NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT NO. 313
The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orleans
JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL OF NEW ORLEANS 4133 Banks Street New Orleans, LA 70119
Jaynotes, the magazine about Jesuit High School of New Orleans, is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Opinions expressed in Jaynotes are those of the individual authors.
VOL. 41 | 2014 - 2015 SCHOOL YEAR
jesuitnola.org
Parents of Alumni: If you are receiving your son's copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the magazine directly to him. Let us know if you enjoy reading Jaynotes. We will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. Email changes to: alumni@jesuitnola.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS WHAT:
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
WHERE:
Tad Gormley Stadium & Student Commons
WHEN:
Friday & Saturday, September 25 - 26
82
Football Catches a State Championship!
Director of Communications Pierre DeGruy ’69 Jaynotes Editor degruy@jesuitnola.org
72
75
WHAT:
jesuitnola.org/homecoming
OPEN HOUSE
WHAT:
WHERE: Tad Gormley Stadium
WHERE: Jesuit Auditorium & School Building
WHEN:
Friday, October 2 5 - 6:45 p.m.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 4 WHEN: Tours at 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m.
INFO:
jesuitnola.org/rivalry-game
INFO:
jesuitnola.org/admissions
LEF/Events Coordinator Logan Diano diano@jesuitnola.org
CELEBRATION
WHERE: Mardi Gras World River City Ballroom
INFO:
Saturday, November 7 7 - 11 p.m. jesuitnola.org/celebration
WANT TO SEE MORE? For more information on Jesuit events, visit jesuitnola.org/events.
Director of Special Projects William Dardis, S.J. ’58 dardis@jesuitnola.org
Executive Development/ PAG Coordinator Krista Roeling roeling@jesuitnola.org
INSIDE 2014 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR • SMALL CHAPEL RENOVATION • NEW PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED
WHAT’S INSIDE
HOLY CROSS RIVALRY TAILGATE
Director of Alumni Mat Grau ’68 grau@jesuitnola.org
Creative Director Meghan Weaver weaver@jesuitnola.org
71
WHAT:
Assistant to the President Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 fitzgerald@jesuitnola.org Director of Institutional Advancement Thomas V. Bagwill II bagwill@jesuitnola.org
DETAILS: The Blue Jay football team will take on St. Augustine High School Friday night. On Saturday, alumni will gather in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs and Student Commons to reconnect and commemorate the 25- and 50-year classes, and honor the 2015 Alumnus of the Year. INFO:
President Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 mcginn@jesuitnola.org
8
Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Beauford beauford@jesuitnola.org
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Cover Story 38 Teachers Honored 79 Alumni Gatherings 29 Golf Classic 34 Blue Jay Scholars 60
Alumni Events & Social Media Coordinator Wendy Schneider schneider@jesuitnola.org
Faculty Additions for 2014 - 2015 61 State of Admissions 62 Medallion Stories 66 Celebration 2014 68 Trusts & Planned Giving 76
IN EVERY ISSUE President’s Message 1 Keeping the Big Picture in Sight Where Y’at 10 Blue Jays here, there, & everywhere In Memoriam 22 Remembering our loved ones Bib List 26 Baby Jays Annus Mirabilis 36 Mining the depths of Jesuit’s archives Flying with the Jays 49 The latest achievements in sports Principal’s Corner 59 Observations of Peter Kernion ’90
Alumni Chaplain Norman O'Neal, S.J. oneal@jesuitnola.org Articles, photographs, and Where Y'ats may be submitted to degruy@jesuitnola.org, or online at jesuitnola.org/where-yat. Contact info and address changes should be emailed to alumni@jesuitnola.org, or call Jesuit’s alumni office at (504) 483-3838.
ON THE COVER Kalija Lipscomb catches the first of two touchdown passes in the Jays’ State Championship win over John Curtis. Photo by Parker Waters
The State of the Blue Jay
Catalysts for Success The final morning assembly for seniors is special, not just for them, but for the entire student body, for it marks the last time the student body, unique to that year, will be together. On the morning of May 1, the Blue Jays of the 2014-15 school year were together for the last time. In the traditional State of the Blue Jay address, student council president Joseph Dupré, the
Another Championship... Finally! rophy cases at Jesuit High School are as ubiquitous as donuts in the faculty lounge and can be found hugging the walls of every floor, bulging with an astonishing and enviable collection (especially to alumni from other schools) of assorted academic and athletic memorabilia. The various plaques and trophies, silver and gold-plated cups and bowls, baseball mitts, team-autographed balls, and even bronzed shoes date back to the early 1900s. Most of this “stuff” serves to commemorate Jesuit’s storied athletic achievements while linking the past to the present and the future. Each item tells a story about a moment in time for Jesuit athletics, stories about the heroic exploits of individual players, a missed opportunity, a tremendous effort, an incredible comeback, the brilliance of a coach’s strategy. But mostly these stories focus on the sum of the parts, that is, the Jesuit team. The championship trophies won by Jesuit teams in the last couple of years are displayed in cases in the Student Commons, the central hub of activity for Blue Jays of all grade levels. The Commons is where you will find Jesuit’s eighth state championship football trophy (it really looks more like a fancy plaque). Years from now, say 2025, this piece of memorabilia will be inside a locked case on the second or third floor. Alumni from the Class of 2015 will be celebrating their 10-year reunion and will seek the treasure’s location. When it’s found, they will momentarily stare at it. The silence will be broken by those alumni, now 27- and 28-years old, as they conjure stories of their own glory days — especially that 2014 football season and its magical ending with the Blue Jays winning their first state championship in football since 1960.
— Pierre DeGruy ’69 See cover story, page 38. Photo by Parker Waters
first junior elected to that position, encouraged the assembled students to look to the Class of 2015 for inspiration.
T
here’s an old saying, “Life’s not about the number of breaths we take… but the number of moments that take our breath away.” I think for sure we can all point to moments this year that took our breath away. But these moments could not have happened by themselves. They only happened with the presence of catalysts, agents who served to achieve a vision. This year, the Class of 2015 served as those catalysts. These guys fought, toiled, and sacrificed so that all of us could remember this year as one of the greatest of our lives. What kind of memories did we make this year? We won our first state championship in football in more than 50 years. Our cross country team defied the odds and won the state meet against a very deep field. Maybe it was our lacrosse team blowing away the competition and defeating St. Paul’s for the state title. Maybe it was our Philelectic Society and its amazing performance of The Music Man. A memorable service day, 34 National Merit Semifinalists, a transformative retreat — whatever the case, together, we bonded. Highs… Lows… Victories… Hardships. All of these — Memories. Moments. As a family, as a school, we accomplished all
will make all the difference. And that is to use all of these moments — past, present, and future — for the greater glory of God, to use these challenges and opportunities to praise, reverence, and serve Him. And, by doing so, we can make this place and next year as memorable, or breath-taking, as we have this year.
of this together. And it is because of these guys up front, because of their leadership, that we can call this year what it was: a success. So now we leave, the seniors moving on to continue on their paths in college, and we, the underclassmen, returning next year with the bar set high. All of us will be challenged emotionally, intellectually, athletically, and spiritually. We’ll be forced out of our comfort zones much like we were this year. But as Fr. Fitzgerald stressed in August, each year has its own unique events, challenges, experiences, and opportunities. We will have plenty of these on our respective paths, whether as outgoing seniors or as returning underclassmen. But if we can remember one simple Jesuit principle, it
So, underclassmen, are we ready? Are we ready to do this next year? I believe so. I think that at this school we only know how to do things one way: Greater… always trying to be better, not better than other people, but better than OURSELVES. And that’s the mark all of us leave this year: We were greater. We grew into better men. The Classes of 2016, ’17, ’18, and ’19 promise to carry that torch, to carry that fire that will motivate us to become better sons, better brothers, and better men. And to the Class of 2015, we say, “Thank you.” Truly and honestly, thank you! We will miss you in the halls, at the games, but most importantly… in our lives. God bless you. Good luck in the future. And keep on keepin’ on, “Through all the days of life.” Thank you.
— Joseph Dupré ’16 2014-2015 Student Council President
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT NO. 313
The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orleans
JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL OF NEW ORLEANS 4133 Banks Street New Orleans, LA 70119
Jaynotes, the magazine about Jesuit High School of New Orleans, is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Opinions expressed in Jaynotes are those of the individual authors.
VOL. 41 | 2014 - 2015 SCHOOL YEAR
jesuitnola.org
Parents of Alumni: If you are receiving your son's copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the magazine directly to him. Let us know if you enjoy reading Jaynotes. We will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. Email changes to: alumni@jesuitnola.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS WHAT:
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
WHERE:
Tad Gormley Stadium & Student Commons
WHEN:
Friday & Saturday, September 25 - 26
82
Football Catches a State Championship!
Director of Communications Pierre DeGruy ’69 Jaynotes Editor degruy@jesuitnola.org
72
75
WHAT:
jesuitnola.org/homecoming
OPEN HOUSE
WHAT:
WHERE: Tad Gormley Stadium
WHERE: Jesuit Auditorium & School Building
WHEN:
Friday, October 2 5 - 6:45 p.m.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 4 WHEN: Tours at 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m.
INFO:
jesuitnola.org/rivalry-game
INFO:
jesuitnola.org/admissions
LEF/Events Coordinator Logan Diano diano@jesuitnola.org
CELEBRATION
WHERE: Mardi Gras World River City Ballroom
INFO:
Saturday, November 7 7 - 11 p.m. jesuitnola.org/celebration
WANT TO SEE MORE? For more information on Jesuit events, visit jesuitnola.org/events.
Director of Special Projects William Dardis, S.J. ’58 dardis@jesuitnola.org
Executive Development/ PAG Coordinator Krista Roeling roeling@jesuitnola.org
INSIDE 2014 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR • SMALL CHAPEL RENOVATION • NEW PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED
WHAT’S INSIDE
HOLY CROSS RIVALRY TAILGATE
Director of Alumni Mat Grau ’68 grau@jesuitnola.org
Creative Director Meghan Weaver weaver@jesuitnola.org
71
WHAT:
Assistant to the President Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 fitzgerald@jesuitnola.org Director of Institutional Advancement Thomas V. Bagwill II bagwill@jesuitnola.org
DETAILS: The Blue Jay football team will take on St. Augustine High School Friday night. On Saturday, alumni will gather in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs and Student Commons to reconnect and commemorate the 25- and 50-year classes, and honor the 2015 Alumnus of the Year. INFO:
President Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 mcginn@jesuitnola.org
8
Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Beauford beauford@jesuitnola.org
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Cover Story 38 Teachers Honored 79 Alumni Gatherings 29 Golf Classic 34 Blue Jay Scholars 60
Alumni Events & Social Media Coordinator Wendy Schneider schneider@jesuitnola.org
Faculty Additions for 2014 - 2015 61 State of Admissions 62 Medallion Stories 66 Celebration 2014 68 Trusts & Planned Giving 76
IN EVERY ISSUE President’s Message 1 Keeping the Big Picture in Sight Where Y’at 10 Blue Jays here, there, & everywhere In Memoriam 22 Remembering our loved ones Bib List 26 Baby Jays Annus Mirabilis 36 Mining the depths of Jesuit’s archives Flying with the Jays 49 The latest achievements in sports Principal’s Corner 59 Observations of Peter Kernion ’90
Alumni Chaplain Norman O'Neal, S.J. oneal@jesuitnola.org Articles, photographs, and Where Y'ats may be submitted to degruy@jesuitnola.org, or online at jesuitnola.org/where-yat. Contact info and address changes should be emailed to alumni@jesuitnola.org, or call Jesuit’s alumni office at (504) 483-3838.
ON THE COVER Kalija Lipscomb catches the first of two touchdown passes in the Jays’ State Championship win over John Curtis. Photo by Parker Waters
Keeping the Big Picture in Sight
je su it nola .org | 1
A
t the first morning assembly of the school year, I told the student body that two themes would guide my reflections during the coming the school year. We are called to show our gratitude, and we are challenged to consider the big picture. Frequently we can neglect to express our gratitude, and oftentimes in our daily routine we focus on details so much that we lose sight of our larger purpose. I am especially grateful to Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald for the leadership he has given the school community for the past three years. He continues to advise me on many matters, reminding me to keep the big picture in mind. Fr. Fitzgerald led the school community in developing a strategic plan in 2013. The plan thoroughly covers every aspect of the school, but it does so in a way that does not lose sight of the larger goal. The plan was formulated to enhance the school’s mission of forming young men in every important aspect of their lives. As the author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People says, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. For us, the main thing is helping our students grow into the men God has planned them to become.
The master plan calls for significant improvements to the original school building, built in 1926. As the building approaches its 100-year anniversary, we are planning to upgrade the facility so that it can be prepared for the next one hundred years. The renovation of the second floor small chapel has been completed. The plumbing, electrical wiring, and air conditioning system in the six-story administration wing need to be replaced. For the next five summers, the classrooms will be upgraded and the technology infrastructure of the classrooms will be enhanced. The gym and the Roussel Building need to be upgraded and air-conditioned.
All of the physical improvements will not amount to much if we lose sight of the big picture. Jesuit must continue to provide an education for young men regardless of their families’ ability to pay full tuition. Thank you for your support which has made such a difference in the life of the school and the lives of the people it serves.
Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 President The full text of the strategic plan appeared in the 2013 Fall-Winter Jaynotes. It is also on Jesuit’s website: jesuitnola.org/Jaynotes.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A key feature of the section on student life involves a framework for coordinating the various departments dealing with student life — academics, athletics, campus ministry, extracurriculars, discipline, service programs, student activities, and guidance. Our students are much better served when we have intentional cooperation and interdependence of these areas of student services.
These improvements will require a substantial investment by the friends of Jesuit. In addition to raising the funds to pay for the physical improvements, Jesuit needs to increase its endowment so that it can continue to provide financial assistance to families in need.
Alumnus
2 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Wilbur J. "Bill" Babin '74
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Bill Babin ’74 is Jesuit’s 57th Alumnus of the Year and, for now, the school’s youngest honoree.
Coach Bill Babin of the Class of 1974 Is the Epitome of a Great Blue Jay Wilbur J. “Bill” Babin, Jr. — a 1974 graduate of Jesuit High School and an attorney whose passion for the game of baseball is reflected in his commitment to coaching Jesuit’s pre-freshmen teams for the past 20 years — was honored as the school’s 2014 Alumnus of the Year. Babin, who is Jesuit’s 57th Alumnus of the Year and, for now, the school’s youngest honoree, received the F. Edward Hebert Award during Homecoming Mass on October 4 in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. The award is given annually to an outstanding alumnus who is recognized for his achievements and distinguished service to Jesuit or the community-at-large, and in many
instances, both. Rev. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66, president of Jesuit High School, said that Babin shares something with only three previous Alumni of the Year — the first one, Eddie Toribio ’34 (1958), Gernon Brown ’20 (1962), and William “Willie” Brown ’29 (1975) — all four were coaches and teachers who believed in the mission of Jesuit. “The three great qualities that have continuously marked Jesuit since its founding in 1847 are high expectations, a strong level of support, and a sense of camaraderie,” said Fr. McGinn. “Billy has been a great teacher for our eighth grade baseball players. He expects the best from his players and instills in them a sense of order and a strong work ethic. He gives them the support they need, and from that, they develop a sense of camaraderie and connection.” “I was shocked when he told me,” recalled Babin of Fr. McGinn’s unexpected visit to his law office. “There are many other alumni who deserve this, but believe me, I was not about to say ‘no.’ I am very proud of this honor.” “This award is for every classmate who took my calls during LEF campaigns, for every contributor to John Ryan Stadium
of the Year
je su it nola .org | 3
and most importantly, for every player that I ever hounded or disciplined, or even praised once or twice,” said Babin. “It is with the excitement of a pre-freshman starting Jesuit and the humility of a good foot soldier that I accept this award as the ultimate recognition of what I aspired to be from the start, simply a good Blue Jay.” Babin started his coaching career in the summer of 1977, initially overseeing Jesuit’s Metro teams that were part of a summer league whose players were mostly freshmen and sophomores. Since 1994, Babin has coached Jesuit’s prefreshmen baseball teams, providing a solid foundation of the various facets of the game and instilling in young Blue Jays the requisite principles of high moral character, keen competition, and exemplary sportsmanship.
As a former president of Jesuit’s Alumni Association in 1999, Babin has long been an active alumnus at Carrollton and Banks. With his classmate (and teammate) Terry Billings, Babin co-chaired the Home Field Advantage Capital Campaign, which raised more than $5 million to help build John Ryan Stadium, Jesuit’s first offcampus multi-purpose athletic facility located five minutes from the school. “Bill is one of the leaders of the Class of 1974, the type of classmate who can pull everyone together, whatever the cause may be,” said alumni director Mat Grau ’68. “He has worked faithfully to organize his class reunions and to bring classmates to Jesuit to help call for the annual alumni drive. For Bill, it’s important that his fellow Blue Jays remain connected to each other and to their alma mater.” A true product of Crescent City baseball, Babin came
up through the ranks of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), Babe Ruth Baseball, Jesuit, and Tulane University. Along the way, he was mentored by some of the city’s legends, including Firmin Simms of NORD and Babe Ruth Baseball. There was also Tulane’s Joe Brockoff, who coached Babin and the Greenies’ 1979 Metro Conference Championship Team which advanced to the
“For Bill, it’s important that his fellow Blue Jays remain connected to each other and to their alma mater.” — Mat Grau ’68 Alumni Director
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
“There are many other alumni who deserve this, but believe me, I was not about to say ‘no.’ I am very proud of this honor.”
my way of motivating him to do better. He was always one of my favorite players and he also turned out to be an excellent coach. Bill certainly is deserving of this award because he has given his life to helping Jesuit.”
“I was shocked when he told me,” recalled Babin of Fr. McGinn’s unexpected visit to his law office.
NCAA Regionals, at the time a first for the university. And, of course, there was the legendary Frank Misuraca, Jesuit’s longtime baseball coach and athletic director who is now retired. On “Mizzy’s” watch in 1974, Babin batted .312 as a senior playing second base and earned All-District honors. He also played second base on Misuraca’s Odeco Drillers, which won an American Legion State Championship in 1975.
Babin’s mentorship extends beyond the Jesuit community. From 19781987, he coached the Babe Ruth 15-Year-Old All-Stars at NORD’s Lakeshore Playground, winning a World Championship in 1981 and five Regional Championships. In 1997, he became head coach of the Jefferson Parish Recreation Department’s Eastbank 15-YearOld Babe Ruth All-Stars, winning World Series titles in 2000, 2004, and 2005. In 2009, Babin guided the collegiate-level New Orleans Boosters’ team to the All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) National Championship. After Babin graduated from Tulane University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, he earned a Juris Doctorate from the LSU Law Center in 1982. Babin currently is a partner with The Derbes Law Firm, LLC, where the focus of his practice is bankruptcy, business litigation, real estate, and property tax law.
Alumnus o “Bill thought I disliked him when he played for me because I was always harping on him,” Misuraca fondly recalled. “That was just
r
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Alumnus of the Year Bill Babin ’74 and his family celebrate at the Alumni Homecoming Mass & Reception on Oct. 4, 2014.
Babin and his wife Margaret celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in December 2014. “Receiving an award like this really makes you reflective and it makes you realize how important family and close friends are,” said Babin. “Their support throughout the journey and their enthusiasm and excitement since the announcement really make this award all the more
special. A big thank you to all of them, my family and friends, especially my wife, Margaret, who has really learned to embrace all of my Jesuit endeavors.” View Bill Babin’s address to alumni at the Homecoming Mass on Jesuit’s website: jesuitnola. org/alumnus-of-the-year.
6 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Birds of a Feather CLASS LEADERSHIP TEAMS
To assist alumni classes in connecting with each other, the advancement office continues an effort begun five years ago to form class leadership teams with young alumni. The first round of meetings saw the classes of 1986-2010 establish leadership teams. Now the classes of 1970-1985 are rejuvenating their leadership in hopes of enhancing their connection as Blue Jays. Betsy’s Pancake House on Canal Street has been the setting for breakfast meetings of groups of 5-10 Jays from each class. The impact has been immediate as the leadership teams have organized class events such as service projects, Masses, lunches, and other socials.
setting was anything but Big and Easy as the Jays and their families had to fight the gusting winds in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Still a good Blue Jay time was had by all.
Williams
ALUMNI
BAY AREA ALUMNI Jesuit’s newest chapter is off to a rousing start. Alumni who reside in the San Francisco area were hosted by Jesuit’s advancement office at a reception on January 21 at Restaurant Il Fornaio. Blue Jay Spirit was so strong among the 30 guests that a leadership team was quickly formed and events planned. The leadership team consists of Joe Balfantz ’98, Adam Gambel ’72, Alvin Haynes ’87, Alan Jacobus ’87, Jason Marcell ’00, Tom Rodgers ’69, Frank Tessier ’07, Kirk Williams ’87, and Charles Zewe ’93. Their first event was a “boiling” success as nearly 50 guests gathered at Crissy Field on May 9 for a New Orleans style crawfish boil. But the
The best way for alumni to connect with each other professionally is via LinkedIn. To use LinkedIn to its fullest potential, be sure you do two things after creating your account: • List Jesuit High School of New Orleans as part of your education in your personal profile. (The full name including the city is important since there are other Jesuit high schools.)
Brandin
Waldo
Danjean
EMERALD COAST ALUMNI
Zewe
Alumni Connect Professionally via LinkedIn
The Jesuit vs. Pensacola football game in Pensacola in September 2014 was the occasion for the kickoff event of the newly formed Emerald Coast Alumni Chapter. For those hazy about geography and precious jewels, that would be the MobilePensacola-Destin chapter. Alumni and their guests from the Gulf Coast area met at the Fish House Restaurant in Pensacola for fun, food, and camaraderie before heading to the stadium to watch the football Jays defeat the Pensacola Tigers in an early season contest. Following the historic season, former Blue Jay football standout Ernie Danjean ’82 hosted a state championship celebration at his Ernie’s Dockside Café and Oyster Bar in Niceville, FL on February 28. Look for more Emerald Coast events organized by the leadership team of Danjean, Mike Waldo ’70, Dick Lacour ’67, Brad Bordes ’94, and Adam Ganucheau ’04.
ACADIANA ALUMNI The newly formed Acadiana Alumni Chapter met in August in Lafayette for their kickoff event, a “cut and cook your own steak” barbecue,
• Join the Jesuit High School of New Orleans Alumni group by visiting jesuitnola. org/alumni/linkedin. This will allow alumni to network with each other for various business purposes: jobs wanted, jobs available, services available, services sought, etc. organized by Al “Boo” Trepagnier ’52 with assistance from Bill Barrios ’64 and Gerald Landry ’63. The chapter’s leadership team, this time lead by Corey Cloninger ’99 and Gerald Hebert ’07, followed up that event with a pre-game tailgate before cheering on the Blue Jay football team to an exciting victory over the St. Thomas More Panthers in the state playoffs. Not only did the chapter provide food and refreshments for the Acadiana Jays, but also they made sure the Blue Jay Marching Band and the Jesuit Cheerleaders did not go hungry after traveling to Lafayette for the quarterfinal game. Wherever Blue Jays are perched, they will certainly give in to the urge to find each other and to celebrate being a Jesuit alumnus. Blue Jay Spirit… alive and well and rejuvenated!
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At Career Day, Students Explore and Alumni Explain Thirty-five Jesuit alumni representing 27 different occupations returned to Carrollton and Banks for Career Day, an annual event in January that provides opportunities for them to engage in free-wheeling discussions with curious seniors and juniors about their livelihoods, and perhaps more importantly, why and how they do what they do. While the upperclassmen attended their choice of two half-hour sessions with alumni, sophomores, freshmen, and pre-freshmen gathered in the auditorium where Chris Hannan ’00, an attorney who is also an accomplished poet, addressed them about the journeys which led to his own dual careers. Participation by alumni in Career Day is one of the more meaningful ways of reconnecting and giving back to today’s Blue Jays. Alumni interested speaking to Blue Jays about their profession should contact alumni director Mat Grau ’68 at grau@jesuitnola.org. Pictured above, clockwise: Career Day alumni and speakers gathered in St. Ignatius Hall before they presented to today’s Blue Jays. Rick Redmann '85 talks to Blue Jays about advertising and marketing. William Stoudt '07 and Gerald Duhon '85 talk to juniors and seniors about non-profit management. Chris Hannan '00 spoke to the 8th, 9th, and 10th graders about career paths.
8 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Something Typical, Something New at
ALUMNI
Homecoming
T
he 2014 Homecoming celebration for Blue Jay alumni featured something typical and something new. The “typical” form the foundation of this annual event: Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, where the Alumnus of the Year is introduced, and a reception that follows in the Student Commons. The “new” — perhaps “radical” is a more apt term — was bumping up the date and time from Sunday morning to Saturday evening, enhancing the reception to feature a variety of delicious food, and expanding the list of invitees to include spouses and guests. The immediate result was that attendance doubled to almost 800 people, compared to previous Homecomings that were alumni-only events. “With input from our alumni steering committee, we decided to hold the event on Saturday rather than Sunday,” explained alumni director Mat Grau ’68. “We also took the bold step of encouraging alumni to bring their wives and dates to the event. The way alumni responded resulted in a great night of Blue Jay Spirit.” Near the end of Mass, Wilbur J. “Bill” Babin, Jr. ’74 was formally presented as Jesuit’s 2014 Alumnus of the Year. Alumni in the anniversary classes of 1964 (50 years), 1989 (25 years), and 2004 (10 years) were recognized. The 50-year graduates received commemorative diplomas from Jesuit
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president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66. After Mass, alumni, spouses, and guests headed to Traditions Courtyard and the Student Commons where they enjoyed sampling the fares generously donated and served by Acme Oyster House (Mike Rodrigue ’71) and Drago’s (Tommy Cvitanovich, the father of two current students). The menu featured oysters three ways: chargrilled, charbroiled, and raw on the half shell; fried shrimp, seafood pasta, red beans, jambalaya, and gumbo. Guests enjoyed the soothing sounds of jazz music by the Peter Harris Trio (Harris is a ’94 alumnus). Libations were smoothlly coordinated by parent volunteer Patti Mahoney and Br. William J. Dardis, S.J. ’58, who is director of special projects. Table decorations were donated by Kevin Tran, the father of a current student. The creative lighting in Traditions Courtyard was expertly coordinated by D.J. Galiano ’07. Members of Jesuit’s MCJROTC program assisted with parking. There was a poignant moment during the event when George Moisant ’66 donated his Jesuit class ring to Fr. McGinn, his 1966 classmate. “I thought it was an appropriate way to pay it forward and, at the same time, give a needy student a link to those who came before him,” Moisant said.
Opposite page: Candle bearers Chris Cox '89 and his father Ralph Cox '64 lead the Mass Processional with cross bearer Zach Heard '64. Above: Class of 2006 alumni Eric Cusimano, David Creighton, Max Gruenig, John Pivach, Jeff Ganucheau, James Linn IV, and Casey Moll gather at the reception that followed Mass. Left: George Moisant III '66 presents his senior ring to classsmate and Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. Eventually the ring will be passed along to a Blue Jay who cannot afford to purchase his own class ring.
10 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
WHERE Y’AT 1930s 1950s 1945,” writes Linden.
James Fitzmorris ’39 was named a 2014 Activist in St. Elizabeth’s Guild’s Hall of Fame, one of his latest honors that distinguishes this former Alumnus of the Year (1972). Jimmy had a successful 32year career with Kansas City Southern Railway Company before serving two terms as Louisiana’s lieutenant governor. When he left public office, the “guvner,” as many of his friends address him, formed Fitzmorris & Associates to represent national and international clients in real estate and corporate and government relations. He celebrated his 93rd birthday last November and still goes to his Lee Circle office every weekday morning.
1940s
Albert Widmer ’43 celebrated his 90th birthday on October 4. Al and his wife, Mary Lou, have two children (one, Jay Widmer ’71), four grandchildren (one, Grant Widmer ’00), and five greatgrandchildren. Al is a retired sales manager at WWL radio and in 2011 was honored as the Legend of the Game for the Jesuit - Holy Cross football rivalry. Linden Hebert ’45 has finally moved back to New Orleans since he lost his Lakeview home due to the failure of the levees during Katrina. “So happy to be back! Looking for my friends from the Class of
Robert Menard ’54 is starting his fifteenth year as the planned giving director of the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Bob is the grandfather of two current Blue Jays, Mark and Christopher Beebe. Mickey Landry ’56 hit a hole-in-one playing golf with his friend and classmate, Rene Curry ’56. “I’ve been playing golf for more than 50 years and this is the first time I’ve accomplished this,” Mickey joyfully reported. William Cavanaugh ’57 is retired and spends his time as a volunteer helping the Diocese of Raleigh build a new cathedral. Bill Hammel ’57 is “mostly” retired from Loyola University where he was a professor and dean in the department of communications. Bill still teaches a spring semester course on film studies at Tulane University. He and his wife, Suzanne, remain avid travelers and spend a good part of the year in Seattle, their second home. Ronald Jung ’58 was recognized at an Archdiocesan reception for his 35 years of “faithful involvement” with the Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal. Dennis O’Callaghan ’58, Boyd Professor and head of the department of
microbiology at LSU Health Shreveport, has been awarded a five-year grant of more than $4.8 million from the National Institute of Health. The grant is designed to enhance the capabilities of the NIH’s Center for Molecular and Tumor Virology thus allowing the center to continue molecular research and the mentoring of young scientists.
1960s
August Berner, Jr. ’60 is an associate broker with Keller Williams Real Estate in Metairie. Randall Mire ’60 enjoys the annual overnight red snapper fishing trip with Bob Shipp ’60 and six other 1960 alums. Randy writes, “We all enjoy lots of fish, nostalgia, and good times.” James Tallon ’60 is retired and living in Rochester, NY with his wife, Marie. Though Jim has finally given up golf, he enjoys many other hobbies such as photography, woodworking, and microscopy. Mostly, though, he enjoys his time with his two granddaughters. Jim writes, “I always look forward to my visits to New Orleans and am especially looking forward to introducing my granddaughters to Mardi Gras this year.” Robert Zollinger ’60 is retired and residing in Ocoee, FL.
Lynn Brandin, Sr. ’61 and his wife Dee have lived in Crestview, FL for what was supposed to be a short stay that turned into 43 years. Lynn retired 17 years ago from his civil service supervisor’s job with the Air Force. The couple opened a cabinet and custom woodworking business. They have three grown children who helped them celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary. Lynn writes, “Dee often says that she was the best souvenir I brought from North Carolina!” F. King McGoey ’61 was honored last summer with the Order of St. Louis Medallion for his service to St. Philip Neri Church in Metairie. Lyn Caliva ’62 retired from professional, theatrical design, and education. He is currently on the board, as treasurer, of a non-profit video production company, Upstart, Inc., in Bastrop, TX. John Crawford ’62 is retired but actively volunteers, mentoring young men at risk and building boats with them at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. He is a Coast Guard instructor to agency personnel in disaster response. He also teaches boating safety to the public for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Jack sums up his post-career life, “I don’t understand boredom in retirement.” Gerald Landry ’63 “migrated” to the Cajun area of southwest Louisiana years ago. However, Gerald and his wife, Terri, purchased a condo in New Orleans and are
spending more time in the city near their daughter and her husband.
Louie Roussel ’63 was named a 2014 Activist in St. Elizabeth’s Guild’s Hall of Fame. He is a lawyer, businessman, and a former thoroughbred racehorse owner and trainer. Louie has been a benefactor of many institutions, including Immaculate Conception Church, Good Shepherd School, Jesuit High School, and numerous other local and national philanthropic groups. One of his proudest moments occurred in 2012 when he bought the Golden Monstrance, which was associated with Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, before it went to auction and returned it to the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Carl Aspelund ’65 is employed at the Chehardy Law Firm. Also, Carl spends one day a week as a volunteer at the World War II Museum. Steven Lanoux ’65 was elected to a third term on the Port Aransas City Council and is serving as mayor pro tem for the Texas city. Steve is a former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Joseph Parish in Port Aransas and is a member of the men’s retreat team at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Flour Bluff, TX. Ray McQueen ’65 retired in 2009 from an insurance and risk management executive position enjoying the pleasant surroundings of Santa Fe, NM. He married in 2012. Ray writes, “We love our high desert retreat and engage in lots of skiing, hiking, fishing, and world travel.”
Ashton Ryan ’65 was one of six New Orleanians recognized by the New Orleans Council for Community and Justice. In November Ashton received the prestigious Weiss Humanitarian Award for his efforts at opening minds and bringing people together and for his civic and humanitarian contributions that are examples to be followed. Harry Vorhaben, Jr. ’65 and his wife, Deborah, are enjoying retirement. He practiced emergency medicine for 36 years.
Thomas
Jay Thomas ’66 has toppled his last meatball. In an annual Christmas tradition that dates to 1998, Jay appears on David Letterman’s “Late Show” to challenge the host to a football-throwing contest. The first to knock off an oversized meatball atop the show’s Christmas tree wins… nothing. When Letterman retired in May, so, too, did this zany tradition. Jay went out in style by once again besting Letterman in the laugh-filled contest. John Engelhardt ’67 is raising his twin teenage grandchildren. Part of that entails serving as scoutmaster for a Boy Scout troop in Ashland, OR. John attends lifelong learning classes on law and literature “to keep the synapses firing,” as he puts it. Craig Mundie ’67 has retired from Microsoft after 22 years
with the company. Most recently Craig served as head of Microsoft Research.
Terry Labat ’68 is the proud father of 12 children and, at the moment, 11 grandchildren. He finds time to serve as volunteer manager of the St. John Ministry of Care in St. John Parish. Terry was awarded the Most Volunteer Service Hours Award in the parish for each of the past three years. Jay Zainey ’69 was the 2014 recipient of the Saint John Paul II Award from the Catholic Foundation. Established in 1996, the award recognizes a Catholic layperson whose unselfish volunteer service to the institutions and programs of the Archdiocese of New Orleans makes her or him a model for all. Jay is a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
1970s
Edward D’Antoni ’70 resides in Potomac, MD and is director of planned giving for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. James Freyder ’70 recently retired from Entergy and looks forward to traveling with his wife Debbie. James will be able to spend more time with two of his hobbies: classic cars and fishing. Carlos Green ’70 recently retired to the Texas Hill Country. He is looking forward to his daughter’s graduation from the University of Texas in Austin. J. Spencer Hayman ’70 is the executive director of the Louisiana-Mississippi division of Operation Homefront, a major nonprofit that provides
The Blue Jay Coroners Club Jeffrey Rouse ’92 is a forensic psychiatrist who also happens to be the first new Orleans Parish coroner to come along in 40 years when he was elected to the office in March 2014. For 12 years Jeff was deputy chief coroner to Dr. Frank Minyard, the trumpetblowing coroner who was elected and re-elected over a span of four decades until he decided not to run anymore. Chances are if you are talking with a coroner in the New Orleans area, you are speaking with a Blue Jay. Jeff joins three other Jesuit alumni, physicians who serve as coroners in Louisiana parishes. Bryan Bertucci ’68 is the coroner of St. Bernard Parish. Christy Montegut ’70 serves as coroner of St. John Parish. Gerald Cvitanovich ’78 is the coroner of Jefferson Parish, having replaced his predecessor, Blue Jay alumnus Robert Treuting ’55.
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Quartet of Blue Jays Ordained Four Jesuit alumni were ordained to the priesthood in separate ceremonies.
Derbes, O.P. ’93
Todd Derbes, O.P. ’93 was ordained last September to the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) in Washington, D.C. Fr. Cassian Derbes, his chosen Dominican name, celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at The Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C.
Randall Gibbens, S.J. and Robert Murphy, S.J., both of the Class of 1995, were ordained Jesuit priests a year apart. Randall was ordained in June 2015 at St. Joseph’s Church on Tulane Avenue while Robert’s ceremony took place in June 2014 at St. Francis Xavier College Church in St. Louis. Gibbens, S.J. ’95
Randall entered the Society of Jesus in 2004 and during his formation worked in Mexico and served as a chaplain at San Quentin State Prison. Randall’s first Mass was celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church on St. Charles Avenue. For his first assignment as a Jesuit priest, Randall is working in parish ministry in Honduras. Robert entered the Society of Jesus in 2003, and during his formation was missioned to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, where he was director of campus ministry, taught theology Murphy, S.J. ’95 and Spanish, and coached freshmen soccer. At Robert’s ordination, he chose Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 to vest him in his priestly garments. Robert celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving on Jesuit’s campus in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. He currently serves as associate pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in San Antonio.
Hill, S.J.
Todd ’06
Ordained alongside Randall was Joe Hill, S.J., who recently taught at Jesuit High School as a scholastic. Andrew Todd ’06 was ordained in St. Louis last August as a Catholic priest in the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, the principal ministry of which is the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, colloquially known as the Latin Mass.
services to military and wounded warrior families across the nation. The organization seeks to aid American military personnel who have unmet needs due to financial hardship, death, injury, or physical or mental detriment as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Andrew Daigle ’74 was awarded the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion from Archbishop Gregory Aymond in a May ceremony at St. Louis Cathedral. The Order of St. Louis IX medallion honors laity who have contributed their time and talents to the Church.
Mike Power ’70 moved to Seoul, Korea for an 18-month assignment with the international affiliate of KPMG LLP, the firm he recently retired from after a 40-year career.
Mark Dauer ’74 retired from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, where he was deputy chief litigation counsel in the enforcement department.
Clifford Hurndon ’71 has been promoted to full professor of psychology/ counseling at Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL where he has been teaching for nine years. He serves as the chair of the graduate programs in counselor education. Arthur Parham ’71 and his wife, Kathy, both work for Entergy in The Woodlands. Roger Bandera ’72 has been working in the information technology industry for 33 years in New Orleans. Roger is completing his seventh year with CMA Technology Solutions. Stephen Huete ’73 retired from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service after 31 years, 18 of which were spent overseas. Stephen and his wife bought a house in the country outside Gettysburg, PA, where he is a permanent deacon at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, established by the Jesuits after 1800. Phil Slattery ’73 is a director at Deloitte Consulting, LLP, overseeing operations for the U.S. Central Region. He has seven children and 17 grandchildren with another one on the way.
John Boulet ’75 has practiced pediatric emergency medicine for the last eight years in Huntsville, AL. John and his wife have four home-schooled children, two of whom are in college. Michael Dugan ’75 was recognized with the Peter S. Knox III Distinguished Chair of Accounting at Georgia Regents University in Augusta, GA, prompting a move from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was a professor for four years. Peter Holley ’75 is enjoying a “pleasant respite” in Tbilisi, Georgia, after a year at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Peter will remain in Tbilisi through the summer of 2015, but writes, “New Orleans remains my destination in the not too distant future.” Mike Giorlando ’76 has retired as Loyola University’s athletic director and men’s head basketball coach. Mike spent 10 years as Loyola’s AD and returns to his career in dentistry. Jubi Hillery ’76 is CEO of Wrist North America, a ship supplier that has grown into a global player with acquisitions and expansions. “The
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geography and sheer scale of North America make it one of the toughest regions to deliver efficient ship supply services,” says Jubi.
John Marsal ’76 has moved to San Carlos, CA where he works as director of marketing for an IT security company. Newell Normand ’76 is the 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of New Orleans. Newell graduated from UNO in 1988 with a degree in business administration. Twice elected sheriff of Jefferson Parish, Newell serves on the boards of directors of numerous organizations, including East Jefferson General Hospital, the Volunteers of America, the Boy Scouts, and the Fore!Kids Foundation. Gil Ganucheau ’77 has been appointed to serve as general counsel of Slidell Memorial Hospital. Gil has practiced law for more than 31 years, concentrating in health law. Gil and his wife, Sheila, have four children: Adam '04, Jeffrey '06, Ross '09, and daughter Bethany, a captain of the Jayettes. Gregory Roberts ’77 is the principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point, NC. Harvin Broughton ’78 is a geological manager for an oil and gas exploration and production company in Midland, TX, where he and his wife, Robyn, live. Fernand Tiblier ’78 was appointed city engineer of Bunnell, FL.
1980s Steven Queyrouze ’80 is senior vice president of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Self Insurance Fund, which handles workers’ compensation issues for approximately 3,000 restaurant members. Juan Thomassie ’80 and his wife, Jean Czernia, moved back to New Orleans from Arlington, VA. Juan works from home as a software engineer for Elasticsearch, a tech startup based in Los Altos, CA. “We’ve been away 25 years living in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where we raised our children,” writes Juan. “Now that we’re on the verge of ‘empty nester’ status, we decided to return home. It’s great to be home!” Alexander Barthe ’81 and his wife Adele opened their third franchise UPS Store, this one in Crestview, FL, a stone’s throw away from Eglin Air Force Base. Alex retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2007 and reports, “Last year we became grandparents to a beautiful baby girl, Selena. Adele, our son Chris, our daughter Ariana, Selena, and our daughter-in-law are all doing well.” Mark D’Aquin ’81 and his wife Rebecca moved the whole family back home to New Orleans last summer. Mark is a senior instructional designer/ program developer with SAP Corporation, the world’s third largest independent software manufacturer. “We were living in North Texas for the past 18 years and had an opportunity to move back to family and friends,” writes Mark. Their
son, formerly a student at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, is a rising senior Blue Jay at Carrollton and Banks. Mark and Rebecca have been married 26 years.
James Gatti ’81, in his 13th year of teaching at Brother Martin High School, received the 2015 Brother More Schaefer Award for excellence in instruction, commitment to formation, and demonstration of Christian witness. Jimmy was nominated by his peers. He teaches religion and is the tennis moderator and intramural director. Paul Armbruster ’82 was appointed head of the department of orthodontics at the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry. Gregory Sachnik ’82 is an attorney with the international law firm Bryan Cave LLP. He is based in Dallas and works in the firm’s class and derivative actions and commercial litigation practice group. Nabil Al-Tikriti ’84 was reelected to a second term on the Doctors Without Borders USA board of directors, a volunteer post he has held since 2011.
Pausina (center)
Randy Pausina ’84 received the Jerry Stone Conservationist of the Year Award from the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana. The award recognizes leadership in the area of marine conservation. Randy is the
assistant secretary of the Office of Fisheries, which is part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Under Randy’s guidance, the agency’s artificial reef program has undergone significant expansion, and the Louisiana marine sport fish tagging program, another of his visions, continues to flourish. Randy and his wife, Cherie, live in Covington with their two sons, Conlan and Christian.
Roland Spedale, Jr. ’84 was named a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is the chief of medicine at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, AL, where for the past 13 years he has a general internal medicine practice. Roland and his wife Nancy have two children, Jack (11) and Sarah (9).
Montz
Dennis Montz ’85 is senior vice president and director of private investments at Sentinel Trust Company, LBA in Houston. He conducts due diligence on, analyzes, and monitors investments for four proprietary private equity funds. Dennis oversees limited partnership investments in venture capital, corporate finance, and real estate funds. He also analyzes other private investment opportunities for clients.
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Paul Odenwald ’85 joined the faculty of Archbishop Rummel High School where he teaches engineering and biology. Benjie Balser ’86 is a founding partner of Balser & Grell IP Law, LLP and concentrates his practice in patent drafting and prosecution in the firm’s Metairie location. Jeff Brooks ’86 is chairman of the executive committee of the Adams and Reese law firm. The executive committee serves as management for the firm and consists of six capital partners elected to three-year terms. Jeff is the partner in charge of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, which he helped establish in 1997. Jeff serves clients primarily in matters of transportation, appropriations, public works, education, stimulus, energy, and the environment. Jim Busenlener ’86 is an attorney and managing partner of the New Orleans branch office of Matthiesen,
Wickert & Lehrer. He specializes in representing insurers in coverage, professional liability, subrogation, and defense litigation.
Paul Leonard ’88 moved in fall 2012 to Davidson, NC where he works as vice president of private equity for Systems Maintenance Services, an IT services company. Granville Morse ’89 is the medical director at MHM Urgent Care on Robert E. Lee Boulevard near West End. Granville is also the deputy coroner of Jefferson Parish. Beau Raymond ’89 is chief medical information officer at East Jefferson General Hospital. As CMIO, Beau leads efforts to advance Information Technology systems that support patient care and research as well as directs the design of clinical pathway models through interdisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, and administrative leaders.
1990s Sal Liberto ’90 is the vice president for enrollment management at Newbury College in the Boston area.
Matthews
Lawrence Matthews, Jr. ’90 has worked 15 years with Trust Company of America, telecommuting for the past eight years between his home in Conroe, TX and the firm’s Centennial, CO headquarters. Lawrence is responsible for TCA’s Money Manager X-Change Program, which leverages the expertise of fellow RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors) and money managers by allowing
joint management of investor portfolios.
Andrew Beyer ’91 is the head volleyball coach at St. Scholastica Academy in Covington, where he teaches physics and leadership courses. Carlos Herrera ’91 is a senior vice president with Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking Group in downtown Los Angeles. He and his wife, Kristi, reside in Hermosa Beach, some 24 miles southwest of the city of angels. (See Carlos and wife Kristi’s Bib List entry.) Arthur Mora ’91 was awarded his Ph.D. in health services research from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He joined Tulane’s faculty as a clinical assistant professor in the department of global health systems and development and teaches graduate courses. Arthur also serves as the director of the MHA administrative residency program. (See Arthur and wife Annie’s Bib List entry.)
Baseball Ballpark Bucket List Tour Mike Cougevan ’74 completed his bucket list item of seeing a Major League baseball game in all 30 baseball parks. With a trip to see the Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis in August, Mike’s quest was complete. “I would always go to a game if I was in or near a Major League town on business,” said Mike. “In 2009 I realized I had been to half the stadiums, so I made it a goal to get to all of them. I had to ‘redo’ the Yankees and the Mets when they opened new stadiums. The quest was a lot of fun.”
Mike’s favorite highlight was Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buerhle’s perfect game in July 2009. “I knew it was a no-hitter, but then in the 8th, it dawned on me it was also a perfect game,” recalled Mike. “Unbelievable catch on the warning track for the last out. What a celebration. The best ‘specimens’ I saw were Ken Griffey, Jr. and Mike Trout. I also saw a Barry Bonds ‘Splash Hit’ into the Bay. BOOM!” Mike’s top five baseball parks: Wrigley, Fenway, Giants, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. Worst park: Oakland, “by a lot,” he adds.
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his 4 year-old assisted-living company. In February Peristyle opened its fifth location in Metairie. Jason; his wife, Renee; and his 6 yearold son and twin 2 year-old daughters live in Metairie.
Eleven Blue Jay alumni and Jesuit’s director of institutional advancement, Tom Bagwill, spent a week in May hiking, canyoneering, and mountain climbing in Utah. The trip, which included 10 non-alumni of Jesuit, was organized by outdoor enthusiast and expert adventure planner Wayne Fontana ’69. The excursion culminated with a 1,500-foot hike (the equivalent of climbing stairs to the roof of a 150 story building) to the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park. From left are John Holahan ’75, Mel Leveque ’82, Tom Skelly ’69, Wayne Fontana ’69, Jon Ruello ’77, Mickey Quinlan ’69, Jay Widmer ’71; seated are Chase Bagwill ’08, Charlie Ruello ’69, Ben Bagwill ’12, and Larry Francioni ’13. Joshua Sagers ’91 was relieved of his command last June after a successful tour as commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Station at South Padre Island, TX. Josh was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his efforts improving Coast Guard response and strengthening inter-agency effectiveness along the U.S./Mexico international maritime border to combat smuggling, poaching, and illegal entry. Josh is attending George Washington University studying public administration. Josh and his wife, Rachel, have two sons, Gabriel (18) and Dominic (13).
Marc Bonifacic ’92 is a managing director of U.S. Energy Sales at GMP Securities. Marc has more than 18 years of Wall Street experience, most recently at Johnson Rice & Company in Institutional Sales. Marc earned a bachelor's degree from Auburn University in international business and an MBA from Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business. Dart Fee ’92 is corporate manager in sourcing at Intralox, a local company that revolutionized conveyance systems with the invention of modular plastic belting. Jason Hemel ’92 has been busy with Peristyle Residences,
J. Cameron Henry ’92 was recognized by the Washington Post to its “40 Under 40” list of rising political stars. The list focuses on people who have made names for themselves outside of Washington, D.C. Cameron represents District 82 in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Matthew Old ’93 was featured on the FOX News national morning show recently for his role in the successful surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from the neck of a colleague. Matt is a surgeon at the Ohio State James Cancer Center. Matt was a standout swimmer at Jesuit and Stanford University. He earned his medical degree from the University of TexasHouston Medical School. His surgical and clinical expertise are in head and neck oncology. Jeb Schrenk ’93 is the associate director of public relations at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Jeb; his wife, Sarah; and their daughter, Lucy, live in Mobile. Gregory Toscano ’93 works the New Orleans territory for Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Greg and his wife Dayna have two children, a boy and a girl. The family lives in Kenner. Michael Toups ’93 is an English teacher at The Woodlands High School, just outside Houston. He will assist with the basketball program at the large school of 4,500 students. Ed Gussman ’94 is a lieutenant colonel in the Air
Force. Last year he served as the deputy of operations for the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. In June he assumed command of the 72nd Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron in Baghdad, Iraq. He will return home in June of 2016. Eddie’s wife, Lacie, reports, “This has been the culmination of 17 years of dedication and hard work. We are all really proud of him.”
John Meade ’94 started his own law firm, Meade Law LLC, located downtown on Poydras Street. “So far, so good,” observes John.
Rohatgi
Anand Rohatgi ’94 is a cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His specialty is preventive cardiology and he has expertise in treating patients with lipid/cholesterol disorders, high blood pressure, premature coronary artery disease (CAD), and a family history of CAD. “My role is to be a guide and a teacher — to empower people to approach heart health with a holistic perspective using lifestyle and evidence-based therapies to prevent heart disease,” says Anand, who with several of his colleagues conducted a study on cholesterol and heart disease. The group’s findings were published in the December 2014 issue of
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the New England Journal of Medicine.
Kurt Buchert ’95 and Taylor Nobles ’95 are partners in a real estate development business in which they’ve renovated or built eight homes within four blocks of Jesuit, turning blighted properties into quality housing. (See Kurt and his wife Ericka’s Bib List entry.) Don Mouledoux ’95 works in supply chain management for Emerson Electric in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He and his wife, Dana, have been married 11 years and the couple have three sons. An avid runner who easily covered 50 miles a week just a few years ago, Don admits that he’s trimmed that distance quite a bit. “I’m running after my three sons, going to their soccer and t-ball games,” he writes. Michael White ’95 is head coach of basketball at the University of Florida. A former Ole Miss basketball player (and a guard for the Blue Jays), Michael previously coached at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. Paul Aragon ’96 was promoted to principal examiner with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, an independent, not-for-profit organization authorized by Congress to protect America’s investors by making sure the securities industry operates fairly and honestly. (See Paul and his wife Jennifer’s Bib List entry.) Jared Brupbacher ’97 has been selected to attend the Air Force intermediate developmental education program at air command and staff college in Montgomery, AL starting in August 2015. (See Jared and his wife Angie’s Bib List entry.)
Christopher Buckley ’97 has a new role at the University of Minnesota, transitioning from senior career counselor for the College of Liberal Arts to director of alumni relations for the College of Education and Human Development. (See Christopher and his wife Aya’s Bib List entry.) Kevin Murray ’97 recently left the engineering construction industry to join the Community Coffee Company as director of financial planning. He is responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning for the 95-year-old Louisiana company. Kevin and his wife Kori reside in Baton Rouge with their two children, Lucas and Camille. Donald Toso ’97 is a Navy lieutenant commander on active duty with 13 years of service. Corey Fitzpatrick ’98 is an attorney representing injured workers throughout Louisiana. Corey and his wife, Stacie, reside in Lakeview along with their three children: Colt, Finley, and Connick. Atticus LeBlanc ’98 owns a real estate construction company in Atlanta, where he and his wife are living and raising four boys, ages four months to seven years. Adam Superneau ’98 is chef and co-owner, with Tommy Macaluso ’98, of Oak Oven on Jefferson Highway in Harahan. Adam spent years working at Vincent’s Restaurant in Metairie before attending culinary school at the International Culinary Center in Manhattan, as well as ALMA, the world’s leading international educational and training center for Italian cuisine.
Kyle Berner ’99 married Ashley Elizabeth Weinstein last summer in Perdido Key, FL. Nick Lama ’99, former sous chef and chef de cuisine at Gautreau’s in uptown New Orleans, opened his own restaurant, Avo, on the site of the old Martinique Bistro on Magazine Street. Gabriel Markel ’99 is celebrating the second anniversary of opening Faubourg Wines on St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans. Matt Miller ’99 was recently promoted to partner at the law firm of Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer, LLC. Matt’s practice involves representation in the areas of taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning. John Moran ’99 is the director of physical therapy at Southern Orthopaedic Specialists. Jeff Paddock ’99 was a 2014 recipient of the Emerging Leader Award, given by the American Physical Therapy Association to a therapist “who has demonstrated extraordinary service early in his or her physical therapy career.” Jeff is a therapist and regional manager of clinical services with Accelerated Care Plus. He and his wife Christin have two sons and live in Kenner.
2000s
Christopher Amador ’00 is a product manager for Q2 Software in Austin, where he and his wife, Lauren, and their son, Keller, make their home. David Favret ’00 was recently promoted to director of business development strategic communications for
a New Orleans-based federal government contracting firm which supports NASA, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense operations across the country.
Christian Higgins ’00 sings baritone in a Tampa choir, which performs traditional Catholic music, including songs sung in Latin. Joseph Hugg ’00 is a partner at the Poydras Street law firm Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP, where he specializes in labor and employment law. “I have become active in the Louisiana charter school movement,” writes Joe, who serves on the board of trustees for the Algiers Charter School Association. Joe is also on the governance committee of Lycée Français de la NouvelleOrléans, a French-immersion charter school in Orleans Parish. Ted Joyner ’00 and Grant Widmer ’00, the Generationals, have released their fourth album, Alix.
Kron
Zack Kron ’00 co-wrote, produced, and stars in The Palooka, a 15-minute film based on Tennessee Williams’s little-known short play by the same name. Zack plays a rookie boxer, “The Kid,” alongside Mad Men alumnus Bryan Batt, who stars in the title role. Shot in New Orleans on a $15,000 budget, the film debuted at this year’s
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Two Jays Recognized by Gambit G. Wogan Bernard ’99 and William Stoudt ’07 made Gambit’s annual “40 Under 40” list of young people making a difference in the New Orleans area. The compilation “provides glimpses into the innovations, new developments, social improvements, science breakthroughs, and artistic achievements of the young people in the area.” Wogan Bernard, an attorney in the real estate and business section of Chaffe McCall, L.L.P., was recognized for his active participation in the redevelopment of New Orleans since 2006. He is a leader in the American Bar Association’s real property probate & trust section, an in-demand speaker at legal conferences across the country, and a board member of the New Orleans area Habitat for Humanity. Wogan earned an economics degree from Washington & Lee University and his law degree from LSU, where he was editor of the Louisiana Law Review.
Tennessee Williams Festival. The Palooka tells the story of a boxer whose day has come and gone and a rookie boxer who’s about to embark on his first pro bout. The two men shoot the breeze about a great boxing hero, both as wishful memoir and inspiration before their own fights. “While it’s specifically about two boxers,” Zack writes on the film’s website (thepalookafilm.com), “it’s about the dreams we all share — whether as a kid growing up, or a man who’s lived a full life.”
Keith LeBlanc ’00 is a dermatologist who opened The Skin Surgery Centre on Metairie Road. He specializes in Mohs surgery and reconstruction. Keith and his wife, Ashley, have three children. Jason Marcell ’00 is working as an engineer at Apple in Silicon Valley.
Max Ferran ’01 is a project manager with DonahueFavret Contractors, Inc. in Mandeville. Thomas Veade ’01 is a naval aviator on his second tour in the Iraq theater, serving on the USS George H.W. Bush in the Persian Gulf. Thomas completed a three-year stint as a naval pilot instructor and he flew several search and rescue missions in Japan in the aftermath of that country’s devastating 2011 tsunami. Michael Viviano ’01 works as a civil engineer in the petrochemical industry. Michael and his wife, Monica, live in Baton Rouge. (See Michael and Monica’s Bib List entry.) Conrad Williams ’01 is medical director for the pediatric palliative care program at Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C., where he and his wife, Kelli, live.
William Stoudt is the executive director of Youth Rebuilding New Orleans (YRNO), a nonprofit he helped start in 2005 while still a Jesuit student living in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the levees. YRNO focuses on building and selling homes to teachers at a discounted price, creating employment programs for young people, and using Americorps volunteers to teach new skills in schools. William’s service orientation keeps him connected to Jesuit as an annual participant in the Thanksgiving Drive, a leader of the Class of 2007, and a facilitator of service projects for students and alumni. In 2013 William addressed new Blue Jays at their Investiture ceremony. (See Conrad and Kelli’s Bib List entry.)
Arden Ballard ’02 is a physician assistant with Ochsner Sports Medicine. He also has a side photography business/hobby. (See Arden and Katherine’s Bib List entry.) Henry duQuesnay ’02 and two of his buddies pitched an idea at the 2015 Big Idea Challenge that garnered them a spot in the semifinals. The idea is a compact hydroponic gardening unit, designed to allow residents to grow fresh vegetables, even in apartments. Christopher Saik ’02 is chief investment officer of the $1.8 billion pension fund of the Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System in Baton Rouge. (See Christopher and his wife Courtney’s Bib List entry.) Nick Varuso ’02 is a drilling engineer with Shell Oil and currently works at the
company’s international headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands. Nick, who graduated in 2007 from St. Louis University with a degree in mechanical engineering, is a Boys Hope/ Girls Hope New Orleans alumnus. He travels the world in search of the fuels that keep the world economy rolling. This provides Nick an opportunity to visit the international programs of BH/ GH as he remains close to the program, serving the president of its alumni organization.
Andrew Gulotta ’03 is vice president of the investment bank Sixpoint Partners in New York City, where he lives with his wife, Lauren, whom he married last August in Cape Cod. “Several Blue Jays made the trek to the Cape, making the day even more special,” writes Andrew. “My twin brother, John Gulotta ’03, was my best man; and Sean Siebenkittel ’03 was a groomsman.”
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Corey Hilliard ’03 was an unrestricted free agent when he signed in March with the New York Jets. Two months later, however, the offensive tackle announced his retirement from pro football. Hilliard played six seasons in the NFL, mostly with Indianapolis and Detroit. Mark Hocke ’03 is head coach of the strength and conditioning program at the University of Georgia. Daniel Lagarde ’03 and his wife, Erin, are veterinarians at MedVet in Mandeville. They are expecting their first child in August 2015. Brett Pellerin ’03 participated in a wood bat baseball league last summer and gives an honest assessment of his offensive output. “Well, I hit above the Mendoza Line,” writes Brett, a reference, of course, that baseball aficionados recognize as the standard for incompetent hitting. James Schindler ’03 is a lawyer at a corporate firm in Washington, D.C. He formerly worked at the Cato Institute where he helped write briefs in connection with two landmark cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court (United States v. Windsor; Hollingsworth v. Perry). Additionally, James was interviewed on the FOX Network show On the Record, about the difficulties young professionals experience in finding employment with benefits. Sean Somers ’03 is a petroleum engineer and well-site manager for Stokes and Spiehler Engineering & Consulting. Christopher Williams ’03 is an associate attorney at the
CBD law firm of Johnson, Yacoubian, & Paysse, APLC.
Christopher Capretto ’04 earned his professional engineer license in 2014 and is working as a civil design engineer at ECM Consultants in Metairie. This summer, Christopher and his wife, Elizabeth, traveled through Greece and Italy as leaders of a group of students from Warren Easton High School, where Elizabeth teaches. David Cradic ’04, Michael Graham ’06, and Matthew Levy ’08 received their doctor of veterinary medicine degrees last May from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Hill Dupuy ’04 works at Gillis, Ellis, Baker, Inc. as a producer in both commercial and personal lines of insurance. Hill enjoys volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank and resides in New Orleans with his wife, Regan. Thomas Eason ’04 is a vice president at Goldman Sachs. Doug Higginbotham ’04 married Alicia Corcoran this past spring. After a honeymoon in the Turks and Caicos, they settled in New Orleans, where Doug works as the director of transportation at Southern Recycling. Blake Hosli ’04 is a licensed engineer and works as an engineering manager at WDG Architects Engineers on Baronne Street. Blake married Shasta Rose Phelps in 2013 and they live in Metairie. Pierre Mouledoux ’04 is a real estate agent and notary public who works as a project manager for Sperry Van Ness|Gilmore Auction Realty Co. in Kenner. Pierre successfully managed the last
Five Blue Jays from the Class of 2014, who recently completed their freshmen year, at the University of Notre Dame gathered for this photo in a popular spot on campus, near “Touchdown Jesus.” The Blue Jays and their majors are, from left: Kevin Yokum (electrical engineering), Zack Jones (chemical engineering and pre-med), Brendan Besh (political science and program of liberal studies), Chris Mire (finance and economics), and Kevin Mickan (finance and energy studies). The photo captures the Jesuit quintet during freshmen orientation at the beginning of the school year, just before their parents said goodbye and good luck. 12 statewide Road Home auctions with sales of 884 properties for $21,765,409. An Eagle Scout who is an assistant scoutmaster for a Metairie troop, Pierre also is the co-chairman of the Jefferson Parish Ducks Unlimited Committee and in his second year as the state publicity chairman for the Louisiana Ducks Unlimited State Committee. (See Pierre and his wife Alyse’s Bib List entry.)
Nicholas Pontiff ’04 opened a State Farm insurance agency office in Mid-City, across the street from Liuzza’s Restaurant on Bienville Street. Graham Ryan ’04 is a business litigation attorney at Jones Walker who has been appointed to the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division Council. In this role he works with FEMA and the American Bar Association to head
a statewide legal services program that assists lowincome citizens following a natural disaster.
Sean Brennan ’05 recently married Michelle Marie May at the Immaculate Conception Church on Baronne Street. John Cerniglia ’05 has moved back to New Orleans after living in Virginia for the past 10 years. He lives in Kenner and works downtown for Tiffany and Co. Troy Christen ’05 works in management at Republic Finance. In 2013, Troy married Stephanie Stamps at St. Louis Cathedral. The couple live in Mandeville. Michael Tufton ’05 is a dentist with a practice on the Westbank. Jonathan Mann ’06 is a manager at Deloitte & Touche’s Houston office focusing on advisory and finance transformation
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The Write Jays Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. — E.L. Doctorow That is not to imply the brain disorder afflicts any Jesuit alumni who are authors. It just seemed like a catchy enough quote to launch what will be a regular “sidebar” feature to Where Y’at: “The Write Jays,” a compilation of Blue Jay authors and the books they’ve written. Instead of the hodgepodge method previously used — sprinkling items about Blue Jays and their books throughout Where Y’at — “The Write Jays” simply pulls all of this information together into a neat and tidy corner of Jaynotes. Jack Saux ’59 has published the novel Act of Faith, which is available on Kindle and Nook. Ralph Adamo ’66 published his seventh collection of poetry, Ever: Poems 20002014 (Lavender Ink). According to the back jacket of the book: “At times painfully lucid, at times opaque, often simultaneously personal and universal, Adamo’s poems seek that most elusive goal: truth as far as language can pursue it, and while truth may remain unfathomable and inexpressible, these poems never waver in their seeking.” A major player on the New Orleans poetry scene, Ralph also teaches English at Xavier University in New Orleans. Keith Harmeyer ’74 wrote the novel Commercial Break in 2009 about an advertising executive who gets his sweet revenge. Keith’s second book, which he co-authored with his business partner, is completely different. If you’re familiar with brainstorming, SmartStorming: The Game-Changing Process for Generating Bigger, Better Ideas (Dog Ear Publishing) is the next best step. Keith spent 25 years on the creative side of advertising and marketing in New York City before co-founding a training and consulting company — called SmartStorming, LLC (naturally) — that helps organizations optimize their creative problem solving and idea generation processes. More can be found on the website SmartStorming. com. Keith and his wife, Vivian, live in Hollywood, FL. Philip J. Meric ’80 has written two beautiful large “coffee table” sized books. The first is The Fortress of New Orleans: A Photographic Tour of the Largest Civil Works Program in U.S. History (EvansGraves Engineers). The book documents one of the greatest achievements of our time — the design and construction of the flood protection system put in place around the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. A leader of the team that gathered the massive amount
of photographs and information for the book, Philip is a database software contractor with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Philip’s second book, Avondale: A Model for Success chronicles the story of Avondale Shipyards from its founding in 1938 until 1999, the year it was acquired by Litton Industries. Philip’s father, René Pierre Meric, Jr. ’42, worked at Avondale from 1955 until his retirement in 1998. Several years ago, the father-son team began extensive research for the book project. René died in April 2014 and Philip writes on the book’s last page, “His wish was that this book be completed. His dream of making this story available for the world to read has come true. Thanks, Dad, for being a ‘Model of Success.’” Both books are available at New Orleans local bookshops Octavia and Garden District. Philip and his wife, Annette, have a son who currently is a student at Jesuit. The family lives in Lakeview. Bernie Cook ’86 has published Flood of Images (University of Texas Press), an insightful analysis of how media representations both shaped and contested collective memories of Katrina and the flooding of New Orleans. The hurricane, the failure of the levees, and the subsequent diaspora were a media event like no other. Displaced New Orleanians and the rest of the world “experienced” the disaster via a flood of images across television and computer screens. Soon documentaries emerged, attempts at explaining what had happened in New Orleans: Spike Lee’s When the Levees Broke, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal’s Trouble the Water, Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Elie’s Faubourg Tremé, and the HBO fictional drama Tremé. Bernie examines the media choices that shaped the event and explains how they may have influenced our memories and meanings of Katrina. Bernie is an associate dean at Georgetown University and the founding director of the school’s Film and Media Studies Program. He is the editor of Thelma & Louise Live! The Cultural Afterlife of an American Film and has produced short documentary films focused on social justice. The book is available wherever fine books are sold. Dominic Massa ’94, special projects director and executive producer at WWL-TV, has written New Orleans Radio Days (Arcadia Publishing), a paperback that charts the development of radio in the Crescent City and features more than 200 rare images. Radio Days is the companion book to Dominic’s New Orleans Television, written in 2008. Both books evoke the nostalgia of the mediums and are part of the Images of America series. Blue Jays, if you’ve written a book lately, please let us know. Email alumni director Mat Grau ’68: grau@jesuitnola.org.
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services. Jonathan married Marie Cenac, a 2006 graduate of Archbishop Chapelle, in August 2014 at Holy Name of Jesus Church. “We’re always hopeful of moving back to New Orleans,” writes Jonathan.
Christopher Lee Ragusa, Jr. ’06 teaches theology courses to freshmen and juniors at Jesuit High School in Tampa. He married Hannah Joy Woldum on July 5, 2014 in Tulsa, OK. Trevor Christman ’07 was deployed to Afghanistan as a drone augment officer, but made a lateral move to become one of the first in a new Marine Corps officer specialty: unmanned aircraft commander/pilot. He is currently stationed in Hawaii executing operations in the Pacific theater. David Myers ’07 works as a mechanical engineer for Intralox. Last summer he married Laura Abston in her hometown of Gilbertown, AL. The couple live in New Orleans. Keller Fisher ’08 graduated with a J.D. from Loyola
University New Orleans College of Law.
Lee Gresham ’08 recently graduated from LSU with a master’s degree in European history. A week later he married Hannah Smitherman in Galveston. Lee and Hannah reside in Metairie. Blake John Guidry ’08, who holds an MBA from Loyola University New Orleans, received his law degree from the school’s College of Law in May 2015. Remi Pastorek ’08 is beginning his third year as a French teacher at Dominican High School. After receiving his master of arts in teaching from Centenary College of Louisiana, Remi taught in France. Rene Pastorek ’08 earned his master of urban and regional planning from UNO and works as a property acquisition specialist for St. Tammany Parish. Cameron Ware ’08 performed at the Mid-City Theater in November in his autobiographical play Catch 23: Life After the Theatre Degree. Cameron notes that
the play focuses on “what life is really like for me (and my peers) as young artists turning everywhere for constant inspiration in the middle of a very unpredictable, yet thrilling journey.” He earned a BFA in musical theatre and a degree in sociology in 2012 from Loyola Marymount University.
and conversation with the residents.
Jordan Ezell ’09 will attend the LSU School of Medicine in the fall. Jonathan Hartmann ’09 is an aspiring student pharmacist and doctor of pharmacy candidate at the University of Tennessee’s College of Pharmacy in Memphis. Jonathan writes, “Patient care endeavors are my life.”
Ware
Graham Williams ’08 works on commercial litigation at the Adams and Reese law firm in New Orleans. Graham graduated from Tulane University Law School, where as president of its Student Bar Association, he led a campaign that raised more than $22,000 for scholarships. Additionally, Graham initiated law student visits to the Waldo Burton Boys’ Home on Carrollton Avenue for games, pizza,
Huber
Kyle Huber ’09 is the assistant director of marketing for LSU Athletics. Kyle addressed more than 300 new Blue Jays at the Investiture ceremony in August at the start of the school year. The video of Kyle’s talk is posted on Jesuit’s website: jesuitnola.org/2014investiture-ceremony
Reconnecting with His Roots Alex Yacoubian ’12, a Washington and Lee University politics and French double major, received a prestigious William Jefferson Clinton Scholarship to attend the American University in Dubai (AUD) during the 2015 winter term. Yacoubian’s grant fully covers his tuition, and he will earn a certificate in Middle Eastern studies from AUD. A Dean’s List student who has played on the football team and is a WLUR radio host, Yacoubian said he’s always wanted to study in the
Middle East. “This dream began when I was a child, listening to my Lebanese grandmother’s enthralling stories of growing up in Beirut,” he said. “I enjoyed listening to her accounts of a world that seemed so different from my own.” His grandfather’s tales of graduating first in his class at the American University of Beirut’s Medical School and moving to the U.S. to practice medicine also influenced Yacoubian’s decision to pursue the Clinton Presidential Foundation scholarship. “I wanted to reconnect with my roots,” he said. “It’s exciting that I’ll be studying at the same institution as my grandfather, albeit in Dubai.”
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2010s Philip Hellmers ’10 graduated with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and a BS in civil engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May 2014. He was on the Dean’s list and received military distinctions. A member of the honor Society of Military Engineers, Philip is at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada for his first assignment. Cal Abadin ’11 spent the fall semester studying at Metropolitan University in Manchester, England, where he found work at game day events at Etihad Stadium for the Manchester City Football Club. Ricky Bordelon ’11 will be teaching English in Bamberg,
Germany, where he has visited twice as a member of the Blue Jay Jazz Band.
Brian Credo ’11 graduated as a valedictorian candidate, summa cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to being selected for Phi Beta Kappa, Brian was the winner of the Robert D. Nuner Award, given to the student with the highest GPA with a major in a modern or classical language. As the winner of a full tuition Benjamin Franklin Fellowship, Brian will continue his studies for a Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. Jarvis Harris ’11, a senior at Harvard, secured the gold medal in the men’s 60-meter hurdles at the 2015 Ivy League Heptagonal Indoor Track & Field Championships. Harris won the event with a time
BLUE JAY ALUMNI: T E L L U S W H E R E Y ’AT ! EMAIL YOUR INFORMATION TO ALUMNI DIRECTOR MAT GRAU AT GRAU@JESUITNOLA.ORG OR CALL HIM AT (504) 483-3840. of 7.94, just .01 off the new program record he set the day before. Jarvis is majoring in biomedical engineering.
Richard Frank Guidry ’12 is a pre-med student at LSU. Tanner Lee ’13 became the sixth Blue Jay since 1957 to start at quarterback for Tulane
University this past season. Here are the five who preceded him and the years they played for the Green Wave: Richie Petitbon ’55 (1957, 1958); Wayne Francingues ’66 (1967, 1968); Steve Foley ’71 (1972, 1973, 1974); Aley Demarest ’91 (1995); and Anthony Scelfo ’05 (2007).
HOMECOMIN G SEPTEMBER 25 - 26, 2015
IN MEMORIAM The list of deceased members of the Jesuit High School Community represents information received from June 1, 2014 – May 31, 2015. For current announcements, check the “In Memoriam” page on Jesuit’s website. The symbol † indicates that individual is deceased. ALUMNI… (By Class Year) Rev. Msgr. John H. Disch ’32 Michael M. Lux ’36 Rev. A. Gerard Fineran, S.J. ’37 Victor E. Babin, Jr. ’38 George E. Burgess, Jr. ’38 A. Richard Christovich, Jr. ’38 Milton F. Hilbert, Jr. ’38 Joseph M. Perret, Jr. ’38 Michael W. Sciortino ’38 Frederick E. Barocco ’40 Gerson R. Eberhardt ’40 Harold R. Lambert, Sr. ’40 Robert E. LeBlanc III ’40 William C. Nelson, Jr. ’40 Staigg G. Ray ’40 Joseph J. Ranna ’41 Henry E. Fransen ’42 James I. Hymel, Jr. ’42 Joseph F. Maes, Jr. ’42 Bernard M. Plaia, Sr. ’42 Anthony B. Carimi ’43 David S. Ferry, Jr. ’43 Carroll K. Gordon ’43 Irby J. Hurst, Jr. ’43 Maurice A. Larue, Jr. ’44 Francis R. Abadie ’45 John B. Donnes II ’45 Frank P. Ricca, Jr. ’45 Albert A. Rodehorst ’45 Melvin J. St. Blanc ’45 Leo A. Welcker ’45 Warren J. Brechtel, Sr. ’46 William L. Malachias ’46 Rev. Francis V. Ferrier, S.J. ’47 Maurice E. Riley, Jr. ’47 Herbert W. Christenberry, Jr. ’48 H. Gordon Hartman ’48 Daniel G. Lau ’48 Ernest P. Jacomine, Jr. ’49 Gustave L. Roux, Jr. ’49 Martial E. Waldo ’49 John C. Ciolino ’50 J. Gerard Discon ’50 Robert E. Higgins ’50 Thomas G. Prendergast ’50 Clyde F. Bel, Jr. ’51 Joseph R. Berrigan, Jr. ’51 Donald W. Boensel ’51 Edwin C. Dorvin, Jr. ’51 John D. Shea ’51 Donald A. Caserta ’52
Carol C. deValcourt ’52 James C. Graves, Jr. ’52 Leon L. Marks, Jr. ’52 Wayne J. McWhorter ’53 Warren M. Simon, Jr. ’53 Wilbert J. Wetzel, Jr. ’53 Philip J. Carroll, Jr. ’54 Conrad E. Ernst ’54 James K. Gaudet ’54 G. Robert Gay ’54 Abel J. McNamara ’54 A. Robert Boelte ’55 Alton C. Chauvet ’55 Rene J. Fourcade III ’55 Wiley V. Harris, Jr. ’55 Peter A. Pellegrini ’55 Frank J. Recely, Jr. ’55 Edward P. Smith ’55 Michael C. Develle ’56 Joseph D. Kirn ’56 G. Sidney Menard ’56 Leed J. Colon, Jr. ’57 Ernest O. Kraemer, Jr. ’57 Daniel P. Matthews ’57 Michael E. Pittman ’57 Earl R. Riecke, Jr. ’57 Robert S. Baxter ’58 Raymond A. Falgout ’58 Robert E. Gueringer ’58 Nelson V. Guidry, Jr. ’58 H. Kenneth Adolph ’59 Byrne M. Cambeilh, Jr. ’59 John B. Gremillion ’59 Beauregard J. Parent, Jr. ’59 Noel P. Montgomery ’60 Lynn B. Hughes, Jr. ’62 Raymond H. Gambel ’63 Louis R. LaBruyere III ’63 Richard L. McCarthy ’64 Louis G. Gruntz, Jr. ’65 Thomas B. Merritt, Jr. ’65 C. Chris Sarris III ’65 E. King Ellis ’66 Philip J. Schoen IV ’66 Borne P. Boudreaux, Jr. ’67 William A. Hardin ’67 Donald R. Nides ’68 Thomas A. Bordelon III ’69 Steven A. DeLony ’69 Thomas C. Dufilho, Jr. ’72 Brian A. Lee, Sr. ’73 Michel A. Mulé ’74 R. Keith Gee ’76
Mitchell T. Wilson ’76 David C. Knill ’78 Stephen M. Planchard ’78 William C. Edmund ’80 Casey B. Snyder ’80 Harold A. Webster, Jr. ’80 Robert B. Truett ’81 Jorgé L. Diaz ’84 Karl P. Keller ’85 Paul F. Cressy ’87 Lawrence D. Taffaro III ’88 Michael L. Schneller ’89 Walter H. White ’91 Jake A. Palumbo ’92 Nicholas M. Tice ’92 William P. Dwyer ’94 Ryan F. Nunenmacher ’11 FACULTY… William P. Dwyer ’94 Leemon B. McHenry WIFE OF… (By Last Name) Leo J. Adde III ’43† G. Dufour Bayle ’51 Thomas G. Beck ’38† Frederick W. Berner ’37† Edmund J. Bordes, Sr. ’37† John P. Burg ’36† Marcel E. Cambus, Jr. ’72 Gerard F. Coogan ’39† Robert D. Coyle ’53 Fred G. D’Aunoy, Jr. ’33† Charles M. del Corral, Jr. ’42† Richard M. Dunkin, Jr. ’53† Donald P. Endom ’53† Richard H. Fagan ’55 Ivan M. Foley ’33† Kenneth B. Gairen ’25† Charles K. Gallmann ’52† Kennedy J. Gilly ’42† Steven F. Griffith ’66 P. Linden Hebert, Sr. ’45 George A. Hero III ’45 William J. Hess, Jr. ’48† Donald J. Hug ’47† Patrick J. Johnson ’37† James H. Kepper, Jr. ’29† Louis R. Koerner, Sr. ’34† Clayton F. Land ’32† William B. Landry ’45† Joseph E. Leininger ’28† Allen W. McClure, Jr. ’53†
Joseph A. Metzler, Sr. ’33† William H. Mohr ’35† Linus J. Monguillot ’39† Marcelin J. Nick, Jr. ’43† Thomas J. Pennison, Sr. ’64 Richard G. Pfister ’52 Bernard M. Plaia, Sr. ’42† Thomas P. Quaid ’54† Jerome J. Redmann ’53 Maurice E. Riley, Jr. ’47 Paul P. Rutledge ’50 George F. Schminke III ’41† Richard C. Seither ’34† Thomas B. Steen ’43† J. Paul Tobin ’32† Robert E. Toye, Jr. ’44† Peter G. Vidal, Jr. ’34† William A. Watson, Jr. ’43 Maurice O. Weilbaecher ’39† FATHER OF… Alexander J. Aab ’88 H. Kenneth Adolph, Jr. ’85 Rickey A. Alessi ’74 Roy E. ’92 & Brian J. Alexander ’95 Donald J. Anzelmo ’69 Larry S. Aranda ’69 Aryman H. Azimi ’11 Victor E. III ’65, Robert J.A. ’78, & Thomas M. Babin ’80 Stephen A. ’72, David J. ’80, Thomas C. ’84, & Michael J. Barbier ’86 Thomas V. ’73, Kenneth J. ’75, & Roger A. Baudry ’79 Robert C. ’97 & Andrew W. Baxter ’01 Frank A., Jr. ’61 & Edmond K. Birdsong ’68 Bryson J. Blount ’07 Thomas A. Bordelon III ’69† Edward C. ’80 & Christopher J. Bosarge ’81 Barry C. Boudreaux ’76 B. Paul Boudreaux III ’95 Joseph M. ’72, Frank A. ’73, Stephen P., Sr. ’78, & Thomas M. Bruno ’78 Cyril A. Buchert III ’64 Robert R. Burch, Jr. ’74 George E. Burgess III ’63
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Michael S. Castanza ’86† Herbert W. Christenberry III ’73 Terry L. Christiansen ’88 Sterling Cincore, Jr. ’74 Marc A. Colon ’83 Joseph T., Jr. ’75, John P. ’84, & Peter B. Crapanzano ’84 Gray V. Cressy ’16 David P. Cristina ’73 David P. Dey, Jr. ’10 J. Gary, Jr. ’75, Thomas M. ’77, & Gregory T. Discon ’84 Edgar B. III ’68 & Michael M. Dixey ’77 John B. III ’74, Alan G. ’79, & Richard J. Donnes ’83 Michael J. ’88 & Mark C. Dowling ’97 Anton R. ’90 & James J. Duplessis ’96 Arthur D., Jr. ’76, David E. ’79, Richard J. ’83, & Michael J. Dupré ’88 William C. Edmund ’80† David S. Ferry III ’69 Robert A. Foret, Jr. ’82 David M. Frey ’73 Marc F. ’77, Kevin H. ’82, & Gregory C. Fuxan ’83 John P. ’81 & James E. Gay ’82 Gregory L. Glowacki ’69 James C. III ’78, Richard A. ’80, & Joseph P. Graves ’92 Glenn C. Gremillion ’69 (stepfather) Louis G. III ’87, Cory P. ’88, & David W. Gruntz ’01 Michael D. Gueringer ’83 John D. ’83 & Richard A. Hammett ’87 Maro T. ’94 & Ivo W. Hihar ’00 Bruce R., Jr. ’72, Richard F. ’74, & Karl E. Hoefer ’76 Stephen J. Hornyak ’84 L. Burk Hughes III ’92 Clifford J. Hurndon ’71 Brian J. Kirn ’88 William R. ’85† & Jason K. Klein ’88 Henry P. Kothmann ’78 J. Monroe ’65 & Jack P. Laborde ’67 Louis R. IV ’87 & Paul B. LaBruyere ’89 David M. Lago ’90 Anthony V. LaNasa, Jr. ’95 (stepfather)
Thomas G. Ledford ’66 Brian A. Lee ’03 Barry J. Lejeune ’79 E. John Litchfield ’69 John J. Marchese ’59 Robert C. ’68 & James K. Markway ’70 Jules G. Matherne, Jr. ’73 Joseph J. IV ’00 & Joshua L. Matranga ’02† Andrew P. May ’82 J. Michael McNamara ’03 J. Price ’82 & Dwight L. McNamara ’85† George, Jr. ’65 & Arn F. Mentz ’66 Michael P. Mentz ’74 Thomas B. Merritt, Jr. ’65† Thomas B. Merritt III ’07 Paul R. Meyer ’83† Anthony J., Jr. ’67 & Thomas G. Milazzo ’75 J. Ralph Millet, Jr. ’64 Daniel F. Mouney ’66† Robert D. Munch, Jr. ’82 Bradley M. Muro ’84 Jason H. Navia ’86† Charles M. Nice IV ’19 Maximilian G. Ortiz ’96 Bradley S. ’12 & Patrick B. Parent ’14 Marc D. ’93 & Dean A. Parenti ’99 William E. Pendleton ’96 Robert S. Perret ’71 Michael L. Saltzman ’85 Robert A. Sanchez ’81 Neal M. Sansovich ’78 Gerald L., Jr. ’65, Roger M. ’74, Mark E. ’83, & James C. Schroeder ’84 Gary V. Schwabe, Jr. ’82 C. Gregory Shaw ’73 Daniel R. Shea ’86 Dean M. Simon ’69 Michael J., Jr. ’89 & Matthew E. Singleton ’01 Donald J. Soniat ’67† Brian J. ’86 & Scott M. Spinnato ’93 Gerard A. ’67, Robert J. ’73, & John R. Stamm ’76 Mark J. Taliancich ’70† Gerard C., Jr. ’84 & Joseph P. Tarantino ’90 Timothy A. Taylor ’76 Dominic C. ’77 & Guyton H. Valdin, Jr. ’81
Stephen M. Waldo ’73 MOTHER OF… David H. ’69 & Kevin J. Alfortish ’74 James E. Barry ’88 Trupania W. Bonner ’94 Henry F. Bonura, Jr. ’63† C. Gantt Boswell II ’65 Joseph B. Brechtel, Jr. ’84† Roy M. ’69 & Donovan P. Brennan ’72 Christopher P. Bunce ’78 Francis P. ’59 & Kevin H. Caliva ’71 Andrew M. Cambus ’06 Dale P. Cannizzaro ’61† Stanley P. ’70 & Brian T. Carr ’82 Ernest J. Danjean, Jr. ’82 Dylan J. Davidson ’19 Raymond P. ’77 & David J. DeCorte ’79 John A. Defraites ’81 John C. del Corral ’80 Philip M. Denman ’63 (stepmother) Keith F. DeSonier ’67 James W. Ellis II ’85 Danny J. Enzone ’64 Anthony J. Ferran ’55 Anthony L. Figallo III ’63 George J. Flick, Jr. ’58 Ivan M., Jr. ’64, Timothy A. ’65, Robert M. ’69, Michael R. ’70, Stephen J. ’71, Albert S. ’73, Joseph A. ’76, & Richard M. Foley ’78 Jerry H., Jr. ’65† & Harry E. Forst ’68 Robert J. Gaffney, Sr. ’69 Gary S. Gandolfi, Sr. ’73 Andrew L. ’65, Mark F. ’66, & Scott A. Gates ’76 Stanley J. Gauchet ’69 Randolph H. Gonzales ’70 Bernard R., Jr. ’93 & Henry S. Guste ’95 Robin W. ’79 & Regmar W. Hanemann ’81 Paul L. Hebert, Jr. ’78 Michael L. ’64 & Stephen A. Helwick ’65† Charles J. Hemenway ’54 William J. III ’78 & John C. Hess ’79 Darrell R. Hotard ’61 Louis T. Jacquet ’00
Philip S. Joffray ’79 Patrick J. Johnson, Jr. ’73 Kevin P. ’82, Timothy P. ’84, & Glenn P. Kelley ’85 Henry L. Klein ’62 Edward J. Koehl, Jr. ’63 Louis R. Koerner, Jr. ’58 Blake S. Krass ’74 Derek A. Larson ’99 Adam J. Lauf ’11 Charles J. Leininger ’85 Kevin J. Leitz ’85 Anthony Macaluso ’76 (stepmother) James T. Maher ’64 John B. Maitrejean II ’91 John J. Marchese ’59 Tomas F., Jr. ’73 & Jose F. Mauricio ’75 Dwayne R. McClure ’79 (stepmother) Brian K. McSwain ’02 David R. Miester ’63† Nicholas J. Milazo ’65 Scott T. Minvielle ’73 Peter N. Molligan, Jr., ’55 Joseph E. Orr III ’89 Christopher F. ’72 & Alexander J. Peragine ’79 David R. Pfister ’78 Stephen M. Planchard ’78 Juan R. Prado ’82 Joshua P. Ricciardone ’03 Terrence A. Riedl ’71 William Rivera, Jr. ’76 Charles J. ’90 & Clinton J. Rivet ’92 Gregory P. Robert ’71 Gregory W. Roniger ’64 Joseph J., Jr. ’59, Richard R. ’60, Timothy T. ’65, & Rory C. Roniger ’66 Jerry J. Rubli ’65 Patrick E. Ryce ’66 Robert M. ’67 & David H. Sabrio ’69 Robert E. Sanford ’84 George F. Schminke IV ’68 Arthur A. Sigur III ’81 Raymond D. Speeg ’65 William T. Steen ’68 René M. Tierney ’07 Robert E. III ’69 & Patrick W. Toye ’76 James K. Treadway ’65† Maurice O., Jr. ’71 & James H. Weilbaecher ’74 Erich P. Wise ’76
Paul D. Zomerdijk ’95 BROTHER OF… Malcolm E. III ’09 & Matthew H. Andry ’11 James E. ’52 & Patrick J. Berrigan ’59 Alvin G. Blaum ’37 Jack C. ’61 & David A. Boudreaux ’64 Warren R. Brady ’43† Richard R. Cambeilh ’63 Timothy A. Caserta ’56 William K. Christovich ’44† Adrian A. ’59† & Malcolm J. Colon ’66 Charles A. Coogan III ’55 Jeré L. Crago ’60 David S. Cressy, Jr. ’83 Philip M. DeLony ’66 Robert V. deValcourt ’50† Robert E. Develle, Jr. ’62 Christopher C. Dey ’69 Claro F. Diaz ’80 James T. Doody ’50 Frederick N. Eberhardt ’37 Norval F. Elliot, Jr. ’61 John B. Ferry ’54† Theodore R. Field ’46† John S. ’35† & Peter E. Fineran ’38† Raphael R. Fransen ’33† Charles L., Jr. ’55† & William C. Gambel ’59† John A. Gordon ’45 Scott P. Griffin ’93 Roy F. Guste, Jr. ’69 John ’65 & Robert A. Hardin ’74 William H., Jr. ’32†, Friedrichs H., Sr. ’44†, & Donald J. Harris ’47† James B. Higgins, Sr. ’57 Rev. Duval H., S.J. ’40†, Gerard H. ’42†, & Peter L. Hilbert ’44† Henry W. Hinrichs ’69 Robert J. Kinler ’60 Lawrence T. Kirn II ’58 Frans J. Labranche, Jr. ’52 Leroy J. Leonard ’47† Christopher A. McGar ’75 Joseph J. McGoey, Jr. ’35† Timothy J. McNamara ’55 Paul A., Jr. ’51† and Robert L. Menard ’54 G. Edward Merritt ’53 John D. Monteiro ’45† Milton J. Montgomery ’52 James G. Mulé, Jr. ’69†
Clifford W. Parent ’63 Richard L. Pendleton ’63 Henry C. ’39†, James T. ’42†, William J. ’46, J. John ’48, & Joseph F. Perret ’53 Jeffrey M. Philastre ’03 Donald T. Ranna ’54† Valentine Reinhard ’54 Karl J. Rodehorst ’57 Vincent H. ’06, Dominick A. ’10, & Antonio W. Scelfo ’13 John Schneller IV ’84 Vergil J. Smith ’79 Victor J. St. Blanc, Jr. ’35† Albert F. Stauder, Jr. ’50 Mark C. Theriot ’82 Harry J. ’45†, John S. ’48, & Francis X. Waldo ’54 James J. ’66, Dennis P. ’69, Philip Y. ’76, & Robert L. Walsh ’78 Francis J., Jr, ’43† & James E. Warren ’49† Emil, Jr. ’25† & Rev. Harold J. Weber, S.J. ’31† Joseph Z. Webster ’85 Robert J. Welcker ’42† Gilbert T. White ’52 Merlin R. Wilson ’60 SISTER OF… Anthony J. Abadie ’75 William B. Benson ’58 William S. ’44† & Ralph B. Bergeron ’47 Emanuel ’51 & William T. Blessey ’52 Harry F. Blust, Jr. ’38† Daniel J. Bourgeois ’51 Donald J. Carrigan ’63 Rev. Jean J. Cazenavette, S.J. ’40† Ernest M. Conzelmann ’49† Frederick P. Coogan, Jr. ’46† Terrence M. Donahue ’71 Morris J., Jr. ’51†, Peter E. ’52, & James A. Duffy ’55† Maurice R. Duplantier ’34† Raymond J. Fagot ’45† James R. Fanguy ’70 Rev. Francis V. Ferrier, S.J. ’47† Thomas S., Jr. ’38† & Emmett M. Fitzpatrick ’45 Carroll K. ’43† & John A. Gordon ’45† George T. Joint, Jr. ’68 William C., Jr. ’31† & Meade P. Kelly ’41† Rev. Michael J. Kettenring ’61
Louis R. LaBruyere III ’63† William J. Lagarde ’59† Hilaire D. ’45 & Louis A. Lanaux ’47 Daniel G. Lau ’48† Stanley E., Jr. ’62 & James E. LeBlanc ’67 Gary T. McDonald ’61 J. Price ’82 & Dwight L. McNamara ’85† G. Edward Merritt ’53 Rudolph G. Miller, Jr. ’39† Gabriel J., Jr. ’33†, Warren E., Sr. ’39†, & George E. Mouledoux, Sr. ’46 Cecil J., Jr. ’49†, James G. ’52, & William J. Murphy ’61 Paul F. Naccari III ’89 Matthew C. Perret ’81 E. Howard ’30† & Henry J. Read ’36 Edwin J. Prinz, Jr. ’46† George R. Simno III ’65 George F., Jr. ’59 & Kurt F. Sins ’61 Harold A. Tomes ’51† Lawrence Usner ’42† J.B. Vella ’57 Benjamin F. Walsh, Jr. ’42† Robert J. ’42† & Leo A. Welcker ’45† Keith A. ’85 & King S. Wells ’85 Lawrence F. Zimmermann ’53 SON OF… Malcolm E. Andry, Jr. ’75 Charles A. Bryne, Jr. ’26† James G. Burke 1920† Byrne M. Cambeilh, Sr. ’32† Vincent J. Campanella ’51 Jeffrey H. Collins, Jr. ’44† Charles A. Coogan, Jr. ’33† David S. Cressy ’55 Edward W. Daigle, Jr. ’60† Charles T. DeMahy ’33† Harold S. Dey ’40† Darrell J. Donaldson ’55† Albert A. Doskey, Jr. ’47† Norval F. Elliot ’34† Harold J. Gagnet, Sr. 1919† Roy F. Guste ’38† Joseph D. Kirn ’33† P. August Menard ’29† Gary M. Nunenmacher ’80 August A. Palumbo ’66 P. Pascal Pareti, Jr. 1919† Earl P. Rebstock ’54† Earl R. Riecke ’31† John A. Salvaggio ’52† Francis M. Walsh ’36†
DAUGHTER OF… George H. Antonini ’36† Raymond D. Bosworth ’28† Jean F. Charbonnet, Sr. 1914† Waller H. Dobbins ’32† Thomas J. Ford ’37† Paul J. Ganucheau ’25† Charles K. Jennewine, Jr. ’38† George T. Joint, Sr. ’32† Robert C. Kelleher ’30† Stanley E. LeBlanc ’31† Abel J. McNamara ’54† William J. Perret ’46 Edwin M. Roy ’24† George R. Simno, Jr. ’34† Joseph A. Vella ’28† John A. Zimmermann, Sr. 1917† GRANDFATHER OF… Ryan S. Adams ’06 Thomas P. Anzelmo, Jr. ’89 Blake D. Babcock ’00 Thomas R. Babin ’18 Jason M. Baer ’01 Brett R. Balser ’17 Matthew J. ’03 & Jordan P. Barbier ’11 RayVan A.T. Bellazer ’19 Brandon L. Benedetto ’10 Brenden J. Berggren ’19 Jonathan R. Bernard ’98 Samuel K. Birdsong ’97 Michael S. Blaum ’06 John B. Blouin ’01 Gary P. Boe, Jr. ’03 Kyle D. Boudreaux ’93 Matthew S. Bravender ’03 Ryan A. Breaux ’94 Willis H. Brewer III ’99 Christopher P. ’03 & Jimmy J. Brown ’13 Joseph M., Jr. ’97, Roy G. ’05, Christopher T., Jr. ’10, & Christian T. Bruno ’14 George J. ’92 & Kurt D. Buchert ’95 Sean P. ’92 & Kelly R. Burke ’94 Ryan E. ’02 & Jason P. Bush ’04 Dusten J. Cabellero ’04 Michael G. Calabrese ’04 Brent M. Calongne ’08 Christopher P. Castanza ’04 Spencer C. ’05 & Nathan C. Cedor ’11 Cody C. Chaisson ’13 Grant L. ’13 & Ross R. Champagne ’19 Kyle K. Chin ’15
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Ryan T. ’03 & Kyle T. Christiansen ’06 Ryan L. Comeaux ’99 Kyle G. ’12 & Blaine R. Corvers ’16 Joseph T. Crapanzano III ’13 Sidney T. Cousans IV ’00 Mason G. ’92, Scott A. ’92, & Tucker H. Couvillon ’94 Eric J. Curole ’03 Jarrod M. Cyprus ’15 Nicholas M. Daigle ’09 Frederick J. ’08 & Andrew R. DeBram ’09 James M. Deichmann ’15 John G. III ’99 & David L. Discon ’16 Kenneth J. Domilise ’92 David B. Donnes ’07 Spencer R. ’95 & Cullen R. Doody ’08 Edwin C. Dorvin IV ’07 Peyton D. Duersel ’17 Marcus P. Dufour ’06 Cody M. Duhon ’16 Anton R. ’90 & James J. Duplessis ’96 Arthur D. III ’04, Christian D. ’05, Jonathan M. ’09, Matthew J. ’12, Christopher J. ’14, & Joseph P. Dupré ’16 Daniel R. Edmund ’15 Sean M. Fiegel ’12 Peyton L. ’13, Patrick D. ’15, & William G. Fine ’17 Delos M. ’06 & Connor P. Flint ’08 Brandon C. Ford ’06 Jason P. Franco ’98 Cade H. ’16, Noah A. ’18, & Cyrus J. Fuxan ’19 Nicholas M. Graves ’11 Connor P. ’14 & Andrew L. Gruntz ’18 Darren C. Guerrera ’87 Jeffrey M. Guilbeau ’09 Michael J. Guste, Jr. ’12 Brandon L. Hicks ’06 Henry D.P. Hingle ’14 Jonathan P. ’99, Daniel S. ’04, & Matthew M. Hobbs ’06 Bruce R. III ’09 & Karl E. Hoefer, Jr. ’17 Raymond G. Hoffman III ’96 Preston J. Hymel ’08 David P. ’93 & Richard O. Joint ’01 Kaden J.C. Knecht ’18 (stepgrandfather)
Gordon R. ’87, Shawn M. ’92, & Ian W. Konrad ’12 Jeffrey M. ’91, Cregan J. ’94, E. Justin ’94, & Eric L. Laborde ’96 Adam C. Ledet ’16 Stephen J. Lee ’10 Brian E. ’95, Michael P. ’98, Stephen J. ’01, & Jason E. Litchfield ’04 Anthony I. Lopez ’09 Mitchell R. Lulich ’18 Connor J. Maheu ’16 David E. Maheu, Jr. ’16 Gentry R. Major II ’20 Andrew J. Markway ’98 Christopher P. Marshall, Jr. ’09 Kevin M. Marshall ’03 Christopher K. Matassa ’98 Joseph J. IV ’00 & Joshua L. Matranga ’02† (stepgrandfather) Devin M. McCartney ’19 Sean S. ’06 & Alex E. Melendreras ’10 Bryan C. ’95 & Scott A. Mentz ’02 Michael P., Jr. ’10 & Jared N. Mentz ’13 Thomas B. Merritt III ’07 Dylan E. Meyer ’17 Anthony J. III ’96, Eric T. ’01, & Jordan T. Milazzo ’06 Derek A. Mnichowski ’06 Evan A. Moeller ’97 Corey D. ’04 & Casey W. Moll ’06 Noah F. Mouton ’15 Matthew R. Movahed ’08 Theodore W. Nass III ’95 (stepgrandfather) Gregory D. ’07 & Nicholas A. Natal ’18 Sebastian J. Navia ’16 John W. Nicholson IV ’97 John D. Orazio ’17 Robert D., Jr. ’94, Benjamin M. ’96, David J. ’99, Nicholas R. ’03, & Joseph P. Ory ’09 Bradley S. ’12 & Patrick B. Parent ’14 Max C. Perret ’14 Collin D. Phillips ’14 Juan R. Prado II ’10 Zachary M. Preston ’07 Cory J. Rabalais ’09 Alexandre P. Raymond ’09 Michael H. ’06 & Craig J. Raymond ’08 Seth M. Reed ’17
Matthew S. Repman ’06 Scott T. Riedl ’01 Ryan M. Roussel ’07 Patrick S. Russo ’14 James E. ’97, Gregory L. ’01, Sean W. ’01, & Thomas P. Sanderson ’03 Erik S. Schroeder ’90 Stuart G. ’96 & Ashton M. Schultz ’02 James N. Schwabe ’14 Jordan T. Schwartz ’10 Stephen T. ’06, Matthew S. ’09, & John W. Sewell ’16 Joshua M. Simoneaux ’08 Nicholas W. ’05 & Andrew R. Simoneaux ’07 Stephen Slumber III ’97 Matthew J. Spalitta ’08 William R. Spiers, Jr. ’99 Brandon M. Sprague ’15 Sterling A. Stafford ’16 Robert F. ’01 & John J. Stagni ’07 Tyrone J. Talamo ’93 Mark J. Taliancich, Jr. ’00 Brady D. Thomas ’17 Jacob W. ’17 & Jared J. Tonglet ’17 Michael C. Touchy II ’02 Christopher M. Toups ’12 Noah M. Varnado ’19 Paul L. Veazey ’07 Bradley P. Verrette ’01 Brandt M. Vicknair ’98 Kyle E. ’12 & Christopher L. Wilson ’14 C. Dean Woodin ’12 Philip R. Zanco ’09 GRANDMOTHER OF… Rodney J. III ’93 & Andrew W. Abele ’95 Michael K. Alfortish ’03 Jacob A. Altmyer ’08 Stephen F., Jr. ’98, Mark J. ’01, & Matthew G. Babin ’06 Pat F. Bass ’87 Adam J. Bell ’08 Kyle R. Berner ’99 Joseph J. Bevinetto ’07 Van G. Bohn, Jr. ’17 Sean M. Bretz ’16 Shane M. Buchler ’06 Brian J. ’94, Nicholas D. ’99, Kevin H., Jr. ’02, Jeffrey C. ’04, Patrick L. ’07, & John F. Caliva ’14 Brent M. ’08 & Chris M. Calongne ’10
Ronald C., Jr. ’82, Brett M. ’85, & Christian M. Camet ’93 Peter L. Cannizzaro IV ’94 Michael R. Caplan ’91 Zachary J. ’12 & Dominic J. Carmello ’15 Brian T. Carr ’10 Austin T. Carter ’18 Robert T. ’05 & Peter J. Casey ’11 Jack E. Chaney ’18 Richard A. Chen ’96 Murphy S. ’89, Salvadore, Jr. ’91, & Carlo D. Christina ’99 Justin J. Clark ’12 George M. Coiron IV ’10 Edwin J. Condoll, Jr. ’78 Brian J. ’87, Jeffrey D. ’90, & Stephen W. Cospolich ’97 Todd D. Courtney ’89 Richard S. ’95 & Gregory S. Crisler ’03 Andrew M. Cruppi ’03 Kevin P. Davis ’88 Benjamin J. DeCorte ’07 Ronnie Dimitri ’79 Jordan A. Dolese ’08 Reiss A. Dominici ’17 Spencer R. ’95 & Cullen R. Doody ’08 Ryan L. Ebberman ’07 Alex C. Eddy ’03 Terrence J. Encalarde ’89 William A. Evans III ’95 Maximien G. ’01 & Nicholas R. Ferran ’04† Ryan P. ’04 & Matthew G. Finney ’06 Jack R. ’15 & Kyle T. Fitzpatrick ’17 James J. FitzSimons III ’05 Nicklas M. Flot ’95 Richard M. Foley, Jr. ’19 Tyson J. Foley ’03 Anthony H. Fortier-Bensen, Jr. ’11 Joseph V. III ’91 & David H. Franks ’97 Robert J., Jr. ’00 & Keith M. Gaffney ’05 Patrick L. Gallagher ’04 Gary S. Gandolfi, Jr. ’99 Joshua D. Gaspard ’18 Melvin M. Gerrets III ’04 Lee M.J. Goodson ’09 Barry L., Jr. ’99 & André M. Gros ’01 Colin L. ’05 & Hall W. Guarisco ’12
Benjamin A. III ’97 & William C. Guider ’99 Patrick B. Hagood ’09 Robert G. Haik II ’18 Rex W. Hanemann ’10 Ronald A., Jr. ’16 & Joshua A. Harper ’17 Ronald D. Hemelt, Jr. ’98 Jordan D. Hernandez ’00 Patrick T. Hewlett ’02 Eugene J. Hoffman IV ’91 Patrick J. III ’02, Daniel H. ’04, & Michael J. Johnson ’07 Christopher R. ’03 & Matthew P. Juge ’05 Joseph F. Kemp ’07 H. Christopher Klein ’92 Edward J. Koehl III ’94 Louis R. Koerner III ’83 David C. Kreller ’99 John L. Krummel ’89 Charles J. III ’98 & Christopher J. Laborde ’02 Kevin J. ’97 & Ryan H. Lane ’04 Michael E. Lane ’07 Ryan B. ’96 & Aaron B. Lay ’97 Gerard J. LeBlanc ’13 Richard P. LeBoeuf ’00 Brian A. Lee, Jr. ’03 Emile J. Loetzerich IV ’08 Mitchell R. Lulich ’18 Anthony Macaluso ’05
Tucker P. McGuinness ’18 Charles A. ’91, John A. ’94, & Daniel M. Meade ’96 Donald J., Jr. ’98 & Eric E. Melancon ’02 John M. ’91, Joseph M. ’92, & Timothy J. Milazo ’97 John W. Mobley ’18 David E. Moll ’99 David M. Moragas ’92 William J. Moran III ’19 Richard C. Moss ’96 Karl D. Moya ’85 Brian J. Munson ’03 Brendan M. ’05 & Evan P. Murphy ’11 Daniel G. Murphy III ’08 Matthew J. Mutter ’00 Patrick L. Naylon ’07 Andrew G. Necaise ’05 Ross B. ’00 & Ryan B. Nodurft ’02 John D. O’Neill ’03 Jarrett P. Orr ’18 John R. ’05, Jordan P. ’07, & Salvatore S. Ovella IV ’17 Tim M. Paternostro ’93 Mason A. Peres ’18 Aaron W. ’97 & Thomas S. Periou ’10 Robert S. ’04 & Adam J. Perricone ’05 Perry M. Picou ’93
BIB LIST Josette & Anthony Bonfanti ’56 on the birth of their greatgrandson, Daniel Chayra, July 27, 2014.
Dee & Lynn Brandin ’61 on the birth of their great-grandsons, Anthony Ray Downs and Luke Mason Bremer, December 18, 2013 and August 22, 2014, respectively. Rita & Quintin Gustin ’67 on the birth of their daughter, Isabel Maria Gustin, December 3, 2014. Monica & Daniel Long ’68 on the birth of their granddaughter, Emeline Monica King, August 14, 2014. Emeline is the great-
niece of Thomas ’67 and James Long ’73. Susie & Gregory Glowacki ’69 on the birth of their second grandson, William Archer Glowacki, July 29, 2014. Lisa & Kurt Forshag ’70 on the birth of their grandson, Patrick Bradley Nolan, July 7, 2014. Patrick is the nephew of Casey ’02 and Craig Forshag ’06. Cindy & David Hoerner ’74 on the birth of their grandson, Jameson A. Verbich, November 27, 2013. Jameson is the great-grandson of the late David Hoerner ’48. He is the great-great-nephew of Joseph
Scot M. Pilie ’12 Alex J. Plaisance ’17 Wally V., Jr. ’99† & Nicholas E. Pontiff ’04 W. Joseph Poynot ’09 Juan R. Prado II ’10 Paul P. ’07 & Myles D. Prados ’09 Scott W. Radosta ’96 Michael L. Raspino ’98 Nicholas J. Rauber ’98 Kerry P. Redmann III ’95 Randall K. ’90 & David P. Reinhardt ’96 Stephen M. Reynolds ’98 Scott T. Riedl ’01 Marc L. III ’04, Rene J. ’10, & Matthieu P. Robért ’12 Jared P. Rodrigue ’09 Tyson W. ’93 & Luke N. Roniger ’04 Stephen J. ’83 & John C. Roppolo II ’86 Sean C. Salassi ’10 Gary P., Jr. ’90 & Scott J. Sarrat ’92 William J. Scheffler IV ’88 Melvin N. Schneider III ’00 Andrew J. ’07 & Benjamin R. Schwehm ’12 David J. Scotton ’12 Benedict J. ’09 & Robert G. Semmes ’10
Hoerner ’43, the great-nephew of Ivan ’76, Steven ’79, and David Hoerner ’82, and the nephew of Michael Block ’02. Carol & Chris Schoennagel ’75 on the birth of their grandson, August Charles Hosch, April 20, 2015. August is the greatnephew of Chuck Schoennagel ’67 and the nephew of Mark Schoennagel ’06. Ludivine & Richard Foley ’78 on the birth of their fifth son, Jonathan J. Foley, April 18, 2014. Jonathan is the grandson of the late Ivan Foley ’33. He is the nephew of Ivan ’64, Tim ’65, Rob ’69, Mike ’70, Steve ’71, Al ’73, and Joseph Foley ’76. Rebecca & Daniel Carr ’89 on the birth of their son, Lucas Ryan Carr, May 20,
Robert F. ’01 & John J. Stagni ’07 Matthew A. Stair ’97 David J. Steeg ’88 Thomas L. Steen ’11 Christopher C. Tilton ’97 Trace M. Timken ’93 Jacob E. Tingler ’17 Rev. Andrew C. Todd ’06 Jacob L. Torres ’19 Robert M. Toye ’04 James K. Treadway, Jr. ’97 Joseph A. Trenticosta ’80 Fred M. Trowbridge III ’03 Kevin R. Tully ’12 John W. Van Vrancken IV ’98 William M. Varney ’06 Jerome M. Volk III ’99 Gregory D. Wallis ’15 Curtis E. Watson ’86 Elbert J. Weinberger ’03 Brent G. White ’89 Ryan J. Wischkaemper ’05 Michael J. Wolfe ’00 Brett F. Wynne ’98 Chad R. Zibilich ’06 GRANDSON OF… Bruce E. Calamari ’60† Jeffrey H. Collins, Sr. 1919† Clarence M. East, Jr. ’38 Francis B. Elliot 1908† Hugh W. Oser, Sr. ’47†
2014. Lucas is the nephew of Steven ’88, John ’90, and Ryan Carr ’92. Vivien & Shehab Ebrahim ’89 on the birth of their daughter, Sophia Alexis Ebrahim, April 10, 2015. Sophia is the niece of Sherif Ebrahim ’85. Lisa & David Lafranca ’89 on the birth of their daughter, Camille Olivia Lafranca, March 10, 2014. Camille is the niece of Joseph ’82 and Tim Lafranca ’84. Stafford & Walter Maestri ’89 on the birth of their daughter, Cecile Wells Maestri, October 9, 2014. Cecile is the granddaughter of Walter Maestri III ’61. She is the niece of Jeff ’91 and Andrew Maestri ’97.
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Vivian & Robert Harper ’90 on the birth of their son, Joseph Kelly Harper, February 23, 2012. Joseph is the nephew of Pierre Miller II ’79 and Ryan Harper ’92. Kristi & Carlos Herrera ’91 on the birth of their son, Everett George Herrera, June 9, 2014. Everett is the nephew of George Herrera, Jr. ’85. Annie & Arthur Mora ’91 on the birth of their daughter, Camille Ines Mora, October 27, 2014. Camille is the granddaughter of Joe Crapanzano, Jr. ’75 and the niece of Paul Perez ’03 and Joseph Crapanzano ’13. Leslie & Mat Grau ’92 on the birth of their son, Kennon Sutherland Grau, April 21, 2015. Kennon is the grandson of Matias Grau ’68 and the nephew of Ben ’93 and Brett Grau ’99. Molly & Corey Howat ’93 on the birth of their son, Stephen Claver Howat, December 19, 2014. Stephen is the nephew of Chip ’89 and Chad Howat ’92. Angel & R. William Junius III ’93 on the birth of their daughter, Scarlett Ann Junius, March 13, 2014. Scarlett is the granddaughter of Ralph Junius, Jr. ’66. She is the great-niece of Cletus Junius ’81 and the late Tristan Junius ’71, and the niece of Sean Mayfield, Sr. ’89, Henry Guste ’95, Nathan Junius, Sr. ’97, and Troy Norton ’00. Stacey & Johnny Steen, Jr. ’93 on the birth of their son, Ethan James Steen, October 1, 2014. Ethan is the great-grandson of the late Carl Steen, Jr. ’30 and the grandson of John Steen ’71. He is the great-nephew of Clark Steen III ’66 and Gregory Steen ’70. Lily & Peter Harris ’94 on the birth of their daughter, Rosabelle Louise Harris, June 4, 2014. Rosabelle is the greatgreat-granddaughter of the late William Harris 1898, the great-granddaughter of the late Louis Bernard ’19 and the late William Harris ’32, and the granddaughter of William
Harris III ’61. She is the niece of William IV ’86, Wesley ’91, Michael ’92, and Christopher Harris ’98. Erin & S. Jacob Braud ’95 on the birth of their daughter, Amelie Estelle Braud, October 3, 2013. Ericka & Kurt Buchert ’95 on the birth of their son, Luca Doran Buchert, September 5, 2014. Luca is the nephew of George Buchert ’92. Jennifer & Paul Aragon ’96 on the birth of their daughter, Sofia Aragon, April 3, 2014. Emily & Scott Francingues ’96 on the birth of their son, Wyatt Joseph Francingues, March 3, 2015. Wyatt is the grandson of Wayne Francingues, Sr. ’66 and the nephew of Wayne Francingues, Jr. ’91. Betsy & Eric Laborde ’96 on the birth of their son, Parker Alden Laborde, June 11, 2014. Parker is the grandson of John Laborde ’67. Tessa & Quinn Vorhaben ’96 on the birth of their son, Harrison Soland Vorhaben, Jr., January 11, 2014. Harrison is the grandson of Harry Vorhaben, Jr. ’65. Angie & Jared Brupbacher ’97 on the birth of their daughter, Ruby Gayle Brupbacher, April 30, 2014. Aya & Christopher Buckley ’97 on the birth of their son, Taisuke Maruyama Buckley, August 16, 2014. Tracy & Michael DeGruy ’97 on the birth of their third child and first daughter, Severine Pierre DeGruy, June 9, 2015. Sevy is the granddaughter of Pierre DeGruy ’69. Sarah & Nathan Junius, Sr. ’97 on the birth of their son, Lucas Alexander Junius, December 22, 2014. Lucas is the grandson of Ralph Junius, Jr. ’66. He is the great-nephew of Cletus Junius ’81 and the late Tristan Junius ’71, and the nephew of Sean Mayfield, Sr. ’89, Will Junius III ’93, and Henry Guste ’95.
Amanda & Josh Marino ’97 on the birth of their daughter, Cecile Elaine Marino, August 12, 2014. Cecile is the great-granddaughter of the late Joseph Marino, Sr. ’33, the granddaughter of Jay Marino ’69, and the niece of Jeff ’99 and Ross Marino ’08. Kori & Kevin Murray II ’97 on the birth of their daughter, Camille Katherine Murray, May 1, 2014. Camille is the niece of Keith Murray ’00. Jennifer & Trent Roddy ’97 on the birth of their son, Samuel Isaac Roddy, June 10, 2014. Samuel is the nephew of Troy ’89 and Travis Roddy ’01. Heidi & Jonathan Burke ’98 on the birth of their daughter, Rivers Rae Burke, April 30, 2014. Rivers is the great-granddaughter of the late Harold Burke ’36 and the niece of Evan Burke ’01. Lauren & Michael Litchfield ’98 on the birth of their son, William John Litchfield, April 21, 2014. William is the grandson of John Litchfield ’69 and the nephew of Brian ’95, Stephen ’01, and Jason Litchfield ’04. Anne & Matthew Orillion ’98 on the birth of their daughter, Cecilia Anne Orillion, January 22, 2015. Cecilia is the niece of Jonathon Orillion ’01. Mariah & Evan Shultz ’98 on the birth of their son, Colin Thomas Shultz, January 14, 2014. Rachel & Christopher Marino ’99 on the birth of their daughter, Marilyn Louise Marino, June 28, 2014. Bridget & Ryan Robicheaux ’99 on the birth of their son, Ryan Matthew Robicheaux, Jr., October 1, 2014. Ryan is the grandson of Glenn Scheyd, Sr. ’67 and the nephew of Glenn Scheyd, Jr. ’95. Kara & Kevin Truxillo ’99 on the birth of their son, Evan L. Truxillo, May 18, 2015. Evan is the great-grandson of the late Marion Truxillo ’32, the grandson of Mark Truxillo ’71, and the nephew of Ryan Truxillo ’96.
Lisa & Adam Werling ’99 on the birth of their son, Arik Johannes Werling, October 28, 2014. Arik is the nephew of Kurt Werling ’91. Sarah & Kevin Block ’00 on the birth of their son, Walker Augustus Block, August 31, 2014. Walker is the greatgrandson of the late Lloyd Drury ’42, the grandson of Harry Block ’72, and the nephew of Michael Block ’02. Jenny & David Colomb ’00 on the birth of their daughter, Naomi Kate Colomb, March 21, 2015. Meghan & Robert Conrad III ’00 on the birth of their son, Robert John Conrad IV, June 8, 2014. Jack is the grandson of the late Robert J. Conrad, Jr. ’68, the greatnephew of Jerry Conrad ’70, and the nephew of Edward Conrad ’04. Kimberly & James Dominguez, Jr. ’00 on the birth of their son, Kai James Dominguez, July 21, 2011. Mary & David Fein ’00 on the birth of their daughter, Madeline Clerc Fein, March 27, 2014. Madeline is the granddaughter of Joe Fein ’68 and the niece of Jason Fein ’97. Page & Meric Gambel ’00 on the birth of their daughter, Emily Anne Gambel, April 15, 2014. Emily is the niece of Gregory Gambel ’95. Carrie & Jeffrey Juhas ’00 on the birth of their son, Landon Jacob Juhas, May 29, 2014. Landon is the great-grandson of the late Louis Brown, Jr. ’42 and the nephew of Michael, Jr. ’96 and Tim Juhas ’04. Shelly & Christian Montegut ’00 on the birth of their daughter, Cate Madeleine Montegut, December 2, 2014. Cate is the granddaughter of Christy Montegut ’70 and the niece of Jason Montegut ’96 and Kevin Astugue ’07.
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Ashley & Keith Murray ’00 on the birth of their son, Keith Brandon Murray, Jr., August 13, 2012. Keith is the nephew of Kevin Murray II ’97. Abigail & Stephen Pivach ’00 on the birth of their third child and second daughter, Lisbeth Jane Pivach, May 5, 2015. Lisbeth is the granddaughter of George Pivach II ’73 and the niece of John Pivach ’06. Christine & Daniel Riehm III ’00 on the birth of their son, Ryan Daniel Riehm, September 10, 2014. Lauren & Neil Sicarelli ’00 on the birth of their son, Michael James Sicarelli, August 25, 2014. Michael is the great-grandson of the late Robert Philibert ’43. Priscilla & Christopher Speed ’00 on the birth of their son, Tucker Giovanni Speed, April 16, 2015. Courtney & Cory Stuart ’00 on the birth of their son, Elliott Joseph Stuart, July 18, 2014. Elliott is the great-grandson of John Thomas ’47 and the nephew of Jason Fein ’97 and Alex Stuart ’05. Jenny & Gavin Guillot ’01 on the birth of their son, Cullen R. Guillot, May 13, 2014. Cullen is the great-grandson of the late E. Carlton Guillot, Jr. ’40. Sudie & Richard Joint ’01 on the birth of their daughter, Hazel Elaine Joint, December 2, 2014. Hazel is the great-granddaughter of the late George Joint, Sr. ’32, the granddaughter of George Joint, Jr. ’68, and the niece of David Joint ’93. Maria & Brad Mathews ’01 on the birth of their son, Nicholas Andrew Mathews, August 16, 2014. Nicholas is the greatgrandson of the late Andrew Nunmaker, Jr. ’45. Jonee & Timothy McCaffery, Jr. ’01 on the birth of their daughter, Bernadette Elizabeth McCaffery, November 8, 2014. Bernadette is the great-granddaughter of the
late Daniel Levy, Jr. ’76 and the granddaughter of Arthur Dupré, Jr. ’76 and Tim McCaffery, Sr. ’78. She is the niece of Arthur ’04, Jonathan ’09, Matt ’12, Chris ’14, and Joseph Dupré ’16, and Tyler McCaffery ’12. Bronwyn & Richard Romano, Jr. ’01 on the birth of their daughter, Lauricella Louise Romano, June 16, 2014. Lauricella is the greatgranddaughter of the late Armand Rodehurst ’43 and the granddaughter of Mark Gates ’66. Christina & Kyle Sannino ’01 on the birth of their son, Samuel Louis Sannino, August 31, 2014. Samuel is the great-grandson of the late Richard Call, Jr. ’37 and the nephew of Lance Sannino ’97. Monica & Michael Viviano ’01 on the birth of their son, Luke Joseph Viviano, December 9, 2014. Luke is the grandson of Nick Viviano ’72 and the nephew of Paul ’99, Patrick ’04, and John Viviano ’06. Kelli & Conrad Williams IV ’01 on the birth of their son, Grant Conrad Williams, October 15, 2014. Alyce & Justin Ittmann ’02 on the birth of their son, James Thomas Ittmann, June 14, 2014. James is the grandson of Louis LaCour, Jr. ’76 and the nephew of Louis LaCour III ’10. Sarah & Millard Mulé ’02 on the birth of their daughter, Rosalie Theresa Mulé, September 16, 2014. She is the niece of Thomas ’99 and Michael Mulé ’02. Courtney & Christopher Saik ’02 on the birth of their daughter, Abigail Claire Saik, April 28, 2014. Abigail is the great-niece of John Kilburn, Jr. ’82. Melanie & Jules Saunee ’02 on the birth of their daughter, Ann Victoria Saunee, August 4, 2014.
Lindsey & Joseph Vaccaro ’02 on the birth of their son, Joseph Anthony Vaccaro, Jr., December 2, 2014. Joseph is the grandson of Robert Vaccaro, Sr. ’72 and the nephew of Robert Vaccaro, Jr. ’95. Laura & Edward McAuliffe ’04 on the birth of their daughter, Cecilia Marie McAuliffe, July 4, 2014. Cecilia is the niece of Otway Denny ’12. Emily & Thomas Moore III ’04 on the birth of their son, Thomas Moore IV, April 29, 2014. Louis is the grandson of Thomas Moore, Jr. ’83. Alyse & Pierre Mouledoux ’04 on the birth of their son, Pierre Whelton Mouledoux, Jr., January 2, 2014. Pierre is the great-grandson of the late Warren Mouledoux, Sr. ’39, the grandson of Warren Mouledoux ’67, the great-nephew of Wilbur Toups ’57, and the nephew of Tony ’81 and Timmy Toups ’86, and Warren Mouledoux ’94. Heather & William Neilsen ’04 on the birth of their son, William J. Neilsen, July 16, 2014. Jessica & Benjamin Triche ’04 on the birth of their daughter, Olivia Leigh Triche, June 6, 2014. Olivia is the granddaughter of Rafael Miranda ’78 and the niece of Drew Triche ’08. Tricia & Grant Adolph ’05 on the birth of their daughter, Stella Joan Adolph, September 2, 2014. Amy & Eric Block ’05 on the birth of their son, James Duncan Block, June 15, 2014. He is the nephew of Joel Block ’06. Sarah & Jeremy Call ’05 on the birth of their daughter, Helen Mary Call, July 11, 2014. Emily & Brett McMann ’05 on the birth of their daughter, Camille Elizabeth McMann, August 11, 2014. Camille is the niece of Casey McMann ’07. Anne & Jack Stanton ’05 on the birth of their son, Edmund Fitzgerald Stanton, October 14, 2014. Edmund is the nephew of
Peter Stanton ’02. Erin & Timothy Torres ’05 on the birth of their daughter, Michelle Elizabeth Torres, February 16, 2015. Michelle is the great-granddaughter of the late Al Moore, Sr. ’44, the great-niece of Timothy ’75 and Al Moore, Jr. ’78, and the niece of Patrick ’03 and Matthew Torres ’16. Christin & Jay Trusheim ’05 on the birth of their son, Jacob Edward Trusheim, February 17, 2015. Jacob is the greatgrandson of Clark Colgan ’60 and the nephew of Patrick ’03 and Joel Hron II ’05, and Joshua Trusheim ’09. Bonnie & John Pivach ’06 on the birth of their son, George Edward Pivach, December 18, 2014. George is the grandson of George Pivach II ’73 and the nephew of Stephen Pivach ’00. Amy & Brent Calongne ’08 on the birth of their daughter, Molly Calongne, June 2, 2015. Molly is the great-granddaughter of the late Morel Elmer, Jr. ’35, the granddaughter of Alan Elmer ’80, the great-niece of Morel III ’69 and John Elmer ’77, and the niece of Alan, Jr. ’05 and Ben Elmer ’12. Emily & Matthew Levy ’08 on the birth of their son, Caleb Edward Levy, March 27, 2015. Caleb is the grandson of Terry Billings ’74 and the nephew of Taylor Billings ’12. Info for the Bib List may be sent to Krista Roeling via the website: jesuitnola.org/bib-list, or email: roeling@jesuitnola. org. Parents will receive a pink or blue Jayson bib for their new arrival(s).
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CLASSREUNIONS
From March to July, alumni came together to celebrate being Blue Jays. At fiveyear reunions for the classes ending in “5” and “0,” alumni shared stories of their current lives and reminisced about their days at Carrollton and Banks.
1945 Reunion
1960 Stag Reunion
1950 Reunion
1955 Couples’ Reception
1944 and 1945 joined forces to celebrate,
respectively, their 71st and 70th year reunions. Both classes returned to their alma mater on June 6 for a Saturday Mass, celebrated by 1944’s Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J.; a cocktail reception; and dinner.
1950 celebrated 65 years since graduation with
a Saturday evening stag dinner in mid-June at the New Orleans Country Club, organized by Frank Varela and Pepe Colomes.
1955 Charlie Ferro and his reunion committee
chose to start their celebration with a Friday stag at the Southern Yacht Club. Then on Saturday the ladies joined their Blue Jays for an evening of cocktails and dinner at Metairie Country Club.
1965 Couples’ Reception
1960 came back to Banks on a Friday evening
for a stag reception in the Student Commons. C.W. Lartigue and his committee created an evening of good fellowship and good memories fueled by a video of their 1960 yearbook. On Saturday, the Parkview Terrace in the old Casino Building at City Park was the setting for a couples’ buffet dinner.
1965
Jim Lynch, Walter Zehner, and their committee organized a grand Golden Anniversary weekend celebration. On Friday, June 19, the 50year Jays gathered in the Commons for a seafood spread provided by Katie’s Restaurant. The next evening the ladies joined the gents for a cocktail reception at the Southern Yacht Club, highlighted
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1970 Couples’ Reception
1980 Stag Reunion
1975 Stag Reunion
1985 Couples’ Reception by a presentation to class member Ashton Ryan for his support of the reunion.
1970 Jerry Conrad and his committee chose the
beautiful homes of two class members for their April celebration. On Friday night the guys gathered for a party at the French Quarter residence of Glade Bilby, while on Saturday night the couples enjoyed a gala reception at the home of Laurie and Karen Oertling.
1975 As usual Tony Abadie, with assistance from Owen Seiler, put together a weekend of great events for the 1975 celebration. Acme Oyster House was the site of Friday’s stag seafood feast, while Saturday night was devoted to a couples’ cocktail reception at one of the city’s grand restaurants, Arnaud’s.
1990 Stag Reunion
1980 Led by Jude Trahant and Al Esparza, the 1980
committee organized a Friday night stag party at Cava on Harrison Avenue in Lakeview. After a Saturday service project organized by Harry Brauns, the guys and their guests enjoyed a cocktail reception at the Southern Yacht Club.
1985, led by Glenn Gillen, Brian Illg, John Zollinger,
and their committee, flipped the usual routine by having their stag party on a Saturday evening at Rock ’n Bowl. On Friday night the guys and their wives or guests filled the Emeril Lagasse Room at Café Reconcile for a couples’ dinner with class member and Café Reconcile CEO Glen Armantrout as their host.
1990 kicked off the reunion season on the weekend
of March 27-28 with their Silver Anniversary celebration
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1995 Stag Reunion
2005 Reunion
2010 Reunion organized by Pepe Lafourcade and his committee. On Friday night the guys and their wives or guests filled Tommy’s Wine Bar for a couples’ reception. On Saturday evening the Blue Jays returned to the Warehouse District for a stag party at The Rusty Nail.
1995 Mark Hughes and his committee opted for
a guys-only celebration for their 20th year reunion. On Saturday, June 13 the class met at The Rusty Nail for an evening of Blue Jay Spirit.
2000 Jeff Serpas, Ray Forrester, Mike Cousins, and their leadership team chose to start their celebration with a
2000 Couples’ Reception Friday stag at Barcadia. Then on Saturday the ladies joined their Blue Jays just down the block for an evening of fun at Ernst Cafe.
2005
Under the leadership of John-Michael Early, 2005 closed out the reunion season on July 11 with a stag party at Manning’s.
2010, the newest reunion class, filled the patio at The
Rusty Nail with 130 Blue Jays on June 6, thanks to the leadership of Tony Rodrigue and his committee. The terrific turnout points to great things to come from the Class of 2010.
View the photo galleries of the 2015 class reunions, as well as archived reunions dating back to 2002, on Jesuit’s website: jesuitnola.org/reunions.
It’s Greek to Me By Earl Higgins ’59
“It was Greek to Me.” Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (Act I, Scene 2)
S
o spoke Casca in response to Brutus’s inquiry about Cicero’s speech. But it was Greek to everyone at the annual New Orleans Greek Festival on Bayou
primarily to engage in my annual ritual of quaffing libations of ice-cold Retsina, a resinflavored Greek wine. My interest in all things Greek goes back to my days at Jesuit High School. Under the tutelage of Mr. Bob “Big Al” Alciatore, S.J. and Mr. Jack May, S.J., I felt the Greek myths come alive. Learning to read and then to memorize the first line of The Odyssey gave me a feeling of accomplishment and confidence. In that spirit, I wear every year to the Greek Fest a tee shirt that my oldest son, Sean ’92, gave me as a souvenir from a trip he made to Greece 20-plus years ago. The shirt spells out the first lines of The Odyssey that I still remember: Ανδρα μοι έννεπε, Μοΰσα, πολύτροπον, ϐς μάλα πολλα And four more lines of Homeric Greek — “Sing to me, Muse, of the resourceful man…” — the first lines written at the dawn of Western literature, alive and full of meaning.
Earl Higgins ’59 recounts his love for "all things Greek" and his annual visit to the New Orleans Greek Festival.
St. John. Of the many festivals held in the city, the Greek Fest is one of my favorites. At the 2014 Festival, the Greek community of New Orleans celebrated the 150-year anniversary of the establishment of their church, the first Greek Orthodox congregation in the Western Hemisphere. I attended last year’s event
Years after high school I began reading and was captured by the novels of Nikos Kazantzakis: The Last Temptation of Christ; The Greek Passion; St. Francis. I was already a fan of Greek film and the Greek-Spanish painter, El Greco. From the bridge of Navy ships, I had on many mornings on the wine-dark sea watched the sun radiate below the horizon and spread out the dawn’s rosy fingers, as so often was mentioned by Homer. I had remembered on those mornings that Odysseus had experienced the same dawns 3000 years earlier.
A Navy shipmate introduced me to Greek music and the intoxicating melodies of the bouzouki, the Greek version of the mandolin. Greek food, bold and compelling, keeps bringing out memories of Mediterranean sunshine and the bluest blue water I have ever seen. The Greek Fest keeps me charged up every year. At one of the vendors’ booths at the Fest, a middle-age gentleman began reading my tee shirt aloud, softly, carefully. “This is not modern Greek,” I said to him, “but you can read and understand it?” There was a careful smile. “I studied the ancient language in high school,” he replied, adding almost as an afterthought, “In Greece.”
sale. The aroma was tantalizing and I was reminded of the scenes in The Odyssey where Odysseus and his sailors roasted meat on the beach.
His English was good, despite the strong accent.
Over at the bandstand, musicians had started to entertain. Their opening tune was the obligatory theme from the 1960 movie “Never on Sunday.” With the sounds of the bouzouki and the band’s name on a sign, “Kostas Katzanis” could not be more Greek. The compelling rhythm and the intricacies of the bouzouki music drew people to the dance floor, their movements transforming them into Zorbas on the Bayou.
“I studied ancient Greek in high school, too,” I told him. He looked at me with a wistful but intense look of one recalling a persistent, powerful memory, a recollection of a very important time in his life. I understood what he was remembering. “Studying Greek had a significant influence on me,” I said, and he nodded with a smile of agreement and a shared moment of communication, a charged link that connected us through the language of the classic tales of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Near this vendor’s booth was another where a group of swarthy-looking men were chatting softly in Greek. They were preparing whole lambs on huge skewers and mounting them for roasting over charcoal fires. Other lamb carcasses, obviously having cooked all night, were being cut into chunks for
As exotic as it seems on initial superficial observation, the New Orleans Greek Fest very much mirrors the spirit of a city where, for more than 150 years, Greeks have made major contributions to life and commerce. History, culture, work, and religion are inseparable aspects of life, not only for the Greeks in New Orleans, but also for other New Orleanians. And it is all lived with a sense of pride and celebration. In Virgil’s The Aeneid, the seer Laocoön warns the Trojans that
the great wooden horse, which the Greeks had left during the night, is suspicious:“Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.” (“I fear the Greeks, even bearing gifts.”) The Greeks of New Orleans have given great gifts to the City of New Orleans — their culture, hard work, religious devotion, music, food, and especially their exuberance and joyful spirit. We have nothing to fear from them. Rather, we rejoice with them. How can we be afraid of a group whose flag colors are blue and white? Opa! (Loose translation: “Yeah, you right!”) Greek Festival New Orleans takes place on Memorial Day weekend and attracts more than 25,000 visitors to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Hellenic Cultural Center, located at St. Bernard Avenue and Robert E. Lee Boulevard. Earl Higgins ’59 is the author of The Joy of Y’at Catholicism and Metairie, Ames, High: The Streets of Jefferson Parish. His email is pietashiggi@aol. com.
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Dry and Wet at Jesuit Golf Classic
W
hat looked like it might be a washout turned into a glorious morning and early afternoon for the 200-plus participants in the 2015 Jesuit Golf Classic. Lightning and afternoon showers — some of them heavier than the guilt felt by Blue Jays who contemplate fudging their scorecards — forced course officials to shorten second round play. The event, presented by Iberia Bank, took place on Friday, April 10, at English Turn Golf & Country Club. The Class Cup, presented to the lowscoring foursome of alumni from the same class, was awarded to John Holmes, Patrick McGoey, Garrett Morris, and Todd Tournillon of the Class of 1989. They recorded a 10-under-par 62. Past winners of the Class Cup are teams from 1995 (2014), 1987 (2013), and 1992 (2012). The foursome of George Sins and Regan Leopold of the Class of ’94, Robert Emmett ’09, and Al Sassi won the morning round with a sizzling 17-under-par 55, which included an eagle on the course’s signature hole, the par-five 15th island green. The foursome of Mike Pizzitola and Sean Hardy of the Class of ’02, Phillip Kelly ’04, and Ryan Peters ’06 carded a 16-underpar 56 to win the afternoon round. Bill Hare ’90, who chaired this year’s Classic, led an outstanding cadre of volunteers. “We can’t control the weather,” he said, “but our committee and golfers made sure this year’s tournament was a ‘shining’ example of Blue Jay engagement and spirit.”
Opposite page — Top: Jimmy Holmes '83 tees off on the par 3 number 8 hole. Middle: Retired athletic director and coach Frank Misuraca dropped by to greet golfers, including Tyronne Hubbard '78. Bottom: (A pair from the Class of '94) Regan Leopold (left) and George Sins were half of the foursome that won the morning round. This page — Above left: The Jesuit Class Champions Cup sits atop a table at the Golf Classic. Above right: Golf Classic chairmen of present and past with Fr. McGinn welcome Blue Jay golfers to the event: (from left) Bill Hare '90 (2015), Eddy Hayes '90 (2013), and J.P. Escudier '95 (2014). Middle: Four aces from the Class of '68: Jay Baudier, Mike McGlone, George Joint, and Andy Williams. Left: Kurt Forshag '70 lets it rip on the difficult par-4 fifth hole.
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They Are Champions, Too!
ANNUS MIRABILIS
It was almost like the famous Curse of the Bambino. For the Blue Jays, football championships are measured in a time warp of a century, a half-century, decades, and curiously, seven years. esuit defeated John Curtis, 17-14, in the MercedesBenz Superdome on the night of December 5, 2014 and staked the school’s eighth state championship in football. The last time a Jesuit football team won state? Turn the clock back 54 years, all the way to 1960 when Jesuit’s tuition was $225. Football was introduced at Jesuit in 1901, 25 years before the school relocated from its Baronne Street setting to Carrollton and Banks. Jesuit’s archives overflow with stories about the school’s fortunes, and misfortunes, on the gridiron. With a handful of exceptions,
Jesuit historically fielded extremely competitive teams. Against all opponents, Jesuit football has compiled an enviable record of 698 wins, 320 losses, and 34 ties. In other words, Jesuit football wins 68.5% of the time. As far back as 1919, Jesuit football teams started winning championships. In the past 95 years, the Jays accumulated 16 city championships and 16 district championships. Since 1930 (one year after Jesuit became the first Catholic high school in Louisiana to join the LHSAA), the Jays advanced to the playoffs 45 times, extending their seasons anywhere from one
to four weeks before either being eliminated or returning with a championship trophy. The first seven state championship trophies were brought home during a 27-year span starting in 1933 and ending in 1960. What ensued following the 1960 state championship can be misleading. To simply state that Jesuit football experienced a 54-year drought would be imprecise. True, during those 50-plus seasons the Jays made it to the state championship game only twice, in 1963 and 1978. The so-called drought tends to dissipate when viewed another way: beginning in 1962, there were 32 seasons in which the Jays advanced to the playoffs. Football-wise, the Jays were least productive in the decade of the ’70s, excluding that special 1978 season. Jesuit made it to the playoffs in 1970 and was bounced the first week. The ’80s were slightly better with Jesuit in the playoffs in 1981, 1984, 1986,
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and 1987. In the heady ’90s, the Jays missed the playoffs only three seasons (1991, 1995, and 1999). Beginning in 2000 and over the next 15 years, the Jays embarked on a playoff roll, extending their season 13 times. The Jays failed to make the playoffs only twice in that period: 2005 and 2006 (those Katrina years). The Jays have played in 12 state championship football games, winning eight and losing four. By comparison, John Curtis reached the finals 35 times and the Patriots’ 26 state championships are a national record. In Jesuit’s first state championship football game, played in 1931, the Jays lost to Byrd High (Shreveport), 14-0. The Jays avenged the loss two years later by winning their first state title. The year was 1933 and although Jesuit and Byrd played to a 0-0 tie, the Jays were awarded the championship based on penetrations inside their opponent’s 20-yard line. The Jays had two; the Yellow Jackets had none.
Seven years elapsed before the
Jesuit’s third loss in a state championship football game occurred in the 1963 season. Tulane Stadium on a Tuesday night was the setting for prep fans to watch two
titans, Jesuit and Holy Cross, battle each other. As championship games go, 1963 was the year of the Tigers, evidenced by their 14-6 win over the Jays. Who would have known that in 1963, it would be 15 years before Jesuit had the opportunity to play in another state championship football game, this one in 1978 against St. Augustine? Ironically, Jesuit and St. Aug played in the first high school championship football game set in the Louisiana Superdome. The game was really an event and became a precursor to the LHSAA’s Allstate Sugar Bowl Prep Classic as we know it today. The “dream game” between the two rivals took place on December 15, 1978, and attracted 42,000 fans, including many alumni from both schools. The Jays, coached
by Billy Murphy, who was in his fourth year of a nine-year stay, lost to the Purple Knights, 13-7, and had to settle for state runner-up honors, the fourth time in the school’s history. Interesting when you think about it… The 2014 state champion Blue Jays were born, give or take a few months, around 1996, a season in which Jesuit’s football team reached the state semifinals, but no further. And who was coaching the Blue Jays in 1996? None other than Mark Songy, who would leave Jesuit that year after five seasons as head coach, only to return to Carrollton and Banks in 2014 to lead the Blue Jays to their eighth state football championship. In doing so, Songy joins three other Jesuit football coaches who won state football titles. The Jesuit teams that won the school’s first five state championships were coached by Gernon Brown ’20. The 1953 squad was coached by Eddie Toribio ’34, and Ken Tarzetti was at the helm of the 1960 team. And now you’re in the championship loop. — Pierre DeGruy ’69 Photo opposite page: Blue Jay alumni who were star players and co-captains on a few of Jesuit's state championship football teams gathered for a photo in St. Ignatius Hall. From left are Al Widmer '43, Don Ford '47, Will Billon '54, and Larry Ecuyer '61. Widmer, a halfback on offense who also played as a defensive back, was on Jesuit's 1940 and 1941 state championship teams. Ford was the Blue Jays' right guard on the 1946 state championship team. Billon and Ecuyer were centers and linebackers on Jesuit's 1953 and 1960 championship teams, respectively. On the table are football trophies that represent Jesuit's eight state championships: 1933 (partially visible), 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1953, 1960, and 2014, the most recent prize won by the Blue Jays last December.
ANNUS MIRABILIS
Seven years passed before Jesuit won another state football title. The Jays were the undisputed kings of the gridiron in the war years, and in a span of seven seasons, they won four state football championships. Jesuit’s 1940 and 1941 football teams produced the school’s only back-toback state titles. The 1940 team beat Lake Charles, 26-6, to take home the school’s second state title. The 1941 team routed Ouachita, 307, to win the third championship. The 1943 team faced an old rival in Byrd, turning back the Yellow Jackets, 25-7, for a fourth title. The 1946 Jesuit football team won the school’s fifth state championship by handily beating Jennings, 48-14.
1953 gridiron Jays won the school’s sixth state title by holding off, once again, those Yellow Jackets from Byrd, 7-6, at City Park Stadium. The 1959 team suffered the school’s second loss in a championship football game when the Jays were defeated by Istrouma, 21-7. But Jesuit redeemed itself the following season by winning a seventh state title, courtesy of the 1960 Blue Jay football team. It had been seven years since the Jays last won state in 1953.
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E H T N I S JAY
E M O D
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Photo courtesy of Kyle Encar and The New Orleans Advocate
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What a night, what a year for Jesuit football! Months after Jesuit’s 17-14 win over John Curtis for the Division 1 state championship, the game played in the late hours of Friday, December 5, 2014 is still an ingredient of conversations at Carrollton and Banks. lumni nearly always bring up the topic at any number of events where Blue Jays gather. Yes, even funerals. The players still relive the moments, especially the 30 seniors who were on the 2014 football team. The student fans who comprised the “Gizzard” will always remember the night they wore white Jesuit-logoed t-shirts that formed a “sea of white” along the east side of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. They will long remember the ear-splitting intensity of the noise that swept over the Jesuit side of the Superdome, especially in the last minute of the game and the ensuing celebration.
WEEK 1: SEPT. 5
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Jesuit head coach Mark Songy said when he With one minute remaining, the Jays' defense stops the Patriots and the looks back years sideline realizes a victory is at hand. from now on of the Immaculate Conception, Blue such a memorable night of football, he will remember the noise. “A couple of Jays had arrived at school in coat and tie, sans khaki. Coach Songy looked out times I looked back at the crowd and over the 1,420 Blue Jays, and it became a I was amazed at how loud you were,” poignant moment, maybe the millionth he told the students from the podium in Jesuit’s storied athletic history. “I at Morning Assembly on Monday, always wondered what it would be December 8. “I don’t know how the Saints get away with it — the amount of like to stand up here and present a championship trophy,” he said, hoisting noise — you guys were just blowing out the other side with the amount of noise.” skyward the LHSAA prize. “Well, here it On that Monday in December, the Feast is. This is for you, guys.”
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JESUIT 21, PONCHATOULA 24
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WEEK 2: SEPT. 12
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JESUIT 49, ST. PAUL’S 22
Fans would have been hard-pressed to predict a state championship by season’s end for the Blue Jays, especially after the team’s disappointing loss to the Green Wave of Ponchatoula in the so-called “Swamp.”
Jesuit stuns St. Paul’s — and surely surprises the prep pundits — with an unstoppable offense that tallies seven TDs. Jesuit’s tenacious defense stymies and stuffs the Wolves on nearly every possession.
JayNote: Senior defensive tackle Hunter Robert is unchained as a fullback, scoring the first of his nine touchdowns of the season.
JayNote: Junior safety and special teams player Jakirai Wiley returns a punt 63 yards for a touchdown.
Robert
Wiley
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The Gizzard went bananas for only a few seconds before Coach Songy reminded them that the difference between the team’s 12-2 season record and finishing undefeated at 14-0 was a scant six points. It was his way of thanking the Blue Jays for their enthusiastic support throughout the season, even in Week 4 in unknown Pensacola (the Jays thrashed the Tigers 49-17). “It says a great deal about our students and what we feel is important which is just about everything we do here academically, athletically, and cocurricular wise,” he said. Picking up the trophy again, he added, “This trophy is for everybody — a lot of guys who have stood where you are today and have not had the opportunity to experience this; for all those teams that paid the price and just weren’t able to get there — but especially for this team, this group of seniors who paid the price and were able to get there and get it done in such a fine fashion.” Songy was head coach (Jesuit’s 19th) from 1992-1996, a span of five seasons during which his teams won 35 games and lost 27 while advancing to the playoffs four times (the exception was in 1995). Eighteen years later and a decade into a career as a pharmaceutical rep — while also dabbling as the Blue Jays’ insightful analyst and colorful commentator for numerous games broadcast by Jesuit on local radio,
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Week 3: Sept. 19
television, and web streaming outlets — Songy never hesitated before jumping at an offer made in the final days of July 2014 to return to Carrollton and Banks as the school’s 24th head coach of football, taking over from former coach Wayde Keiser ’78, who resigned for family reasons. Before stepping down from the podium at the post-championship Assembly, Songy brought the Vatican into the celebration by confessing: “I don’t know if I’ve ever been around a team like this before that has just exploded with pride, enthusiasm, and dedication. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. I think the Pope is probably happy, too, being the Jesuit that he is. Thank you for your support. We did it. Go, Jays!”
Jesuit vs Rummel, Take 2 carcely a week earlier, Coach Songy and his staff busily prepared the team for a semifinal game against Archbishop Rummel. Most had predicted from the start of the season that Curtis and Rummel would be the last two teams standing for the championship game in the Superdome. That matchup was not meant to be as Coach Songy and the Blue Jays experienced their finest two hours of football of the season — with the one exception still a week away. The Jays were a completely different team from five weeks earlier when the Raiders dealt
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Jesuit 35, Central (BR) 6
In the home-opener at Tad Gormley Stadium, senior QB Trey LaForge tosses four touchdowns to junior wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb. JayNote: Sidelined by a concussion, junior defensive back Mark Beebe makes his return a memorable one by intercepting a pass on the Lipscomb second play from scrimmage.
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Week 4: Sept. 26
them a 10-7 loss. The second time around unfolded before each school’s loyal and partisan fan base, an estimated 12,000 prep football supporters. There’s something positive to be said about Catholic prep rivalries that end with players from both teams holding their heads high and displaying conduct that is as sportsmanlike as it is gentlemanly. The Jays were laser-focused and flogged the undefeated Raiders for a decisive 2814 victory, snapping Rummel’s 17-game winning streak. Jesuit’s defense was phenomenal and consistently swarmed the Raider runners, effectively disrupted the receivers’ prescribed routes, and hindered the blocking assignments of their big offensive linemen. The Jays played perfect mind games and essentially jilted the Raiders’ rhythm and execution, holding Rummel to 234 total yards of offense (169 passing and a measly 65 rushing). If Jesuit’s defense played their second greatest game of the year, the Blue Jays’ offense was equally superb with an output totaling 383 yards. Quarterback Trey LaForge was in complete command of his offense, completing 17 of 21 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The Jays added 159 yards on the ground along with one touchdown each by running backs Charles Jackson and Chris Mills. The two seniors ran in harmony as their offensive line successfully opened gaping
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Jesuit 49, Pensacola 17
For the third time in four weeks, the Jays take to the road, this time to the Emerald Coast where the Tigers discover they can’t stop the Blue & White. The Jays score three TDs in the first half and add four more in the second half. JayNote: QB LaForge connects with senior tight end Foster Moreau on a pair of TDs.
Moreau & LaForge
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Photo by Jay Combe '83
always believed in ourselves.” He paused before taking a deep breath. “It’s just taking a little while for it to sink in right now,” he added, his eyes sweeping the Marconi side of the stands where jubilant Blue Jay fans were trading highfives and fist pumps with the players and one another.
#JaysToTheDome Quarterback Trey LaForge carries for a first down in the opening series.
holes. Mills had an electrifying 56-yard scamper for a third quarter TD, one of his finest runs of the year that put the Jays up 21-7. “Our guys have a lot of character and guts, and played their behinds off against a great football team,” said Songy, surrounded by a horde of reporters on Tad Gormley’s field. “We’ve
Week 5: Oct. 3
ne happy Blue Jay in the crowd was Jack Marzullo, a spirited senior whose blue and white nylon skintight jersey outfit was as colorful as it was outlandish. When Jesuit crushed Holy Cross, 56-14, seven weeks earlier, Marzullo had a flash and created a Twitter hashtag for Blue Jay fans to follow. During each of the next seven games, Marzullo’s zany outfits attracted attention; and when he felt eyes were on him, he displayed his hand-made
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Jesuit 40, East Jefferson 14
cardboard sign promoting the hashtag: “#JaysToTheDome.” When game time finally rolled around, the starting lineups for Jesuit and John Curtis were introduced. Jesuit’s entire team, 96 players strong, stretched out along the east sideline facing the press boxes. They were impeccably dressed in their visitors’ uniforms, all-white pants (with a blue strip running the length), white jerseys with blue numbers, and blue helmets. When they were given the signal from one of the referees, the four Blue Jay co-captains linked arms like they had all season long and strode to midfield for the coin toss ceremony. The faces of seniors Foster Moreau, Dillon Knight, Hunter Robert, and Trey LaForge painted a picture of determination, confidence, spirit, grit, and excitement. The Patriots sent a single captain to midfield. Curtis would kick off to Jesuit to start the game.
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Week 6: Oct. 10
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Jesuit 56, Holy Cross 14
Jesuit scores six touchdowns before the 2014 Homecoming Court is even introduced at halftime. QB LaForge completes 13 of 19 passes for 212 yards and three TDs. Jesuit’s defense holds the Warriors to 153 yards of offense.
The 95th meeting of this Great American Rivalry is all-Jesuit as the Blue Jays display their explosive offense that registers five TDs in the first half. QB LaForge turns in a stellar performance that earns him MVP of the game.
JayNote: Senior running backs Michael McMahon and Chris Mills each tally two TDs.
JayNote: Running back McMahon sustains an ankle injury that brings his promising season to McMahon a premature end.
Mills
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The sixth-seeded underdog Blue Jays brought to the Superdome an 11-2 record, scoring 447 points (an average of 34 per game) and limiting their opponents to 196 points (an average of 15 per game). Jesuit’s multiple one-back offense was nearly always described as balanced: 2,666 yards on the ground, 2,517 yards passing. Curtis, wearing red jerseys and white pants, brought a 10-1 record to the game (the lone loss was surprisingly against St. Aug in week five). The Patriots liked to run the ball and passed only when they absolutely had to, one-dimensional football, as one prep writer noted. The Patriots were the number one seed, winners of 26 previous state championships, and shooting for their fourth consecutive state title (their first in Division 1). The Blue Jays were more than ready to play the biggest game of their young lives against this football powerhouse. The Jays started on their 32-yard line after lithe and slippery junior Jakirai Wiley took the kickoff and returned it 10 yards. On the first play, quarterback LaForge took the snap in the shotgun position and looked for an open receiver, but found none. Protecting the ball, he ran towards the Blue Jay sideline before three Patriots closed in. LaForge was hit hard, really hard, and as his eyes rolled upwards, the 6-4, 200-pound quarterback momentarily was stunned by the force of the impact. Amazingly he didn’t cough up the ball and his 11-yard run was good for a first down. As soon as he was down, he jumped to his feet, shook it off,
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Week 7: Oct. 18
and looked to the sideline for the next play. The Jays picked up a second first down but the drive stalled after LaForge was sacked for a four-yard loss. Jesuit’s Crew Jacobs, in the first of his five punts that night, kicked the ball to the Patriots’ 13-yard line. The Jays’ defensive unit went to work for the first time against Curtis’s highscoring offense. Fueled by adrenalin and their fans, who were already rocking the Dome, the Blue Jays blitzed on second down. Curtis running back Devon Benn coughed up the ball when he was hit behind the line of scrimmage by defensive back Dillon Knight and linebacker Robert Lobrano. A mad scramble ensued, but the Patriots got a lucky bounce and kept possession. Three and out for Curtis, then three and out for the Jays.
Jesuit punted a third time, and Curtis started on their own 25. Washington carried the ball three times, picked up a first down, and on the next play, handed off to Benn, who sprinted 53 yards to the Blue Jays’ five-yard line. Two plays later, Washington scored and Curtis, with the extra point, jumped out to a 7-0 lead. When the Jays began their next series,
“The Blue Jay faithful are on their feet. Nobody is sitting in their seats in the Dome, folks.”
Curtis quarterback Myles Washington completed an eightyard pass on his first attempt. A couple of running plays brought the Patriots to near midfield. With two minutes remaining in the first quarter and Curtis facing second and nine, Washington had a surprise for the Jays. He dropped back and threw a long pass, a bomb that reached Jesuit’s end zone only to be picked off by Wiley, who returned the ball 30 yards before he was tripped up. It was the first big turnover of the game.
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Jesuit 49, Archbishop Shaw 14
Senior running backs Mills and Charles Jackson each score two touchdowns as the Jays spoil the Eagles’ homecoming on a cloudless Saturday afternoon at Hoss Memtsas Stadium. JayNote: Junior Crew Jacobs sends six PATs through the uprights while freshman Chris Freibert kicks the last one.
LaForge had yet to complete a pass on three attempts. After Wiley’s interception, LaForge threw to wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb for a fiveyard gain. Running back Chris Mills ran the next three plays and picked up a first down as the first quarter ended scoreless.
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Week 8: Oct. 25
– Danny Riehm '02 Radio Broadcast Announcer Jackson picked up 37 yards on three carries. On second and 13 from the Curtis 35-yard line, Lipscomb ran a slant over the middle and had one step on his defender when LaForge threw a strike. Lipscomb raced to the end zone for his 13th touchdown of the season. Jacobs kicked the extra point and the
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Jesuit 7, Archbishop Rummel 10
In a Catholic League showdown, Jesuit and Rummel wage an epic defensive battle. The Jays score their only TD when QB LaForge connects with Lipscomb. A third quarter field goal by the Raiders brings the Jays’ six-game winning streak to a bruising end. Jacobs
JayNote: LaForge has nine interceptions the entire season; three of them are in this game.
Jesuit Defense
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game was tied, 7-7. Four minutes remained in the first half and Curtis had a good run back on the kickoff. Starting on their own 45, the Patriots marched 58 yards in 13 plays. The drive featured three completed passes by Washington, including a 20-yard touchdown strike designed to hammer a stake into the hearts of the Blue Jays with five seconds remaining in the half. The Patriots and their fans were confident with that 14-7 halftime
yards, one touchdown, and the Wiley interception. LaForge was 3-for-6 for 45 yards and one touchdown.
Second Half Action
o start the second half, the Jays kicked off to Curtis and were quickly burned by a 45-yard return to Jesuit’s 25-yard line. The Patriots reached the 12-yard line before a couple of penalties moved them back. On fourth and long from the 25, Washington threw into the end zone, but Knight timed his leap like a pro and swatted the ball away. It was a great play by Knight, who had 77 tackles for the entire season, including 35 solos to go with his six deflections and one On a keeper, the Patriots' quarterback fumbles on his own 31-yard line and the Jays' Zack Robert (far left) recovers. Mark Beebe (22) signals Jesuit's ball. interception. lead. Curtis had 189 yards in total offense compared to 132 for the Jays. The Patriots gained 130 yards on the ground (24 carries) while the Jays had 87 yards rushing on 15 attempts. To the surprise of fans on both sides, the Patriots’ passing game looked awfully good. Washington was 4-for-5 for 59
Week 9: Nov. 1
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When the Jays’ offense lined up, Jackson could not be stopped, not even by a holding penalty that negated his first carry of 19 yards. On the very next play, Jackson took the handoff, saw daylight, and covered 53 yards, his longest run of the night, before being dragged down at
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Jesuit 17, Brother Martin 14
the Curtis 32-yard line. Mills ran eight yards to the 24, then Jackson got the ball three consecutive downs, picking up 10 yards in one carry for a first down at the Curtis 14-yard line. Two short gains on the next two plays and an incomplete pass to Mills resulted in the Jays sending Jacobs to kick a field goal on fourth down. (Jacobs started kicking for the Jays as a freshman and his three-year career stats are impressive: 128 PATs and 15 field goals.) With senior Harrison Daste holding, Jacobs calmly kicked a 28-yarder that cut into the Patriots’ lead, 14-10, with only five minutes having elapsed in the third quarter. That score would hold up for the rest of the quarter. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Jays lost their middle linebacker, Lobrano, to a knee injury. The nucleus of the Jesuit defense, Lobrano finished the season with 163 tackles, 94 of them solo. He was carried off the field by Jesuit’s medical staff. The loss of Lobrano was a huge blow to the Jays’ defense. His replacement was sophomore Cameron Crozier, who had little playing time during the season, but rose to the occasion in this, a championship game. That he had senior linebackers Jonathan Giardina and Mitchell Melito on either side definitely made a difference. After Curtis punted for the second and last time of the game, LaForge, Lipscomb, Mills, and Jackson, and the offensive line, were suddenly all in sync. The Patriots’ defense for the first time looked unsure of themselves as the Jays
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Week 10: Nov. 7
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Jesuit 34, St. Augustine 20
Jesuit has a 14-0 at the half, but the Crusaders aren’t wilting and score a pair of TDs in the second half. Jacobs kicks a 32-yard field goal and the Jays’ defense holds on to hand the Crusaders their first loss of the season.
The Purple Knights score on the first play of the game, but the Jays remain the picture of cool. On the Jays’ first series, LaForge throws a short pass to Mills, who races 60 yards for the first of his two TDs.
JayNote: Senior Robert Lobrano has 25 tackles and is recognized by WWL-TV as the District 9-5A “Player of the Week.”
JayNote: Jacobs executes a pair of perfect pooch kicks. Jandon Briscoe pounces on the first one.
Lobrano
Briscoe
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coming into the game. The play worked. A perfect pass from LaForge fell into the outstretched hands of Lipscomb, who had two or three steps on his two defenders. He ran the final 20 yards into the Patriots’ end zone untouched for the Blue Jays’ second touchdown, and the lead, 17-14.
Nine Minutes to Go
Running back Charles Jackson was named the game's Outstanding Player.
mixed it up and picked up two first downs. The Jays were operating with a first and 10 at the Curtis 45-yard line. The Jays’ offensive coordinators, Tim Falter ’02 and Joe Chango, thought it was time for a play-action in which Lipscomb runs what is called a double post concept. The play is similar to the route Lipscomb ran for his first touchdown in the second quarter. Except the double post is riskier: Lipscomb has to jump off the line fast and make sure he beats his defender, while LaForge is faced with the pressure of delivering a pin-point accurate pass to his wide receiver who is racing downfield at a full-speed sprint. The Jays ran this play at least once or twice in every game this season with much success. It’s one of the reasons why Lipscomb had 12 touchdown receptions
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Week 11: Nov. 14
ine minutes were still on the clock, an eternity for Blue Jay fans, many of whom by this time were hoarse from screaming. The next two Curtis possessions ended in disaster for the Patriots who fumbled three times. They recovered their first fumble, but the Jays jumped on the next two loose balls. Unfortunately, the Jays could not capitalize on the Patriots’ mistakes. With two and a half minutes remaining in the game, Curtis started a drive on its own 11-yard line. A few plays and two first downs later, Curtis was sitting on Jesuit’s 33-yard line. But the Patriots were penalized for a false start. Jesuit's broadcast team of Blue Jay alumnus Danny Riehm ’00, Jesuit science teacher and assistant baseball coach Nick Nolfe, and sideline reporter Michael Gogreve ’12 captured the drama of the game’s final moments: “The Blue Jay faithful are on their feet,” said Riehm, all but shouting over the noise. “Nobody is sitting in their seats in the Dome, folks. There’s a penalty flag. It’s against Curtis, and the Jesuit defenders are extremely excited because they know this is going to march Curtis
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Jesuit 42, St. Augustine 14
For the second week in a row, Jesuit faces the same team in St. Augustine. The Jays dominate from start to finish — six touchdowns from six Blue Jay players. The win gives the Jays the lead in the Rivalry, 25-24. JayNote: Defensive end Osman Torres makes a big play recovering a fumble.
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Week 12: Nov. 21
back even further. This changes things, another false start. It’s now fourth and eight. John Curtis at the Blue Jay 36 yard line, Washington under center. He takes the snap. He’s going to throw it and … it’s incomplete! Incomplete! No penalty flags! No penalty flag! Jesuit’s gonna win a state championship! We’re 60 seconds away from history here in the Dome.” Nolfe let loose with a long, “Whooooo!” He gave credit to Jakirai Wiley who made an “outstanding defensive play” on Curtis’s last play of the game. Riehm observed that Jesuit’s offense lined up in the victory formation and LaForge burned the remaining seconds off the clock, taking a knee on three downs. “You can’t say enough about the gutsy effort of this Jesuit football team here tonight against John Curtis,” said Riehm. “We said it earlier, ‘To be the best, you have to beat the best.’ This is unbelievable! They’re going crazy on the far side of the field! Go crazy, baby, you deserve it! The Jesuit Blue Jays have climbed to the top of the mountain! The Blue Jays are state champions! This is being said for the first time since 1960!” One hour later at a post-game news conference, LaForge summed it up for reporters: “This is the best feeling I’ve had in a while. This is just the kind of stuff that you dream about, like when you’re 4-years-old growing up at the playground. You got to give a lot of credit to our fans, the 12th man out there. They really helped us a lot.”
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Jesuit 20, St. Thomas More 13
The third-seeded Cougars make several mistakes, including losing two fumbles and an interception by safety Beebe. The quarterfinal playoff goes down to the wire. Tied at 13, the sixth-seeded Jays flawlessly execute an 80-yard drive and score with three minutes left. Torres
JayNote: Robert scores two TDs standing up and recovers a fumble on defense.
Robert
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THINGS YOU MIGHT
HAVE MISSED 1
AT THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
GAME TIME
The game started one hour behind schedule with Curtis kicking off to Jesuit at the strange nocturnal hour of 9:30. It was all over at an even stranger hour: 30 minutes after midnight on Saturday, December 6.
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WHOSE HOUSE?
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HEADS OR TAILS?
The 96 Jesuit players were designated as the “visitors” because the team was seeded sixth, lower than the number one-seeded Patriots. The visitors are given the privilege of calling the coin toss and Jesuit’s four senior captains — quarterback Trey LaForge, tight end Foster Moreau, defensive back Dillon Knight, and defensive tackle (and sometimes running back) Hunter Robert — agreed on heads. Heads it was.
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TAKE YOUR PICK
Three of the four sportswriters at the two competing New Orleans newspapers cast their lots with the underdog Blue Jays to triumph over Curtis. Rod Walker, who covers prep sports for the New Orleans Advocate, did one better. He picked the Jays to
Week 13: Nov. 29
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The rematch of the season takes place two nights after Thanksgiving and this semifinal game is nothing like the 10-7 loss Jesuit experienced back in week eight. The secondseeded Raiders are out-hustled, out-played, outcoached, and flat-out outed as the Jays’ offense racks up 383 yards (159 rushing). QB LaForge completes 17 of 21 passes for 224 yards and two
Photo by Parker Waters
win and was the only scribe to correctly predict the final score: Jesuit 17, John Curtis 14.
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THE GIZZARD
“Gizzard” is the moniker that first surfaced at Jesuit’s 2013 athletic events. The Gizzard refers to the section of Blue Jay fans (photo above), particularly the students. The student council promoted the Gizzard at the start of the 2014-15 school year, and it really caught on. To match the white uniforms worn by the visiting team, the Blue Jays in the Gizzard displayed an impressive sea of white shirts. A lot of Jesuit parents and
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alumni also wore white shirts.
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SUPERFAN
Mike Waldo ’70 drove his Jaymobile from Pensacola. A custom-painted blue and white Grand Marquis, Waldo's Jaymobile is emblazoned with Jayson and other Jesuit logos. The car always draws plenty of stares and a few honks. Before kickoff, Waldo donned a full-length royal blue cape adorned with the Jesuit AMDG logo, a gift from his daughter. “I got some pats on the back,” Waldo chuckled. “And I heard someone say, ‘That’s Mike just being Mike.’”
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Jesuit 28, Archbishop Rummel 14
TDs, one to senior fullback Alex Rabalais, the second to junior wide receiver Malachi Hull. Mills and Jackson each notch a rushing TD. For the first time in 36 years, the Jays will play for a state championship. JayNote: Jesuit’s rock-solid offensive line gives LaForge better protection than presidents get from the Secret Service.
Hull
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Sights and scenes you might have missed even if you were in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Friday, December 5, 2014 for the Jesuit-John Curtis championship game…
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JAYS TAILGATE
Two of the largest and most spirited tailgate parties for Jesuit alumni and parents took place in a large parking lot behind Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar at Poydras and N. Rampart and inside Borgne Restaurant (adjacent to the Hyatt Regency on Loyola Avenue). Borgne’s executive chef Brian Landry ’94 exuded buckets of vim as he orchestrated the cheerleading for a raucous bunch of Blue Jay fans.
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THE SUITE LIFE
The Whitney Bank opened its suite in the Superdome for a delegation of Jesuit priests, brothers, and scholastics to watch the game.
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PENALTY FLAG
On the field, the Jays had eight penalties totaling 75 yards; the Patriots, 10 penalties for 85 yards. Jesuit was also penalized by the LHSAA. With the clock ticking off the seconds, a couple of Blue Jays dumped a cooler of ice water on Coach Mark Songy, who was rather good-humored about the sideline dunking. The LHSAA fined Jesuit $500.
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HANDS DOWN
Senior defensive tackle Hunter Robert played most of the game with a broken hand. He said it never really hurt and he didn’t realize something was wrong until the following day.
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GO FIGURE
In the first half Charles Jackson carried the ball five times for 42 yards. In the second half, Jackson became the spark plug that ignited the Blue Jays, pouring it on with 11 carries for 102 yards (longest: 53 yards). His total output for the game: 144 yards on 16 attempts, an average of nine yards per run. Jackson finished the season with 1,139 yards on 153 carries and 11 touchdowns. He fumbled exactly twice the entire season.
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TV TIME
At the post-game news conference, Coach Songy brought along four players: Trey LaForge, Hunter Robert, Dillon Knight, and Charles Jackson. The news conference began at approximately 1 a.m. and lasted 25 minutes.
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Week 14: December 5
It is a glorious moment in Jesuit football history when the Blue Jays defeat the John Curtis Patriots to win the Division 1 state championship. It’s the school’s first state title in football in 54 years. QB LaForge completes two TD passes to Lipscomb, Jacobs kicks a 28-yard field goal, and Jesuit’s defense does the rest. Jackson rushes for 144 yards on 16 carries and Mills carries 12 times for 73 yards. The media vote Jackson as the game’s
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JAY-CASTERS
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FOLLOWING FROM AFAR
The Jesuit broadcast team of Danny Riehm ’00, Nick Nolfe, and Michael Gogreve ’12 made sure Blue Jays who were not at the game could hear the action. Riehm handled the play-by-play, Nolfe (a Jesuit science teacher and assistant baseball coach) provided analysis and commentary, and Gogreve reported from the Blue Jays’ sideline. The game was broadcast on WGSO-990 AM and streamed live on the station’s website as well as on SportsNola.com.
Jesuit alumni director Mat Grau ’68 listened to the live stream of the game aboard a cruise ship which was docked in Houston. He and his wife, Leah, booked a Caribbean cruise months in advance to celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary. While Leah enjoyed a productive night at the slots, Mat stayed glued to the live broadcast. Jesuit alumnus Trey Fury ’02 was unable to attend the game because he and several fellow Blue Jays were at a wedding rehearsal party. They turned off the music and turned up the volume of the broadcast. They listened to the entire thrilling second half.
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Jesuit 17, John Curtis 14
“Outstanding Player.” JayNote: Lobrano, playing like the possessed middle linebacker he is, tears the ligaments in his knee on the first play of the fourth quarter. Propped up on crutches, he watches the rest of the game anxiously from the sidelines. As the Jays seal their victory, Lobrano hoists the crutches aloft and joins his teammates in a wild celebration.
Lobrano
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JAYS TRENDING
There were more than 300 tweets with #JaysToTheDome. The hashtag grew in popularity on Twitter, from a trickle of appearances beginning October 10 (the weekend Jesuit defeated Holy Cross, 56-14) to a gusher of Blue and White excitement on December 6.
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PASS THE POPCORN
The LHSAA sold approximately 60 DVDs of the Division I championship game at $30 each. “It was definitely the game in demand,” said an LHSAA staffer.
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TEARS OF JOY
When asked what he will remember about the game 25 years from now, alumnus Walt Bond ’85 immediately replied, “The presidential chest bump.” Bond explained that his classmate Rocky Daigle saw Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 after the game, and as the distance between them shrunk, the pair suddenly leaped up together in a moment of pure spontaneity.
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#JAYSTO THEDOME
Official attendance: 25,900. Estimates of Jesuit supporters (based on photos and various eyewitnesses): 16,000 – 18,000. Jesuit sold out its allotment of 6,500 general admission tickets at $13 each, and 250 reserved loge seats at $16 a piece. Jesuit's commission on each ticket sold was $1.
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TICKET TROUBLE
A general admission ticket purchased at the box office the night of the game cost $15, provided you could find a box office window that was open. Soon after the first half was history, a Jesuit alumnus and his wife decided it would be fun to go down to the Dome and catch the second half. They arrived at the start of the third quarter but did not have tickets. All of the ticket windows were shuttered. The gatekeepers refused to let them in without tickets. The couple said they would gladly buy tickets except the Dome had stopped selling them. No tickets, no entrance, the couple were told. Exasperated but undeterred, the alumnus took his wife by the arm and they walked briskly around the concourse to the next main entrance, which was not as closely guarded as the first. They quickly ducked inside and melted into the crowd, two reluctant gatecrashers who just wanted to see the Jays play some football. — Pierre DeGruy ’69
Photo courtesy of Jeff Strout
Assistant coach Benny Baptiste ’81 was all choked up by the time the game ended and the celebration began, tears streaming down his beaming face as he bearhugged one player after another. Baptiste, who coaches the defensive ends, was on Jesuit’s 1978 team, which lost the state championship to St. Augustine in the Superdome.
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CHEST BUMP FOR THE AGES
2014 Blue Jay Football Team Division I State Champion
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New Coach, New Location
Same Opponent, Same Result!
For the fourth year in a row, Jesuit’s lacrosse team can call themselves state champions.
U
nder the direction of first-year head coach Steve Krobert ’05, the Blue Jays once again defeated St. Paul’s, 9-3, to claim their fourth consecutive Louisiana High School Lacrosse League title. The 2015 championship game was played in April in Shreveport, a new venue, whereas the three previous LHSLL title tilts took place in Lafayette. In each of the championship games, the Jays squared off against the Wolves of St. Paul’s.
“We entered the season wanting to instill in our players a strong sense of sportsmanship and passion for the game,” said Krobert, who helped start Jesuit’s lacrosse program in 2004 when he was a senior at Carrollton and Banks. “Obviously, our young men learned those lessons and have a life-long memory and trophy to show for it.”
(Top) The 2015 state championship lacrosse team; (middle) Players hoist their state championship trophy; (bottom) Senior Cameron Guernsey, who was voted the tournament’s MVP on offense, will continue his lacrosse career at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. Photos courtesy of Bryant Faust
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
In the championship match, senior Cameron Guernsey tallied four goals and one assist, a performance that helped merit recognition as the tournament’s most valuable player on offense. Goalie Rob Hinyub, a junior, recorded five saves and took home the defensive MVP plaque. The other goals were notched by juniors Max Murret and Kent Flower, and sophomores Briggs Lucia, Noah Martin, and Parker Simoneaux. Junior Gray Cressy led the team in takeaways (3) and ground balls (6).
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Cross Country Runs First at State Meet
Team Effort Trumps Individual Glory
Twenty-seven seconds.
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The vaunted pack-running of the Jesuit cross country team was never more formidable than it was on the biggest of stages — at the state cross country meet held Tuesday, Nov. 18 on the campus of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where a mere 27 seconds separated the Jays’ seven runners. As many had predicted, the Blue Jays didn’t place a single runner in the Top 10. But it wasn’t individual glory that seniors Ben D’Antonio, Patrick LaCour, Michael Schwing, and Matthews Vargas, along with juniors John James and Carlos Zervigon and sophomore Eli Sisung, were after. It was a team title. And they got it. Jesuit finished with 85 points to edge district rival Brother Martin (98), Catholic High (102), and St. Paul’s (109). In doing so, the Jays captured their first cross country team title since 2010 and the first for head coach Rudy Horvath ’86.
The Blue Jay runners served early notice that they would be a force to be reckoned with after the team took the top prize at the Episcopal Round Table Run in Baton Rouge. Two weeks later, against a loaded multi-state field in the Gulf Coast Stampede in Pensacola, the Jays placed a close second. The Pensacola meet was especially noteworthy for the split between runners one through seven — just over one minute. In cross country, teams cannot win without depth. At the Stampede, the Jays proved they had depth to burn, and the meet was a defining event for the team. “I think any doubts that we could win state were erased that week,” recalled Horvath. Indeed, the toughest decision ahead for Horvath was finalizing his entry roster for the state meet. “It’s not as simple as picking the seven best times of the year,” said Horvath. “Courses and conditions are different from week to week. I had to go with guys who proved themselves on multiple occasions. I had to make some really tough judgment calls.”
The fierce intrasquad competition paid off at the Division 1 state meet. “I really believe that it was our guys pushing each other at practice that closed our split to the point where we were able to score like we did at state,” said Horvath. “The Photos by Jay Combe ’83 seven guys in Natchitoches got the glory, but it wouldn’t have happened without guys like (juniors) Johnny LaForge, John Nimmo, Nick Slay, and a whole host of others breathing down their necks every day at practice.” At state, Vargas ran the 5K course in 16:26, the first time all season that he led the Blue Jay pack in a race. Vargas’s time placed him 11th overall in a field of 334 runners from 47 schools. Right on his heels was Sisung, who placed 14th with a time of 16:34. Also figuring in the scoring for the Jays were LaCour (19th, 16:36), Zervigon (20th, 16:41), and Schwing (21st, 16:43). D’Antonio (29th, 16:50) and James (33rd, 16:53) also did their part, inflating the scores of the teams from Brother Martin, Catholic, and St. Paul’s by finishing ahead of some of their top five runners. In addition to the team’s championship trophy, seniors Garth Cook, Cole Guillory, and LaCour were recognized as LHSAA All-Academic Scholar-Athletes. — Jay Combe ’83 Jay Combe ’83 teaches social studies, civics, and Louisiana history at Jesuit High School. He is assistant coach of the varsity tennis team and also assists the institutional advancement office with writing and photography. His email is combe@jesuitnola.org.
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
The state title was the culmination of a season that saw a number of milestones, including a win at the Mississippi College Watson Ford Invitational and a district championship.
One of those judgment calls was made easier in the final week of the season. D’Antonio blazed through the course at the Metro Meet en route to a personal record of 16:07, which earned him the last slot on the state meet roster.
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A
ll eight of Jesuit’s qualifiers “brought the wood” to the LHSAA’s Division One state tennis tournament, and the net result was another state championship for Jesuit tennis, the school’s eighth in a row. Unlike last season when the Jays clinched the team title after their matches on opening day, this tournament, held April 30 - May 1, was a nail-biter on the tennis courts of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The Blue Jays put themselves in the driver’s seat with an auspicious performance on day one. Before the Jays even arrived at the courts, there was the team breakfast, where junior Brandon Beck took the opportunity to deliver a rousing pep talk in which he invoked New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton’s memorable “bring the wood” mantra from a few years ago. An inspired Jesuit team took to the
courts and picked up 13 points in the first three rounds of play, putting the Jays three points ahead of the Byrd High Yellow Jackets (Shreveport) and four on the Bears of Catholic High of Baton Rouge. Jesuit’s best singles players — seniors Gregory Suhor, the tournament’s top seed, and fifth-seeded Alex DePascual — earned four crucial points by advancing to the quarterfinals, where unfortunately, they encountered buzz saws wielded by Bear opponents. DePascual lost to the tournament’s second seed while Suhor fell to the sixth seed. “Hats off to Catholic High’s singles players,” said Jesuit head coach Travis Smith. “Our guys gave everything they had. I’m really proud of their efforts.” Despite the losses, the Jays stuck to their game plan. “We configured the tournament line-up looking to get four points in the singles draw,” Smith explained. “We figured if we could do
that, our doubles teams could take care of the rest.” Smith was right as the Jays placed all three of their doubles teams in the semifinals. Junior twins Jonathan and Jacob Niehaus, the top-seeded duo, defeated their opponents from Catholic High, Brother Martin, and Zachary, all in straight sets. “We knew all along that Catholic High was our biggest threat,” said Smith. “Knocking out one of their doubles teams in the first round was important for us.” Junior Brandon Beck and sophomore Trey Hamlin, Jesuit’s Line 2 doubles team, was just as impressive in their first three rounds, not dropping a set in routing opponents from New Iberia, Zachary, and St. Paul’s. Seeded fifth, Beck and Hamlin easily handled the third-seeded Wolves of St. Paul’s in the quarterfinals, posting a 6-4, 6-0 victory in a match that didn’t finish until 10:30 p.m.
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Eight Straight for
Tennis
Jacob and Jonathan Neihaus battle Patrick Torsch and Jack Steib in the semifinal match of the LHSAA Tennis State Championships. Photo by Emerald Harris
“Patrick and Jack came up huge,” said a beaming Smith. “All three of their matches were against quality opponents, and they rose to the occasion. When you get three points out of your Line 3 doubles team at state, you’re going to be hard to beat.” To casual tennis observers, the three-point cushion the Jays brought into Friday’s
semifinals might have looked insurmountable. Catholic High, however, still had an opportunity to grab the championship. But the Bears had to win out in both singles and doubles play. Beck and Hamlin made sure that did not happen. In an epic semifinal match that had fans on the edge of their courtside seats, Beck and Hamlin bounced back from a set down to beat Catholic High’s secondseeded Line 1 team. In the two-and-a-half hour match, Beck and Hamlin stared down defeat twice, closing the door on the Bears’ title hopes with a 7-2 win in the tiebreaker. The final line: 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2). In the other semifinal
match, the Niehaus Brothers were on fire and ended the improbable run by teammates Steib and Torsch with a 6-0, 6-1 win. “When they’re on, they’re virtually unbeatable,” said Smith of his top doubles team. “And the brothers were on.” The all-Blue Jays doubles final lacked the drama of a team title hanging in the balance. Still, there was a lot on the line. Beck was looking to collect his second state doubles title (he partnered with Suhor to win the doubles crown in 2014). The Niehauses, meanwhile, were looking for their first, having advanced to the 2014 final before falling to their teammates.
This time around, it was the Niehauses’ turn. Playing nearly flawless tennis, the twins defeated Beck and Hamlin 6-2, 6-3. In doing so, the Niehauses finished the season undefeated. The only team to even take a set off the Niehauses this year were Beck and Hamlin, who nine days earlier at the regional tournament pushed the champion twins to three sets. Jesuit finished the 2015 state tournament with 16 points and brought home another championship trophy, the team’s eighth consecutive title. Catholic High was runner-up with 11 points, and third-place Byrd finished with 10 points. – Jay Combe ’83
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
Senior Patrick Torsch and sophomore Jack Steib, Jesuit’s unseeded Line 3 doubles team, faced the day’s toughest test. After opening with a savoring win over the Line 2 St. Paul’s team, Torsch and Steib manhandled two Line 1 opponents, eighth-seeded Mandeville, then a fourthseeded Yellowjackets team.
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Four Runner-up Finishes for Wrestling, All in a Row
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
Photo courtesy of Jeff Strout
T
hree senior Blue Jay wrestlers took home individual state championships, helping
the team to a second place finish at the 2015 LHSAA State Wrestling Tournament.
Brody Martin (106), Ben D’Antonio (120) and Dominic Carmello (285) claimed individual titles. D’Antonio, a repeat champion, received the school’s Edwin F. Stacy, Jr. Wrestling Award for his contribution to the team, academic excellence, and exemplary leadership. Juniors Joseph Dupré and Guy Patron, Jr. each took home second place trophies. Seniors Maxwell Grosch and Will Lafranca, along with freshman Eli Larriviere, finished third. Senior Jake Rovira took fourth. The state meet was the last for Spencer Harris ’89, who has guided the Jays to state runner-up championships in each of his four seasons as head coach. Harris has decided to devote more time to fatherhood and his family. Harris
continued the excellence of a program that has captured 23 state championships and produced 145 individual state champions. During his tenure Coach Harris has nurtured eight individual champions. “I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the Blue Jays and will definitely miss the competitions,” said Harris, who himself was a three-time individual state champion. “I was honored to have a front row seat watching the development of our students into athletes.” Harris’s successor will be Sheridan Moran, a former collegiate and high school wrestling champion who has coached for the past five years at Catholic High in Baton Rouge. At Jesuit, Moran will teach biology. “I am very excited about being part of the Jesuit family and leading a program that is steeped in tradition,” said Moran. “When I think of Jesuit High School, the word ‘excellence’ immediately comes to mind. I want to continue with that tradition.” Pictured above: Blue Jay wrestlers with Jesuit's fourth consecutive runner-up state championship trophy
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Jays Are Second at State Swim Meet
The 2014 swim team produced three individual state champions: senior Chris Simmons won the 50-yard freestyle and senior Michael Conrad touched the wall first in the grueling 500-yard freestyle; and junior Cade Fuxan was first in the 100-yard butterfly. The Jays’ 200-yard medley relay team — consisting of Fuxan, Simmons, and seniors Francis Plough and Sam Johnson — started the state meet with an exciting and impressive victory. As events unfolded at the
biggest meet of the year, many of the seniors, including Patrick Cecola and Taylor Giorlando-Wall, along with Plough, Johnson, Simmons, and Conrad, swam their personal best times. Additionally, senior Daniel Edmund was recognized as an Exxon Mobil/ISC All-Academic Scholar for his 4.0 GPA. As the Blue Jays gathered at poolside knowing the outcome of the meet, Coach Bret Hanemann ’85 had to remind his swimmers that the high standards they set in the sport make not winning all the marbles so difficult. But he told them they shouldn’t be upset or hang their heads. “As a coach all I can ask for is your personal best and your greatest effort, and, boys, you gave this team everything you had,” said Hanemann, who lifted their soggy spirits by adding, “I am proud to be coach of this team.”
At the state meet, Blue Jays shout encouragement from the sidelines; (middle) seniors Sam Johnson competes in the 100-yard breaststroke and (bottom) Chris Simmons takes first place in the 50-yard freestyle. Photos by Rick Hickman
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
J
esuit’s 2014 Swim Team finished its season with a difficult loss to Catholic High School (Baton Rouge) at the LHSAA State Swimming Tournament in Sulphur. The brighter side reveals that during the 63-year history of Jesuit swimming competitively, the Blue Jays have brought home 37 state championships and finished second 17 times.
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jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first half. In the second half, the Wolves added a pair of goals for an insurmountable 3-0 lead and eventual win, their defense denying the mouth of the goal to the Jays on several close shots. The Jays were going for their eighth state championship in the 13 years since head coach Hubie Collins began guiding Jesuit’s soccer program. Instead, Jesuit had to settle for a third state runner-up finish under Coach Collins.
J. LaForge
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
Soccer: Jays Are Second… Again Most prep soccer teams who finish the season with 21 wins, five losses, and four ties — and bring home a district championship as well as the runner-up trophy from the state tournament for a second consecutive year — would be happy and satisfied. Jesuit’s 2015 soccer team was neither. But then they set the bar pretty high. The Blue Jays’ primary goal from the season’s outset was to wrestle back the state championship from their Northshore rival, St. Paul’s, which last year eliminated Jesuit in a semifinal match. By the time the two teams met February 28 in the championship match before 5,000 soccer fans at Tad Gormley Stadium, the Jays had already proven they were scrappy survivors. In a Mardi Gras quarterfinals match against cross-town
rival Brother Martin that ended in a 1-1 tie in regulation (plus two overtimes) at John Ryan Stadium, Jesuit won, 4-3, in a thrilling shootout that wasn’t decided until the final Blue Jay kicker, junior José Aleman, buried his shot. In the semifinal match the following weekend against second-seeded Acadiana in Ram territory, the Jays spotted the home team three goals before climbing out of the Cajun abyss and scoring four unanswered goals in the second half, the winning goal coming in the 77th minute. The 4-3 win was stunning for both teams and will go down as one of the most incredible comebacks in Jesuit soccer. The third-seeded Jays were passionate about their game (passion will take you only so far), but the number one-seeded Wolves proved to be, as expected, a formidable foe. St. Paul’s
“We ran into a very strong St. Paul’s team,” Coach Collins said after the match. “St. Paul’s was very determined, very focused, and they didn’t allow us to get into the rhythm that we like to get into to play our match. They put a lot of pressure on us right from the start. They were able to get an unearned goal that settled them down and maybe unnerved us. I thought our team gave it their all the whole season. We had a great run through the playoffs, and I couldn’t be more proud of our players.” The Jays, District 9-5A champions and state runner-up, didn’t quite reach their number one goal. But it was still a great season for Jesuit, on offense and defense. The Jays had 14 shutouts, including the first two state playoff matches, and allowed 22 goals the entire season. Jesuit players scored a total of 66 goals. Senior goalie Otto Candies
and junior midfielder Chase Rushing were named to the All-Metro Soccer Team. Candies and senior defensive midfielder Jack LaForge, co-captains of the 2015 team, committed to play soccer at Spring Hill College in Mobile.
Rugby Endures Tough Season The Blue Jay rugby team closed out the 2015 season with a third place finish in the championship tournament. Despite being undersized and battling injuries throughout the season, the Jays played tenacious, physical rugby and finished with a respectable 7-4 record. The Jays reached the playoffs by virtue of a hardfought 25-19 win over the Houma Hurricanes. But against St. Paul’s in a semifinal match, Jesuit came up short, 33-19. However, Blue Jay ruggers ended the season on a high note with a resounding 43-7 victory over the Mississippi Royals in the game that determined third place. One of the season’s highlights was a tough 1410 win over fellow Jesuit school Strake Jesuit of Houston. The win came at the Jesuit Dallas Rugby Showdown, featuring four Jesuit high school teams, two Catholic schools from Canada, and two nationally ranked rugby club teams.
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Young Golfers Look to the Future A young Blue Jay golf team, devoid of a gaggle of starting seniors who graduated in 2014, went undefeated during the regular fall and spring seasons before capturing back-to-back championships on the district and regional levels. The impressive performance was tempered only by a fifth place finish at the LHSAA state tournament in Carencro. Jesuit’s starting five were junior Grant Glorioso — a scratch golfer — and his freshman brother Grayson, junior Carlo Carino, and sophomores Sean Donovan and Nolan Lambert.
consecutive years to the AllDistrict’s First Team.
Another highlight of the year was the team’s third place finish in the prestigious Palmetto High School Golf Championship in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Moreau — a six-foot-four, 240-pound center — averaged 14 points and 13 rebounds per game in his senior season – four rebounds per contest better than anyone else on a Jennings-coached team. “Foster is one of the best prep rebounders I’ve seen and is the best I’ve ever coached,” Jennings said.
“Our young men had a great learning experience which will only make them better down the line,” said Coach Owen Seiler ’75. “Considering that most of our starting guys are returning as seniors, I am very excited about the future of Jesuit golf.”
Leaving Their Marks in the Birdcage The dominating presence of senior Foster Moreau down low — combined with Trey LaForge’s sharpshooting from all over the court — wasn’t enough to push the 18th-seeded Blue Jay basketball team past the opening round of the LHSAA state playoffs. The 2014-15 season ended with a disappointing 61-46 overtime loss to 15th-seeded Mandeville on the Skippers’ home court. Jesuit finished 6-4 in District 9-5A play and 16-9 overall.
Glorioso
Since Chris Jennings ’78 became Jesuit’s head basketball coach in 1992, LaForge — a six-foot-three, 195-pound forward — is one of only three players to surpass 1,000 career points. In his senior year, he averaged 19 points per game. Additionally, LaForge is the lone Blue Jay to have been selected three
LaForge and Moreau were also potent threats on Jesuit’s 2014 state championship football team. Quarterback LaForge threw six touchdown passes to tight end Moreau, an LSU commitment who was the 2015 recipient of Jesuit’s Award for AllAround Athletic Ability. LaForge was the recipient of two awards at graduation: The William D. & Maybelle Postell Award for the senior basketball player who exhibited exemplary leadership, scholarship, and spirit; and The Larry Gilbert Family Memorial Award for the best all-around athlete on the varsity teams. Finally, Evan Duhon merited The Joseph Michael Worley Memorial Award, which is presented to the senior who, by his unselfishness, sportsmanship, and spirit during his career at Jesuit, enhanced the athletic program either as a player, manager, trainer, or student. Coaches described Duhon as “the best teammate ever,” quite a compliment for a reserve shooting guard.
T. LaForge and Moreau Photo courtesy of Jeff Strout
Jays Win District But Fizzle in Playoffs The highlight of the 2014 edition of Blue Jay baseball was the outright capture of the District 9-5A championship, no small feat considering that the team had to be resuscitated from irrelevance and near extinction after dropping a pair of games in the first round to Archbishop Rummel and Holy Cross. But nobody ever accused those mettlesome Blue Jays of a deficiency in moxie. In the second round of district action, Jesuit’s pitching staff settled down while the team’s bats came alive. A 9-3 win over the Crusaders in the final game of the second round earned the Jays their first district title in two years. In the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs, eighth-seeded Jesuit hosted 25th-seeded Ruston at John Ryan Stadium. The Jays tallied eight runs on 10 hits while senior right-hander
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
Grant Glorioso solidified his position as a top flight golfer by finishing second among 100 competitors from Louisiana and Mississippi in the Beau
Chene High School Classic in March.
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Myles Blunt was close to flawless on the mound, needing only 71 pitches to shut out the Bearcats. The 8-0 victory was Jesuit’s eighth consecutive win and fueled the team’s momentum entering the regional round, a best two-out-of-three-game series against ninth-seeded West Monroe with the Jays having home field advantage.
FLYING WITH THE JAYS
Bad timing for the Jays to become afflicted with the dreaded inconsistency syndrome. In the first game, the Jays made some uncharacteristic mistakes and giftwrapped four runs for the Rebels. Down by seven runs going into the last inning, the Jays whipped up a furious rally and plated five runs, but no more. The disheartening loss created a daunting task for any team to overcome, even for the Jays, who had to win a doubleheader the very next day. Unfortunately for Jesuit baseball fans, that didn’t happen. West Monroe took the series in two games (9-7, 3-1) to advance to the quarterfinals while bouncing the Jays out of the playoffs. It marked the first time Jesuit’s season ended with two consecutive losses at John Ryan Stadium. In the two games against the Rebels, the Jays left a total of 21 runners stranded. The Jays finished the season with an overall
Hess
record of 25-9 (8-2 in district). Two Jesuit seniors — pitcher Jack Burk and right fielder Ben Hess — were named to the All-State Team by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA). Hess, whose .438 batting average was phenomenal, was selected as District 9-5A Player of the Year by the Catholic League coaches. Hess had six doubles, three triples, and 30 RBIs. With an arm like a bazooka, Hess could nail the throw to home plate from almost anywhere in right field. Burk, who committed to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, went 5-1 this season and tossed three shutouts. The right-hander struck out 64 batters in 42 innings and had a 1.50 ERA. Two other Blue Jays — senior left fielder Scott Crabtree (a UNO commitment) and junior second baseman/ pitcher Brandon Briuglio — received honorable mention. The Jays are taught to always win graciously and in defeat display good sportsmanship and class. Coaches look to senior players to set the example. Coach Joey Latino said the 11 seniors did just that and consistently showed strong character throughout the season. “I love this team,” he said as he watched his Jays congratulate the Rebels. “I can’t say enough about them, especially my seniors. What they’ve done this year and what they’ve left in terms of legacy for those underclassmen, I just can’t put into words. This has been a great season in many regards. Coming back from being 2-2 in district and winning the district championship, overcoming adversity, overcoming a lot of criticism and doubt. It’s unfortunate it ends this way. I’ll look back on this season and in my eyes, it’s a success.”
Briscoe Photo courtesy of Jeff Strout
Track Trio Delivers Strong Performance at State Meet The track & field season featured outstanding performances at the State meet by a trio of Blue Jays, one of whom set a new Jesuit record in the 400-meter run. Sophomore Jandon Briscoe ran the 400-meter dash in 48.62 seconds, good for a second place state finish and a new Blue Jay track record. In the pole vault, senior Austin Schott cleared 14 feet, 6 inches to finish fifth in state. Senior Patrick LaCour ran the 800-meter event in two minutes to finish fifth. Earlier in the season two other Jesuit track records fell. The distance medley relay team of seniors LaCour and Michael Schwing and sophomores Reed Meric and Eli Sisung ran a time of 11:21.26. The 800-meter sprint medley relay team of sophomores Tripp Kropog and Connor Prouet, and freshmen Hampton Callais and Brennan Jeffrey turned in a time of 1:45.82.
For in-depth stories and photo galleries covering each of the 2014-15 athletic teams, visit jesuitnola.org/athletics.
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Dreaming Great Things “Do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things!” – Pope Francis This quote from Pope Francis was part of his message to young people at the 2013 World Youth Day event. When I reflect upon our Holy Father’s words, it is easy to correlate them with the many examples of Blue Jays using their God-given talents to the best of their abilities during the 2014-15 school year.
Jesuit’s traditional Thanksgiving Drive brought together students, faculty, and alumni, who worked together to prepare and deliver baskets of food that brightened the holiday for 460 families in the New Orleans region. While our sophomores worked towards completing their various service projects throughout the year, cadets in Jesuit’s Marine Corps JROTC program participated in the Toys for Tots drive. As Christmas approached, the efforts of our cadets resulted in the collection and distribution of toys to numerous children
Additionally, our students raised more than $18,000 in the annual mission drive to help aid the missionary work of Father Thibodeaux in Paraguay. Jesuit’s varsity basketball team took time out from their busy schedule to help paint the New Orleans Police Department’s First District Station, run by Otha Sandifer ’83. The retreat program at Jesuit continues to grow and play a key role in the spiritual development of our students. Both eighth and ninth graders participated in retreats during their first full month of the fall semester. Upperclassmen have embraced a leadership role that has made the grade-level retreats exceptional and more meaningful. And once again, a record number of juniors participated in the Kairos retreat program. Certainly one of the most memorable events of the year came when the 2014 Blue Jay football team succeeded in winning the school’s first state championship since 1960. Students led a “white out” in the MercedesBenz Superdome by wearing white Jesuit t-shirts for the Friday night championship game, which also brought together thousands of Blue Jay alumni for a reunion of sorts. It was, indeed, a special evening that will be remembered for years to come. Our football team was hardly the only
athletic success story. In the fall, the cross country and swimming teams achieved, respectively, state championship and state runner-up honors. The winter seasons for wrestling and soccer produced state runner-up honors, and spring sports teams captured district championships in tennis, golf, and baseball with tennis and lacrosse winning state titles. Jesuit’s debate team was runner-up at the National Tournament of Champions while the varsity prep quiz bowl team captured a seventh consecutive state title but fell short of successfully defending its first national title won in June 2014. The Philelectic Society staged two outstanding productions, the National Honor Society inducted 140 new members, and our school was visited by students from Germany, France, and Puerto Rico. These events cover only a fraction of the many activities that occurred at Carrollton and Banks during the 201415 school year. When I look back at this eventful and outstanding school year, I am proud to report that our students “dream of great things.” More importantly, they are using their God-given talents to achieve great things.
Peter Kernion ’90 Principal
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
The start of the fall semester coincided with the recognition of Jesuit’s National Academic Scholars, a group of seniors consisting of 34 National Merit Semifinalists, three Hispanic Scholars, and one National Achievement Semifinalist. Among our scholars are three seniors — Garth Cook, Matthew Sentilles, and Matthew Stuckey — who achieved a perfect score on their ACT. It is a rare accomplishment given that fewer than one-tenth of one percent of the 1.85 million students who annually take this test earn a perfect score.
of local soldiers serving in the armed forces.
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Class of 2015 Produces 37 National Academic Scholars
T
he Class of 2015 produced 34 semifinalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program, the most from any school in Louisiana. Jesuit also had three National Hispanic Scholars and one semifinalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
JESUIT TODAY
The 34 Blue Jays honored as Merit Semifinalists posted scores ranging from 208 to 233 on the PSAT, which is used as the initial screen in the annual competition underwritten by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Seniors Garth Cook, Matthew Sentilles, and Matthew Stuckey earned a perfect score on the ACT. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the National Merit scholarship program, which today recognizes some 16,000 semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Jesuit’s 34 National Merit honorees represent 16% of Louisiana’s 218 semifinalists from 59 schools. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to that state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. The photo above was taken on the
steps of the school’s main entrance prior to the Senior Ring Mass on Saturday, September 6. Christopher Ainsworth and Mitchell Falcon were National Hispanic Scholars not included in the photo because the National Hispanic Recognition Program released the names of the honorees in October. The third honoree, Blake Jaubert, was also a National Merit Semifinalist. Among the national scholars in the Class of 2015 were, bottom row (from left): National Achievement Semifinalist Jonathan Legier; National Merit Semifinalists William Arnold, Harrison Bond, Eric Bussey, Matthew Cedro, and Rishab Chimmanamada; Second row: Robert Comeaux, Kevin Conrad, Garth Cook, Benjamin D’Antonio, and John Doherty; Third row: Joel Epling, Patrick Fine, Mako Giordano, Joshua Hudak, and Mark James; Fourth row: Blake Jaubert (also a National Hispanic Scholar), Richard Kernion, Patrick LaCour, Brett Lorio, and Freeman Matthews;
Fifth row: Michael Riddick, Jacob Rovira, Daniel Sagona, Matthew Sentilles, and Patrick Simonson; Sixth row: Anthony Smith, Brandon Sprague, Steven Stradley, Matthew Stuckey, and Joshua Talbot; Back row: William Tittle, Garrett Tobin, Francis Weller, and Samuel Zelden. Additionally, 18 seniors who just missed the 208 cutoff score but received recognition as “Commended” scholars in the National Merit Program were: Andrew Amedee, William Baudouin, Michael Belanger, Anthony Celano, Henry Creel, Raymond Daigle, James Deichmann, Mitchell Falcon, David Gaines, Trevor Laborde, Daniel Langteau, Glenn Lorio, Christian Maher, Michael McMahon, Mason Page, Frederick Schmidt, Christopher Simmons, and Gerard Spencer. Jesuit also had one “Outstanding Participant” (the equivalent of “Commended”) in the National Achievement Program: Evan Carrie.
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Band “Rhaps” Its Way to Superiority
Photos by Jay Combe ’83
The Blue Jay Marching Band and the Jayettes earned the rating of “superior” — the highest possible rating — at the 2014 District VI Marching Band Assessment Festival on a chilly November evening before a huge crowd at Joe Yenni Stadium in Metairie. Under the direction of Mr. Joe Caluda ’79, Mr. Jason Giaccone, and drum major Patrick Fine ’15, the Blue Jay Band was one of 16 high school bands to participate in the annual event and the only band to perform the unique composition “Rhapsody in Blue and White,” a culmination of tireless work and practice that began last summer. The performance took its name from the three “Rhapsody” selections that were featured: George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Faculty Additions for 2014-15 Jesuit welcomed 12 new faculty members for the 2014-15 school year, including three classmates from the Class of 2010 who gave back to their alma mater as members of the Alumni Service Corps (ASC): Charles Bourg, Matt Firmin, and Tim Harris (seated, from left in photo). In addition to teaching, each tutored students, assisted
with co-curricular activities and events, participated in retreats and service days, and worked in various sectors of the school. The ASC is a volunteer opportunity founded on the four components of service, community, simplicity, and spirituality. The other teachers are (seated, beginning third from right): Jennifer
Buuck, Timothy Falter ’02, and Justin Genovese; standing, from left: Nicholas Simoneaux ’05, Donald Songy ’07, Mark Songy, Wade Trosclair ’07, Greg Uddo ’00, and John Webre. More on Jesuit’s faculty is on the website: jesuitnola.org/faculty.
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Jesuit Seeks Blue Jays Who Will Grow Their Wings The admissions process is central to Jesuit’s fulfilling its mission of developing in its students the competence, conscience, and compassion that will enable them to be men of faith and men for others. By Bret Hanemann ’85
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The state of admissions at Jesuit is strong, even robust, primarily because the school is fortunate in so many ways. Namely, • Jesuit enjoys a reputation as a center for academic excellence. • Jesuit’s athletic teams don’t always win championships, but they’re always competitive and exhibit great sportsmanship in winning and losing. • Jesuit’s extracurricular activities and organizations are diverse and offer something for everyone. • Jesuit embraces tradition and respects the past, but knows that flexibility is also important, as is not being blinded to change. • Jesuit is centrally located and draws students from more than 50 zip codes. • Jesuit is a spiritual oasis that fosters religious growth. • Jesuit’s 13,500 alumni are among the most fiercely loyal to be found anywhere in a U.S. high school. Jesuit began the 2014-15 school year with 1,422 Blue Jays, 37 fewer than in 2005-06, when 1,459 Blue Jays comprised the pre-Katrina student population. In the 2005-06 year, Jesuit had a combined total of 414 eighth and ninth grade applicants, of which 320 were accepted. By comparison, Jesuit had 393 combined grade applicants for the current school year and 322 were accepted. For the previous year, 2013-14, Jesuit had the most combined grade-school applicants — 439 (334 were accepted) — since the 19992000 year when 495 applied for eighth and ninth grades (360 were accepted). After Katrina, the population shifted, and many people moved away from the New Orleans area. Initially, the number of applicants applying to Jesuit was in question, but the applicant pool remained strong. In the years after Katrina, Jesuit had fewer applicants, but the ones who were accepted were still qualified to be Blue Jays. Over the last few years the pool of applicants for eighth and ninth grades has remained steady number-wise while growing academically stronger. What does this mean? The number of applicants, the average GPA of these boys, their extracurricular activities, and their spiritual development are impressive, to say the least. Another trend is the strength of grades of students coming from a variety of elementary and middle schools. Most boys applying to Jesuit for admission have never made below a “C” on their report cards. The work that these boys are putting in on a daily basis is extraordinary. They have a
fervent quest for more knowledge. They choose Jesuit because they desire to learn more and develop as a caring man. The quantity and diversity of extracurricular activities that these applicants are involved in are almost overwhelming — they include everything from band to travel baseball. Some of these boys are involved in more than one travel sport and still find time to be an altar server. They already are volunteering at homeless shelters. They make commitments to their school to be ambassadors. They played intramurals throughout middle school, while remaining focused and academically successful. It is not uncommon for older Jesuit alumni to think, “Back in our day, Jesuit didn’t have to recruit. The boys would come after Jesuit.” Well, the recruiting process in New Orleans has changed over the years. Some students still pursue Jesuit. But other high schools have learned how to market their product, and a few such schools have adopted aggressive approaches to recruiting students, including sending letters that extol the virtues of the school to boys who are just in first grade. These “blind mailings” represent a simple approach to marketing that is effective for impressionable children. The Archdiocese of New Orleans no longer holds an Information Night where regional high schools are able to set up educational booths at the Pontchartrain Center. Instead, some individual elementary schools host their own Information Night to which the high schools’ admissions personnel are invited. This is a new process and gauging its effectiveness will take some time. The goal is not to have 500-plus boys apply for admission, only for Jesuit to turn down a record number. Rather, the goal in the admissions office is to strive for the right type of student to apply, a fact that is reflected in recruiting talks and mentioned during private tours. What exactly is the “right type” of student? One who will come to Jesuit, strive to excel, and grow wings. Those are the students who Jesuit will be looking for in the annual pool of applicants. Those are the students who in late February will receive the “Dear Blue Jay” admission letters. Bret Hanemann ’85 is director of admissions at Jesuit High School, where he teaches social studies and sociology. Hanemann is also head coach of swimming, a position he has held since 1992. His email address is hanemannb@ jesuitnola.org.
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Thanksgiving Drive 2014
“To Love Is to Serve” “Amar es servir.” So Jesuit scholastic Mr. Julio Minsal-Ruiz, S.J. was reminded by his grandmother when he was a child. “To love is to serve.” Each fall the Jesuit High School community expresses its love of and its gratitude for God’s presence in our lives by serving those whose gifts are few, whose want is plenty. That Blue Jay expression of love comes in the form of the Thanksgiving Drive in which students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni and their families marshal their efforts in the common goal of providing for those fellow New Orleanians who may be hungry, who certainly have far less than we do. The occasion of Mr. Minsal-Ruiz’s personal story — and that of senior Evan Duhon’s — was the prayer service attended by the student body and faculty before the delivery of Thanksgiving baskets to some 460 families. Designed to put the gesture of service into perspective, Duhon told his fellow students: “The key is that we don’t know the people we are feeding and we don’t know the situation. We are simply giving of ourselves, without judgment, to help another human being.” And so, as it has done since at least 1927, the Jesuit community of today did just that, gave of itself to lessen the burden of another. Once again, the Jays rose as early as 4:30 a.m. to shop for last-minute items at Robért Fresh Market on Robert E. Lee Boulevard. Once again, the Class of 1983 provided turkeys for each family receiving a basket. Once again, the Jays, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, delivered the baskets, not to an agency, but to the families themselves so they could experience not just the “what” of the drive, but also the “why” of their actions. Once again, the alumni joined with today’s Jays, themselves providing baskets for 180 families. The ultimate goal of the drive, Mr. Minsal-Ruiz reminded students, is to accept their act “not just as a task to be accomplished, but as a life to be lived” and not to “compartmentalize the gesture into one event, one day, one project, but to let it permeate the entirety of your lives.” Top: Every year, Robért Fresh Market on Robert E. Lee Boulevard opens at 5 a.m. for Blue Jays, who are fed gratis and given a discount at checkout. Middle left: Senior Evan Duhon addresses Blue Jays at the Thanksgiving prayer service. Middle right: Alumni unload more than 400 turkeys from a moving truck the night before the drive. The turkeys are courtesy of "The Turkey Class," otherwise known as the Class of 1983. Bottom: Freshmen Preston Dantin, Gerard Miller, Ethan Bodin, and Harrison Steudlein carry boxes of non-perishable goods.
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BAZAAR SUCCESSFULLY MOVES TO SATURDAY On a sun-filled Saturday, March 28, the 2015 Blue Jay Bazaar entertained thousands of Jesuit students, alumni, parents, and friends. From the top-notch live entertainment to the fun games, delicious cuisine, and exciting raffles, this year’s Bazaar was fantastically successful. Jesuit extends its thanks and appreciation to Bazaar co-chairs Lori Ryan and Laurie Gaudet, as well as their faithful legion of volunteers and sponsors. The tireless work by all involved helped ensure the success of this ever-popular springtime event.
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1. Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. '66 thanks the 2015 Bazaar co-chairs, Laurie Gaudet (left) and Lori Ryan. 2. Pre-freshman Ben Willis prepares to smash the can at the booth of the same name. 3. Junior Joseph DuprĂŠ displays a state championship game football that was auctioned off at the Bazaar. 4. Fr. McGinn announces the winner of the $5,000 raffle: Dustin Ward of the Class of 2013. 5. Nick Matulich '68 and his grandson, Jacques Pierre Claude-Meyer, enjoy the Bazaar. 6. Blue Jay dads, from left, Wayne Castillo, Sam McCord, Roger Jordan, Will Baudouin, and Damon Anderson cooked hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers for a hungry crowd. 7. The Jayettes soar during their performance at the Bazaar.
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A Saint for Jesuit Brothers St. Alphonsus Rodriguez (1533 – 1617) The Jesuit Brother is primarily, and completely, a Jesuit. He is a man committed to the service of the people of God as a member of the Society of Jesus through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The Brother has responded to a special call from the Lord. His goal is to further the work of God’s Church among the men and women of his time. Like all Jesuits, the Brother is especially prepared for this task by the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The Brother is continually supported and motivated by his Jesuit companions, by his personal prayer and daily participation in the Eucharist. — Website of the Jesuit Brothers
MEDALLION STORIES
of Canada & USA (njbc.com)
The Jesuit Brothers of today, numbering fewer than 200 in the U.S., owe a debt of gratitude to one of their own who preceded them some 450 years ago — St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J., the patron saint of Jesuit brothers and one for whom Br. Larry J. Huck, S.J. ’87 has a natural affinity. “In June 2010, I stayed a couple of days at the Jesuit residence of Montesión in Palma, Majorca, Spain,” writes Br. Huck. “I walked the same halls Alphonsus Rodriguez walked. I walked to the bakery he frequented. I held the same keys to the door of his college. And I prayed in the room where he died.” Of all the stone markers embedded in the brickwork overlooking Jesuit’s Traditions Courtyard, only one
honors a Jesuit brother. Here, then, is the “Medallion Story” of Alphonsus Rodriguez.
By Br. Larry J. Huck, S.J. ’87
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lphonsus Rodriguez, the son of a wool and cloth merchant, was born on July 25, 1533, in Segovia, Spain. When Alphonsus was young, Fr. Peter Favre, S.J., visited his hometown to preach, and the Rodriguez family opened their home to him. Favre prepared young Alphonsus for his First Communion. This was Alphonsus’s first encounter with a Jesuit and it resulted in the father sending his son to study at the Jesuit college in Alcalá. However, Alphonsus did not complete his studies due to his father’s untimely death. He returned home to help his mother run the family business, eventually taking full control of it.
At the age of 23, Alphonsus married and had two sons and a daughter. His happiness did not last long because his wife died giving birth to their third child. By his 27th birthday, all three children had died, and not long afterwards, Spain’s economy spiraled downward which forced Alphonsus to close his wool and cloth business. Deeply depressed, he regarded himself as a failure and spent many years feeling alone and doing many penances. Eventually he sought spiritual guidance from the Jesuits. It was from the depths of despair that he turned to his faith. His hopelessness and despondency gave way to seek an encounter with the Lord and to discover what God wished of him. The spiritual guidance of the Jesuits helped him to understand that God was calling him to a vocation as a Jesuit. But when Alphonsus sought to enter the Society, the Jesuits demurred — he was told that he was too old, that he did not have the education needed, and that his health was too poor. Undeterred, Alphonsus enrolled in the Jesuit school in Valencia and after two years of studies he asked once again to enter the Society. Once again, Alphonsus was denied because of his age and health. An appeal of his rejection
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through his prayer and humble service to others, was able to encounter the Lord in all he met at the door of Montesión College.
was taken to the Jesuit provincial, who overruled the Society’s examiners. The provincial supposedly said that if Alphonsus, whose devoutness and love for Christ were widely known, was not fit to be a priest or brother, he could enter the Society of Jesus to become a saint. On January 31, 1571, Alphonsus, at the “old” age of 37, was admitted to the Society of Jesus as a brother. For his training, he was sent to the Jesuit college of Montesión, in the port town of Palma on the island of Majorca, Spain. In a few short years, he became the porter of the college, a dull and menial job, but a responsibility that Alphonsus took seriously to heart and mind. (To this day, the Jesuits educate young men and women at Montesión College, which houses the shrine of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J.)
Just as a young Alphonsus would be ministered to spiritually by a future saint, Fr. Peter Favre, S.J., an old Alphonsus would spiritually minister to a young and future saint, Jesuit scholastic Mr. Peter Claver, S.J., who would do part of his studies at the college of Montesión. Inspired and encouraged by Brother Alphonsus,
Peter Claver would go on to serve in mission to the slaves. Alphonsus was a major spiritual influence on many other people who would come to the door of the college. They spoke with him about the illnesses of family members, asking him to bring their prayers to God the Father through Christ His Son, or Mary the Mother of our Lord. Interestingly, only his religious superiors were aware of the mystical experiences Alphonsus had in prayer. Alphonsus died on October 31, 1617, and was declared a saint on January 15, 1888. His feast day is October 31. Alphonsus brought others to experience Christ through humble service. He would always assume a lower place because he understood so clearly that it was the prerogative of the host to give him the seat of honor. Like Christ, Alphonsus saw that the path to God the Father cannot be achieved alone. It is gained as a gift freely given by God. Alphonsus knew that following his own selfish desires would lead away from Christ and away from God the Father. That is the key to being a follower of Christ and to becoming a saint. Alphonsus,
On his way to answering the door, Alphonsus would pray: Lord, show me your ways. Lord, let me know you, let me know myself. Lord, you do your will and not mine. I’m just coming, Lord. Alphonsus was asking for the grace to be humble, so that when the knock came, he could encounter Christ in whoever was on the other side of the door. The challenge for us is that whenever that knock of disturbance comes — whether to the door of our house, our heart, or our mind — are we prepared to encounter Christ? Br. Larry Huck, S.J. ’87, pictured above at the shrine of St. Alphonsus, taught at Jesuit High School from 2007-2010. In his current ministry, Br. Huck is president of the Good Shepherd School in New Orleans. He is also a member of the Jesuit Brothers Committee of Canada & the U.S. Br. Huck’s email is brohucksj@ thegoodshepherdschool.org.
MEDALLION STORIES
Alphonsus’s ministry as porter demanded that he be disturbed at any hour of the day or night. Anytime someone knocked at the door or rang the bell, he had to respond immediately. It didn’t matter who it was or what hour of the night, Alphonsus put aside his other chores — whether sweeping the floors, giving spiritual advice to one of the students or neighbors, or praying — to answer the door. Alphonsus remained a humble servant, serving the Jesuit community, the students at the school, and the people of the neighborhood. He may have experienced poor health, but he lived and served as porter for 45 years.
Photo courtesy of Br. Larry Huck, S.J. ’87
Alphonsus was successful at ministering to others, especially those who showed up at Montesión’s door. He then allowed these visitors to minister to him. Why? Because he was successful in integrating both prayer and humility. This allowed Alphonsus to see Jesus in all who came to the door. However, it was not the simple act of answering the door that made him a saint. Rather, it was how Alphonsus answered the door, his humble and welcoming attitude that made him a saint.
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A super-sized and spirit-infused crowd of 800 attended Celebration 2014 to support Jesuit High School. The annual gala-auction — themed “Play Like a Champion” — took place Nov. 1 at the spacious Club XLIV, adjacent to Champions Square at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Presenting sponsors were Entergy and Carbo Insurance. Patrons enjoyed complimentary parking in Champions Garage, and the extra tables and seating in the expanded venue were welcomed additions. The camera blinked hundreds of times in Jayson’s chic photo booth, a Jesuit-themed attraction back by popular demand.
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The extravaganza featured music by The Bench Warmers, a smorgasbord of delicacies from some of the city’s finest restaurants, and exciting auctions of all sorts — a speed auction during the patron party, four silent auction boards, and the live auction, capably hosted by Mr. Jeremy Reuther ’01, Jesuit’s director of campus ministry. Auction items that attracted lots of attention included vacation condos in Florida and Colorado, fishing excursions, getaway weekends at local hotels, and various restaurant bundles, including a star attraction in the winning bidder’s home: a
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scrumptious feast for the hosts and their 26 lucky guests personally prepared by Borgne executive chef Brian Landry ’94. Proceeds from Celebration (as well as the Blue Jay Bazaar) keep Jesuit on the educational forefront and allows the school to remain accessible and affordable to as many families as possible.
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Michelle Lorusso and Shannon Daigle served as co-chairs of the event. Committee chairs were Missy Duhon (auction), Beth Vargas (food), Patti Mahoney (libations), Michelle Russo (decorations), and Terri Stuckey (reservations). 1. Benny Baptiste '81 and Leslie Guimont 2. Dana and Hank Adams ’86 3. George Duffy, Michele Robert, Pat Duffy, Caitlin Robert, and Kim and Ray Gonzales 4. Shannon and Rocky Daigle ’85 with Michele and Nick Lorusso ’85 5. Karen and Derek Gardes ’91 with Jennifer and Mason Couvillon ’92. 6. Sarah and Nathan Junius ’97; with Vonda, who served on the auction committee, and Charles Rice 7. After the auction, patrons took to the floor to celebrate and dance the night away to the music of The Bench Warmers. Four Jesuit alumni are in the band: Stephen Lundgren ’88, Oscar Torres ’78, Doug Kinler ’88, and Tim Leach ’90.
Visit the Celebration Photo Galleries on Jesuit’s website: jesuitnola.org/celebration.
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Photos courtesy of Jeff Strout
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A Parade to Honor Fr. Fitzgerald Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76, who was Jesuit’s special assistant to the president for the 2015-16 academic year, was honored for his nearly two decades of service to Jesuit High School by the MCJROTC at the organization’s 2015 Parade and Review on April 9. The parade is a time-honored ceremony of the Marine Corps and MCJROTC. At the ceremony attended by his colleagues and witnessed by the entire Jesuit student body, Fr. Fitzgerald was celebrated as the embodiment of Jesuit’s motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.” Through his examples of faith, strength, and humility, Fr. Fitzgerald shows Blue Jays the true meaning of being a “Man of Faith” and a “Man for Others.” In a proclamation signed by Jesuit President Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 and read to the audience by senior Cadet GySgt. Rishab Chimmanamada, Fr. Fitzgerald was lauded for “his teaching prowess, a
profound spirituality, and a deep, abiding concern for his students, inspiring them to ever greater academic and spiritual efforts.” The proclamation also stated that Fr. Fitzgerald “serves as a living example of what it means to humbly and joyfully accept the will of God in our lives.” Fr. Fitzgerald entered the Society of Jesus in 1980 upon his graduation from Loyola University New Orleans. After completing his religious training and earning three master’s degrees, he was ordained a priest and returned to Jesuit in 1991 to teach Latin, Greek, English, and theology. He served as co-director of campus ministry and as chaplain and was instrumental in implementing Jesuit’s Kairos retreat program. In 2003 Fr. Fitzgerald went west to teach at the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. Four years later he was appointed as Socius (assistant provincial)
Photo by Jennifer Buuck
for the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus. In 2010 Fr. Fitzgerald was selected to become the 15th president of Jesuit High School since 1919, a position he assumed at the beginning of the 20112012 school year. During his brief tenure, he oversaw the renovation of the Holy Name of Jesus Chapel and developed a strategic plan that will guide his alma mater for years to come. In January 2014, he announced to the Jesuit community that he had confirmed an earlier medical diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and would step down as president after the 2013-2014 school year. In June 2015, Fr. Fitzgerald moved to the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau, LA where he is carrying out his latest assignment — praying for the needs of the Church, the Society of Jesus, and those who are in need.
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Christopher Fronk, S.J. Selected as Jesuit’s Next President Christopher Scott Fronk, S.J. — a Jesuit priest who is on active military duty aboard a naval aircraft carrier — has been selected as the 30th president of Jesuit High School of New Orleans. The announcement from Jesuit’s board of directors on May 26 culminated an 18-month search that gave serious consideration to many qualified candidates — both Jesuit and lay — from across the nation. It is anticipated that Fr. Fronk, 50, will begin his tenure in November 2016 when his military obligations are satisfied. He holds the rank of commander in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to administer to the spiritual needs of more than 5,600 personnel aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. His military service has also taken him to the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he coordinated the religious support and spiritual formation of some 12,000 American soldiers. “I am honored to be chosen as Jesuit’s next president,” said Fr. Fronk, whose education credentials include three master’s degrees. “While I am humbled to be following the incredible leadership of both Fr. McGinn and Fr. Fitzgerald, I am very
excited to soon be a part of the Jesuit community in New Orleans.” Tom Kitchen ’65, a member of the board who chaired the search committee, thanked Fathers Ron Mercier, S.J. and Robert Hussey, S.J., provincial superiors of the Central and Southern Province and the Maryland Province, respectively, for their guidance during the process. Among the many attributes that impressed the committee were Fr. Fronk’s leadership ability, his strong desire to develop men of faith and men for others, and a commitment to keeping the cost of a Jesuit education affordable as a cornerstone of this formation. In a letter to the search committee, Fr. Fronk wrote: “My early experience in different apostolates gave me a great appreciation for the variety of socioeconomic situations that exist in our world as well as the absolute need for this diversity to be represented in our schools.”
A native of Monaca, Pennsylvania, Fr. Fronk is the second of seven children. He graduated from Quigley Catholic High School in Baden, Pennsylvania in 1983. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1989 from Saint Louis University before earning his master’s degree in theology from Heythrop College of the University of London in 1996. In 2001, he secured a second master’s degree, this one in religious education, from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Fr. Fronk earned a third master’s degree, in military studies (with an emphasis on leadership, planning, and strategy), from the Marine Corps University Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia.
Fr. Fronk entered the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus in 1985 and was ordained a priest in 1997. His first assignments included service as a high school teacher and chaplain (Scranton Preparatory School in Scranton, PA), a university campus minister (John Carroll University in Cleveland; St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia; University of Scranton; and Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia), and as parochial vicar at St. Bernard Church in Pittsburgh. He also has served as rector of the Jesuit community at Wheeling Jesuit University and as chaplain at the U.S. Coast Guard Basic Training Center at Cape May, New Jersey.
A Spiritual Oasis,
Masterfully Restored The renovation project that temporarily shuttered The Chapel of the Holy Name of Jesus — considered by many to be the spiritual heart of Jesuit High School — was completed in May, and judging from the results that are stunningly beautiful, the heart is healthier than ever.
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ou can go into the chapel just about any period of the day and find a student, a faculty or staff member, a parent at prayer,” said former Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 at a reception held in the Student Commons on Sunday, May 17, the day the small chapel was officially re-opened. “(This chapel) is not a museum to a dead past. It is a place in which we encounter the living God and receive from Him the consolation, the guidance, the grace, and the love that we need to serve for His greater glory and for the good of souls.”
Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66, who succeeded Fr. Fitzgerald, also extended his thanks and appreciation to the 200plus benefactors for donating more than $735,000 towards the project. “I’m grateful to so many people who immediately jumped on board to be a part of this project,” said Fr. McGinn. “Of course, I thank most of all Fr. Fitzgerald, who saw not only the need for this to happen, but also devised the plan to get it done. I’m very appreciative of him for his leadership in bringing this about.” Fr. Fitzgerald, with the support of a committee of outstanding volunteers, brought creativity and vision, not to mention enthusiasm and that dry wit of his, to nearly every phase of the project, beginning two years ago with a detailed planning assessment. Construction started in earnest in summer 2014 and was officially completed in spring 2015. The renovation project involved the painstaking removal, repair, cleaning, and restoration of the chapel’s numerous stained glass windows that were originally crafted by German artisans. These unique stained glass windows — examples of distinctive imagery and symbolism surrounding the lives of Jesuit saints — had never before been professionally cleaned. Pieces of stained glass were cracked or missing, and a close inspection of one window exposed a small bullet hole (from a gun that had been fired from outside). The transformation of the stained glass
masterpieces is remarkable if only for revealing their exquisite beauty. Besides the windows, other notable aspects of the project involved: • Removing and restoring the stained glass dome (globe) above the center of the chapel, a delicate operation that involved an entire team of skilled craftsmen. • Refurbishing six large unsigned paintings that had been glued to the chapel’s walls. The paintings, estimated to be a good 150 years old, were carefully removed, along with the mold found on the back of the canvas. The oil paintings were cleaned, lined with new support, and the details expertly touched up to bring out the depths of the original compositions. • Removing worn carpet and restoring the hardwood floor to its original beauty. • Stripping and repairing the 100 year-old pews, relying on the craftsmanship that goes with fine woodworking. • Installation of 21st century LED lighting, climate-controlled technology, and state of the art electrical mechanical work. • Repositioning the altar from the center of the chapel floor to a more traditional high altar position, thus allowing for additional seating. Constructed in 1901 for the Jesuit Cadets attending the College of the
Immaculate Conception on Baronne Street, the small chapel was dismantled around 1925 and brought to Carrollton and Banks where it was reassembled during construction of the Jesuits’ new high school for boys. For more than 50 years, the chapel on the second floor of the Jesuits’ Residence was reserved exclusively for the many priests, brothers, and scholastics who once occupied all six floors. In 1982 the first four floors of the residence were converted to offices for the school’s administration and staff, and the chapel’s doors were open for all. Today, students use this spiritual oasis for daily Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, personal prayer, reflection, confession, and Mass for athletic teams. Jesuit mothers gather regularly to pray the Rosary. The intimacy of the chapel offers the perfect setting for alumni class reunion Masses as well as for baptizing the babies of Blue Jay alumni. Fr. Fitzgerald admitted that there was a reason why he approached the project with deliberate caution. “My fear was that having taken the chapel out of the life of the school for the better part of a year during renovation and having it come back with such great beauty, that one might say what a fine museum this is, and it would lose that spiritual livelihood, that spiritual vibrancy, the religious purpose for which it was built and which it has served so well. My final word of thanks is to God that this has not happened.” Pictured above: Fr. Fitzgerald with the Bourgeois family – Usha, Warren ’74, and Jason ’04
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Annual Giving Sets New Records
14% FY ’14
FY ’15
Alumni (LEF)
4% FY ’14
84%
FY ’15
FY ’14
Parents (PAG)
FY ’15
Parents of Alumni (POA)
FY ’14
FY ’15
%
Alumni (LEF)
$1,192,664
$1,364,860
14%
Parents (PAG)
$1,101,757
$1,142,826
4%
$47,997
$88,419
84%
Parents of Alumni (POA)
Figures listed above do not include donations to Jesuit’s scholarship fund, Home Field Advantage capital campaign (John Ryan Stadium), or Holy Name of Jesus Chapel (small chapel) renovation project. FY ’14 covers donations received between July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014. FY ’15 covers gifts received between July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015.
Alumni returned to Carrollton & Banks in the fall and spring for the LEF drive. Standing, from left: René Alvarez '83, Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. '66, Dean Roy '00, Brian North '83, Rob Munch '82, Ryan Waldron '01, Danny Bourgeois '01, Adam Laurie '08, 2014 LEF chairman Lyon "Snapper" Garrison '81, Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. '58. Kneeling, from left: Ryan McCall '05, Todd Hack '05, 2015 LEF chairman Mike Varisco '83, Marc Bonifacic '92, assistant football coach Benny Baptiste '81, John-Michael Early '05, and alumni director Mat Grau '68.
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Veteran Teachers Retire Paul Frederick, Spanish teacher and Administrator The 2015-16 school year will open in August as usual. What will not be usual will be the absence of a 60-year institution at Jesuit: Mr. Paul Frederick. Since he was hired in January 1955 to teach Spanish, Mr. Frederick has served Jesuit as teacher, department chair, prefect of discipline, academic assistant principal, director of faculty, and principal. In recent years he has assisted the administration in the professional development of faculty. While another Jesuit institution, Mr. John Paquette ’25, holds the tenure record of 70 years employment as a staff member (he was the school’s registrar), one will have to search deep into the archives to find a faculty member with a longer tenure than Mr. Frederick. Much of the day-to-day elements of school life is pure Paul Frederick. The rotating schedule, the various class schedules, the grading system, the curriculum, the student code of conduct, the faculty handbook all are products of his vision and leadership. Ten years ago on the occasion of the school’s celebration of his 50 years at Jesuit, Mr. Frederick said, “I tell the students repeatedly that they need to be aware of their responsibilities. They just cannot come in and sit down and do nothing. They need to produce.” Looking back on the long tenure of Paul Frederick, we see a man fiercely dedicated to his responsibilities, a man who produced at a very high level as a Jesuit High School educator. Mr. Frederick’s legacy certainly will be the continuation of important educational structures that have proven invaluable in the school’s mission to instill in its students the competence, conscience, and compassion to be men of faith and men for others.
Denise Dupuis, English Teacher Who Brought Authors to Jesuit After 35 years of dedicated service to the students of Jesuit High School, Mrs. Denise Dupuis has retired. A mainstay in the English department and counted among the first wave of female faculty at Jesuit, Mrs. Dupuis taught English I and English II courses and assisted Blue Jays with improving their study skills. Mrs. Dupuis conceived the school’s Visiting Author Program and through her efforts and leadership, students read the books of and actually heard from such writers as Chaim Potok, Orson Scott Card, and Willie Morris. In the classroom Mrs. Dupuis had a natural ability to engage her students and provided them a solid foundation for success in the upper-level English courses at Jesuit and beyond.
76 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Two Special Types of Trusts
USING TRUSTS TO
SUPPORT JESUIT By Jim Ryder ’62
The subject of trusts has been featured prominently in headlines, so it might be a good time to look at how trusts may be used in tax planning, while at the same time, benefiting Jesuit High School. A trust is an arrangement (not really an entity) pursuant to state laws whereby one party, usually called the “grantor” or “settlor,” gives the right to hold title to property to a second party, called the trustee, who manages the property under a fiduciary duty for a third party called the beneficiary. There can be some overlap in these roles; for example, the same person can be the grantor, trustee, and beneficiary of the same trust. Trusts are used most often when individuals wish to pass ownership of property to persons not in a position to manage the property on their own behalf, for example, a minor.
Trusts play a very important role in planned giving. Generally a charitable contribution deduction is not allowed for a partial interest in property, for example, only the income or only the corpus (one exception being a remainder interest in a personal residence or farm). To be deductible, the contribution must be an undivided interest in the whole property, for example, a 25% undivided interest in both the income and principal of a particular asset. The tax law, however, contains provisions for two special types of trusts which enable the income and principal interests in property to be split between a donor and a qualified charity, for example, Jesuit High School. These two types of trusts are charitable remainder trusts (CRT) and charitable lead trusts (CLT). The more commonly used of these is the CRT. In a CRT, property is placed in trust with a qualified charity (or charities) designated as the principal beneficiary, with the income beneficiaries being a noncharitable person, usually the grantor and other family members. The non-charitable income beneficiaries receive the income from the trust assets for their lives or over a designated period not to exceed 20 years. At the termination of the last income interest, the remaining trust assets pass to the charitable principal beneficiary. The annual income payout must be at least 5%. The amount can exceed 5% as long as the actuarially-calculated value of the remainder interest going to charity is at least 10% of the initial value of the trust.
Two Types of Charitable Remainder Trusts There are two types of CRTs. In the
first, called a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), the income payout percentage is applied to the value of the trust redetermined as of the beginning of each year. The other type, called a charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT), applies the income payout percentage to the initial value of the trust and the amount never changes. The grantor of a charitable remainder trust receives an immediate income tax deduction for the actuarially-computed value of the remainder interest at the time the trust is first established. Another income tax advantage of the CRT is that it is treated as a taxexempt entity. This would enable, for example, a grantor to contribute appreciated property to the trust, have the trust sell the property at a gain, and have the total proceeds be available for investment — without capital gains tax being imposed.
CRTs and Marriage CRTs can also be of great benefit to married couples in the estate tax area. Upon the death of a married person, his or her estate is allowed a deduction for property passing to the surviving spouse. This marital deduction is available for outright bequest to the surviving spouse, as well as for property that ultimately will pass to a third party but over which the surviving spouse has an income interest for life. A rather common technique is for the first spouse to die to create a testamentary trust in his or her will in which the surviving spouse is the sole income beneficiary for life. This allows the estate of the deceased spouse to deduct the value of all of the property placed in this trust for purposes of the estate tax. The “catch,” however, is that upon the
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death of the surviving spouse, the value of the assets in the trust must be treated as if they were owned outright by the surviving spouse (even though legally they pass to a third party), and the assets of the trust are subject to the tax in the estate of the surviving spouse. If the marital deduction trust is a qualified charitable remainder trust, the first decedent’s estate still is entitled to the marital deduction, and the estate of the surviving spouse will not have to pay estate tax on the value of the trust at the time of the second spouse’s death.
About the Charitable Lead Trust The CLT (charitable lead trust) is most often used for estate and gift tax planning. It is the reciprocal of the CRT in that a qualified charity is designated as the income beneficiary of the trust, with the remaining corpus passing to noncharitable beneficiaries, usually
family members. Generally there is no income tax deduction for the income interest going to the charity. The benefit of the CLT is that for transfer tax purposes, the value of the property passing to the non-charitable beneficiaries at the termination of the CLT is the actuarially-computed value of the remainder, which is usually a very small percentage of the initial value of the trust.
are encouraged to review the “Extraordinary Giving” section of the school’s website. Click “Donate” on the home page (jesuitnola.org) and look for Extraordinary Giving among the links on the left side. Those who wish to discuss planned giving may also contact Tom Bagwill, director of institutional advancement, at (504) 483-3841, or email bagwill@ jesuitnola.org.
The use of trusts in succession and tax planning, including planned giving, is an extremely complex area which mandates the assistance and guidance of legal and tax experts. Jesuit High School has a network of resources available to assist anyone interested (and/or her or his advisors) in structuring trusts that will benefit the school while achieving overall planning objectives.
Jim Ryder ’62 is a CPA in private practice in New Orleans and a longtime member of the President’s Advisory Council. Jim was Jesuit’s 2013 Alumnus of the Year. His email is jryder@cox.net.
Alumni and parents interested in learning more about establishing a planned gift to Jesuit High School
Support the annual drive that keeps Jesuit accessible, affordable, and thriving. Donate online at jesuitnola.org/donate or call (504) 483-3841.
78 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Legends Honored Among Flying Fish
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he 2015 Blue Jay Fishing Rodeo included a new fish toss competition and special presentations to a stringer of Louisiana fishing legends. The 23rd annual event took place on Saturday, June 27, at John Ryan Stadium. Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58 threw out the ceremonial first fish in the Ray Coates ’44 Memorial Mullet Throwing Contest, named after the longtime Jesuit coach and teacher, who often referred to his students as “mullets.” Special plaques were presented to fishing experts Bob Weiss ’62, Allen Sumas, and Dudley Vandenborre. Rodeo chairman Mike McMahon ’85 surprised Br. Dardis with an award of his own for his long-time support of the rodeo and his devotion to students. Chef Max Gruenig ’06 of Koz’s helped prepare a delicious seafood feast of fried shrimp and fried catfish. The festivities also included a cooking demonstration by Carl Schaubhut ’00, executive chef at Café Adelaide in the downtown Loews Hotel.
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The largest fish was brought in by one of the youngest participants. William Martin, who will be a pre-freshman at Jesuit in 2015-16, reeled in a bull redfish that tipped the scale at 28.2 pounds.
1. The rodeo committee recognized four "Living Legends of Louisiana Fishing." The honorees are, from left, Allen Sumas, Dudley Vandenborre, Bob Weiss '62, and Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. '58. 2. Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. '66 tosses a mullet some 25 yards. The distance kept Fr. McGinn in first place almost to the very end. 3. Blake Dulcich '17 displays one of his huge redfish. 4. Chef Carl Schaubhut '00, juggling a spoon in one hand and a microphone in the other, explains to his audience one of his easy recipes: South Louisiana Seafood Chowder, sans potatoes. 5. Rodeo chairman Michael McMahon ’86 presents William Martin ’20 with a plaque and a fishing rod for winning the biggest fish category. See all the winners, view a photo gallery, and learn about the “Living Legends” at jesuitnola.org/fishing-rodeo.
— Profile of a Jesuit Teacher Award —
Two Faculty Members Recognized for Excellence in Teaching At the close of the school year, theology teacher Susan de Boisblanc and science teacher Amy Tassin were honored as recipients of the prestigious Profile of a Jesuit Teacher Award, an annual recognition of faculty excellence. Teachers are nominated by their colleagues against the standards of being Open to Growth, Religious, Loving, Intellectually Competent, Professionally Competent, and Committed to Justice. Profile Award honorees exemplify these attributes and serve as role models, not only to their students, but also to their colleagues. In addition to their commemorative plaques, de Boisblanc and Tassin each received a monetary award.
Susan de Boisblanc is wholeheartedly invested in Jesuit High School. In advancing the spiritual mission of the school, Susan is a role model for the students as a person of faith. She participates regularly in Kairos and Metanoia retreats, and students know that she is someone with whom they can discuss their faith. She co-moderates the Pro-Life Club — one of the more active clubs on campus — praying regularly at local abortion facilities and leading the annual March for Life trip to Washington, D.C. Susan also assists with Adoration on Fridays. In the academic realm, Susan excels in the areas of sacred scripture and bioethics, and she has served on the Ignatian Identity Team. She makes connections between classroom lessons and what is going on in the boys’ lives and what will be important to them in the future. She exposes them to profound thinkers and challenges them both to think and to engage their hearts. Susan cares deeply for all of her students, taking a keen interest in their lives and
well-being. And they know this! Additionally, she is able to reach a number of students with whom other teachers struggle to connect. Outside the classroom, Susan goes above and beyond. She moderates the Ultimate Frisbee Club, tackling the difficult task of finding practice space and then attending practices and games despite a personal schedule that is already hectic. Susan is a fixture at student dances, nights of reflection, and athletic events. Inside and outside the classroom, Susan sharpens her students’ minds, strengthens their faith, and supports them in all they do. She clearly models the ideal characteristics of the Jesuit High School teacher.
Amy Tassin’s 15 years at Jesuit High School have been distinguished by excellence in the classroom and service to the school community. As a science teacher, Amy is organized, compassionate, and demanding. Students know her as challenging, but fair, a teacher whose humor and patience demonstrate her care for them as individuals but one who also holds them to high intellectual and personal standards. Amy is attentive to the contexts of her lessons and of her students, knowing the boys’ academic strengths and weaknesses and often their life challenges. She has a knack for engaging students to test their understanding or push their thinking further. Amy strikes the essential balance between challenging her students and supporting them. She sets high
expectations but also helps students meet those expectations by offering her time generously outside of class. Amy’s success as a teacher can be seen in her students’ affection for her despite the rigor of her classes. Amy’s combination of hard work and flexibility can be seen in the structure of her courses. She is a meticulous planner — her ambitious labs and day-by-day quarter schedules are the stuff of legend — but she also frequently revises her curriculum to incorporate new activities and technology. Amy’s larger service to the school community is reflected in her volunteerism for retreats, clubs, and committees. Amy was a charter member of the Employee Advisory Committee and a former member of the Profile Award committee. She moderated the Key Club and currently co-moderates the National Honor Society. Amy volunteers at alumni reunions and is a prominent participant in the ALS Walk. Amy attends Metanoia retreats and even appeared in the Philelectic Society production The Producers. For the last two years, she has served as Summer School principal and for the last several years has ably filled the role of chair of the science department. For her excellence in the classroom and selfless service to the school community, Amy Tassin is a model Ignatian educator. Thirty teachers at Jesuit High School have been recipients of the Profile Award since its inauguration in 2008. View a list of all recipients on Jesuit’s website at jesuitnola.org/academics.
Leaving Jesuit as a
Better Man Address by Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., president of Jesuit High School, to the Class of 2015 at Commencement
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
y fellow graduates who are of the Class of Two Thousand Fifteen: This evening as we gather to celebrate the conclusion of your high school years, I ask what will you remember the most about your experience? There were days of good humor and days of challenge, days of triumph and days of struggle, days of joy and days of disappointment. As you reflect on your past, remember the people who supported you, encouraged you, and befriended you. They are some of the people who made your experience memorable. Do not forget the times when you experienced frustration, disappointment, and defeat. Without them, you could not have grown as you have. You have encountered supportive friends, both peers and faculty; many of them will be beside you for the rest of your lives. You have also met some self-indulgent, angry, passive-aggressive, and hard-to-please, perfectionistic people. Let me assure you that you will meet many, many more in your next 70 years.
All of these experiences have led you to say, “I am leaving here a better man. Things I couldn’t do before now I know I can.” I hope that you show this same sense of confidence at every transition of your life. Make your life choices so that at your final passing from this life, you can say, “I am leaving here a better man.” This kind of personal success involves a relentless struggle against envy, entitlement, and elitism. You have already witnessed many examples of the pathetic demand, “I want what you have; I deserve to have it; I am so special.” Envy, entitlement, and elitism destroy families and communities. All too frequently one hears commencement speakers encourage graduates to “go out and change the world.” On the contrary, I suggest that you put first things first. Do not try to change the world until you have begun to change yourself. Utopians past and present have fantasized that perfect surroundings will make perfect people. Any attempt to change others without being open to the challenge of rooting out one’s own disorder is doomed to failure.
Otherwise one easily falls into selfrighteousness, inflexibility, and an unwavering loyalty to a narrow, stifling agenda. History gives countless examples of envy motivating those who tried to change the world. What disasters have befallen humankind from those who considered themselves entitled to control others because of their special ability or their virtue? Your ambition to do great things must start with your accepting the challenge to change yourself. Your personal progress depends on how you control the disorder in your life. Remember that human progress is not possible apart from the grace of God. After tonight, high school will be only a memory. I encourage you to remember how Jesuit High School lived up to its promises to you and how you and your friends have kept your promises. At each stage of your life, stay faithful, honor your commitments, so that in the end you can say, “I am leaving here a better man.”
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V A L E D I C T O R Y
A D D R E S S
Experiencing Life Fully and Deeply going to and what careers we may settle into, really is simply how happy we are with the men we have become. As a class, we have made the most of our time at Jesuit High School. This past year, we have captured state titles in tennis, debate, quiz bowl, cross country, and lacrosse, along with the first football state championship in more than half a century. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait that long to see the next one. We have preserved old traditions like the Thanksgiving Drive, and we have even revived a few others, including the first bathroom pep rally in more than twenty years. We supported our fellow Blue Jays participating in their chosen activities. Finding ourselves in a unique situation, we worked with our student council president, a junior, and together we made this a fantastic school year for everyone.
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ine members of the Class of 2015 earned the honor of being valedictorians based on their grade point average. The valedictory address is delivered by the senior with the highest total numerical semester grades in the core curriculum for his senior year. This year’s address was delivered by Steven Stradley.
Father McGinn, Mr. Kernion, faculty, family, friends, and fellow members of the Class of 2015: Endings can be difficult, especially when it is something as significant as the end of your high school career. But it is important to remember that the purpose of our time at Jesuit High School is exactly that: for it to end. The reason each of us got up every morning for the past four or five years, put on that khaki uniform, and made our way to Jesuit is that one day we might walk away from Carrollton and Banks, different from when we entered. Hopefully, that adolescent who entered Jesuit High School has grown into a young man with the knowledge, experiences, and formation necessary to take on something bigger than our Jesuit careers. Leaving can be jarring, but it is natural and necessary. I am confident that we have learned, not just the “what” of life like facts and figures, but also the “how,” the way we interact with and treat our fellow man. We leave with the knowledge that success, while measured by some by what colleges we are
We have also seen the school community through several big transitions. For the past few months, we have enjoyed the fruits of the restoration of the second floor chapel (The Chapel of the Holy Name of Jesus). A more significant transition for Jesuit High School this year is the retirement of two men who have been models of leadership, one for 59 ½ years and the other for 16 years, three of them as president. Mr. Paul Frederick leaves us after 59 ½ of service. Please know, Mr. Frederick, that as our going away gift to you, the Class of 2015 has arranged with the approval of Fr. McGinn and the ratification of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association the official rounding up of 59 ½ to 60. And Father Raymond Fitzgerald, who after 16 years here, is leaving Jesuit for the beauty and the care of Grand Coteau. Our gift to you is simply this: that in our futures each member of the Class of 2015 reflects God’s grace just as you have reflected His grace to us. Mr. Frederick and Fr. Fitzgerald, the Class of 2015 is proud to represent all Blue Jays in thanking you for your years of service to Jesuit High School. As for us, the members of the Class of 2015, we are here tonight, together for the last time. Though our relationships will change, we have shared a precious time of our lives and so many extraordinary, unforgettable experiences. We will always be united by a bond that neither time nor distance can undo. We are and always will be the Class of 2015. And so we stand here at a transition in our lives. We leave the familiar order and security of Jesuit High School and look out toward an unknown future, full of both adversity and opportunity. No one knows what kind of world tomorrow will bring, but one thing is certain: no matter what the future holds, our time together at Jesuit High School has given us the means to experience it fully and deeply. In return, Jesuit asks only one thing of us: that we continue to be good men and to live for the greater glory of God. Thank you.
82 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Graduates Honored with Special Awards
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t the beginning of the Class of 2015's graduation ceremony, Jesuit principal Peter Kernion announced the names of the the newest recipients of four special awards:
The Reverend Father President’s Spiritual Leadership Award is presented to the senior who has exerted the greatest spiritual influence on others by living a life exemplifying his Catholic faith. By vote of the faculty, the 2014-15 award was merited by Dillon M. Knight. The Julia Ferguson McEnerny Memorial Trophy, Donated by Will Gibbons McEnerny of the Class of 1914, is awarded to the senior who has a good scholastic record, actively participated in extracurricular activities, and possesses those qualities which symbolize “the most representative student of Jesuit High School.” The student who has been judged deserving of this award by a vote of the faculty was Michael W. McMahon, Jr.
The Very Reverend Father Pedro Arrupe Award is presented to the senior who has exemplified the spirit of being a man for others by his participation and excellence in service. By vote of the faculty, the 2014-15 award was merited by Bryan M.D. Jones. The Blue Jay Parents’ Club Award for excellence in scholarship was awarded to nine seniors (pictured, from left, on opposite page) who were the co-valedictorians of their class, having graduated with the highest grade point average for four years at Jesuit (opposite page, left photo, from left): Harrison A. Bond, Garth W. Cook, Jr., Daniel R. Edmund, Jr., Patrick D. Fine, Mark C. James, Jr., Michael W. McMahon, Jr., Frederick E. Schmidt, Jr., Anthony J. Smith, and Steven H. Stradley.
Special Commendations Presented at the 2015 Awards Ceremony
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ach year, Jesuit High School recognizes seniors and underclassmen who have achieved significant academic, co-curricular, and athletic honors. Unless otherwise noted, recipients were members of the Class of 2015. Among the awards presented on May 7, 2015 in the auditorium were the following:
The Frank T. Howard Memorial Award — for excellence in English — was merited by Steven H. Stradley.
The José Luis Baños Award for Excellence in Spanish — given by Sociedad Española — was merited by Tyler S. Fox.
The Jesuit 500 Club Award — for excellence in Latin — was merited by Anthony J. Smith.
The Susan & Garic Schoen Award — for excellence in computer studies — was merited by Ethan M. Martinez.
The William Helis Memorial Award — for excellence in Greek — was merited by Samuel J. Zelden.
The Philelectic Society Award — for outstanding achievement in dramatics — was merited by Tim Tabthong.
The Loyola University Award for Mathematics — for the senior with the highest overall average in mathematics — was merited by Steven H. Stradley.
The Culture of Life Award — for the student who has shown exemplary leadership as a member of the Pro-Life Club at Jesuit High School — was merited by Benjamin M. Parks.
The Reverend William J. Ryan Memorial Award — for excellence in social studies — was merited by Steven H. Stradley. (Donated by the late Dr. J. Joseph Ryan in memory of his brother, Rev. William J. Ryan)
The Giunio Socola Memorial Award — for excellence in public debate in the Lincoln-Douglas senior division — was merited by Benjamin M. Gillen ’16. (Donated by Mrs. Anita Socola Specht)
The Frank T. Howard Memorial Award — for excellence in physics — was merited by Steven H. Stradley.
The Lea Naquin Hebert Memorial Award — for excellence in debate in the Public Forum senior division — was merited by Andrew J. Cerise ’16. (Donated by her late sons, the Honorable F. Edward Hebert ’20 and Mr. Gordon Ray Hebert ’23)
The Jimmy Kuck Award — for excellence in chemistry — was merited by Logan K. Yokum ’16. The Award for Excellence in Biology was merited by Christopher M. Ross ’18. The Paquette Family Award — for overall excellence in French — was merited by Steven H. Stradley. The L’Union Français Award — for excellence in French conversation — was merited by Steven H. Stradley. The Ubaldo Trelles Memorial Award — for excellence in Spanish — was merited by Mitchell J. Falcon.
The Felix J. Hebert Memorial Award — for excellence in debate in the Public Forum junior division — was merited by Arjun Verma ’16. (Donated by his late sons, the Honorable F. Edward Hebert ’20 and Mr. Gordon Ray Hebert ’23) The Aloysius J. Cahill Memorial Award — for proficiency in oratory — was merited by Mayank Mardia ’16. The John D. Schilleci Memorial Award — for excellence in elocution in the senior division — was merited by Mako C. Giordano.
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The Professor Michael Cupero Memorial Award — for overall musical excellence — was merited by Patrick D. Fine. (Donated by his grandson, Col. Hamil M. Cupero ’56) The Reverend Francis A. Fox, S.J. Memorial Award — for proficiency in instrumental music — was merited by Patrick D. Fine. (Donated by Mr. Harry Morel, Jr. ’61 in memory of his late father, Mr. Harry J. Morel)
The Award for All-Around Athletic Ability was merited by Foster H. Moreau. The William D. & Maybelle Postell Award — for the senior basketball player who exhibited exemplary leadership, scholarship, and spirit — was merited by Carl R. LaForge III. (Donated by their son, Mr. John Blake Postell ’59)
The Coach Edwin E. Toribio Memorial Award — for the senior who best combined scholarship and athletics — was merited by Michael W. McMahon, Jr.
The “Fighting Jaylet” Award — for the junior varsity basketball player who demonstrated the highest quality of excellence as a student athlete — was merited by Brendan H. Conroy ’17. (Donated by Mr. Charles W. Heim, Jr. ’59 in honor of the undefeated 1968 Fighting Jaylets)
The Robert T. Casey Memorial Award — for the varsity athlete who displayed exemplary sportsmanship and spirit — was merited ex aequo by Daniel R. Edmund, Jr. and Patrick G. LaCour.
The Morris B. Redmann, Jr. Memorial Award — for the outstanding senior football letterman who best combined scholarship and athletics — was merited by Jonathan C. Giardina.
The Larry Gilbert Family Memorial Award — for the best all-around athlete on the varsity teams — was merited by Carl R. LaForge III.
The Edwin F. Stacy, Jr. Wrestling Award — for the outstanding wrestler who made a major contribution to the varsity team, excelled in academics, and exhibited exemplary leadership — was merited by Benjamin M. D’Antonio.
The Coach Gernon Brown Memorial Award — for the best all-around athlete on the junior varsity teams — was merited by Christopher L. Beebe ’17. The Rusty Staub Award — for the senior baseball letterman who exhibited exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and spirit — was merited by Daniel R. Edmund, Jr. The Donald R. Ford Award — for the outstanding lineman on Jesuit’s varsity football team — was merited by Hunter B. Robert.
The Michael D. Conway Award — for the most valuable player on the varsity soccer team — was merited by John M. LaForge. The Rodriguez Family Award — for the most valuable swimmer on the varsity swimming team — was merited by Christopher W. Simmons. The Chester M. Rieth Award — for the senior track letterman who exhibited exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and spirit — was merited by Patrick G. LaCour.
The Stanley Ray Award — for the most improved letterman on the varsity track team — was merited by Jandon J. Briscoe ’17. The Most Valuable Golfer Award — for the golfer who made a significant contribution to the varsity team, exhibited exemplary leadership, and performed in an outstanding manner in tournament play — was merited by Charles G. Glorioso ’16. The Most Valuable Tennis Player Award — for the senior player who made a significant contribution to the varsity team, exhibited exemplary leadership, and performed in an outstanding manner in tournament play — was merited by Gregory G. Suhor. The Christopher Morgan Memorial Award — for the cross-country letterman who exhibited exemplary courage, leadership, sportsmanship, and spirit — was merited by Michael J. Schwing. The Joseph Michael Worley Memorial Award — for the senior who, by his unselfishness, sportsmanship, and spirit during his career at Jesuit, enhanced the athletic program either as a player, manager, trainer, or student — was merited by Eviston G. Duhon. Photo above (right): the recipients of three awards announced at graduation were, from left, Dillon Knight, Bryan Jones, and Michael McMahon, Jr.
84 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Graduates in Jesuit High School’s Class of 2015 are moving on to more than 50 different universities, the majority here in Louisiana. The information in “Off They Go” was compiled by Jesuit’s guidance department college counselors from data submitted online by the 275 seniors and their parents.
Universities or colleges listed in bold under the names of graduates are the institutions they are attending. (H) indicates the graduate was accepted to that school’s Honors program. Majors or courses of study are listed for the majority of graduates, but some were undecided.
Congratulations to Jesuit’s Class of 2015!
Now...
The various scholarships listed pertain ONLY to that university or college which the graduate has indicated he will attend. Other universities and colleges that accepted the graduates for admission are also listed.
off they go!
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Members of the Class of 2015 make a grand exit at their final Morning Assembly.
Blake Matthew Abadie
LSU Pre-Dentistry TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award
Jared Samuel Abrams University of Tennessee
Nuclear Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Volunteer Scholarship Auburn University (H), LSU (H), University of Florida
Kutauba Isam AbuMousa
Xavier University of Louisiana Pre-Pharmacy TOPS Honors Award, Xavier University Scholarship LSU, Loyola University New Orleans
Jesse Jacob Acosta
Nicholls State University A+ Leadership Scholarship
Zain Ahmed
LSU TOPS Performance Award UNO
Culinary Arts
Benjamin Matthew Ainsworth
National Hispanic Scholar Honorable Mention LSU Finance TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award Saint Louis University, Texas A&M University
Christopher Andrew Ainsworth National Hispanic Scholar Texas A&M University (H)
Chemical Engineering Non-Resident Competitive Scholarship Tuition Waiver, College Board Recognition Award, Chemical Engineering Scholarship Villanova University, Saint Louis University (H), LSU (H), Colorado School of Mines
Ali Hadi Alkahby
LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
Jacob William Alterman Civil Engineering
Undeclared
LSU (H) History TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award
Andrew Vincent Amedee
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU (H) Kinesiology TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award University of Mississippi
William Thomas Arnold National Merit Finalist University of Alabama (H)
Biology, Pre-Medicine Presidential Scholarship, National Housing Scholarship, Scholars Stipend, Study Abroad Stipend Texas Christian University (H)
William Joseph Arseneaux LSU TOPS Performance Award
Daniel Paul Augustin
Engineering
LSU (H) Biological Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award Tulane University, Saint Louis University (H)
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Myles Joseph Blunt UNO
Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering TOPS Opportunity Award, Athletic Scholarship University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southern University Baton Rouge, University of Alabama at Huntsville, LSU, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Connor Anthony Bodin
UNO Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Nicholls State University
David Hilton Boh
Following their Baccalaureate Mass, seniors of the Class of 2015 process out of the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. Reed Steven Barkate
Texas Christian University Marketing Baylor University, Auburn University, University of Colorado, University of Tennessee, University of Arkansas, High Point University, LSU
William Phillip Baudouin, Jr.
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU (H) Chemical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award
Miles Copeland Beech
Tulane University Pre-Medicine TOPS Honors Award, Tuition Exchange Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, Saint Edward’s University, LSU, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina
Michael Louis Belanger
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Saint Louis University, Louisiana Tech University, LSU
Malcolm Oliver Ben
Millsaps College Business University of North Texas, University of Southern Mississippi, Henderson State University
Taylor Brennan Bendeck LSU Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident Award
William Charles Blount, Jr.
Loyola University New Orleans Psychology TOPS Honors Award, President's Scholarship LSU
LSU Business TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident Award Tulane University, Southern Methodist University
Harrison Andrew Bond
Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist Vanderbilt University (H) Economics Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship, Elks New Orleans Lodge 30 Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship University of Georgia (H), University of Texas (H), University of Alabama (H), LSU (H), Tulane University, Fordham University
John Franklin Bradford III
LSU Civil Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident Award University of Kansas, Tulane University, University of Alabama
Benjamin Stephen Brim
LSU (H) Computer Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award Pennsylvania State University, Baylor University
Stephen Gregory Brown University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Petroleum Engineering
Stephen Austin Browning
University of Louisiana Computer Science at Lafayette TOPS Opportunity Award, Southern Bowling Congress, Inc. Scholarship University of Southern Mississippi
John McCormick Buhler
Spring Hill College Pre-Veterinary Medicine Gautrelet Scholarship, Citizenship Award
Robert Tanner Burgess
LSU Biology TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident Award
Jack Thompson Burk
University of Louisiana at Lafayette TOPS Performance Award
Engineering
Eric Walker Bussey
National Merit Finalist Hendrix College Psychology, English Hendrix Academic Scholarship Rhodes College, Tulane University (H), LSU (H), Wofford College, Millsaps College
Christopher Joseph Caldarera LSU TOPS Honors Award
Sports Administration
Braxton Douglas Callais LSU TOPS Honors Award
Business
Otto Benjamin Candies IV
Spring Hill College Business Spring Hill Scholarship Saint Leo University, Millsaps College, University of Alabama at Huntsville
Dominic John Carmello
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Pre-Law TOPS Opportunity Award Spring Hill College
Evan Matthew Carrie
National Achievement Outstanding Participant Tulane University Engineering, Physics TOPS Opportunity Award LSU, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UNO
Jacob Allen Cassagne University of Louisiana at Lafayette LSU
Matthew Steven Cassanova University of Southern Mississippi Regional Scholarship Southeastern Louisiana University
Business
Biological Sciences
Scott Urquhart Castay LSU TOPS Opportunity Award UNO
Pre-Medicine
Patrick Ryan Cecola LSU (H) Biology TOPS Honors Award LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award
Matthew Daniel Cedro
National Merit Finalist LSU (H) Biology, Pre-Medicine TOPS Honors Award Flagship Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award University of Notre Dame, Fordham University
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Anthony Joseph Celano
National Merit Commended Scholar Saint Louis University Undeclared Vice President Tuition Scholarship, Jesuit High School Award Auburn University (H), LSU (H), College of Charleston, Fordham University
Rishab Mahesh Chimmanamada
National Merit Finalist Baylor University Biochemistry Regents Gold Baylor University (H), Dartmouth College, Emory University, Tulane University, LSU (H)
Kyle Kenwah Chin
Tulane University Biomedical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Partial Tuition Merit Scholarship Santa Clara University, LSU (H), UNO
Samuel Brooks Clutter
LSU Biology TOPS Honors Award University of Alabama, University of Mississippi
Alessandro Marco Cocito-Monoc Bowdoin College
Government and Legal Studies, Russian
Tulane University
Cameron John Coker
Delgado Community College Radiology LSU, Southeastern Louisiana University
Robert John Comeaux III
National Merit Finalist Clemson University Computer Engineering Partial Tuition Scholarship Virginia Tech University, LSU (H), Tulane University
Wyatt Andrew Comeaux
LSU Biology TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award
Dominick Michael Conforte
LSU Chemical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award
Kevin Michael Conrad
Ten Jesuit alumni from the Class of 1985 and their senior sons gathered for a photo on the steps leading to the Chapel of the North American Martyrs prior to the start of the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday, May 16. From left, beginning with the graduates and then their fathers, are: Bobby III and Bobby Comeaux, Jr.; Francis and Gary Weller; Nick II and Nick Lorusso; Harrison and Walt Bond; Alex and Rocky Daigle; Michael, Jr. and Mike McMahon; Ben and Rob Hess; Evan and Gerald Duhon; Trey and Richie Kernion; and Austin and Lee Prange. University (H), University of Texas (H), Tulane University (H), Vanderbilt University, University of Virginia (H), Washington University in Saint Louis
Bailey Joseph Cookmeyer
Baton Rouge Community College (LSU Tiger Bridge Program) Kinesiology University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UNO
Scott Michael Crabtree
UNO TOPS Performance Award, Athletic Scholarship LSU
Jourdan Nicholas Crane LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
National Merit Finalist Tulane University Biomedical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Academic Achievement Award Case Western Reserve University, College of William and Mary, LSU
Henry Hadden Creel
Garth William Cook, Jr.
Nathaniel Raphael Cusimano
Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist Johns Hopkins University Biology Hodson Trust Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Emory University, LSU (H), University of Miami (H), University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame (H), Rice University, Southern Methodist
Business
Jarod Mathew Cyprus
National Merit Finalist Texas A&M University (H) Computer Science National Merit Opportunities Tulane University (H), LSU (H)
Dylan James Daboval
LSU Petroleum Engineering TOPS Opportunity Award University of Alabama
Raymond Alexander Daigle
National Merit Commended Scholar Brown University Classics Tulane University, LSU (H), University of Warwick, King’s College London Finance
National Merit Commended Scholar University of Mississippi (H) Business Academic Excellence Scholarship, Holmes Scholarship, Academic Excellence Technology Scholarship LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
Benjamin Michael D’Antonio
Business
University of Southern Criminal Justice Mississippi Regional Scholarship, Eagle Scout Scholarship
Harrison Roland Daste
Chapman University Psychology LSU (H), University of Dallas, Loyola Marymount University, Saint Edward’s University
Joshua Michael de Boisblanc
LSU Electrical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award University of Mississippi
Alexander Manuel DePascual
Sewanee: The University Pre-Medicine of the South Fairbanks Award Fordham University, Rhodes College, Eckerd College, Flagler College, LSU
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Mitchell Jonathan Falcon
National Hispanic Scholar; National Merit Commended Scholar Tulane University Mathematics TOPS Honors Award, Founders Scholarship LSU (H)
Daniel Durel Farrelly
LSU Finance TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Residence Award
Patrick Dietrich Fine
Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist University of Notre Dame Accounting National Merit Scholarship University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University
Robert Burns Fisher III Sewanee: The University of the South LSU
After counting down the days to Senior Day, Homeroom 1207 celebrates getting to “zero.” Clockwise from left: Dom Carmello, Francis Plough, Evan Carrie, Mr. Michael Prados '83, Robert Zazulak, and Malcolm Ben. Courtlin Daniel Dede
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Southeastern Louisiana University
Daniel Richard Edmund, Jr. Mechanical Engineering
James Michael Deichmann
National Merit Commended Scholar Spring Hill College Undeclared Portier Leader Award, Community Service Award
Patrick Alan Dickerson University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ryan Daniel Dickerson University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Accounting
Undeclared
Douglas Lawrence Dillon, Jr.
Spring Hill College Accounting, Psychology Gautrelet Scholarship Millsaps College, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, LSU
John Frederick Doherty
National Merit Finalist University of Pennsylvania Classics Fordham University (H), New York University (H), Boston College (H), College of William and Mary (H), LSU (H), Brandeis University (H)
Eviston Gerald Duhon University of Virginia LSU (H), Boston College
Classics
Tulane University Business, Psychology, Law TOPS Honors Award LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
LSU Biological Sciences TOPS Honors Award, Resident Award Spring Hill College (H), University of Alabama, Tulane University, Saint Louis University (H), University of Mississippi
Blake Merial Eichhorn
LSU TOPS Performance Award
Stephen Daniel Enright III Texas A&M University at Galveston
Undeclared
Kinesiology
Marine Transportation
Joel Piers Epling
National Merit Finalist Tulane University (H)
Psychology, Pre-Medicine TOPS Honors Award, Presidential Scholarship, Louisiana Legislative Scholarship Boston College (H), LSU (H), University of Alabama (H), Louisiana Tech University (H), University of Colorado (H), Colorado College (H), University of Denver (H)
Ronnie Alejandro Espinal LSU TOPS Honors Award
University of Louisiana at Lafayette TOPS Opportunity Award
Petroleum Geology
Evan Michael Flynn
Biological Engineering
Thomas Nicholas Eggleston
John Patrick Faherty
Joshua Joseph Duhon
Clay Michael Duplantier
Valedictorian LSU TOPS Honors Award Tulane University
Jack Richard Fitzpatrick
Undeclared
Dietetics
LSU Undeclared TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Residence Award Tulane University, Millsaps College, Roanoke College
LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans, Auburn University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Norwich University
Marcus Benjamin Fontenot
LSU Accounting University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Southern Mississippi
Jason Connor Forcier
LSU Industrial Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Residence Award
Colin Daniel Foret
LSU Geography TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Residence Award Tulane University
Trent Patrick Forshag
LSU Civil Engineering TOPS Honors Award University of Southern Mississippi
Tyler Stuart Fox
LSU (H) Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award Texas A&M University (H), Auburn University (H), University of Mississippi (H)
Khari Whitney Friloux University of Louisiana at Lafayette
David William Gaines
Mechanical Engineering
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU General Business LSU Academic Scholars Award
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Richard Thomas Gallagher III
Spring Hill College Psychology Gautrelet Scholarship Millsaps College, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Alexander Jacob Galy
Tulane University TOPS Performance Award LSU
Biology
Ethan Michael Garner
University of Miami Biomedical Engineering Presidential Scholarship Tulane University, Southern Methodist University
Mako Cyr Giordano
National Merit Finalist University of Notre Dame Economics Villanova University, University of Mississippi (H), Wake Forest University, University of Alabama (H), University of Richmond, Rhodes College
Steven Nicholas Giorlando
University of Louisiana at Monroe Pharmacy TOPS Performance Award, Academic Recognition Award
Taylor Carlo Giorlando-Wall UNO TOPS Opportunity Award
Computer Science
Theodore James Garvey
Keith Matthew Gonzales
Bradley Michael Gaudet
Carl Anthony Goodgion
LSU Petroleum Engineering TOPS Performance Award LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award Virginia Tech University, University of Alabama
Michael Earl Genovese III
Baton Rouge Community College (LSU Tiger Bridge Program) Undeclared TOPS Opportunity Award Mississippi State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Jonathan Colville Giardina
LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident Award, Westbank Optimist Club Scholarship University of Georgia, University of Miami, Texas Christian University
LSU Biology, Chemistry TOPS Opportunity Award Texas A&M University at Galveston Texas A&M Scholarship LSU
Maritime Transportation
Mark Bailey Graffagnini
Tulane University (H) Pre-Medicine, Business TOPS Honors Award, Premier Scholar LSU (H), Loyola University New Orleans (H)
Nicholas Standifer Green
LSU Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award, Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research Award Mississippi State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
John Anthony Grieco III
University of Louisiana Chemical at Lafayette Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Academic Scholarship LSU
Maxwell Michael Grosch
Baton Rouge Community College (LSU Tiger Bridge Program) Undeclared TOPS Opportunity Award
Cameron John Gendusa Guernsey Roanoke College Faculty Award
Physics
Cole Scott Guillory
LSU (H) Petroleum Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award
Alexander Ray Harris
LSU (H) Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award
Conner Daniel Hartupee
Louisiana Tech University (H)
Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Presidential Scholarship Saint Louis University, Virginia Tech University, University of Dayton, University of Pittsburgh, University of Arkansas (H), Michigan State University
Jason Louis Milton Hauth
University of Louisiana at Lafayette History
Justin Michael Helm LSU TOPS Honors Award
Civil Engineering
Colin Michael Hery LSU
Civil Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award
Benjamin Joseph Hess LSU
Accounting
TOPS Opportunity Award
Ethan Reed Hess LSU
Civil Engineering
TOPS Performance Award
John Connor Hill Tulane University
Musical Theatre, Psychology TOPS Performance Award, Louisiana Legislative Scholarship, Elks National Foundation Student Scholarship, Louisiana Society Sons of the American Revolution Knight Essay Medal and Prize Loyola University New Orleans, Millsaps College, Sewanee: The University of the South, Spring Hill College
Logan Jacob Hornung
Johns Hopkins University
During the morning of their graduation, seniors convene at the Pontchartrain Center and go through a lengthy dress rehearsal that is longer than the ceremony itself.
Pre-Medicine
90 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Joshua Curtis Hudak
Bryan Mario D Jones
Chemical Engineering Presidential Scholarship, National Housing Scholarship, Scholars Stipend, Study Abroad Stipend, Engineering Leadership Scholarship University of Detroit Mercy, Louisiana Tech University (H)
Matthew Michael Jones
National Merit Finalist University of Alabama (H)
Charles Augustine Jackson V Johns Hopkins University
Maritime Management Spring Hill College, Southeastern Louisiana University University of San Diego (H)
Industrial Engineering Academic Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship Purdue University (H), Loyola Marymount University (H), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (H), University of Colorado (H)
Mark Council James, Jr.
Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist Clemson University (H) General Engineering Academic Scholarship, National Merit Finalist Scholarship University of Florida (H), LSU (H), Saint Louis University (H), Rice University, University of Alabama (H), Louisiana Tech University (H)
Blake Alexander Jaubert
National Merit Finalist; National Hispanic Scholar University of Alabama (H) Psychology Presidential Scholarship LSU (H), Saint Edward’s University, Spring Hill College (H), Fordham University, Emory University LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
LSU Engineering TOPS Performance Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Matthew Paul Junot
LSU Biology TOPS Performance Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident Award
Justin Mark Keeler
Loyola University New Orleans
Seth Isaac Jacobs
Samuel Stewart Johnson
The Very Reverend Pedro Arrupe Award LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Opportunity Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Physics
Biology, Pre-Medicine TOPS Honors Award, President's Scholarship Creighton University, Marquette University
Thomas Aquinas Kehoe III
LSU Civil Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award
Jacob Paul Kelley UNO
Business
Kevin Paul Kelley II
University of Louisville
Biology
Richard Joseph Kernion III
Dillon Michael Knight
The Reverend Father President’s Spiritual Leadership Award LSU Kinesiology TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award Baylor University, Saint Louis University, University of Alabama (H), Rhodes College, University of Mississippi, Texas Christian University, Sewanee: The University of the South
Paul Lansing Kohnke
Texas A&M University Maritime at Galveston Transportation Loyola University New Orleans, Spring Hill College
Michael Colby Koster
Loyola University New Orleans Business TOPS Performance Award, Dean's Scholarship Spring Hill College
James Ferrier Laborde Georgetown University Tulane University
Trevor Craig Laborde
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU (H) Biology, Pre-Dentistry TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award
National Merit Semifinalist LSU (H) Petroleum Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award
Victorino Alfonso Lacayo
Peter Namjune Kim
Patrick Gregory LaCour
LSU (H) Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award Virginia Tech University
Emmett Baxley Kitchens Loyola University New Orleans Loyola Scholarship
Environmental Studies
Undeclared
Loyola University New Orleans TOPS Opportunity Award Millsaps College
Accounting
National Merit Finalist Texas Christian University (H) Engineering Chancellor's Scholarship, Herndon Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship University of Notre Dame, University of Virginia, University of Alabama (H), Auburn University (H), Saint Louis University (H), Texas A&M University, LSU (H)
Carl Richard LaForge III
LSU Biological Engineering TOPS Performance Award Loyola University New Orleans
John Martin LaForge
Spring Hill College (H) Biology, Pre-Medicine Presidential Scholar Award LSU, Tulane University
Timothy Wilfrid Lafranca, Jr.
LSU Construction Management TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award University of Alabama
Jason John LaHatte
Seniors Courtlin Dede, Khari Friloux, and Stephen Brown after the Baccalaureate Mass
Loyola University Pre-Medicine New Orleans (H) TOPS Honors Award, President's Scholarship, Jesuit Identity Scholarship Spring Hill College, LSU
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At the start of the Commencement Ceremony, seniors stand and pledge their allegiance.
Daniel Jacob Langteau
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU (H) Biology TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award, National Merit State Farm Academic Scholarship Tulane University (H), Clemson University
Cole Edward Lauman
Delgado Community College (H) University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Daniel Patrick Leary
LSU TOPS Performance Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Walter James LeBlanc III LSU TOPS Honors Award
Business
Business
Science
Jonathan Michael Legier
National Achievement Finalist Howard University Biology Laureate Scholarship American University, LSU (H), Baylor University, Xavier University of Louisiana, University of Alabama (H)
Andrew Xu Liang
Glenn Michael Lorio
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU (H) Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award Tulane University
Nicholas Daniel Lorusso II
LSU Business TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award University of Mississippi
Brett Michael Lozowski
University of Alabama Finance Capstone Scholarship, Engineering Scholarship Auburn University, University of Alabama at Huntsville, Spring Hill College, Texas Christian University
Sean Matthew Lozowski
Mississippi State University Criminology Non-Resident Academic Excellence Scholarship University of South Florida, Florida State University
Joshua Matthew Mackles
Washington and Lee University Anthropology Tulane University
LSU Biological Sciences TOPS Honors Award University of Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Clayton Andrew LoCoco
Christian Patrick Maher
Nicholls State University
Nursing
Robert Leo Lobrano
LSU TOPS Honors Award
Brett Paul Lorio
Business
National Merit Finalist LSU (H) Accounting TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award, National Merit Lockheed Martin Academic Scholarship, Southern Bowling Congress Scholarship University of Alabama (H), High Point University, Tulane University
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU Computer Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award
Mark Coleman Maher
LSU (H) Finance TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award University of Georgia
Peyton Timothy Markey
LSU Pre-Pharmacy TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award
Everard Thomas Marks Colorado School of Mines
Petroleum Engineering
Merit Scholarship
Brody Logan Martin
LSU Engineering TOPS Opportunity Award Spring Hill College, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ethan Michael Martinez University of Louisiana at Lafayette University of Alabama
Engineering
Juan Manuel Martinez
Spring Hill College Engineering Gautrelet Award, The Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund Loyola University Chicago, Fairfield University
John Andrew Marzullo, Jr.
LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award University of Mississippi
Freeman Rudolph Matthews III National Merit Semifinalist LSU TOPS Honors Award
Political Science
Michael William McMahon, Jr.
The Julia Ferguson McEnerny Memorial Trophy, Donated by Will Gibbons McEnerny of the Class of 1914 Valedictorian; National Merit Commended Scholar University of Alabama (H) Kinesiology Presidential Scholarship, Classic Scholars Award, Great American Rivalry Series Student Athlete Award University of Georgia (H), Tulane University (H)
William Joseph McMahon
Marquette University Finance Jesuit High School Scholarship, Pere Marquette Award Boston University, LSU, Fordham University
Benjamin Michael Parks
LSU Political Science TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award
Angelo Joseph Pecoraro III LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
Pre-Dentistry
Garrett Michael Perez Millsaps College
The Class of 2015 sings the alma mater as the Commencement Ceremony comes to a close on Friday, May 22 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Noah Frederick Mouton
William Mitchell Melito LSU TOPS Performance Award
Finance
Nicholas Anthony Militello
Loyola University New Orleans Biology TOPS Honors Award, President's Scholarship Tulane University, LSU (H)
Charles Connor Miller University of Mississippi
Journalism and New Media University of Alabama, University of Kentucky
Christopher LeCorgne Mills
LSU Petroleum Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award
Cameron Pierre Minnard
Baylor University Environmental Science Provost's Gold Scholarship Elon University, Samford University, LSU
Dylan Christopher Mire
Arizona State University Psychology New American Scholar Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Rhodes College
Matthew Grobmeier Mitchell
Louisiana Tech Mechanical University Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Outstanding Student Scholarship University of Louisiana at Lafayette
David Joseph Moolekamp II LSU TOPS Honors Award
Foster Hotard Moreau LSU Athletic Scholarship
Architecture
LSU Biology University of West Florida, Southeastern Louisiana University, UNO
Asad Mussarat
Baylor University Biochemistry President's Gold Scholarship Tulane University, LSU, Millsaps College, Spring Hill College
Ismael Nachar
University of Louisiana Petroleum at Lafayette Engineering Delta State University, Spring Hill College
Raymond Joseph Nash
Tulane University Music TOPS Honors Award, Louisiana Legislative Scholarship Loyola University New Orleans, LSU (H)
Jared Arnold Ohle
University of Louisiana at Lafayette TOPS Opportunity Award
Joshua Roberto Orellana
LSU (H) Business TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award Auburn University
Mason Constantin Page
National Merit Commended Scholar LSU (H) Digital Advertising TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award University of Georgia
Nicholas Anthony Pajares Undeclared
Electrical Engineering
UNO TOPS Opportunity Award
Joshua Michael Parfait
Undeclared
LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Performance Award
Business Administration, Accounting Presidential Scholarship Roanoke College, Randolph College, University of Alabama, Illinois Wesleyan University, Augustana College, LSU, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Tech University, Tulane University, Loyola University New Orleans (H), Hofstra University (H), Long Island University (H), Furman University
John Larkin Perrier
College of Charleston International Business LSU
Jacob Colin Pesquié
LSU Engineering TOPS Performance Award University of Louisiana at Monroe, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Tech University
Austin Michael Pfister
LSU Business TOPS Performance Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award Auburn University
Thomas Anthony Pivach Texas A&M University at Galveston LSU
John Charbonnet Plauche LSU TOPS Honors Award
Maritime Transportation
Business
Gerald Francis Plough, Jr. University of Alabama (H)
Biomedical Engineering Presidential Scholarship, Engineering Scholarship LSU (H), Clemson University (H), Northwestern State University of Louisiana (H)
Jonathan Paul Pottharst
LSU Undeclared TOPS Opportunity Award University of Alabama, UNO, Spring Hill College, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Austin Matthew Prange
University of Mississippi Undeclared Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University
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Nicholas Samuel Price
University of Alabama (H) Biology Presidential Scholarship Saint Louis University, Tulane University (H), University of Mississippi (H), Fordham University
Alexander John Rabalais LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
General Business
Patrick James Rappold
University of Louisiana Psychology at Lafayette (H) TOPS Honors Award, Academic Scholarship, Distinguished Freshman Housing Scholarship University of Alabama at Birmingham, LSU, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Nicholas Alexander Reilly
LSU Pre-Veterinary Medicine TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award Mississippi State University, Auburn University
Michael Robert Riddick
National Merit Finalist LSU (H) Mechanical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award, LSU National Merit Scholarship University of Louisiana at Lafayette Finance TOPS Opportunity Award Texas A&M University at Galveston LSU
Maritime Transportation
Carey Ryan Ramsey Roberts
LSU Political Science TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award, Knights of Columbus Parish Scholarship Spring Hill College, Saint Edward’s University
Tyler Jackson Robins Auburn University
Undeclared
Daniel Carra Sagona
National Merit Finalist LSU Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award, National Merit LSU Scholarship
John Paul George Brendan Sandoz
University of Louisiana Petroleum at Lafayette Geology TOPS Performance Award, Distinguished Freshman Scholarship LSU
Frederick Evans Schmidt
Valedictorian; National Merit Commended Scholar Washington and Lee University Pre-Medicine Favrot Honor Scholarship LSU (H), University of Georgia (H), University of Alabama (H), Auburn University (H), Texas Christian University (H), University of Notre Dame, Tulane University
Austin Jonathan Schott Auburn University LSU
Civil Engineering
UNO (H) Mechanical Engineering TOPS Performance Award, UNO Excellence Scholarship Award, American Italian Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship LSU, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
David Alexander Senentz
LSU History TOPS Opportunity Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award Northwestern State University of Louisiana (H), University of Louisiana at Monroe, Louisiana Tech University, UNO, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Matthew Joseph Sentilles
National Merit Finalist Vanderbilt University Engineering Vanderbilt University National Merit Scholarship Georgia Institute of Technology, LSU
Matthew Joseph Sevin
LSU Kinesiology TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, University of Florida
Michael Alexander Sewell University of Louisiana at Lafayette TOPS Performance Award LSU
Civil Engineering
Steven James Sibley
Loyola University New Orleans Biology TOPS Honors Award, Dean's Scholarship LSU
Christopher Walter Simmons
National Merit Commended Scholar Auburn University Computer Engineering Presidential Scholarship LSU (H)
Michael Joseph Simon
LSU Undeclared TOPS Opportunity Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Patrick Raymond Simonson
National Merit Finalist College of Charleston (H) Undeclared Academic Scholarship, College of Charleston National Merit Scholarship Fordham University, Spring Hill College, Villanova University, University of Alabama at Birmingham (H), University of Alabama (H)
Computer Engineering
Alex Octave Rodrigue UNO (H)
LSU TOPS Performance Award
Michael Jude Schwing
Paul Edwin Riviere IV
Hunter Bane Robert
Andrew Brice Russo
Computer Science
Dominick Orin Ros
LSU (H) Classical Civilizations, Pre-Law TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award Tulane University (H), Spring Hill College (H)
Nicholas Alexander Rosenson
Southeastern Louisiana University
Nursing
Jacob Richard Rovira
National Merit Finalist LSU (H) Biological Sciences TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award, National Merit Citizen Watch Scholarship Tulane University
Prior to the seniors’ final assembly, John Paul Sandoz assists Ismael Nachar adjust his bowtie as Ben Ainsworth stays in the middle.
94 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Christopher Harrison Joseph Skinner
DePaul University Game Design St. Vincent de Paul Scholarship LSU, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Anthony Jude Smith
Valedictorian; National Merit Finalist Boston College (H) English University of Dallas, Fordham University (H), Georgetown University, Saint Louis University, Tulane University
Charles George Smith III
Texas Christian University Political Science Butler University, Creighton University, University of Dayton, Loyola University Chicago, George Mason University,
Peyton Alexander Smith LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
Undeclared
Zachary Seth Snow
University of Alabama Engineering Presidential Scholarship, Engineering Scholarship
Gerard Richard Spencer
National Merit Commended Scholar Millsaps College History Presidential Scholarship, Alumni Referral Scholarship Spring Hill College, LSU, Saint Edward’s University
Brandon Michael Sprague
National Merit Finalist Tulane University (H) Undeclared TOPS Honors Award, Presidential Award Tulane Scholarship, Tulane University National Merit Scholarship Loyola University New Orleans (H), Catholic University of America (H), Spring Hill College (H), University of Dallas (H), Fordham University (H)
Samuel Thomas Stallings
University of Georgia Political Science Classic Scholars Award LSU (H), College of Charleston, University of Mississippi (H)
Paul Wilmot Stapp
LSU TOPS Performance Award
Civil Engineering
Matthew Anthony Stephens
LSU Construction Management TOPS Performance Award Louisiana Tech University, UNO, University of Louisiana at Monroe
After Major League Baseball player Johnny Giavotella ’05 (he’s second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels) addressed a Monday morning assembly in January, he was joined by Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J. ’44 and seniors Michael McMahon and Dillon Knight (right). Steven Hartzel Stradley
Valedictorian (Speaker); National Merit Finalist Tulane University (H) Chemical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Deans' Honor Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Duke University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, New York University, Fordham University (H), Washington University in Saint Louis, Vanderbilt University, Villanova University (H)
Matthew James Stuckey
National Merit Finalist Vanderbilt University Arts & Sciences Vanderbilt University National Merit Scholarship Wake Forest University, Washington University in Saint Louis, Wofford College, University of Alabama (H), Davidson College, Elon University, Furman University, Georgia Institute of Technology, LSU (H), Saint Louis University, Villanova University (H)
Matthew Ryan Subervielle
The Citadel Criminal Justice University of Mississippi, Norwich University, Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Gregory Gerard Suhor
LSU Electrical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award Mississippi College
Cullen Richardson Swarr LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
Pre-Law
Kyle Andrew Szeszycki
LSU Mechanical Engineering TOPS Performance Award Louisiana Tech University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Tim Tabthong
Saint Joseph's University Management, Business Administration University Scholarship, Jesuit Preparatory Scholarship, United Scholars Award Fordham University, Saint John’s University, LSU, Louisiana Tech University (H)
Anthony Joseph Taffaro III
LSU Business TOPS Opportunity Award University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi
Joshua James Talbot
National Merit Finalist Tulane University (H) Biomedical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, President's Scholarship, Louisiana Legislative Scholarship, Tulane University National Merit Scholarship LSU (H)
Collin James Thibodeaux UNO (H)
Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Homer L. Hitt Presidential Scholarship Award Tulane University, LSU (H)
William Stafford Tittle
National Merit Semifinalist University of Notre Dame
Chemical Engineering Georgetown University, Villanova University, College of Charleston (H), University of Alabama (H), LSU (H)
je su it nola .org | 95
Garrett Thomas Tobin
Christian Avery Vollman
National Merit Finalist University of Alabama (H)
Chemical Engineering Presidential Scholarship, Engineering Scholarship, University of Alabama National Merit Scholarship LSU (H), Emory University, University of Notre Dame LSU Engineering TOPS Performance Award, New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation Scholar Nicholls State University
Patrick Stewart Torsch
Texas Christian University (H) Undeclared Deans Scholarship LSU (H), Baylor University (H), Tulane University, University of Georgia, Auburn University, Fordham University UNO TOPS Opportunity Award LSU, Spring Hill College
Accounting
Robert August Vanlangendonck
LSU Biological Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award, College of Engineering Alumni Scholarship Tulane University
Matthews Francis Vargas Louisiana Tech University
Agricultural Business
Loyola University New Orleans
Alexander Marcel Vinet II
Pre-Law
Gregory David Wallis
LSU Pre-Medicine TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award
Shawn Cerre Walsh Gap Year
Osman Leonidas Torres
Jonathan Truong Tran
LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
LSU Architecture TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award University of Massachusetts Amherst
Bailey Oswald Weilbaecher
LSU Political Science TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award University of Mississippi, Auburn University
Francis Garald Weller
National Merit Finalist LSU (H) Natural Resource Ecology & Management TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award Auburn University (H), Fordham University (H), Arizona State University (H), Samford University (H), University of California (San Diego) (H)
Emerson Hagen Wenzel
LSU Agriculture TOPS Opportunity Award University of Alabama, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Mississippi
Westley Thomas West III LSU TOPS Opportunity Award
Computer Science
Jonathan Michael Whelan
LSU Chemical Engineering TOPS Honors Award, LSU Academic Scholars Award
Samuel Bernard White
LSU Undeclared TOPS Performance Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette
William Jeffrey White, Jr.
LSU Undeclared TOPS Performance Award Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michael Joseph Wingerter
LSU Kinesiology TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Matthew Brady Wolf
LSU Engineering TOPS Honors Award Auburn University, University of Mississippi, Spring Hill College
Eric Robert Wright
LSU Engineering TOPS Honors Award, Tiger Excellence Scholars Award, Engineering Traditions Scholarship University of Alabama
Jacob Michael Young
LSU TOPS Performance Award
Robert James Zazulak Rhodes College
Engineering
Economics and International Studies
Honor Scholarship Catholic University of America (H), Furman University, Loyola University Maryland, Randolph-Macon College (H), Spring Hill College (H), University of Richmond, LSU
Samuel Josef Zelden National Merit Finalist Gap Year
Héctor Eduardo Zepeda
Tulane University TOPS Honors Award Loyola University New Orleans
Undeclared
The Class of 2015 features four sets of twins: Brett and Glenn Lorio, Brett and Sean Lozowski, Ben and Chris Ainsworth, and Ryan and Patrick Dickerson.
96 | 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR
Leadership with a Twist of Love
“You have all the tools in the toolbox to succeed,” Higgins told the seniors. “From a pure ability standpoint, whether to write a brief or to ask questions why, the way the Jesuit education process teaches you has set you up for success whether you know it or not. That’s the big takeaway I think you get from that Jesuit experience.” He said he learned early in his career that leadership and love go hand-in-hand. “To be a good leader, you have to have both,” he explained. “You have to have that ‘love fusion’ with your leadership to be successful… As a leader, you have to be that man for others. You have to want to take care of that guy on your left and on your right. You want them to succeed.”
The 14th Annual Commencement Luncheon was held May 1 at the Mercedes-Benz
Superdome, where 275 graduating seniors were welcomed officially into Jesuit’s Alumni Association by 230 alumni.
Higgins observed that true leaders cannot fake love. “I think you need to have that love and appreciation for ‘it’s not about me.’ It’s about the greater good of the team, and the way to get the best effort from your team is to take care of them. They know that if you have their backs, they will charge a machine gun nest for you. And that’s about love. You can’t fake that.”
Blue Jays of the Class of 2015 paid attention to one final lesson, a straight-from-the-heart lecture about leadership and love delivered by Col. Beau Higgins ’85, this year’s alumnus speaker who retired in June 2014 from the U.S. Marine Corps.
He encouraged seniors to keep adding tools to their toolboxes. “Leadership is an art,” he said, “something you need to practice… The more you do it, the better you get at it. Always wrap it around love and other people’s best interests.”
Higgins, whose numerous tours of duty frequently took him to the front lines as a commanding officer in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Bosnia, told his audience that the impact Jesuit High School had on him was instrumental throughout his 24-year career with the Marine Corps.
Top: Col. Beau Higgins ’85 gave the keynote address at the 2015 Commencement Luncheon. Left: A line of seniors wait to be seated.
The State of the Blue Jay
Catalysts for Success The final morning assembly for seniors is special, not just for them, but for the entire student body, for it marks the last time the student body, unique to that year, will be together. On the morning of May 1, the Blue Jays of the 2014-15 school year were together for the last time. In the traditional State of the Blue Jay address, student council president Joseph Dupré, the
Another Championship... Finally! rophy cases at Jesuit High School are as ubiquitous as donuts in the faculty lounge and can be found hugging the walls of every floor, bulging with an astonishing and enviable collection (especially to alumni from other schools) of assorted academic and athletic memorabilia. The various plaques and trophies, silver and gold-plated cups and bowls, baseball mitts, team-autographed balls, and even bronzed shoes date back to the early 1900s. Most of this “stuff” serves to commemorate Jesuit’s storied athletic achievements while linking the past to the present and the future. Each item tells a story about a moment in time for Jesuit athletics, stories about the heroic exploits of individual players, a missed opportunity, a tremendous effort, an incredible comeback, the brilliance of a coach’s strategy. But mostly these stories focus on the sum of the parts, that is, the Jesuit team. The championship trophies won by Jesuit teams in the last couple of years are displayed in cases in the Student Commons, the central hub of activity for Blue Jays of all grade levels. The Commons is where you will find Jesuit’s eighth state championship football trophy (it really looks more like a fancy plaque). Years from now, say 2025, this piece of memorabilia will be inside a locked case on the second or third floor. Alumni from the Class of 2015 will be celebrating their 10-year reunion and will seek the treasure’s location. When it’s found, they will momentarily stare at it. The silence will be broken by those alumni, now 27- and 28-years old, as they conjure stories of their own glory days — especially that 2014 football season and its magical ending with the Blue Jays winning their first state championship in football since 1960.
— Pierre DeGruy ’69 See cover story, page 38. Photo by Parker Waters
first junior elected to that position, encouraged the assembled students to look to the Class of 2015 for inspiration.
T
here’s an old saying, “Life’s not about the number of breaths we take… but the number of moments that take our breath away.” I think for sure we can all point to moments this year that took our breath away. But these moments could not have happened by themselves. They only happened with the presence of catalysts, agents who served to achieve a vision. This year, the Class of 2015 served as those catalysts. These guys fought, toiled, and sacrificed so that all of us could remember this year as one of the greatest of our lives. What kind of memories did we make this year? We won our first state championship in football in more than 50 years. Our cross country team defied the odds and won the state meet against a very deep field. Maybe it was our lacrosse team blowing away the competition and defeating St. Paul’s for the state title. Maybe it was our Philelectic Society and its amazing performance of The Music Man. A memorable service day, 34 National Merit Semifinalists, a transformative retreat — whatever the case, together, we bonded. Highs… Lows… Victories… Hardships. All of these — Memories. Moments. As a family, as a school, we accomplished all
will make all the difference. And that is to use all of these moments — past, present, and future — for the greater glory of God, to use these challenges and opportunities to praise, reverence, and serve Him. And, by doing so, we can make this place and next year as memorable, or breath-taking, as we have this year.
of this together. And it is because of these guys up front, because of their leadership, that we can call this year what it was: a success. So now we leave, the seniors moving on to continue on their paths in college, and we, the underclassmen, returning next year with the bar set high. All of us will be challenged emotionally, intellectually, athletically, and spiritually. We’ll be forced out of our comfort zones much like we were this year. But as Fr. Fitzgerald stressed in August, each year has its own unique events, challenges, experiences, and opportunities. We will have plenty of these on our respective paths, whether as outgoing seniors or as returning underclassmen. But if we can remember one simple Jesuit principle, it
So, underclassmen, are we ready? Are we ready to do this next year? I believe so. I think that at this school we only know how to do things one way: Greater… always trying to be better, not better than other people, but better than OURSELVES. And that’s the mark all of us leave this year: We were greater. We grew into better men. The Classes of 2016, ’17, ’18, and ’19 promise to carry that torch, to carry that fire that will motivate us to become better sons, better brothers, and better men. And to the Class of 2015, we say, “Thank you.” Truly and honestly, thank you! We will miss you in the halls, at the games, but most importantly… in our lives. God bless you. Good luck in the future. And keep on keepin’ on, “Through all the days of life.” Thank you.
— Joseph Dupré ’16 2014-2015 Student Council President
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW ORLEANS, LA PERMIT NO. 313
The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orleans
JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL OF NEW ORLEANS 4133 Banks Street New Orleans, LA 70119
Jaynotes, the magazine about Jesuit High School of New Orleans, is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Opinions expressed in Jaynotes are those of the individual authors.
VOL. 41 | 2014 - 2015 SCHOOL YEAR
jesuitnola.org
Parents of Alumni: If you are receiving your son's copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the magazine directly to him. Let us know if you enjoy reading Jaynotes. We will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. Email changes to: alumni@jesuitnola.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS WHAT:
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
WHERE:
Tad Gormley Stadium & Student Commons
WHEN:
Friday & Saturday, September 25 - 26
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Football Catches a State Championship!
Director of Communications Pierre DeGruy ’69 Jaynotes Editor degruy@jesuitnola.org
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WHAT:
jesuitnola.org/homecoming
OPEN HOUSE
WHAT:
WHERE: Tad Gormley Stadium
WHERE: Jesuit Auditorium & School Building
WHEN:
Friday, October 2 5 - 6:45 p.m.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 4 WHEN: Tours at 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m.
INFO:
jesuitnola.org/rivalry-game
INFO:
jesuitnola.org/admissions
LEF/Events Coordinator Logan Diano diano@jesuitnola.org
CELEBRATION
WHERE: Mardi Gras World River City Ballroom
INFO:
Saturday, November 7 7 - 11 p.m. jesuitnola.org/celebration
WANT TO SEE MORE? For more information on Jesuit events, visit jesuitnola.org/events.
Director of Special Projects William Dardis, S.J. ’58 dardis@jesuitnola.org
Executive Development/ PAG Coordinator Krista Roeling roeling@jesuitnola.org
INSIDE 2014 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR • SMALL CHAPEL RENOVATION • NEW PRESIDENT ANNOUNCED
WHAT’S INSIDE
HOLY CROSS RIVALRY TAILGATE
Director of Alumni Mat Grau ’68 grau@jesuitnola.org
Creative Director Meghan Weaver weaver@jesuitnola.org
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WHAT:
Assistant to the President Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 fitzgerald@jesuitnola.org Director of Institutional Advancement Thomas V. Bagwill II bagwill@jesuitnola.org
DETAILS: The Blue Jay football team will take on St. Augustine High School Friday night. On Saturday, alumni will gather in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs and Student Commons to reconnect and commemorate the 25- and 50-year classes, and honor the 2015 Alumnus of the Year. INFO:
President Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 mcginn@jesuitnola.org
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Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Beauford beauford@jesuitnola.org
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Cover Story 38 Teachers Honored 79 Alumni Gatherings 29 Golf Classic 34 Blue Jay Scholars 60
Alumni Events & Social Media Coordinator Wendy Schneider schneider@jesuitnola.org
Faculty Additions for 2014 - 2015 61 State of Admissions 62 Medallion Stories 66 Celebration 2014 68 Trusts & Planned Giving 76
IN EVERY ISSUE President’s Message 1 Keeping the Big Picture in Sight Where Y’at 10 Blue Jays here, there, & everywhere In Memoriam 22 Remembering our loved ones Bib List 26 Baby Jays Annus Mirabilis 36 Mining the depths of Jesuit’s archives Flying with the Jays 49 The latest achievements in sports Principal’s Corner 59 Observations of Peter Kernion ’90
Alumni Chaplain Norman O'Neal, S.J. oneal@jesuitnola.org Articles, photographs, and Where Y'ats may be submitted to degruy@jesuitnola.org, or online at jesuitnola.org/where-yat. Contact info and address changes should be emailed to alumni@jesuitnola.org, or call Jesuit’s alumni office at (504) 483-3838.
ON THE COVER Kalija Lipscomb catches the first of two touchdown passes in the Jays’ State Championship win over John Curtis. Photo by Parker Waters