Alumni
Soundings
Newsletter
January 24, 2025
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Alumni Faculty/Staff Spotlight | |
We are excited to feature Marguerite Jay '20, in this issue of the Alumni Soundings!
Marguerite’s academic foundation began at Our Lady of Hungary and flourished during her time at Saint Joe. After graduating, she attended Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a minor in Creative Writing with a focus on poetry. Her academic pursuits took her abroad to Madrid, where she completed her Spanish degree at the University Complutense in 2023.
Marguerite fondly recalls her involvement in H.O.P.E. Club with Mrs. Strabavy, working on initiatives like the Thanksgiving Food Drive and Suicide Prevention Week. Her high school years were enriched by her time in the band, chess club, and as a cheerleader, but her favorite moments were spent in class.
She treasures lessons from Mr. Dillon, including glitter-covered 3-D graph projects, and the literary explorations in Mr. DePauw’s class, which introduced her to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Mr. Smith’s mantra, “Learn as much as we can,” resonated deeply, inspiring her to make the most of every moment in class. Señora Sparks and Señora Goralczyk further shaped her passion for language, which became a cornerstone of her academic and professional life.
Marguerite’s return to Saint Joe was inspired by a message she received during the South Bend Mishawaka Youth Leadership Program. Former Mayor Pete Buttigieg encouraged participants to value the opportunity to serve their hometown communities. Reflecting on this advice, Marguerite realized her own teachers had instilled a lifelong love of learning, inspiring her to come back and share that passion with a new generation of students.
Marguerite exemplifies the spirit of Saint Joe by continuing the legacy of excellence, service, and community.
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Bose Public Affairs Group Names Michael Brady '06 as New Principal | |
Bose Public Affairs Group LLC has promoted Michael Brady '06 to principal of the government relations and strategic communications firm. Brady, who previously served as vice president, has been with the firm since 2018. He specializes in government relations for clients in the medical and health care industries, representing them at the local and state levels.
"Michael has made significant contributions to the firm and our clients throughout the years," said Andy Miller, managing principal at Bose Public Affairs Group. "I am eager to watch him excel in his new role as principal."
Congratulations, Michael!
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Saint Joe Alumni and Faculty Share Memorable Moments | |
In late November, during the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) trip, Mike McCarthy '98 and A.J. Reynolds visited Boston College. While on campus, they had the pleasure of meeting Onur Toper and Mia Neman, both from the Class of 2021, who will graduate from Boston College this spring. Although they also met Katie Lavelle '22, they missed the chance to capture a photo with her.
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In December, Sarah Beason, our Theatre Program’s Technical Director, and A.J. Reynolds attended All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at the South Bend Civic Theatre. Colin MacDonell '23 delivered an incredible performance, while Sean Leyes '08 also took the stage.
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Annual Alumni Hockey Game
The annual Alumni vs. Current team hockey game took place on December 23 at The Ice Box rink. Thirty alumni skaters faced off against the current team with the current Husky squad emerging victorious by a 7-5 score. The annual event is organized each year by Coach Chris Kleva, '84. who also officiates the game. The current team takes possession of the Chandler Cup until next year's game. Saint Joe's Varsity Blue team has had an excellent season thus far with a current record of 31-5-2 while the Varsity White team has posted a 6-15-3 tally.
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Kelly Ratigan '22 is Making the World a Better Place | |
The junior guard of Loyola University Maryland, shared how her personal relationships off the court inspired her to make a difference for others.
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Upcoming Reunions
Classmates interested in organizing a class reunion may contact the Alumni Office at (574) 234-2904, ext. 5, or email Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com to get started.
Class of 1975
50 Year Reunion – August 8, 2025
Contact Dick Sullivan at sull37@comcast.net for more information.
Class of 1995
30 Year Reunion – July 25, 2025
Contact and event details forthcoming.
Class of 2000
25 Year Reunion – August 1, 2025
Contact: Travis Bruntz at mavs1315@gmail.com
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Tickets for Annual Gala on Sale Now! | |
Join us for the annual Ignite! Gala on Friday, March 28! Together, let's make a joyful noise and celebrate an unforgettable evening. We can't wait to see you there! Visit the link below for tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to support this incredible event.
If you wish to donate an auction item or package, please contact Brooke Kostielney at bkostielney@saintjoehigh.com or visit our website for details.
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It's Not Too Late to Support the Annual Fund
The 2024-25 Fund for Saint Joseph is going strong, but we still need your help. We recently crossed 80% of our goal with half the year remaining. We have received 355 gifts from all members of the Saint Joe community: faculty, alumni, staff, and current and past parents. You can contribute to this fund through June 30, 2025.
The Fund for Saint Joseph remains the most critical of all our fundraising efforts, as it supports faith formation, co-curricular programs, classroom resources, professional development, athletics, campus maintenance and more.
We invite you to continue sparking joy and partner with us in this important annual initiative.
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Happenings Around Saint Joe | |
The Saint Joe community recently celebrated the Rite of Welcome with Easton McFarland. Easton is a sophomore who began the process of discernment last year concerning a conversion to Catholicism. Raised in a different Christian faith, Easton has felt drawn to the Catholic Church since beginning theology classes at Saint Joe. His sponsor is his baseball teammate Brett Mason who was baptized into the Faith last school year by Bishop Rhoades. Easton will continue to learn about the Faith, and discern his movement toward Catholicism in the coming months. God willing, he will enter into full communion with the Church at our March 19th Mass with Bishop Rhoades. | |
Saint Joseph High School
Athletics Update
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Boys Basketball Wins Big Over Washington | |
Boys Basketball hit the home court for the first time in 2025 and earned a convincing win over the visiting Washington, 96-53. The game saw Washington get out to an 8-0 lead, but the Huskies cut the lead to three by the end of the first quarter. The defensive pressure picked up and the Huskies took control of the game by scoring 63 points it the 2nd and 3rd quarter combined. The Huskies depth proved to be enough to finish off the game with a 21-5 fourth quarter. The Huskies were lead offensively by a total team effort with balance scoring including four players in double figures. | |
Celebrating 50 Years of IHSAA Girls Basketball | |
This year, the IHSAA is commemorating 50 incredible years of Girls High School Basketball, and we’re marking this milestone with a special reunion event!
When: Saturday, January 25. Reception begins at 11:30 AM.
Where: Saint Joseph High School - Alumni Gym
Who’s Invited: All past Saint Joe Girls Basketball players, coaches, and supporters!
Join us as we honor the legacy, relive the memories, and celebrate the achievements of Girls Basketball across the decades.
RSVP or Questions? Contact Stephen Anthony at santhony@saintjoehigh.com.
Please spread the word!
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