2023 Magis Award

Since 1985, the Magis Award has honored extraordinary individuals or families who are committed to Saint Ignatius High School and exemplify the magis, a Latin word meaning "more." We are proud to honor Ann and Tom's devotion to the mission of Saint Ignatius. 

Tom, class of 1977, is entering his 43rd year as a Theology teacher, and has devoted his life to Saint Ignatius High School, both in and out of the classroom. Tom spent the last eight years writing twice-weekly blog posts for our community famously known as Lessons from Loyola Hall. These blog posts covered everything from campus life, Catholic teaching, Ignatian tradition and events from his own life. Tom spends his summer months co-teaching the “Friends and Legends” class with Jim Brennan ‘85 at Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), a summer camp for rising eighth graders focused on academic, social, cultural and athletic enrichment opportunities. Tom has been teaching this Ignatius history class at SEP for several decades. Additionally, Tom is the founding director of both the Jim Skerl ‘74 Christian Manhood Lecture series and the Mike Pennock ‘64 Last Lecture series. He is presently in the process of establishing the Suscipe Capstone Program, a four-year project whereby each student will give a capstone presentation just prior to graduation. He credits his late father, Tom ‘52, for developing his passion and commitment to Saint Ignatius High School.

Ann comes from a long line of Saint Ignatius High School graduates, including her late father, Pete Geiger, class of 1952, her brother Pete class of 1979, several uncles, cousins, and her late son Kevin, class of 2007. She is no stranger to Jesuit education, having received her B.A. (1982) and M.Ed. (2003) from John Carroll University. Over the past 12 years, Ann has tutored a number of Saint Ignatius students, guiding them academically as well as providing invaluable personal support. During that time, she has also put together over 100 “Welcome Kits” of household necessities for the homeless people the Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership Program is able to move off the streets. Every year she also sorts through hundreds of large donation bags given to Arrupe and Labre, often taking clothing and linens home to be laundered and returned the next day. When on campus, she can be found in the Arrupe attic or Labre basement storage areas, the least glamorous parts of campus, doing what brings her great joy, helping Saint Ignatius help others. 

The award will be presented to Ann and Tom at the 39th Annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Table sponsorships and concert tickets for the event will be available for purchase in early October.