A new class is expanding entrepreneurship and marketing opportunities through hands-on, project-based learning.
The Sisters of the Humility of Mary have long embraced social entrepreneurship in support of their mission.
The Class of 2026 graduated in May, transitioning from Magnificat students to alumnae.
Magnificat alumnae leading businesses share advice for students.
Mission: We educate young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary ’s Magnificat.
Beth Haas ’94, Chairperson
Catherine Woskobnick, Vice Chairperson
Lilian Reyes Cindric, CPA ’86, Treasurer
Martin Berry, Secretary
Bridget Barrett ’86
Barbara Waitkus Billings ’86
Molly McCarthy Connell ’00
Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79
Katherine Beirne Fallon ’94
Meredith Lahl Foxx ’95
Jennifer Coughlin Kennedy ’95
Thomas J. Kennedy
Douglas C. Kuhlman
Kelly Compiseno Lamirand ’94
Colleen Mountcastle ’91
Sean Nugent
Shameka Jones Taylor
Moira Clark ’77, President
Katie Higgins ’99, Senior Vice President of Mission and Strategic Initiatives
Angie Boie, Dean of Student Life and Formation
Colleen Greller, Dean of Faculty and Academics
Julie D’Alessandro, Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Deborah Durbin ’81, Vice President of Advancement
Janetta M. Hammock, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Nikki Clevenger Mohar ’89, Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing
Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10
Alee Burke, Associate Director of Marketing
Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist and History Faculty Member
Lexi Majoros, Associate Director of Communications
Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications
Maggie Mroz ’84, Director of Development
Chris Rini Slyman ’84, Advancement Associate
COVER PHOTO: Lexi Majoros
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photos throughout by Julie Aylward, Alee Burke, John Cashman, Cavanaugh
Photography, Kevin Kopanski, Lexi Majoros, Teresa Messmore, and Daren Stahl.
DESIGN: Teresa Messmore
Dear friends,
This spring was filled with activity and excitement as our students, faculty, and staff participated in many cherished Magnificat traditions. From performances and playoff competitions to retreats, field trips, and Graduation, our community connected in many meaningful ways. It is always inspiring to witness our students grow into confident young women who learn, lead, and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat.
Our vibrant school community is strengthened by the generosity of our alumnae, families, and friends. Thank you to everyone who supported Magnificat this spring by attending the Gala, contributing to Cleveland Rivals Unite, or giving in other ways. Your philanthropy directly impacts our students and helps ensure that future generations of Blue Streaks continue to thrive. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing partnership.
With summer underway, our campus remains active as Magnificamps, athletic camps, and the Summer Enrichment Program bring girls from across the area together to have fun and build new friendships. We have also enjoyed introducing members of the Class of 2030 to each other through gardening, athletic, service, and social activities. We eagerly anticipate formally welcoming these newest Blue Streaks in August, along with the entire student body, as we begin another exciting school year.
Now that the Class of 2026 has joined our alumnae sisterhood, we ask that you keep these graduates in your prayers as they begin the next chapter of their journeys. We also hope to welcome many alumnae back to campus this fall for Reunion Weekend as we celebrate class years ending in 1s and 6s and reconnect in the spirit of sisterhood that unites all generations of Magnificat women.
With that, many of you may know that I recently announced my retirement as President of Magnificat High School at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year. Arriving at this decision has given me the opportunity to reflect with deep gratitude on the extraordinary blessings of serving this community. From my time as a student, to teaching theology, working in Campus Ministry, and joining the administration, I have always deeply appreciated the faculty, staff, students, families, and alumnae who make this community so special. Thank you for all that we accomplish together in support of Magnificat’s Mission.
Sincerely,
Moira Clark ’77 President
Magnificat students were among the 150 attendees at the High School Leadership Summit at John Carroll University, sponsored by The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and focused on inclusive leadership. At the event, students attended breakout sessions, participated in hands-on activities, and engaged with peers from public and private schools in the area.
The Magnificat Dance Team competed at the Contest of Champions at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida in February. The team received five national titles, three junior varsity top three divisional placements, one choreography award, two top three best in category placements, 11 top five divisional placements, one top ten soloist divisional placement, and a spirit award. Congratulations to the team’s dancers, choreographers, and coaches.
The Magnifibots competed at the Finger Lakes Regional at Rochester Institute of Technology in March, finishing with a 5-4 record, a successful Level 2 climb, and the Rising All Star Award. Shortly after at the Buckeye Regional in Cleveland, the team made the playoffs and advanced to the quarterfinals. To see videos of the team’s robot in action, check out @magnifbots robotics on Instagram.
A small group of students and staff joined several other Catholic high schools for a solidarity-inspired Stations of the Cross public witness throughout downtown Cleveland, sponsored by Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice. Participants reflected on Christ’s passion and crucifixion in the context of contemporary injustices, including homelessness, racism, xenophobia, domestic violence, human trafficking, and wealth inequality.
“Girls who play become women who lead” was the theme of the Working Women in Sports event at Rocket Arena, which a group of Magnificat student-athletes attended to network with girls from local schools and hear women talk about their journeys in the field of athletics. Speakers included a Cleveland Clinic team doctor, a graphic designer, and Tamzin Barroilhet, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Commercial Strategy for Cleveland’s new WNBA team. Students also ran into Hannah Lee ’17, who is the Youth Football Manager for the Cleveland Browns.
Forensics has become one of Magnificat’s most popular courses, in which students explore the application of scientific principles within the criminal and civil justice systems. As part of the class, students visited the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office and saw fingerprinting, trace evidence, reconstruction, and chemistry in action. External Affairs Manager Christopher Harris, who gave a presentation to students on campus earlier in the year, led them on the tour of the facility.
The Seeds of Service Bee Committee and the Drone Club teamed up with St. Edward High School and Youth Bee Works for a trip to West Creek Conservatory in Parma. The group searched for a drone congregation area, an area where male honey bees gather to wait for queen bees. Although they did not find a DCA, they gained handson experience using technology to learn more about the environment.
AP Biology students extended learning beyond the classroom with a visit to Old Woman’s Creek just east of Huron. Exploring one of Ohio’s unique estuary ecosystems, the class examined plankton under microscopes, toured a research lab, hiked trails, and spotted native birds.
Magnificat’s 68th Annual Commencement took place on May 19, celebrating the many accomplishments of the Class of 2026. The 174 graduates received their diplomas in the presence of family, friends, and faculty members with Board Chair Beth Haas ’94 serving as the Master of Ceremonies. President Moira Clark ’77 welcomed the attendees, noting that the graduates would officially join the Magnificat alumnae sisterhood that evening.
“We are proud of you for your personal, spiritual, and academic growth and accomplishments, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment to service you have demonstrated within our school, the greater community, and the world,” Clark said.
Lydia Temple ’26 was selected by her peers to deliver the Commencement address. Her speech celebrated the impact of classmates, teachers, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, and others on their lives.
“These people are now a part of who we are; the experiences they have given us and the lessons they have taught us have added to the unique collections that make up each of us,” Temple said. “We are ever-changing people, shaped for the better by the influence of those we share our lives with, and we have God to thank for that.”
Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller presented the five top awards. Allyson Liller ’26 received the Phi Beta Kappa Award; Shaya Eidson ’26 received the Sister Mary Pat Cook, HM, Leadership Award; Caitlyn Castro ’26 received the Nancy Powell Service Award; Isabel Carlin ’26 received the Sister Bernadette Better, HM, Award; and Zakieh Hussein ’26 received the Sister Thea Bowman Intercultural Engagement Award.
Greller noted that the Class of 2026 included one National Merit Finalist, five National Merit Commended
Scholars, and 108 inductees into the National Honor Society. In total, 126 of the graduates were inducted into one or more academic honor society, including those for math, art, social studies, and world languages.
Additionally, many of this year’s graduates received state and national recognition for the strength of their academic program and their success in completing that program. 81 graduates exceeded Ohio’s graduation requirements, qualifying for an Academic Honors Diploma, and 52 qualified for the President’s Award of Academic Excellence by maintaining a 3.5 GPA and earning at least a 27 on the ACT or a 1280 on the SAT.
“The artistic, athletic, and academic talents of our graduates have earned many awards,” Greller said. “More importantly, these young women have been characterized by generous service and leadership. Their care for one another and for those in need is quiet evidence that they have made Magnificat’s Mission and Values their own.”
The Sunday before Commencement, the Class of 2026 and their families participated in a Baccalaureate Mass in the Center for the Performing Arts, led by Reverend Monseigneur Richard C. Antall of La Sagrada Familia Parish.
In a special blessing, Senior Vice President of Mission and Strategic Initiatives Katie Higgins ’99 encouraged the graduating class to answer the call to live Mary’s Magnificat in the world through their learning, leading, and serving.
“May you go forward in a spirit of humility and hope, using your values and your voice to help make our world more loving and just,” she said. “And in the words of the Magnificat, Anima Mea Dominum, ‘May your soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord,’ this day and always.”
The Class of 2026 will be attending the following colleges and universities this fall:
Auburn University
Baldwin Wallace University
Boston College
Bowling Green State University
Bucknell University
Canisius University
Case Western Reserve University
Catawba College
Cleveland State University
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
Cuyahoga Community College
Denison University
Duquesne University
Elon University
Fordham University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
High Point University
Indiana University Bloomington
Ithaca College
James Madison University
John Carroll University
Kent State University
Loyola University Chicago
Miami University-Oxford
Ohio University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Penn State University Park
Pomona College
Saint Mary's College
Stanford University
The Arab American University
The George Washington University
The New School
The Ohio State University
The University of Akron
The University of Tennessee
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Kentucky
University of Maine
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of Washington
Wake Forest University
West Virginia University
Western Michigan University
Xavier University
Youngstown State University
Magnificat’s incoming Class of 2030 convened for the first time in March at the annual Welcome Celebration and Blessing. Eighth graders and their families arrived in the Center for the Performing Arts for photos before entering the theater, bubbling with energy and excitement.
President Moira Clark ’77 gave a special welcome, followed by Senior Vice President of Mission and Strategic Initiatives Katie Higgins ’99 leading a blessing written with assistance from current student leaders.
“May you know that we are so grateful that you are here,” the blessing opened. “Stay true to yourself, let your light shine brightly, and know that there will always be people here to support and love you.”
Afterwards the students left for icebreaker activities in the gymnasium and heard from a panel of students about advice for freshman year. Meanwhile, their families listened to a Q&A session with current parents and staff to answer commonly asked questions and highlight the many ways for students to get involved as they begin their Magnificat journey.
“Our hope is that all freshmen and their families are excited from the beginning and know that they are part of a special school community where they are truly valued,” said Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing Nikki Clevenger Mohar ’89. “We cannot wait to see members of the Class of 2030 grow through our holistic curriculum and form lifelong friendships.”
After graduating from Magnificat, Nikki Clevenger Mohar ’89 earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication - Advertising with a minor in English from Xavier University. She worked as the Director of Development at Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Central Catholic High School, Lakewood Catholic Academy, and Saint Joseph Academy. She became Magnificat’s Director of Enrollment in 2021 and Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing in 2024.
What is your role at Magnificat? I oversee our student enrollment, marketing, and communications efforts alongside an incredible team. We focus on making sure the Magnificat Mission continues to connect with and inspire the next generation of young women. Every day, we’re thinking about how we share the incredible things happening at Magnificat in a way that is genuine, welcoming, and reflective of who we are as a community.
How would you describe your high school experience?
Looking back on my time as a member of the Class of ’89, Magnificat played such an important role in shaping who I became. It was where I found my voice, built my confidence, and felt encouraged to truly be myself. While the academics prepared me well, what stands out most to me is the sense of service for our community. I remember the laughter in the hallways, the friendships, and the feeling that every student was encouraged to learn, lead, and serve. That sense of service stayed with me long after Graduation and
has continued to influence both my personal and professional journey in education.
What are some of the most significant changes since you graduated?
One of the things I love most is seeing how much the campus and the overall student experience have grown since I was a student here. The additions and updates across campus are incredible and build a sense of community. Every space was created with high school girls in mind and reflects the energy, creativity, and connection that are such an important part of the Magnificat experience. What is even more inspiring to me is how the school has continued to evolve to meet the needs of today’s girls while staying grounded in our Mission and Values. We’re preparing young women for opportunities and careers that didn’t even exist when I was here, while also helping them grow as leaders, critical thinkers, and compassionate people. There are so many ways for students to get involved and discover where they belong, whether through academics, athletics, the arts, service, leadership opportunities, or the wide range of co-curriculars. There truly is a place for every student to feel connected, supported, and encouraged to grow.
What are the main advantages of a Magnificat education?
In our all-girls environment, students are encouraged to lead, participate, take risks, and discover their voices in ways that prepare them for the future. The all-girl advantage creates a space where young women can build confidence, support one another,
and pursue opportunities without limitation. Our dedicated faculty and staff care about the well-being and success of each student, taking the time to know, support, and encourage every young woman as she grows into a confident leader, thoughtful problem-solver, and compassionate individual.
What are you most excited about for Magnificat’s future?
I love seeing how Magnificat continues to evolve while staying connected to the vision of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. We’re in such an exciting period of growth as a school, and it’s inspiring to watch our students take on real-world challenges with confidence, compassion, and resilience. Whether it’s expanding opportunities for students, strengthening our commitment to service and sustainability, or finding new ways to connect with the broader community, there’s so much positive momentum right now!
New course empowering students to start their own businesses
By Teresa Messmore, Director of Communications
Magnificat’s new Female Entrepreneurship and Marketing (FEM) class is providing students with hands-on experience in what it takes to start and sustain a business, tapping the expertise of entrepreneurs around the Cleveland area. During this elective for juniors and seniors, students can develop and launch their own product while learning to brand, market, and differentiate their businesses.
“Entrepreneurship teaches independence, confidence, and problem-solving—skills that go far beyond business,” teacher Nicole Bozickovich said. “For girls especially, it’s important to see that they can create their own opportunities, lead, and take up space in industries where they haven’t always been encouraged to.”
Students are naturally drawn to the branding, product creation, and social
media elements of entrepreneurship, Bozickovich said. The class helps them expand their interest in the practical side of business, such as pricing, strategy, and understanding their market. Coursework also covers how to set up an LLC, budgeting, and taxes, which students come to understand the importance of in helping their ideas succeed.
Every student creates a business prototype and develops a marketing strategy. Parker Fulton ’26, for example, decided to design clothing for private school students. She developed a sweatshirt and t-shirt design for Magnificat, pitched the Streaks Boutique on a pop-up shop collaboration, and helped the Boutique sell more than 50 items to her peers.
“I’ve always been really interested in business and entrepreneurship,
so when I heard that it was going to be offered at Magnificat, I was really excited,” Fulton said. “I was excited for it to provide opportunities for leadership, innovation, and also learning skills such as market research, branding, and pitching new ideas.”
Other student projects included college merchandise, tote bags, and other products, while some were more service-oriented—such as Olivia Brugnoni ’26’s plans for a nail salon building on her own skills and interest. Meeting female business owners through the class, she said, helped affirm her decision to switch from dentistry to business as a major.
“Hearing everyone’s stories was really inspirational,” Brugnoni said. “It made everyone feel like if they really wanted to do something, they could.”
The class included multiple field trips to show students entrepreneurship in
action and provided opportunities for students to ask questions of female business owners. Students visited the coffee shop Roasted Lakewood, HDX Embroidery House, and Bozickovich’s own two businesses: Forevergoldencle and Patchitupcle. Speakers were also invited on campus from MK Photography and the skincare line OliveMe.
As a female entrepreneur herself, Bozickovich said she thinks women often approach entrepreneurship with a strong sense of community, creativity, and purpose. At the same time, they sometimes face different challenges, like being underestimated or feeling like they have to prove themselves more.
“That’s why spaces like this class are so important,” Bozickovich said. “They give students the confidence and support to navigate and practice those challenges early.”
Magnificat’s FEM class builds on a longtime partnership with the Veale Youth Entrepreneurship Forum to offer opportunities for students to develop business ideas. Established
in 2012 to “take high school students beyond the classroom and into the real world of entrepreneurship,” Veale supports experiences that nurture students’ creative and analytical thinking, problemsolving, perseverance, and persuasive communication. The organization has provided multiple grants to support student-driven entrepreneurial pursuits at Magnificat over the years, initiated by former faculty member Dottie Perez. For example, the Magnificamp summer
In serving on Magnificat’s Board of Directors, Martin Berry brings a wide variety of volunteer, business, and entrepreneurial expertise to assist the school’s leadership in governance and new endeavors.
Berry has owned several manufacturing businesses in Northern Ohio with operations in China, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. He founded Berry Insulation Company in 2009, providing energy consulting and insulation services to residential and commercial customers. In 2020, he converted his business to a unique employee-owned cooperative. In December, he was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a “Notable Leader in Sustainability.”
A graduate of Saint Ignatius High School, Berry holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. He has had a lifelong connection to Magnificat and the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. His mother was a 1948 graduate of Lourdes Academy, and his late
program has included a Lemonade Day camp for grade school aged girls to learn about social entrepreneurship.
“Support from Veale has allowed Magnificat to evolve over time in terms of the programming offered to both high school and grade school students,” Dean of Faculty and Academics Colleen Greller said. “We are grateful for this ongoing support that helps empower girls to pursue their dreams.”
aunt, Sister Ann McManamon, HM, was a teacher at Magnificat and principal from 1971 to 1974. He is married to Megen West Berry ’82 and father of Erin Berry Martin ’10 and Caitlin Berry Sorrento ’12. He also has four sisters who are proud Magnificat graduates: Mary Colletta “Coky” O’Konowitz ’70, Patricia Haley ’71, Rosemary Britton ’76, and Joanne Beyer ’80
Berry was a member of the Father’s Club for seven years, serving as Membership Chair, Night in Blue Chair, and President. He joined the Board in 2019 and has served on the Facilities, Enrollment and Marketing, and Advancement Committees. He currently is the Chair of the Governance Committee and has been leading a schoolwide initiative to enhance opportunities in athletics, health, and wellness.
By Mary Cay Doherty, School Archivist and Social Studies Faculty Member
In the service and manufacturing sectors and in businesses large and small, entrepreneurs fuel our economy as they develop and launch products and services to meet marketplace needs. The entrepreneurial umbrella also includes social entrepreneurs, missionoriented groups and individuals who use business acumen and strategies to address humanitarian or social justice needs in their communities.
As ministries expanded in response to Vatican II, some HM Sisters moved into more entrepreneurial roles to better meet the needs of those they served.
The foray began in 1970 when Sisters Bernadette Vetter and Rose Schaffer, both past Magnificat principals, opened The Center for Learning in Villa Maria, Pennsylvania. For over 40 years, The CfL’s values-based curricular materials for English, social studies, and theology education were used in public and private schools in the United States and internationally. HM Sisters in collaboration with a diverse group of educators produced over 600 titles during the ministry’s operation.
Sister Mary Jane Simmons, who was among the HM Sisters involved with The CfL, noted that “tens of thousands of teachers in public, private, and parochial schools professed appreciation” for the Center’s instructional resources.
The CfL had offices at Magnificat for several years, and many Magnificat teaching sisters also participated in this ministry.
Educator and artist Sister Paulette Kirschensteiner opened The Cherry Stone Studio in North Canton, Ohio, in 1990 where she worked on commissioned art works for churches, synagogues, schools, and hospitals around the country. The donated proceeds helped to support other HM ministries.
Working primarily in fabric arts, her woolen wall hangings reflected nature or religious themes. Her work, “Iris,” was featured in a Columbus art show and is on display in Magnificat’s HM Center.
Sister Margaret Marszal joined Sister Paulette at The Cherry Stone Studio from 1994-1999, and the pair also offered art classes and retreats. For Sisters Paulette and Margaret, creating and experiencing art is a form of prayer. In the clay blessing bowl retreat, for example, participants’ clay creations
The Heartbeats ministry launched in 1991 when Sister Peg Cessna and Sister Josie Chrosniak created a fair-trade platform to help raise the standard of living for women artisans, especially those from developing countries.
HM Sisters and female artisans from the United States and around the world sold their handicrafts through the Heartbeats catalog, which included religious and inspirational cards and wall hangings as well as silk-screen sweatshirts and even religious music. As the business grew, Heartbeats moved from its space in the St. Wendelin Church convent in Cleveland, Ohio, to a larger space at the HM Ministry Center in Rocky River, Ohio.
Working in tandem, Sister Paulette often drew card designs for Heartbeats while
Sister Peg authored interior messages. In 2026, Magnificat’s Lourdes Chapel book of intentions was a Heartbeats fair trade item that featured Sister Paulette’s artwork on the front cover.
Inspired by the Heartbeats ministry, Magnificat sponsors a yearly “Fair Trade” show in December. Magnificat is also the first school partner for Changemakers, a school uniform provider dedicated to sustainability and recycling fabric. Changemakers also donates profits to support girls’ education in developing countries.
Through their ministry work in South Carolina, HM Sisters Susan Schorsten and Gay Rowzie met Susan Fullerton, who dreamed of opening a transitional home for homeless women. With support from the HM Congregation and other philanthropic groups, Fullerton and Regeana Phillips opened Her Place, Inc. in July 2023 to break the cycle of homelessness by helping its clients to become self-sufficient.
In 2025, Her Place launched a candlemaking enterprise to build the clients’ skills and confidence. The women save their Candle Cottage wages to help them begin their new lives when they
“graduate” from Her Place. Magnificat High School is proud to support the women of Her Place by selling their candles in the Streaks Boutique.
In 2026, the HM Sisters continue to support the Her Place initiative as one of many ministries where the HM Sisters collaborate with lay partners whose work aligns with the HM Mission. Heartbeats, The Cherry Stone Studio, and The Center for Learning ministries closed in 2010, 2012, and 2015 respectively, and the sisters associated with those ministries stepped into new ministry roles.
As an HM-sponsored school, we celebrate the work of these sisters, most of whom also ministered as teaching sisters at Magnificat. They harnessed their faith and skills to launch entrepreneurial ministries that addressed the needs of the times. And as we strive to live the Magnificat Mission in the 21st Century, their example reminds us that the most profitable life is one lived purposefully in service to others.
Business Coach and Podcaster
By Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10
by Sarah Stamper Berine ’99
Kathy Cruz ’91 has a knack for seeing what others miss. Whether she’s analyzing a set of financial reports or guiding a small business owner through a difficult decision, Cruz approaches her work with the same sharp eye she once used as a homicide investigator.
Today, Cruz is the founder of Savvy Shopkeeper, which helps store owners become stronger leaders, make clear, strategic decisions, and build more profitable businesses without constantly putting out fires. Working one-onone with clients both in person and via Zoom, she dives deep into their numbers and identifies patterns, gaps, and opportunities that often go unnoticed. She is also developing software tools designed to better support small business owners, filling needs she has encountered firsthand.
Cruz’s work goes beyond spreadsheets. As a certified life coach, she emphasizes the mental side of entrepreneurship, helping clients build the mindset needed to accept feedback and take action.
“Eighty percent of running a business is in your mind,” she said.
Her expertise has led to growing recognition, including an upcoming role as keynote speaker at the Coastal Connections Conference this September. Yet her path to this point has been anything but conventional.
After graduating from Magnificat, Cruz attended Cleveland State University, earning a degree in business and marketing. She began her career with an internship at The Plain Dealer, transitioning into advertising sales after Graduation. Still, she felt called to something different. That instinct led her to the police academy and to a nearly 20-year career with the Cleveland Police Department, where she spent her final three years as a homicide investigator.
Even during her time in law enforcement, Cruz felt drawn to entrepreneurship. In 2015, she and her sister opened The Salvaged Boutique, inspired by their shared love of small shops. The store offered a creative and uplifting contrast to the intensity of her police work, but it also revealed a problem.
Alumna Advice: Kathy Cruz ’91
“Take the time to understand yourself and invest in your mental well-being. Figure out who you want to become and don’t let labels guide you.”
“As I worked with other shop owners, I saw how much they were missing when it came to understanding their numbers,” Cruz said.
That gap became the foundation for Savvy Shopkeeper. In 2024, Cruz made another bold transition, handing the boutique over to her sister to focus on her business full time.
Cruz credits her time at Magnificat with helping her begin to see those possibilities. Career exploration opportunities exposed her to paths she hadn’t previously considered, including a memorable experience hearing from an alumna entrepreneur. Coming from a family where job stability was emphasized, those moments helped broaden her sense of what a career could look like.
Now, Cruz has built a career that aligns not only with her skills, but with her personality and priorities. An introvert, she values the ability to work from her home office, balancing speaking engagements with time to recharge. The flexibility of her work allows her to be present with her family in Strongsville, while remaining active in the school community. She serves on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Committee and has participated in Empowerment Week events.
For Cruz, success isn’t about following a single path; it’s about being willing to evolve. It’s a philosophy that has guided her through multiple careers, and one that continues to shape the way she helps others move forward.
President and CEO of Hunter Recruiting
By Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10
Ever since her days at Magnificat, Gabrielle Ata Christman ’99, President and CEO of Hunter Recruiting, has been a leader forging her own path. From a freshman public speaking class that pushed her out of her comfort zone to leadership opportunities through student elections, she learned early how to find her voice and consider the perspectives of others. Courses like Dangers of Indifference left a lasting impression, as did the example of faculty members who emphasized integrity and thoughtful engagement.
“Magnificat is where I learned to be a leader,” she said. Christman began her college journey at Miami University with plans to pursue a career in medicine, pairing her studies with an entrepreneurship thematic sequence. It was there that her interest shifted. While she excelled academically, she found herself increasingly drawn to leadership roles, campus involvement, and opportunities that allowed her to explore a wider range of interests.
“Something kept pulling me out of my pre-med focus,” Christman said, reflecting on the realization that her passions extended beyond a traditional medical path. After graduating, she joined the prominent pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company, where she quickly made an impression and earned Rookie of the Year honors while working in the neuroscience division. The role aligned with her interest in medicine, but it also stirred a different ambition. Even as she found success, she continued to evaluate what she truly wanted her career to look like.
By the end of 2005, Christman made a bold decision. She resigned from Eli Lilly, sat down with her laptop, and began building what would become Hunter Recruiting. With a clear vision and a willingness to take a risk on herself, she launched the company as a “solopreneur,” determined to deliver both speed and quality in STEM and laboratory staffing.
Two decades later, that vision has not only held—it has thrived. Now headquartered in Avon, Ohio, Hunter Recruiting is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year. The company has grown from a one-woman operation into a full team of recruiters and assignment employees, with offices that have expanded over time to meet demand. Christman’s husband, Scott, joined the business as it scaled,
Alumna Advice: Gabrielle Ata Christman ’99
“Embrace uncertainty. Don’t be afraid to explore the turns, the bends, and the different arcs life will take you on. Give yourself the grace to turn setbacks and transitions into growth and trust that God will lead you to where you’re meant to be.”
and notably, the company’s first four employees are still with her today—a testament to the culture she has built.
Clients, too, have remained loyal.
“Some of our first customers are still our customers today,” Christman said.
Much of that loyalty stems from the company’s founding promise: delivering high-quality candidates quickly. Her deep understanding of the skills required in lab and STEM roles has allowed her team to consistently meet, and exceed, client expectations.
For Christman, entrepreneurship is about more than growth metrics.
“What I love about running my own business is painting what the future looks like,” she said. “If you have a clear focus, you can get your business and your team there. It’s not about where we’re going, it’s about how we get there together.”
Today, Christman brings that same commitment to integrity and community into her business, including a strong focus on gender parity within her organization. At home, she balances her role as founder with family life in Avon Lake, where she lives with Scott and their three children, Nicholas, Chloe, and George.
By Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10
For Kathleen Casey Proctor ’89, co-owner of Casey’s Irish Imports, the path from education to entrepreneurship has always been grounded in family, faith, and a strong sense of purpose.
After graduating from Magnificat, Proctor attended The Ohio State University, where she earned her degree in education for Grade 7-12 social studies. She later expanded her credentials to include elementary education and went on to earn a master’s degree in curriculum from Cleveland State University. She began her career teaching at St. Brendan School, balancing her time between the classroom and a place that had long been part of her life: her family’s business.
Casey’s Irish Imports, opened by Proctor’s parents in October 1988, was a constant presence throughout her life. She began working there in high school and continued even while teaching, helping out after school hours. When her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, her mother stepped away from the business. In 2012, Proctor and her sister took over operations, transforming a moment of family challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Since then, Proctor has helped lead the business into a new era. While maintaining its deep-rooted Irish heritage, she has expanded Casey’s reach through online sales, a growing social media presence, and regular attendance at trade shows in both the United States and Ireland—something she has done alongside her mother since she was 18. As co-owner, Proctor oversees buying, marketing, and the day-to-day operations of the store, which now employs a dedicated staff of 11.
Family remains at the heart of everything. Proctor’s children have all worked at the store, and her niece is currently part of the team. Across generations, the shop has become more than a business; it’s a shared experience. In fact, one family has seen a grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter all work at Casey’s. The store has also been home to notable members of the Irish community, including recipients of Irish Mother of the Year and Irish Woman of the Year honors.
Proctor’s connection to her Irish heritage runs deep. With both parents born in Ireland, she grew up immersed in the country’s culture and continues to foster those ties
Alumna Advice: Kathleen Casey Proctor ’89 “Try everything. Take a wide range of classes, explore new interests, and take full advantage of opportunities like the Genesis Project.”
today. She knows many of the artisans who create the products she sells and values the traditions behind them. Whether it’s a grandmother purchasing Claddagh rings for her granddaughters or a family celebrating a First Communion, Proctor treasures being part of her customers’ most meaningful moments.
She credits Magnificat with laying the foundation for the confidence to transition from teaching to operating a business. A firm believer in the school’s Mission, Proctor, who currently serves on the school’s Enrollment and Marketing Committee and Alumnae Board and formerly served on the Board of Directors, said the all-girls environment empowered her to become a leader.
“You could just be yourself and speak your mind,” she said.
Above all, Proctor emphasizes the importance of passion.
“If you’re going to start a business, it has to be something you love,” she said.
For her, that love is evident in her work, her community, and the legacy she continues to build alongside her family, including daughters Leah ’18 and Molly ’22
By Caitlin MacBride Berg ’10
Ever since her days at Magnificat, Grace Cohan ’07, knew she one day wanted to open a bakery. With each professional decision she made, she gained skills that would get her to this point: Good Graces Bakery + Café.
“Magnificat was a place where you could be yourself,” Cohan said. “The teachers were so supportive, and they encouraged you to be creative and try new things.”
It was this encouragement that made her want a career that was creative and artistic. After Graduation, Cohan enrolled at Boston University and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration. While in school, she worked full time at a local bakery, gaining hands-on experience that would quietly shape her future.
A semester at sea introduced her to the Peace Corps, an opportunity she pursued. Stationed in West Africa, she participated in a small business development program. There, she worked closely with local entrepreneurs, helping them write proposals for funding and supporting them in accounting and business decision-making. She also led camps focused on women’s rights. The experience deepened her understanding of business as a tool for empowerment, something that would later influence her own entrepreneurial vision.
Returning to the United States, she sought a career that would bring her both joy and fulfillment. She enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas, launching a decade-long chapter of growth in the food and hospitality industry. While still in school, she was recruited by an instructor opening a restaurant and worked there for a year and a half before stepping into leadership roles at major hospitality brands.
Cohan served as a Food and Beverage Manager at the Omni Hotels & Resorts, where she completed extensive leadership and operational training. She later became a pastry chef at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, refining her craft before moving into a smaller café setting to build a pastry program from the ground up. Her career continued to evolve at the InterContinental Hotels Group, where she gained valuable insight into vendor relationships and met a colleague with coffee sourcing connections she is using for her café.
Her entrepreneurial instincts sharpened during her time at a women-owned chocolate company, where she rose from production supervisor to director of operations. Even during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cohan
Alumna Advice: Grace Cohan ’07
“Don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out. It’s more important to have experiences and discover what makes you happy.”
embraced new challenges, serving as a general manager for a dog food and grooming business and helping expand operations.
A visit home to Cleveland ultimately changed everything. While at the airport back to Texas, Cohan spotted a job opening at Malley’s Chocolates. She applied, was hired as a plant manager, and quickly relocated back to Northeast Ohio. There, she oversaw factory operations, logistics, and production, all while continuing to search for the right opportunity to open her own café.
That opportunity finally came. In 2020, Cohan had nearly signed a lease on a space before the pandemic halted her plans. Years later, while meeting her father for lunch downtown, she ran into the same landlord who remembered her and offered her a newly available space. She took it as a sign.
Now, she recently opened Good Graces Bakery + Café in the Aecom building. The concept is an American café with a French twist, featuring approachable yet elevated offerings for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and sweets, along with her signature specialty cakes. Since signing the lease, Cohan has taken on every aspect of the build-out, from sanding and painting tables to cleaning ovens and even learning graphic design.
“I like everything about being an entrepreneur,” Cohan said. “It feels like a dream come true. Every experience I’ve had has led me to this.”
By Maggie Mroz ’84 , Director of Development
For Evie Foutty ’26, art has become much more than a hobby—it is a way to express oneself, another language altogether. From creating crafts as a child to teaching herself drawing and painting through online tutorials in middle school, she discovered early on that art could communicate feelings and ideas when words fall short.
“Art is a great form of expression,” Foutty said. “It probably even pre-dated language. When people can’t find the words, they can still express how they see the world and themselves in it.”
That belief shaped her Genesis project, which immersed her in Cleveland’s vibrant arts community and confirmed her desire to pursue a future in the field. Through the project, Foutty set out to interact with professional artists, learn how art can inspire social change, and better understand careers within the arts.
Her mother, Cara Santosuosso Foutty ’91, introduced her to artist Tanya Kaiser, who connected her with artists working at Ingenuity Cleveland. There, Foutty spent much of the summer collaborating with two professional artists—a technology specialist and a photographer. Together, they created an interactive installation featured at last summer’s IngenuityFest, an annual festival showcasing local artists and performers, immersive artwork, and the intersection of technology and art.
Their sculpture, a robot-like creature built from cameras, computer monitors, and other pieces of image-based technology, invited viewers to become part of the artwork itself. A monitor displayed the viewer’s face while screens mounted on the sculpture’s arms mirrored movement in real time, creating an immersive and reflective experience.
“It took most of the summer to construct,” Foutty said. “I loved seeing how technology and art could come together to create something interactive.”
The experience offered her a firsthand look at the collaborative nature of professional artmaking and the ways artists engage communities through creative work.
In addition to her work with IngenuityFest, she received a behind-the-scenes tour of Playhouse Square, exploring theater spaces, workshops, and design studios with a professional set designer. She also toured creative
workspaces connected to Cleveland State University, where she will attend college this fall.
The project ultimately reinforced Foutty’s plans to pursue a career in the arts. She will major in art at Cleveland State with the long-term goal of earning a master’s degree in art therapy, hoping to one day help children and others use creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression.
“My Genesis project opened my eyes to the depth of Cleveland’s art scene and community,” she said. “I enjoyed all of it.”
She not only explored potential career paths—she discovered a creative community that inspired her to keep building, creating, and helping others through art.
Beyond the studio, Foutty has studied violin since childhood and currently performs with the Cleveland Youth Pops Orchestra.
Students explore entrepreneurship and ecotourism
Entrepreneurship was woven into a recent Magnificat trip to Costa Rica, from learning about artisan crafts to discussing the country’s investment in ecotourism. Sponsored by the World Languages and Cultures Department during Easter Break, a group of students and teachers traveled around the ecologically diverse country to experience the way of life and conservation efforts.
The theme of the first full day was community and social entrepreneurship, and the group learned how to bake local cookies, make coffee soaps, and squeeze sugar water out of sugar cane. Students watched a master potter make plates and learned about sustainability by visiting an eco-friendly farm.
As a country of 5 million people, Costa Rica relies on a beautiful environment to drive its strong ecotourism industry. National parks, rainforests, volcanoes, rivers, and rich biodiversity attract tourists, creating various business opportunities. The students, for example, went kayaking, took multiple hikes and a canopy walk, and took a white water rafting adventure—while also learning and practicing Spanish.
“The girls were wonderful, and we had compliments about them everywhere we’ve gone,” World Languages and Cultures Department Chair Sajida Abu Ali said. “They’ve truly embodied Magnificat’s Mission and made us all proud.”
The basketball team finished another successful season with a 15-9 record. Congratulations to Gemma Wichmann ’26 on earning First Team All-Ohio honors, Northeast Lakes Division II AllDistrict First Team, and Player of the Year honors.
Swimming and Diving was led this winter by Alta Taseff ’26, who recorded several Top 3 finishes including a 1st-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle at the OHSAA Sectional Championship and a 2ndplace finish at the NW District Championship. Other standout performers for the Blue Streaks included Molly Pisanelli ’28 and Natalie Drexler ’27.
Gymnastics captured another District Title and finished as the OHSAA State runner-up. Several athletes also qualified to compete individually in their respective events, including Chloe Bibbo ’27 (Vault), Molly Francis ’27 (All-Around, Bars, Beam, Floor, and Vault), Lyla Sanuk ’28 (Vault), and Isabella Moran ’28 (Floor Alternate).
JV and Varsity Bowling both won the GCIBL Conference Tournament Championship in January. Five Blue Streaks were named to the GCIBL All-Star Team, including: Ella Smith ’26 (1st Team), Eleanor Zbiegien ’27 (1st Team), Ashley Hohmann ’26 (2nd Team), Julia Johnson ’26 (2nd Team), and Helen Sayles ’29 (2nd Team).
Mae McGreal ’27 led the way for the Blue Streaks at the OATCCC Indoor Track State Meet in February, earning an 8th-place finish. The performance marked McGreal’s second consecutive year on the podium.
Highlights of the softball team’s season included wins over Midview High School, Saint Joseph Academy, and Cuyahoga Heights High School. The team was led offensively by Haley Wheeler ’27, who batted .425 across 23 games and hit a career-high six home runs. Marylynn Kennedy ’26 earned the OHSAA Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award.
The lacrosse team finished the regular season with a 9-7 record and won the second round of playoffs with a score of 17-8 versus Brunswick. Olivia Brugnoni ’26 finished her career with over 200 saves in goal, and Grace Quinn ’26 was named Magnificat’s Athlete of the Year.
The flag football team’s third season posted an impressive 11-1 record. After finishing the regular season a perfect 10-0, the team was crowned Western Conference Brown Division Champions. In postseason play, the Blue Streaks advanced to the Elite Eight of the Flag Football Championships.
Chloe Bibbo ’27 finished 5th place in Pole Vault at the Regional Meet, qualifying her for the State Meet on June 6 at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus.
The rowing team finished 7th in its final race of the season at the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships in the Women’s Junior 8+ division. The boat included Nora Bennett ’27, Ava Kulaszewski ’29, Anna Plowman ’28, Reagan Butkowski ’27, Cabrini Calabretta ’28, Aluxzondra Davila ’27, Reilly O’Donnell ’28, Isabella Young ’27, and Margaret McGill ’26. The team also earned several Top 3 finishes throughout the spring season, highlighted by a 1st-place finish in the Women’s Novice 4+ at the John Bennett Regatta.
Magnificat Athletics celebrates the following athletes on their commitment to continue their academic and athletic careers in college, in addition to the six Class of 2026 students recognized in the Winter 2026 issue of Magnificat Magazine:
Erin Rosfelder ’26 - Flag Football - John Carroll University
Jordan Rossoll ’26 - Rowing - Canisius University
Molly Williams ’26 - Tennis - John Carroll University
The Performing Arts Department’s production of Clue: High School Edition entertained audiences in April with clever theatrical interpretation of the beloved board game.
The Magnificat Dance Team showcased their routines from the 2025-2026 season at the annual Dance Concert in May. Many of the dances received awards at various competitions, highlighting the strength of Magnificat’s dance program.
Congratulations to this year’s participants in the 81st Annual Art Exhibition and Contest sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River, which was held in April at the Beck Center. Pictured from left to right are exhibitors Reilly O’Donnell ’28, Fia Drvenkar ’28, Violet Kubiak ’26, and Alyssa Kubasek ’26. Additional exhibitors were Avery Arrowsmith ’27, Hadley Barlow ’26, Kate Buettner ’27, Reagan Butkowski ’27, Olivia Brugnoni ’26, Margaret Kelley ’27, Evelyn Lentz ’26, Alyn Trotter ’26, Ryan Warzocha ’28, Kaelin White ’28, and Addie Zielinski ’27.
The Visual Arts Department held its annual Spring Art Show in May, gathering students, faculty, family, and friends in the Burke-DiSanto Center for the Visual Arts to celebrate a productive year of artistic exploration.
Campus Ministry organized many meaningful activities this spring to enrich the spiritual lives of students. Pictured clockwise from top left, music ministers share their talents during the Feast of the Annunciation Mass; freshmen display the “learn” pendants they received at a special assembly in May; Fr. Rob Reidy prepares Communion during the Feast of the Annunciation Mass; students enjoy the Nature Retreat in April; Senior Vice President of Mission and Strategic Initiatives Katie Higgins ’99 at the All School Closing Mass; and students attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, DC.
The Family Association of Magnificat carried on two cherished traditions for the senior class this spring: the Mother/ Mother Figure-Daughter Prayer Service and Luncheon at the Aviator and the Father/Father Figure-Daughter Game Night at Main Event. Both gatherings brought together the Class of 2026 with their families to spend time together before Graduation. Thank you to the FAM leadership for organizing these activities as seniors prepared to make the transition to college and the Magnificat alumnae sisterhood!
This year’s Gala was a huge success as we raised over $530,000 to support academics, leadership, and faith formation for all the students of Magnificat. On March 7, nearly 500 community members came together to enjoy immersive experiences in the spaces where our students learn, lead, and serve every day. Guests dined on delicious cuisine stationed around the school, curated by celebrated local restaurants Cordelia, Butcher and the Brewer, and Patron Saint (owned by Marie Artale ’11). The evening culminated in the main gym for the awards presentation, paddle raise, and live auction.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners:
Fiona Campbell Chambers ’90
Magnificat Award
Ann Mathews O’Malley ’81 Alumnae Award of Excellence
Megan Barry Kleinert ’91 and Karl Kleinert True Blue Volunteers of the Year
Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees who made this evening so incredible, and save the date for next year’s Gala on Saturday, March 6, 2027. We hope you can join us!
ROYAL BLUE SPONSORS
Anonymous
Deloitte: Fiona Campbell Chambers ’90 and Brian Chambers
TRUE BLUE SPONSORS
Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79 and Fred DiSanto
Kathleen Gallagher-Miller ’72 and Jeannie Gallagher ’80
KeyBank
Roundstone Management, Ltd.
Sisters of the Humility of Mary
BLUE AND WHITE SPONSORS
Event Source
Joseph J. Brady
BLUE STREAK SPONSORS
AVI Foodsystems
Biz-Edge
Carol Ann Rini
Ann Litzler Coyne ’88 and Terry Coyne
Family Association of Magnificat
The Figgie Foundation
Frantz Ward
Terri Holliday and Greg Pacholski
The Kennedy Families
Magnificat Alumnae Board
Mazzella Companies
Debbie Reidy Norton ’86 and Brad Norton
Nuveen
Paradigm Wealth Management: Carrie and Doug Kuhlman
Regency Construction Services, Inc.
RPM International Inc.
St. Edward High School
Vedda Printing
EVENT PATRONS
Amware
Bridget Barrett ’86
Chambers Funeral Homes
Christine Austin Christopher ’88
Susan and Robert Dylong
Katie Beirne Fallon ’94 and Brian Fallon
Meredith Lahl Foxx ’95 and James Foxx
Hamilton Lane
Mary Ellen and Rich Huesken
Ann and Vid Lutz
Rachel Starkey Zbiegien ’97 and Michael Zbiegien
AFTER PARTY SPONSOR
Johnson Investment Counsel
AUCTION SPONSOR
Nordson Corporation
COCKTAIL SPONSOR
River City Wood Products, LLC
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
Parker Hannifin Corporation
By Maggie Mroz ’84 , Director of Development
When Magnificat High School’s Seeds of Service Horticulture Club was founded in 2014, a small group of students set out to establish a prairie garden on campus. What began as a modest effort to beautify school grounds has blossomed into one of Magnificat’s most Mission-centered and transformative co-curricular programs—one that develops leadership, inspires service, strengthens environmental stewardship, and deepens students’ connection to the legacy of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary.
First led by former staff member Mary Jo Rawlins, the club’s earliest projects included planting a prairie garden, evaluating the health of trees on campus, growing produce in a hoop house, and launching an annual plant sale. Students donated fresh
produce to West Shore Meals on Wheels and learned firsthand how caring for creation can also serve the needs of others.
Karen Ryan Tigue ’85 became moderator of the small club of 11 students in 2018. Over time, Seeds of Service evolved into a dynamic, student-led organization. Club members assumed responsibility for the hoop house, campus gardens, indoor plants, and outdoor planters while expanding educational opportunities and community partnerships. Their annual plant sale has grown significantly to raise more than $18,000 each year. The plant sale provides valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, marketing, and business management. Proceeds from the sale help to fund the group’s many activities.
The image above, provided courtesy of New Vista Enterprises, is a rendering of proposed changes to the Owens Green outdoor learning space that will include a pavilion, greenhouse, gardens, and beehives, and will open new opportunities for the Seeds of Service Horticulture Club.
In 2019, Seeds of Service was formally placed under Magnificat’s Mission umbrella. Inspired by the grounds of the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center in Pennsylvania, home of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, students embraced an ecological vision to shape Magnificat’s campus in the image of the Villa. Guided by the principles of Laudato Si’, they began to see the campus as both a classroom and a ministry, one that could model environmental responsibility for the surrounding community and schools.
Today, Seeds of Service serves nearly 60 students from every grade level. The club is organized into nine student-led committees: beekeeping, greenhouse operations, pollinator research, floral design, indoor plant care, sustainability initiatives, outdoor gardens, indoor garden towers, and marketing. Students gain handson experience while developing leadership skills through committee management, project planning, mentoring, and community engagement. Students care for four honeybee hives, cultivate native pollinator habitats, create floral arrangements for school events, and promote sustainability initiatives throughout the school community.
This impact extends well beyond campus. Students maintain container gardens at Reserve Care Ames Family Hospice, volunteer at Second Spring Farm in Grafton, and harvest produce for donation to community partners, including West Shore Meals on Wheels and The Journey Center.
Thanks to recent leadership gifts, the program’s capacity will dramatically increase. A new 30’ x 48’ green-
house and a 30’ x 40’ pavilion will create opportunities for year-round growing, outdoor learning, and increased food production. Once fully operational, students are expected to donate more than 600 pounds of fresh produce annually—double the amount previously grown in the club’s smaller hoop house.
The greenhouse and pavilion also lay the foundation for Magnificat's future science elective, Native Landscaping and Horticulture, scheduled to launch in the 2027-2028 school year. Together, these spaces will serve as living laboratories where students explore the intersections of science, business, faith, and service.
The next phase promises to continue the incredible momentum of the Greenhouse and Sanctuary Garden project thus far, and will transform these functional spaces into a welcoming, cohesive, and enduring campus landmark.
Planned improvements include:
• ornamental and protective fencing to safeguard gardens and beehives
• expanded native pollinator gardens that strengthen biodiversity
• fruit trees for an orchard
• educational signage that highlights plant species and ecosystem impacts
• hardscaping and pathways that connect the various elements of the site
These enhancements will do more than beautify the campus. They will create a dedicated sanctuary environment where students can reflect, pray, learn, and connect their faith to environmental stewardship. The expanded gardens and orchard will support pollinators and wildlife, while improved infrastructure will protect student work and agricultural investments for years to come.
As Seeds of Service continues to grow, so too does its impact. What began as a small garden project has become a powerful expression of Magnificat’s Mission—preparing young women to learn, lead, and serve while caring for God’s creation and their community.
With continued philanthropic support, the Greenhouse and Sanctuary Garden will become a lasting testament to the Sisters of the Humility of Mary’s legacy and a transformational learning environment for future generations of Magnificat students.
To learn more about supporting and shaping the next chapter of the Greenhouse and Sanctuary Garden project, please contact Vice President of Advancement Deborah Durbin ’81 at ddurbin@maghs.org or 440-331-1572, ext 236.
Magnificat raises nearly $65,000, while Saint Joseph Academy takes the win
In April, Magnificat joined peer Catholic girls’ schools Beaumont School and Saint Joseph Academy for the third annual Cleveland Rivals Unite Alumnae Giving Challenge, a friendly three-day competition designed to increase alumnae participation in annual fund giving and highlight the importance of supporting girls’ Catholic education in Northeast Ohio.
Inspired by similar initiatives in the Cincinnati area, the challenge focuses on participation rather than dollars raised, encouraging alumnae at each school to make a gift of any size in support of their alma mater. Annual fund support provides critical unrestricted resources that allow schools to address their most pressing needs and opportunities. At Magnificat, these gifts support the Magnificat Fund, helping sustain the exceptional educational experience students receive each day. The challenge also serves as a reminder of the broader philanthropic landscape. Worldwide, less than 4 percent of charitable giving is directed toward programs and organizations that support women and girls, making investments in girls’ education especially meaningful. Magnificat claimed the inaugural title in 2024 with 7 percent alumnae participation and nearly $65,000 raised.
Beaumont School earned top honors in year two with 6.3 percent participation. In the third year of the challenge, Saint Joseph Academy captured the title with 5.6 percent participation.
Collectively, the three schools raised more than $152,000 during the third annual challenge, demonstrating the continued generosity and commitment of alumnae across the region.
This year, Magnificat finished behind both Saint Joseph Academy and Beaumont School with 4.3 percent alumnae participation. While the Cleveland Rivals Unite Challenge represents only a small portion of the annual support Magnificat receives from its dedicated alumnae community, the competition continues to be a fun and meaningful way to celebrate philanthropy and school pride.
“We are deeply grateful to every alumna who participated in this year’s challenge,” Director of Development Maggie Mroz ’84 said. “Every gift, regardless of size, helps strengthen the Mission of Magnificat and makes a lasting difference for current and future Blue Streaks. We look forward to competing again and reclaiming the title in 2027!”
Learn how to get the most out of charitable giving in this Q&A between Director of Development Maggie Mroz ’84 and Amanda (Shaerban) Steyer ’00, Esq., Cleveland Clinic Philanthropy’s Executive Director of Gift Planning.
Maggie Mroz: Mandy, there has been a lot of discussion around the 2026 tax law changes. What should donors be thinking about now as they plan their charitable giving this year?
Amanda Steyer: While most of the headlines focus on income taxes and deductions, 2026 is still an important year for donors to think strategically about charitable giving. Some of the more favorable deduction rules from prior years have changed, which makes it even more important for families to be intentional about how and when they give. For many donors, this is a good time to revisit year-end giving plans, consider gifts of appreciated stock, or begin conversations around future legacy giving.
MM: Magnificat’s support largely comes from grateful alumnae, current families, and past parents. What are some of the easiest ways donors can make a lasting impact?
AS: One of the simplest and most meaningful ways is through a bequest in a will or trust, or by naming a charity as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. These gifts are often much easier to put in place than people realize, and they allow donors to support the people and institutions that shaped their lives while still maintaining full control of their assets during their lifetime.
MM: Why are beneficiary designations such an important planning tool?
AS: Retirement accounts, in particular, can be very taxefficient assets to leave to charity. For many families, leaving IRAs to children can create significant income tax consequences, while a charitable organization can receive those funds tax free. Naming Magnificat as a beneficiary of all or part of a retirement account, bank account or life insurance policy is as simple as completing a form.
MM: Planned giving can sound intimidating. What would you say to someone considering it for the first time?
AS: Planned giving, or gift planning, as I prefer, is really just thoughtful giving. Most donors are not looking to create complicated structures. They simply want to support the organizations that mattered to them and leave behind
something meaningful. A simple percentage in a will, trust, or beneficiary designation can have an extraordinary impact over time.
MM: What is your advice for donors as they think about year-end giving?
AS: Start the conversation early. Charitable giving often requires someone to be proactive and intentional, whether that means talking with loved ones, updating beneficiary designations, or simply sharing your wishes with an advisor. As Magnificat women know well, strong women tend to make things happen, not wait for them to happen.
Some of the most meaningful gifts begin simply with a conversation about the people and places that helped shape us. For many alumnae and families, honoring the Blue Streak spirit through a future gift can be a powerful way to ensure those opportunities continue for generations to come.
To make a planned gift to Magnificat, please contact Director of Development Maggie Mroz ’84 at mmroz@maghs.org or 440-331-7227. Thank you!
Classes ending in 1s and 6s: It’s your Reunion year! Join us for a fun-filled weekend to reconnect with classmates and discover what's new at your alma mater. All alumnae are welcome!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Reunion Celebration, 6-10 p.m.
All alumnae are invited to celebrate the classes ending in 1 and 6
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Homecoming Mass, St. Christopher Parish, 10 a.m.
All Alumnae Brunch, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Clifton Club
Magnificat’s Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of athletes and coaches who have demonstrated the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and moral character while at Magnificat, as well as continuing to learn, lead and serve in the spirit of Mary’s Magnificat out in the world. Join us as we recognize and honor the Magnificat Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees:
Madeline Chambers Freriks ’10 - Cross Country/Track & Field
Cora DeLorenzo Nicklas ’91 - Cross Country/Track & Field
Stephanie Haas ’12 - Basketball
Stephanie Hollis Kasper ’10 - Tennis
Nancy Legan ’00 - Volleyball
Betsy Norris Zelasko ’03 - Gymnastics
Darleen Sheehan Neitzel ’91 - Basketball
Taryn Zwissler ’17 - Field Hockey/Lacrosse/Swimming
Mike Cannon - Coach - Volleyball
1993 Track & Field State Championship Team
Forty alumnae returned to campus in April to meet with current students during the annual Alumnae Empowerment Fair, sharing information about their careers along with professional advice and Genesis job shadowing opportunities.
The Blue Streaks, Bags, and Bingo fundraiser took place in May over two evenings, filling Magnificat’s gym with alumnae, parents, and friends along with festive tablescapes.
1
Camryn Hartman Waldron married Bryce Hartman on March 14, 2026, in Cleveland. 1 2 5 3 4 5 2 4 6 6 3
Once a month, members of the Class of 1964 gather at Joe’s Deli in Rocky River. Pictured here is their May luncheon, with Sister Helen Jean Novy, HM, joining the photo in the back left.
Tess Kilbane Myers and her husband, Kevin, welcomed Margaret Eileen Dorn in February 2026.
Joanna Celestina Pritchard and her husband, Brandon, welcome their son, Caleb James Pritchard, in January 2026.
Hayley Grelson Squizzero married Marc Squizzero on Sept. 6, 2025 at St. Angela Merici Church. Three of Hayley’s Bridesmaids attended Magnificat: Nicole Keshock ’14 , Sarah Scelza ’14 , and Allie Sims ’15. Hayley and Marc currently live in Boston MA. Hayley is a PA-C on the Pediatric Plastic Surgical Team at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is the daughter of Karen Haas Grelson ’85.
Bridget Smith Nowelski married Steve Nowelski at St. Clement Catholic Church in Chicago on Jan. 3, 2026. Her Matron of Honor was Meghan Smith Aguilar ’09. Two other Magnificat alumnae in the wedding party were her cousin, Emma Karnatz Spear ’17, and Delaney Nock ’15.
Send us your news! Email Director of Alumnae Relations and Special Events
Sarah Nowlin at snowlin@maghs.org.
Donna Baker
Mother of Kristen Baker Rodriguez ’94
Victoria Petras Beggiani ’64
Mother of Nicole Beggiani ’99
Julie Bell
Mother of Julie Bell Lydon ’74; Grandmother of Cameron Bell ’05 and Spenser Bell Marconi ’07
Lauretta Graf Brenner ’60
Mother of Kristine Brenner George ’83 and Sharon Brenner
Jablonske ’87; Mother-in-law of Kimberly Szabo Brenner ’92; Grandmother of Kaitlyn Jablonske ’12, Dr. Abigail Brenner ’16, McKenna Jablonske ’19, and Samantha Brenner ’20
Pamela Ann Brenner
Daughter of Lauretta Graf Brenner ’60†; Sister of Kristine Brenner George ’83 and Sharon Brenner Jablonske ’87; Sister-in-law of Kimberly Szabo Brenner ’92; Aunt of Kaitlyn Jablonske ’12, Dr. Abigail Brenner ’16, McKenna Jablonske ’19, and Samantha Brenner ’20
Judy D. Burke
Mother of Brittan Burke DiSanto ’79
Cathleen Clinton ’68
Sister of Caroline Clinton Farrar ’63 and Connie Clinton French ’65†; Aunt of Nora French ’97 and Mary Boag French ’97; Great Aunt of Mary Alice French ’24, Emma Vega ’25, Katelyn Vega ’28, and Margaret French ’29
Margaret “Peggy” Cockburn
Mother of Sue Cockburn Fetherman ’81, Kelly Cockburn Heschel ’83, Rosemary Cockburn David ’86, Megan Cockburn Lally ’88, Katie Cockburn Grzelak ’92; Grandmother of Meredith Cockburn ’26
Robert E. “Bob” Cooley, Jr.
Husband of Nannette Borkowski Cooley ’73; Brother-in-law of Barbara Borkowski Denny ’75
Colleen Greulich Coughlin ’68
Sister of Joyce Greulich ’66 and Jinx Greulich Gallagher ’69; Mother of Carrie Coughlin Cason ’93, Molly Coughlin Pietch ’95, Julie Coughlin Carr ’98, Patsy Coughlin Lally ’05; Grandmother of Annie Pietch ’17, Kylie Coughlin ’23, Nora Carr ’27, and Cate Carr ’29; Aunt of Clare Gallagher ’12; Cousin of Kathleen Berry ’73 and Nora Ruddy ’08
Mary Zita “Deedy” Duffy
Mother of Zita Duffy ’87 and Kadee Duffy Shipman ’89
Monica Dunlap ’59
Sister of Sarah Dunlap Toth ’61†
Roberta Evans
Mother of Bridget Evans Arnold ’79; Grandmother of Megan Arnold ’10 and Fiona Evans ’20
Sharon Fisher
Mother of Magnificat staff member Katie Reinart
David W. Fridrich
Father of Christine Fridrich Higgins ’74; Grandfather of Katie Higgins ’99
Joanne Wargo Gilcrease ’64
Claudia R. Godlewski
Aunt of Susan Urig ’72 and Mary Beth Urig Rumburg ’79; Grandparent of Emily Godlewski-Celik ’01, Hannah Godlewski Barleycorn ’06, Caroline Seroka Couch ’08, Maggie Sfiligoj Knoll ’09, Kristen Seroka Fletcher ’10, Kelly Sfiligoj Shelton ’12, Madeline Comer Weber ’13, Julie Sfiligoj ’14, Colleen Seroka ’15, Claudia Comer Tiernen ’15, Clare Sfiligoj ’18, Isabel Comer ’20, and Chloe Comer ’25; Great Aunt of Maggie McDermott ’28
Kathleen Conway Grady ’64
Mother of Bridget Grady Couture ’93; Sister of Susan Conway Grimberg ’67† , Therese Conway Moltz ’69, and Mary Conway Sullivan ’82; Sister-in-law of Josephine Stanich Grady ’64, and Eorann Hickey Conway ’79; Aunt of Kate Grimberg Napolitan ’93, Ann Marie Grimberg ’99, Megan Conway ’04, Therese Conway Malone ’05, Margaret Moltz ’07, Sheila Conway ’08, Clare Conway ’09, Grace Sullivan ’11, Joan Conway ’12, Catherine Conway ’14, and Anne Conway ’16
Sandra Buchman Graf ’82
Sister of Denise Buchman White ’84
Penelope “Penny” Cykowski Greene ’61
John D. Gunn Jr.
Father-in-law of Christine Dziak Gunn ’95; Grandfather of Allison Gunn ’22
Peter B. Hannon
Father of Colleen Hannon Galla ’91 and Maura Hannon English ’99; Grandfather of Catherine Galla ’21
Helen “Zip” (Parry) Heath
Mother of staff member Susan Reighard
Edward J. Heben, Jr.
Husband of Patricia Holmes Heben ’69L; Father of Becca Heben Abell ’93 and Sarah Heben Freestone ’00; Father-in-law of Brooke Maceyko Heben ’93; Brother of Elizabeth Heben May ’73 and Laura Heben Sozio ’75; Uncle of Carolyn May ’04 and Christine Sozio ’07
Marcia Fisher Hess ’68
Sister of Barbara Fisher Moir ’61† and Trish Fisher Binder ’65†
Andrew J. (Andy) Hudak, Sr.
Husband of Judy Van Devetner Hudak ’69; Father of Mary Jo Hudak Stupka ’85 and Julie Hudak Harlan ’96; Brother-In-Law of Gayle Van Devetner Dregne ’64
Thomas C. LaPonza
Husband of Barbara Reis LaPonza ’60
Margaret Back Lorenzon ’75
Sister of Mary Ann Back Henderson ’72
Ellen “Ellie” Wolf Luchini ’63
Sister of Nancy Wolf Spisak ’63† and Cissie Wolf Clower ’63; Aunt of Caroline Spisak Zubricky ’84, Molly Spisak Moracz ’86, Amanda Clower ’89, and Toddy Spisak Kean ’91
Barbara A. Carlson Lunt ’61
Kevin Joseph Majercak
Brother of Mary Majercak ’18; Cousin of Nora Ruddy ’08
Teresa Kelly Manning ’71
James Joseph Marniella
Husband of Laureen Fiocca Marniella ’63; Father of Gina Marniella Wulff ’87, Marisa Marniella ’88, and Laura Marniella Roche ’94; Grandfather of Mariella Mayer ’24
Marian J. Mroz
Mother of Maggie Mroz ’84; Grandmother of Amelia Lamb ’22
Carol A. Noll
Mother of Alyssa Kaleel Page ’13
Veronica Smith Pauer ’61
Mother of Deborah Pauer Salaben ’84, Mother-in-law of Anissa Korom Pauer ’88
Carole Pompeii
Mother of Lisa Pompeii ’84
Mary Ann Proctor
Mother-in-law of Kathleen Casey Proctor ’89; Grandmother of Leah Proctor ’18 and Molly Proctor ’22
Anne T. Quinn
Mother of Eileen Quinn Egan ’85; Grandmother of Clare Egan ’24
Louise E. Frautschy Rutkowski
Mother-in-law of Megan Stroh Rutkowski ’98
Denise Allison Sanson ’69
Sister of Beth Allison Schramer ’70, Patrice Allison Kubacki ’71, and Molly Allison Rose ’77
John C. Seavers
Husband of Karen O’Connor Seavers ’69; Father of Kate Seavers Gasparro ’02 and Sarah Seavers ’04; Brother-in-law of Mary Beth O’Connor ’73; Uncle of Rachel Ambrose Williams ’04, Karen Ambrose ’06, and Kristen Ambrose ’06
Carol Shockley-Kadlubak ’65 Sister of Cecelia Shockley ’72†
Gae Stakich
Mother of Amy Stakich Nageotte ’82; Grandmother of Ali Nageotte ’14 and Maggie Nageotte ’16
Dr. Frank Murray Strasek
Brother of Kathleen Strasek Dyller ’65, Susan Strasek ’70, and Mairzy Strasek ’72; Cousin of Mary Ellen Hendricksen DiSanto ’60 and Donna Hendricksen McKenney ’62
A. Howard Stouges, Jr.
Father of Erin Stouges Barry ’91
Katy Jo Sullivan Thomas ’69
Barbara Ann Holmes Waitkus
Mother of Annie Waitkus Kilbane ’79, Ginny Waitkus Heffner ’81, Barbara Waitkus Billings ’86, and Beth Waitkus Ehrbar ’88; Grandmother of Bronte Billings ’11, Katie Heffner Hufford ’12, and Gabrielle Billings ’19
Daniel Waitkus
Brother of Annie Kilbane ’79, Ginny Heffner ’ 81, Barbara Waitkus Billings ’86, and Beth Ehrbar ’88; Uncle of Bronte Billings ’11, Katie Heffner Hufford ’12, and Gabrielle Billings ’19
Sheila Walsh
Grandmother of MacKenzie Hunt ’16, Catherine Hunt ’21, and Maria Hunt ’26
Corey Yarmock
Husband of Magnificat staff member Tiffany Yarmock
We have included all individuals for whom we received notification following the publication of the Winter 2026 issue of Magnificat Magazine, and we have listed all of the relationships we could locate in our records. If we have missed anyone, kindly let us know by emailing Alumnae Relations and Special Events Coordinator Jacquie Spicuzza Anderle ’08 at janderle@maghs.org.
† Deceased L Denotes a graduate of Lourdes Academy
SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2026
Classes ending in 1s and 6s: It’s your Reunion year! Join us for a fun-filled weekend to reconnect with classmates and discover what’s new at your alma mater. All alumnae are welcome! For details, see page 33 or scan the code.
www.magnificaths.org
