in one minute; and communicating with judges about their drone, programming, and competition logbook. Magnificat may form as many as four teams made up of three to five members, with competitions starting in February.
Magnificat launched the second all-girls robotics team in Northeast Ohio this winter to participate in the 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition. The rookie team of mostly ninth and tenth graders started building its base robot in January and meets 8-12 hours a week to continually enhance the design and programming until its first competition, the Buckeye Regional, in March.
FIRST Robotics is a global non-profit organization that holds team-based robotics programs from students ages 4 to 18. The high school level competitions are held locally, regionally, and nationally with eligibility based on scores in difficult field games played with industrial-sized robots. Students develop brands for their teams, including a creative name, logo, and website.
Magnificat’s team mentors are James Millar and JC Froelich, who have welcomed Magnificat students onto their St. Edward High School team over the years and were approached by FIRST representatives to consider starting a team at Magnificat. Their participation expectations were far exceeded when 30 girls came to the inaugural meeting in December, considering the time commitment is comparable to playing a sport. Like athletics, the experience builds skills beyond welding and programming, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment.
“We’re just super excited,” James said. “We love everything about the culture that Magnificat promotes for its students.”
amount are also welcome! Contact James Millar at jmillar@maghs.org
"I did my Genesis Project at Squire Patton Boggs, an international law firm, and traveled to Paris and London to work on cases regarding social licenses. I got this Genesis through family friends, and I wanted to do my Genesis abroad because I have always been interested in international arbitration, which pertains to contract breaches between large companies and countries. All of the work I did in London and Paris involved this branch of law, and it is less common throughout the United States because most of the countries represented are located in Europe.
I enjoyed learning about the differences between practicing law in the United States and Europe, specifically regarding the education requirements needed to become a lawyer. After this internship, I decided to apply to college as a public policy or pre-law major, depending on what the school offered.”
"I worked with the National Forest Service at the Apache-Sitgraves National Forest in Arizona. I observed and conducted rare native plant surveys with botanists, ecologists, and biologists for the forest to help determine their endangered status and visited lumber yards to determine if the land was being cleared properly.
What I enjoyed most was walking around the different areas, hiking for miles on end while discussing with everyone what we hoped to find and how they ended up where they are. The people I met helped me understand all the opportunities I can have with botany and also look at a path in just general ecology or conservation, since I'm learning that I really want to make a difference in the world hands-on. I also enjoyed being surrounded by people that had the same interests as me and seeing their love for what they do. This life-changing experience opened my eyes to all the opportunities I would have if I were to explore botany as a major.”
“I completed my Genesis at three Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia (the t is lowercase to symbolize that the agency comes last). I shadowed my aunt Mandi Gibson, who works in advertising, and I was able to see what goes into producing an advertisement. I saw the very first meetings with Kennesaw State University all the way to the filming of a commercial for JB
Weld. I enjoyed meeting Mandi's coworkers, hearing about their roles, and talking about how the industry is changing as Artificial Intelligence becomes more prominent. I enjoyed going to the pre-production meetings that were held the day before the JB Weld shoot; this is when the producers, director, the clients, and the three teams all come together and go through the shoot day schedule. Another thing I loved was how active the day was and how each hour we were doing something different.
This experience has confirmed that I would like to continue on the path of television production and screenwriting. For college I am looking at schools with highly ranked communications programs. My original goal for my Genesis was to shadow a screenwriter and producer, but when the Writers Guild of America went on strike, I had to adjust my goals— and luckily my aunt was there to save the day.”
“I did my Genesis project at TDA, an architectural company that is focused on school design, including architectural design and interior design. My project was to design a nature center located at a park. I enjoyed the process of making the architecture model by myself the most. It is really interesting, even though it is really difficult for a beginner like me. After a while I got used to it, and things became easy.
The experience significantly influenced my college and career plan. I think it is very helpful to get real experience in the field that you are interested in. It is a great chance for us to make a choice and see what we really want. We can also get good advice from people who work in the field, therefore we can get some guidance on choosing where to go for college. It also allows us to have some preliminary plans for our future career.”
“Shadowing in pediatrics at Cleveland Clinic Children’s had a very large impact on my future. I have always had a love for kids, and making them healthier is definitely in my future. From meeting some of the patients in the clinic setting, to seeing them the next day for surgery, I was given a sense of completion. I enjoyed seeing their injuries be repaired, knowing how much pain they were in before surgery.
The various medical professionals also had a huge impact on me for my future career. A physician assistant taught me so much that I probably wouldn’t have learned at this age. I was able to see how much time PAs have to spend with patients compared to doctors. I am planning on going to college next year and majoring in biology on a pre-med track. I am hoping to go to medical school after undergrad to one day go into pediatric orthopedic surgery.”
“I did my Genesis Project at MetroHealth Beachwood and Main Campus with Dr. Lisa Gelles. Dr. Gelles is a pediatric dermatologist and the director of pediatric dermatology at MetroHealth. She is also an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She is also my dermatologist! I never realized how busy Dr. Gelles was. She would see four to five patients in one hour. She would make notes on each patient and usually take pictures of their affected areas. I expected there to be a lot of down time, but it was go go go. We would wrap the appointment with one patient and be walking into the next right after.
My favorite part of this whole experience was definitely meeting all the residents and talking to them. They all loved being a dermatologist, which was very good for me to hear. I don’t want to be doing a job that I won’t love doing. I am going to attend Cleveland State University for my undergraduate degree, where I will be pursuing a health sciences degree with a pre-med track. I am also going to play softball at Cleveland State University!”
Magnificat’s Performing Arts Department delivered a creepy, kooky, and altogether entertaining production of The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy in November, featuring lively song and dance numbers and eye-catching sets. Whether audience members remembered the original comic strip, the 1960s television series, the 1990s movies, or the new Netflix series Wednesday, the characters of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and Lurch stood the test of time.
“The musical pays homage to the macabre and the mysterious,” Director of Performing Arts Jill Haller said. “It invites us to laugh at our fears and embrace the oddities that make life more interesting and certainly more fun.”
The original show debuted on Broadway in 2010 and tells the love story of a teenaged Wednesday and her beau Lucas Beineke. Their two families meet at an eventful dinner that lays plain their many differences as well as fractures within the two pairs of parents’ marriages. Twenty-two songs complemented by complex choreography bring the story to life over the course of two acts.
Magnificat’s 31-member cast was supported by dozens of students participating in the costume, prop, hair, make-up, and set-building crews. The production included male students from Bay High School, BereaMidpark High School, Elyria Catholic, Midview High School, Northeast Ohio College Prep, Rocky River High School, and St. Ignatius High School, and young Wednesday actresses from Bay Middle School, St. Raphael School, and Troy Intermediate School.
“This production was a captivating rendition of The Addams Family that included huge projected scenery at the back of the stage and more than 20 sterling musical numbers,” wrote Linda Gandee of Cleveland.com. “But the outstanding characteristic was the surprise of so many student singers with such incredibly powerful voices.”
New faculty member Ken Lear served as artistic and music/vocal director, Molly Stanton ’16 was the choreographer, Joe Hnat was technical director, and Mary Cachat Papa ’79 was the costume, hair, and make-up designer. Congratulations to the cast and crew, and best of luck competing in the 2024 Dazzle Awards this spring!
All photos on this page by Daren Stahl Photography.
We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat
Chelsea Kacinari ’24 as Wednesday Addams. Nora Stipanovich ’24 as Morticia Addams. The Ancestors and Dancestors perform. Madelynn Berbec ’26 as Pugsley. Jack Kanaris as Uncle Fester. The cast of The Addams Family.“Sister Carol Anne is a truly visionary leader. Her legacy at Magnificat High School is deep and profound in its proportions.”
FROM THE
Sister Carol Anne Smith, Magnificat’s fifth principal and second president, is a faith-filled, servant leader who has embodied Magnificat’s Mission throughout her ministries in education and healthcare governance.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 1948, Sister Carol Anne is the oldest daughter of William and Anne Marie (Scharf) Smith’s seven children. After graduating from Lourdes Academy in 1966, she entered the Sisters of the Humility of Mary and professed final vows on July 14, 1974.
She began her ministry as a high school English and theology teacher. Soon, however, she was called to use her leadership gifts to champion Catholic education at Magnificat and throughout the Cleveland Diocese.
First as principal and later as president, Sister Carol Anne led initiatives that strengthened Magnificat. During her principalship from 1981 until 1988, Magnificat held its first capital campaign, won the Exemplary Private School award, and became incorporated and governed by a lay board of directors.
When she returned to Magnificat to serve as president from 2007 to 2013, Sister Carol Anne expanded the school’s leadership to promote collaborative and visionary approaches that advanced Magnificat’s Mission. Deans of faculty and academics and student life and formation replaced the principal role, and the school’s vice presidents formed a leadership team.
Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76, the first dean of faculty and academics, recalls, “It was [Sister Carol Anne’s] encouragement and faith in me that empowered me to accept the position. I soon recognized the incredible blessing it was to have Sister Carol Anne as a mentor."
Sister Carol Anne’s strategic planning also enhanced Magnificat’s academic and spiritual life. The $5 million Surround Learning capital campaign elevated student learning through 21st century educational programming and architectural investments, and endowment funding secured enduring support for Campus Ministry programs that were key to the school’s Catholic identity.
Within the HM Community, Sister Carol Anne served on the leadership team from 1985 until 1993. She was re-elected to the leadership team in 2017, and since 2021, she has served as the community’s pastoral leader.
From 1992 until 2006, Sister Carol Anne oversaw Catholic education in the Cleveland Diocese as the Bishop’s secretary for education and superintendent of Catholic schools, and later as secretary for education and catechesis. In 2003, the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) recognized Sister Carol Anne for her work to establish the Cleveland Diocese’s Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program. This inaugural Ohio voucher program made Catholic education accessible to Cleveland City School students. During these years, Sister Carol Anne also served on the CACE (Chief Administrators of Catholic Education) Executive Committee and the NCEA National Research Board.
At the Bishop’s request, Sister Carol Anne pivoted to serve as the executive director of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation from 2006 to 2007. There she managed its then-assets of over $85 million.
Sister Carol Anne has generously shared her talents by serving on many local and national education and healthcare boards. Most notably, she has served on the Board of Directors of Bon Secours Mercy Health, which is the fifth largest Catholic Healthcare system in the nation and chaired the Bon Secours Mercy Ministries (PJP) Board.
Sister Carol Anne commented, “Whatever the fruits of my time in various leadership roles, credit goes to the faith-filled, committed, and innumerable lay and religious partners with whom I have had the privilege to serve.”
In 2016, Sister Carol Anne became a certified spiritual director. Her deep faith is further enriched as she journeys with others.
Today, Sister Carol Anne continues to answer God’s call as she shares her gifts with her current ministries. They, and we, benefit tremendously from her vision, leadership, and faith.
Fall was an action-packed season for our Blue Streaks, with three District titles, five teams competing in Regionals, and two teams represented at States. Thank you to our Magnificat families and fans for your ongoing support! Visit magnificatbluestreaks.org for scores, recaps, and more.
Magnificat’s tennis team sent three athletes to compete at the State Tournament: Corinne Daniels ’25 and Molly Williams ’26 (doubles) and Anna Mancino ’25 (singles). While they lost in the first round, these young players will be back for the 2024 season with valuable experience competing at the state’s highest level.
The District Champion soccer team had an excellent season that took them all the way to the Regional Championship, where they fell to Walsh Jesuit High School with a tight score of 2-1. The team finished with an 11-8-3 record overall.
The golf team had an impressive season, winning its third consecutive District Championship and finishing as State Runner-up at the OHSAA Division I State Golf Tournament at The Ohio State University.
Magnificat’s field hockey team had an impressive run, winning the District Championship and finishing the season as Regional Runner Up. The team’s overall record was 14-4-1.
The volleyball team had a record of 16-8 with their new head coach, Matthew Onweller.
This year the new sailing team made its debut at the Cleveland Edgewater Regatta and took 3rd place. Congratulations!
The rowing team raced in 26 events, competing amongst more than 300 entries from teams across the Midwest and taking multiple 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes.
The cross country team placed 6th at Districts, giving them the opportunity to compete in the Regional meet.
Magnificat’s top finisher was Allison Sanchez ’25 , who came in 86th place with a time of 20:51.80.
Congratulations to our five senior athletes who will be taking their talents to the collegiate level!
Grace Cole '24 Purdue Fort Wayne, Soccer
Ella Muzychak '24 John Carroll University, Swimming
Keona Caraballo '24 St. Mary's College, Soccer
Cara Heisterkamp '24 Indiana University, Golf
Summer Solitaria '24 Cleveland State University, Softball
Students have been busy creating art in various media this year in the newly renovated Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts.
Nynaa Sabharwal '24
Ella Jenkins '26
Gwen Slabaugh '26
McKenna Purtilo '24
Malena Wells '25
Magnificat's musicians and vocalists shared their talents at Home for Christmas, a holiday concert by the Magnificat Chorale and the Magnifi-pops, on Dec. 14, 2023. The repertoire spanned popular songs like Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree to classical pieces by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Brava to our talented student performers!
Magnificat’s Campus Ministry team engages students in spiritual formation through retreats, prayer services, masses, and service activities the year through. In December, the annual Humble Hands Advent Project brought the school together to assist partner organizations in Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio. A prayer service highlighted the good work carried out by each organization, and students were invited to take a “hand” from decorated trees in the HM Center as a commitment to bring in a donation. Campus Ministry also organized the annual Fair Trade Sale for holiday shopping that supports ethical production, sustainable consumption, and the rights of workers, followed by the evening Advent Retreat for alumnae, families, and friends.
Members of the Law Club finish decorating a Humble Hands tree. Carol Richardson ’76, former Dean of Faculty and Academics Marilyn Knox Arundel ’76, and Pamela Wolff ’76 attend the Advent Retreat.
Students shopping at the Fair Trade Sale.
The Pulsera Project was one of several vendors at the Fair Trade Sale.
Abby Schuler ’27 and her mother Jen Schuler at the Advent Retreat.
Students from the Cultures and Traditions Club pose after decorating their tree.
Sophia Factora ’25 singing at the Humble Hands prayer service.
66th annual Night in Blue was filled with family fun as the Magnificat community gathered for Mass, a pasta dinner, carnival games, Bingo, and raffle drawings. This annual fundraiser about “students helping students” supported the holistic academic, co-curricular, leadership, and faith formation programming for which Magnificat is known. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible: our sponsors, advertisers, families, friends, and FAM Network and student volunteers!
The
Aislinn McGill ’24 was the winning designer of this year’s Night in Blue sweatshirt. Student volunteers in the Kids’ Corner.
Playing games in the Kids’ Corner.
Members of the Abeid Family.
FAM Network volunteers pose with a raffle winner.
The FAM Network’s annual Holly Market brought more than 65 vendors on campus for a festive evening of holiday shopping. Attendees strolled through both gyms enjoying hors d’oeuvres and perusing a variety of local wares, and the Alumnae Board hosted a special happy hour for alumnae in the Marian Commons. Thank you to all the volunteers, businesses, and shoppers who made this year’s Holly Market a success!
The FAM Network’s Reverse Raffle provided a fun night out on February 9 for Magnificat fathers, father figures, and friends, who enjoyed dinner, bourbon tastings, charity poker, and raffles throughout the event, with all proceeds benefiting Magnificat.
Gina Palmieri Green ’94, Sarah Burkhart Gannon ’08, Beth Lawhun Longstreet ’97, and Sarah Lawhun McAleer ’94.
Joyce Litzler, Ann Litzler Coyne ’88, Emily Coyne ’18, and Claire Coyne McCoy ’15.
These distinguished awardees will be celebrated at The Magnificat Gala on March 23, 2024.
Charles and Patricia Nock always instilled the importance of a Catholic education in their family. Having four sons, the couple became involved with Magnificat as their granddaughters became students. The Nock Family now includes six alumnae and two current students: Kendall ’11, Kennedy ’13, Delaney ’15, Morgan ’17, Taylor ’18, Madeline ’23, Natalie ’25, and Nora ’27. Their parents dedicated countless hours to volunteering and supporting school events, and Gretchen Nock, mother of the oldest four alumnae, serves as Magnificat’s coordinator of adult spiritual formation.
The Nock Family owns The Nock & Son Company, a privately held company engaged in the refractory specialties business. Nock & Son is currently operated by the third and fourth generations of Nock Family members, serving steel producers, electric furnace mini mills, foundries, and alloy plants.
Christine Noga Booth ’88, M.D. , is an associate professor of pathology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and co-section head of cytopathology in the Institute of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. She is actively involved in the cytopathology, fine needle aspiration and breast surgical pathology services. She is currently Chair of the Cytopathology Committee and a member of the Council on Scientific Affairs for the College of American Pathologists and a member of the Scientific Program Committee at the American Society of Cytopathology.
Christine’s dedication to Magnificat and our students is unwavering. She has served as the President of the Magnificat Alumnae Board and a member of the Board of Directors. She has hosted eight Magnificat students for Genesis, as well as a few alumnae. Christine continues to sit on the Board of Directors Education and Student Life Committee.
For the first time in Cleveland history, three rival schools are banding together in support of all girls' Catholic education. Magnificat, Beaumont School, and Saint Joseph Academy are challenging each other to three Days of Giving on April 30 - May 2, 2024. The school with the largest percentage of alumnae who make a gift during the challenge will “win”—claiming bragging rights until next year.
The campaign is called “Cleveland Rivals Unite,” inspired by similar initiatives in the Cincinnati area and Louisville that have succeeded in raising support and awareness of the importance of Catholic girls' schools in communities. Girls' schools garner fewer fundraising dollars than all boys schools, underscoring the need for greater investment in young women.
“This campaign is all about women supporting women,” President Moira Clark ’77 said. “Our hope is that in drawing attention to the collective impact of all girls' Catholic
education, we can make this collaboration a spirited, annual event that strengthens our budgets while advancing our missions.”
The dollars raised will go to each school’s annual fund, which provides critical, unrestricted funds. Schools will report updates on their alumnae’s progress through social media and email, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 8.
Stay tuned for details, and get ready to show your Magnificat spirit as Cleveland Rivals Unite this spring! Visit www.magnificaths.org/rivals for details.
Jeanne Haflinger ’69 began her adult journey with a two-year nursing degree. She worked as a nurse for a year before she happily answered the call of adventure and joined her brother, who led a group of college students to Alaska. She spent two years with the group, backpacking and cross country skiing in Alaska and visiting other Pacific Northwestern states. It was during this time that Jeanne rekindled her love for playing piano, and she bravely decided to pursue her dream to be a classical pianist.
Having a lifetime of piano lessons behind her, she studied piano at the Chautauqua Institute and then auditioned for and was accepted by the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Music. Though Jeanne described studying piano as hard work with hours of solitary practice every day, she said, “My relationship with music energizes my life and inspires creativity. It’s a lifelong passion.”
With her family’s Danish seafaring heritage and a childhood sailing on Lake Erie, Jeanne found herself drawn to the water while living in Dallas. She returned to the Pacific Northwest and embraced Seattle as her new home. She felt more at home with the fresh
salty ocean air, Cascade mountains, and a community that shared her appreciation for dance and music.
Even though Jeanne found it difficult to make a living as a classical pianist, she was introduced to the world of jazz, giving her a whole new way to understand music and express herself creatively. To make ends meet while she continued to make room for music in her life, she established a new nursing career in the insurance industry.
Retired now, Jeanne divides her time between summers on the northern Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach and Gearhart by the Sea) and winters on Vashon Island near Seattle. When she is not playing piano for her own enjoyment or sailing on the Puget Sound with her brother, she is passionately dedicated to raising puppies as a volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind, a commitment spanning 12 years. Jeanne jokes that she does not have a single photo of herself without a dog or guide dog puppy.
“I greatly benefited from attending Magnificat High School and can think of no better way to express my gratitude than by including Magnificat in my estate planning. My experience singing in choir under Sister Dominica influenced my decision to pursue music at SMU. I learned so much under her direction and guidance! Additionally, I have wonderful memories of all the friendships I formed at Magnificat—many of which continue to be a part of my life. Including Magnificat in my estate plan is a small way of saying thank you.”
Bequests like Jeanne’s offer a simple yet impactful way to establish your philanthropic legacy. With just a sentence or two, you can make a gift from your estate to ensure that Magnificat will continue to educate young women holistically in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat for generations to come. If you have questions, or if you have already included Magnificat in your estate plan and have not been recognized as a member of the Sr. Bernadette Vetter Legacy Society, please contact Maggie Mroz Lamb ’84 at mlamb@maghs.org or 440-331-1572, ext. 268.
The State of Ohio gives you the opportunity to turn your Ohio tax dollars into tuition assistance.
All Ohio residents are eligible to make a gift to the Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization, and you will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $750 annually per individual or up to $1,500 annually if you are married filing jointly. You have until the time you file your taxes to make an SGO contribution and claim a 2023 tax credit.
Easy as
Estimate your State of Ohio tax liability for 2023.
Income of $50,000 (individual) or $100,000 (married) will generally allow you to receive the full tax credit.
Make your gift online to the Magnificat SGO using the Magnificat SGO webpage, or write a check payable to “Magnificat Scholarship Granting Organization.”
Claim your tax credit on your 2023 State of Ohio tax return.
This information does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with your tax professional.
As a master gardener and outdoor enthusiast, the principle of “leave a place better than you found it” holds great meaning for Peggy Noonan Kranyak ’71, M.D.—not just in the context of nature. She believes that “improving something, whether it is an organization or a piece of property or relationship, requires one to not be afraid of improving what exists.” Her journey to a successful career in radiation oncology was one of grit and courageous pivots, influenced by a worldview that took shape in her years at Magnificat. With two older sisters who are alumnae (Karen ’63 and Nancy ’66), and her youngest daughter, Eve , who graduated in 2022, Peggy’s connection to Magnificat runs deep.
At Magnificat, Peggy and some of her classmates were introduced by teachers to a program called TORCH (Teen Out Reach Through Christian Help). Through TORCH, she and her friends helped under resourced people in Cleveland, and they embarked on cross country trips to Native American reservations and migrant farms. According to Peggy, these eye-opening experiences, combined with excellent Magnificat academics, the lifelong friendships she gained, and extra-curricular experiences, were paramount to forming her worldview and how she fit into it.
“I am a firm believer in all-girls high school education, run by women for women,” she said. “I love that Magnificat is faith based, and especially now, open to young women of all faiths. I love what the administration is trying to do with sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The focus on social justice, earth justice, and spirituality adds to an already great education and prepares students for adulthood in an increasingly diverse and complex world.”
Peggy initially pursued pre-med studies at the University of Cincinnati but shifted to social work because math and science “did not come naturally” to her. However, after she graduated with honors from UC, she realized social work was not the right fit for her. She married, settled in the Cincinnati area, and started a family.
It was the profound experience of childbirth that ultimately inspired her decision to return to school for a medical degree. “Fueled by sheer desperation and lots of prayer” while caring for a baby, she aced two additional years of undergraduate math and science. It paid off with early
acceptance into the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and she welcomed her second child before starting medical school.
Radiation oncology proved to be an ideal field for Peggy, using her strong desire to help people and the case management and crisis intervention skills she honed in social work. Every day in radiation oncology brought new and challenging opportunities. To better understand and serve her patients, she became board certified in hospice and palliative medicine a few years before retiring. Peggy had a distinguished career at the Moll Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital, serving as Director of Radiation Oncology and hospital Oncology Quality Improvement for her first 14 years there, as the hospital was integrated into the Cleveland Clinic. Her team worked hard to improve standards of care, champion nursing qualification in radiation oncology, and build a patient-forward approach. What makes her the happiest, though, is her family. Peggy says adopting her three youngest children—all children of color—was one of her greatest blessings, and witnessing her children suffer in any way motivated her to work for change. To help effect positive change, Peggy actively served as a member of Magnificat’s Anti-Racism Task Force and is now a member of the DEI Advisory Committee. Her advice is “follow your heart, and if at first you don't succeed, do not be afraid to try again. We change, our abilities increase, values and desires evolve. Life can offer a very bumpy ride, and nothing is ever perfect. Don't let that deter you. Work hard, but also find joy and learn how to take care of yourself: mind, body, and soul.”
For Mary Therese Lavelle Donaldson '14 , the stars seemed to align for her career starting at Magnificat. Her interest in engineering was sparked during her Genesis project, where she paired with an electrical engineer at GE Lighting. This experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
After graduating from Magnificat, Mary Therese pursued her passion for electrical engineering at The Ohio State University. During college, she worked at GE Aerospace, which led to her participation in their Edison Engineering Development Program. Sponsored by GE, she earned her master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
“It is crazy to think that my Genesis project launched me to where I am today,” Mary Therese said. “My shadowing experience helped me choose my major, then my Genesis mentor helped to pass along my resume to GE Aerospace.”
Now, working as a lead controls engineer at GE Aerospace, Mary Therese is at the forefront of groundbreaking projects. She is currently working on the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, a NASA partnership that is conducting ground and flight tests of electrified aircraft propulsion technologies to enable a new generation of hybrid electric-powered aircraft. Mary Therese is responsible for test integration, ensuring seamless communication between different components, and plays a crucial role in system integration work.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male engineering environment.
“I remember my first engineering class had 70 men and 4 women,” Mary Therese said. “That was shocking coming from an all-girls environment. I needed to relearn that confidence I had in high school in order to stand up for myself and to one day be a mentor for others.”
She credits Magnificat for preparing her to mentor the younger generation, advocating for greater inclusion
and representation in the STEM fields. She encourages young women aspiring to pursue STEM careers to not be limited by preconceived notions, urging them to push beyond perceived boundaries.
Mary Therese lives in Cincinnati with her husband, Nate, whom she met in a physics class at Ohio State. She finds joy in spending time with her family, Irish dancing, and reading.
Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Ph.D. '05 is an assistant professor of counselor education at Cleveland State University, a licensed professional clinical counselor and supervisor, and a diplomate and clinical sexologist with the American Board of Sexology.
She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University. A pivotal moment in her life came when one of her mentors recognized her potential as a Ph.D. candidate, sparking a realization about the importance of representation in education and research, particularly for the Asian American community.
“At the time, many of the people researching the Asian American community were white, and so it was important for me to get more representation in research,” she said. Now, Stacey is a member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board and is internationally recognized for her pioneering work on the impact of COVID-19 related discrimination on the mental health and wellbeing of disaggregated Asian American Pacific Islander communities and other communities of color. She is also a highly sought after keynote speaker and content expert on topics related to mental health; sexual wellbeing; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB); and Asian American and Pacific Islander concerns. She was named to the Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 in 2023.
Her upcoming book, Patterns That Remain, is set to be published by Oxford University Press and explores the experiences of children of immigrants. Born in the Philippines and relocated to the U.S. at the age of two, her personal connection to the subject matter is profound.
“I really appreciated Magnificat's focus on service,” Stacey said. “[The school] really instilled the values of investing in your community and relationships. I often think, to what extent is my work bettering my community and empowering the next generation of leaders, especially those who don’t have a voice?”
Stacey encourages students to be curious about where their passions and talents intersect, emphasizing that the
absence of representation should not deter them. “Just because you don't see someone that looks like you in the space you want to be in doesn't mean you won't thrive there,” she said.
Stacey balances her career with a fulfilling family life. Married with two sons and a beloved dog, she finds joy in activities like volleyball, spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking.
Jenna Shaker Keene ’04 was introduced to the world of business and finance by her father, who managed a local family-owned IGA grocery store and invested in the stock market. After graduating from Magnificat, she pursued a degree in finance with a minor in business law at Ohio University. Early internships during college exposed her to the people aspect of banking, which led her to her current position.
“My internships throughout college helped me to realize that I didn’t really want to sit behind a computer and analyze data,” Jenna said. “What I loved was working with and helping people.”
She started her career as an analyst at J.P. Morgan in Columbus and later moved to a Chicago office becoming an advisor within the Private Bank. Currently she serves
as executive director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Cleveland, where she works as a financial advisor for families and offers guidance on their personal finances including investments, banking, credit, and estate planning. She has played a key role in growing the Private Bank’s presence in Northeast Ohio and was recently named to the Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40.
“I think of my clients as family,” Jenna said. “You really get to know them. The best part is seeing the success in their financial growth by the advice I have provided to them and their families.”
Beyond her role at the bank, Jenna actively participates in the Women in Transaction committee for the Association of Corporate Growth. In this capacity she promotes events and encourages female involvement within the finance community, fostering a network of professionals within the mergers and acquisitions community.
Reflecting on her time at Magnificat, she acknowledges the school's role in preparing her for success. The rigorous academics and structured schedule cultivated organizational skills that have proven invaluable in her professional life. The Magnificat network has also been a valuable asset, connecting her with diverse opportunities and professionals.
Beyond her career achievements, Jenna is an active volunteer with the LeBron James Family Foundation and the I PROMISE School, among other organizations. She resides in Brecksville with her husband and their two boys. She enjoys being outdoors and loves spending time with her family along with exploring new hiking opportunities in Cuyahoga National Park.
1975
Annette Gorski Mihalik married Dennis Mihalik at the Aviator on April 15, 2023. The two have spent their retirement traveling to Europe, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, along with travels in the U.S. to visit their six grandchildren.
1997
Dawn Stary was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of San Diego in August 2023.
2004
Katie Russell and husband, Tom, welcomed their daughter Evelyn Maeve in October 2023. Evelyn joins brothers James and Ben.
2010
Michelle Lempke Durkin and husband, Brendan, welcomed their first child, Kennedy Joyce, in August 2023.
Matilde Santillo Sharber married Theodore Sharber on July 29, 2023 in Cleveland.
2011
Kendall Nock Green and husband, Brooks, welcomed Cassidy Elizabeth Green, in November 2023.
2012
Liz Michael Evans married Andrew Evans, on May 28, 2023 at St. Christopher Church. The reception was held at Windows on the River.
2013
Amanda Haas Bergeman won an indie film incubator that allowed her to shoot a short film in Westlake. She screened her short film at the Capitol Theater on Nov. 29.
Rebecca Muellauer Meyer married Chris Meyer last summer in Cleveland. The bridal party included her sister, Victoria Muellauer McKinney ’11, and Christina Below ’13.
Lauren Vassar Yoho married Blake Yoho in July at Church of the Gesu. Several fellow alumnae were in attendance including bridesmaids Alissa Clark ’14 and Nicole Haddad ’14.
2017
Elizabeth Pfahler Marrone married her high school sweetheart, Louis Marrone, on September 16, 2023. The bridal party included Aubrey Montgomery ’17, Lyla Marrone ’17, Stephanie Dormendo ’06, and Emily Clark ’13.
Please join us in for the families of our students and alumnae.
William J. Barlow
Kathy Norris Dirusso ’64L
Father of Magnificat Athletic Director, Paul Barlow; Father-in-law of Dora Johnson Barlow ’87
Elizabeth A. "Betty" Brewster
Mother of Betsy Brewster Wasiniak ’91; Aunt of Mary Wasmer ’84 and Lynne Wasmer ’86
Janet Wohleber Binkerd ’78
Sister of Jami Wohleber Krugman ’75 and Judy Wohleber Valko ’76
Elizabeth A. Buddie
Sister of Therese Buddie Taft ’71, Julie Buddie Douglass ’72, and Mary Buddie Custer ’74; Aunt of Clare Taft ’96, Rebecca Taft Ragor ’02, and Mary Ryan Douglass ’04
Thomas Cahill
Husband of Kathleen Gettens Cahill ’62
Barbara Cella ’61
Edward “Ed” Richard Clark Jr.
Brother of Magnificat staff member, Eva-Marie Heinzmann; Uncle of Hanleigh Heinzmann ’15, Grace Heinzmann ’18, Ainsleigh Heinzmann ’20, Ellerie Heinzmann ’21, and Quincy Heinzmann ’23
Jacquelyn Kay “Jackie” Delaney
Mother of Sue Delaney ’82 and Julie Delaney Gould ’83
Sister of Mary Ellen Norris Nowel ’72L; Daughter of Harriet Stansbury Norris ’28L†
Mary Hoynes Duhigg ’47L
Mother of Catherine Duhigg Gannon ’78
Margaret “Margie” Masterson Eschen ’62L
Patrick Martin “Pat” Flanagan
Father of Erin Flanagan Webber ’89; Grandfather of Bridget Webber ’25
Sandra Dedina Fluken ’65
Agnes T. Fox
Mother-in-law of Erin Moran Fox ’90; Grandmother of Clare Fox ’22 and Caitlin Fox ’24
Tracy Galvin
Mother of Fiona Galvin ’24
Kathleen Ann Gliebe Galante ’70
Sister of Jeanne Gliebe Huber ’66 and Linda Gliebe McLaughlin ’68; Cousin of Theresa Kiczek McCarihan ’69
Christine Moller Grace ’65
Sister of Lisa Moller Prine ’70; Mother of Colleen Grace Radel ’96
Lawrence Francis Xavier Guzowski
Father of Sandy Guzowski Supler ’93, Susan Guzowski Pichotta ’97, and Laura Guzowski Demchuk ’99; Grandfather of Kaitlyn Supler ’27; Brother of Mary Virginia Guzowski Bennett '72; Uncle of Christine Bennett Jurik '96, Mary Beth Bennett '02; Anne Guzowski Zebra '98, Elizabeth Guzowski Skierski '00, Marie Guzowski Busta '03, Joyce Guzowski '04, Patricia Guzowski Allen '06, Kathleen Guzowski Prumo '06, and Megan Guzowski '08.
Eileen Carey Hewitt ’70
Sister of Joanne Carey ’72, Rita Carey ’75, Margaret Carey Rudy ’79†, and Judith Carey ’80; Mother of Kara Hewitt Tolentino ’00 and Meg Hewitt Kennedy ’02
Barbara Hogue ’68
Sister of Beverly Hogue George ’69, Ann Hogue ’71, Pat Hogue Patterson ’73, Peggy Hogue ’76, and Mary Hogue Martin ’79
Anne Therese Stringer Jeewek ’52L
Sister of Mary Rita Stringer Fallon ’54L, Patricia Stringer O’Malley ’57L, and Ursula Stringer Csercsevits ’64; Great Aunt of Kathleen Fenton ’17
John W. Manning, Jr.
Brother of Liz Manning ’84
Kathleen Jacoby Masterson ’61
“May all be comforted by the compassionate heart of Christ who will draw all to abundant life and fullness of joy!”
-Sister Helen Jean Novy, H.M.
Maureen Leigh Meyer ’65
Sister of Kathleen Leigh Madden ’60† and Patricia Leigh LaNasa ’67†
Eileen Waters Miller ’66
Grandmother of Eva Miller ’23
Thomas A. Misiak
Husband of Susan Gorski Misiak ’59
Eileen Morgan ’70
Mother of Morgan Wright DiPiero ’09
Judith “Judy” Schmitz Mott ’59
Aunt of Connie Cachat Dykas ’68 and Susan Schmitz Dunn ’89; Great Aunt of Kathryn Dunn ’26; Aunt-in-law of Kathleen Sutton Schmitz ’67; Cousin of Catherine Gerhart Vezdos ’60 and Linda Forthofer ’64
Pasquale “Packy” Nespeca
Father of Nancy Nespeca Parks ’65, Renee Nespeca Ritchie ’70, Judith Nespeca ’73, and Mary Kay Nespeca ’77
Marguerite H. Noonan
Mother of Karen Noonan ’63, Nancy Noonan Oliver ’66, and Peggy Noonan Kranyak ’71; Grandmother of Eve Mertic ’22
Jane Stewart Palmer
Mother of Colleen Palmer Janek ’77, Cathy Palmer Petre ’78, and Karen Palmer Simon ’80; Sister-in-law of Suzanne Palmer Atwood ’61; Aunt of Anne Brabenec Taylor ’82, and Mary Brabenec Ruppert ’84; Aunt-in-law of Laura Hauer Brabenec ’79; Great Aunt of Sydnie Brabenec Petro ’06 and MacKenna Brabenec ’12
John Thomas Reali
Father-in-law of Jenny Troha Reali '90; Grandfather of Rylie Matthews '15, Erin Kilbane '17, Margaret Kilbane '19, Clare Matthews '20, Lucy Kilbane '21; Uncle of Colleen Reali '90; Cousin of Ann Reali Sciarrino '60
Chandrappa Sidramappa Reshmi, M.D.
Husband of Kathleen Jennings Reshmi ’61; Brother-in-law of Barbara Jennings ’61†
Dolores Monahan Robertshaw ’47L
Sister of Mary Lou Monahan Rothman ’60
Robert E. Rose
Husband of faculty member, Mary Rose; Brother of Sr. Cheryl Rose, H.M. '63 and Maureen Rose Fay '75; Brother-in-law of Molly Allison Rose '77; Uncle of Maggie Fay '10
Kathy Ryan Schreiber ’81
Sister of Karen Ryan Tigue ’85; Sister-in-law
of Tammy Embrescia Ryan ’82; Aunt of Katie Ryan ’13 and Megan Ryan Geib ’15; Cousin of Jacqueline Mooney Valle ’82, Michelle Ryan Stewart ’85, Megan Ryan Banas ’88, Sis Malley ’92, and Megan Malley Cannon ’93
Roberta “Bobbie” Shaerban
Mother of Amanda Shaerban Steyer ’00; Aunt of Melanie Shaerban Irvin ’00
Nancy Bugos Simon ’59L
Donna DiLello Voll '62
Sister of Joyce DiLello Stanton '66
Susan Kathleen Zidanic ’91
† Deceased
L denotes a graduate of Lourdes Academy
We have included all individuals for whom we received notification following the publication of the Fall 2024 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.
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