We are excited to feature Dr. Nadia (Jones) Ewing '99, in this issue of Alumni Soundings!

A proud graduate of the Saint Joe Class of 1999, who attended Walt Disney and Schmucker schools, has recently returned to Saint Joe after nearly two decades in higher education. With a PhD from Azusa Pacific University (2025) and extensive experience in enrollment, advising, and the registrar’s office, she now serve as Saint Joe’s Director of Enrollment, overseeing admissions, supporting retention, and sharing the school’s mission with prospective families. During her own high school years she was deeply involved in athletics, student government, and clubs such as SADD, while enjoying memorable traditions like Spirit Week, Father Bly’s classroom, and the famous “shookies.” She credits Saint Joe’s academic rigor and opportunities for faith, service, and leadership with shaping her educational and career path, inspiring her to provide the same opportunities for students today. Drawn back by a desire to give back to the community that gave her so much and with her own children beginning Catholic grade school, it feels full circle to now help future generations create their own Saint Joe memories. While the building has changed since 1999, the pride and energy of Saint Joe remain as strong as ever, and she is especially eager to experience Homecoming again, this time as both an alum and staff member.

What happens when two rival schools set aside competition for a cause greater than themselves? This year’s Hunger Bowl gave us the answer.

Students from Saint Joe and Marian came together and collected an astounding 25,322 pounds of food—enough to feed nearly 3,000 of our neighbors in need. This year’s drive is not only the largest in Hunger Bowl history, but it also pushes the all-time total to more than 130,000 pounds of food collected since 2012.

While the Hunger Bowl trophy went to Marian, averaging 15.43 pounds/student, the competition was very, very close. After several recounts, the difference came down to just fractions of a pound per student.

The enthusiasm, generosity, and teamwork of these students remind us what’s possible when we unite for a common purpose. The true winners are the families in St. Joseph County who will have meals on their tables because of this effort.

Saint Joe Football takes on Riley on Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Father Bly Field at Leighton Stadium. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost $6 and can be purchased at the link below or at the gate. The Homecoming Court will be introduced at halftime. Come out and enjoy some fellowship with parents, alumni, and friends and cheer for Saint Joe!

Thank you to all alumni who have responded to PCI to verify their contact information and share stories and memories of their years at Saint Joe. Calls will be accepted until March 6, 2026 so there is plenty of time to pick up the phone and make that call. If you already called and now have a memory/story to share, you still can. It will be helpful to have the Reference number and ID number from the postcard but if you don't, no worries. The PCI staff should be able to help. If you ordered any products, please be aware that the timeline for the project is 12-16 months so product delivery is a ways off. 

The next Alumni Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 6 at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Joseph at the school. Please park in the Notre Dame Avenue lot and enter Door A if you plan to attend. Alumni and faculty/staff who have passed away since the June Mass will be remembered. Saint Joseph High School chaplain Father Noah Junge will be the celebrant. If you have questions, please contact Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler at 574-233-6137 or via email at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com.

Have you purchased your table yet? We are less than one month away from Trivia Night on Saturday, October 25! Ticket sales are now live and can be purchased at the button below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Reunions

Classmates interested in organizing a class reunion may contact the Alumni Office at (574) 233-6137, ext. 547, or email Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com​​​​​​​ to get started.

Class of 1976 

50 Year Reunion – August 8, 2026

Contact Donna O'Hara at dmo102257@comcast.net for more information.

A long-standing Saint Joe tradition, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, will kick off at the all-school Mass on Thursday, October 9. Former Drive Directors Susan Lightcap and Diane Fox prepared faculty and staff members for the kIck-off in an address to them at a September faculty meeting. Through the years, thousands of local families have benefited from the generosity of Saint Joe students and families with the reception of a Thanksgiving Day meal as well as other staples. Many alumni have special memories of their participation in the drive as members of the sponsoring H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Endure) student organization. Current H.O.P.E. moderator Jen Firestone would love to hear the stories and memories of alumni participation and possibly use them in promotional videos/literature for the 2025 Drive. Alumni are also invited to help in the physical organization of the drive by setting up boxes on Friday, November 21 and/or packing boxes on Sunday, November 23. Please contact Jen at jfirestone@saintjoehigh.com to share a story and/or add your name to the volunteer list. 

At just 17-years-old, Sister Joan Marie Steigmeyer felt God’s call to religious life and courageously answered. Entering the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1947 after graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy, she professed her initial vows in 1950, beginning a lifelong journey of service, compassion, and faith.

Sister Joan Marie first dedicated herself to education, teaching in Catholic schools across Indiana and Illinois, while also earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Saint Mary’s College. She later served as director of religious education at parishes in Illinois and Michigan before completing a master’s degree in religious studies at La Salle University.

Her vocation extended far beyond the classroom, as she dedicated her life to serving those most in need. In Cincinnati, she worked with families as a caseworker for Freestore Foodbank and later spent more than 15 years as a probation investigator for Hamilton County, offering prayerful support, resources, and encouragement to inmates—many of whom remained connected to her long after.

Known for her compassion, humor, and deep gratitude to God, Sister Joan Marie has touched countless lives through her ministry and presence. As she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee—75 years of consecrated life—we give thanks for her remarkable witness and the lasting impact she has made on all who know her.

Aespyne (Brooks) Alix ’09, is a Chicago-based visual artist whose work focuses on health, wellness, and mental health as both creative expression and community education. As a teaching artist on Chicago’s West Side, she integrates art into classrooms and community spaces to help destigmatize mental health issues. Her practice includes original works, prints, illustrations, installations, and collaborations, and she has participated in residencies and exhibitions locally and abroad, including Château Orquevaux in France, R.A.R.O. Barcelona, and the ALN Residency. In addition to her studio work, Aespyne has contributed illustrations for the book Skin, Skin, Don’t You Know Me, partnered with SOGO Chicago on a headscarf line, and created installations for exhibitions such as If I Could Just Be. Through her art, she continues to highlight social issues, promote healing, and inspire meaningful dialogue.

Saint Joseph High School

Athletics Update

Throwback Throwdown Alumni Event is coming to Alumni Gym November 29 at 5:00 p.m. More details coming soon!

Girls Golf is headed to State with a team score of 341, the Huskies finished second overall to punch their ticket to the State Finals. Marley and Lucy Dunham led the way, each shooting an 82. You can follow all the action here.

If you or an alumnus you know is not receiving communications from Saint Joseph High School — we can fix that! We want to make sure everyone receives this monthly newsletter, Focus magazine, and any other news. Please contact Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler to receive communications.