Chaminade Julienne Alumni

Calling the Classes of ’81, ’86 & ’91… this one’s for you 🦅📸

The countdown to Reunion Weekend is officially on, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to CJ June 19–21. Swipe through and tell us… who do you recognize?

Our alumni spotlight this week is Alexa Lopez ’06!

🦅 I graduated from Indiana University Bloomington and built a career in communications and public affairs, including roles with Federal Emergency Management Agency and Transportation Security Administration. I currently serve as Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at the National Association of Manufacturers.

🦅 CJ helped shape my passion for politics and advocacy through experiences like Amnesty International, AP Government, and the student newspaper. Those moments sparked my commitment to truth, transparency, and standing up for what I believe in.

🦅 Being a Kairos leader is the experience that has stayed with me most—it taught me the power of vulnerability and creating space for others to share their stories.

🦅 Jim Pera had a lasting impact on me through his kindness and care for others. His influence stayed with me—he even performed at my wedding.

🦅 I was involved in swim, band, choir, theatre, newspaper, FLIGHT, LIFE, and Kairos—experiences that built relationships, teamwork, and resilience.

🦅 My advice for current students: Don’t rush these years and don’t follow the crowd. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating.

Throwing it back to the classes of ’56, ’61, ’66, ’71 & ’76 🦅📸

Reunion Weekend will be here before we know it, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to campus June 19–21!

Who do you recognize?

Some things change… but the CJ spirit never does 💙💚

Check out Brooke Sandridge '13, Hanifah McCray '13, & Takia Miner '13 then vs. now—still making memories together after all these years.

Reunion Weekend is almost here, and we want to see YOUR throwbacks! Send us your favorite high school photos with friends, and you might be featured as we count down to the big weekend.

Our alumni spotlight this week is Craig Vangas ’06!
🦅 I live in Oakwood with my wife and two young boys. I recently acquired Stanley Heating Cooling and Plumbing and currently serve as the owner/operator, providing residential and light commercial HVAC and plumbing services throughout the Miami Valley and surrounding regions.
🦅 CJ has been a huge positive influence on my life. With CJ being rooted in faith and service, I view my current role as a business owner as a calling to serve my employees, our customers, and our community. I want to grow my business so I’m able to serve a larger group of people.
🦅 A moment that sticks with me is from my freshman year, when I was having a difficult time adjusting to high school but hadn’t been able to verbalize it yet. A religion teacher recognized what I was going through and wrote me a letter. I vividly remember reading it in the hallway — the main point was that Jesus loved me. I was amazed the teacher saw what I needed at that moment.
🦅Being able to play football and baseball at CJ allowed me to gain lifelong friends, and through Coach Place and the assistant coaches I learned grit, work ethic, goal setting, leadership, and teamwork that have stayed with me to this day. CJ was also my first experience learning alongside a diverse group of students, and I carry that with me as I build my team and create opportunities for people from many different backgrounds.
🦅 Advice for current students: Lean in as much as you can while at CJ. The lessons and relationships will stay with you long after graduation.

Save the Date 🦅💙💚
Reunion Weekend is back June 19-21! We're excited to welcome alumni, friends, and the entire CJ community back to campus for a weekend of reconnecting, celebrating, and making new memories.

From class parties to favorites like Taste of CJ (21+), it will be a weekend to remember.

Registration opens tomorrow–be on the lookout for details!

Our alumni spotlight this week is Jonathan Besecker ’12!

🦅 I work in sales for a German AI fitness company, making the gym more approachable for beginners. Outside of work, I coach weightlifting for high school and college athletes, have competed myself, and perform with Latin dance teams in Chicago, recently taking the stage at the Chicago International Salsa Congress.

🦅 One of my favorite CJ memories was my senior football season and Kairos — both created bonds and experiences I’ll never forget.

🦅 I played football, golf, and basketball, and by senior year, joined musicals like Grease and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, along with choir and a ca****la.

🦅 Marcus Colvin once told me the three easiest things in life are to quit, complain, and make excuses. I still keep that near my computer as a daily reminder.

🦅 CJ taught me to stay curious, value the whole person, and build meaningful connections with people from all backgrounds.

🦅 My advice to current students: Don’t be afraid to try something different. You never know what you might end up loving.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the CJ Fish Fry! 🐟💙
It was a night full of delicious food, great drinks, fun games, and even better company. We loved celebrating our CJ community together.

Hey, Young Alumni! Grab your friends and join us for a fun night of bowling, food, drinks, and reconnecting with your CJ community! Our Young Alumni Social (formerly the Last 5) is now open to CJ graduates from the past 15 years to welcome even more Eagles back together. Tag a young alum in the comments! 🦅

📅 Friday, Mar. 20
⏰ 6:00–8:30 p.m.
📍 Poelking Lanes South (VIP Suite)
🎟️ $20 | Food, drinks & unlimited bowling included

Spots are limited — be sure to register today using this link: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=607f821e-9062-47ce-b5e7-3bd309aabac3&envId=p-VP83jJxlB0ShuaAkfDIT7g&zone=usa