We are honored to share stories from our students, staff, volunteers, leadership, and alumnae—and we can't wait for you to learn more about The Jo from each of these incredible members of our community. We hope their experiences inspire you!

Thank you for investing in the leaders, changemakers, and visionaries of tomorrow. We are so grateful for your partnership, and we hope you enjoy diving into their stories now! 

Letter from Leadership

Dear friends,

This spring, as flowers bloom and the days get longer, we are reminded of the beauty that can come from change. Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart has proudly educated and empowered young women in Chicago since 1890—and we remain as committed as ever to educational equity and our mission to serve and educate the leaders, visionaries, and changemakers of tomorrow.

In this spring’s Conversation Piece, we celebrate the students, alumnae, volunteers, and staff that make our community so special.

Discover how young leaders are receiving an outstanding college-preparatory high school experience with significant opportunities for innovation, creativity, and community engagement as they pursue their dreams. Explore how volunteers are leaving a personal legacy through their involvement with The Jo. Meet staff members who have devoted their careers to educating and equipping the next generation. And hear from alumnae who have paved their own path with the lessons learned here at Josephinum Academy.

Our diverse learning community is dedicated to a holistic approach to education, preparing our students to be globally-minded and use their voices to bring about change within their communities—and we are honored to share their stories with you here.

Thank you for being part of our community—and thank you for believing in our mission as we take our bold next steps.

With gratitude,

Richard McMenamin
President

Colleen Schrantz
Principal

Pursuing Her Dreams

Meet Gabrielle Nash, Class of 2024

Josephinum Academy junior Gabrielle Nash has big dreams for her future. Discover why The Jo is special to her and how it’s given her the space to pursue her many talents. “I can explore everything I’m interested in at The Jo without being judged or told I can’t do them all at once.” 

A Dedication to Impact

Celebrating Sister Mary Bernstein’s Service to Josephinum Academy

Sister Mary reflects on a decade of service to Josephinum Academy and the values guiding her calling. As a Sister of the Sacred Heart, she has a unique perspective on Josephinum Academy’s purpose and work. “It’s so much more than a job—to be at the school,” she said. “It’s a ministry.”

Celebrating Our Community

Catch up on two years of special events, from virtual galas to our joyous return to in-person gatherings. We come together with new friends and old at our events to celebrate our remarkable students and ensure young leaders find everything they need to build brilliant futures during their time at The Jo.

Leaving a Legacy

Meet Volunteer John Dewan

Josephinum Academy volunteer and donor John Dewan brings a business mind and a generous heart to his support of our mission. John, who sees a big difference between going to school and getting an education, has worked tirelessly to ensure that finances are not a barrier to future students at The Jo. 

Finding Her Own Path

Catching Up With Sonya Everett, Class of 2015

For Sonya Everett, “The Jo was like a family.” It gave her confidence and the space to be vulnerable. Since her graduation, Sonya has continuously asked herself what the right next step is. Today, she’s paving her own way—spending her days working as a project coordinator and her evenings and weekends making art. 

Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart Board of Directors

Benjamin Ivory
Chair

Sue Sullivan
Vice-Chair

David O’Neill
Treasurer

Sr. Mary Frohlich, RSCJ
Secretary

Directors

Richard McMenamin
President


Susan Barrett
Jackie Beale-DelVecchio
Peter Beale-DelVecchio
Cathy Brennan
Terry Broccolo
Sarah Burke
Jennifer Christensen
Matt Connelly

Mary DeCresce
Amy DeVore
Sr. Mary Clement Eiden, SCC
Lee Ann Hoover
Fr. Stephen Katsouros, S.J.
Sr. Bonnie Kearney, RSCJ
Chris Montenegro McGrath

Janet Lougée
Vice-Chair

Meghan M. Murphy
Nancy Remy O’Neill
Corina Perez
Desirée Pepper-Venzant
Jane Steinfels
Stacie Thompson
Diane Remien Tymick