We are excited to feature Abby Kostielney Fink '10, in this issue of Alumni Soundings!

Abby looks back on her time at Saint Joseph High School with deep gratitude for the teachers and mentors who shaped her journey. She recalls the tremendous influence of educators like Deacon Andy Oross, Megan Vera, Kathryn Wales, Mike Hamann, Fr. Bly, Susan Lightcap, Phil DePauw, and Josh Swaim, each so unique, yet united by their joy, passion, and love for teaching. Their example of living with meaning and enthusiasm drew Abby toward her own vocation. She also credits her middle school English teacher Mary P. Gallagher, her youth ministry leaders at Christ the King and throughout Michiana, and later the entire Echo team at Notre Dame, with guiding her decision to pursue Theology.

Among her favorite memories at Saint Joe, Abby fondly recalls blasting music in the parking lot after volleyball practice, singing on the bus ride home from games, raking leaves with friends during the fall day of service, and coming up with wild costumes during Spirit Week. She treasures her time on retreat team senior year, cheering in the student section at football and basketball games, and dancing the night away at school dances.

After graduation, Abby continued her education at the University of Notre Dame, earning undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Theology in 2014, followed by a Master’s in Theology in 2016 through the Echo program at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Her path back to Saint Joe as a Theology teacher was influenced most directly by her brother, Tommy, who encouraged her to pursue teaching at her alma mater. Though she initially hesitated, Abby now sees that decision as one of the best of her life and gives thanks to God (and her “annoying but persistent” brother) for leading her back.

Today, Abby is grateful for the unique blessings of teaching at Saint Joe. She treasures having a chapel on campus, where she and her students can spend time in prayer and Eucharistic Adoration. For her, the heart of Saint Joe is “Jesus and the people," the students, teachers, staff, and administrators who make each day so meaningful.

Outside of the classroom, Abby enjoys life with her husband of nine years, Kevin, and their four children: Lucy Joan (7), Dominic Romero (6), Mara Rose (3), and Peter Kolbe (7 months). She loves spending time with her family, reading, cheering on her kids in their activities, playing board games, drinking plenty of coffee, and rooting for both the Irish and the Packers.

Class of 1985 - 40 Year Reunion

Class of 1985 - 40 Year Reunion

Class of 1995 - 30 Year Reunion

Class of 2000 - 25 Year Reunion Tour Group

In partnership with Publishing Concepts, LP (PCI), Saint Joseph High School is compiling an oral history of the school. We previously partnered with PCI in the publication of the 2021 Alumni Directory. The oral history project will allow alumni to update their contact information, share stories and memories of their years at the school, and purchase various merchandise associated with the project including the book. Please note that no purchase is necessary for alumni to participate in this project. The timeline for the project will cover 12-16 months and will kick-off on September 9. Alumni will receive postcards and emails asking them to call PCI to participate in the project. Once alumni have responded by calling, no further communication is necessary. A list of Frequently Asked Questions by Alumni is posted on the Alumni section of the Saint Joe website for your convenience and can also be found at the link below.

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.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25 — Saint Joe's Trivia Night is officially happening! Gather your team, bring your brainpower, and get ready for a fun night of friendly competition. Stay tuned for more details!

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 Tim Coleman at timcoleman@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Congratulations to Mr. Phil DePauw '88, who was recently awarded the Notre Dame Golden Guide Award for excellence in advising students throughout the college search and application process. This recognition highlights his dedication as an impactful teacher and mentor in our school community.

Congratulations to Hanna Kirsits ’16, on a truly full-circle career milestone! Hannah shared, “Truly a surreal moment today—flying into the very airport where I first learned to fly and earned both of my aviation degrees, now as an airline captain.”

Hannah is now flying with United Express, which recently began offering daily service between Lafayette and Chicago O’Hare. If your travels take you through, you just might have the chance to catch Captain Kirsits in the cockpit!

Congratulations to Sharon Ames Nelson '69 and Chuck Nelson '65 on being recipients of the 2025 Civic Legacy Award by the South Bend Civic Theatre. Sharon and Chuck are lifelong educators and civic leaders whose dedication to South Bend spans over 40 years. Sharon taught for 41 years, pioneering ESL and individualized learning programs, and was honored with the NEA Community Service Award and as a Teacher of the Year finalist. Chuck began in special education, later earned a law degree, and became the first executive director of the Judd Leighton Foundation. Together, they've served on numerous boards and championed projects like the Children's Museum and neighborhood revitalization. Active in Little Flower Church, they've mentored, taught, and served with compassion and purpose. Their shared legacy reflects a deep-rooted commitment to education, service, and betterment of their community.

Saint Joseph High School

Athletics Update

The South Bend Community Hall of Fame will present the Distinguished Achievement Award to the Saint Joe 3A State Champion boys basketball team at the Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Banquet on Tuesday, October 14 at Century Center. Congratulations to the team members, coaches, cheerleaders and support staff. 

On August 16, Jayce Lee ’24, now a sophomore at Notre Dame, hosted his very first youth baseball camp—and it was a huge success! The free camp drew an incredible turnout, with three hours of fun, learning, and skill-building on the field. Campers had a blast, and the energy throughout the day made it an unforgettable experience.

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.