2013 Cleveland International Hall of Fame Inductees
Cleveland Marriott Hotel Ballroom
May 8, 2013

The Cleveland International Hall of Fame will induct the 2013 Class on Wednesday May 8, 2013.

Almost 100 worthy candidates were nominated for the 2013 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. The selection committee was advised by previously inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

The Cleveland International Hall of Fame Class of 2013 consists of (in alphabetical order) :

• Jack Coyne
• Joe Holzer
• Sam Miller
• Nacy Panzica
• Bishop Edward Pevec
• Maria Pujana
• Ratanjit Sondhe

View Photos and Bios of the 2013 Inductors (coming soon)

John 'Jack' Coyne

John ("Jack") P. Coyne was born in Cleveland, Ohio. John is a graduate of Benedictine High School, and he received his accounting degree and law degree from the University of Notre Dame. John has practiced law in Cleveland for fifty six years. After law school he became a Captain in the United States army and the Ohio National Guard, serving eight years.

As Founder of Park-Here, Inc., later known as Coyne-Kangesser Parking and now a Division of ABM, John is Vice President of Development and is widely known throughout the parking industry. He was Director of the National Parking Association and serves as Trustee to the Cleveland Parking Association. He presently serves on the Boards of the Historic Warehouse District and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance and is President of the Irish-American Charitable Foundation.

He is past president of the St. Ignatius Father's Club, the Catholic Counseling Center, and the University of Notre Dame - Cleveland Club.

John has served as legal counsel and Director of the State Saving and Loan Company of South Euclid, Citizen Home Savings and Loan of Lorain, and Pioneer Savings of Cleveland.

John became active in the Irish Community when he was seventeen years old and was Drum Major for the East Side I.A. Club in the early 1950's. After Law School he became involved with the West Side I.A. Club. At the Club he worked with Terry Joyce, a well-known labor leader and activist for the Irish. This led to his involvement in The Irish National Caucus, which was and still is an Irish-American Lobby Group founded by Father Sean McManus of Washington, D.C. The Lobby Group was formed to counterbalance British influences in the United States Congress and government at a time when Northern Ireland was engulfed in violence. John became President of the Cleveland Chapter.

In 1981 Project Children evolved from the Irish National Caucus. Project Children is an American-Northern Ireland partnership dedicated to showing Catholic and Protestant children that they have nothing to fear from each other and much to gain. The Program originated in New York in 1975. The purpose was to give all the children a much needed break from the grim politics of their country and an extraordinary opportunity to interact together. Most important, it kept the children away from the violence and the paramilitaries who worked double time recruiting the children during school breaks.

The first Group arrived in Cleveland in 1983 under the umbrella of the Irish National Caucus. In 1984 John took charge of the Program. He and his wife Mary personally took over the interviewing, placement of children, summer activities, and fund raising. The Cleveland Chapter closed in 1996 when John and Mary's daughter, Cathleen, became ill.

In the 1990's John was a founding member of the Irish Famine Committee. The Committee built the Famine Monument, planted a time capsule, and was dedicated on September 16, 2000. John also became a founding member and President for four years of the Irish American Political Action Committee (IPAC). IPAC raised money to support local and national Irish American political candidates. The IPAC evolved into The Irish American Charitable Foundation (IACF) of which John is President.

The mission of the ICAF is to support and provide start-up funds to promote and develop the sustained growth of cultural and educational activities of Irish American organizations in the Northeast Ohio area. In the past several years the ICAF has hosted the Irish Sopranos at Severance Hall, worked with the Irish Garden Club to support its renovation and expansion of the Garden. ICAF supported the Cleveland Public Theatre in its tribute to W. B Yeats, and most recently underwrote the re-publication of the Greater Cleveland Irish Directory.

John has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout the years.

John is married to Mary O'Rourke for the past fifty-nine years and is the proud father of six children and twelve grandchildren. He resides in Shaker Heights.

Jack Coyne will be inducted by Aidan Cronin, Consul General of Ireland

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Josef Holzer

Josef Holzer was born in September of 1926 in Apatin, Batschka, in the former Yugoslavia, where he attended elementary school, high school, and then studied to become an electrician. He eventually met and married Franziska Kufner, a union that would last 62 years until Franziska's passing in November of 2011.

In 1952, with his wife, young daughter Ilse, and parents, he immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he found a job as an electrician with the Ford Motor Company. Today, he is a grandfather of three and a great grandfather of two.

Joe became a member of the Society of the Donauschwaben in Cleveland soon after the organization was founded in 1958, as did many other Donauschwaben immigrants who were new to our city. They wished to find a place in their new country where they were understood and felt like family. Joe quickly became an organizational leader and was elected President of The Society of the Donauschwaben in 1966, an office he would hold for 30 years.

During that time span, he also served the national organization, The Society of the Donauschwaben U.S.A., as a Regional President. In these roles, he demonstrated his leadership ability and served as a mentor to many. Joe's legacy as a leader of the Donauschwaben includes, without a doubt, his ability to get young people interested and involved in various leadership roles at both the local and national level to ensure the organization's future.

During his 30 year tenure as President, Joe received many accolades for his accomplishments to foster the growth of the Donauschwaben organization and to secure its future. These accomplishments can be attributed to his many talents and abilities, the greatest of which are his natural warmth, good nature and ability to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

Joe possesses a willingness to stand up for others; he is a man of his word; and, he has earned the friendship, respect and admiration of members, friends, colleagues and community leaders throughout the decades that he has served the Donauschwaben organization. The friendships Joe has fostered over time encompass Donauschwaben from around the world, bishops and priests, mayors and governors, police and firemen, as well as neighbors from within the community that include the retirees who fish at Lenau Park during the week. As many of the founding members of the Donauschwaben organization had children, Joe was quick to embrace each one of those children as "his kids" and referred to them as "our future"; in return, the Donauschwaben youth called him Uncle Sepp, monikers that have stood the test of time.

Joe is also a natural leader with the ability to motivate others to his cause and encourage them to work together. His love and respect for his heritage, and the traditions of the Donauschwaben culture are well known, and endear him even more to those who call him friend. His "lead by example" approach inspired all to contribute where they could. These qualities made him the perfect individual to lead the Donauschwaben organization into the future.

Nothing exemplifies this more than the building of our facility in Olmsted Township, an undertaking that would take every bit of 15 years to complete. Joe's vision for the future of the organization, his willingness to dedicate himself to the project, and his ability to lead others in accomplishing the goal made the impossible become reality. Overseeing the design, construction and fundraising aspects of the project, Joe brought the Donauschwaben community together to see this plan to fruition.

Along with all his other qualities, one more needs mentioning. Joe has always had a great love of children, and wishes to ensure that the organization remain strong for generations to come. Today, the facility in Olmsted Township, also known as Lenau Park, is home to many programs for children which instill in them an appreciation of their Donauschwaben ancestry. These include a German Language School, Youth Folk Dancing Groups, and a growing Youth Soccer Program. Other programs enjoyed by both the young and old include a ski club, tennis club, and a brass band.

The organization rounds out the group offerings with a European-style bowling group, a ladies auxiliary, and a senior group. Joe always knew that in order for the organization to be successful, there had to be a place that members could call home; a place where they could participate in cultural activities; and, a place for "our youth" to learn about their ancestors and their traditions.

One would think that after completing the building project, Joe's work would be finished. However, after the building opened in 1986, he continued on as the organization's President for another ten years. During the last decade, he worked tirelessly to support various groups and programs, to complete additional projects at the facility, and to secure funding into the future.

After stepping down as President, Joe was named an Honorary President of the organization and took on the role of Director of Operations, titles he still holds today. Even at the age of 86, there is rarely a day that he is not at Lenau Park overseeing an operations concern, acting as "Mr. Hospitality" in the restaurant, feeding the fish, or meeting friends and acquaintances, both young and old.

Josef Holzer's legacy includes a great many accomplishments, spanning a lifetime of labor for a cause he holds dear. For the generations of members that follow him, he has instilled an appreciation for the customs and traditions of the Donauschwaben culture, a commitment to perpetuating that culture through youth programs and education, and an understanding that all such ventures require time, energy, and a great deal of commitment. As an organization, we owe Joe a debt of gratitude that can only be repaid with an ongoing commitment to the future of the Donauschwaben in Cleveland.

Josef Holzer will be inducted by Margot Maurer, President of Donauschwaben

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Sam Miller

Samuel H. Miller is co-chairman emeritus of Forest City Enterprises, Inc.

A key stakeholder since 1947, Miller has overseen various areas of Forest City. He is particularly credited with spearheading the Company’s move into land development. Miller has served as treasurer since 1992. He was named chairman of the board in 1993, and was joined by Albert B. Ratner as co-chairman of the board in 1995.

In addition to his commitment to Forest City, Miller is actively engaged in the Cleveland community and is a nationally recognized leader in the Jewish community. Miller has served on the board of trustees of the following organizations: WVIZ, Urban League, Jewish National Fund, Baldwin-Wallace College, Crime Stoppers, Police Memorial, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Cleveland State University, Notre Dame College, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation and John Carroll University.

In addition, Miller is a Lifetime Honorary Trustee of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland and National Conference of Christians and Jews, and an Honorary Trustee of Case Western Reserve University. He also participates in the Greater Cleveland Roundtable and serves on the board of directors and executive committee of The Cleveland Clinic. In 2003, he was made a Distinguished Fellow of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Miller is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, and has an MBA from Harvard Business School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946.

Sam Miller will be inducted by Dr. Andrew P. Roth, president of Notre Dame College

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Nacy Panzica

Nacy Panzica has been in the construction industry for over 60 years. Through his guidance and leadership, Panzica Construction Company has grown from simple residential remodeling projects to what it is today, a multi-million dollar construction company. Panzica Construction Company has earned an enviable reputation for delivering the finest craftsmanship to an impressive list of challenging and rewarding ventures.

Some of Nacy's affiliations include:

• Arthritis Foundation of Greater Cleveland - 2002 Community Leader of the Year
• Catholic Charities Corporation - Trustee
• Help for the Retarded, Inc. - Board Member 1977 to 1985
• Alhambra for Retarded Children
• Cuyahoga Community College - Trustee 1980 to 1986
• St. Augustine Manor - Trustee
• Ellis Island Recipient 2003
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Nacy Panzica will be inducted by Paul Sciria

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Bishop Edward Pevec

The Most Reverend (Anthony) Edward Pevec was born in Cleveland, OH on April 16,1925. He was ordained a Priest on April 29,1950 and ordained a Bishop on July 2,1982.

He was installed Vicar of Eastern Region July 20,1982 and retired April 3, 2001.

He attended St. Vitus Elementary School and then Cathedral Latin High School. He went on to Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, MI and then St. Mary Seminary for his Cleveland Ordination. He received a Master of Arts degree from John Carroll University and a Ph.D. in 1964 from Western Reserve University.

He was assigned to St. Mary Church, Elyria, OH, Associate Pastor: 1950-1952, St. Lawrence Church, Cleveland, OH, Associate Pastor: 1952-1953, Borromeo Seminary High School, Wickliffe, OH: 1953-1975, Teacher, Assistant Principal and Vice-Rector, Principal and Rector St. John College, Cleveland, OH, Graduate School Instructor: 1964-1973, St. Vitus Church, Cleveland, OH, Pastor: 1975-1979, Borromeo College of Ohio, Wickliffe, OH, Rector-President: 1979-1982.

Bishop Pevec served on

• Priests' Committee for Promotion of Vocations Clergy Relations Board
• Clergy Personnel Board Task Force on Catholic Secondary Education
• NCEA Executive Committee Committee on Evaluation of Seminaries
• Catholic Conference of Ohio
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Vocations Committee on Pro-Life Activities
• Committee on Science and Human Values for the State of Ohio
• State Chaplain, Catholic Order of Foresters
• State Chaplain, Knights of Columbus.

Among his many well-deserved honors are

• Slovenian Man of the Year
• St. Vitus Hall of Fame
• Wickliffe Man of the Year
• Knights of Columbus Catholic Man of the Year
• Cathedral Latin Alumni Association Man of the Year
• John Carroll Alumni Honoree

Bishop Edward Pevec will be inducted by Jure Zmauc, Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia

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Maria Pujana

Dr. Maria Pujana, a physician, a clinical neurologist and neurophysiologist, is a faculty member at Case Western Reserve University's Global Health in the School of Medicine.

Her fields of concentrations are Economic Development, Public Health, Education Arts and Culture and International Affairs.

Dr. Pujana was a member of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland Foundation from 2002 to 2012 (Chair of Advisory and Selection Committee for Scholarships), Founder and Chair of the International Committee, Invest on Children Partner Member. She is a member of the MetroHealth Foundation Board, The Cleveland Red Cross (Chair of the International Affairs and Services Committee), The Advisory Board of the Cleveland Institute of Art, and the Helen Moss Cancer Research Foundation, Member of the Cleveland Office of Minority Health Advisory Committee.

She is also president and designer of Marise Designs a fine and fashion jewelry line. Her collection has accessorized Gala of Hispanic Designers, "Pasarela Cibeles Fashion Week" in Madrid Spain, New York Fashion Week and she has been featured in Vogue, Hola/Hello Magazine, Latina Style, The Plain Dealer, Sun Newspapers, Currents, Selecta, etc. and her jewelry was also shown in Cadena Magazine.

She received the 2011 Distinguish Ohioan Award; the 2010 TiE Ohio Community Catalyst Award; the 2009 YWCA Women of Achievement Award; the 2008 Visionary Award from the Hispanic Business Association; 2003 Business Woman of the Year from Score Magazine (USA); the 1997 Titan of Style from The Sun Newspapers and Nordstrom

She is a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2005.

Maria Pujana will be inducted by Len Komoroski, CEO of Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena

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Ratanjit Sondhe

Ratanjit S. Sondhe emigrated from India in 1968 with two Masters' degrees and $8 in his pocket to complete his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry at Akron University.

In 1973, he founded POLY-CARB, Inc., a materials science company, which he ran as its CEO for 34 years until it was acquired by The Dow Chemical Company in 2007. Running POLY-CARB, Ratanjit developed a groundbreaking leadership and management style where there were no titles and no bosses, simply well-developed and documented values and operating principles guiding every decision made by each team member.

His pioneering work on ONENESS, resulting in leadership from within while living and operating stress free, gave him international recognition as "Mr. Stress Free." He has authored several books including TEA: The Recipe for Stress-free Living, The Secret of Our Ultimate Success, and 101 Gems to Re-Align Our Lives. Upcoming books include Oneness - The Secret of True Success, and Is Job Creation Bankrupting America? Wealth Creation vs. Job Creation - A New Paradigm.

Today, Ratanjit is a sought after professional speaker, author, radio and television personality, leadership coach, and a business consultant. His television programs are aired in over 150 countries. He has to his credit over 800 audio and over 600 video programs. Every day, he posts a new inspiring quote on Facebook, where he has over 28,000 fans.

Ratanjit has been the recipient of many local, national and international awards, including induction into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame in 2010 - for his pioneering work of wealth creation instead of job creation for inner city residents - through initiating the Multicultural Business Development Center at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. This model was adopted by the National Urban League for duplication throughout the U.S.

In 2006, Ratanjit was awarded the Pride of India Gold Award by the NRI Institute, a world-wide entity, at its annual event in London for his global contribution toward stress-free living. His pioneering, life-changing, and empowering leadership training program is being published in a book under the title ZERO - The Core of Leadership.

He is committed to community service and devotes many hours and resources to active participation on the boards of numerous non-profit entities including The Cleveland Foundation, Project Love, Red Cross, and The City Club Foundation, among others.

Ratanjit Sondhe will be inducted by Ken Lanci

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