Welcome to the first edition of Alumni Soundings for the 2026-2027 school year. After a summer of relaxation and rejuvenation, the students, faculty, staff and administration have returned to the halls of Saint Joe to emphasize our core value of Reach Higher. This quote from Venerable Fulton Sheen summarizes our journey for the year: "Heaven is a city on a hill, hence we cannot coast into it; we have to climb". The theme of Reach Higher was echoed in the faculty/staff retreat and orientation and will be carried through with our students during the academic year as we strive for each of them to reach their full potential using God's gifts to earn them the greatest reward: eternal life with our Savior in heaven. It's the ultimate school reunion!

We begin our 74th year as a school with full enrollment and a freshman class, the Class of 2030, of 241. I share with pride that 21 members of the faculty and staff are Saint Joe alumni. This year we welcome Brandon Lis, '10, Ben Culver, '17, Ivan Kuharic, '17, and Martha Cleary, '22 back to the Saint Joe family. Brandon is featured elsewhere in this issue in the Alumni Faculty/Staff Spotlight.

It was a busy reunion summer that included gatherings of the Classes of 1971, 1976, and 1996 with reunions for the Classes of 1986 and 1966 still to come. Look for photos of those reunions in a future edition of Alumni Soundings.

The intentions of alumni are included in each edition of the Saint Joe Prayer Corner and deceased alumni are remembered at the Alumni Memorial Masses in June and November. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin a new school year.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Henry Chandler, '67

Alumni Coordinator

We are excited to feature Brandon Lis '10 in this issue of Alumni Soundings!

After graduating from Saint Joseph High School in 2010, Brandon continued his education at Purdue University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, before earning a master’s degree in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University. Brandon began his career with the South Bend Cubs, where he served as the Operations Manager of the Performance Center from 2016–2020. He then spent five years with Cintas, working in accounts receivable and helping manage new customers.

Now, Brandon has returned to Saint Joe as the Accounts Payable and Business Office Specialist, where he manages bills and payments, operates the Spirit Shop, orders supplies for staff, and assists with other business office needs. He also serves as an assistant coach for the Saint Joe baseball teams. During his time as a student, Brandon was involved in baseball, cross country, track and field, H.O.P.E., Spanish Club, GREIA, and Production Club. Some of his favorite memories include filming football games, attending Saint Joe sporting events, and developing friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation. He especially enjoyed Photography with Mr. Kapsa, where he had the opportunity to take photos and develop them in the darkroom, and fondly remembers Mrs. Coleman as a favorite teacher. Returning to Saint Joe has given Brandon the opportunity to give back to the school that helped shape him while working with and supporting today’s students. His advice to current Huskies is simple: “Try new things, go to different events, and get to know as many people as you can.”

The Saint Joseph High School Oral History Project that kicked off in September, 2025 is now in the proofing stage. Hundreds of alumni stories have been proofread and photos have been submitted to appear in the book. In addition, Saint Joe has been able to update the contact information for hundreds of our alumni as a result of this project. The estimated date for the completion of the project, including delivery of items ordered, is October-November, 2026. Thank you to all alumni who participated in this endeavor. 

Karen Leliaert Van Meter, '67, will head up the charitable efforts of the local Christ Child Society chapter during the 2026-2027 year of service to the community. She will serve as Co-President with Carolyn Sherman as the volunteer organization provides clothing and other services such as Layettes of Hope, A Book for a Child and Foster Hope to the under-resourced families of Saint Joseph County. The efforts of the clothing program are primarily aimed at ensuring that children are provided with warm coats, gloves, hats, and shoes. Karen and her husband Tom, a former Saint Joe faculty member, are also the parents and grandparents of Saint Joe graduates.

Jay Lewis ’82 is making a meaningful impact in the South Bend community through his work with the South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission. An attorney with THK Law, Lewis serves as a member of the commission, which was established to examine the historical and ongoing effects of racial discrimination in South Bend and recommend ways to address those inequities. The commission recently released a final report containing 62 recommendations focused on areas including education, health care, housing, policing, and economic opportunity.

As the commission shares its recommendations with the community, Lewis emphasized that there are many possible approaches available and encouraged residents to study the proposals and advocate for meaningful action. His involvement reflects a continued commitment to serving the South Bend community and helping shape a more equitable future.

Julia Cunningham ’03 has built an impressive career in radio and entertainment, becoming one of SiriusXM’s longtime on-air personalities. In a recent interview, Cunningham reflected on her journey into radio and the experiences that helped shape her career. What began as an interest in broadcasting eventually led her to SiriusXM, where she has spent more than 15 years covering pop culture, television, music and entertainment.

Today, Julia hosts The Julia Cunningham Show on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, where she interviews major entertainment figures and offers her perspective on the biggest stories in pop culture. She also hosts programs on SiriusXM’s PopRocks channel, showcasing music from the ’90s and 2000s. Her career is a great example of how passion, curiosity and a willingness to pursue opportunities can lead to an exciting and successful career. We are proud to celebrate Julia’s accomplishments and the impact she continues to make in the world of broadcasting and entertainment.

Saint Joe alumna Emily Schmid Mentock ’10 has stepped into a new leadership role with the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, serving as the diocese’s secretary for communications. Mentock officially began the position April 1 after serving as interim communications director since November. In her new role, she leads the diocesan communications office and implements a strategic plan focused on strengthening communication and engagement across parishes, schools and ministries. She has also assumed the role as Editor-in-Chief for the quarterly diocesan magazine, Vibrant Catholic.



A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in English, Mentock brings extensive experience in media, marketing, content strategy and evangelization to the position. Her career has included roles as a creative director, author, producer, marketing director and consultant for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. After reconnecting with the diocese through its preparatory commission for the ongoing diocesan synod, she felt called to continue serving the local Church. Mentock says she is especially excited to tell the stories of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and help Catholics feel more connected to the work taking place throughout the diocese.

Many in the Saint Joe community may remember Joshua Crudup ’19 from the story of his recovery after suffering a stroke during his senior football season at Father Bly Field. That experience became an important part of a journey shaped by faith, perseverance, and the communities that supported him.

Joshua recently left his role as a Development Coordinator with Notre Dame Athletics Advancement to begin a 27-month mission with Farm of the Child. He will first spend two months in Antigua, Guatemala, for intensive Spanish-language formation. He will then travel to Honduras, where he will live in an intentional Catholic community and serve children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or separated from their families, while also supporting families in the surrounding community.

During his time at the Farm, Joshua will serve through teaching, mentoring, faith formation, and accompanying the children in their daily lives. As part of his preparation, he is responsible for raising $15,000 to help cover the costs of his formation and 27 months of service. Support from the Saint Joe community will help make this mission possible. Joshua is grateful for the role Saint Joe played in his faith and formation and hopes to carry what he received from the community into this next chapter of service. Those interested in learning more, supporting his mission, following his journey, or speaking with Joshua directly can visit the button below.

On Tuesday, August 5 we welcomed the Class of 2030 and our new transfer students at this year’s New Student & Parent Welcome. The energy, excitement, and strong sense of community made it a memorable start to the 2026–27 school year.

To kick off the new school year, our faculty and staff came together for our annual retreat. Our team started the morning with Mass, reflection, and fellowship before heading out into the community for an afternoon of service. Faculty and staff members volunteered across the area at local non-profits, senior living centers, and food banks, as well as preparing care packages on campus. We closed out the day back at school with team discussions and a friendly trivia competition. We are energized, renewed, and ready to Reach Higher this school year!

Saint Joseph High School

Athletics Update

Homecoming at Saint Joe

Peyton Hull '23 Comes Up Huge in Return to South Bend

Peyton Hull '23 returned to South Bend on Wednesday as the starting goalkeeper for the Samford Bulldogs to take on the #2 Fighting Irish. In front of a tremendous, supportive crowd from Saint Joe, Peyton played a complete game and recorded a clean sheet including 8 saves and successful defending 13 corners from the Irish for a 0-0 draw.

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