Posted
April 01, 2026
The Maureen Isabella Ashdown Award is presented to a non-graduate who exemplifies Holy Cross hospitality and loyally serves St. Edward High School.
Cathy Milowicki, who will retire in June 2026, has left a lasting mark on the St. Edward community. She began in August 2009 as one of the school's librarians, where her commitment to learning, organization, and support for students and faculty quickly made her a trusted colleague across campus.
Cathy’s role soon expanded beyond the library. She became a key contributor to the International Baccalaureate Program by managing the Extended Essay process, coordinating faculty training, and overseeing testing logistics. She also played an important role in graduation each year, helping create a meaningful and seamless celebration for families. Behind the scenes, she supported the school’s evolving technology needs with the same steady, reliable approach. No matter the task, her calm presence and willingness to help made her someone others could always count on.
Cathy had the opportunity to share her St. Edward experience with her son, Ryan ’12, and daughter, Cari, a 2015 graduate of Saint Joseph Academy. The two participated together in the Edwardian Players and as Marching Eagles. She fondly recalls watching their halftime performances with her husband, Chris, and her parents, who eagerly made their way to the 50-yard line each week to see their grandchildren perform and cheer on Eagle football. Ryan’s recognition as Man of the Year in 2012 remains a special family memory and a meaningful connection to the school.
In May 2018, Milowicki brought her talents to the Office of Institutional Advancement, where she quickly became the heart of the team’s data and gift processing work. With remarkable attention to detail, she created systems and documentation that not only strengthened daily operations but will continue to support the department well into the future.
Throughout her years at St. Edward, Milowicki has been known for her kindness, reliability, and quiet dedication to others. As she looks ahead to retirement, she is excited to travel domestically and internationally with Chris, visit her children in New York City, and spend more time running on the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails.
While her daily presence on campus will be missed, her influence remains woven into the work and people she helped shape. Her impact will continue to be felt for years to come in the systems she built, the relationships she formed, and the steady example she set for others.
Please join us in honoring Cathleen M. Milowicki, as well as this year's other award recipients, at the annual Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026.