eNewsletter

Saint Ignatius College Prep
August 2025 eNewsletter
Start of School is Right Around the Corner!
Our campus is buzzing with final preparations for the start of school this month. All faculty and staff will be on the campus of Loyola University on August 12 for the annual retreat to kick off the new school year. Freshmen, the Class of 2029, will have their first day on August 15 and then the entire student body will be back at 1076 W. Roosevelt on August 18. Here's to an incredible school year ahead!
Campos '78 Completes Another Marathon
Juan Campos '78 was recently in Norway running the Midnight Sun Marathon. By completing this race, he has now run a marathon both above and below the Arctic Circle. He has also completed marathons on all seven continents and all six Abbott World Major marathons. He said that while in Norway, the sun never set and just went around the horizon. The day after the marathon, he took a quick dip in the Arctic with a water temp of 46°F.
Harper '09 Wins ACE Michael Pressley Award 
Two awards are given annually to Notre Dame University ACE program graduates who have distinguished themselves in making significant contributions to the ministry of Catholic education. Eric Harper '09 first felt drawn to the educational field at Saint Ignatius College Prep. He dipped his toes into teaching through summer programs, where ACE alumni nudged him to look into ACE Teaching Fellows. Click here for more. 
 
 
Bartlett '89 Wins IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year Award
Dr. Desiree Bartlett '89 was recently named the IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year. The a
ward honors an individual who advances knowledge through innovation, fosters community through collaboration and inspires others to reach new heights of excellence. Bartlett '89 also recently completed her Doctoral studies in Kinesiology from Concordia University-St. Paul. Learn more about her 30 years of health and wellness teaching by clicking here.
Lahey '04 and Son Return to Saint Ignatius
It was with great pleasure that we recently welcomed back John Lahey '04 and his son, Christian, to Saint Ignatius. Their visit underscored the enduring connections that bind our alumni to the school. The visit also illustrated the multi-generational impact of a Saint Ignatius education. Seeing a former student share his alma mater with the next generation filled us with optimism for the future.
A Campus Visit 
Susan and Tony Carlin (Tony's father was in the Class of 1946), along with the Hon. Tom '72 and Cathi Hogan, parents of Patrick '06 and Timothy '03, recently visited 1076 W. Roosevelt for a trip down memory lane. They had a great time exploring the school campus and visiting the Church of the Holy Family. Please don't hesitate to stop by if you are in the neighborhood!  
Olson '10 Named to Area Membership Committee
Bobby Olson '10 has been tapped to serve on the Area Membership Committee of the Order of Malta. Founded in the 11th century to care for pilgrims to the Holy Land, the Order still operates in 120+ countries, including regular activities in Chicago. If you are a practicing Catholic with a deep commitment to service, you are invited to lend a hand. The Order is open to both men and women, and students who need to complete service hours. For more information, email rolson1717@gmai​l.com.
Thank you, Libby!
A heartfelt round of applause and the warmest wishes to Libby Lucas as she embarks on a joyful new chapter – retirement! For 13 years, Libby has served as our Director of Events and Parent Organization. Her passion and tireless efforts made Gloriam shine bright and fostered parent engagement within our community. Libby didn't just manage events; she made connections and countless cherished memories for us all. Thank you, Libby, for your service.
Nash Named Director, Special Events and Donor Relations
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Nash as Director, Special Events and Donor Relations. Emily brings valuable experience to this role, having served in the Development Department at Saint Ignatius for nearly three years, during which she has built meaningful relationships with supporters of our Mission. Emily looks forward to her new responsibilities, eagerly anticipating collaboration with our entire school community. Her primary focus will be on raising critical funds through the annual Gloriam fundraiser to support essential financial assistance programs for our students. She will also serve as the school liaison to our Parent Organization. 
Donate to the Archives
We invite alumni, parents and friends of Saint Ignatius College Prep to contribute to our school’s rich history. Do you have an object, document, or story that helps tell the story of Saint Ignatius? Use the QR Code to organize your potential donation. Please review our collection scope philosophy before you make your donation.
EVENT RECAPS
Feast of Ignatius - 7.31.25
Our school recently observed a significant day on the calendar: the feast day of our revered patron, St. Ignatius of Loyola, celebrated annually on July 31st. The day included two special Masses. The first was celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, who said Mass at the Church of the Holy Family - a Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola (and part of the Archdiocese Pastoral Center Retreat). The second Mass took place in the Cuneo Chapel and was celebrated by Fr. Jerimiah Lynch, S.J. Both gatherings provided a meaningful opportunity to come together in reflection and prayer, acknowledging St. Ignatius's profound contributions to education, spiritual guidance and the foundational values that continue to shape our school's Mission.
A Lesson in Our History!
On the Feast of St. Ignatius, a part of our history came home. The great, great grandnephew of the man who designed the interior and rectory of the Church of the Holy Family, honored his great, great grand uncle, John Van Osdel, and his ties to Saint Ignatius College Prep. Mr. Bud Hopkins donated an original portrait of Van Osdel to our school. When you consider Van Osdel’s influence, this is truly special. He’s known as “Chicago’s First Architect,” having helped build the Midwest with more than 800 structures to his credit, including the Palmer House. Architecture buffs, including students in the Saint Ignatius Architecture Club, gathered for a special presentation by Mr. Hopkins, who has written a book about Van Osdel. Many thanks to everyone who made this special afternoon possible!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tolton Society Summer Soiree - 8.1.25
We are proud to honor former Board member, Cherryl T. Thomas, for her guidance and commitment to the Tolton Society
and the Saint Ignatius College Prep Mission.
Friday, August 1
Tully Hall
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Calling All Saint Ignatius Boys Soccer Alumni!
Save the date for the 2025 Alumni Games, Food and Photos
August 16 on Fornelli '51 Field
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
9.5.2025 - Business Society Tailgate Social in Fornelli '51 Alumni Lounge 
9.6.2025 - San Ignacio Society Family Fiesta on Fornelli '51 Field and Tents
9.18.2025 - The Tolton Society Tailgate Social at Fornelli '51 Alumni Lounge
39th Annual Golf Classic - 9.25.25
Sponsorships and Registration links are now OPEN! We invite you to join us 
for a day of fun and friendship at the Saint Ignatius College Prep Golf Classic.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, IL
10:30 a.m. - Check-in
12:00 p.m. - Shotgun Start (all courses)
Class of 1965 Reunion - 9.27.25
This may be the most important reunion yet...we have stories to share, adventures to recount and friendships to celebrate. Know a classmate? Bring them along. We may be older, but the Class of 1965 is something special. See you there.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
4th Floor - The Grand Gallery and Brunswick Room
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Welcome Reception
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Dinner
9:00 p.m. - Class Photo
Fall Reunions - 10.11.25
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus in October! 
We're seeking dedicated volunteers to chair a committee for your upcoming class reunion.
Remember that friend you lost touch with? Help us find them! We're recruiting committee 
leaders to head up the communication efforts and classmate search. If you are interested, reach out to 
Heather Santill​an, Director of Alumni Relations, or call her at 312-432-8322.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Tours with our National Honor Society Students
5:00 p.m. - Mass at Church of the Holy Family and Alumni Award Ceremony
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Reception and Class Photo
Register here for the Class of 1995 - 30th
Register here for the Class of 1990 - 35th

 Register here for the Class of 1985 - 40th
Register here for the Class of 1980 - 45th
Register here for the Class of 1975 - 50th

 
Honoring Alum Pat Brice '96 with the A Billion Pennies Endowment
Saint Ignatius College Prep is proud to support the launch of the A Billion Pennies Endowment, established in memory of Patrick Healy Brice '96. Pat's journey from Bridgeport to the University of Dayton (UD) — and his dual careers as a trader and a stand-up comedian — left an indelible mark on all who knew him. This endowment aims to provide tuition assistance at UD to high school students, enabling them to pursue their dreams in Pat's footsteps.
Join us for the Kickoff Event
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. - Show starts at 8:00 p.m.
Entertainment will feature nationally acclaimed comedian Pat McGann (UD '98) and longtime Brice collaborators and friends, CJ Sullivan and Sean Flannery.
Tickets: $150 per person. Tables are also available for groups of 2, 4 or 6.
Purchase: Visit abillionpennies.org and enter password PATBRICE to access the ticket portal.
Heads up: We've received feedback that the ticket portal can be challenging to use on mobile devices. If you run into trouble, try clearing your browser cookies or using a desktop computer.
All proceeds benefit the A Billion Pennies Endowment, continuing Pat’s legacy of generosity, leadership and love for our community. We invite the Ignatius community to attend and support this meaningful cause. Questions? Reach out to keithellett@gma​il.com.
 
ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS & BIRTHS 
Please email wolvesden@ignat​ius.org to make an announcement. 
Please Join Us In Congratulating...

Julia B. Herold '16 and Anthony E. Imburgia '16 on their engagement.
Sarah Smith Holland '12 and William Holland '12 were married on 6.14.25 in Chicago.
Samantha Warsop Lawrence '16 and Robert Lawrence '16 on their wedding on 6.28.25 in St. Joseph, MI.
Rebecca E. Hans Patkunas '14 and Nicholas P. Patkunas on their wedding at Church of the Holy Family on 7.19.25.
Brendon Pondel '15 and Maura Twohig on their marriage on 1.13.24 in Elkhart Lake, WI.
Kristie M. Smith '10 and Jeffrey M. Rogers on their engagement.
Paul Tonner '17 and Sydney Duncan on their engagement.

Joseph Perez '08 and his wife, Joanne Wagner-Perez, on the baptisms of their children, Isabelle Adina Perez and Lincoln Mateo Perez, at Church of the Holy Family on 6.28.25.
Peggy Newman McCort ’04 and husband, Ryan, welcomed their second child, daughter Elizabeth Lynn McCort, on 6.21.25. 

Molly Newman Dill ’06 and her husband, Jesse, welcomed their second child, daughter Bridget Lee Dill, on 7.1.25. Elizabeth and Bridget are the granddaughters of Jim Newman ’68 and nieces of Thomas Newman ’99, Kevin Newman ’01 and Erin Newman ’09.
Liat Rome ’05 and her husband, Kurt, welcomed their second child, son Jazper John Herrera Rome, on 7.1.25. He is named after his grandmother, his late aunt, Jaizelle Rome ’02, and his grandfather.
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ALUMNI

Robert "Bob" J. Chalifoux '59, brother of the late Richard G. Chalifoux '50
Fredrick G. Welfare, III '74, brother of Richard '78, and grandson of the late Richard Grant 1915
Michael C. Holoka '68
Greg Jodzio '65 (Dec'd. 4/11/2021)
Martin J. Kadziela '66, former Saint Ignatius faculty member (1970 - 1977), brother of Michael A. Kade '70 and godfather of Lauren Luzzi Doig '99
Dr. Richard S. Kijowski '60
Joseph A. LaBellarte '60, father of Joseph R. LaBellarte '85, Gina E. LaBellarte Cassetta '87, brother of the late Rocco M. LaBellarte '58 and uncle of Michele LaBellarte '84 and Giulia E. LaBellarte '00
George P. Mair '71
Michael P. Nee '77, son of the late Patrick J. Nee '44

Leo V. Sage '51
Lee T. Slattery '58, brother of the late Donald J. Slattery '49
FAMILY OF ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL
 
Patricia E. Smurawski, grandmother of Cameron Blackburn '24 and Everett Blackburn '26

Geri Doherty, sister-in-law of Brian J. Cronin Sr. '85, and aunt of Mackenzie Cronin '18, Elsa Cronin '20, Annie Cronin ‘='22, and Brian Cronin Jr. '25
Thomas A. Durkin, father of Catherine Durkin Stewart '96, James P. Durkin '99, Anthony M. Durkin '06, Alanna Durkin Richer '07, and grandfather of Edward 'Liam' Stewart '23 and Patrick T. Durkin '29
Dennis M. Kelly, father of Matthew P. Kelly '93
 
JOB POSTINGS
Click Here to See Current Job Openings Available at Saint Ignatius College Prep, including Prefect of Mission.
Maȟpíya Lúta (formerly Red Cloud Indian School)
Click here to learn about the Major Gifts Officer role they are looking to fill. 
Employment Opportunity at Chicago Jesuit Academy
Click here to learn about their open Controller position for the 2025-26 school year.
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.
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1076 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL 60608

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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.