Bill Costigan, Sr. V39 Honored
May 19, 2010 Proclaimed His "Day"
May 19, 2010 was proclaimed as “Bill Costigan, Sr. V39 Day” not only at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, but throughout the City of Akron by proclamation of Mayor Don Plusquellic. This special presentation was a surprise for Bill Costigan, Sr., a graduate of St. Vincent High School Class of 1939. He was visibly touched by the warm welcome he received from STVM students, faculty, family, and friends as he entered the STVM gymnasium Wednesday afternoon. Bill Costigan, Sr. was even more surprised to see the Irish community donning white commemorative t-shirts emblazoned with his picture and the name and date of the occasion.
The Costigan family operated an office furniture and supply business in Akron for 115 years. In 1999, Bill Costigan, Sr. and his family generously donated money to raze three old buildings on N. Walnut Street. This property is now the site of the STVM Cosgrove Center which was dedicated on September 25, 2009. Bill Costigan, Sr. also allowed for continued expansion of the STVM campus through the sale of the three acre site of the former Costigan business to STVM.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Bill Costigan, Sr. learned that the former Costigan building at the corner of W. Market and N. Maple streets has been turned into a state-of-the-art baseball and softball training facility named in his honor. Following the ceremony, all invited guests enjoyed refreshments and received tours of the newly dedicated Bill Costigan, Sr. V39 STVM Baseball and Softball Training Facility. Joanne Zaratsian, STVM Director of Major Gifts, noted, “Bill Costigan, Sr. and his family truly embody the rich tradition that STVM is known for. It was a true honor to host this event.”
Jim Kelly Memorial Scholarship Reverse Raffle
Over $19,000 was raised at Jim Kelly's Memorial Scholarship event
The Jim Kelly Memorial Scholarship Reverse Raffle – Silent Auction was held at Guy’s Party Centre on May 20, 2010. It truly was an “Elegant Evening of Dining and Bonne Chance”. Once again, this annual event was sold out. Jerry Kelly and her volunteers worked tirelessly to present another successful raffle in memory of her husband, Jim Kelly V50.
Joanne Zaratsian, Director of Major Gifts, thanked Jerry and congratulated her on the support she has provided to STVM students through Jim’s scholarship since 1989. To date, 112 incoming freshman have received the Jim Kelly Memorial Scholarship. Jerry Kelly is always quick to point out to her guests that it is not just ‘her’ scholarship. Every one who supports the Jim Kelly Memorial Reverse Raffle has played an important role and made the difference in the lives of the scholarship recipients.
Joanne commented, “Jerry has always been leading the way with the scholarship program! Ten years ago we only had about ten scholarships and now we can boast 41 scholarships with seven in the funding stages including a new scholarship established by the Class of 2010.”
Development Takes Road Trip
The STVM Development Department was on the road again! Joanne Zaratsian, Director of Major Gifts and Tim Rickus VM80, Executive Board Member traveled first to Montclair, NJ to visit with Curtis VM83 and Debra Wilson. Curtis was the guest speaker for STVM’s May Speaker Series and Curtis and Debra, Shamrock Society Members, recently purchased a granite stone on the walk of champions in honor of their family. Curtis and Debra hosted Joanne and Tim at the Glen Ridge Country Club.
Joanne and Tim then traveled to the Big Apple to meet first with Richard Roberts VM82 where Richard hosted Joanne and Tim at his club, “Yale Club”. Richard, a member of the Shamrock Society and Yale alumnus agreed to participate in the Speaker Series at STVM in November 2010.
After meeting with Richard, Joanne and Tim continued their stay in the Big Apple and were hosted at a dinner by Joe VM82 and Janet Harvey. Joe was instrumental in setting up the “Boarman Backers 1981 State Championship Locker Room.” Joe is also a Shamrock Society member and has agreed to participate in the STVM Speaker Series in February 2011.
Success and fun was had by all as the development department traveled to benefit STVM. Would you like to be visited by STVM? We would love to visit. Please call Joanne Zaratsian at 330-253-9112 ext. 112.
For more information, contact Joanne Zaratsian, Director of Major Gifts, (330) 253-9113 ext. 112.
