eNewsletter

Saint Ignatius College Prep
December 2025 eNewsletter
Today marks the beginning of the Advent season. May you and your families experience a prayerful and spiritual journey during this time, as we await God’s greatest Gift to us. 
Messer '86 Named CEO of Motown Museum
Motown Museum has announced a major leadership milestone: the appointment of Dr. Kenya LeNoir Messer '86 as Chief Executive Officer. A nationally respected leader in academia and cultural institutions, Dr. Messer '86, will oversee day-to-day leadership of the Museum as it enters a bold chapter in its history. Click here for more. 
Gibbons '99 Featured in the Irish American News
Dan Gibbons '99, Chief Executive Officer of the City Club of Chicago, was recently featured in the Irish American News about his career as a civic leader. Click here, and then scroll to page 8 to read the article. 
Manglano-Ovalle '79 Opens Art Exhibit
Inigo Manglano-Ovalle '79 is the Lorraine H. Morton Professor of Art, Chair at Northwestern University. He recently opened a brand new art exhibit at the DePaul Museum of Art. Click here for more. 
Szofer '03 Publishes Debut Novel
Ashley Szofer '03 published her first novel under the pseudonym Zalyn Zofer. Set in 2011 Chicago, This Fine Line follows 26 year-old Lyren Valence as she navigates everyone around her getting married and growing up while she feels stuck in a dead end job, a messy situationship, and too many nights out. With unflinching honesty, it explores the fragile line between who we thought we'd be and who we might still become. Click here for more. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Entrance Exam - 12.6.25
This Saturday is the entrance exam for students seeking admission to Saint Ignatius College Prep. Click here to register today. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2030! 
Advent Morning of Reflection - 12.6.25
Join us from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saint Ignatius College Prep 
Cuneo Chapel and Brunswick Room
As we begin our Advent journey together, we will start with Mass, pray with Scripture, have quiet reflection time with journaling, as well as group sharing. Lunch will be provided.
The San Ignacio Society is holding a coat drive starting December 1, 2025 through January 9, 2026. 
Collection boxes will be in the Link hallway at Saint Ignatius. They are collecting new and gently used coats for vulnerable populations. These will be distributed through community organizations, such as homeless shelters, immigrant support organizations and local non-profit social service providers throughout the Chicagoland area.
Cardinal's Christmas Concert - 12.7.25
The 2025 Cardinal's Christmas Concert with Cardinal Blase J. Cupich is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Family (1080 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL). The free event features the City Lights Orchestra and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are not required. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. 
Apollo's Fire Presents: Praetorius: Christmas Vespers - 12.14-15.25
Praised as “a sheer delight” (NEW YORK TIMES), Apollo’s Fire’s acclaimed Christmas program comes to Chicago! Artistic Director Jeannette Sorrell weaves the extraordinary works of 17th-century composer Michael Praetorius into a Vespers service. Click here for more. 
Christmas Music Extravaganza - 12.11.25
Please join us from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Church of the Holy Family & Damen Hall as our Saint Ignatius musicians and choir perform holiday classics. This event is free of charge. Parking is available in the lot at the corner of Roosevelt and Racine.
Wolfpack Athletics! 
The chill of winter brings a renewed fire to the heart of Wolfpack Athletics, as our dedicated student-athletes take center stage. This season demands grit, teamwork, and the fierce unity only a true Pack possesses. Now is the time for the entire Wolfpack community—alumni, students, and fans—to rise as one! Please review the calendar of upcoming matches here, and join us on campus to cheer the Wolfpack to glory. 
CLASS OF 2025 - Yearbook Pick Up and Signing - 12.30.25
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wear your favorite Wolfpack or College Swag! We look forward to welcoming you back to campus. See you in McLaughlin Hall. Enjoy Churros and Hot Chocolate while reconnecting with fellow alumni and receive your yearbook! Pens and markers will be available to all. 
You may park in the Visitor's lot or the Roosevelt/Racine lot and enter through the Walsh Garden entrance.
Save the Date
1.24.26
Saint Ignatius College Prep Athletic Hall of Fame
 Tully Hall
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Visit the Gloriam 2026 website HERE for Important updates, Sponsorship and Donation information.
NOVEMBER EVENT RECAPS
New York Alumni & Friends Gathering - 11.5.25
The NYC Alumni & Friends Gathering was an amazing evening that brought together alumni united by shared memories. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came. Your energy filled the room, reaffirming the powerful bonds forged during your time at Saint Ignatius. These gatherings not only foster camaraderie but also ignite new possibilities, showcasing the reach of our incredible alumni network. We are grateful for your continued involvement and look forward to the next reunion.
Women's Society Shopping Event - 11.6.25
Thank you to everyone who came out for the annual shopping event! There was a festive mood and large crowds in Tully Hall, catching up with friends, making new ones, while finding that perfect Christmas gift. All proceeds went to the Women's Society's endowment for financial aid at Saint Ignatius. The Women's Society supports the Ignatius tradition of being women for others by serving as philanthropic leaders for the benefit of the current Saint Ignatius students. 
14th Annual Business Society Luncheon - 11.13.25
The 14th Annual Saint Ignatius Business Luncheon, held last month at the Union League Club of Chicago, brought together many from our school community. The society is comprised of a diverse community connected through a shared belief in the power of the Ignatius experience. This was echoed through our 2025 Award Recipients' words as they accepted the Alumni Award for Excellence in the Field of Business (Gregory J. O'Leary '80), the Award of Excellence in the Field of Business (Michael Fassnacht) and the Presidential Award for Distinguished Neighborhood Partner (Wintrust Community Bank - Kandace Lenti). Thank you to everyone who joined the networking hour, listened to the 2025 Entrepreneur class students as they talked about their projects and enjoyed lunch together. 
To the Business Society Committee, thank you for supporting an event that continues to grow each year.  
Turkey Bowl
Regardless of how many years have passed since graduation, alumni and friends of the school bundled up and reunited on the hallowed turf of Fornelli '51 Field for a spirited game of football. With every wobbly pass and shared laughs, the competitive fire was balanced by nostalgia and unwavering camaraderie.
ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS & BIRTHS 
Please email wolvesden@ignat​ius.org to make an announcement. 
Please Join Us In Congratulating...
Claire L. Allen '07 and Damen Pryma on their wedding on 11/8/25 at Church of the Holy Family.

Carla S. Salvato ’15 and Frank A. DiLeo ’15 on their engagement.

Thomas M. Micun '17 and Madison Arnold on their wedding on 11/22/25 at Church of the Holy Family.

Grace Severino '15, who wed Reese Dorger on Saturday, November 8th, in Tiburon, California.

John 'Jack' Garvey '11 and his wife, Elizabeth Blesson, on the birth of their daughter, Leila Pearl Garvey, on 1/11/2025. Leila will be baptized at Church of the Holy Family.

Mary Lahey '02 and husband, Nicholas Pickles, on the birth of their son, Arthur Campbell Pickles, on 11/3/2025.

Daniel '03 and Margaret Yukich on the birth of their son, Nico Conner Yukich (born 6/9/2025). Nico was welcomed by his older sister, Emmy May (born 4/5/2023).
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ALUMNI

Charles W. ‘Stormy’ Bidwill, Jr. '46
Robert E. Borgstrom '54, brother of the late James E. Borgstrom '55
Thomas F. Finegan '58
James C. Landon, III '56 (Dec'd 2/15/2025)
John M. Lane '45, brother-in-law of the late Donald H. Stout '48
John P. (“Jack”) Luedtke '52, husband of Sallie (Ignatis Golden Rose Award winner 2023), father of John P. Luedtke, Jr. ’85, Saint Ignatius College Prep former faculty/staff member Rev. Mark W. Luedtke, S.J. '86, and Sara Luedtke Moloney’91; nephew of the late Cyril (Bud) Tierney 1916
Martin T. McGuinn '71
John J. Pembroke '68, brother of James P. Pembroke '73 and uncle of John M. Berger '04, Catherine R. Berger '07, Jacqueline R. Gonzalez '10 and Margaret Pembroke Kuenzli '11
William Paul 'Bill' Roman '64
Dr. Daniel C. Scavone, Ph.D. '51
Christopher A. Stankus '53

Fernando Vega ’86, brother of Jose C. Vega ’79
FAMILY OF ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL
Robert R. Beatty, father of current Saint Ignatius College Prep faculty member Gregory Beatty and grandfather of Courtney M. Beatty ’26.

Dolores Brahms, mother of John S. LaMantia '85 and grandmother of Alyssa V. LaMantia '13, Cassandra C. LaMantia '15, of John S. LaMantia '17 and Sonny C. LaMantia '20.

Janet M. Fox, wife of David S. Fox, Jr. '69.

Richard L. Free IV, Richard L. Free, IV, son of Richard L. Free, Jr. '63, grandson of the late Richard L, Free '40 and nephew of Dr. Alan E. Free '69, and Brian M. Free '78.

Eileen Joyce, daughter of the late Richard J. Joyce '50 and sister of Richard J. Joyce '80, Nancy Joyce Polick '82, Noreen M. Joyce '83 and Mary Pat Joyce '88.

Susan R. Lock, mother of Robert K. Lock, Jr. '76 and Peter A. Lock '82 and grandmother of Gabriella Lock Cesarone '10, Robert Lock, III '12 and Rachele C. Lock '13.

Thomas J. Pavelec, father of Gigi Pavelec Dadan '92.
SCHOOL NEWS
Saint Ignatius Beats Morgan Park to Win Prep Bowl!
Senior running back Robbie Conner ran 23 times for 90 yards and three TDs for the Wolfpack. This marked the second year in a row that Saint Ignatius was the Prep Bowl champion. Congratulations to all the players and coaches for an amazing ending to the season. Click here for more. 
OTHER NEWS
Click Here to See Current Job Openings Available at Saint Ignatius College Prep.
Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
Chief Development Officer
Employment Opportunity at
Catholic Charities 
They are looking for an Annual Giving Manager. Click here for more.
Employment Opportunity at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep
They are looking for an Asst. Dir. Development. Click here for more.
If you know of any alumni news or if you would like to nominate someone who is a "woman or man for others" for our Alumni Spotlight, "Beyond the Wolves Den", please contact us
OUR MISSION
Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Chicago, is a diverse community dedicated to educating young men and women for lives of faith, love, service and leadership. Through outstanding teaching and personal formation, the school challenges its talented student body to intellectual excellence, integrity, and life-long learning and growth. Inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ, this community strives to use God's gifts to promote social justice for the greater glory of God.

Connect and Support

 
There are ways to show your support for the students of Saint Ignatius College Prep -- To help them make the kinds of memories you made!

Saint Ignatius College Prep

Saint Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Chicago, is a diverse community dedicated to educating young men and women for lives of faith, love, service and leadership.