Over her 30 years as a Catholic educator in Hamilton-Wentworth, DiGregorio taught at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, Bishop Ryan, Cardinal Newman and Cathedral, was appointed vice-principal at Cathedral in 1990 and principal of Cathedral in 1997. In 2002, she was appointed superintendent.

In that role, DiGregorio expanded the board’s religion portfolio through large-scale community-based social justice projects, staff “faith days,” environmental education programs, youth empowerment opportunities and diversity activities.

“Nancy has well served her faith and her community and made a significant contribution to our Catholic education system. Faith has always been at the centre of everything she did,” said chairperson Patrick J. Daly, pointing to the annual system-wide pilgrimage fundraiser for Third World charities, the annual intermediate Diversity Conference, the successful implementation of the Ontario EcoSchools program, the establishment of Culture of Life programs, Focus on Youth summer opportunities for socio-economically disadvantaged children and youth, and improvements in the Religion and Family Life curriculum.

DiGregorio’s greatest contribution, though, was her commitment to those most in need, said Daly.

At a board tribute, DiGregorio reflected on her career saying, it had been “an unbelievable ride.”

“I am so humbled by the many successes that we have been able to achieve over the years,” she said in thanking trustees, “but if success was indeed realized, it was because of the support the administration has received from you.

“With your support, Catholic education in Hamilton-Wentworth will continue to thrive and meet with the utmost of success.”