By Laura Brennan
Kolbe Cathedral will hold its first ever gala on Thursday, October 1, at the Country Club of New Canaan, in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.
“The gala has been a Kolbe Cathedral goal for many years and now has been achieved,” said Kolbe Cathedral Principal Camille Figluizzi. “I am elated and humbled by the many people who will attend to support our school.”
Gala honorees include Jo-Anne Jakab, who served and led the school for over four decades, as well as posthumous honorees Leo Van Munching, Jr., Jonathan O’Herron Sr. and Joaquin Paul Rodriguez, who were dedicated supporters of Kolbe Cathedral.
“Jo-Anne Jakab’s legacy is defined by over four decades of transformative leadership, unwavering faith and continuous dedication to Catholic education,” said the gala committee. Jo-Anne served Kolbe for 43 years, beginning as a teacher, then director of athletics, director of development and ultimately 26 years as president and principal of Kolbe Cathedral High School.
Mrs. Jakab led Kolbe through an era of growth, including the addition of Wissel Hall, the introduction of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering courses, and the implementation of an innovative block schedule. Kolbe served as the pilot school for the Shepherds mentor program, which provides tuition assistance and mentoring to Kolbe students.
Under Mrs. Jakab’s leadership, Kolbe Cathedral achieved 10 consecutive years of a 99 percent to 100 percent college acceptance rate, with minority students consistently outperforming the national average on SATs and religion students surpassing national averages on the ACRE test.
“Her relentless drive for student success yielded staggering results,” school officials said. “Deeply committed to educational access, Mrs. Jakab prioritized establishing scholarship funds and securing grants, maintaining the most affordable secondary school tuition in Fairfield County so that a quality Catholic education remained within reach for all families.”
“We honor Jo-Anne Jakab for her extraordinary career, her compassionate heart and the generations of young lives she inspired and uplifted.”
Leo Van Munching, Jr. was a dedicated and generous supporter of Kolbe Cathedral. He served on Kolbe’s Advisory Board, and his leadership and financial support, often given anonymously, provided the resources for students seeking a Kolbe education.
“He maintained a fervent, long-standing commitment to Kolbe Cathedral High School,” the announcement said. “Mr. Van Munching’s legacy ensures that opportunity and excellence remain accessible to future generations of students.”
“Jonathan O’Herron (Sr.) was universally respected for his integrity and modest character,” reads the gala announcement. “His greatest devotion was to his faith, his family and his philanthropic commitment to those less fortunate.” He served as Trustee for Kolbe Cathedral High School in addition to serving as Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, and as Trustee for the Inner-City Scholarship Fund. “Mr. O’Herron’s legacy is defined by his mentorship, his integrity and his lasting support for institutions that transform lives.”
“Joaquin Paul Rodriguez is remembered for his dedication to his family and community, his curiosity and his love of travel and history.” J. Paul Rodriguez served on the Board of Kolbe Cathedral High School and helped provide the opportunity of a Kolbe education to students past and for many years into the future.
Kolbe Cathedral’s first gala will bring together friends and supporters to celebrate 50 years of co-ed Catholic education in Bridgeport. “Each year the donor base grows and the transformation is so beautiful to see as we watch all that is new on the campus,” said Principal Figluizzi. The school has reached the maximum capacity with the number of staff in place. The focus is innovative educational initiatives that keep students competitive.
“The future of the school gets brighter and stronger with each passing year,” she said.
Guests will hear from current Principal Figluizzi, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, as well as current Kolbe students, who will share their personal experiences.
To register for the gala, visit: https://kolbecaths.org/kolbe-anniversary-gala/ or contact Rick Ryan at [email protected].
