Kolbe Cathedral to hold 50th anniversary gala

Kolbe Cathedral will host its first gala on Thursday, October 1, at the Country Club of New Canaan to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary.

The event honors Jo-Anne Jakab, who spent 43 years at the school serving as a teacher, athletics director, and director of development before leading for 26 years as president and principal. The gala committee noted her long history of leadership and dedication to Catholic education. The school also plans to posthumously honor supporters Leo Van Munching, Jr., Jonathan O’Herron Sr., and Joaquin Paul Rodriguez.

Principal Camille Figluizzi said the gala has been a long-term goal for the school. During Jakab's leadership, the school added Wissel Hall, introduced engineering courses, and implemented a block schedule. The school also served as a pilot for the Shepherds mentor program, which provides mentoring and tuition assistance to students.