Msgr. Lester Award
Steve '72 and Mary '73 Pajakowski, Msgr. Lester Honorees
Stephen and Mary Pajakowski are longtime supporters of Catholic education and Saint Joseph High School. They are both Saint Joe alumni; Steve is Class of 1972 and Mary, Class of 1973. Together, they have been parishioners at Corpus Christi, Holy Cross, and now Christ the King. Steve and Mary sent their three children, Adam, '01; Stephanie,'06; and Ted,'08 to Saint Joseph High School and now have five grandchildren.
Steve attended Holy Cross College and then Notre Dame before launching a career in accounting. He eventually joined Crowe, where he spent 35 years and became partner. Steve was an instrumental member of the group who built the firm's tax practice from a small local team to a $200 million global practice.
Mary graduated from Saint Mary's College, and spent an admirable 38 years as a teacher. Both Mary and Steve celebrated retirement in 2016.
For many years, the Pajakowski's have been avid supporters of Saint Joe athletics. As parents, Steve and Mary were often cheering in the stands at baseball and football games as well as track meets. Steve was an assistant baseball coach for a time and Mary was a football mom. Steve is still seen at most of the Saint Joe football games on Friday nights in the fall!
Steve and Mary provided significant philanthropic support to the construction of our new campus through the Forward in Faith campaign. More recently, they were among the first to support the development of the North Fields, helping to make possible the new girls softball field and complex, which is not far from the baseball fields named after Steve's father, Ernie Pajakowski.
The Pajakowski's renew their commitment to Catholic education and Saint Joe every year, contributing to both the annual fund and the Scholarship Granting Organization of Northeast Indiana. Their contributions have supported scholarships for countless students throughout the years. In the spring of 2020, Steve and Mary were instrumental in providing immediate tuition relief for students whose parents were impacted by COVID-19, and helped to garner support from other Saint Joe contributors.
These are just some of the ways that Steve and Mary have contributed to Saint Joe. Years ago, while still at Crowe, Steve coordinated support from among all Saint Joe alumni at Crowe. Steve's leadership in this endeavor not only contributed to the success of Saint Joe's annual gala fundraiser, it demonstrated that everyone has a responsibility to give what they can in the ways that they can. Steve continues to serve as a volunteer on the Mission Advancement Committee of the Saint Joe School Board, providing advice and support in the school's development efforts.
The Pajakowski's have a true love for Saint Joseph High School. They selflessly and generously give of their time, talent, and treasure, in ways that make Saint Joe and our community a better place.