The Padua Franciscan High School Hall of Fame was established to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the success of Padua in a significant way. The Hall of Fame recognizes nominees in the area of athletics, service, and volunteerism; success in their field of work; and community leadership.
Congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees who will be honored at the Bruin Benefit on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AWARD RECIPIENTS
Awarded to a male alumnus who has made a major impact either in service to Padua, service to the community, or achievement in their chosen field of work.
David Knowles ’65
David Knowles is a proud member of Padua’s first graduating class and he has maintained a close connection with the Padua community throughout the years. David earned his Bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University and Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and has gone on to a distinguished career in Labor and Employment Law. He and his wife, Allison, are proud parents of Padua alumna Sarah Knowles Polo ’96. They are Friar Club members, regular attendees of Padua events, strong supporters of the Bruin Benefit, and benefactors of the Knowles Scholarship Fund within the Padua Franciscan Endowment Trust. David served two terms as a member of Padua’s Board of Trustees, which is consistent with the many roles he has taken on during his lifelong commitment to community service.
Bob Kane ’68
Bob Kane was honored with the Class of 1968’s Mr. Paduan Award. During his senior year he was Student Council President and he was recognized with the School Spirit Award. Bob is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business and went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University. He concluded his accomplished business career as President of Medusa Corporation. Bob’s lifelong commitment to Catholic education has included leadership roles for several schools and organizations. He was the Chair of Padua’s Board of Trustees and served two terms for his alma mater. Bob and his wife, Bernadette, are Friar Club members and are benefactors of the Robert and Grace Kane Scholarship Fund within the Padua Franciscan Endowment Trust.
Wayne Ligato ’68
Wayne Ligato was a Class Officer, a multi-sport athlete, and a member of multiple clubs during his years as a Padua student. As a graduate of Edinboro University, Wayne’s successful career in business started with corporate marketing and management roles. His early experience plus an entrepreneurial spirit led to business ownership opportunities. Wayne holds three patents and he is the Owner and President of CMI-Promex. While separated from Padua by distance over the years, Wayne has kept a close connection with his alma mater. Wayne served two terms on Padua’s Board of Trustees and he has been a generous host for Padua Presidential Tour Stops. Wayne and his wife, Vivian, are Friar Club members.
OUTSTANDING ALUMNA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Awarded to a female alumna who has made a major impact either in service to Padua, service to the community, or achievement in their chosen field of work.
Beth Biasiotta Adams ’90
Beth Biasiotta Adams was a Class Officer, National Merit Commended Student, and the recipient of the Business Departmental Award during her senior year. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Miami University and gained her Certified Public Accountant license and then Master’s of Taxation from the University of Akron. Beth’s career in banking and finance has been an accomplished one and she currently holds the title of Chief Tax Officer, Head of Global Tax for Capital One. Beth is a Director and Committee Chair for the Cleveland Chapter of the Tax Executive Institute and she demonstrates a commitment to community involvement through several leadership roles. She is a Board Member and Treasurer for EDEN Inc., a Board Member of the Great Lakes Theater, and is on the Finance Committee for the West Side Catholic Center.
Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Peña ’03
Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Peña was the Valedictorian and Phi Beta Kappa award winner for the Padua Class of 2003. She also received the Departmental Awards for Physical Science and German. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science/Geology from Rice University, her Master’s degree in Geological Sciences from Brown University, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences from the University of Colorado Boulder. Ulyana’s prominent, multifaceted career as a scientist, professor, entrepreneur, mountaineer, and explorer has taken her around the world with expeditions to some of the most extreme places on the planet. In 2023, Dr. Horodyskyj Peña was featured in Men’s Journal as one of the 45 most adventurous women of the past 45 years.
FRANCISCAN MEDAL AWARD RECIPIENT (Couple)
Awarded to the individual, couple, or company who has actively worked toward the advancement of education of young people at Padua or in the Parma area.
+ Deacon Bob and Mary Ann Kaminski
Deacon Bob and Mary Ann Kaminski are the parents of two Padua graduates, Bob ’76 and David ’80. As members of the Friar Club and Forever Franciscan Society, their generosity and devotion to Padua has continued throughout the years. The inspirational support from the late Deacon Bob, Mary Ann, and the Robert S. and Mary Ann Kaminski Family Foundation has significantly impacted our Padua community, making a difference for our students, strengthening our Franciscan mission, and transforming lives. Peace, love, and all good things are evident in the Kaminski’s faith, family life, business career, selflessness, service, and philanthropy.
FRANCISCAN MEDAL AWARD RECIPIENT (Company)
Awarded to the individual, couple, or company who has actively worked towards the advancement of education of young people at Padua or in the Parma area.
The Kurtz Family of Companies
The Kurtz Family of Companies are generous supporters of Padua Franciscan High School. John Kurtz ’68, Greg Kurtz ’71, Mel Kurtz ’72, and Tom Kurtz ’76 are loyal members of the Padua community and we are grateful for their continued support. For decades, The Kurtz Family of Companies have partnered with Padua on numerous occasions. Their leadership, guidance, sponsorship, donations, and gifts-in-kind have made a real difference for Padua students, programs, and capital projects.
Please join us in congratulating these incredible Bruins on being named Padua Franciscan Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees!