Theology Department
Welcome to the Theology Department!
Daniel Bizga- Department Chair
Mr. Daniel Bizga returned to teaching at Walsh Jesuit in 2005 and is currently serving as Department Chair. Dan left Walsh Jesuit from 2002 to 2005 to work at John Carroll University. He currently teaches American Religious Experience and Catholic Biomedical Ethics. Dan has a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Religious Studies from John Carroll University and a M.A. in Bioethics from Case Western Reserve University. Dan has a passion for international immersion programming and has been involved with various academic and service learning programs during his tenure at John Carroll and Walsh Jesuit. Dan is currently working with the Ignatian Scholars Program.
Cheryl Byrne
Mrs. Cheryl Byrne joined Walsh Jesuit in 1993, having previously taught at Erieview Catholic High School. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and a M.A. in Religious Studies both from John Carroll University. Mrs. Byrne currently teaches Church History to juniors and Ignatian Spirituality to seniors. Cheryl is currently working with the Ignatian Scholars Program.
Tony DiPre
Tony Dipre is in his first year at Walsh Jesuit under the auspices of the Alumni Volunteer Program. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and Neuroscience from Allegheny College. Tony currently teaches Christian Social Justice to seniors. He also coaches track, and is the Liturgical Coordinator for the Walsh Jesuit Campus Ministry Department.
Adam Green
Adam Green began teaching at Walsh Jesuit in 2011. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from John Carroll University and a Masters of Theological Studies from Boston College. In addition to theology, Adam has a passion for Ignatian Spirituality, philosophy and classical studies, as well as Cleveland and Jesuit university sports. Adam teaches freshman theology (The Bible, and Christology I) as well as senior theology (The Ignatian Vocation through Film).
Fr. Jim King, SJ
Fr. Jim King, SJ, is one of the founding fathers of Walsh Jesuit. He initially came to Walsh Jesuit when it opened in 1965 and has taught here for a total of 40 years. His tenure at Walsh Jesuit has been interrupted three times. He was the Detroit Province Vocation Director for six years and has taken two sabbaticals. During his first sabbatical he worked for a year in India with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta and the Jesuits in northern India. His second sabbatical was for mission work in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with victims of HIV/AIDS. He has a theology degree from Loyola University in Chicago, and two master's degrees from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is currently teaching Christian Social Justice to seniors. He is also involved with the weekly Labre program for the homeless, the Catholic Worker shelter in Akron, Ohio, and the Good Samaritan Hunger Center.
Brian Kudro
Mr. Brian Kudro began teaching at Walsh Jesuit in 2007. Prior to working for Walsh Jesuit, Brian worked in parish youth and young adult ministry for seven years in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Brian has a B.A. in History from Miami of Ohio, and a Masters in Theological Studies from St. Meinrad Archabbey. Brian lives with his wife, Kara, and their children Isac and Ignatius. He currently teaches the Freshmen courses on the Bible and Christology, as well as a section of the Sophomore course on Ecclesiology.
Debbie Kukurza
Mrs. Debbie Kukurza has been teaching at Walsh Jesuit since 2007. She has a B.A in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Ministry from Ursuline College. She teaches sophomore Paschal Mystery and two sections of senior Christian Lifestyles. She is also the moderator for the club Project Speak Out.
David Lauardia
Mr. David LaGuardia is a Walsh Jesuit Alumni (class of ‘97). He is in his 12th year teaching theology at Walsh Jesuit. He earned an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University in Religious Studies and History. He also has a Master of Arts in Ministry from Ursuline College. David attends St. Martin of Tours Parish with his wife and three children. In addition to teaching theology, David also coaches soccer and is a moderator for the outdoors club.
Marissa Madden
Miss Marissa Madden has been teaching at Walsh Jesuit since 2007. She earned a B.A. in Communications and English from John Carroll University in 2005. The following year, Miss Madden volunteered with the foundation Rostro de Cristo in Duran, Ecuador. She has been blessed to return to Duran with WJ students as part of an immersion retreat many times. Miss Madden teaches Christian Social Justice for Seniors and coaches Women’s Track and Field.
Andrew Marquard
Mr. Andrew Marquard began teaching at Walsh Jesuit in 2009. He graduated from Fordham University with an MA in Humanities and Science. His BA in Philosophy is from Duquesne University. He has also completed a Certificate in Film Production from New York University. Andrew currently teaches two sections of freshmen English Skills and Composition, two sections of sophomore Theology - The Mission of Christ: Paschal Mystery, and one class of Multimodal Composition as a senior English elective. In addition to teaching, Andrew produces videos for Walsh Jesuit, moderates CrossFit Club and Intramural Softball, and is the head coach of Women’s Track and Field.
Richard Weber:
Mr. Richard Weber began teaching at Walsh Jesuit in 1995. He currently teaches Freshman Theology (Bible and Christology), anddirects the Liturgical and Chamber Choirs. During his many years on the faculty, Mr. Weber has also held positions as Director of Alumni Relations and Co-Director of Campus Ministry. A 1971 graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, Mr. Weber holds a B. A. in Philosophy from The University of Akron and an M. A. in Ministry from Ursuline College, Cleveland. He is a member of Music Educators National Conference and The National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
