The Top of the Hill Herald

In this premier edition of "The Top of the Hill Herald," we shine a spotlight on the remarkable reunion efforts that define the spirit of our Hilltopper community. This month, we journey back with the class of 1983, a group of individuals who exemplify the power of staying connected and the profound purpose it can serve. For those of you who have embarked on the exciting journey of life as a “Hilltopper”, the bonds forged during your time on campus remain etched in your hearts long after you’ve graduated. At the heart of this enduring connection lies the desire to stay connected, informed, and engaged with the vibrant happenings of the Hill.

Dr. Mary Jo McGuire ’83, an alumna who has dedicated her time and energy to orchestrating the 40th Reunion for the Class of 1983, explains the why:

“Our reunion planning started when Barbara Erickson Breuer ’83 posted a picture on Facebook and the caption said it was 40 years ago that day that she had graduated from high school. A number of us commented on the photo saying how we really should do a reunion. And that’s how the ball got rolling. It had been 30 years since my class celebrated our 10-year anniversary and had not gathered since - needless to say, it was overdue.

We are excited to spend time with our fellow Hilltoppers this October - the women we spent some of the most formative years of our lives with. We are strong, hard-working, and like-minded when it comes to our values and beliefs, and sharing that again after 40 years is truly incredible.”

Fellow reunion planner and classmate, Josephine Paone Geraci ’83, further explains why she wanted to join the planning committee to reconnect with her peers, “The values that were instilled in me from my days at St. Joseph Hill Academy that I’ve lived by and that I instilled in my children and that I repeatedly rely on when making business decisions as a CEO of my own business are reasons why I couldn’t wait to reconnect with like-minded classmates - even if it has been FORTY shhhh years!”

Alumni like Dr. Mary Jo McGuire, Ms. Bonnie Brennan, Ms. Barbara Erickson Breuer, and Mrs. Josephine Paone Geraci, members of the 1983 reunion planning committee, are living testaments to the profound impact our institution has on our students. Their dedication to staying connected, not only with each other but with the essence of their Hilltopper experience, serves as an inspiring example for all.

One simple yet effective way to stay connected is by updating your contact information and becoming a part of our Alumni Directory. By doing so, you ensure that you remain in the loop about upcoming events, reunions, and exciting developments on campus. Please find our SJHA Alumni directories under our Advancement tab on both our SJHA websites.

As Dr. McGuire ’83 can attest, “For me, staying connected and supporting the school means giving young, intelligent women the chance to grow and flourish academically and spiritually in an environment that encourages hard work, integrity, and sisterhood. Raising other women up and celebrating their achievements is so important today. St Joseph Hill Academy fosters that culture and graduates confident young women ready to take on the world.”

We also applaud the Class of 1973 and Class of 1977 for holding their very own alumni gatherings this Fall! A special thank you to Donna Prato ’73 and Carol Zarrilli ’73 for coordinating their 50th Reunion celebration this October. An additional thank you to Mary Ellen Colangelo ’77 and Jennifer Lynch ’77 for gathering their classmates for a 1977 Luncheon as they prepare to celebrate their golden anniversary in just a few years!

If you are interested in starting a reunion of your own and would like assistance, please email: [email protected]

We look forward to our next edition of The Top of the Hill Herald in October 2023!