News

< 2025

2025

  • Bishop Dedicates Brotherhood Center To Start Off New School Year

    St. Charles celebrated the completion of its new Brotherhood Center, on August 22. Bishop Earl Fernandes visited campus to serve as the main celebrant of an all-school mass which was followed by the facility's dedication and blessing.

    Two St. Charles alumni, Bob Corna '63 and Brent Foley '98 worked closely together as the designer and architect of this new 30,000 square feet facility.  The four-story center is built over the footprint of the old gymnasium. Its bottom floor has a "student-union" ambience that provides spaces for large groups and small gatherings, as well as flexible learning areas. This includes an amphitheater, large comfortable sitting areas, a library, school store, cafe, and library.

    The 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors are designed for learning spaces that support the school's academic curriculum.
    The building and its additional new classrooms and labs come at an opportune time for St. Charles, with the largest freshman class (225 students) and overall enrollment numbers (678 students) in the school's history.

    Click HERE to see a few pictures from the dedication ceremony with Bishop Fernandes. More event  photos, as well as interior shots of the new center and its spaces will be added in the coming week, so come back for a visit soon! 


     
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  • Grigsby '85 and Bluem Enter Soccer Fall of Fame

    Two legends, former head coach John Bluem, and All-American defenseman Troy Grigsby ’85, were inducted into the St. Charles Soccer Hall of Fame on August 24 before the Cardinals varsity took on the Braves of Olentangy HS.

    Bluem coached the Cardinals from 1979-1982, reaching the state final four twice. During Grigsby's four-year varsity career, the Cardinals made four straight state final four appearances. The Cardinals went 43-1 in Troy's  last two seasons. Although they won the state championship in 1983, the Cardinals lost in the 1984 state finals, his last high school game. 
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  • Mother of Mercy Chapel Enhancements Blessed

    Bishop Earl Fernandes served as the main celebrant at a very special “Rite of Dedication” that took place August 13, blessing enhancements made to St. Charles Preparatory School’s Mother of Mercy Chapel. The ceremony marked 95 years to the day when the new chapel’s altar was consecrated, and the building was dedicated to “Our Lady of Mercy” in 1937.

    The 10-month project was necessary to address the school’s significant enrollment growth.  St. Charles began the school year with 678 students, the highest in its 101-year history. This transformative project was directed by architect William Heyer and the general contractor, CK Construction.  The chapel will be used daily by students as a place of prayer and reflection, for weekly student masses, Adoration, confession, and penance services. It is also used for a number of alumni-related masses and gatherings.
     
    “Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,” painted on the chapel’s apse in 1950s by German artist Rudolph Scheffler, had been the sole feature of the wall above a row of seven stained glass windows depicting the sacraments. That work is now surrounded by a colorful set of iconic figures, symbols, and images.
     
    New sets of inspiring young male and female saints line the space above the northern and southern arcades beneath newly added Marian quotations.

    The dedication of the chapel’s new hand-carved wooden main altar was a central feature of the liturgy. The “Prayer of Dedication and the Anointings” included a blessing and sprinkling of water, an anointing with oil and incense, and the lighting of the altar’s candles.


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  • Platinum Reunion Welcomes Home 1944-1974 Grads

    St. Charles welcomed more than 70 people to campus for this year's Platinum Reunion on August 26th. 

    The day began with Mass at 11 a.m. in the newly enhanced Mother of Mercy Chapel, concelebrated by alumni priests and deacons. The liturgy was followed by a catered lunch from Berwick Manor in the Campus Theater's Cavello Center.

    Head of School Jim Lower provided a "State of the School" presentation surrounded by memorabilia displayed on walls and tables throughout the room. A tour of the campus facilities, which featured a walk through the new four-story Brotherhood Center, wrapped up the event. 
     
    This special event honors former graduates and students who attended St. Charles Preparatory School and/or the College Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo more than 50 years ago (before 1975). Wives or another family member are welcome, and we spouses are encouraged to attend in honor of their deceased husbands. 
     
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  • Ohio's best high school boys soccer players: Top 25 entering 2025 OHSAA season

    As a preview to the 2025 boys soccer season, the high school sports staff of USA Today Network Ohio's 21 newspapers and websites has compiled its annual Ohio's Best list.
    The staff determined a pool of Ohio High School Athletic Association athletes based on criteria including state and national recognition, team success with their leadership and more. Writers ranked that pool of athletes from 1 to 25. Each placement received points (first received 25, second received 24, etc.). The totaled points provided this final ranking.

    Note: This list does not include players who decided to skip the high school season for a club team.
    This is one of a four-part series that includes girls volleyball, and girls soccer and football in the coming weeks.
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  • St. Charles soccer's Grant Brokaw, Ryan Sullivan look forward to 2025 OHSAA season

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  • Cousin Simple To Headline BASH ON BROAD August 15th

    Don't miss this year's "Party on the Plaza" from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, August 15th on the school's central campus.

    The entire St. Charles Community is invited to help us kick off the 2025-2026 school year by attending our annual Bash on Broad gathering.

    Attendees will enjoy live music (our very own Cousin Simple!), plenty of fun and games, and cuisine from local food trucks. 

    We'll see you there!
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  • Northeast Area Alumni Association Chapter Meets; Chicago Event on September 4

    On Thursday, August 26, the Northeast Area chapter of the St. Charles Alumni Association held an informal Happy Hour at The Other Half Brewing Company in Brooklyn. The alumni who attended represented classes as far back as the 1960 up through recent years. from the 1960s to the 2020's (see photo).

    It marked the first get together for the recently created group after the school hosted alumni living in a 2-hour radius of New York City at the Metropolitan Club in downtown NYC. 

    Inspired by these efforts, graduates in Chicago are working to establish their own regional alumni association chapter. To help support this effort, the school has scheduled a formal gathering of "local" alumni at LondonHouse in the "Windy City's" downtown on September 4 (6-9 p.m.). Alumni who wish to attend are asked to RSVP HERE by July 28th.
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  • Celtics Head Coach Featured Speaker September 11 for "An Evening With..."

    St. Charles is pleased to announce that Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach of the Boston Celtics, will be our featured speaker at this year’s  “An Evening With…” Gala on Thursday, September 11, at 5 p.m. in the Robert C. Walter Student Commons.

    Mr. Mazzulla will share his devotion to his Catholic faith and how it serves as an anchor guiding him throughout his life and in his coaching career with the Celtics.

    There are two meaningful ways for YOU to take part in this special evening… an inspiring night dedicated to celebrating the impact of a St. Charles education and the importance of ensuring every student has access, regardless of financial circumstances: 

    Host a table - Gather friends and join us at the $7,500 level to experience a memorable night; as table hosts, you will be invited to meet Joe before the event at a special cocktail reception.  Reserve your table HERE.
      
    Make a gift - If attending isn't possible, consider making a donation HERE to honor the spirit of the evening and the students it supports. 
     
    To secure your table with a personal or company check, a stock transfer, or a transfer from your donor-advised fund, please email Kristin Williams at kwilliams@scpre​p.org or call 380-209-2239.  
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  • Platinum Reunion Celebration Set For (NEW DATE) August 26

    St. Charles is pleased to announce that this year’s annual Platinum Reunion is being held on (NEW DATE!) Tuesday, August 26, 2025. We hope you will join us!
     
    Husbands and wives or significant others are invited to join us for this special gathering of former students and graduates who attended St. Charles Preparatory School and/or the College Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo, more than 50 years ago (before 1975). We especially encourage spouses to attend in honor of their deceased husbands.
     
     
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  • Class of 2025 Graduates 126 Carolians

    Congratulations to the 126 members of the Class of 2025 who gradauted on Friday, May 23. Welcome to the ALUMNI RANKS!

    Total number of graduates:126
     
    Dollar amount of scholarships earned:The Class of 2025 earned $34,298,256 in scholarship dollars.
     
     The number of service hours the class contributed: 7,500 service hours
     
    Number of colleges/universities graduates are attending, percentage of graduates going on to higher  education:
    •  Our seniors will attend 60 different colleges.
    •  97% will be attending a 4-year college, 2% will attend a 2-year college, and 1% are taking a gap year.

    A number of St. Charles seniors distinguished themselves by earning several honors and notable scholarships. Of the 126 members of the Class of 2025:
     
    Four seniors were named National Merit Finalists:
     
    • 10 were recognized by the National Merit/College Board. Four were named National Merit Finalists (Alexander Dininni, Arav Fernandes, Jack Miller, and Jackson Soder) and six were named National Merit Commended Scholars (Edward “Quaid” Cahill, Emmett Galvin, Miles Hockenberry Eli MacKim, John Paul Orenchuk, and Ian Rotruck.).
    •  Colby DeShetler received the Joyce Scholarship to Notre Dame (he was also offered a full U.S. Air Force   ROTC scholarship to Duke University.).
    •  Tiernan Hunter accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy Prep School at Westpoint.
    •  Arav Fernandes (U.S. Air Force) and Emmett Galvin (U.S. Navy) accepted ROTC Scholarships to attend   the University of Notre Dame.
    •  Andrew Zarick was named the 2024-2025 Jack Ryan Scholar-Athlete.
    •  Ian Ruiz awarded 2025 SJ Dilenschneider Award.     
    •  DeShetler, Fernandes, Ruiz, Galvin, Hockenberry and Miller all received Ohio Governor Scholarships.
    Hail, Alma Mater Dear!
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  • Academic Awards Ceremony Honors '24-'25 Achievements

    On May 8, the school held its annual Academic Awards Ceremony which recognized students for their accomplishments in the classroom and in athletics as well as their volunteer activities in the community throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
    Some highlights:

    Four seniors were named National Merit Finalists:
     
    • 10 were recognized by the National Merit/College Board. Four were named National Merit Finalists (Alexander Dininni, Arav Fernandes, Jack Miller, and Jackson Soder) and six were named National Merit Commended Scholars (Edward “Quaid” Cahill, Emmett Galvin, Miles Hockenberry Eli MacKim, John Paul Orenchuk, and Ian Rotruck.). 
    • Colby DeShetler received the Joyce Scholarship to Notre Dame (he was also offered a full U.S. Air Force ROTC scholarship to Duke University.). 
    • Tiernan Hunter accepted an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy Prep School at West Point. 
    • Arav Fernandes (U.S. Air Force) and Emmett Galvin (U.S. Navy) accepted full ROTC Scholarships to attend the University of Notre Dame.
    •  Andrew Zarick was named the 2024-2025 Jack Ryan Scholar-Athlete. 
    • DeShetler, Fernandes, Ruiz, Galvin, Hockenberry and Miller all received Ohio Governor Scholarships.
     
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  • Robotics Team Finished 3rd in State Competition

    The St. Charles Robotics Team, with alliance partners from Shaker Heights, Warren, and Cleveland, placed third in the 32-team Ohio State Championships on May 10.  

    (Front, from left) Jim Lower (Head of School), Lee Hanna '86 (lead mentor), Gary Cyrus, Dylan Trovato '25 (drive coach), Aaron Cyrus '25 (team captain), and Eli Simms '28; (Middle, from left) Fletcher Gesue '28, Charlie Malerich '28, Michael Martin '28, and Jimmy Manzano Pereira '28; (Back, from left) Domenico Pietropaolo (Mentor), TJ Putz '28, Luca Pietropaolo '28, and Karl Putz (Mentor).
     
    2024-2025 Year Recap: The "Cardinalbots" participated in FIRST Robotics Competition's game "Reefscape" this year, attending the Greater Pittsburgh and Buckeye Regional competitions. Of the 50+ teams at each competition, the team finished in the middle of the pack both times. In Pittsburgh, St. Charles was selected for the event playoffs and finished in the equivalent of 5th place.

    Well done Cardinalbots!
     
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  • St. Mary of the Springs Honors Four at Alumnae Spring Luncheon

    More than were in attendance as the St. Mary of the Springs Alumnae Association hosted its annual Spring Luncheon on Saturday, April 26.
     
    The gathering was held in the Spangler Learning Center on the campus of Ohio Dominican University, founded as the all-female College of St. Mary of the Springs College in 1911 by the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
     
    Festivities began with a social hour of Mimosas and visits to the Center’s St. Mary of the Springs Academy historical exhibit. The event specially honored those in the Reunion Classes of 1950, 1955, 1960 and 19653, both living and deceased.
     
    Sister Carolyn Thurn ’55 provided the invocation and Alumnae Association president Karty Ryan Paolini ’61 introduced Shonna Riedlinger, D.M.Sc., PAC, President of Ohio Dominican University, who welcomed the ladies back to their “home” and thanked each for having served as “pathfinders” and role models whose were inspirations to generations of women after them.
     
    Following a served lunch, recipients of this year’s Erskine Award were honored.
    Congratulation to:

    • Nancy Hicks Caudill ’60, PhD.
    • Sr. Ellen Dunn ’58, O.P.
    • Mary Hackett Howard ’62
    • Sr. Elizabeth Jackson 60, O.P.  
     
    Special thanks to all those who helped coordinate the event: (Board Officers) President Kathleen Ryan Paolini ’61; 1st Vice President, Rose Tonti Deffet ’55; Treasurer, Patricia Ryan, Ph.D. ’63; Recording Secretary, Linda Cianelli Younkin ’63; Corresponding Secretary, Margaret Fauth ’48; Advisor Barbara Murphy '61; and Moderator, Sister Carolyn Thurn, O.P. ’55.
     
    St. Charles is honored that so many of the SMA alumnae are grandmothers, mothers, wives and supporters of our own St. Charles graduates and students!
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  • Thirteen Athletes Sign During Spring Ceremony

    On May 6, St. Charles honored 13 seniors who were committing to play DII and DIII college athletics after they graduate. The gathering was held in the Frank E. Murphy '54 Convocation Center and included student-athletes from six different sports. They included:

    Baseball      
    Ryan Ferguson - Trine University
    Lex Popadak -Mt. Aloysius College

    Basketball                       
    Jordan Hudson - Heidelberg University
    Logan Tharp -  Bluffton University

    Football  
                              
    Fred Ailabouni - Ohio Dominican University
     
    Soccer     
    Will Tramain -  Mars Hill University
    Ivan Canas - Ohio Northern University    
    Ransom Perkins - Alleghany College                                               
    Aiden Rice - Wittenberg University                                               
    Ian Rotruck - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
                                                                                    
    Swimming    
    Liam Miller -  Washington and Jefferson College
    Wyatt Julian - Iona University
     
    Water Polo                      
    Liam Miller  -  Washington and Jefferson College     
     
     
     
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  • Beatty III '87 Appointed to Columbus City Council

    1987 alumnus Otto Beatty III was appointed to Columbus City Council on January 27, 2025 to fill the vacant District 7 seat, bringing decades of experience in business, law, and real estate development to his role.

    A lifelong Columbus resident, Councilmember Beatty has worked extensively in economic development, small business support, and real estate investment, with a focus on increasing access to affordable housing and expanding opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

    With over 30 years of experience in real estate, Beatty has worked as an investor, developer, landlord, consultant, and attorney, participating in more than $250 million in transactions. As President of Otto Beatty Companies and Otto Beatty Real Estate, he played a key role in affordable housing initiatives and workforce development in Central Ohio. His leadership in the Emerging Developer Accelerator Program, Project REAP, and the Urban Land Institute’s Real Estate Diversity Initiative has contributed to expanding access for new developers in Columbus.

    In addition to his work in real estate, Beatty is a leader in business development and entrepreneurship support. As Owner and Managing Director of Intelligent Office of Columbus, he provides virtual office solutions for small businesses and nonprofits.

    Through OB3 Advisory and Management, helps entrepreneurs secure funding and achieve long-term  sustainability. His contributions to Columbus’ business community have been recognized on the Columbus Business First Power 100 List in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
     
    Beatty previously served in multiple public service roles, including positions on the City of  Columbus Downtown Commission, Development Commission, and Northeast Area Commission, where he helped shape policies on housing and economic development. He has also chaired the Ohio Elections Commission and served as a Commissioner on the Ohio Lottery Commission.

    Beatty holds a degree from Morehouse College and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law 
    School, with additional executive education in real estate from Rice University and business  coaching from Kent State University.

    Columbus, the 14th largest city in the U.S. and the fastest-growing city in Ohio, is home to over  900,000 residents. A hub of innovation, culture, and economic opportunity, Columbus continues to  grow as a center for business, education, and community development.
     
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  • Gerry

    Cardinals Well Represented at Downtown Columbus St. Patrick's Day Parade

    You can't go anywhere, it seems, without running into someone from St. Charles...and the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Columbus is a perfect example of this. Here are a few members of the Carolian community who took part in these festivities.
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  • Swim Team Edges Cincinnati St. Xavier by 1 Point to win DI State Title


    This story was written by Dave Purpura and appeared in the Columbus Dispatch Saturday evening: 

    As his team prepared to accept the boys Division I state championship trophy, St. Charles swimming coach Kyle Goodrich couldn’t help but draw parallels to the Cardinals’ only previous title 17 years ago.

    “In 2006 and 2007 we were state runners-up to (Cincinnati) St. Xavier and coming into 2008, we felt like we had a pretty good, deep squad that could contend for a state title,” Goodrich said. “We weren’t afraid to put it out there for the guys … and by the time we got to the state championships, they had a little bit of a lead and we ended up winning a close meet.”

    Considering few of the Cardinals’ swimmers were born at that time, this year’s group ended up writing its own thrilling story Saturday at Branin Natatorium.

    In one of the more dramatic finishes at the state meet in recent memory, St. Charles junior Austin Carpenter erased a 1.34-second deficit on the fourth and final leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay, powering the Cardinals to first place in 2:59.97 – 0.05 of a second ahead of St. Xavier, winner of 15 of the past 16 team titles and a state-record 44 overall.

    That win gave St. Charles 311 points, one more than the Bombers. 




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  • School Hosts Alumni at Metropolitan Club on its Return to the Big Apple

    St. Charles returned to the Big Apple February 6 to reprise its 2021 visit to the grand Metropolitan Club in downtown New York City.
     
    Special thanks go out to to Bob Dilenschneider '61 and Paul Kuppich '05 for serving as hosts at this magnificent location. The event welcomed more than 30 alumni whose grad classes spanned six decades! Some traveled more than 2 hours by train to attend!

    The group representing St. Charles included  Jim Lower (Head of School), Jaime Lawler (Advancement Director), Kristin Williams (Director of Donor Relations), and Louis J. Fabro '83 (Director of Communications and Alumni Affairs).  
     
    Stay tuned for more details about a future alumni gatherings in the New York region as discussions begin about creating a formal regional "Alumni Group."
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  • Miami Visit February 19

    College Road Trip Visited Miami (OH), Cincinnati/Xavier and Dayton

    Our College Roadshow events kicked off with a visit to SC grads attending Miami (OH) University February 19. Welcomed by 31 Cardinal grads, we enjoyed catching up, hearing stories and sharing updates from 2010 East Broad. 

    On February 20, the "Cardinal Caravan" traveled to the University of Cincinnati to gather together Cardinals attending both UC and nearby Xavier University. Sixteen grads dined at Mio's Pizzeria and shared their goings-on at college and Mr. Jim Lower (Head of School) reported on the great things happening back in Columbus. 

    The final stop was at the University of Dayton on Thursday, February 27. Principal Rick Ey '94 was greeted by 19 alumni who enjoyed pizza in the school's Kennedy Memorial Union.

    Where will SC travel next...?
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  • 2025 Father/Son Mass and Breakfast Largest Ever

    A big THANK YOU to all those who helped make this year’s Father/Son Mass & Breakfast on March 1 the largest in the event’s 16-year history.
     
    We are especially grateful to our celebrant, school Chaplain Fr. Michal Wojciak,  and our guest speaker, Dr. Dennis Durbin ’79 MD, President of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
     
     
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  • Another Enjoyable Spaghetti Dinner in the Books

    Good food and warm camaraderie was the hallmark of the recent St. Charles Spaghetti Dinner. The annual community gathering, sponsored by the St. Charles Alumni Association, was held from 1:00-6:30 p.m. in the Walter Student Commons on Sunday, February 2nd. More than 980 people enjoyed dinner in-person while the kitchen handled more than 300 carryout orders! 
     
    We are especially grateful to:
    • …Band Director Philip Meyer and the students in the St. Charles Concert and Jazz Band for entertaining us throughout the afternoon.  
    • …Mr. Ey and Mr. Lower for being on hand to welcome and interact with our guests.
    • …Mrs. Lawler for providing tours of the Brotherhood Center and for sharing her bubbly personality and energy with everyone.
    • …Mrs. Hanna and her team of volunteers selling “Sprit Gear.”
    • …the students and parents who coordinated the “50/50” raffle to benefit the Dominican Sisters of        Peace at Mohun Health Care Center.
    • …the members of the St. Charles Alumni Association who handled our front-door duties and helped direct the kitchen volunteers.
    • ….our annual “First Shift” line crew made up of the Ralston (five brothers!), Sweeney, and Davidson Families.
    • …and of course, TJ Susi of Berwick Manor Catering as well as his staff, for the hot, intense, and messy job of preparing our food all day long!
       Thank you!
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    St. Charles Preparatory School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

    St. Charles Preparatory School will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel.