On March 16, 2024, Cathedral Preparatory School will induct two new members to the President’s Hall of Fame during its annual Legacy Gala. This year’s Legacy Gala, "Igniting Excellence," will be a celebration to honor those who ignite the fire of excellence in the local community and who serve as shining examples in encouraging Prep students to do the same: Bridget (Power) Barber '70VMA and Joseph Kloecker '70.
Bridget (Power) Barber ’70VMA serves as the Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at the Barber National Institute. Bridget and her husband, John, have five children: John ’97, Eileen ’00VMA, Bob ’03, Brendan ’08, and Patrick ’09, all of whom attended Cathedral Prep or Villa Maria Academy. In 2000 Bridget joined the Barber National Institute where she managed various departments and spent the last 10 years developing the Department of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives to what it is today. Bridget and her husband, John, have been married for 48 years and together were honored with a Helping Hands Award from Bishop Troutman and designated as Knight & Lady of the Holy Sepulcher by Pope John Paul II. Bridget is a parishioner at Saint Peter Cathedral and is a proud supporter of Catholic education as well as being actively involved in the Erie community. She’s held many fundraising leadership positions and was a volunteer at the Cathedral Center for many years. Not only does she support children and adults in need through her work at the Barber National Institute, but she also serves as a board member for Saint Mary’s Home of Erie and Asbury Woods.
Joseph E. Kloecker ’70 recently retired after a 27-year career as a Senior Financial Advisor at HBKS® Wealth Advisors. Joe is one of the many members of the Kloecker family who are proud graduates of Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy. His son, Andrew, graduated from Prep in 2013. Previously, Joe served on the Finance Committee and as President of the Cathedral Prep Advisory Board. Over the years, Joe has been a very active member of the Erie community, serving as a volunteer for many organizations, most often in a leadership role. He spent many years as a volunteer at Gannon University, working on the Annual Fund and serving on the Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Business. In October 2022, Joe received Gannon University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Additionally, Joe has held leadership and advisory positions at many Erie area nonprofits. He was recently named a Trustee of the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation and is serving as an advisor to the Investment Committee of the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania.
Legacy Gala is Prep’s premier fundraising event and will take place once again at the Bayfront Convention Center on Saturday, March 16, 2024. All are invited to join us for an evening of celebrating, dancing, and spirited bidding. For more details on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jimmy Smith at Jimmy.Smith@CathedralPrep.com. Registration will open in the new year; more details can be found at www.CathedralPrep.com/LegacyGala.