Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School in South Philadelphia will formally open and dedicate its new John M. Connolly Center for Business and Entrepreneurship with a ribbon cutting. Mr. John Connolly is a 1970 graduate of Bishop Neumann Catholic High School.
The goal of the John M. Connolly Center for Business and Entrepreneurship is to empower Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School students with real world tools, an entrepreneurial vision, and leadership opportunities. The center will also serve as space for the community to host seminars, speakers, and events that inspire growth and innovation.
Leadership from Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti will be joined by representatives from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education as well as the school’s board, students, and staff.
Mr. Connolly will be present to offer remarks. Reverend Richard J. Antonucci, O. Praem, will offer a blessing prior to the ribbon cutting.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School
1736 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
In addition, the school’s student band will perform as well as members of the Cheerleading team. A Mummer’s Brigade will also entertain those in attendance.
In July 2024, the school announced that it was awarded an initial gift of $350,000 from John M. Connolly and his wife, Kathy Robinson Connolly. $300,000 was used to create The John M. Connolly Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. The remaining $50,000 was for funding a scholarship in honor of his sister, Sara Connolly Canuso, a 1969 graduate of Saint Maria Goretti Catholic High School, and his brother-in-law, Vito. Since that time, John and Kathy have made an additional $150,000 gift for funding scholarships and for other uses bringing their total gift to the school to $500,000 making it the largest gift in the school’s history.
Mr. Connolly is the Founder and Managing Director of Eaglehead Capital, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. He also serves as the Lead Senior Advisor to the Goldman Sachs Growth Group.
Background Information on Saints Neumann and Goretti High School
The present, co-educational Saints Neumann Goretti Catholic High School was formed in 2004. Along with its predecessors Saint Maria Goretti for Girls and Southeast Catholic, Bishop Neumann, and Saint John Neumann for Boys high schools, the school boasts a proud 90-year tradition of Catholic High School education in South Philadelphia.
The school serves a diverse student population in South Philadelphia. Through the school’s core values of Compassion, Courage, and Commitment, its graduates are spiritually grounded, academically prepared, and world citizens.
For additional information on Saints Neumann and Goretti High School, please visit neumanngorettihs.org/.
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Editor’s Note:
For more information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747