Past Come Home to Columb Events
Each year, Saint Columbkille Partnership School and the Alumni Association host a reunion event for all Saint Cols alumni called Come Home to Columb. The event honors a dedicated alumnus who has made a significant impact on the school, and raises funds for the Alumni Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid to current Saint Columbkille students.
Past Honorees of the Annual Come Home to Columb Reunion
2017: Conrad & Paula Bletzer
In 2017, Saint Columbkille honored Conrad (’47) and Paula Bletzer with the Distinguished Alumni Award. They have been tireless advocates for Catholic education and spent many hours volunteering at Saint Columbkille.
2018: Jim & Mary Lou Jacobs
Saint Columbkille was pleased to honor James (‘49E) and Mary Lou Jacobs at the 2018 Come Home to Columb event on Saturday, June 9. Jim and Mary Lou have been long-standing members of the Saint Columbkille community and their contributions are both generous and everlasting.
2019: The Honan Family
The Honan Family was honored at the 2019 Come Home to Columb event. Known to so many, they have given tirelessly to Saint Columbkille and the Allston-Brighton community. Mary ’52 (or “Mother,” as she is fondly called), Uncle Charlie Doyle ’57 *, Clare ’73, Kevin ’77, and Brian ’81*, all benefited from a Saint Columbkille education. (*deceased)
2023: Kelly (Gillen) McGrath '89
The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Kelly (Gillen) McGrath '89. Kelly is a dedicated life-long Brighton resident and currently serves as Executive Director of Brighton Main Streets. Kelly graduated from Saint Columbkille in 1989 and her daughter graduated from 8th grade here in 2020. Since 2018, Kelly has held a number of positions at the Brighton Elks Lodge. She served as the 2022 Grand Marshall of the Allston/Brighton Parade and has participated in a number of Impact Advisory Groups for local real estate developments. Kelly currently sits on the Allston Board of Trade, the Brighton Allston Improvement Association, and the Allston Brighton Fund. She has been an active member of the Saint Columbkille Alumni Association for many years, including serving as Vice President.
The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Kelly (Gillen) McGrath '89. Kelly is a dedicated life-long Brighton resident and currently serves as Executive Director of Brighton Main Streets. Kelly graduated from Saint Columbkille in 1989 and her daughter graduated from 8th grade here in 2020. Since 2018, Kelly has held a number of positions at the Brighton Elks Lodge. She served as the 2022 Grand Marshall of the Allston/Brighton Parade and has participated in a number of Impact Advisory Groups for local real estate developments. Kelly currently sits on the Allston Board of Trade, the Brighton Allston Improvement Association, and the Allston Brighton Fund. She has been an active member of the Saint Columbkille Alumni Association for many years, including serving as Vice President.
