The JCA Institutional Advancement Newsletter |
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JCA alumni, family, and friends,
Thank you for your continued support of Joliet Catholic Academy. The 2022-2023 school year is already off to a wonderful start on campus at 1200 N. Larkin Ave.
The challenges of the last few years made it difficult for the Advancement Office to travel and plan regional reunions. We are excited to announce we are getting back on the road this year. We can't wait to see you at a regional reunion, or back here in the Joliet area for one of your upcoming class reunions.
I'm also extremely excited to announce this year's JCA Institutional Advancement team. I've been proud to work alongside these individuals in my years as the JCA Admissions and Communications Director, and they've helped make this transition into a new role as seamless as possible.
JCA Institutional Advancement Office
- Ryan Quigley '03 - Director of Institutional Advancement
- Sue Bebar '90 - Director of Alumni Relations
- Sue Hansen - Development Coordinator
- Jared Voss '92 - Director of Admissions
- Mary Ragusa '93 - Assistant Director of Admissions; Financial Aid Coordinator
- Christine Voss - Director of Special Events
- Annie Farnaus - Communications Coordinator
The JCA Institutional Advancement Office oversees many aspects of our school - from engaging with over 23,000 alumni, recruiting our newest Angels and Hilltoppers, telling our story locally and across the country to our stakeholders, investing in JCA students through tuition assistance via the JCA endowment and Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships, and closing the yearly gap between tuition and the actual cost to educate our students via many fundraising events like Jubilate. The light touch of many hands accomplishes this heavy lift!
Throughout the year, in addition to the bi-annual Tradition Magazine, our offices would like to keep you updated on Advancement activities. Also, be sure to follow the Joliet Catholic Academy Facebook. Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, we've included links to those pages at the bottom of this e-mail.
Upcoming Events and Regional Reunions
JCA Alumni & Friends Golf Outing
September 15, 2022 - at Cog Hill Golf Club; 9 a.m. Shotgun Start
Homecoming Parade and Football Game
Friday, October 14, 2022 vs. Benet Academy
Parade leaves JCA at 4:30 p.m. and will arrive at Joliet Memorial Stadium around 5 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Kickoff at Joliet Memorial Stadium
Southern California JCA Regional Reunion
October 27, 2022 -
Hosted by Pat Ward '70 at the Newport Yacht Club
Interested in RSVP'ing for a Reunion or having JCA travel to your location and host a reunion?
Over the past ten years, Joliet Catholic Academy has visited alumni in the following cities for Regional Reunions: Naples, FL; Bonita Springs, FL; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Scottsdale, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; Portland, OR; Lancaster, PA; and Houston, TX.
Interested in hosting a Regional Reunion? Contact JCA Development Coordinator Mrs. Sue Hansen at shansen@jca-online.org or 815.741.0500, ext. 215.
Also, be on the lookout for more information regarding the Chicago Regional Reunion in December, Florida Regional Reunions in late January/early February, and more information coming soon on this year's JCA Angel and Hilltopper Banquet.
Continued Blessings,
Ryan Quigley '03
Director of Institutional Advancement
Office: 815.741.0563
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2022-2023 JCA Development Committee
Executive Director – Will County
Habitat for Humanity
Owner/Architect – Czerkies Design
Financial Advisor – Edward Jones
Director of Development – Rialto
Square Theatre
Attorney at Law – Michael J. Korst, P.C.
Publisher – Herald News
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Save the Date
Southern California Regional Reunion
Thursday, October 27, 2022
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It is my pleasure to cordially invite you to attend our Southern California Regional Reunion.
The reunion is being hosted by our generous alum Pat Ward (Class of 1970).
It will be held at the gorgeous Newport Harbor Yacht Club
720 W. Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA, 92661
Mark your calendars for 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2022
Cocktails and appetizers will be served, and a short presentation will follow. Please RSVP to JCA Development Coordinator Mrs. Sue Hansen at shansen@jca-online.org or call (815) 741-0500, ext. 215.
You, as an alum, are important to our school and we look forward to coming together to celebrate the past by hearing your memories and enjoying the special bonds that make JCA a place where dreams come true every day. I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeffrey Budz
JCA President/Principal
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Upcoming Class Reunions
JCHS/SFA Class of 1972 – It’s a 50 year celebration like none other!! Friday, September 16 a casual gathering will take place at Heroes West in Joliet. On Saturday during the day, golf and activities are planned including a ladies luncheon and tour as well as some tennis on the courts of JCA. Saturday night plan on gathering at the Renaissance Center in Joliet for cocktails, dinner and dancing. The weekend will be capped off with a mass on Sunday and a brunch to follow. For questions, contact Mike McGrath at 719-338-3239 or mikemcgrath54@gmail.com or Nan (Lewi) Lewandowski Hooks at 815-919-8533 or n11duski@gmail.com.
SFA Class of 1962 – The ladies have made great plans to celebrate 60 years post graduation!! Please save Saturday, October 1st to your calendar for a day or reminiscing and celebrating one another. Further information to follow. Questions? Contact Jean Marolt Rohder at jeanier30844@comcast.net.
SFA Class of 1952 - On Monday, October 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. we have reserved the party room at Jameson's Pub at 2755 Black Rd. Joliet, IL, 60435. Please respond by Monday, October 3, 2022 to Carol Pubentz Sterr-Lehman at sterrlehman@gmail.com.
JCHS Class of 1962 – 60th Class reunion will take place on Homecoming weekend, specifically Saturday, October 15th at Al’s Steakhouse. Watch your mail for further details. Questions? Contact Jim Kenney at jkenney77@aol.com
JCA Class of 2002 - 20th Class reunion on Saturday, October 15, 2022; Joliet Park District’s Cart Barn at Inwood Golf Course. Make your plans to attend an evening filled with reminiscing old memories and making new ones. Details coming soon. Any questions, please contact Lindsay Mufich Gunier at 815-955-6180.
JCA Class of 1992 - More information will be available shortly! Save the date for November 12, 2022.
Alumni: Stay Connected! Please fill out the below form to keep us updated on your current contact information and place of employment. Help us to keep you up-to-date and informed on everything Joliet Catholic Academy.
Sincerely,
Sue Bebar ’90
Director of Alumni Relations
815.741.0500 ext. 269
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Did you miss the 2022 Summer Tradition Magazine: Annual Report Edition? Contact the JCA Alumni office to update your mailing address. Check out a digital version of the Tradition Magazine below. Or fill out the JCA Alumni Contact Information Form above.
Sue Bebar ’90
Director of Alumni Relations
815.741.0500 ext. 269
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Joliet Catholic Academy inducted the eighth Hall of Champions class in a ceremony on September 2, 2022 in the Warning Innovation Research Center. This year’s honorees continue to highlight the depth of tradition and talent on and off the playing fields that the Angels and Hilltoppers have produced over the years.
The previous classes made up a “Who’s Who” of athletics in the Joliet area with Gordie Gillespie, Bill Gullickson, Allie Quigley, Patricia Carbery, Tom Thayer, Mike Alstott, Terry Gannon, Mark Grant, Dave Sims, Pat Mudron, Pat Sullivan, Liz Tortorello-Nelson, Jane Condon, Kelly Murphy, Mark Parker, Chris Scheibe, Dan Sharp and Jack Perconte among them.
JCA’s Hall of Champions pays tribute to the boys and girls athletes, coaches and contributors from the three schools that make up JCA: De La Salle (1920-1933), Joliet Catholic High School (1933-1989) and St. Francis Academy (1869-1989). JCA was established July 1, 1990.
This year’s class, introduced by JCA president/principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz and athletic director Jim O’Brien, includes Ronald Boyter ’67, Dave Douglas ’75, Mike Grace ’88, Samantha (Tortorello ’02) Haas, Annemarie Hickey ’10, Mike Kolodziej ’02, Jared Voss ’92, and J.R. Zwierzynski ’02.
The morning was highlighted by tours of the school, were honorees spoke to current JCA students about their athletic journey. The afternoon featured Mass presided by Fr. Brian Henden, O.Carm., followed by a luncheon and induction ceremony in the Warning Innovation Research Center.
JCA is grateful to the following individuals/businesses that have sponsored this event and have been generous in their contributions: Adler Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. (Chris Adler), Brown & Brown of Illinois (Brent Wagner), Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol, LLC (Frank Cservenyak) and D’Arcy Motors (Terry D’Arcy).
This year’s honorees were also recognized at halftime of the JCA football game on Friday, September 2 vs. Immaculate Conception at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
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JCA Student Council Partners with Cal's Angels to raise funds for Pediatric Cancer |
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Joliet Catholic Academy's Sophomore Student Council partnered with Cal's Angels by selling t-shirts during the week of August 29th. On Thursday, our halls and classrooms were a sea of gold! At the September 2 home football game vs. Immaculate Conception our Hillzone had a "Gold Out" theme to honor Cal and the foundation's mission. All funds raised went to Cal's Angels, a pediatric cancer foundation with a mission of granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer.
One of “Cal’s Warriors” served as an honorary captain. Here is a little information about Jorgie:
Jorgie is 9 years old and in 4th grade. He was diagnosed with t-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia on June 5, 2021 just a few days before his 8th birthday. He spent the first three months after diagnosis in the hospital and a total of almost six out of the next 11 months inpatient in the hospital. Jorgie had to relearn how to walk and stand alone, but cancer will not keep him down! He is a fighter is and kicking cancers butt.
JCA’s Student Council arranged to give Jorgie a football signed by the team and the HillZone signed a t-shirt for him. It was a great night as the Class 4A No. 1 ranked Hilltoppers won in thrilling fashion 23-22 over Class 3A No. 1 Immaculate Conception.
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JCA Alumni Golf Outing
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
12294 Archer Ave.
Lemont, IL.
Scramble Format
7:30 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. Shotgun start on Course #3 and Dubs Dread (depending on participation)
1:30 p.m. Post golf Reception in the Main Clubhouse/Patio
2:00 p.m. BBQ style Buffet Lunch
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Invest in a JCA Student...Receive a 75% IL State Income Tax Credit in the Process
Dear JCA Families, Alumni, and Friends,
At Joliet Catholic Academy, we believe like you do, that ALL kids should have access to their best-fit school, regardless of family income or zip code. The Invest in Kids Act Scholarship Program is the exact policy and program that can expand quality educational options for K-12 students in Will County. We need your support now – your voices, your stories, and your investment in current JCA students, so that future generations of Angels and Hilltoppers can continue to make an impact in Will County and all over the globe.
Currently, 20 students at JCA are receiving Invest in Kids Act scholarships through Empower Illinois, our Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). An additional 119 students are eligible to receive scholarships, totaling almost $1.7 million for the 2022-2023 school year. Already this year, over $4.1 million has been raised for Diocese of Joliet students through the Invest in Kids Act.
We attack this mission with ZEAL – great energy and enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective. The gift of a Catholic, Carmelite and Franciscan education is a noble cause, one that “Inspires Growth in Knowledge and Faith” and creates an environment that cultivates opportunities for academic excellence, meaningful service, Christian respect, and Catholic values.
Just as the Joliet Franciscans have lived the challenge and dream given to St. Francis of Assisi by Jesus to “Rebuild my Church,” we at Joliet Catholic Academy look to renew the commitment to Catholic education in our community by partnering with the Diocese of Joliet and Empower Illinois to provide these life-changing scholarships. We look to empower parents in our community, who know firsthand what school is the best fit academically, spiritually, and socially for their children.
I ask you to join me as a donor. Ensure that this legacy of excellence in education provided by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in our community since 1869, the Carmelites since 1933, and together as Joliet Catholic Academy since 1990 continues on. This is a BIG, BOLD MISSION rooted in a simple belief that every child should have access to high quality educational options.
Blessings,
Ryan Quigley '03
Director of Institutional Advancement
Office: 815.741.0563
CLICK HERE to access the PDF Tax Credit Scholarship informational piece.
Donor Process
Individual and corporate donors can reserve tax credits through mytax.illinois.gov by following these steps:
1. Create a MyTax Illinois account on mytax.illinois.gov. Anyone applying for a scholarship tax credit is required to have an account. If you do not have one, the first step is requesting a Letter ID from the Illinois Department of Revenue (this can take up to 10 days).
2. Apply for a tax credit on mytax.illinois.gov. Donors will need to provide the following information:
- Region to which he/she plans to donate
- Name of SGO to which he/she plans to donate (the Joliet Diocese is partnering with Empower Illinois)
- Amount he/she plans to donate to the SGO within 60 days of receiving your application approval and the Contribution Authorization Certificate.
3. Designate the donation to Joliet Catholic Academy
- Provide certificate from the SGO to use tax credit when filing a 2018 return in 2019.
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1200 N. Larkin Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435
P - (815) 741-0500
F - (815) 741-8825
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