A Time to be bold!
Hello Alumni and Friends,
Welcome to the Trinity Alumni Network!
It is with great joy and a deep sense of gratitude that we welcome you to our vibrant alumni community. Just as the Holy Trinity represents the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are united here in the shared experiences, values, and traditions that have shaped us from Berks Catholic, Central Catholic and Holy Name high schools.
Our journey has been guided by the principles of faith, wisdom, and fellowship. As we reconnect and continue to support one another, may we embody the spirit of the Trinity—finding strength in our unity, inspiration in our diversity, and comfort in our shared mission of promoting Catholic education in Berks County.
We invite you to rekindle old friendships, update us on your adventures, and contribute to the growth of our network. Together, let us celebrate our past, embrace the present, and build a future grounded in the values that have always guided us.
In faith and fellowship,
Robert Birmingham, M.Ed (HN '83)
Sarah (Williams) Hess (HN '99)
Director of Institutional Advancement Director of Alumni Relations
Meet the Team
BOB BIRMINGHAM, Director of Institutional Advancement
Mr. Bob Birmingham served as the Principal at St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School for thirteen years and the Girls Basketball Coach at Berks Catholic since its inception and at Holy Name from 1989. He also served as Athletic Director and teacher at Holy Name from 1989 until 2006.
Mr. Birmingham holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Penn State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Alvernia University. With over 30 years of experience in Catholic education, all within the Allentown Diocese and Berks County community, Mr. Birmingham has been involved in fundraising, development, philanthropy, and obtaining grants. This experience will serve him well as he oversees all aspects of development and fundraising at Berks Catholic, working closely with Ms. Mary Ann Conway, Advancement Officer, Mrs. Sarah Hess, Director of Alumni Relations, and Mrs. Danielle Fowler, Extravaganza Coordinator.
MARY ANN CONWAY, Advancement Officer
Mary Ann Conway brings more than two decades of distinguished experience in advancement, major gifts, and nonprofit leadership to her role as Advancement Officer. With a career spanning educational institutions, social service organizations, and foundation management, she has consistently strengthened donor engagement, expanded philanthropic pipelines, and built sustainable fundraising programs. Her work has supported Catholic elementary schools, higher education, community organizations, and regional nonprofits, where she has established major gift strategies, secured transformational contributions, and cultivated lasting donor relationships. Throughout her career, Mary Ann has launched and revitalized major giving and annual fund programs, stewarded leadership-level donors, and guided boards and committees on development best practices. Her accomplishments include tripling donor pools, securing six- and seven-figure gifts, establishing planned giving programs, and developing strategic campaigns that have advanced organizational missions across the region. She has also been a trusted advisor to school leaders, offering expertise in enrollment, marketing, alumni relations, and long-term advancement planning. Mary Ann’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. She has held board leadership positions, advised grassroots organizations, and supported strategic planning and alumni initiatives for schools and nonprofit partners. With her collaborative approach, deep knowledge of philanthropy, and passion for strengthening community-based missions, Mary Ann plays a vital role in advancing the work and impact of our organization.
SARAH HESS, Director of Alumni Relations
Sarah (Williams) Hess joins Berks Catholic as the Director of Alumni Relations and will be working directly for Mr. Birmingham in Institutional Advancement. Previously, she held the role of Foundation Manager at the Foundation for RACC, where she managed many aspects of higher educational advancement including annual giving campaigns, fundraising/special events and alumni gatherings, and donor engagement. Prior to RACC, Sarah started her 20-year fundraising career at the Kutztown University Foundation working up to the role of Database Manager.
Sarah and her family are members of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish. She is an alumna of both St. Ignatius Loyola School and Holy Name (1999) and has family members who are graduates of both Central Catholic and Holy Name.