As we begin this exciting new year, we’re thrilled to introduce a fresh look and name for our newsletter: The Borgia Connection! This isn’t just a change in title—it reflects our growing commitment to keeping the entire St. Francis Borgia High School family connected.

The Borgia Connection is more than an alumni newsletter; it’s a way to share stories, celebrate milestones, and stay connected with everyone who holds Borgia close to their heart—alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, and supporters alike.



While the newsletter now serves the broader Borgia community, we will continue to feature a dedicated alumni section, sharing updates and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our graduates.

We hope this new chapter inspires even deeper connections within our Borgia family. Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember! Stay tuned for all the ways you can stay informed, engaged, and part of the legacy we all cherish.

Justin Alferman '04

St. Louis Business Journal

40 Under 40 2024

Not long ago, Justin Alferman left a fruitful career in the state legislative system — most recently as legislative director for Missouri Gov. Mike Parson — to join SSM Health working in health care advocacy. He now merges his legislative experience and his Catholic faith to work as director of advocacy for SSM Health.

With SSM, Alferman has helped shorten the time it takes for out-of-state physicians to get licensed in Missouri from up to nine months to under 45 days. He was also instrumental in securing $1 million annually from the state budget for the Missouri Poison Control Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The new Missouri budget also bears his fingerprints, with $6 million dedicated to finding residential placement for behavioral and mental health patients.

– By Luke Daugherty

What's your biggest accomplishment from the past year?

Assisting in the passage of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance. The FRA funds Missouri's portion of Medicaid matching funds from the federal government and accounts for roughly $1.2 billion dollars. Simply put, this legislation assures that Missouri has access to Medicaid funding, and keeps Missouri's most vulnerable able to access health care services. It is incredibly rewarding knowing that my work contributed to assisting health care services and access for 1.5 million Missourians.

What has been your biggest career challenge and how did you overcome it?

My biggest career challenge was stepping aside from public service and transitioning to the private sector. I had been working in state government, either as an elected official or a staffer, for the better part of 10 years before coming to SSM Health. I did not have an extensive background in health care but was always interested in health care policy when working with the state of Missouri. Starting in December of 2019, I didn't have a long time to acclimate to the transition before Covid-19. The pandemic forced me to set aside the learning curve and rushed me into action.

Where do you envision your career path leading you in the next five years?

I never envisioned myself in the health care field prior to joining SSM Health. However, I see myself continuing in the healthcare industry for the foreseeable future. SSM Health has afforded me a rewarding career where I feel the work I do is worthwhile and helpful to the front-line staff who provide high-quality care and to the community that relies on SSM Health for their care. I see myself staying in the industry long-term.



How do you give back to the community/region?

As a father, I spend a lot of time with my children, whether it is coaching their sports or volunteering at my local parish. From a broader standpoint, I also serve on the Greater St. Louis Policy Council, which deals with issues much broader than just health care, but it looks at addressing the issues that are facing the greater metropolitan area. At the state level, I serve on the Associated Industries of Missouri Board of Directors and am the voice for health care on the board. I continue to look for opportunities that expand my knowledge and understanding of our communities and region and look forward to more opportunities in the future.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy being anywhere that is outdoors. We are blessed in this state to have some of the best county and state parks, and I frequent as many of Missouri's with my family as possible. When at home, I am an avid homebrewer, specializing in traditional German and Czechoslovakian beer.

Your St. Louis happy place:

I don't think you can go wrong anywhere in or around Forest Park. My family loves to go to the Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens as many times a year as possible.

Your walk-up song:

Sunflower- Post Malone and Swae Lee

More about Justin Alferman

Age: 38

Education: BS in Political Science - University of Missouri Columbia

Family: Wife, Amy Alferman; daughter, Layla; and son, Ezra

Source: Adapted from "40 Under 40: Justin Alferman" by Luke Daugherty, St. Louis Business Journal.

Jonathan Pickens '98

Heartland Advisor Group

Thrivent

"My Christian upbringing taught me the importance of serving others, especially those in need."

Jonathan has been serving the community through his company, Thrivent. Thrivent is a Christian-based company that promotes generosity and helps make communities thrive (one of the many reasons he decided to work here over other companies). Every Thrivent client receives between $250 and $500 per year to amplify the impact made in a community. The client is required to spend these dollars toward a fundraiser, a service project, or an educational event.

Since he is also a Thrivent member, he used his Thrivent dollars toward two events this past year. First, he pooled his resources with three other Thrivent members and put on the first annual “(at St. Francis Borgia back in October). The other was putting together winter care packages for the unsheltered, and we distributed them to the guests of the Harvest Table dinner back in December. They included hats, gloves, scarves, and some food. "The one that made the most impact, however, was the 3v3 soccer tournament, as myself and 4 other Thrivent clients pooled together our $250 Thrivent Action Team Dollars and spent them on various fundraising items that we put on at the tournament. We ended up raising $5,000+ for the Franklin County Foster Closet." See more details in the Missourian article below.