2000s
Dr. Leslie Kelley ’00 MA ’01 is an associate professor at the University of Dallas and has recently published a book titled A Thomistic Introduction to Modern Psychology with The Catholic University of America Press.
Justin Howell ’03 earned a master of divinity degree in March 2026 and a doctorate of philosophy in divinity in April 2026.
Anne Luke ’04 has just published a book with Claire Crafts titled Translating Your Teen: 10 Strategies for Understanding and Empowering Your Kid. It was published by Johns Hopkins University Press and is available now at press. jhu.edu.
Dr. Daniel Garland MA ’08 recently accepted a position as assistant professor of Sacred Scripture at St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Very Reverend Daniel Ulishney ’09 has been appointed as judicial vicar of the Diocese of Greensburg while continuing to serve as pastor at St. Agnes Parish in North Huntingdon, Pa.
2010s
Josh Leasure MSA ’11
Josh Leasure MSA ’11 was named the Zone 8 High School Assistant Principal of the Year through the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators. Josh has been the assistant principal at Edison Local High School for nine years.
Jonathan Matthes ’12 says, “While a student at Franciscan, I wanted to become a full-time sports play-by-play announcer. After a detour to seminary and a lot of hard work, I’m doing it! I was able to leave my part-time job as a communications coordinator at my parish at the end of July and now focus full time on PxP where I work with several colleges, calling various sporting events (Ohio State, Kentucky, Louisville, and Butler for now this year). My main client is the NWSL, the top pro women’s soccer league in the U.S. and arguably the world. Most of my colleagues come from big broadcast schools (Syracuse, Indiana, Northwestern, etc.), but I’m trying to represent the Barons in this space. And by God’s grace, this journey will be successful.”
Joseph ’12 and Yvonne (Peredo ’11) Hess
Joseph ’12 and Yvonne (Peredo ’11) Hess welcomed their 5th, 6th, and 7th children in October 2025! Triplets Maria, Bernadette, and Rosalie joined their big siblings Tommy, Amelia, Evelyn, and Sophia at home after a five-month NICU stay. Yvonne says, “All glory to God for their growth and health, and many thanks to the family and friends who gifted their support along the way!”
Olivia (Policare ’16) and Anthony Lopez ’16 MSE ’18 welcomed their third child, David Robert, on May 27. He was welcomed joyfully by his big brother, Samuel, and big sister, Sophia.
Chris ’14 MA ’16 and Isabel (Peck ’15) Hoff
Chris ’14 MA ’16 and Isabel (Peck ’15) Hoff adopted their first child, David Joseph Hoff, born December 2, 2025, and now official as of June 25, 2026. Isabel says, “He is the fruit of so much love, support, and countless prayers from our families, friends, and so many in the Franciscan University community over the past three years since we began this amazing, awe-inspiring journey! We are eternally grateful to God for answering our prayers to begin our family after nearly six years of marriage. Looking back, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. His timing is truly perfect!”
Genevieve (Philipp ’16) Perkins graduated this past May with her master’s in theological and cultural anthropology from Eastern University. Her area of thesis research was northeast Ohio Catholic heritage. Genevieve says, “My supportive and loving husband, Ryan ’16, and I just had our fourth child last November. We live in northeast Ohio and say hello to our Rosa Mystica and Fishers of Men Household sisters and brothers.”
Kevin ’12 and Christina (Bair ’13) Sweeney are overjoyed to announce the birth of their son, Dominic Gregory Sweeney, born May 22, 2026. He joins big sister, Gianna, 2.
Father Bruno James Mello, OSB ’19 was ordained to the priesthood July 11, 2026. He celebrated his first Mass July 12 in St. Mary’s Church, Newark, N.J. and is a Benedictine monk in the Benedictine Abbey of Newark and serves as the co-director of Mission and Ministry at St. Benedict’s Prep in downtown Newark
In this 800th Jubilee Year of the passing of St. Francis, Fr. Dennis Gang, TOR ’71, and Fr. Nathan Malavolti, TOR, were among the Franciscan TOR friars marking jubilees in the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in summer 2026. Fr. Dennis celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination, and Fr. Nathan celebrated the 25th anniversary of his religious profession. Fr. Dennis recently retired to the TOR Motherhouse in Loretto, Pennsylvania. In August, Fr. Nathan returned to Gaming, Austria, where he continues to serve as a chemistry professor and pastoral associate for the Austrian Study Abroad Program.
