For more than 25 years, the Alumni Discernment and Volunteer Program has allowed recent college graduates to return to Cleveland and reconnect with the Saint Ignatius community. Alumni Volunteers provide significant support to the Christian Action Team, Arrupe Neighborhood Partnership, the Welsh Academy, Sophomore Service and other areas of campus while spending a year discerning their futures.
Saint Ignatius welcomes Brendan DeVenney ’17, Matthew Lindholm '18, Ian O'Donnell ’18 and Joseph O'Brien ’19 back to campus to serve as Alumni Volunteers for the 2023-2024 school year. These young alumni will receive opportunities for personal and professional development while living as an example of service to our Wildcats.
Pictured left to right: Brendan DeVenney ’17, Matthew Lindholm '18, Ian O'Donnell ’18, Marielle Aldrett (Jesuit Volunteer), Pat Valletta '05, John Gill '97, Augie Pacetti '96, Joseph O'Brien ’19
Brendan DeVenney '17
Grade School: St. Angela Merici
Involvements in High School: SIBN, The Eye, Pallbearers, Marching Band, Liturgical Ministry
College Attended: University of Mount Union
Major(s) and Minor(s): Major in Sport Business, Minor in Communications
Why ADVP?: After being in the professional world for two years and not finding fulfillment, coming back to Saint Ignatius for the ADVP year is God's way of leading me on the path to find myself and my true calling. The resources the program provides is second to none, thus, is the perfect year to practice the Ignatian way of discernment.
One goal for this year: I hope to make connections I missed out on during my time at Saint Ignatius and to have my love for the school reignited.
Matthew Lindholm '18
Grade School: Saint Raphael
Involvements in High School: Pallbearers leader, Baseball for 2 years, Hydroponics club, Movers
College Attended: John Carroll
Major(s) and Minor(s): Accountancy major with religious studies minor
Why ADVP?: The Alumni Volunteer year allows me to further discern and grow in what I believe will lead me to be the best person I can be for myself and others.
One goal for this year: To find some clarity on what the next steps for me might be.
Ian O'Donnell '18
Grade School: Menlo Park Academy
Involvements in High School: Circus Company, Harlequins, Artists In Residence, Greek Student Union
College Attended: University of Cincinnati
Major(s) and Minor(s): Bachelor of Science in Communication Design
Why ADVP?: I graduated in April and first talked to John Gill about ADVP in May. I decided the Alumni Program would be helpful for me in determining next steps in advancing my career path.
One goal for this year: To get the chance to meet and talk with Ignatius Alumni who are currently working in design related fields!
Joe O'Brien '19
Grade School: Incarnate Word Academy
Involvements in High School: Labre Leader, Spring Into Action Leader, Christmas Food Drive Core Team Member, Rugby, Chorus
College Attended: Ohio University
Major(s) and Minor(s): Marketing Major and Sales Certificate
Why ADVP?: To give back to the place and people that have given me so much.
One goal for this year: To use my skills to strengthen and grow a club or after school activity.
We are grateful for the presence of these young men on campus this year and for their important work in conjunction with our Jesuit mission.