Summer 2010
Epilogue Go Ou lf t Re gis ing tra p. 9 tion
Lt. Col. Christopher Boyle ’86
A Magazine for Alumni, Alumni Parents, and Friends of Devon Preparatory School
Headmaster’s Message
Dear Fellow Alumni, This year I was privileged to attend my thirty-fifth Devon Prep graduation (one as a student, thirty-four as a teacher). Each of these events is a very special one, marking the transition from Devon Prep student to Devon Prep alumnus. On 5 June fifty-six young men became our newest Devon Prep alumni. I salute them for the contributions they have made to the life of our school and I welcome them as fellow alumni. I also wish them every success in their college studies and throughout their lives. For the past few years we have been privileged to have a succession of distinguished alumni as our graduation speakers. This year was no exception. Our graduation speaker this year was Dr. Anthony V. Coletta ’71 and our Distinguished Alumni honoree was Lt. Col. Christopher Boyle ’86. As I made the rounds of graduation parties I heard nothing but praise for the words of wisdom imparted to our graduates by Tony and Chris. With this writing I add my own thanks and praise to them. Graduation is both a happy and a sad event in the Devon Prep life. It is happy in the sense that our graduates have been well prepared to move on to college and beyond. The sadness lies in the fact that they will no longer be with us on a daily basis. I will miss them. Some things here at Devon are even more sad. This would certainly be true about the mem2
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bers of the Devon Prep Family listed in the “Requiescant in Pace” section. Particularly sad is the fact that listed among them are two of our fellow alumni. Since the printing of our Spring 2010 Epilogue we have lost two of our brothers, Dr. Robert A. Roethe ’64 and Mattei I. Radu, J.D., LL.M. ’99. Both of them, as well as their families, are in our prayers. Scholarships in honor of Bob Roethe and Mattei Radu have already been funded and Devon Prep students in years to come will benefit from the generosity of all who have chosen to honor these two outstanding graduates of our school. Thankfully, most of what happens here at Devon Prep is good news. Much of this good news is alumni related. This next news item is certainly both good and alumni related. At this time I am both proud and excited to announce that one of our fellow alumni is now our new Devon Prep Athletic Director. During the summer I have appointed Mark A. Aquilante ’94 to this highly important post. Mark brings with him many years of valuable experience (player, coach, assistant athletic director) in the athletic world and will be an outstanding ambassador for our school as he guides our coaches and athletic teams to even greater success. Because of the importance of this change here at Devon Prep, you
will find a feature article about Mark elsewhere in this Epilogue. Congratulations, Mark! The next item is certainly an alumni one, as well. I refer, of course, to the upcoming Alumni Golf Outing, to be held on Thursday, 16 September. Details about the Golf Outing and how to register or become a sponsor appear later in this issue. In the interest of alumni safety, I should mention that one particular alumnus (yours truly) will not be golfing. The hazards to other players would be too great. However, I most certainly will be present and I look forward to seeing a large number of you there. May God bless you and your loved ones, now and always. Cordially,
Rev. James J. Shea, Sch.P. Headmaster
Epilogue
A Magazine for Alumni, Alumni Parents, and Friends of Devon Preparatory School
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IN THIS ISSUE
2
Headmaster’s Message
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Graduation
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Alumni Spotlight
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Golf Outing
10 Aquilante Named A.D. 11 Senior Seminar 12 Campus News 14 Graduate Reflection On the Cover:
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Lt. Col. Christopher Boyle ’86 was this year’s receipient of the Alumni Acheievment Award for his service and dedication to the United States of America.
The Epilogue is published by Devon Prep’s Alumni Association for Devon Prep’s alumni, alumni parents, and friends. Headmaster: Rev. James J. Shea, Sch.P. ’66 Director of Alumni Relations: Matt Simon Alumni Association Pres.: Barry Mulhern ’72
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Editor: Michael Dokas ’08 Contributors: Nick Ciocca ’93, David Evans ’08, Rose Lombardo, Barry Mulhern ’72, Andrew Zaleski ’07 Photos: Jack Ansley ’64, Michael Dokas ’08, Rose Lombardo, Barry Mulhern ’72 Design: Michael Dokas ’08 Printing: Jim McClatchy ’82, RRDonnelly Devon Preparatory School 363 N. Valley Forge Road Devon, PA 19333 610-688-7337 www.devonprep.com
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Graduation
Class of 2010 Earns Over T
his past June, 56 seniors joined the more than 2000 gradutes who have come before them as alumni. The commencement ceremony began with a Salutatory Address by Robert M. Smith who told his fellow graduates, “Change will come, but it is important to keep our memories of this place alive, to keep the friendships we made here for times both good and bad, and to always retain the moral values this school has taught us. Use the talents given to you, not for your own benefit, but for the good of others. To whom much is given, much is expected.” In his address, Class Valedictorian Theodore J. Lawrence thanked those who mattered most, and implored his classmates to “not lose sight of what really matters. It’s easy in today’s society to get wrapped up in materialism…. But, ultimately, material things are trivial and insignificant. There is more to life than frivolous pursuits. It is the people in our lives who really matter.” This year’s guest speaker was Class of 1971 Alumnus Dr. Anthony Coletta, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the Holy Redeemer Health System. Dr. Coletta recently made two trips to Haiti in wake of the devastating earthquake. He was also featured in the Alumni Spotlight in the Winter issue of the Epilogue. Dr. Coletta challenged the graduates to “Look for and understand your God given gifts.” After realizing those gifts, he urged the graduates, “The sooner you embrace those gifts and nurture them, the richer your life will be. When the right time comes, sooner rather than later, do what we all do, or what we all want to do, when we’re given gifts… give back.” During the ceremony, Class of 1986 Alumnus Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Boyle received the Alumni Achievement Award for his dedicated service to the United States of America and the US Military Academy at West Point. He served in Germany as well as two tours in Iraq, the most recent in 2006 as Executive Officer to the Commanding General, Multi-National Security Transition Command in Baghdad. Currently Lieutenant Colonel Boyle is currently assigned to tthe Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C., one of the military’s senior service war colleges. During his address, Lt. Col. Boyle spoke about being surrounded by excellence at Devon, and having moral and ethical foundations cultivated and nutured while at Devon. Lt. Col. Boyle concluded that “although my achievements have been recognized today, I am very confident that the achievements of the Class of 2010 will far exceed those.” Below: The Class of 2010
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$7.6 Million in Scholarships Congratulations to the Class of 2010!
Below are the college choices of the Class of 2010 Michael G. Bevilacqua – Lafayette College Robert F. Bildner – St. Joseph’s University Jacob R. Boehmer –University of Pittsburgh Maxwell J. Bowie – Duquesne University Andrew E. Callahan – Lehigh University Andrew E. Carroll – The Catholic University of America Stephen T. Chase – Trinity College Justin P. Chiccarine – Boston University Zachary M. Chunglo – Cabrini College Brendan M. Coyne – University of Notre Dame (Honors Program) Peter A. DeLong – University of Scranton Raymond H. Derrickson – Immaculata University Matthew C. DiMaio – University of Scranton Patrick T. Doherty – Temple University Joseph G. Donatoni – Lafayette College Brendan P. Fulmer – Loyola University (Honors Program) Daniel B. Gaeto – The Catholic University of America Matthew C. Gruchacz – Georgetown University Stephen A. Haas – The Catholic University of America Thomas R. Hallinan – St. Joseph’s University Patrick W. Henry – Penn State University Mark L. Hillegass – Clemson University Shane J. Howard – University of Pennsylvania Jeffrey M. Hughes – West Chester University Rahul J. Joyce – University of Pittsburgh Zachary A. Koehler – University of Pittsburgh Daniel A. Lang – Penn State University Theodore J. Lawrence – Vanderbilt University Alex J.W. Lee – University of Pennsylvania
Carl B. Luchetti – King’s College Ryan P. Luffey - University of Pittsburgh Michael J. Magnotta – Green Mountain College Kevin R. Maloney – University of Delaware Jordan R. McDevitt – Elon University James P. Meyer – Temple University Philip J. Nowlan – Penn State University Patrick F. O’Brien – Syracuse University Samuel P. Parkinson – Auburn University (Honors Program) Matthew L. Purcell – Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Kevin T. Raftery – James Madison University Anthony M. Raymundo – Franciscan University Griffith A. Roberts - St. Joseph’s University Andrew L. Robie – University of North Carolina (Honors Program) Brian R. Silvestri – Drexel University Christopher F. Smith – United States Military Academy Ian R. Smith – Elizabethtown College Robert M. Smith – Dartmouth College Daniel H. Stack – Penn State University (Honors Program) Joseph A. Stucynski – Penn State University (Honors Program) Francisco F. Suero – Drexel University John P. Thomas – DeSales University Brendan R. Tomoschuk – Penn State University (Honors Program) Matthew L. Toukatly – Villanova University Edward L. Welsh Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University F. Quinn White – University of Pittsburgh (Honors Program & BS/MS) John W. Wujcik – Cornell University Summer 2010
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Alumni Spotlight
Career Army Veteran Faces unit in early January. “I didn’t all of a sudden t’s December 2009, and US have this flash of my own morArmy Lt. Col. Christopher Boyle tality,” says Lt. Col. Boyle. “Like, is in Vilseck, Germany, readying oh jeez, I have a life-threatening his 700 soldiers-strong Stryker disease . . . having deployed a vehicle reconnaissance squad- couple times in combat zones, my ron for their eventual deploy- wife and I have already had some ment to Afghanistan. After hav- kitchen table discussions about ing served two, one-year tours ‘What if?’.” The condition forced Lt. in Iraq—first in March 2004, and then in March 2006—this 1986 Col. Boyle and his family to move Devon Prep alumnus is stolid and back to northern Virginia, close prepared for front-line conditions to the metro-DC area where he and combat. But one week before had served in March 2007 after Christmas and his wife’s birthday, his second tour in Iraq. Beginning and mere days from their wed- January 2010—for five months ding anniversary (not to mention through the beginning of May—he a day before his son’s birthday), underwent chemotherapy at WalLt. Col. Boyle is diagnosed with ter Reed Army Medical Center. “They don’t consider you non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates in a per- cured from cancer unless you’ve son’s lymphatic system, forcing been cancer free for five years,” him to give up command of his says Lt. Col. Boyle. “[But] so far so good. The Army’s been outstanding, there’s no one pushing me to get back to work. They’ve been incredibly supportive of my health situation.” (Lt. Col. Boyle has recovered well and has since been assigned to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C.) Indeed, the Army has been a formative experience throughout Lt. Col. Boyle’s life, even if he never anticipated on making a career out of it. By: Andrew Zaleski ’07
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Left: Lt. Col. Boyle worked closely with Iraqi security forces while serving two year-long tours of duty in 2004 & 2006.
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After graduating from Devon, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. “That had been my first choice coming out of Devon,” says Lt. Col. Boyle. After graduating in May 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a commission as an armor officer, Lt. Col. Boyle figured he would complete his five-year commitment with the military, and then move on to “bigger and better things.” He went to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to take a course on how to be an armor officer before being sent over to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Army Ranger School and Airborne School. After finishing this series of trainings in early 1991, Lt. Col. Boyle was shipped off to his first assignment: serving as a platoon leader in Germany until 1994. During his time there he married his fiancé, Sue, and completed a three-month deployment in Kuwait in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm. Then came a steady ascension through the ranks, accompanied by a consistent stream of relocations. In seven years he went from lieutenant, to captain, to major, serving in a variety of officer positions at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Carson, Colorado. In 1998 Lt. Col. Boyle enrolled in a two-year master’s program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey Bay, California, receiving his degree in applied mathematics, which
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he then parlayed into a teaching position back at his alma mater from 2000 until 2002. “Without a doubt, there are some incredibly intelligent folks, great athletes and great people at West Point,” says Lt. Col. Boyle. Immediately after his short tenure at West Point, Lt. Col. Boyle headed south to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to enroll in the Command General Staff Officer Course. Shortly thereafter, in 2003, he headed farther south to Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as Battalion Operations Officer, putting him in charge of the planning, training and daily operations for a unit of 500 soldiers. By this point, too, he was a father of three: a son, Jack, and two daughters, Kelly and Ally. When Lt. Col. Boyle deployed to Iraq the first time in March 2004, he was sent to Sadr
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City in East Baghdad. Serving as the Brigade Operations Officer to about 4,000 soldiers, he was key in planning combat operations and working to develop the Iraqi police and security forces. When he went back to Baghdad in March 2006, Lt. Col. Boyle was given the same task of building up the Iraqi security forces, only this time he wielded his influence as a lieutenant colonel, having been promoted during this second tour. “The day sort of never ends in Baghdad,” says Lt. Col. Boyle. “A lot of it was planning, monitoring different operations going on during the day. I was up [every day] about 6 a.m. If we were do-
ing night operations, I would usually . . . monitor what’s happening at night and that would end sometime around midnight or one in the morning.” Through it all—a career in the military and this recent bout of chemotherapy in a continuing battle with cancer—Lt. Col. Boyle maintains that his Devon Prep roots strengthened him and provided him with a support structure to fall back on later in life. “When you’re at Devon,” he says, “you’re surrounded by excellence. But really it goes beyond the academic rigor. There’s a moral and ethical foundation. It’s not only knowing what’s right or wrong, but you’re encouraged to have a moral . . . fortitude that not only do you know what’s right and wrong, but you’re willing to do what’s right.” Top: Lt. Col. Boyle worked extensively with the local Iraqi population throughout his tours of duty in 2004 and 2007. Left: Lt. Col. Boyle with Iraqi Kurdistan’s Prime Minister Barzani.
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Golf Outing
Register for the 2010 Golf Outing! DINNER Enjoy the company of the Devon Community following the round of Golf. For those interested the dinner cost is $20 REGISTER & PAY ONLINE www.devonprep.com SPACE IS LIMITED! Last year’s event sold out quickly due to space so register as soon as possible to reserve your spot. REGISTER BELOW 18 holes of golf and dinner is $200 per golfer. Make checks payable to Devon Prep Alumni Association and mail with completed form to: Matt Simon, Alumni Director Devon Prep School 363 N. Valley Forge Rd. Devon, PA 19333
Registration for the 2010 Marty Bowen Golf Outing! 1. Name: __________________________ Address: ___________________________ __________________________________ Handicap(index): ____________________
3. Name: __________________________ Address: ___________________________ __________________________________ Handicap(index): ____________________
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Support the Devon Prep Community by being a Sponsor! Sponsor Name: ________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Contact Name: ________________________
Aquilante Named A.D.
Mark Aquilante Named New A .D. At the end of July, Mark Aquilante ’94 was named Devon’s Athletic Director, moving into a post occupied by Mr. Ed Townsley for more than 40 years. Graduating from West Chester University in the fall of 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Mark began his professional career at Devon Prep as a teacher in the fall of 1999. After two years, he was named the Middle School Athletic Director. After three years, Mark became Assistant Director to the Middle School. In 2007, he was asked to start and direct Devon Prep’s summer program. And in 2006, Mark took over as the varsity baseball coach, leading the Devon Tide to a district championship (and impressive wins over Malvern Prep and Conestoga) last spring. “I’m not somebody that likes to make big statements,” says Mark. “I’d rather work behind the scenes and take care of what needs to be taken care of. Once I get started with something, I tend to take on what needs to get done really quickly.” The Epilogue had a chance to interview Mark two weeks into his new job about the coming year, his expectations for the athletics programs, and what unique qualities he brings to the position. Reflecting back on the years with Mr. Townsley as Athletic Director, what have been some highlights from the growth of Devon’s athletics program? 10
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The biggest thing . . . has been the continued success of the track and field and cross country programs under Mr. Sanborn’s direction. Another big highlight has been the impressive basketball teams that the school has put out, particularly in the last couple of years. I think the facilities—particularly the athletic field with the addition of Pat Nattle to take care of the field—have improved dramatiMr. Iezzi want me to get informacally since I was a student. tion on all the individual inductWhat are your immediate plans ees. We’re honoring each person for this coming year as you tran- with an individual plaque., taking down the track and field board, sition into the position? I know that Fr. Shea and and updating that, and then putMr. Iezzi want to have a “Wall of ting up records from all the other Fame” and records board inside sports as well. Linking to past acthe gym in short order. They re- complishments and getting alumally want to make sure that the ni involved in the school is someaccomplishments of the athletes thing that Mr. Iezzi and Fr. Shea over the years, and the Hall of are really adamant about. Fame inductees, get their rightful place in the gym, and that we hon- What do you bring to the AD poor those accomplishments. They sition that will enhance growth are very adamant that they want it and enrollment, not only in Devto be taken care of. Besides that, on sports, but in the school as a certainly the maintenance of the whole? I’ve been here 11 years programs that we already have and trying to get some of the pro- now. I’ve learned a lot from Mr. grams that we have in place into a Townsley in terms of the knowledge of all of the sports across the better situation is always a goal. board. He really became an expert What can you tell me about the in all of them and that’s something I picked up from him. In trying to Hall of Fame at Devon? The school has had 28 use athletics as a tool for enrollinductees in the Hall of Fame. At ment, we have to become better this point it’d be very difficult for at each individual sport to the expeople to know who they are and tent that people looking at schools be able to recognize any of their will look to the general success accomplishments. Fr. Shea and level and good feeling about the
program as something that would draw them into a school. The academic profile of Devon Prep will never be in question. If we can improve our athletic program, we’ll bring more students here. I view that as part of my job. The better the facilities, the more attractive they are to incoming students. The athletic program is something that has been a drawing point and my job is to make it even more so.
How would you like to see Devon’s athletics program grow over the next five years? One of the things that has been on the table the last few years has been at some point being able to update our gym facilities. Putting a new gym up or updating what we already have. One of the things we have to do is continue to try to improve our outdoor facilities as well. In terms of the sports we have, obviously trying to grow Why did you take the position? the lacrosse program is something I’ve always loved Devon. I that is really important to the adwent to school here, I came back ministration. Besides that, it’s to coach, I’ve been a part of the making sure that what we have as athletic program for 11 years, and it’s currently constituted in terms I really think that Devon’s athletic of sports remains as competitive mission is something personally I as possible and to continue to try identified with to a degree: being to push to make that happen in evthe underdog, being the small- ery sport that we offer. er school and being successful against much larger schools. That What makes Devon’s athletics aspect of it is for me to continue programs unique when comwhat Mr. Townsley did for the past pared to such other schools as 40 years—provide an athletic pro- Malvern Prep and St. Joe’s? gram where kids are getting better We really have coaches every day. who can coach up kids and get
the absolute most out of what we have in terms of the talent level of the kids. Devon’s athletic mission is one that I feel is more appropriate for high school level in that just about everybody is going to get a chance. We have sports where, due to the number of kids in the school, kids are able to participate where they might not be able to at other schools. Even if the athletic missions of schools might be different, that doesn’t mean that we can’t compete with everybody. The basketball record speaks for itself. We want to have a program that enhances the students’ enjoyment of their high school experience, and gives as many students as we can a chance, but then once we get those kids out there, we have coaches who develop those kids to the point where we can compete against anybody we play against.
Senior Seminars Continue
On April 30, Jeff Krull and Mike Cuff, both from the Class of ’94, addressed the seniors as part of the ongoing program of presentations to the current members of the senior class. Mr. Krull is a certified public accountant employed as a Principal for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Cuff is a certified public accountant by training and is now an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both Mr. Krull and Mr. Cuff discussed their experiences in college as well as professionally and personally since graduating from Devon Prep. They reinforced the need for diligence, hard work and sacrifices with an attitude of cooperation and helpfulness as the keys to getting ahead. On May 24, Rev. Gerard J. Olinger ’97, returned to campus to celebrate Mass, having been newly ordained to the Congregation of the Holy Cross in April, and to address the senior class. Fr. Gerry spoke convincely of how well Devon had prepared him to succeed at Notre Dame, where he earned his bachelors and later his J.D. Fr. Gerry also spoke about his vocation, and discerning your own passions. “If you do what God is calling you to do, you’ll find the joy, passion and peace you are looking for in your own life.” Summer 2010
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Campus News
Spring TIDE Raises More Than $55,000 On April 17th, Devon’s campus was temporarily transformed by the Parents’ Association for the Annual Spring TIDE. This year’s theme “Puttin’ On the Ritz - TIDE Style” was seen throughout the school, with delicious food served by Mrs. Ruth Kalivas. In attendence were Devon Prep parents, alumni, faculty and staff. Congratulations to Mike & Teri Magnotta and all the parents who volunteered to make this event such a great success! All of strengthen our endowment in or- Above: All of the alumni present for the money raised will go towards der to better serve the needs of Spring TIDE. All alumni are invited to attend each year. improving Devon’s campus and our students.
Middle School Raises Nearly $6,000 for CHOP with “Up for a Cause” On a Friday night this past spring, 40 Devon Prep Middle School students spent five hours in the gym playing basketball, dodge ball, board games, ping pong, jumping in a moon bounce, and eating snacks to raise money for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). They were participating in “Up for a Cause” and raised nearly $6,000 for CHOP’s Child Life Division. Together with the Upper School’s donation in the fall, the Christian Action Program donated almost $40,000 to CHOP this school year. Right: The Middle School CAP leadership with Steve Chase ’10 (far left), Upper School CAP President.
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Epilogue
Baseball Team Captures District Crown Devon’s Baseball Program has achieved multiple successes throughout the last four years under the direction of new Head Coach Mark Aquilante ’94. In the previous four years, the field has been completely renovated, including dugouts as well as a new removable outfield fence installed this past spring. The team has consistently improved over the last few seasons, competing against and beating schools three and four times Devon’s size. The team has also posted a winning record the past three seasons. All of Coach Aquilante’s hard work and dedication paid off this past spring, as Devon went an
impressive 14-7 en route to capturing its first district title since 1996. Those 14 wins were the most in any season since 1996. Two of the seniors leading this year’s squad, Ian Smith and Andrew Carroll, will go on to play college baseball. The program has also had numerous players
named to all league and All Main Line teams over the course of the past several seasons. Coach Mark Aquilante was also named BAL Independence Division Coach of the Year. Congratulations to the coaches and players on a terrific season!
The Devon Prep Annual Fund Find your reason to make a difference
Everyone solicits for financial support—we ask, and your college or university asks. Churches ask, our clubs and teams ask, political parties, wildlife protection, public radio, environmental groups—the list goes on. While there are many causes worthy of support, a gift to the Devon Prep Annual Fund makes a much bigger impact than a gift to an organization with an already large endowment and thousands of annual fund donors. Alumni support the Annual Fund for different reasons. Some are proud of Devon Prep; some give because they want Devon Prep to remain one of the best private schools in the area. Some give because they want Devon Prep to improve, to become an even better school for its current students. Others support Devon Prep because they recognize that their education at Devon was made possible in part by gifts to the Annual Fund, and they feel a responsibility to give back for current students. As an alumnus, you can make a difference today with your gift to the Annual Fund. We encourage you to find your reason to give. Summer 2010
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Graduate Reflection
Student Council President Brendan Fulmer Reflects on His Time at Devon By: Brendan Fulmer ’10
My memories of Devon over the past four years are probably the most random not to mention amusing collection of stories. They include everything from sledding at rec, tailgates, camping out on the field, golf cart escapades, Superman appearance at graduation, and a thousand people pouring into the gym for a mixer. As Student Council President, I had the privilege to organize and plan the various student-run activities throughout the year. Unlike at other schools the Devon Prep Student Council (DPSC) was an integral part of Devon that the administration trusted and relied on. DPSC ran four successful mixers that continued to raise the bar and make the Devon mixers well known across the Philadelphia region. Besides safeguarding these “golden” tickets, DPSC worked hard to increase school spirit and promote Devon’s reputation among current students, potential students, and alumni. The Devon Prep Student Council ran tailgates, hosted free Devon memorabilia dress down days, a wing-bowl, and created over five new shirts for various events. In reflecting over what Devon has given me, I can state with pride that Devon Prep was instrumental into shaping me into who I am today. The thing I love most about Devon is that it encourages students to be themselves. The phrase a normal Devon student is an oxymoron. Devon does not mold its students; the students mold the school. At what other school can a student sit down with the headmaster for three hours on a Sunday morning going over physics problems and talking about the recent Student Council agenda? Father Shea is 100% right when he says that Devon is not a school, it is an experience. It is common for someone to take four AP classes, start at second base for the varsity baseball team, play saxophone in the Jazz Band, and run the Harvest Tide Food Drive as part of the Christian Action Program. As with everything in life, the Devon experience is only as valuable as what you decide to put into it. I am fortunate to have built such a resilient base with my four years at Devon upon which I will build my career and future. 14
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Bits & Pieces Congratulations to the following alumni and their new brides: Kevin R. Casey ’98 and Kathryn Ann Kohler Brian F. Reilly ’98 and Adrienne Szkaradnik Vincent A. Coppa ’09 and Emily Geiger Congratulations to the following alumni and their wives on their “new arrivals:” Jeffrey P. Sevag ’93 - son Zaven Christopher T. Cognato ’02 daughter Emily Catherine
1972
Dr. Michael F. Shank ’72 has been elected as Chairman of the Division of Family Practice at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, PA. Dr. Shank was selected by Main Line Today for the fourth time as “Top Doctor
in Family Medicine.” Dr. Shank has also been reappointed as Associate Professor in the Departments of Anatomy and Geriatrics at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Gary J. Siano ’77 was honored in Philadelphia Magazine as one of the recipients of a “Five Star Wealth Manager Award.” This award is given to just the top four percent of wealth managers in the Philadelphia area. Gary and his wife and two daughters reside in Downingtown, PA.
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Sean P. Wajert ’78 has been named as a member of the American Law Institute. Sean is a partner and cochair of the mass torts and products liability practice group at Dechert.
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Gerry celebrated his First Mass at the University of Notre Dame in April and again at St. Kevin’s Church in Springfield in May. Gerry also celebrated Mass at Devon Prep in May and spoke with all of the members of the Class of 2010.
2006
Devin C. Charles ’06 graduated in May from the Florida Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Please help us to make our Epilogue even more interesting than it already is by sending me your latest news for “Bits and Pieces.” My e-mail address is headmaster at devonprep dot com and my phone number is 610-688-7337, ext. 299. Best regards,
Rev. Gerard J. Olinger ’97 was ordained to the priesthood in the Congregation of the Holy Cross in April.
Young Alumni BBQ This past May, the second annual young alumni BBQ was held on Devon’s campus as young alumni from the Classes of 2006-2010 returned home from college. As classmates caught up and shared stories from school, there was a near universal agreement that Devon had prepared them for school like they could never have imagined. They also reminisced about their time at Devon, and paged through old yearbooks. Next year’s event will also be held in May or June.
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363 North Valley Forge Road Devon, PA 19333-1299
Parents, if this magazine is addressed to your son who no longer maintains an address at your home, please send his correct address to Matt Simon, Director of Alumni Relations. Matt can be reached at 610-688-7337 ext. 145, or msimon@devonprep.com
Help Us Update Our Directory! We are in the process of updating our Alumni Directory to better connect our alumni to one another and to the school. If you have moved or changed jobs and would like us to include your most recent information, please visit the Devon website to update your contact information or e-mail Matt Simon at msimon@devonprep.com. If you know of other alumni who have fallen out of contact and would like to be included, please let Matt know. Thanks!
Requiescant in Pace Please remember the souls of the following departed members of the Devon Prep Family in your prayers:
Dr. Robert Roethe ’64 Mattei I. Radu, J.D., LL.M. ’99 Mrs. Diana Casagrande - mother of Bradley Casagrande ’78 and Jeffrey Casagrande ’79 Mr. J. Barry Dunleavy - father of Brian Dunleavy ’85 (R.I.P. 1987) and Keith Dunleavy ’87 Mr. James Howard - step-father of Dr. James Lockard ’75 Ms. Antoinette Iorio, SFO - aunt of Martin Devine ’74, Stephen Devine ’75, James Devine ’76, Robert Devine ’77, Dr. Richard Hamilton ’79, Michael Hamilton ’82, David Devine ’83, Christopher Hamilton ’83, and Louis Hamilton ’87 Dr. Irene V. Kimmel - mother of Thomas Kimmel ’81, William Kimmel ’87, and Michael Kimmel ’90 Mrs. Sabina Lawlor - mother of Brian Lawlor ’74 Mrs. Kathleen Magee - mother of Robert Magee ’65 (R.I.P. 2009) and Kevin Magee ’72 Mr. Archie Novotny - grandfather of Dr. Michael Kimzey ’89 Mrs. Mary Partin - mother-in-law of Mark Bildner ’79 and grandmother of Robert Bildner ’10 Mr. Albert P. Pinto - grandfather of Robert Trucksess ’06 and Matthew Trucksess ’07 Msgr. Joseph Shields - uncle of Michael Shields ’76, Daniel Shields ’80, and Gregory Shields ’92, and great-uncle of Peter DeLong ’10