Immaculata High School is proud to announce the newest members of its 9th Hall of Fame Class, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on April 10.
The 2025 Hall of Fame - Legacy of Excellence Awards Dinner will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset. Click here for ticket and sponsorship information.
Recognized for their outstanding contributions to Immaculata High School and their lasting impact on the broader community, Hall of Fame inductees are honored at a celebratory awards dinner, and their achievements are permanently memorialized with a formal plaque displayed in the school’s front hallway.
✨ Congratulations to the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
• Chike Aguh ’01 – A nationally recognized leader in technology, workforce innovation, and economic policy, Chike has held prominent roles in public service, including serving as Chief Innovation Officer for the U.S. Department of Labor. His career has been dedicated to ensuring economic opportunity for all through technology and workforce development.
• John Collins ’76 (In Memoriam) – A beloved member of the Spartan community, John was known for his leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to Immaculata. He made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, serving as a firefighter with the FDNY's Ladder 25. His legacy endures through his impact on fellow alumni, students, and faculty.
• Wayne Hartshorn ’84 – A dedicated educator, coach, and business leader, Wayne has shaped countless lives through his passion for mentoring and commitment to both athletics and community service. As a standout player for the Immaculata Spartans Football team, Wayne played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for the school’s first-ever state championship in 1985. His leadership, discipline, and relentless commitment on the field in 1984 set the standard for the team’s historic success the following year. Had it not been for the example he set and the determination he instilled in his teammates, the Spartans may not have achieved their breakthrough victory.
• Aaron Kowalski ’89 – As CEO of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Aaron is a trailblazer in medical research and advocacy, working to advance treatments and find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. His leadership in science and healthcare continues to inspire.
• Mary Kate Williams Lynch ’02 – The first female golfer in Immaculata history to compete at the Division I level, Mary Kate has made her mark on the world of amateur golf as the Manager for Amateur Golf at the USGA, shaping the future of the sport.
• Mark Murphy ’77 (In Memoriam) – A standout athlete and leader, Mark made a name for himself on the basketball court at Immaculata, finishing his career with over 900 points despite an injury early in his senior year. His resilience and skill made him one of the school’s top players. Beyond athletics, he built an impressive career in the private club industry, holding executive leadership roles with ClubCorp and Century Golf Partners. His connection to legendary golfer Arnold Palmer and his deep-rooted Spartan spirit are remembered fondly.
• Jason Ryan ’94 – A former Major League Baseball pitcher, Jason’s perseverance and dedication brought him to the highest level of the sport. His journey from Immaculata to the major leagues serves as an inspiration to future Spartan athletes.
• Gordie Sammis ’03 – A standout football player at the University of Virginia, Gordie has continued his football career into coaching. He was named the offensive coordinator for the University of Connecticut in April 2024 and led the team to a victory over North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl in December 2024.
• The 2012 Spartan Marching Band – A groundbreaking ensemble, the 2012 Spartan Marching Band achieved unparalleled success by winning the USBands Group 5 Open National Championship at MetLife Stadium on November 10, 2012, with a score of 96.587 and an award for Best Music. Their performance, titled We Are Spartans, celebrated the school's 50th anniversary and left a lasting legacy of excellence and school spirit.
We look forward to celebrating these outstanding Spartans and their achievements at the Legacy of Excellence Awards Dinner in April.
Please join us as we honor their contributions to Immaculata and beyond!
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