The National Catholic College Admissions Association

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Anna Kallqvist, Class of 2014 Mount Mercy University - Cedar Rapids, IA Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden Anna had no idea where she wanted to go after she had graduated high school. Several schools in the U.S. contacted Anna, but after being recruited for golf, she made a visit to Mount Mercy and decided it would be a good fit. “The people here are very friendly and I am very happy with my college choice!”
Kimberleigh Costanzo Iona College, New Rochelle, NY Hometown: Bethpage, NY Major: Philosophy Minor: Performing Arts Dance, Peace and Justice Studies, and Women's Studies Kimberleigh Costanzo is an honors student at Iona College and a member of the class of 2014. Kimberleigh chose Iona for its location in the suburbs, proximity to NYC and for the small-school atmosphere. “I love all that Iona has to offer and I take every opportunity to get involved on campus. I am a member of Iona's award winning Mock Trial team, the Edmund Rice Society and a founding member of the Aristotelian Society. I also enjoy giving back and that is why I joined the Iona in Mission (outreach) program. I will be traveling to Zambia, Africa with the group and hope to have an unforgettable experience serving those in need.”
Kate Butters Franciscan University of Steubenville - Steubenville, OH Hometown: Madison, VA Major: Nursing Kate Butters wanted two things out of a college education: an academic foundation that would help her succeed in this life, and a spiritual foundation that would help her succeed in the next. She found both at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Peter Heuer Niagara University, NY “I knew I wanted to attend Niagara as an Education major since I was a sophomore in High School. Niagara's Education program has garnered and maintained the highest respect both nationally and internationally. Academically, there was no questioning my decision. My only fear was that as a commuter, I would miss out on the “college experience”. Niagara, however, has provided me an environment in which I have become both academically and socially involved. Through campus activities and my experience working with Niagara's Radio Station and Theatre Department I have begun new experiences that continue to grow every day.”
Jingqiu Guan, Class of 2011 Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame Hometown: Chengdu, China Major: French and Economics From dance and playing the piano, to her business and French courses, Jingqiu has the opportunity to explore her passions at Saint Mary’s. In her first year, she took a French course and fell in love with the language. “I think the best part of being a Saint Mary’s student is that I’ve gotten a chance to discover what I like. I have the opportunity to experience different things. There are so many interesting things happening on campus. If you really want to try something, you always have the chance to do it.”
Adrienne Boykin Fordham University - New York, NY Hometown: Middletown, NJ Adrienne graduated in 2009 from the College of Business Administration and represented the University at two academic conferences on corporate social responsibility and environmental sustain “I found Fordham's campus comforting. It brings students together.”
Brandon Milonovich, Class of 2011 Co-presented with current teachers at a statewide conference Hometown: Amsterdam, NY Major: Math/Education 7-12 “I do a lot of after school programs with SCRATCH, the computer program language for kids developed at MIT. The great thing is it gives me the opportunity to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in education settings, and to get kids really engaged and to enjoy themselves learning, just the real way a kid should learn. I’ve had the opportunity to see math being taught in other schools and to really learn how math should be taught. Saint Rose trains educators in the student centered model which is really the way children should learn.”
Felix Lopez The Catholic University of America - Washington, DC Hometown: Buena Park, CA Major: Philosophy, Pre-Law “With picturesque scenery, well-designed landscaping and buildings ranging from old stone castle types to modern industrial types, CUA's campus holds plenty of beauty with its rich history. Also, many people, faculty and students alike, share a great hospitable spirit and show a genuine interest in helping one another. Lastly, public transportation is accessible and dependable with the metro stop on campus and the city of Washington, D.C. and all its professional, social, and cultural opportunities at our fingertips!”
Adam Hare, Class of 2010 Creighton University - Omaha, NE Hometown: Overland Park, KS Major: Biology Creighton Students Union President “The opportunities for research and hands-on lab experience are second to none at Creighton. Because of these opportunities, I have been able to acquire the skills with the technology that is needed to land high level internships and was able to get a summer research internship in a neuroscience lab at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The whole Creighton experience has been truly transformative for me, and it changed me as a person, not just as a scholar.”
Kathleen DiMartino, Class of 2010 DePaul University - Chicago, IL Hometown: Naperville, IL Major: French and International Studies Kathleen says, "You will have a really unique college experience if you attend DePaul. Everything from the city environment to DePaul's Vincentian values make this University special. “Service learning is an integral part of the experience. Service learning stems from DePaul’s Vincentian values that encourage students to contribute back to Chicago and the greater world. As a result, DePaul offers a lot of opportunities to volunteer and to become socially responsible leaders. The Student Leadership Institute offers a number of workshops and programs to help students develop their leadership skills and service days are a great way to make a difference in the community.”

About The National CCAA

Established in 1959, The National Catholic College Admission Association (The National CCAA) is a nonprofit organization of Catholic colleges and universities committed to promoting the value of Catholic higher education and to serving students in the transition to college. Currently, there are 160 Catholic colleges and universities that are member institutions. The National CCAA is led by a board of directors who are admissions and enrollment leaders from member institutions, college/guidance counselors from Catholic high schools, and an Executive Director.

Joyce Masek runs the National Office as Executive Director. She started with The National CCAA in September 2009 after spending more than twelve years in admissions. She worked at one National CCAA member institution, Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, for six years, and then worked at a liberal arts institution, Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, for four years. Most recently, she worked at Columbus School for Girls, an independent preK-12 day school in Columbus, OH. Her husband, Lawrence (Larry) Masek, is a philosophy professor at another National CCAA member school, Ohio Dominican University. Joyce values Catholic higher education and received her bachelor's and master's degrees from yet another National CCAA member school, Boston College. Joyce, Larry, and their two children live in Columbus, OH.

The National CCAA Constitution and By-Laws (Revised 6/10)