Professional Success Members

Kevin Blakeley (’76)

May 1995

A gentle, humble man, Kevin Blakeley embodies the Lake Catholic High School philosophy. The 1976 graduate is a man whose life is guided by unwavering belief in God and in the sanctity of human life. For him, that very basic but profound belief translates into service … to family, friends, and Church, and to the people of Euclid who look to him for order and security.

As a narcotics and vice squad detective in the Euclid Police Department, Kevin has earned the respect of his colleagues and community, and serves as a vital member of the crisis negotiation team. His frequent “above and beyond” efforts have assisted many troubled individuals — young and old — in turning their lives around. Despite a demanding work schedule, Kevin’s first — and most precious — priority is his wife Mary Ann and children Damian and Claire. Family is indeed the heart of his life. And that spirit spills over to the St. Christine Parish family of which the Blakeleys are active and committed members. Kevin readily lends his time, talent, and energy to the parish, serving as a eucharistic minister, a member of the education commission, and as a coach. He never tires of extending himself for others. Kevin Blakeley is far more than a dedicated family man or public servant; he is a selfless man of principle and integrity who enriches humanity certainly by his doing, but even more importantly, by his very being.

Suzanne Dill (’81)

April 1990

While a student at Lake Catholic, Suzanne was involved in several activities including cheerleading, the musicals, and being secretary of Student Government. She was the 1980–81 Homecoming Queen, received a Christian Witness Award, and was named to Who’s Who Among High School Students.

Her accomplishments continued while attending the University of Akron. An officer for three years on the Council for Exceptional Children, Suzanne was named the Council’s National Student of the Year in 1985.

Suzanne graduated from the University of Akron in 1985 with a dual certification in teaching the Developmentally Handicapped and Moderate-Severe-Profound Retarded. She completed her Masters Degree in Educational Administration in 1988 from Cleveland State University and is currently teaching developmentally handicapped students at Roosevelt School in Euclid. She is on a team writing a full course of study for Special Education programs (K–12) and serves on the Curriculum Council Committee and Building Management Team in the Euclid School District.

Judge John P. O'Donnell ('80)

March 2024

Judge John P. O’Donnell has served Lake County since earning his law degree in 1987, not long after graduating from Lake Catholic.

Early in his career, John served as an assistant public defender and an assistant prosecutor for Lake County, where he was involved in several high-profile criminal cases. His successful private practice allowed him to pursue several leadership positions within his community, including serving as an elected councilman in the City of Willowick for 14 years, followed by six years as its Law Director.

John was elected as a judge to the Lake County Common Pleas Court in 2014 after a 28-year career as an attorney. Serving on the bench has allowed him to impact the lives of many Lake County citizens.

The foundation received at Lake Catholic High School set the course for John to embark on a successful and satisfying career serving his community.

While at Lake Catholic, John learned the value of hard work, dedication, and commitment to others. His leadership skills and the respect of his teammates prompted him to be named a tri-captain of the football team and a co-captain of the basketball team. The leadership skills and values instilled at Lake Catholic have served him well as an attorney and judge.

Kenneth Stefanek (’80)

May 1991

During his four years at Lake Catholic, Ken was involved in several activities, including wrestling, football, and marching band. He was also an integral part of the formation of the Cougar Zoo. Ken was a member of the National Honor Society and was the recipient of an academic excellence award.

He volunteered at the Indiana School for the Handicapped and was the judicial chairperson of his residence hall while attending the University of Notre Dame. Ken was named a distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program in 1984 and holds a degree in mechanical engineering.

Ken has maintained and strengthened the values his family and Lake Catholic instilled in him. He is a eucharistic minister, a lector, and instructs high school confirmation candidates. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Currently, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, Ken has received many military honors during his career. He is stationed in the Persian Gulf and flew combat missions in F-16C Fighting Falcons during Operation Desert Storm. Recently, he received four air medals for participation in over 40 missions and was nominated for the distinguished flying cross and several other medals for participating in sensitive combat sorties. He has also been nominated to attend the premier school for Air Force fighter pilots when he returns to the United States.

Dr. Donald Sull ('81)

October 2010

Dr. Donald N. Sull is a Professor of Management Practice in Strategic and International Management and Faculty Director of Executive Education at the London Business School where he designed, directs and teaches an intensive week-long “boot camp” to help senior executives thrive in turbulent markets.

He published five books and over 100 case studies, book chapters, and articles, including several best-selling Harvard Business Review articles. Professor Sull has been identified as a guru by The Economist, which named his theory of active inertia as an idea that has shaped business management over the past century. Fortune listed him among the ten new management experts to know.

He has won teaching awards at the London Business School and Harvard University. Sull received his AB, MBA, and doctorate from Harvard University, and served as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School before rejoining the London Business School faculty.

His most recent book, The Upside of Turbulence: Seizing opportunity in an uncertain world (HarperCollins, 2009) was dedicated to his children and “all the young people making their way in a turbulent world. May they face an uncertain future with a sense of adventure, not fear.” His academic research awards include the Dively Award for outstanding dissertation and the Newcomen Prize for the best business history article.

A widely recognized example of teaching excellence, Dr. Sull established the Joseph Tomba Scholarship at Lake Catholic in 2010 in honor of his former English teacher and long-time department chair for whom the scholarship is named.

Paul J. Tesar, PhD ('99)

March 2025

A pioneering scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. Paul Tesar dedicated his career to uncovering the mechanisms underlying neurological diseases and discovering breakthrough therapies. Internationally recognized for his neuroscience research, he transformed the understanding of specialized glial cells in the brain, leading to new treatments for patients.

Paul’s passion for science took root at Lake Catholic, where he excelled academically while competing in football and track, studying Latin, and earning the title of Most Likely to be Successful. He continued his education at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Oxford before returning to northeast Ohio to lead a prominent research laboratory at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He also founded multiple biotechnology companies focused on regenerative therapies for neurological diseases.

Throughout his career, Paul remained committed to mentorship and education, earning numerous prestigious honors. His legacy reflects the values of curiosity, leadership, and service instilled at Lake Catholic.

Michael J. Whitely ('81)

May 1991

While a student at Lake Catholic, Mike was involved in many aspects of the school, including football, wrestling, student government, LC Singers, and Thespians. He was the choir's president and received a Rotary honor for his role in Bye Bye Birdie. He was also named the Christian Life Award winner in 1981 by his peers and the Lake Catholic faculty.

Entertainment is still a large part of his life. Mike is a music minister, and he writes, directs, produces, and performs in multi-media shows for Whitely Productions.

As a criminal justice graduate of Youngstown State University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, Mike served on the “front line” of the war against drugs as an undercover agent for five years. Keeping everything in perspective in his line of work is the direct result of a strong family and a firm faith in God.

He is currently a Drug Abuse Resistance Education consultant and a deputy sheriff in Ashtabula County. He educates grade school children on the effects of drug use and offers suggestions on “alternative highs” as a part of the DARE program. He expanded his belief in the anti-drug movement by co-founding the non-profit information agency, Ohio Says “No” to Drugs. He has given youth a very firm, direct, yet not upsetting, message: drugs kill, and life can be much more rewarding without them.