2005 Hall of Fame Dinner

The Bishop McNamara Hall Of Fame grew by 4 members on Saturday April 30, 2005 at the Eighth Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

Mike Ryan ’74, Patti Donaldson LR’81, Bernard Joseph ’82, and Chris Maruca ’86 joined the elite group of student-athletes to be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments during their playing days in high school and their commitment to community and faith in the pursuing years.

Congratulations to these fine alumni! Below is a brief profile on each of our inductees:

Mike Ryan ‘74

Mike was an outstanding two sport athlete here at Bishop McNamara. He played varsity golf for 4 years and varsity football for two seasons. Mike was the quarterback and co-captain of the 1973 undefeated City Championship team. He was a second team All-Met selection that year and was co-captain of the East-West All Star Game.

Mike continued playing two sports in college at Gettysburg College. He again played varsity golf for 4 years and in 1977 was the MVP and Player of the Year on the varsity football team. After graduating in 1978 Mike turned golf into a professional career.

In 1981 Mike completed the PGA Business School. Since that time he has been the winner of 6 individual PGA section Pro/Ams and qualified for the PGA Club Professional Championship from 1991 through 1995. He has been a member of the PGA since 1981 and is a member of the Club Manager’s Association since 2003.

Mike credit’s his entrance into Bishop McNamara as a sophomore as a turning point in his life. Here he actually had to study! Thus, he was prepared to enter college and move forward with a success life. Certainly one of his high school highlights was the opportunity to play football in RFK Stadium in route to the City Championship.

Patti Donaldson LR’81

Patti was a triple threat in her playing days at LaReine. She earned varsity letters in three sports and was the MVP of the 1981 softball team. Patti received a basketball scholarship to Winthrop College and played with the Eagles in her freshman year. She walked on to the varsity softball team that same year, and gave up basketball to concentrate on her softball career.

Patti went on to become the 1984 Most Improved Player on the Winthrop Eagles softball team and in 1985 was co-captain of her team and selected to the First String NAIA All-Tournament Team.

To this day, Patti remembers both the academic and life lessons that she learned in her days at LaReine and says that they are a big part of whom she is today.

Patti is a decorated member of the Maryland State Police. She has been honored as the 2001 Narcotics Investigator of the Year and the Superintendents Salute as a member of the Sniper Murders Task Force in 2002.

Bernard Joseph ‘82

Bernard was a football standout in the early 1980’s. In his Junior year he was named second team All-County and second team All-Conference. In his senior season he garnered many honors including first team All-county, first team All-Conference, first team All-State, and second team All-Met. Bernard was the 1982 recipient of the Thomas Buckley Award.

Bernard went on to attend Virginia Tech, and graduated from the school in 1987.

As an alumnus, Bernard has always remained close to Bishop McNamara. It was here that he grew in his understanding of the love of Jesus Christ and how Christ died so that we might live. It has been that understanding that has motivated Bernard in the choices he has made in life.

Bernard says that Bishop McNamara has always been a special place. In 2002 he was awarded the Caritas Award.

Chris Maruca ‘86

Chris played 4 years of football and three years of basketball during his days at Bishop McNamara. He was a three year starter on the varsity football team and in 1985 was a team captain and named first team All-Met. Additionally, Chris was a member of the National Honor Society.

Chris earned a full football scholarship to The College of the Holy Cross. He earned his varsity letter all four years and was captain of his team in his senior season. He also received honors as a first team All-ECAC and second team All Patriot League player. Chris graduated from Holy Cross in 1990. He then went on to complete Law School at Duquesne University in 1996. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and Ohio Bar.

While Chris has many fond memories from his high school days, one of his most vivid is having had the opportunity to play football during his sophomore year alongside his brother Dan, who was a senior at that time. It brought the two brothers closer and helped them develop a bond that Chris says has only grown stronger over the years.