Summer / Autumn 2018 LancerMagazine

L E A R N

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FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY

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M AG A Z I N E

La Salle College Preparatory is Where Young Adults Discover their Path to Excellence, in High School and Beyond.

BOARD OF REGENTS:

Lancer Magazine is published three times a year by the Office of Institutional Advancement at La Salle High School of Pasadena, Inc. for alumni, parents, and friends.

OFFICERS & ADMINISTRATION: BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

Mr. Robert Nuccio ’71 P’00, ’02, ’04, Chair Mr. Brad Berger P’03, ’04, ’07, Vice Chair Sister Marilyn Binder, CSJ Mr. Nabil Anthony Bisharat ’02 Mr. Dennis Patrick Burke ’60, P’85 Mr. Robert (Bob) Carrejo Ms. Brigid M. Crotty Mr. Michael Harper P’93, ’95 Mr. Andrew Hubert P’13 Dr. Stephanie Paggi Mr. Ray Pearl, Jr., ’99 Mrs. Victoria Richards P’08 Br. Kevin Slate, FSC Ms. Tamara Wolf ’97

Mr. Dennis Jebbia, Esq. (Chair) Mr. Camilo Becerra, Esq. P’18 Mr. Doug Campbell Mr. Raymond Ealy, P’13 Mr. Peter S. Griffith, P’00, ’03 Mr. Bill Kinney, P’19 Mr. David Lam, P’08, ’09 Mr. Joe Lumarda, P’14 Mr. Edward Malicdem ’88, P’16, ’19 Mr. John Moe II, Esq. ’68 Mrs. Leigh Olivar, P ’12, ’21 Mr. Tom Radle, P’17 Mr. Brent Schoenbaum, P’16, ’19 Mrs. Julie Williams, P’04 Mrs. Janet Xu P’20 Mrs. Jennifer Zhao P’20 Dr. Richard Gray, Ph.D. Mr. Jon Keates

ALUMNI BOARD:

Mrs. Robin (Quintanilla) Aksu ’03 Mr. Joe Alvarez ’83, P’20,’22 Dr. Christopher Bigley ’05 Mrs. Maria (Romero) Bitonti ’97 Mr. Gabriel Castillo ’96 Mr. Jay Crews ’86 Mr. Nico Garcia-Corona ’12 Mr. Bill Hall ’62 Mr. Paul Lees ’75 Ms. Christina Mesesan ’99 Mr. Tony Messineo ’80 Mr. Rafael Mirasol ’80, P’17, ’18 Ms. Kristine Nonato ’06

Mr. Armando Ramirez ’93, P’14,’20 Mr. Chris Rettig ’84, P’19 Mrs. Amanda (Gonzalez) Richardson ’01 Mr. Rich Schmidt ’72 Mr. Manny Soriano ’12 Mr. Mike Sullivan ’70, P’08,’13

ADMINISTRATION:

Dr. Richard Gray President Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian Principal Mr. Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, P’94, ’97 Vice President for Mission Ms. Tina Bonacci ’94 Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction Mr. Jon Keates Director of Institutional

Advancement Mr. Robert Packard Chief Financial Officer Mr. Michael Stumpf Dean of Students

EDITOR:

Mrs. Vanessa Strouse-Kenney ’97

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Ms. Alexa Girkout Dr. Jude Lucas Mr. Ed O’Conner P’16, ’17 Mr. Domenic Olmeda Ms. Casey Pontrelli ’12

Ms. Kristen Schultz ’98 Mrs. Vanessa Strouse-Kenney ’97 Ms. Keira Wight ’12

PHOTO CREDITS:

Mr. John Blackstock ’67 Ms. Jane Osick Ms. Keira Wight ’12

PUBLICATION AND PRODUCTION: KGB Inquiries and/or correspondence should be directed to: La Salle College Preparatory C/O Mrs. Vanessa Strouse-Kenney 3880 East Sierra Madre Boulevard Pasadena, California 91107 vanessa@redcardinalmedia.com All pages are displayed on the La Salle website: www.lasallehs.org When you see this icon, go to www.lasallehs.org and click the Flickr icon to see more event photos.

S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 8

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20 5 FEAT URE S 5

LA SALLE GETS A BOLD NEW LOOK

An innovative design ushers in a new era

8 GRADUATION

Class of 2018 is ready to change the world

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NEW ERA FOR LANCER SPORTS

Marc Hernandez hired as Athletic Director

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CRYSTAL BALL

A sock-hopping good time

DEPA RTM ENTS 2

LA SALLE MATTERS

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PRINCIPAL IDEAS

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE Michael Cousineau ’70

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AMAZING LANCERS Jake Ajamian ’20

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LANCER EDUCATORS Ms Jane Osick Mr. Rand Laird Dr. Doug Rynerson

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CLASS NOTES

STAY CONNECTED

WWW.LASALLEHS.ORG 1

LA SALLE

MATTERS Guy Parker, Chief Strategy Officer for Workhorse Marketing, a branding and advertising agency, explains the importance of a company’s brand this way: “When customers or employees look at your website, logo, pamphlet or store front, what do they see? Every aspect of your company says something about who you are and what you have to offer.”

He goes on to make this point: “Without a good branding strategy, companies are not going to be able to express their nature to their customer base...Good branding focuses on “why” a company does what it does.”

This has been on my mind lately as we are about to conclude a two-year process that has examined every aspect of the School’s interaction with the public – from the look of our stationery to signage and, especially, messaging.

As readers of this column know, I regularly point out that Pasadena and its nearest suburbs are home to the largest concentration of private schools per capita anywhere in the nation. At the secondary level, La Salle competes with ten private and/or Catholic high schools within a twenty-mile radius. Each is distinctive in its own right – leading me to tell parents that no teenager should be unhappy at the end of a school day – there are plenty of options to match adolescent interests. That having been said, with such a large concentration of private high schools within shouting distance of each other, it can be difficult to be heard above the noise when one is attempting to articulate a

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distinctive and compelling message. As we entered our 60th year, we knew that it was time to look at the School’s marvelous story and to ensure that a clear, compelling articulation of the “La Salle Difference” would stand out in a crowded marketplace over the course of the next forty years.

We know what the central elements of the “La Salle Difference” are:

Catholic * College Preparatory * Co-educational * Diverse And we recognize that the combination of these four elements distinguishes La Salle from every one of our competitors in the greater Pasadena area.

Now, we believe it is time to “shout from the rooftops” and celebrate the benefits of the “La Salle Difference.”

Thanks to the good offices of alumnus, Joe Olender ’08, we were able to enter into a consulting arrangement with Innovation Protocol, a brand management firm who has served clients such as:

FROM THE PRESIDENT Even the most casual of observers would recognize these entities and the values they stand for. We wanted to make sure that, in the Los Angeles Basin, La Salle would enjoy an equally powerful name recognition. But first, we had to return to the basics: we needed to make sure that we could clearly articulate who we are, what we do and why we matter. After 60 years of touching the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to our care, it was easier than we realized: La Salle College Preparatory is where young adults discover their path to excellence in high school and beyond.

We also understood that this path to excellence is rooted in the nearly 400- year-old educational path launched by our Founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle which has led us to unapologetically advocate for a Catholic, co- educational and diverse student community. And because we recognized that these essential elements of our educational mission define the “La Salle Difference,” we knew that we could position the School in such a way as to ensure that those who may be unfamiliar with our approach to college preparation would encounter informational materials that are fresh, easy to understand and bold in their assertion of who we are and why we matter. Chief among those elements is a fresh take on the School’s 60-year-old crest. We wanted to make sure that its elements would be familiar to our more than 6,700 alumni while, at the same time, communicating to future alumni that La Salle is embracing the educational challenges of the 21st century.

To that end, we knew that its main elements needed to be fresh and easy to identify, while at the same time, echoing a 400-year-old educational enterprise:

the way to the present day (check out the Christian Brothers’ international website: http://www.lasalle.org/en/). That there are five stars, not only reinforces the Lasallian priority to pass on the faith to future generations, but also highlights the five core principles of all Lasallian schools:

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Faith in the presence of God Quality education Respect for all persons Concern for the poor and social justice Inclusive community

Lastly, the forward-slanting lines in the upper left and lower right quadrants not only echo the historic broken chevrons, but also “lean in” to the future (going forward).

And, while the fact that the angle of the slanting lines is 560° - a nod to the year the School was founded - is, admittedly, a bit “wonky,” it does give this unapologetic salesman the ability to talk about the marvelous 60year history of La Salle.

And, of course, the red cross that creates the four quadrants acknowledges our unshakeable commitment to the power of Catholic education.

As the new school year gets under way, you’ll be hearing more from me on this exciting initiative. In the meantime, Guy Parker’s message is worth another shout out: “Branding is important for every company to set itself apart from the competition and define its mission for both customers and employees. Branding includes images, content, marketing, logos, website and other materials that might be used to define a brand in the eyes and minds of its target audiences.”

This issue of Lancer Magazine launches the roll-out of an exciting new chapter in the La Salle story. Enjoy!

Honoring our centuries-old tradition of educational innovation can be found in the lower left quadrant, where the broken chevrons (taken from the De La Salle family crest) reference the Saint’s regal family history in support of the French monarchy.

In the upper right quadrant are five stars. The star has been a symbol of the Christian Brothers’ commitment to passing on the faith for almost 400 years. It can be found on the earliest representations of the Brothers’ printed materials, all

DR. RICHARD GRAY PRESIDENT

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PRINCIPAL IDEAS

THE ROAD TO PERFECTION We have recently begun our 2018-2019 school year. For me, one of the wonderful things about working in a school is that there is an opportunity for a new start with each new school year. The school year ends in June and we have the summer to think about what went well and what we would have liked to have gone better. We have a chance to set goals and then reflect on whether or not we achieved them at the end of that school year.

Some major goals were reached in the last school year – the opening of our beautiful Innovation and Design Lab last November being one of the most exciting. The 20182019 school year brings some new goals and some exciting changes to our school community. The change that is having the biggest impact on our current functioning and that will have a major impact on all of our students is the redesign of the Blakeslee Library. The Blakeslee Library has been closed since May so that it can reopen this fall as the Blakeslee Learning Commons. In the last issue of Lancer Magazine you saw some renderings of the space and over the summer the space has really begun to take shape. Towards the end of May and early June it seemed like every day another wall came down and the outline of the new space would go up. We have always been a college preparatory school, but with the addition of the new Blakeslee Learning Commons we will give our students a little preview of some of the things they will encounter in a collegiate level library, including study rooms that groups of students can use to work on collaborative projects and an ever improving catalogue of databases and access to an excellent curriculum resource specialist who can assist them in making effective use of those databases. In an era where opinion often masquerades as fact, teaching our students solid research skills is crucial.

La Salle also continues to grow its curriculum. Two years ago we offered two courses in our computer science department. This year we are offering six courses in what we now call our Technology and Engineering Department: Digital Game Design, Engineering and Automated Systems, Innovation and Design Lab, Introduction to Programming Languages, The Science of Architecture and Engineering, and AP Computer Science Principles. Additionally, we are excited to continue to grow our already exceptional science offerings with a Forensic Science class this year and to give our freshmen an opportunity to take an AP class for the first time by offering AP Human Geography.

All of these changes continue to enhance what is already an incredible high school experience for our students. As you will see in this issue, we had a distinguished class of graduates in May and I know you will be as impressed as I am by the four students highlighted in this issue.

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The success of our students is not just in the classroom, but across disciplines and activities, as illustrated by the success of junior Jake Ajamian ’20 who last year, as a sophomore, won the best short documentary award at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, and the accomplishments of some truly spectacular athletes, including Julia Macubuhay ’18 and James Torrez ’18.

Along with all of the opportunities afforded our students here at La Salle, I know for so many of them, they love La Salle because of its community. And nowhere is the sense of community and school spirit on display better than at our annual Showdown. This year’s Showdown was an exciting night, where our students still had a fantastic time despite all of the outdoor activities being rained out. I hope you enjoy reading about it in this issue.

Like Showdown in the spring, the event that enables students to really show their school spirit, have fun and create memories in the fall is our annual Homecoming. If you have not been to La Salle in awhile, I encourage you to come out to our Homecoming game on October 5, 2018. We would love to have you in the stands cheering on our Lancers and catching up with your fellow alumni, friends and family. After all, you are not just a lancer the four years you attend La Salle, you are a Lancer for life.

GO LANCERS!

COURTNEY KASSAKHIAN PRINCIPAL

LA SALLE USHERS IN A NEW ERA WITH A

BOLD REDESIGN

BY: A. GIRKOUT

When you’re not proactive about telling your story, you allow other people to tell it for you, says Joseph Olender ’08, who is helping spearhead one of the most dynamic changes La Salle has seen in its 62-year history.

Olender, then a volunteer for the committee, suggested La Salle was facing a storytelling, identity, and perception challenge, not an advertising and marketing challenge. The committee agreed.

Olender is a Brand Strategist at Innovation Protocol (IP), a strategic brand consulting and design firm that helps organizations reconnect with and refine who they are and why they matter. Logos, slogans, and advertising campaigns are representative of a brand, but only scratch the surface.

“I’ve been involved with the school for many years and I love the school, but it was hard to put that experience into words,” said marketing committee co-chair and Board of Regents member Leigh Olivar P’12,’21. “It was a way of living, it was a way of teaching by example, but there was no script for it.”

“A brand is squishier than that. It’s an idea,” Olender said.

“It’s about ensuring the perception of an organization from inside its community matches the perception of it from the outside. We build bridges to close those gaps.”

Two years ago, La Salle President Dr. Richard Gray formed a marketing committee to bring attention to La Salle and make the school stand out among its many neighboring private schools, according to committee co-chair JR Ossman.

Devising such a script required rigorous research. IP examined La Salle’s communications— brochures, press, advertisements, and announcements—to see how its current vision manifested itself in words and photographs. But the most profound insights came from interviews with teachers, coaches, current students, alumni, board members and third-party education consultants.

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NEWS

“The goal is to uncover what we call authentic, uncelebrated truths,” Olender said. “In this case, things that are authentically valued about the school, but aren’t being celebrated.”

IP found what many Lancers will recognize as true: La Salle is valued by many people for diverse reasons. It’s a place that boasts exceptional academics; competitive, championshipcaliber athletic teams; an award winning Department of Arts and Media; enthusiasm for service; and vibrant student life. Students said La Salle was a place where you could try anything and pursue your passions. “We were all things to all people,” Olender said. “Without a singular story, it was hard for people to understand what made us unique.”

what they thought was important with what the school felt needed to be seen and heard.”

This new brand positioning also places renewed focus on the school’s roots: founder St. John Baptist de La Salle and the network of Lasallian schools worldwide. The updated crest honors 400 years of heritage and history and beckons toward the future.

“This takes the term ‘Lancer Pride’ and dials it up a notch,” Olivar said. “It’s bold but it’s classy and it has a lot of dignity but it also moves forward, and that’s where we are.”

The new brand positioning unifies those stories: La Salle is a place of exploration and discovery where young adults can find their path to excellence in high school and beyond.

In the coming months, La Salle and the greater Los Angeles community can expect to see elements of the new visual system and accompanying language online, in print, and across campus.

“The process that IP went through in order to develop this brand was amazing,” Ossman said. “They were patient with our feedback and ultimately, they were great at marrying

“This is La Salle. This is the story we’ve always wanted to tell,” Olender said. “I’m proud of what we’ve done and I’m excited to reintroduce La Salle to the public.”

The Crest:

The updated crest of La Salle College Preparatory is the primary visual identifier for the school and its academic programs.

It is a modern logo with ties to its history and previous Lasallian iteration of the round seal.

New Logo

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Old Logo

OrIginal Logo

Elements of Our Academic Mark:

The Colors:

La Salle’s colors, like its school culture, are deeply complex and valuable to the identity of the School. As such, the new colors are specially chosen to reflect the sophisticated, refined, and forward thinking direction of the School.

La Salle Blue

La Salle Red

Heritage Gold

Additional School Logos: Lancer Mark

La Salle Running

Legacy Mark

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ACADEMICS

SENIORS GRADUATE IN LA SALLE’S 59TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

This past May, La Salle High School graduated 146 seniors in a ceremony that took place at the First Church of the Nazarene, next door to La Salle. Isabella Marez ’18, magna cum laude, gave the Welcome Address and Mary Harmon ’18, summa cum laude, was chosen by the Faculty Commencement Committee

for the honor of delivering the Commencement Address. Principal Courtney Kassakhian and President Richard Gray presented each graduate with their diploma. Ninety-seven percent of La Salle’s graduating class will attend colleges or universities in the fall with 89% attending schools outside of California.

2018 SENIORS

BY THE NUMBERS

MAP DENOTES CLASS OF 2018 COLLEGE ATTENDANCE LOCATIONS

90/146 STUDENTS GRADUATED WITH HONORS • • • •

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32- CUM LAUDE 27- MAGNA CUM LAUDE 31- SUMMA CUM LAUDE 44 STUDENTS- ATTENDING COLLEGE WITH ONE OR MORE ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

LANCER MAGAZINE

11 STUDENTS RECEIVED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS • • • • • • •

2 BASEBALL 2 BASKETBALL 1 FOOTBALL 1 LACROSSE 1 SOCCER 1 SWIMMING 3 VOLLEYBALL

SENIOR

SPOTLIGHT BY: CASEY PONTRELLI ’12

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SENIOR

SPOTLIGHT

SAMUEL CHRISTOPHER CLASS OF 2018 Samuel Christopher ’18 has big dreams for the future, and La Salle has given him the tools to help him achieve them.

He says that La Salle’s core principles - especially inclusivity and diversity - are some of his main takeaways. La Salle has taught him how to be more friendly and social. He also said his teachers all encouraged independence and time management, fostering skills that will take him far into the future.

“La Salle has given me some really great opportunities that are going to help me in the coming years,” Samuel said. “Sometimes people have to wait until they’re in college to get these opportunities.”

Samuel’s main co-curricular was music, where he participated in the La Salle Advanced Band, the La Salle Jazz Band, and

various small ensembles for La Salle events and assemblies.

He is an accomplished performer and composer, and loved having the opportunity to premiere some of his pieces in concert and perform as well. He plays the double bass and piano but his main focus is composing. With support from both Ms. Smith and Dr. Lucas, he wrote two pieces for La Salle Ensembles: Verona (2017) for the Advanced Band and Reflections (2018) for the Advanced Band, String Ensemble, and Choir. He conducted this piece in front of the student body and special guests at Senior Presentation and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

His favorite class was Ms. Gibson’s AP Calculus A/B class. He liked how organized the class was and how approachable Ms. Gibson was. Her availability to discuss more difficult concepts after class really fostered Samuel’s interest in the subject. He was awarded the Robert “Bob” Alcorn Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Liberal Arts, the Francis Bacon Arts Scholar Award, and the 21st Century Award his junior year, and upon graduating, was inducted into the Instrumental Music Hall of Fame, the General Merit Award, Merit Awards in Social Studies and English, and was named both the Math and Science Scholar and the Visual and Performing Arts Scholar. Samuel graduated La Salle summa cum laude with a 4.469 GPA, the second highest cumulative grade point average in the class. He is attending Yale University and majoring in music.

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Advanced Band 9,10,11,12 California Scholarship Federation 10,11,12 Improvisation Club 12 Jazz Band 11,12 LEAP 11,12 Music for the Masses 12 National Honors Society 10,11,12 Science National Honors Society 12 Science Outreach 9,10,11

CRISTINA DE LA CRUZ CLASS OF 2018 Cristina de la Cruz ’18 has learned a lot during her time at La Salle, including the importance of diversity; not only in the student body, but also in the ability to express different ideas and opinions. “Apart from the basic stuff like hard work and perseverance, I think one of the most important things La Salle taught me about was developing my own beliefs,” Cristina said.

Cristina also developed a real interest and curiosity for learning during her time at La Salle. “I enjoyed the way classes were structured and that each class allowed for open discussions about the issues that affected me, my classmates, and the world,” said Cristina. While she enjoyed all her classes, her favorites were AP U.S. History and AP Biology. Both classes solidified her interest and passion for life sciences and social issues.

Cristina was one of the founding members of La Salle’s Academic Decathlon and a member of the World Scholar’s Cup. Her junior year, she and her World Scholar’s Cup team participated in the Houston regional round, placing third.

This gave her the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to compete in the 2017 Global round. She and her teammates, Raphael Navarro ’18 and Kriztina Espinosa ’18, placed 10th overall. Individually, Cristina placed third.

This led her to the Tournament of Champions, held at Yale University in the fall of her senior year, where she placed in the top five percent. Cristina says these experiences were life-changing.

Cristina was involved in class council all four years and was elected the Science National Honors Society president her senior year. At graduation, she was awarded the General Excellence Award and Liberal Arts Scholar Award, the Excellence Award in English and Social Studies, the Merit Award in Science, and the National AP Scholar Award.

Cristina graduated summa cum laude, with a cumulative 4.611 GPA, the highest cumulative grade point average in the class, and will pursue a major in human biology at Stanford University.

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Academic Decathlon 9,10,11,12 Class Council 9,10,11,12 LEAP 10,11,12 National Arts Honors Society 11,12 Rho Kappa 12 Science National Honors Society 11,12 Science Outreach 10,11,12 Senior Senate 12 Student Advisory 12 Student Ambassadors 11,12

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SENIOR

SPOTLIGHT

ANTHONY BECERRA CLASS OF 2018 During his time at La Salle, Anthony Becerra ’18 has learned

The Addams Family, My Favorite Year, Tiger at the Gates

the importance of entering to learn and leaving to serve. La

and a primary role in Nice Work if You Can Get It. He was

Salle gave him the opportunity to really dive into the social

also the Lead Tenor in the Concert Choir and Lead Student

scene and learn a lot about the diversity within the La Sallian

Ambassador. Anthony was a member of the CSF and NHS

Community. “La Salle is in a really cool position,” Anthony

and received the hall of fame for Theatre and merit award

said. “It’s super racially and economically diverse, and

for the performing arts.

it’s co-ed. So you’re meeting people from everywhere in LA, with totally different backgrounds. This is very similar to

His favorite class was AP Economics with Mr. Haderlein. One

what the real world is like.”

of his favorite things was the small class size, which allowed him to engage in more open and fluid conversations with

Anthony joined La Salle his sophomore year and certainly

students and his teacher. “The class always felt on-track,

made the most of his time there. He was heavily involved

but we were also able to go on tangents and talk about real

in the theatre program, with lead roles in Into the Woods,

world applications of what we were learning. It also helps that Mr. Haderlein is a funny guy,” said Anthony.

He graduated La Salle summa cum laude with a cumulative GPA of 4.15 and is attending Santa Clara University where he is majoring in economics and finance.

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California Scholarship Federation 11,12 Chorus 11,12 Dance 11 Homecoming Court 12 Honor Roll 10,11,12 Lancer Television 10,11 Music for the Masses 11,12 National Honors Society 11,12 Science Outreach 11,12 Senior Gift Committee 12 Student Ambassadors 11,12 Theatre 10,11,12

MARY HARMON CLASS OF 2018 At La Salle College Preparatory, Mary Harmon ’18 has learned what her interests and passions are, and what it takes to follow them.

“The main thing La Salle taught me was how to get involved and how to pursue things that I’m passionate about,” Mary said.

She has pursued her love of music through choir and theatre, specifically productions such as Nice Work if You Can Get It, My Favorite Year, The Addams Family, and Into the Woods.

She’s been able to follow her passion for her faith through the Spiritual Life Team and Student Life Team.

Mary says La Salle has prepared her for the rigor of college classes and real life. She feels like her teachers never took it too easy on her and her fellow classmates. “Teachers

were always really nurturing, but they taught us what the future is going to be like as well,” Mary said. “Teachers would regularly say, this is what college is going to be like, so you should get used to it” Mary loves math and says her time in Ms. Gibson’s Calculus class really solidified her decision to major in finance. She also really enjoyed her time in Chorus with Dr. Lucas, where she got to sing and perform with her friends. She said her favorite days were when she had both Calculus and Chorus, because she got to challenge herself in two of her favorite ways.

Mary was chosen by the Faculty Commencement Committee for the honor of delivering the Commencement Address.

She was admitted to the Choir hall of fame and received the 2018 Archdiocese Christian Service Award, Pro Deo et Patria award and the Merit Award in Religious Studies.

She graduated summa cum laude with a 4.1 cumulative GPA and is attending Santa Clara University, majoring in finance and minoring in music.

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Chamber Choir 9,10,11,12 LEAP 10,11,12 Music For the Masses 10,11,12 National Honors Society 10,11,12 Retreat Leader 11,12 Science National Honors Society 11,12 Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica 11,12 Student Ambassador 11,12 Student Life 11,12 Support Our Troops Club 9,10,11,12 Theatre 9,10,11,12 Volleyball 9,10,11

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MAKING A

DIFFERENCE

THE RIGHT MEDICINE BY: VANESSA STROUSE-KENNEY ’97

Today, California’s homeless population has grown to more than 134,000 people. While the state grapples for ways to fix the problem, one La Salle Alumnus has spent much of his life trying to find a solution.

Dr. Michael Cousineau’s ’70 original dream was to become a geneticist. But as is often the case with life, his plan took a detour. He attended UC Berkeley and received his bachelor’s in biochemistry and genetics and began working as a geneticist at Caltech. Early on though, he realized he had the desire to work in health care and help those with less access to affordable health care options. He was surprised by the inequality in the health care sector in the U.S. and he wanted to change that.

Driven by wanting to make a difference, Dr. Cousineau left Caltech and opened his own free medical clinic in Pasadena.

That decision did not come without criticism, with some arguing that health care should be available to hard working citizens first. “For me, public health is seeing health as a matter of social justice and belief that health care is a human right. We have to not look at it like who’s getting what. We spend enough money in health care so we should ask what we can do to transform the health care system to one that benefits everyone.

We have to do it in a way that’s affordable,” says Dr. Cousineau.

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After receiving his Masters and Doctorate from the UCLA School of Public Health, he continued looking for ways to change the system. One of his focuses was identifying a need for health care within the homeless population. For six years, Dr. Cousineau lead a non-profit organization called Health Care For The Homeless, whose main goal was to mobilize efforts to bring health care services and other programs to the homeless in Los Angeles and throughout the United States. This organization was part of a nationwide demonstration project funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and later, the U.S. Government, to determine best practices in providing health care services to the homeless. As a result of this project, there are over 200 national programs providing health and mental health services to homeless individuals and their families.

After 12 years in the field, where he worked with the homeless on Skid row and in other parts of California, Dr. Cousineau transitioned into academics. He built a career in community health research at the University of Southern California, focusing

on studies in public health in California and Los Angeles, as well as, in other counties including Panama and the Philippines. His research took place first in the School of Public Administration and later at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, where he is currently Professor.

Even while teaching, Dr. Cousineau continued to be very active in the research community, leading a study for the Weingart Foundation on access to care for the homeless in Los Angeles.

His research was highly regarded and led to a $15 million investment to help get medical assistance to homeless people on Skid Row. “My research has focused on efforts to address the social determinants of health, improve access to health care for those who face obstacles to get the care they need. In a society as wealthy as ours, it’s inconceivable that so many can’t get the help they need even though we spend almost twice as much, if not more, than any other developed nation in the world.”

Dr. Cousineau credits his desire to help the less fortunate to his time at La Salle.

“I attribute my philosophical view that ‘health care is a human right’ to my religious education at La Salle and the commitment of the instructors going back to my freshman year to a broader approach to Christian Education.”

While attending La Salle, he participated in Glee club and performed at the Spring Showcase’s production of the counter culture musical hit Hair, under the direction of Brother Harold Frank. “At the time, the war in Vietnam and civil rights dominated the social and political scene in the United States and discussion and orientation helped shape much of what I do today. La Salle helped me become a critical thinker, a skill I brought to my undergraduate and graduate education, and that which I try to instill in my students,” said Dr. Cousineau.

Program, and directs the MD MPH Program. Dr. Cousineau has written nearly 100 publications and book chapters, reports, and has overseen almost $13 Million in research supported by federal and private sponsors.

As California’s homeless population continues to rise, the task of finding a solution can be daunting. He admits that there is no perfect solution. “I’m enormously disappointed we haven’t fixed this homeless problem. People think it’s an intractable problem but I think we can do it. I’m just really disappointed that the politics have taken over and we haven’t fixed it. I think it’s possible, though, if we look at other cities like New York, Salt Lake City, and Nashville who have done a much better job of providing housing for the homeless,” said Dr. Cousineau.

For him, the energy and hope he sees in his students is what keeps him going. “Interacting with young health professionals who have new ideas is the best part of my job. I get to spend hours and days with bright energetic people who are full of life and optimism.

It doesn’t get any better,” says Dr. Cousineau.

His advice for La Salle students and recent grads, “Find a career and a job where you are surrounded by dedicated, hard working but fun loving people who want to make a difference. Interact with a wide range of people including those who may see the world differently. But engage with civility and respect and look for common ground. Take the opportunity to teach others. Foremost, take care of yourselves, your families and friends.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS FUNDED BY: • • • • • • • •

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services The U.S. Health Services and Services Administration The California Endowment The Office of Minority Health Blue Shield Foundation The California Healthcare Foundation The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

PUBLISHED IN: • • • • • •

Health Affairs Medical Care Public Health Reports The American Journal of Public Health Academic Medicine Health Services Research

Dr. Cousineau continues to successfully juggle his research and teaching responsibilities at USC. He has taught over 800 students, teaches medical students in the Masters in Public Health

15

AMAZING

LANCERS

FAME ON THE FIRST TAKE BY: DOMENIC OLMEDA

In the world of show business, only a select few are fortunate enough to get their feet in the door—and usually only after years of trial and error. Jake Ajamian ’20, however, managed to cross the threshold on the first try with his debut short film Corazón Cubano, which won Best Short Documentary at the Beverly Hills Film Festival earlier this year.

The win itself came as a surprise to Ajamian and his family, as his film was originally nominated for the festival’s Student category. “I was just happy to be among the other filmmakers,” he says, “Then, out of nowhere, they announced the winner for Best Short Documentary, and we were all in shock.”

Out of 10 other short documentaries—which were professionally made and boasted big budgets—Ajamian’s film took the award, and the success has galvanized his passion for filmmaking: “It means everything to me as a filmmaker,” he says, “It shows that my work can compete against professional filmmakers.”

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LANCER MAGAZINE

His first short film, Corazón Cubano chronicles the story of Ajamian’s grandfather, who, after spending decades in exile, returns to Cuba to visit his dying brother and reconnect with the homeland he fled from during the Cuban revolution.

The film itself features VHS footage from the trip Ajamian’s grandparents took with his mother Adriana Blanco Ajamian, who originally wrote the film while Jake directed and edited it.

While the Ajamians completed the film outside of school, Jake reached out to La Salle Lancer Television instructor Charlie Guillen ’94, P’22 to help get his film contest-ready.

“We had to shorten the runtime of the film, and he [Guillien] helped me get rid of scenes that really didn’t need to be there,” he says. “He taught me a lot of about keeping the essential information in the film, even when it’s difficult sacrificing favorite scenes,” he adds.

The win at the Beverly Hills Film Festival might be Ajamian’s

highest accolade so far, but his greatest experience came on the film’s premiere night, which fell on his grandfather’s birthday. “I was afraid to show it to people because of what their reactions could have been,” he says, “but, when the credits started to roll, we received a standing ovation, and I looked at my grandfather and my mother, and we all smiled. It was probably the best experience I’ ve ever had.”

With four contest wins under their belts so far, Ajamian and his mother intend to create a short film each year leading up to college, as well as a feature-length film further down the road. Ajamian has great ambitions going forward, and through it all, he prioritizes staying true to himself and his vision as a filmmaker. “I was always afraid to make films because of what other people might think, but you should make them anyway,” he says, “Tell your story and don’t let others stop you.”

To see the trailer for Corazon Cubano, go to: www.esplendidoproductions.com

RAPID FIRE Favorite Movie: School of Rock Favorite Director: Steven Spielberg Favorite Actor: Jack Nicholson Favorite actress: Meryl Streep Favorite movie of 2018: Hereditary!

Favorite TV show: The Walking Dead Netflix or Hulu: Netflix Favorite show to binge on: Narcos Favorite film composer: John Williams

17

LANCER

ARTS

LA SALLE ARTISTRY ON DISPLAY BY: DR. JUDE LUCAS

In Spring 2018, La Salle’s Department of Arts and Media celebrated their bi-annual Advanced Placement Art Show where members of the AP Art program showcased their artwork. Spring semester brought a celebration of the culmination of student work and focus. Roughly 120 people attended the garden-party event which was hosted by Darcy and Craig Sloan P’09, ’11 at their home in Altadena.

The AP Studio Art class’s 12 seniors completed 24 works focusing on issues such as homelessness, global warming, care of the planet and women’s identities, to name a few.

Twelve works were created within a student selected focus, highlighting an understating of design and the principles and elements of design, known as the BREATHE section.

This was followed with an additional 12 works, CONCENTRATION, where students delved deeper into the subject matter. The Arts and Media Department has a vibrant and award winning Advanced Placement Studio Art Program. AP Art is a course offered for the College Board and allows students to examine major forms of artistic expression, articulate their thoughts and experiences and explore creativity as students become independent thinkers, contributing to art and culture. AP Studio Art Students support their work with comprehensive writing and reflection.

Join us in celebrating the artistry present at La Salle by attending the fall or spring AP Art show. For complementary tickets and show dates, please visit www.lasallehs.org.

For more photos of the event: 18

LANCER MAGAZINE

LANCER

PRIDE

LANCER PRIDE IN FULL FORCE BY: ED O’CONNOR P’16, P’17

This year’s 2018 Showdown Event brought together students, parents and alumni and did not disappoint. Showdown is an opportunity for Lancers to show their school pride and compete in an evening of fierce, but friendly, competition.

Seniors (green), juniors (pink), sophomores (purple) and freshman (pink) all compete to win the coveted Showdown Cup, a trophy displayed in the school building year-round.

The days Pregame activities included a barbecue, inflatable games, and getting each other pumped up for the main event.

Once the students were assembled, each class entered the gym in an electrifying display of colorful and creative outfits.

A deafening roar echoed through the gym as the packed bleachers went crazy cheering on their team. This years events included Hungry Hungry Hippo, Zorb Ball, Knockout, and Towel Tug to name a few. After some tough competition, the senior class pulled off the win. Next year’s competition will take place on May 17, 2019.

For more photos of the event:

19

LANCER

SPORTS

A NEW ERA FOR

LANCER SPORTS MARC HERNANDEZ, M.ED, CAA NAMED LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS.

understand what’s going on internally. We need to look at ourselves internally, and figure out how we’re going to grow.”

“Today marks a new era in La Salle’s Athletics program, and I am proud that our School will be continuing our strong student athlete programs and will be led by our new forward-thinking director,” said Dr. Richard Gray, La Salle’s President. “I could not be more enthusiastic about Marc’s appointment as he brings extensive experience, leadership, and vision to the position.”

La Salle currently has 24 Varsity sports teams and Hernandez is excited to be involved in each one. “To be chosen as the Director of Athletics of a prestigious, academic institution like La Salle is truly an honor. I look forward to the opportunity to continue the growth of La Salle’s athletic program and setting forth a new direction,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez previously served as an English teacher at La Salle but will now focus on his new role full-time. Prior to joining La Salle, Hernandez was Athletic Director at Saint Paul High School where he was also the Dean of Students and an Assistant Admissions Director. Additionally, Hernandez coached at Woodrow Wilson High School, and was both a teacher and coach at Salesian High School and Cathedral High School in Los Angeles.

A native of Los Angeles, and an outstanding football player at Saint Paul High School, Hernandez was an All-League offensive and defensive player. Hernandez continued his playing career at Central College in Iowa where he played for legendary coach Ron “Skip” Schipper. Hernandez was a member of the 1996 All-American Bowl team.

Hernandez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at

Hernandez has big plans for La Salle’s athletic program. “It’s important to have a year of evaluation and assessment to see where everyone is at. There are a lot of times schools try to measure themselves against other schools and they don’t

Central College, in Iowa and a Master of Arts, Education – Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

RAPID FIRE: MARC HERNANDEZ Favorite Sport: All Sports. I will watch any sporting event as long as it is competitive.

Favorite Sports Team: University of Michigan Wolverines Favorite Player: My Son Favorite Coach: Ron Schipper (Central College) 20

LANCER MAGAZINE

If you could have dinner with anyone (sports related) who would it be and why: Ron Schipper. He was my college football coach. He passed away in 2006. He gave me an opportunity to attend and play for Central College. I wouldn’t have earned my degree, if not for the opportunity he afforded me. I would just like to have dinner with him to thank him, let him know everything turned out ok.

Favorite moment in sports: Too many to pick just one!

Julia Macabuhay ’18 Senior Julia Macabuhay ’18 was named one of the recipients of the John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year Award. This award is presented to the most valuable basketball player in each of the five California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section divisions.

“It was a huge honor to receive such an incredible award.

I knew there were so many other great athletes in our division, so to be chosen was very humbling,” stated Macabuhay.

Previous local athletes to be awarded the High School Player of the Year Award include, Lonzo Ball, Andre Miller, Alexis Lowden, and Ghelsey Gipson.

Additionally, Julia also earned the Philip Clarke Athlete of the Year Award and was inducted into La Salle’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Julia has earned an athletic scholarship to the University of California San Diego and will play basketball for the Tritons in the fall.

James Torrez ’18 Senior James Torrez ’18 was named to La Salle’s 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame for Swimming and received the 2018 Brother Desales Athletic Achievement Award. Torrez finished his prep career with CIF Southern Section Division 4 individual swimming titles in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke.

Torrez earned six first-place medals in his high school career after winning the 100 butterfly and backstroke events in each of his final three seasons.

He qualified for CIF State Championships three years in a row (’18, ’17, ’16).

Torrez has earned an athletic scholarship to George Washington University.

21

LANCER SPORTS

LA SALLE’S NEW ACE ON THE COURT SHERI IWATANI HAS BEEN NAMED LANCER’S HEAD GIRLS VOLLEYBALL COACH. “I’m excited to partner with Shari and entrust her with our girls’ volleyball program. Shari’s experience, knowledge, and athletic network will be vital to the continued growth and success of our team. With her impeccable reputation, she will be a valued asset to our Girls’ Volleyball program,” said Marc Hernandez, La Salle High School’s Director of Athletics.

Coach Iwatani’s experience includes serving as head coach of San Gabriel Elite Volleyball, Varsity assistant coach at Flintridge Prep Academy and Varsity Head Coach at Pasadena High School. Additionally, she was Head Coach and Director of Operations at Arroyo Volleyball Club.

“I’m very proud to be a part of a school that has a great reputation for core values and a winning volleyball tradition,” said Iwatani.

LA SALLE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

LANCER ATHLETICS WEEKEND THURSDAY, NOV. 22ND

SATURDAY, NOV. 24TH

10:00am Alumni Flag Football Tournament

10:00am Co-Ed Alumni Soccer Tournament

Kohorst Field

Kohorst Field

FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY AT www.lancernetwork.com and click on the Events Calendar or contact the Alumni Office at alumni@lasallehs.org or 626.696.4362.

GET MORE SPORTS NEWS HERE: www.lasallelancers.org FOR MORE SPORTS PHOTOS: 22

LANCER MAGAZINE

11:00am Co-Ed Alumni Water Polo Game Arcadia County Park

5:30pm/7:00pm Alumni Basketball Game Duffy Lewis Gymnasium Alums take on JV @ 5:30pm & Varsity @7:00pm (Priority playing time in the JV Game given to alums who graduated before 2013. Former La Salle Basketball Coach Steve Goldstein will serve as the Alumni Coach)

LANCER EDUCATORS

A NEW CHAPTER FOR LONG-TIME LA SALLE TEACHER

After 21 years at La Salle, Ms. Jane Osick moved to upstate New York to work with the Farm Sanctuary organization, a cause dear to her. A beloved English Teacher, French teacher, Mock Trial Moderator, Club Moderator, Interim Dean, and academic advisor, she will be missed by many.

When referencing this new chapter in her life, Ms. Osick says, “Although working at Farm Sanctuary may seem like a big change, there are really so many overlaps with teaching. As the Visitor Experience Manager, I’ll be using many of the skills I developed at La Salle to educate our visitors and to train the tour guides in the art of public speaking. I’m really looking forward to exploring all those overlaps and, of course, to hanging out with the animals.

My colleagues gave me the best going-away present by sponsoring Ash, one of the sheep here, for a year, so every time I’m out in the sheep barn, a little bit of La Salle is with me.”

Ms. Osick pictured with Ash 23

LANCER EDUCATORS

LASALLIAN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR The 2018 Lasallian Educator of the Year award was presented to Mr. Rand Laird during the Founder’s Day celebration.

The Lasallian Educator of the Year is given annually to a faculty, staff member or administrator, chosen by their peers, who exemplifies the qualities of Saint La Salle.

In his 10 years at La Salle, Mr. Laird has held the titles of English teacher, English department chair, associate summer school director, LEAP coordinator, sophomore class moderator and has twice been recognized with the Signum Fidei Award. Principal Courtney Kassakhian had this to say, “He goes above and beyond to show care and support to his students. He is an example to them in his integrity and commitment to learning.”

DR. DOUG RYNERSON MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD After 13 years of teaching at La Salle College Preparatory, Dr. Doug Rynerson has taken a position at Fullerton School District as a STEAM Program Specialist and will oversee their STEAM program.

As the Director of the STEAM program at La Salle, Dr. Rynerson was responsible for adopting and implementing STEAM and personally led the roll-out of this successful program.

Dr. Rynerson also oversaw the Lancer Digital Film and Television (LTV) program, Innovation and Design courses, and taught math including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics. Of his time at La Salle, Dr. Rynerson says, “I enjoyed helping students discover talents where they did not expect to find them.”

Dr. Rynerson has left an indelible mark on La Salle and will be greatly missed. The Lasallian Community wishes him all the best in his future endeavors!

24

LANCER MAGAZINE

CRYSTAL BALL 2018 BY: KEIRA WIGHT ’12

25

More than 200 members of the La Salle College Preparatory

Rettig, P’19, Ellen Radle, P’17, and a 15-member committee.

community gathered at the Noor, in Pasadena, to celebrate the

The event featured a silent and live auction which included a

19th Annual Crystal Ball Gala. The event, a Rock ’n’ Roll Sock Hop,

trip to Hawaii, luxury Staples Center and Dodgers Stadium

honored Joe Lumarda, P’14, as the 2018 Lasallian of the Year.

experience, and a puppy named Lancer.

Lumarda serves as the Senior Vice President and Investment Counselor for Capital Group’s Private Client Services Division and

The Crystal Ball is La Salle’s biggest fundraiser of the year,

maintains a prominent role on La Salle’s Board of Regents. His

with proceeds from the evening going to support the school’s

son, Malone, graduated from La Salle in 2014.

academic, athletic, arts, and financial aid programs.

This year’s event was co-chaired by Cheryl Allen, P’20, Suzy

For more photos of the event:

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LANCER MAGAZINE

27

ALUMNI

CLASS

NOTES

1968

ranging in age from 1 to 18 and live

Hills. He is currently Grand Knight

in San Marcos.

of Council 3601 of the Knights of

teaching, coaching and working

James Stewart has been practicing

Legion of Mary at Our Lady of the

as an administrator in k-12 private

internal medicine for 37 years in

Valley Parish. He has two children

schools. He and his wife have two

Alhambra. He and his wife Emma

and three grandchildren.

grown children, 5 grandchildren

have three children and reside in

and reside in Austin, TX.

Arcadia.

Columbus and Vice President of the

Stephen Balak has spent his career

Michael Porter has retired after several is

still

practicing

careers

in

warehouse

Tom Romano has been a State Farm

John Krouse

insurance agent in Alhambra since

cardiology full time in Danville. He

and paralegal work. He and his

1975 and keeps busy supporting

and his wife Mary have been married

wife Susan have been married for

Catholic causes. He is the Capital

for 45 years, have three grown

30 years, have one grown daughter

Campaign Chair for the Cathedral

children and three grandchildren.

and reside in Sacramento.

management,

advertising,

sales

of Our Lady of Angels and a board member for the Catholic Education

Alexander

Trost

is

the

principal

Foundation. He and his wife have been married for 46 years, have

child and adolescent psychiatry,

firm, creating luxurious residential

three

seven

psychothearpy and family therapy.

interiors. He has served on the Board

San

He eventually became a professor

of Directors of the Philharmonic

at Catholic University in Cologne,

Society of Orange County and the

Germany and retired from teaching

AIDS Service Foundation of Orange

of

in 2016. He continues to run his

County. He and his partner Lee

his career working at Beckman

own private practice specializing

reside in Laguna Beach.

Instruments as a production and

in children and adolescents in

inventory analyst making medical

foster care or institutional care.

John Moe has been an attorney for

instruments.

He

daughters,

43 years and is currently a partner

been

one granddaughter with more on

at Dentons US LLP in Los Angeles.

community service and he has

the way and switches residences

He currently serves on La Salle’s

been involved at the leadership

between Aachen in the west of

Board of Regents, is a Boy Scouts

level with numerous organizations

Germany and Schwangau in the

Scoutmaster and a board member

including the California Jaycees,

south throughout the year.

of the Notre Dame Club of Los

grandchildren

and

live

in

Marino.

Duffy

Dignam

throughout

spent

His his

most

main life

interest

has

has

two

grown

Angeles. He has two grown children

Lions International, the Porterville Alcohol Abuse Recovery Center,

Gerry Spurbeck spent 35 years with

and E Clampus Vitus, a California

Bosch until he retired in 2012. He

historical society. He currently sits

now lives in wine country where he

Michael Healy teaches philosophy

on the board of the Citrus South

does winery tours and has learned

fulltime at Franciscan University

Tule Independent Ditch Company.

to care for a pocket vineyard of his

of Steubenville on the BA and MA

He and his wife Jane have three

own.

levels. He and his wife Maria have

and resides in La Canada.

five grown children, 11 grandkids

children and reside in Porterville.

Jeff Wright spent 42 years in the

and reside in Ohio.

Tom Iarossi is retired from the Army

beer, wine and liquor industry. He

but between and among his military

and his wife Eliie have been married

Gary Pohlson has been a judge in

career he was a sales manager

for 44 years and live in Woodland,

Orange County for two years after

and corporate trainer for over 30

CA. They have three grown children

working as a District Attorney and

years. In his retirement he has been

and two granddaughters so far.

in private practice. He and his wife have been married for 44 years,

focused on teaching, bicycling and

28

John Benecke

interior designer of his own design

daughters,

specializing

a in

grown

doctor,

became

medical

politics. He and his wife Patty have

Michael Cotter is a retired attorney

have three children and reside in

three daughters, three grandsons

and lives with his wife Elaine in West

Laguna Niguel.

LANCER MAGAZINE

John Sloss

has

retired

after 40

years in printing management with six different companies. He is now focused on woodworking as a hobby through the Kansas City Woodworkers’ Guild. John and his wife Kathy reside in Overland Park, KS and have two grown daughters.

1970 Richard

Tres

has

After 16 years, Brian Gerritsen ’87 and Werner Garciano ’87 ran into each other at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, both were on their way to the Bay Area. Brian was on his way home and Werner was on his way to visit family. written

and

published a book titled The Man

Theology. She continued at Creighton for medical school and completed an internship in Internal Medicine at the Resurrection Medical Center.

She completed her residency as Chief Resident in Dermatology at Rush

University

Medical

School

then continued as a Fellow of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Procedural Dermatology at the University of California Davis Medical Center. Tracy There was an impromptu gathering of alumni from the ’70s in July at North Woods Inn which included, back row, l to r: Pierre Dupuy ’77, Mark Rettig ’77, P’07, Mike Marlatt ’75, Wayne Avajian ’77. Front row, l to r: Scott Rettig ’74, Chuck Adams ’74 and John Foran ’74.

Without a Party: The Trials of Carl von Ossietzky (The Weimar People Series Book 1).

1975

Terence Kelly is a partner with Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Palo Alto.

continued her journey in the world

1997

Tracy Campbell is a board certified dermatologist

who

is

fellowship-

trained in Mohs micrographic and reconstructive

surgery,

cutaneous

oncology, and laser and cosmetic surgery. Tracy attended

Creighton

University in Omaha, Nebraska where

of academia and currently works as

she graduated summa cum laude

Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at

with a BS in Biology and a BA in

the UIC College of Medicine.

Ryan Konrad ’15 (son of Adam Konrad ’87) and Bhavesh Patel ’87 are pictured together at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon. Ryan, a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in PGA Golf Management/ Sports Management, interned at the resort for the summer while Bhavesh was there on holiday.

1998

Elizabeth (Davis) Toth works as a senior partnerships lead at Google and lives in Marin County. She gave birth to her third child, Sawyer Joseph Toth, on June 27, 2018. Sawyer joins big sister Sydney (4) and brother Spencer (2).

29

Mark Dizon has been running Netflix IT

for external consumer and business

cultural reporting and criticism at

for the Europe, Middle East and Africa

audiences

NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism

regions (EMEA) since 2015. He and his

professional

wife Cristina live in Amsterdam, the

portfolio, while

headquarters for Netflix EMEA, and

enhancing team partnerships and

Amara Blades is starting her first year

have enjoyed traveling to as many

total health engagement program

of law school at the University of San

countries as they can.

components. His previous role at

Francisco.

across

KP’s

sports

diverse

partnership

also focusing

on

Kaiser Permanente was with Northern

2002

Institute.

California’s External & Community Affairs team. Prior to joining Kaiser

2013

is

working

as

an

Derek Pedersen is a deputy sheriff

Permanente, Ben worked five seasons

with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s

with the Championship Golden State

applications

Department assigned to the Rancho

Warriors where he managed the team’s

Miyachi America in Monrovia. She

Cucamonga

his

community wellness initiatives and

earned

the

successfully elevated team visibility,

in

client partnerships and sponsorship

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in

activations. Ben graduated from Holy

2017.

K9

station.

Smokey

were

He

and

awarded

Brianna Barta

her

engineer

for

Bachelor

Mechanical

of

Amada Science

Engineering

from

Names University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and his Master’s degree in Marketing. He is excited to be returning to Southern California with his fiancé after calling the Bay Area

2014

Rob Snodgrass

will

graduate

in

December from Fort Lewis College in

home for the past decade.

2010

Marco Suarez works as an enterprise account manager for NationBuilder.

He graduated with a BA from UC International Footprint Association’s

Santa Cruz in 2015.

Officers of the Year award on May 8, 2018.

Erika

Polanco

is starting her

2005

first

year

of

medical school

Durango, CO with a BA in Psychology

Emily (Cairns) Roffe-Silvester has

at Wayne State

and a minor in Adventure Education.

returned back to the UK after 3 years

University

Rob has been trained as a ranger and

in Australia. She has set up her own

Detroit, MI.

business as a doula and placenta encapsulator, Devon & Somerset Birth Support. www.dsbirthsupport.com

in

2012

Kyle Brumm is starting his last year of

Scout Ranch in New Mexico. As Scouts were absent due to fire danger, Rob spent the summer doing TSI (timber stand

improvement)

along

with

Ben Clyde has accepted an offer

law school at the University of Virginia.

with Kaiser Permanente’s National

He served as a summer associate

Advertising, Sports Marketing Division

with Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in

located in Southern California. In

New York.

graduation, Rob plans to go into the

integral role in the implementation

Connor Duffey is moving to New York

for an outdoor program like OpenSky

and execution of brand experiences

City to be a graduate student studying

or NOLS Outward Bound.

this position, Benjamin will play an

30

conservationist at the Philmont Boy

LANCER MAGAZINE

selective logging for fire restoration and other conservation work. After field of wilderness therapy and work

2015

Alex Stamos was the ace pitcher for Principia College where he won

2016

magazine. She is also a member of the

Samantha Hardy has been accepted

a student-led national organization

to be a research assistant with the

that plans, fundraises, and facilitates

USC Child Interviewing Lab in the

a weeklong summer camp program

Gould School of Law at USC. She will

benefitting children affected by a

be spending the fall semester of her

parent’s cancer. Off campus, Maddy

junior year assisting with forensic

served as a student consultant for

interviewing.

a UC Berkeley alumni-led theater

UC Berkeley chapter of Camp Kesem,

production that opened this past the honor of SLIAC 2nd Team All

Maddy Malicdem is the literary editor

Conference and also won the school’s

of {M}AGANDA MAGAZINE, Berkeley’s

Cy Young Award.

Filipino-American

literary

June.

arts

FAMILY Sherry Kalra ’96 welcomed a new addition, Maya Grace Lakhani, on April 27, 2018.

Coreena Salazar ’09 got engaged to Bronson Algie on May 19, 2018. The couple is planning an August 2019 wedding.

Catherine Cahill ’06 and her husband, Chris Copping, welcomed their first baby, son Wyatt Matthew Copping, on October 13, 2017.

Catherine and Chris met their senior year of high school at St. Francis High School, where Chris attended. Catherine graduated from UC Irvine and received a masters degree from Chapman University. They have been married since 2013. Catherine worked at Stanford University Graduate School of Business as a special events planner prior to moving to New York City last year where they now reside.

Mary Jo (Alexander) Pruitt ’00 and her husband, Jesse, welcomed a baby boy, Trae Robinson Pruitt, on April 13, 2018 weighing 8lbs., 6oz. and 213⁄4 in. long. Trae is pictured with his sisters Gisele (5) and Paige (21⁄2).

31

ALUMNI

GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS Carol Davis ’02

Robert Williams ’06

Carol Davis ’02 earned a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the University of La Verne earlier this year. She has also completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training (RYT-200), and plans to integrate this into her work as a mental health professional.

Robert Williams ’06 received a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco, and has started working at the Tides Foundation.

Vicky Nguyen ’08

Mariana Henry ’12

Vicky Nguyen ’08 recently graduated summa cum laude from the Daniel. K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a BA in Pharmacy Studies.

She previously attended the University of California, San Diego for her undergraduate studies where she received a BS in Human Biology and a BA in Psychology.

Vicky is currently working as a full time pharmacist in the Pasadena area.

Chelsea Kennedy ’11 graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary’s College in May and is now working as a Cardiothoracic ICU nurse at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

Madolyn McGregor ’13

Tom Bent ’14

Mariana Henry ’12 graduated in May from Yale University with a Master of Public Health in Chronic Disease Ezpidemiology. While at Yale, Mariana started Yale’s first heart disease awareness campaign during American Heart Month, and served as a clinic director for a student-run clinic in New Haven. She also did research on cardiac toxicity from cancer therapies, as well as on the intersection between homelessness and Type 2 Diabetes. Her research has recently been published. Mariana is now working as a researcher at Yale-New Haven Hospital while applying for her next degree.

Madolyn McGregor ’13 graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a BA in CommunicationsDigital Cinema on May 12, 2018. She has moved to Florida to participate in the Disney College Program and from there is hoping to get a job within the Walt Disney Entertainment/Television Group.

Vanessa Boull’t ’14

Duncan Breda ’14

Tesia Meza ’13 graduated from Cal State Northridge with a degree in theatre earlier this year.

Tom Bent ’14 graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UC Santa Cruz on June 17, 2018.

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Vanessa Boull’t ’14 graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from San Diego State University in May. Duncan Breda ’14 graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas on May 12, 2018 with a BA in Criminology. His future plans include working for a federal law enforcement agency.

Francesca Burch ’14 graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communications Art and a minor in philosophy. She plans on moving to Portland to work in marketing for a finance company.

Francesca Burch ’14

Matt Cina ’14

Ben Dalgarn ’14

Crystal Haynes ’14

Jamie Kwong ’14

Nicholas Nino ’14

Matthew Cina ’14 graduated from the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in History on May 13, 2018.

Ben Dalgarn ’14 graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a minor in philosophy. He has moved to Chicago and is working as a consultant for Pariveda Solutions, a technology consulting firm.

Austin Gewecke ’14 graduated with honors from The Ohio State University. He earned a BS in Business Administration and specialized in finance. He is starting his career as an investment analyst with Cambridge Associates in Arlington, VA. Christal Haynes ’14 graduated from California Baptist University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and will be attending graduate school in the fall to pursue a masters in health science.

Jamie Kwong ’14 graduated from USC with a BA in International Relations and a MA in Public Diplomacy on May 11, 2018. She received a Marshall Scholarship and is off to London for the next three years to pursue her PhD in War Studies at Kings College.

Nicolas Nino ’14 graduated from UC Santa Cruz on June 16, 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature with an emphasis in creative writing.

Abigail Pearman ’14 graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Cognitive Science on June 16, 2018.

Brianna Rodriguez ’14 graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology on June 15, 2018.

Yurika Watanabe ’14 graduated from Boston University with a degree in neuroscience. The lab she worked in during her undergrad has published a paper titled “Visual Memories Bypass Normalization” in the Journal of Psychological Science which Yurika co-authored.

Brianna P. Rodriguez ’14

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ALUMNI

CLOSE-UP

Athena Fulay ’94, who lives in Washington DC, has been organizing a team of volunteers for the past year to hand deliver thousands of letters to senators on behalf of their constituents. The letters are written by users of a volunteer-run app called Resistbot which helps citizens craft messages to politicians using Facebook Messenger or Twitter.

After volunteering for the Kerry campaign in 2004, Athena thought she was done with national politics. She has worked at an international education nonprofit in downtown D.C. for 15 years but felt called back to politics in 2016.

She has a list of 20 volunteers who help with the lunchtime deliveries. “When an important vote comes up or we just notice that there’s this especially large surge of people really wanting to voice their opinion and share how they feel about specific issues, we’ll do hand deliveries.” Resistbot headquarters helps identify specific senators who might be on the fence before an important vote and then prints batches of letters for hand delivery.

ATHENA

FULAY ’94

Since last June, Athena and her fellow volunteers have made about seven hand delivery runs to Congress. Athena will either, take a long lunch and ride her scooter the 10-15 minutes over to Capitol Hill from her office, or If there are lot of letters, she might take the day off and drive. Athena sees it as giving up her lunch in the name of civic duty. As Athena likes to say, “Our form of democracy is not a spectator sport.” When Resistbot users surged into action with messages about family separation at the Mexico border, Athena and her team stepped away from their desks and headed for the Hill.

On June 21 and 22, they hand delivered 12,781 letters to 62 Senate offices, breaking all of their own records.

While delivering letters to Congress, she is careful to not express her own opinions. “We don’t engage in conversation about the issue,” she says. “We’re being respectful of the fact that we’re a service for constituents in their district. Citizens in the District of Columbia do not have a vote in Congress. But what we do have is access to these legislators, so if my representative can’t vote, the least I can do is amplify the voices of people who can influence the elected officials who do.”

DR. MICHAEL A.

GOMEZ ’08

Dr. Michael A. Gomez ’08 was on campus on April 13, 2018 speaking to the genetics class about genetic engineering and its current and potential applications. He earned his PhD. from UC Berkeley and is working for the Innovative Genomics Institute associated with Cal. The Innovative Genomics Institute is composed of diverse researchers who conduct world-class research, driven by the real possibility to cure human disease, end hunger, and protect the environment. The IGI is also committed to advancing public understanding of genome engineering and providing resources for the broader community.

Michael works in the Staskawicz Lab on UC Berkeley’s campus which studies the molecular basis of plant-pathogen interaction. As a graduate student, Michael was awarded the $10,000 Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award (SISCA), administered by the Center for Responsible Business at the Haas School of Business. The program promotes and awards “forward-thinking” projects that present sustainable, innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. Michael’s work has focused on finding ways to engineer resistance to Cassava Brown Streak Disease, a serious threat to a vital food supply in Africa. His and his collaborator’s findings were recently published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.

Michael’s other projects include engineering disease resistance in citrus, tomato, and cacao, the source of chocolate. Ultimately he hopes to provide solutions to pressing food challenges and see them implemented on crops around the world.

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TYLER ARTIS ’15 Tyler Artis ’15 has always had a passion for connecting with others and a desire to help. The bigger question for him was how to turn that passion and desire into a career. The answer came in his Globalization Class at the University of Washington. Tyler’s professor was leading a student trip to Tanzania to work with The Pastoral Women’s Council and extended an invitation for Tyler to join. Tyler wasn’t sure what to expect, but he accepted the offer and spent the spring semester of his junior year studying abroad in Tanzania. The Pastoral Women’s Council, which is now growing in Africa to countries beyond Tanzania, was originally geared to providing education solely to women, but has broadened its focus to educating all genders, especially the youth, on their rights and exposing them to life outside of Tanzania. Tyler spent his time working in local high schools and interacting with students in various regions to hear their views on the social climate. One issue facing Tanzanians’ is the on-going proposal to expand Serengeti National Park. One of Tanzania’s biggest sources of income is tourism, and expanding the Park would allow for more tourists, resorts and jobs. However, in order to expand the park, local Tanzanians would be cleared from the land, losing their homes and villages. Tyler’s focus was to work with the youth on how to collectively have their voices heard when meeting with government officials and

Tyler is pictured bottom left with fellow classmates and the youth he worked with in Tanzania.

how to better advocate for their families and fellow citizens.

He got to witness the fruits of his labor when his classmates and students he was mentoring were invited to partake in a meeting between locals, park specialist and government officials.

Tyler remarked “There are always people willing to help but sometimes that help comes in the wrong form. If you really want to make a difference, you have to be willing to understand that cultural needs differ depending on location.

Speaking with locals and asking the simple question of what they would like help with and what they need, goes a long way. Sometimes monetary donations and material goods don’t solve the problem at hand. But teaching people how to effectively communicate with governing forces, will continue to have a lasting impact.

As he begins his senior year as a Society, Ethics and Human Behavior major, Tyler has his sights set on attending grad school abroad to study International Relations and plans to continue his work in making the voices of those in need heard.

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ALUMNI

UPDATE

50 YEAR REUNION CELEBRATION The Class of 1968 celebrated their 50 year Reunion on May 23-24, 2018. The festivities kicked off with a Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening at Matt Denny’s Ale House in Arcadia. Thursday morning the class gathered at their Alma Mater for their Golden Diploma Presentation which took place during Senior Presentation in front of the student body, a poignant event for Lancers 50 years apart to share the same stage. That night the Class had a private Reunion party. In total, 30 members of the Class were in attendance- many of whom had not been back to La Salle since the day they graduated. To make it even more special, former faculty member Brother Raphael Patton, FSC, was in attendance and enjoyed seeing his former students.

To date, the Class of 1968 has raised $8,400 for the School’s San Miguel Scholarship Fund. To support this initiative visit www.lancernetwork.com/68Gift.

Those in attendance at the Golden Diploma Presentation on May 24th included, back row, left to right: Jeff Wright, Tom Iarossi, Jim McManus, Steve Balak, Robert Meaglia, Tom Romano, James Harold, Mike Porter, Tom Kitchens, Joe Grimes, John Krouse, Gary Pohlson, Brother Raphael Patton,

FSC. Seated, left to right: Randy Paquette, Michael Cotter, Michael Healy, Bob Harper, Tom McLoughlin, Tim Manning, Bill Martin, Duffy Dignam, Tim Monohan, John Moe, Michael Goode.

Those in attendance at the Reunion Party the evening of May 24th included, back row standing, left to right:Larry Lindleaf, Tom Iarossi, Peter Hoffman, Bob Harper, Randy Paquette, John Benecke, Steve Balak, Tom Romano, Mike Porter, Jim McManus, James Harold, Joe Grimes, Gary Pohlson. Middle

row, seated, left to right: Dave Banis, John Moe, Michael Healy, Jim Specht, Robert Meaglia, Tom McLoughlin, Michael Higgins.

Bottom row, kneeling, left to right: John Krouse, Pat Tellez, Bill Martin, Tim Manning, Jeff Wright, Tom Kitchens, Tim Monohan.

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Class of 2018 Legacies

Class of 2018 Legacies included, left to right, pictured

Incoming Class of 2022 Legacies:

with their Legacy Cords: Riley Sansone (son of Sean ’87),

John Alvarez (son of Joe ’83), Max Anaya (son of Leo ‘89),

Travis Beringer (son of David ’75), Jordan Labbe (son of

David Berg (son of Jennifer Barrera ’98),

Guy ’86), Jason Oliai (son of Stan ’88), Natalie Mirasol

Dominic Bitonti (son of Donnie ’95 & Maria (Romero) ’97),

(daughter of Rafael ’80), and Sebastian Martinez (son of

Carhin Guillen (daughter of Charlie ’94), Bryce Labbe (son

Ruben ’92).

of Guy ‘86), Erica Tromba (daughter of Mario ’81).

2018 Alumni Association College Scholarships Every other year, the La Salle Alumni Association hosts the “Taste of La Salle”. This is a food and beverage tasting event that benefits the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund to support the Alumni Association’s mission to provide resources and opportunities for alumni and current students. This past school year, the Class of 2018 had the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 College Scholarship and members of the Alumni Association Executive Board narrowed it down to the top two candidates- Garien Agapito ’18 and Sarah Day ’18.

Garien and Sarah were selected from a pool of highly qualified and well-deserving applicants to be the recipients of the 2018 Alumni Association College Scholarship. They were selected for their dedication to service, leadership abilities and their commitment to La Salle. Garen is attending Northeastern University and Sarah will be heading off to Saint Mary’s College. Garien and Sarah awere presented with their Scholarships at Senior Presentation on May 24th in front of the student body.

From left to right: Sarah Day ’18, Garien Agapito ’18, Tina Bonacci ’94, Alumni Board Scholarship Chair

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LANCER CALENDAR

HOMECOMING Friday, Oct. 5, 7pm

LANCER ATHLETICS WEEKEND Thursday, Nov. 22 – Saturday, Nov. 24 Alumni Flag Football, Soccer, Water Polo, & Basketball lancernetwork.com/ LAW2018

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LANCER MAGAZINE

WINE TASTING MIXER Saturday, Oct. 20 San Antonio Winery 3pm lancernetwork.com/ Wine2018

ALUMNI ADOPT-AFAMILY GIFT WRAPPING PARTY & SANTA VISIT Saturday, Dec. 8 10am-12pm Linda M. Grinstead Theatre lancernetwork.com/ Wrap2018

ALUMNI MATINEE DRAMA PRODUCTION Saturday, Nov. 3 2pm lancernetwork.com/ Events

CAREER DAYS Thursday, Nov. 8 & Wednesday, Nov. 14 9:15am-10am

ALUMNI DAY OF SERVICE

ALUMNI BASEBALL GAME

Saturday, Oct. 6 Cities around the Country lancernetwork.com/ Service2018

Saturday, Dec. 29 Arcadia County Park 10am lancernetwork.com/ Events

THE

LANCER CHALLENGE

La Salle ended fiscal year 2018 with an alumni participation giving rate of 10.65% - the highest percentage ever in School history. But, each year we start back at zero. Our goal is to surpass 10.75% (740 donors) by June 30, 2019 and to see which class will win. Amount doesn’t matter, just that you give and give annually.

WHAT IS THE LANCER CHALLENGE?

A giving competition that challenges each class to increase the number of donors who contribute to La Salle over the fiscal year (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Every gift matters. No gift is too small to count for your class.

The competition is based on the number of alums from each class who give, not the dollar amount. *All tax-deductible gifts made to La Salle will impact your class participation score.

IS THERE A PRIZE?

The Class will the highest number of donors at fiscal yearend (June 30th) will receive: • Placement on the “Lancers for Life” Championship Banner in the Gym • Recognition in Lancer Magazine • Bragging rights (and they are priceless!)

See where your class currently ranks online at lancernetwork.com/Challenge

HOW DO YOU MAKE A GIFT?

• Give online at www.lancernetwork.com/AnnualFund.

• Mail your gift in the envelope provided.

Checks made payable to “La Salle High School”.

• Call 626.696.4362 to make your gift over the phone

CLASS OF 2007 TOOK HOME TOP HONORS LAST FISCAL YEAR.

GIVE YOUR CLASS A FIGHTING CHANCE AND MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY!

* Physical banner hangs in the Duffy Lewis Gymnasium and will be updated annually.

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10

CLASS OF 2008 YEAR

REUNION • FRIDAY

CLASS OF 2013 FIVE YEAR REUNION

WEDNESDAY

NOVEMBER 21, 2018 CAFE SANTORINI’S ROCOCO ROOM OLD TOWN PASADENA 7:30PM - 10:00PM

www.lancernetwork.com/2013

NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Class of ’69 FIFTY YEAR REUNION May 2019

More details to follow!

GOLDEN ROAD BREWERY IN LA 7:30PM - 10:30PM www.lancernetwork.com/2008 STAY CONNECTED LSHSAlumni

@lshsalumni

@LSLancersAlumni

WHAT’S NEW IN YOUR LIFE?

Send us your exciting news and we’ll include it in the next issue of Lancer magazine.

Send to ALUMNI@LASALLEHS.ORG

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LANCER MAGAZINE

The Jubilee celebrates the 300th anniversary of the death of Saint John The Baptist De La Salle. It offers the opportunity to express our faith through concrete actions in favor of those most in need. The Jubilee Year will begin November 17, 2018 and continue through December 31, 2019.

For more information please visit: www.lasalle.org/en/

The Lasallian World in 2018 80 Countries 5 Regions

1,040,804 Students 3,695 Brothers 89,522 Partners

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LA SALLE COLLEGE PREPARATORY

MAKES WOMENS ATHLETICS A PRIORITY! La Salle has launched a $500,000 Campaign to build a STATE OF THE ART WOMEN’S ATHLETICS FACILITY. The newest campaign focuses on creating modern locker rooms and a fitness facility equipped with advanced equipment that today’s top performing athletes require.

This important initiative is the next step in the reconstruction of La Salle’s athletic complex in the Duffy Lewis Gymnasium. The campaign will complement the construction of the strength and conditioning facility funded by our last athletic initiative three years ago.

Make your gift now by going online www.lasallehs.org/LAC3.

EVERY GIFT COUNTS!