Past Come Home to Columb Events
1986: John Curley ('58)
1987: Judith Enright Bracken ('60)
1988: Bishop Joseph F. Maguire ('37)
1990: William J. Goode ('63)
1991: Paul V. Mee ('63)
1993: Rita Fahy ('73)
1994: Francis J. Lovell ('67)
1996: Sister Dorothy McCarthy ('46)
1997: James G. Jacobs ('49)
1998: Anne M. Lennon ('52)
1999: Rita Quane ('34)
2000: Mary Ward Boyle ('57)
2001: Mary Sheehan McCrorey ('49)
2002: Sister Joan Duffy ('54)
2003: Barbara Freeley Fitzpatrick ('52)
2004: Mary Battles ('66)
2005: Elaine Celeste Ring ('60)
2006: John Cusick ('61)
2007: Maureen McGrail ('69)
2008: Andrea Frawley Whalen ('87)
2009: Jean O'Connor ('75)
2011: Kenneth Holman ('82)
2012: Janice Carroll Hammond ('61)
2013: McGloin Family
2014: Reverend Eugene Sullivan ('49E)
2015: Timothy P. Doyle ('80)
2016: John "Jack" Keating ('63)
In 2016, Saint Columbkille Partnership School and the Alumni Association began hosting a reunion event for all Saint Cols alumni called "Come Home to Columb." The event honors a dedicated alumnus/a who has made a significant impact on the school, and raises funds for the Alumni Scholarship Fund which provides financial aid to current Saint Columbkille students.
Alumni honored at the annual Come Home to Columb Reunion (2016 and beyond)
2016: Mary Battles
Mary Battles ('66) was the principal of Saint Columbkille School for many years and is loved by so many alumni and staff for her unwavering commitment to the school. Given her years of dedicated service and loyalty to Saint Columbkille School, it was only fitting that she would be the first person honored at the inaugural 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 were both tireless advocates for Catholic education and spent many hours volunteering at Saint Columbkille. (*deceased)
2018: Jim & Mary Lou Jacobs
James G. “Jim” Jacobs, 1936-2020, graduated from St. Columbkille Elementary School in 1946 and remained an active supporter of the school throughout his lifetime. Jim attended Boston College High School ('53) and went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Northeastern University. Together with his wife, Mary Lou, he brought up eight children, all while balancing a demanding career and contributing to his parish and community. Jim served as coach and president for the Brighton Central Little League and Allston-Brighton Youth Hockey; served on the Board of Trustees for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Franciscan Children’s Hospital; spearheaded efforts to keep St. Columbkille School solvent while raising the bar of academic achievement; served on the Board of St. Columbkille Partnership School; and worked tirelessly as a member of the Alumni Board to generate and maintain support for Saint Columbkille Partnership School.
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 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.
