Brian took advantage of the many academic and leadership opportunities SMCC offers. "Programs such as PSEOP allowed me to gain college credit through BGSU Firelands in classes taught by SMCC faculty who were enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile to help us learn. These classes allowed me to hone my writing and critical thinking skills and provided me with an advantage once I entered college. The school also provided me with many opportunities to gain important leadership skills through programs like Model UN, Kairos, Buckeye Boys State, and the senior project program," he remembered.

 

Even in high school, Brian began to focus on politics and law as a possible career choice. For his senior project, he took the initative to shadow then State Senator Mark Wagoner in his Columbus office. That experience led to work in the Ohio Senate as a legislative page for all four years as an undergraduate at Ohio State. Brian recalled that "by my sophomore year, I began working in Senator Wagoner's Office helping constituents from Erie, Ottawa, Lucas, and Wood counties. Later, I helped staff the Senate Judiciary Committee and observed how the legislative process works firsthand. Senator Wagoner, who is also an attorney, became an incredible mentor. This experience provided me with invaluable insight on the Ohio legislative process and the practice of law. Without the senior project program at SMCC, I doubt that I would have been given the same opportunity that eventually led me to pursue a career as an attorney."

 

After leaving SMCC, Brian furthered his academic career at The Ohio State University. He graduated in 2012 with a Bachelors of Arts degree, summa cum laude. As an undergraduate, he majored in History and Political Science. In 2015, he graduated from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law with a Juris Doctor degree, cum laude.

 

As a recent graduate, Brian has some words of advice for current students. "First, I would highly recommend setting goals for yourself - both short term and long term. Think about what you would like to achieve as a high school student and beyond. While these goals will likely change as you grow, continuing to revisit these goals will provide you with a path forward and a sense of purpose. Second, never let anyone try to scale back your goals. Keep the bar high. There have been several times when people have doubted the goals that I had set for myself. While it is important to stay grounded, do not undermine your potential to achieve your goals."

 

50 YEAR GOLDEN DIPLOMA

Members of the class of 1966 are invited to be honorary guests at the 2016 SMCC Commencement ceremony in the Kinzel Center on Sunday, May 29 at 3:30PM. Members of the class of 1966, in attendance, will receive a golden diploma commemorating their 50th Anniversary year.

 

REV. JOSEPH S. WIDMAN PORTRAIT RETURNED TO SMCC

Gary Erney '58 and Dave Mehling '69 with the portrait just below its home for many years at SMCC

 

For many years a beautiful, hand painted portrait of Rev. Joseph S. Widman graced the walls of the original school building. Widman was St. Mary's 14th Pastor and was appointed in April of 1902. In 1906, he began work on a new school building which would become St. Mary Central Catholic High School. Work was completed in January 1910 for a cost of $113,400.

 

Rev. Widman was inducted into the SMCC Hall of Fame on January 17 for his work with the school. In preparations for the induction ceremony, Hall of Fame Committee members Gary Erney and Rose Nath went in search of the missing portrait. Gary was certain the portrait was on display during his time as a student in the 50's and 60's, but students from the 80's could not recall it. Their search led them to the Church attic where it was found stored in a box among other artifacts. Don Nath, who served as the high school art teacher for some time, took on the task of cleaning up and restoring the piece. Once completed, the Hall of Fame Committee had the portrait reframed and presented it to the school so it may once again be displayed.

 

SCHOLARSHIP FOR SMCC ALUMNI

A generous benefactor established a scholarship for an SMCC Alumnae that is pursuing higher education in the field of medical research. For additional information or to apply for the scholarship contact Emily Kasper at 419.627.9422 or [email protected].

 

SAVE THE DATE

You are invited to experience "A Night With the Family," the 2016 Auction for SCCS.  This exciting event is coming to The Kinzel Center on Saturday, April 23rd.  The evening will include delicious Italian cuisine prepared by Sortino's Little Italy Ristorante.

Doors open at 4:45, dinner begins at 6:00 with the live auction starting at 7:00.

Individual tickets are $60 each and are available online by clicking here. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available, please call Emily Kasper in the SCCS Advancement and Development Office for details at 419.627.9494.

KEEP IN TOUCH

As we head into the winter season, there are plenty of ways for you to stay connected with SMCC. Take a look at the updates below, and we hope to see you soon!

 

Musical Saturday, April 9, 7:00pm and Sunday, April 10, 2:00pm in The Kinzel Center

 

SCCS Auction "A Night with the Family," April 23, 4:45pm in The Kinzel Center

 

Art Show May 4, 6:30pm in The Kinzel Center

 

Graduation May 29, Baccalaureate Mass 1:30pm at St. Mary's Parish, 3:30pm in The Kinzel Center

 

CLASS REUNION INFORMATION

The Class of 1966 is having their 50th Class Reunion on the weekend of Friday, August 12th with activities planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Deadline for sign up is June 15th. For a flyer and sign up form click here.

 

LITTLE PANTHERS

Kelly Claar Callahan '03 and her husband, Dan, welcomed their second child, Peter Kenneth Callahan born January 12.

                  

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Your alma mater is always looking for volunteers for upcoming school, Alumni and sporting events and more! Let us know if you're interested in volunteering by contacting Chad Kresser or Cindy McClung in the Development Office.

 

Go Panthers!