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March 23, 2016
CLEVELAND — Longtime business leader Joseph Scaminace has pledged a $250,000 gift to Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. The gift kicks off the school’s “Continue the Dream” event, set for April 2 in the school gym. Scaminace, a generous supporter of the school for many years, is the event’s Presenting Sponsor.
“I am extremely proud of what VASJ has accomplished over the past several years, and I want to be part of its ongoing success,” said Scaminace, a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph High School, which merged with Villa Angela Academy to form VASJ in 1990.
“My own experience as a student provided me with a values-based education that guided my approach to life, both personally and professionally,” Scaminace said. “I am blessed to be able to assist in bringing the strong Catholic values of the diocese, the Ursulines and the Marianists to another generation of students at our school.”
Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, VASJ is the only school in the world that is sponsored by both the Ursuline Sisters and the Society of Mary (Marianist Brothers).
“This is an extraordinary gift from Mr. Scaminace,” said Eugene Boyer, Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools & Newman Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Cleveland. “I believe it is one of the largest, if not the largest, gift given to VASJ.
“Mr. Scaminace’s commitment to Catholic education provides not only resources but true hope and love to our students,” Boyer added. “The development of Catholic leaders for the future is critical to our society – indeed, to our world.”
Scaminace served for 10 years as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of OM Group Inc., a $1.5 billion technology-driven diversified industrial manufacturer. The company, which Scaminace left after successfully rewarding shareholders with a 30 percent premium when it was sold last October, employed 6,000 people serving global markets.
Previously, Scaminace was President and Chief Operating Officer of Sherwin Williams, an $8 billion global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of coatings and related products. Scaminace earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Dayton and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.
His latest gift to VASJ will be used in part to enhance values-based leadership lessons at the school. In cooperation with the school and the Diocese of Cleveland, retiring VASJ President Richard Osborne ’69 will coordinate details.
“We’re very grateful for this support,” said VASJ Principal David Csank. “Mr. Scaminace has given powerful and inspiring messages when he has addressed our students in the past. Certainly he is an alum who has expressed his thanks for his education here in both his words and deeds.”
Newly appointed VASJ President William Cervenik ’72 added: “Among the many reasons I am excited about returning to my alma mater is the opportunity to work with outstanding individuals like Joe Scaminace.”
VASJ, the fastest-growing private high school in Ohio, is committed to the spiritual, academic and personal growth of each student.