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The Power of Opportunity
Celebrating CISE High School Scholarship Donors
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In April, CISE hosted a very special event at DePaul Cristo Rey High School to celebrate our high school scholarship donors, Scholarship donors and their guests were invited to be recognized for their generosity and to celebrate the growing impact of the CISE High School Scholarship Program.
Throughout the evening, guests heard inspiring stories directly from the students whose lives have been changed. All three student speakers — Jaja Bah (St. Ursula Academy), Amy Morgan (Purcell Marian), and Naomi Brundage (Purcell Marian) — are college-bound next year, a testament to the life-changing opportunities created through the CISE High School Scholarship Program. (read more...)
| | A Message from Phil McHugh | | |
Dear CISE Supporters,
The month of May and the season of spring always seem to bring new growth and a sense of hope for a better future. This is also the time of graduation for eighth graders in CISE-supported elementary schools. Their future is certainly bright! Thanks to our many generous supporters, every student has the opportunity to continue their Catholic, values-based education. We anticipate supporting more than 500 elementary school graduates as they attend local Catholic high schools next year.
CISE is blessed to have so many partners involved in our mission to promote excellence through collaboration and accountability. Our relationship with Mount St. Joseph University and their science of reading program has propelled our students to increase their reading proficiency. We have also launched a Parent Academy at Holy Family to more actively engage parents in preparing their children for college or career and technical education. You can read more about this in the newsletter.
I would like to thank Archbishop Dennis Schnurr for his leadership and support of CISE during his sixteen years as the leader of the Archdiocese. CISE has experienced unprecedented growth during his tenure. We also welcome Archbishop Robert Casey as our new leader. Our future is indeed bright, and we look forward to serving more of God’s children in partnership with Archbishop Casey.
In gratitude,
Philip R. McHugh, President & Executive Director
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Celebrating the Inaugural Mass of Archbishop Robert G. Casey
by Dr. Kenneth Craycraft | Catholic Telegraph
| On April 3, 2025, the Most Reverend Robert G. Casey was installed as the tenth Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, succeeding the Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr. The Mass of Installation was a jubilant occasion, gathering about 160 priests and 80 deacons of the archdiocese in a celebration of spiritual fraternity, optimism, and joy... | | | |
The Parent Academy of CISE & Mount St. Joseph University Names Holy Family as Partner School | The Parent Academy of CISE & Mount St. Joseph University made it their main mission to break the cycle of poverty by helping more low-income students access a college pathway. They do this by empowering parents with information and strategies to support their students academically and on their path to college and career. | | | |
Spring Catholic BAC
In April, Wulco, Inc. welcomed more than 50 guests to a highly successful spring meeting of the Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC). Dr. Mari Thomas (CISE) convened a dynamic group of education and community leaders for the third session of the school year.
Derek Chancellor, Regional Director for Senator Jon Husted, kicked off the event with an energizing overview of Ohio’s Workforce Initiatives, including Early College credit and Tech Credit internship reimbursements. Dr. Jason Feig, representing Khan Academy for Ohio, followed with forward-looking strategies for incorporating Artificial Intelligence into education. Attendees then engaged in one of three interactive breakout sessions focused on workforce onboarding, behavioral health supports in schools, and career and college readiness. The event wrapped up with a networking social, leaving participants energized and connected.
The next meeting will take place on July 29, 2025, at the Cincinnati ToolBANK.
| | Junior Achievement at St. Boniface | | |
CISE was pleased to partner with Fifth Third Bank to bring Junior Achievement (JA) to students at St. Boniface School. Over five weeks in March and April, 20 incredible Fifth Third Bank volunteers delivered JA lessons to students in grades K–8, providing them with valuable insights in work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
A special shoutout to Scott Enders, Fifth Third Chief of Staff and proud CISE Board member, who led the charge to bring this opportunity to life. (read more...)
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DPCR Work Study Program

CISE was happy to support our student worker, Ellen, as she presented her Capstone project. Through the corporate work study program at DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Ellen has been working in the CISE office this school year. We are proud of her growth and can’t wait to see where her bright future takes her. CISE continues to grow our partnership with DPCR through the work study program.
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Team Building
On April 16, the CISE staff participated in a team-building service project at ToolBANK, where they built benches to be donated to CISE-supported elementary schools.
We were thrilled to be joined by students from Purcell Marian High School, whose energy and teamwork made the work lighter and even more enjoyable. It was a wonderful opportunity to give back to our schools while strengthening connections within the CISE community.
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Coming Soon!
We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes—and we can’t wait to show you what’s next. This August, we will be unveiling a brand-new website and a refreshed look—designed to better tell the stories you help make possible.
It’s the same great mission, with a bold new way to share the joy, hope, and impact of your support. Stay tuned!
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Meet Linda and Ralph Scherer
Allow us to introduce you to CISE-supporters Linda and Ralph Scherer, they learned about CISE through their parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary. Linda also volunteered as an after-school tutor at St. Joseph in the West End several years ago.
As transplants to the Cincinnati area, the Scherers prioritized Catholic education for their children. All three daughters attended elementary school at St. Ursula Villa and high
school at St. Ursula Academy. Their daughter, Julie (pictured above), is assistant principal of Romero Academy at Annunciation, a CISE-supported school.

Donors since 2020, the Scherers made the decision to become high school scholarship donors in 2024. When asked why, Linda responded, “We believe a quality education is an incredibly valuable steppingstone to lift disadvantaged students to a brighter future. In addition, a Catholic education provides the important moral compass to guide students on their lifelong journey of becoming compassionate, faith-filled people.”
We than Linda and Ralph for their generosity and commitment to our students!

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Did You Know?
CISE Accepts Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from a Taxable IRA
If you are 70½ or older you can make annual QCDs of up to $105,000 in total, tax-free, to CISE directly from a taxable IRA. QCDs aren’t included in your taxable income, so you won’t be pushed into a higher tax bracket. They also don’t require you to itemize your tax return.
For those at least 73 years old, QCDs count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year. Contact Kelly Camm to learn more.
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Your next CISE Quarterly Newsletter will arrive
August 5, 2025
Visit CISEKids.org to learn more about the our mission in action.
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