winter 2010
E X PLORE R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
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The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
E X PLORE R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
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winter 2010
E X PLORE R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
de
Features
Highlights
Departments
Heads of State
Snapshots
From The Hip
Brother President
Year In Review
Letter From The President
Board Room Veteran
Alumni Service Award
You Know Jack
Photo Gallery
Page 7
Page 11 Page 14 Page 18
Pages 4-6 Page 16 Page 20
Pages 21-23
Page 2
Page 3
Class Notes Pages 24-31
Births, Deaths, and Honorees Page 32
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From The Hip In my last writing, I alluded to my favorite book title. In light of the recent State Championship in Football, I would be remiss not to mention my favorite movie title – For Love of the Game – the 1999 film starring Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston, which tells the story of an aging baseball pitcher and his attempt to overcome adversity and pitch the perfect game. The search for greatness, particularly with odds stacked against you, clearly describes this year’s football team and its incredible ride to prominence. I’ve done a number of foolish things in life; however, none compare to my actions on the morning of December 19, 2009, when I took my wife and 7-year old son on a 90 mile drive in one of the biggest snow storms in recent history. The treacherous trek west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 322 led us to a snow covered stadium in Hershey. There was no smell of chocolate in the air and the “sweetest place on earth” had been reduced to frozen tundra. Mary Jean and I wore ski clothes that had not seen the light of day since the early 1990’s and A.J. had hand warmers stuck to every available part of his body. We carefully climbed the icy steps, cleared some seats, and dug out a place for our feet. The 48 minutes that followed may not have warmed our bodies, but clearly touched our hearts and filled us with a pride that we’ll soon not forget. In reality, we began this journey fifteen weeks earlier on a warm Friday night at PlymouthWhitemarsh. We watched all fourteen of the previous games and could personally attest to having endured rain, sleet, and snow. We came that day to finish what we started, but we were not the only ones. Weeks earlier the team avenged its only loss to St. Joseph’s Prep, as well as last season’s City Championship loss to George Washington. The rode to Hershey saw them dethrone the best from Districts 1 and 11, and only State College High School stood in the way of the Explorers taking their place in history.
E X PLORE R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
President Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ‘60 Principal Joseph L. Marchese Vice President of Institutional Advancement Daniel L. McGowan Editor Christopher M. Carabello ‘82 Contributing Writers Christopher M. Carabello ‘82 Paul D. Colistra ’00 Brett T. Foley ’00 Patrick J. Gallagher ’70 Robert F. McAnespey ‘66 Kaitlyn McCrea Raymond T. Shay ‘00 Robert L. Stott ‘06 Robert T. Szostak, Esq. ’72 Photography Braden J. Bonner ’07 John J. Burns David DeBalko Photography Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Gary Donnelly La Salle University Mike Maicher Clem Murray Philadelphia Cricket Club Brother James Rieck, FSC ‘57 Regina Sacco Raymond T. Shay ‘00 UGA Sports Communications University of Georgia Artwork and Design John Burns Graphic Design
I had called eight of the games from the announcer’s booth and, observing from above, benefitted from a unique perspective. I learned the plays and got to hear what the media and our opponents had to say. From my perch above the field, I saw plays develop, and as the season progressed, watched a team emerge. The Explorers learned to trust in each other and became unbeatable. They dominated both sides of the ball and embodied a bond that their opponents could not break. Perhaps equally as impressive was watching the La Salle community rally around this team. The Pep Band became the “twelfth man”, parents watched every play as if it were the last, alumni beamed with pride, students packed the stands, and people with no La Salle affiliation at all who came out time and again to watch this team play. After the game, I went onto the field to congratulate the players and coaches on their remarkable achievement. I looked up into the stands at all the people who had likewise braved the elements to witness this historical moment. The moment was surreal and I could not help but wonder about the team and these fans. In the end, it was not for love of the game that brought us to this moment; rather, For Love of La Salle. After all, it’s a mantra that seems to resonate in much that we do.
Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Editor
Address Explorer La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 215 233 2350 phone 215 836 4502 fax alumni@lschs.org www.lschs.org
The Explorer is published quarterly by La Salle College High School. The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning alumni, school, and topics covered by and in the magazine. The Editor of the Explorer reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the content and information published in the magazine.
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Letter From The President Mission Statement adopted by the Middle States Evaluation Team March 2006 La Salle College High School, a Catholic independent, college preparatory school for young men of varied backgrounds, is conducted in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College High School guides each student in the development of his unique God-given talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership.
Dear Fellow Alums and Friends, Can you believe one decade of the new century is now history? Reflecting back on these past ten years, the new century has been especially rewarding to La Salle College High School. With the recent celebration of our 150th Anniversary, we remember the good times of the past, as well as the struggles that have helped shape La Salle at the present moment. Some of the individuals and buildings that have meant so much to the formation of the La Salle we know today are shared in the newly published Anniversary book. The past year alone has brought recognition to the rich Lasallian legacy through academic honors and awards received by both the school and its students. Our designation as the 2009 Siemen Award recipient for the State of Pennsylvania marked the success of La Salle’s academic strides of the past five years, as we were one of only fifty such schools chosen in the nation. In addition to our academic successes, the capture of League and State titles in many athletic programs proved that our students are talented in many ways. High among these successes has been the recognition of our sportsmanship. Our Fine Arts and Music programs all attest to the shared talents of so many. Truly, 2009 was a year to go down in La Salle history. I know you join me in congratulating our State Champion Football Team. Every La Salle Alum could share a sense of pride as the 2009 Explorers competed in the snow against a strong State College team. With the final whistle, the Explorers brought honor to not only to themselves and their coaches, but also the Philadelphia Catholic League and all of the schools of southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition, it is important to remember that 2009 brought state titles to our Ice Hockey and Lacrosse teams. I don’t believe any other school in state history, or perhaps across the nation has taken three major titles in one year. This spring, the annual Communion Breakfast will honor three of our own with induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame. I will have the honor of congratulating each of our newest inductees, as well as thanking them for “spreading La Salle’s fame”. Brother Michael McGinniss ’65 has served as President of La Salle University for the past eleven years. Brother Michael is also a member of ourof Trustees. Jack Bauerle ’70 recently coached the U.S. Women’s Swimming Team in the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing. Jack currently coaches the Men’s and Women’s teams at the University of Georgia, and has done so for the past 27 years. While at La Salle, Jack was an All-American swimmer who helped establish the La Salle swimming dynasty. Edward Solvibile ’58 has served as Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee of our Board of Trustees, and currently enjoys honorary membership on the Board. Ed has served as hospital administrator at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown, and is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Health System. Ed’s love for La Salle runs as deep as our love for this “loyal son.” It will be an honor to welcome each of our new Hall of Fame members into this prestigious club. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, the Alumni Association will honor John Fenningham ’68 and Jim McCloskey ’64 with the William J. Whelan Alumni Service Award for their distinguished service to La Salle College High School and its Alumni Association. The Association is blessed to have men of such character among its ranks. I am very pleased to announce that our Capital Campaign continues to do well and has recently surpassed the $21 million mark. Now that we have entered the Public Phase of this campaign, I am certain that all alums and friends of the school will help us reach our goal of $25 Million Goal. You should take pride in knowing that 239 individuals have helped us reach this plateau. This is truly a remarkable achievement in today’s economic climate. May I congratulate the Reunion Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2004 and 2005. I look forward to meeting each of you at your Grand Reunion on Saturday, April 24, 2010. I will be joining my class of 1960, as we mark our 50-Year Anniversary on Saturday, June 6, 2010. Congratulations to the men of these classes.
Sincerely yours,
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President
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Secret Santa
Hustle For Muscle
La Salle partnered with Committee To Benefit The Children at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children to fulfill the Christmas wishes of 52 children, who are pediatric oncology or hematology patients at the hospital. The La Salle community raised almost $9,000 to purchase presents and successfully fill these Christmas wishes. The boys purchased all of the gifts at local retail stores and the Mothers’ Club wrapped the 300+ present. On Christmas Eve, caravans of students and alumni, each with its own La Salle Santa Claus, split up to deliver the presents to the patients’ families throughout the Delaware Valley. In all, over 100 boys actively participated in the project.
With limited days before the City Championship, the Football team gathered at Valley Green in Fairmount Park to walk along-side its manager, Brian Havard in the 1 mile walk/5K run at the 4th annual Hustle for Muscle race held on November 25, 2009. In addition, over 100 of Brian’s classmates took part in the 5K run, helping to raise money for those like Brian, are affected by Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. Brian used his motorized scooter for the walk along the bridal path, and was accompanied the entire way by his “teammates”.
Operation Santa Claus
Career Day
The “Year of 1,000 Toys” was fulfilled when over 1,000 + toys were collected for the Archdiocese 43rd Annual Operation Santa Claus. The gifts were tagged and filled a Ryder Truck that transported the gifts to the wrapping center. After the gifts were transported, over 50 students volunteered to go to the wrapping center to help wrap, tag, and bag other Operation Santa Claus donations sent from the Philadelphia Area. On Christmas Eve, 70 La Salle students, eight faculty members, and eight parents volunteered their time to deliver gifts to the underprivileged children all over Philadelphia.
What happened to all of those boys who graduated from La Salle? Well, sophomore and junior students found out when sixty-one alumni returned to campus to discuss how La Salle shaped their paths towards success at the annual Career Day on October 20, 2009. CBS 3 reporter, Walt Hunter ’67, was the keynote speaker, discussing his experiences as a reporter, as well as life lessons he learned over the years. Small group presentations were conducted on several topics to help the boys find their own career paths, including: finance, accounting, engineering, medicine, law, education, and the arts. Students also had the opportunity to ask the alumni questions about their careers.
Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Band Christmas Concert
Students from Mr. Gerald Miller’s History of Vietnam course were given the honor of unveiling the renovated Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Philadelphia. The city invited Miller’s students to unveil the memorial with its newly re-etched names to thank them for volunteering to update the database of Philadelphia’s Vietnam Veterans.
La Salle Bands rocked around the Christmas tree to a packed auditorium at the annual Band Christmas Concert on December 8, 2009. The audience sang along to holiday favorite, “White Christmas”, and enjoyed performances by the La Salle Concert Band, the Guitar Ensemble, the Concert Band, the Saxophone Ensemble, the String Ensemble, the Freshman Band, the Sixth Period Bands, and the Fifth Period Band.
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Choral Christmas Concert
Cross Country Championships
The voices of the La Salle Chorus performed Christmas jingles on December 18, 2009 at its annual Choral Christmas Concert. Singing to a cheerful and crowded auditorium, Mr. Mark Norman conducted the performances by Upperclassmen Chorus, the Freshmen Chorus, and the Belcrofters (Advanced Choral Group).
The Cross Country Team won its second consecutive Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District XII Championship on October 28, 2009. In addition, the Cross Country Team captured its 7th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on Saturday, October 14, 2009. On one of the muddiest days in the history of Belmont Plateau, the Explorers became the first program to win at least seven titles in a row since West Catholic High School won nine from 1948 to 1956.
Freshman Branch-Out Day On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, La Salle freshmen along with 120 of their fathers and 20 faculty members participated in Freshman Branch-Out Day. Participants were bused to seventeen community service sites in the Philadelphia area including: The theme for the day was “Living out the Lasallian values of Faith, Service, and Community.” All told, roughly 1,600 hours of service was provided by the volunteers to the community. The day concluded with a prayer service in thanksgiving for all that had been accomplished and with an invitation for the freshman to become involved in La Salle’s many community service projects.
Golf Championship The La Salle College High School Golf Team captured their third consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at Blue Bell Country Club. La Salle defeated St. Joseph’s Prep by a score of 279 to 284. The championship was La Salle’s twelfth in the last fourteen years. La Salle was lead by sophomore Adam Stefanowicz who finished second in the individual competition along with senior Jack Ulan who finished third. Senior Mark Schnupp and sophomore Frank Worthington also finished in the top ten and earned All-Catholic honors.
Presidents Dinner On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 250 invited guests joined La Salle College High School President, Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 and the Board of Trustees for the annual President’s Dinner in recognition and appreciation of their generosity to La Salle College High School over the past year. The keynote speech of the evening was delivered by Joe Ciccimaro ’57, who traced his six decade involvement with La Salle. In closing, he thanked the audience for their support in creating the “golden age” that La Salle is enjoying and laid down a challenge to continue to make it better.
Water Polo The La Salle College High School Water Polo Team finished 6th in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Water Polo State Championships held on November 13-14, 2009 at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA. This is La Salle’s 2nd year in the PIAA, and their first time participating in the State Championships. Two players, Eddie Kehan ‘10 and Rhoads Worster ‘10 were named members of the elite All-State Team.
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Ring Mass
Father/Son Banquet
The fingers of La Salle juniors dazzled rings on December 3, 2009 at the Junior Ring Liturgy. One by one, students were called on stage to shake the hand of Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 and Principal Joe Marchese to receive their class rings. Afterwards, the students modeled the rings for classmates, family, and friends as they enjoyed celebratory refreshments.
On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the Men of La Salle hosted the 60th Annual La Salle College High School Father/Son Banquet at Williamson’s Restaurant in Horsham. Over 850 fathers and sons were in attendance along with six Christian Brothers and fourteen Past Presidents of the Men of La Salle. Fran Dunphy, Temple University Men’s Basketball Head Coach, was the guest speaker for the evening. His message was one of giving back and community service, and was very well received by the audience. It was a great evening, with good food and great company, enjoyed by all.
College Interview Day On Tuesday, October 6, 2009, the Class of 2010 participated in La Salle College High School’s annual College Interview Day. Held in the school gymnasium, 67 admissions representatives from 51 colleges and universities attended the event. Seniors were scheduled for individual appointments with colleges of their choice. In the exchange, seniors presented their transcripts, had the opportunity to provide additional personal information, and asked questions about the colleges and universities. The admission representatives benefitted from getting to know the applicants and La Salle College High School beyond the applications, transcripts, and high school profile. The seniors and La Salle received rave reviews from the admission representatives.
National Merit Scholars The boys of La Salle proved once again that they are Men of Intellect as fifteen seniors were named as semi-finalists in the 2009/2010 competition for the National Merit Scholarship Awards. The fifteen students were the most of any Catholic or private school in the tri-state area. Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in Evanston, IL was established to reward high school student for academic excellence. Winners stand to receive corporate-donated scholarships of no less than $2,500. In addition, seventeen boys were named as National Merit Commended Students.
Thanksgiving Food Drive On Tuesday, November 24, 2009, the La Salle Community concluded its Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit families served by St. Vincent’s Parish in Germantown, by presenting the collection during the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. The student leaders of the Lasallian Service Corps helped organize, facilitate, and enthusiastically run the six day food drive. Students collected canned goods and monetary donations in their homerooms to provide the families with food for Thanksgiving and beyond. In all, over 6,000 cans were collected along with non-perishables to fill 90 baskets of food. In addition, over $600 dollars in donations was collected and used to purchase forty turkeys.
Plaza Suite The La Salle College High School Theater Program delivered plenty of laughs with three performances of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite on October 23, 24, and 25, 2009. Over 350 students, faculty, staff, relatives, and friends attended the evening performances.
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Heads of State by Robert L. Stott ‘06
What wins championships? This is a question that has been debated for many years in the sports world. The old football adage is that “offense sells tickets, and defense wins championships.” John Madden would argue for special teams, or say “90-pecent of the game is half mental.” The La Salle College High School football team proved that all of these things were true – even Madden’s ridiculous quote. The balanced offense…The dominant defense…The brilliant mind of head coach Drew Gordon…
All of these things added up to lift the team to its first state title – in just the second year of being in the PIAA. La Salle (14-1) finished the season on an eleven game winning streak that culminated in the school’s first PIAA State Championship in Football.
Not only is this La Salle’s first state title – it’s the first state title for the Philadelphia Catholic League, District XXII, and the city of Philadelphia.
“So many people, not only from La Salle, but the city of Philadelphia and from around the Catholic League, let us know how they were proud of us, but most importantly it means a lot for our team and La Salle High School,” All-State Quarterback Drew Loughery said. So many aspects of this team helped contribute to the winning formula that is La Salle football. Head coach Drew Gordon gives the credit to the people around him for getting this team to the Quad-A Promised Land. “A lot of good, talented football players, and excellent position coaches are what made this team,” said Coach Gordon.
The talent that – State Coach of the Year – Drew Gordon mentions includes three First Team All-State honors (QB Drew Loughery, OL Steve Szostak, and LB Ryan Saraceni), three Second Team All-State honors (RB Jamal Abdur-Rahman, WR Sam Feleccia, and DE Steve Sinnott), on top of a No. 2 ranking in the East Region, and a No. 23 national ranking by MaxPreps (Xcellent 25 Rankings presented by the Army National Guard).
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Heads of State Gordon says that in his time as a high school head football coach, he has never seen a team more focused or more experienced. “They were having so much fun and they believed in themselves,” he said.
Despite all of the individual accolades, it’s clear that the focus of La Salle football is on the “team.” Talk to any of the players and they will all tell you the same thing, that this “team” was not going to be beat. There is something about this group of men, though, that truly sets them apart from teams across the state. The level of camaraderie stretches far beyond the locker room. This team, comprised of mainly juniors and seniors, has been practicing together, playing together, and more importantly hanging out together, for several years now. When they stepped onto the field on game day, they were doing so amongst friends.
If one Explorer was struggling, the rest would find a way to quickly get him out of that funk and back to the level at which they were capable of playing.
Their ability to pick one another up was showcased in the Catholic League Championship game against arch-rival St. Joseph’s Prep, to whom LaSalle suffered their only loss earlier in the season. Down 28-20 late in the game, the team was able to rally around Loughery and tie the game. Loughery hit target Wide Receiver Connor Hoffman, who had dropped several key passes earlier in the game, with the touchdown pass that brought the Explorers back into the game. La Salle rattled off fifteen unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win 35-28 and keep the season alive. “They started to come together at the end of that Prep
game,” said Coach Gordon. “Their ability to stop The Prep at the end of the Catholic League Championship game, they realized then that when they came together that they could do this.” And that’s just what they did. After the big win against The Prep, La Salle’s next task was to avenge a loss to George Washington in last year’s City Championship game. “Losing to GW the year before, these guys became very focused, they decided that that wasn’t enough. They wanted to keep going,” said Gordon. La Salle stepped it up in the City game, knocking off George Washington 31-20, behind three touchdown passes from Loughery. The leadership of Loughery is something that Coach Gordon has taken great exception to throughout the quarterback’s high school career. “It’s going to be tough to replace Loughery, not only his ability, but his leadership and commitment to the team,” Gordon said. “It’s very difficult to replace leaders. You don’t know who they are until they’re tested.” Loughery, over his final two seasons, was an ofttested Quarterback – adjusting to the PIAA, the level
of competition, the state playoffs, snow-storms, injuries to key players – you name it. His leadership and poise would have a tremendous impact on the rest of the team throughout the PIAA tournament. This included the defense. While a great win against George Washington was only a few days behind them, La Salle faced a 14-0 deficit early on against Easton High School in the State Quarterfinal game. The play on the defensive side of the ball is something that really stood out all year for this team, but they found themselves in a rut. “Being down 14-0 a couple minutes into the game, the coaches usually have enough experience to not panic at that point,” said Coach Gordon. “The whole key is for the players to have that kind of belief, and they were very calm on the sidelines. There was a determination that this wasn’t going to happen; this was going to stop right now. And then they just got better from there.”
Better is really an understatement for the way this team, this defense especially, played the remainder of the PIAA playoffs. This group was dominant.
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They would go on to rally and beat Easton 17-14 in a snowfilled contest. La Salle would allow only one offensive touchdown the rest of the way, in the Semi-Final and Championship games combined.
The teams that they faced, State College and Ridley, finished the season as the 7th and 12th ranked offenses respectively, in the state. La Salle’s defense completely shut them down. Not only was the game against Easton a great test to show the Explorers had heart and grit, but it also gave them experience playing in tough weather conditions, which is something that would be extremely valuable just a few weeks later.
First though, the team had to get past a tough Ridley team who knocked off number one seeded North Penn. La Salle proved to be no match for the Green Raiders, as they put up 35 points against a team that allowed the 15th fewest points in the state all season. The win secured La Salle’s spot in its first PIAA state title game against the Little Lions of State College Area High School.
The snow covered field in Hershey, PA was the site for the game. Conditions were worse than those of the game against Easton, but the experience of playing in that kind of weather was excellent for these Explorers. “I think the key thing is that the players realized that it’s not a problem and it’s not a big deal,” said Coach Gordon. “It is what it is…they realized that they could win in it, and they learned how you play on a field like that and in those conditions. You can’t practice that.” Loughery talked about how the first experience helped them be better prepared for the conditions the second time around. “Little things like knowing what kind of gear to wear and what kind of stuff to wear to keep you warm, it definitely helped us,” Loughery said. As if the snow didn’t have a big enough impact on the game, leading rusher Jamal AbdurRahman went down in the first half with an MCL injury. While his injury would seem like a major blow to the normal spectator outside of La Salle’s locker room, this team wouldn’t let it affect them.
“The whole weekend leading up to the game the team was so focused,” Loughery said. “Even though Jamal did get hurt, the team was so focused on winning the state title, and it showed with how we finished up that game.” Abdur-Rahman’s injury opened the door for senior Wide Receiver – at least that’s how he’s listed – Sam Feleccia to step up in a huge way for the Explorers. Feleccia ran for 156 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown run on his first play from the tailback position – he ran mainly out of the Wildcat formation. While Feleccia accounted for a majority of La Salle’s 213 total yards, the defense held State College to 60 yards of offense. Feleccia was an all around force to be reckoned with on defense as well, recording three tackles and working his way into several other plays. The tremendous play on both sides of the ball were too much for the Little Lions to handle as La Salle would win 24-7 and put the finishing touch on an outstanding season by capturing the State Championship. “They didn’t get better as football players, they just got more mentally tough,” said Coach Gordon. “They believed in themselves. When you get into a playoff run like that, nobody’s getting bigger, faster or stronger, it’s all about the mental approach at that point. They just came together.”
“To be the only team in the state that ends the season with is kind of surreal. In the playoffs the level of competition definitely rose and the games became a true test of what you were made of,” said Loughery. For this team, to turn around after being bumped early last season, and take that experience and build into a State Championship, is nothing short of outstanding. The way they worked through injuries all season long, and an early season loss, to how they continued to grow as a team and play together, it all paid off. “The great thing about this team,” says Gordon, “that was a long season, but if I had gotten the call to go over to New Jersey or down to Delaware the following weekend to play their state champs, these guys would have been all for it.” And the way this team was playing, as a team, there is no way any other state champ would have had a chance against these Heads of State.
Rob Stott ‘06 is a senior majoring in English at Duquesne University. He is currently an intern with Fox News in Pittsburgh. While at La Salle College High School, Rob was an honor student as well as an All-Catholic Wrestler.
Triple Crown In 2009
Relive All Three State Championships In honor of La Salle’s historic and monumental athletic success in 2009, we are offering donors to the 2009/2010 De La Salle Annual Fund the opportunity to receive a commemorative set of DVD’s of all three State Championship victories. Your gift honors not only those who succeeded athletically, but all of our young men who succeed inside and outside of the classroom. By making a gift to La Salle, you will also honor our commitment to an affordable Lasallian education. Please refer to the mailing or email for details on how to receive your Heads of State DVD Set. What a great way to celebrate the most impressive year of athletics in La Salle’s history! Those individuals who have already made a gift of $150 or more to the 2009/2010 De La Salle Annual Fund will receive the DVD set in the coming weeks.
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BrotherPresident
A by Kaitlyn McCrea
s the sound of celebratory laughter from the party below seeped through his bedroom door, Michael McGinniss sat on his bed as a proud new graduate of the class of 1965. Beside him, a suitcase filled with memories of La Salle College High School, loved ones, and literature as he began to embark on his brand new journey of faith. In just two short weeks after his graduation, Michael would hang up the blazer he wore so proudly at La Salle to try on the black robe and stiff white collar of the Christian Brothers. Little did he know at a lively 17 years old, his life as a Christian Brother and love of literature would lead him down the path of educational greatness – Brother President of La Salle University.
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rother Michael McGinniss, FSC ’65 is a man who bleeds blue and gold as he attended both La Salle College High School and La Salle University. Because of his lifelong dedication to Lasallian tradition, as well as an outstanding resume of academic achievements as President of two universities, Brother Michael will be inducted into the La Salle College High School Hall of Fame. Brother Michael attributes his achievements to La Salle College High School, where he discovered his passion for literature, desire to teach, and want to become a Christian Brother. But, his long journey to success all started with his Catholic upbringing in Philadelphia. An Olney boy, Brother Michael walked across the street every morning to St. Helena’s School. And when the summer heat steamed things up in Philadelphia, his mother, father, and younger sister packed up the car and headed to Avalon to cool off by the ocean – an ocean that helped to shape Brother Michael’s life and theological views. The friendships he made in Avalon have endured, and remain a part of Brother Michael’s life today.
But, it was those friendships that Brother Michael would disappoint as he would make his high school decision. At St. Helena’s, there were quite a few boys who wanted to go to both St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College High School. One of his closest friends from Avalon chose to follow the flock of family birds before him and attend The Prep. As the only son of a St. Joseph’s Prep graduate himself, Brother Michael had a choice to make, either study in the same classrooms as his father, or choose the brand new facilities at La Salle College High School. Brother Michael took both entrance exams, but he recalls, “What stuck in my mind was what a beautiful building and campus La Salle had.” And that fall, Brother Michael became a part of just the second class to attend all four years at the brand new Wyndmoor campus.
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igh school was exciting to Brother Michael, and he and his family adapted quickly to the Explorer ways. He was active in intramural sports, and even became the La Salle swim manager. In addition to sports, he spent a great deal of time working on the yearbook committee and eventually became editor. Brother Michael’s mother was involved in the Mothers’ Club, and his father enjoyed attending school events and befriended the Christian Brothers. La Salle College High School served as a second home as he was surrounded by positive personalities that grew into excellent friendships.
Exceptional friendships were formed between Brother Michael and his teachers too, especially the Christian Brothers. Brother Michael never knew anything about the Brothers prior to attending La Salle. He went from having mostly nuns and female teachers at St. Helena’s, to Christian Brothers and male teachers at La Salle. He began to learn about the Brothers over his four years at La Salle. Looking back on his La Salle College High School memories, Brother Michael says, “There is such a big positive glow over my time at La Salle. But, I guess you could say that my most favorite memories were the kind of influence certain teachers had over the way I learned and thought, as well as the kind of relationships you can develop with them.” The Christian Brothers style of teaching became a strong influence in Brother Michael’s life, but there was one lay teacher in particular who made Brother Michael’s mind run wild for books, Gerald A. Tremblay ’53.
Brother E. Francis McLean, FSC, Principal of La Salle College High School during the 1964-65 school year, congratulates Michael McGinniss ’65 and five other seniors who were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as National Merit Finalists.
Literature became fun and exciting to read in Brother Michael’s senior English class with Gerald Tremblay. One of the best teachers he ever had, Mr. Tremblay chose novels that were interesting and made Brother Michael want to explore the adventures found in novels, and beautiful scenery eloquently described in poetry. In great admiration of his fellow Alumni Hall of Fame member, Brother Michael reflects back to the time where he sat in the classroom of Mr. Tremblay and says, “I had excellent teachers at La Salle High, excellent brothers in many subjects, but Gerry took over my imagination and made me want to be an English teacher.” And as graduation approached, Brother Michael decided to take on the life of the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1965, embracing their mission of providing education to youth through his passion of English.
D
uring his first year of formation with the Christian Brothers at Ammendale in Maryland, Brother Michael woke up to the sound of a cowbell to perform physical labor he never experienced before as a city boy.
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When the year of formation passed, he decided to come back to Philadelphia to study with his new Brothers at La Salle University. At La Salle University, he focused his studies on English, and went back to La Salle College High School to student teach two freshman English courses. He graduated from La Salle University in 1970, but wanted to continue to broaden his mind by attending the University of Notre Dame to receive his master’s degree and PhD in theology. Before studying at Notre Dame, Brother Michael fulfilled his dreams of teaching high school students, as he taught English and Religion at South Hills Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. At Notre Dame, in addition to his studies he became the Assistant Rector of Grace Hall, and entered the college classroom teaching undergraduate courses in the Theology department at Notre Dame. After receiving his PhD, Brother Michael returned home and began his first teaching stint at La Salle University in the summer of 1978 as a visiting professor. In 1984, he became a full-time faculty member at La Salle University. In 1992, his exceptional teaching ability was acknowledged as he received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, given once a year at commencement. The following year, he was appointed to full professor.
While establishing himself as a faculty member, Brother Michael began to be recognized as a leader. In 1991, he was appointed Chair of La Salle University’s Religion Department. In addition, the De La Salle Christian Brothers began to recognize his leadership qualities and sent Brother Michael to Rome for a session called, La Session International des Éstudes Lasalliennes, translated a Program of Study of Lasallian Spirituality. Just a year later, he was named Vice President of the La Salle University Corporation. In 1995, Brother Michael became a member of the La Salle University Board of Trustees. In 1994, an opportunity arose in Memphis, TN for Brother Michael to advance his educational career further and temporarily leave La Salle University behind. Brother Michael was asked to become President of Christian Brothers University. With his leadership from 1995 to 1999, the school showed great improvements. New facilities were built, and older ones renovated. A new Graduate Education Program was established. And, to further prove the success of his great work, there was an increase of enrollment and retention rates. Things were going well in Memphis, but a phone call from the Baltimore District of the Christian Brothers turned out to be life changing. The position of President at La Salle University had opened, and the Brother’s looked to fill the President’s office in the Peale House with Brother Michael. After one year of an interim lay president, Brother Michael
McGinniss, FSC became La Salle University’s 28th president on July 1, 1999.
O
ver his eleven years as president, La Salle University is not the same institution it was when he started. Through a series of strategic plans and excellent vision, the campus of the University has greatly expanded by roughly 30 acres, with the purchase of Germantown Hospital, as well as two neighboring lots. The Shoppes at La Salle opened with the start at the start of the 2009-2010 academic year featuring a Fresh Grocer, Rite Aid, and Dunkin Donuts. A new dining hall overlooking Wister Woods, Treetops, and St. Basil dormitories now accompany the once lonely Communication Center on South Campus. And the yellow ribbon has been cut for re-entry into the newly renovated and expanded Holroyd Hall. With such great improvements at La Salle University, it is no wonder why there has been a significant increase in enrollment, alumni involvement, and donations to the University. A busy man leading a thriving University, Brother Michael still finds time for himself by reading novels, playing golf, and spending time with family. However,
Brother Michael never forgets the special place that he discovered himself—La Salle College High School. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Brother Michael sees change in the school, especially in terms of facilities. The once captivating building that he attended, has recently been renovated, but remains the oldest part of the Wyndmoor campus. Cultural identities remain inside the new, cutting-edge walls and Brother Michael believes, “There is an emphasis of strong community in the school. I don’t know if we were as explicit about it, but we certainly lived it.” A counselor, Brother David Albert, FSC during Brother Michael’s time at La Salle was commonly found quoting, “Boys will be boys, but La Salle boys will be gentlemen.” Seeing the term all around the school causes Brother Michael to chuckle remembering those days. However, Brother Michael believes students now own the statement and have taken it on as their identity. With the continued advancements and constant improvements of the school, the La Salle College High School Brother Michael knew is not the same it is today. But, there is one thing Brother Michael remains certain will never change, the meaning of the name “La Salle”. “Whatever the name means, it’s what I gave my life to – some days it’s excellence, some days it’s tradition, and some days it’s spirit of service.” Kaitlyn McCrea is a senior Communications major at La Salle University and is currently an intern in the Office of Institutional Advancement. Five of her uncles attended La Salle College High School and her brother is currently a freshman.
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board room veteran
Slicking his dark hair back, and adjusting his white suit, Ed left his La Salle College High School days behind and entered the first day of his college career with his brother Bill by his side. Today was the day he would become a part of Temple University’s graduating class of 1962. With freshman orientation festivities in sight, Ed took a deep breath and was ready to introduce himself to his new classmates. But as if being an identical twin wasn’t enough, the two sharp-looking mirror images were suddenly surrounded by an unfamiliar sea of casual shorts unlike anything he ever saw at 20th and Olney Avenue. Clearly, Edward Solvibile was the very making of a La Salle Boy. You can take the student out of La Salle school, but you can’t take La Salle out the student. Ed Solvibile was a gentleman, born with the life-long tie he would wear around his neck as a successful board room veteran.
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Edward Solvibile ’58 is a man of many suits who offers his time, talent, and treasure to serve as the consummate Board member. His tremendous success as CEO of Mercy Suburban Hospital, service on numerous institutions’ Board of Directors, and faithfulness to La Salle, has earned Ed a shining spot in the La Salle College High School Hall of Fame. Reflecting back on his many accomplishments, Ed believes the day he received his acceptance to La Salle, was the day his success began. Ed says, “La Salle College High School taught its students to be leaders in a compassionate way. Students enter to learn and lead to serve.” The exceptional education he received, as well as the ethics he learned at La Salle has made Ed the accomplished businessman he is today.
Success was in the family name, as Ed was the son of a Philadelphia politician. With his father working for the city, Ed always knew he and his twin brother would attend Temple University on scholarship. So, when the West Oak Lane twins were ready to leave St. Athanasius behind, Ed’s parents decided to make the sacrifice to send the boys to La Salle College High School. La Salle was a great school with an excellent reputation.
Life at 20th and Olney was fun as Ed was surrounded by a special group of faculty and bright classmates. As a freshman, Ed sat in classrooms on the first floor of McShain Hall. And, at the end of his freshman year, Ed joined the sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the quad in Wister Hall. Outside of the classroom, he quickly adapted to life at La Salle spending time in the
although they did prepare him for college. The biggest lesson he learned was from Brother Edward Cannon in his junior year religion class – ethics. In college and throughout Ed’s early career as an auditor and accountant, the ethics taught by Brother Edward made him stand out from others in his profession. Ed remembers sit-
Reflecting back on his many accomplishments, Ed believes the day he received his acceptance to La Salle, was the day his success began. gym participating in intramural sports, and working Saturdays as the associate editor for both the
Wisterian (newspaper) and Blue and Gold (yearbook). The 168 classmates he spent time with became Ed’s life-long comrades and friends. But the Lasallian imprints left on Ed’s life go beyond the friendships formed at 20th and Olney. Ed’s most profound memory of La Salle is that of student-faculty interactions that taught this La Salle boy to be a gentleman. The biggest lesson he learned from his teachers were not that of math, Spanish, and history,
ting in Brother Edward’s classroom.” He taught us to do what we say we will do, and make ethical decisions not based on what is best for you, but what is best for the greatest number of people.” Keeping his ethical philosophy in mind, Ed advanced from a traveling auditor to public accounting, and people around him began taking notice of his strength of superior judgment. In addition, he earned respect for his integrity. After several years of hard work, Ed worked his way up to become CEO of Suburban General Hospital. As CEO, he led the hospital to great success transforming Suburban General, to Mercy Suburban Hospital, a flourishing Catholic hospital and part of the Mercy Healthcare System. Out of all of Ed’s achievements, Ed takes most pride, “in the fact that I led Mercy Suburban to be a Catholic hospital, and a hospital that is doing well in a time where many hospitals are closing.” With all of his success, it’s hard to imagine why Ed wouldn’t want to sit back and relax during retirement. But, it’s that suit
that calls Ed’s name to serve the community that has done so much for him. Ed currently sits in the”big chair” of several healthcare institutions, including the Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Hospital Association, and the American Red Cross. He is also an active board member at La Salle College High School and La Salle Academy. To Ed, a Lasallian education means, “a quality education taught by the Christian Brothers in a caring and compassionate way.” And as a member of the Board of Trustees of La Salle College High School, Ed believes it is his duty to help his beloved school carry out its innovative Lasallian philosophy that helped him reach the pinnacle of his success. Ed was integrally involved in developing and adopting the Strategic Plan that initiated the current capital campaign, and has helped to shape the La Salle College High School known today. When he thinks back to his days at St. A’s, Ed wonders if his life would have been different choosing a different high school. “If I went to another school, I don’t think I would have been so successful. The crème of the crop always rise to the top. But, I think that one of the benefits of La Salle is that the faculty paid attention to all of the students, and they worked to bring the best out of all of us.” Because La Salle brought the best out of Ed, Ed tightens his tie as he walks into the Board Room working to bring the best out of his life-long community – La Salle College High School.
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Year In Review 2009 December 2008 Concluded the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of La Salle College High School and the celebration of 150 years of educating young men of the Delaware Valley.
January Received the Siemens Award from the College Board and the Siemens Foundation for Achievement in Advanced Placement – one of only two Catholic schools in the country and the only school in Pennsylvania to receive the distinction.
February Wrestling defeated the reigning champions from North Catholic to capture the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and then defeated Northeast High School to win the PIAA District XXII Championship (City Championship).
March Academic Decathlon Team finished first in the Montgomery County Championship and moved on to finish third in the State Competition. Swimming continued its dominance by capturing its 21st consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and first District XXII Championship. Membership in the National Honor Society increased to 180, as 93 juniors are inducted with a grade point average of 3.50 or higher, in addition to having no grade lower than a “C.” How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying played to four sell-out audiences. Hockey defeated Father Judge to win its second consecutive Flyers Cup and defended the State Championship by defeating Shaler Area High School. Over 400 sophomores and their fathers participated in Sophomore Branch-Out Day a day of service at twenty sites throughout the area.
La Salle shut-out Cardinal O’Hara in the first baseball game played at Ward Field, the new baseball stadium developed as part of the current capital campaign. Mathletes won the Philadelphia Catholic League Title.
April Tennis won its third consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship by defeating Roman Catholic. Competition Band received a First Place Award and five superior ratings at the Cavalcade Association of Bands Competition.
May Annual Arts Festival, which exhibits student artwork in every available space in the school, is highlighted by performances from the band and chorus. The Band Concert featured over 300 musicians and the Choral Concert featured three performing groups. Speech and Debate Program named a School of Excellence and one of the Top Five Programs in the USA by the National Catholic Forensics League. Lacrosse defeated St. Joseph’s Prep to win the Philadelphia Catholic League and PIAA District XXII Championships.
June Class of 2009 graduated 253 seniors in route to 92 colleges and universities in 22 states and the United Kingdom – 76% of the Class of 2009 earned academic and/or academic scholarships, which totaled $25.7 million. Lacrosse defeated Conestoga High School to win the PIAA State Championship. Speech and Debate Program named a School of Excellence by the National Forensic League. Over 60 students traveled to Bolivia, Arizona, and Appalachia for service immersion opportunities.
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July
November
Advancement Placement Exams identified 98 AP Scholars – students with a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams taken in a single academic year.
Football defeated St. Joseph’s Prep to repeat as Philadelphia Catholic League Champions and avenged last year’s loss to George Washington to capture the PIAA District XXII Championship.
Technology advanced as the IT Department deployed Microsoft Windows 7 Professional to every computer on campus.
The Mothers’ Club and Men of La Salle hosted a record 566 guests at the La Salle Auction – ”The Golden Age of TV: A Really Big Show.”
August
Students from La Salle’s History of Vietnam course updated the database of Philadelphia’s Vietnam Veterans and were given the honor of unveiling the renovated Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Philadelphia. The same class visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, marking the 56th time students from the semester-long course have visited The Wall and other sites in Washington.
Construction completed on the new, four-level, 40,000 square foot academic wing along with the renovations to the original academic area, and the 2009/2010 academic year begins in state-ofthe art facilities. The IT Department upgraded to the latest version of Windows Server 2008 and converted twenty servers from physical to virtual machines.
December
The Class of 2014 – one of the largest classes in school history – entered La Salle with 296 freshman.
Football defeated State College High School in a snow storm to win the PIAA State Championship and became the first team in Philadelphia history to win a State Football Championship.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 15 Semifinalists and 17 Commended Students, which is more than any other Catholic or private school in the Delaware Valley.
The annual Band and Christmas Concerts played to packed houses and featured the Sounds of Christmas from over 300 musicians and three choral groups.
Over 130 IBM Lenovo laptops were deployed as a part of the school’s fourth faculty laptop initiative.
Secret Santa and Operation Santa Claus, La Salle’s Christmas Service Projects, collected over 1,600 gifts for patients at St. Christopher’s Hospital along with children identified by Catholic Social Services. Over 10% of the student body spent Christmas Eve delivering presents to sick and needy children in the Philadelphia Area.
September
October Golf defeated St. Joseph’s Prep to capture its third consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. La Salle bestowed Scholastic Letters for First Honors to 302 sophomores, juniors, and seniors for achieving a grade point average of 3.50 or higher and no grade lower than a “C.” Cross Country won its seventh consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and second consecutive PIAA District XXII Championship. Over 400 freshmen and their fathers participated in Freshman Branch-Out Day – a day of service at twenty sites throughout the area.
La Salle received $1 million – the single largest cash gift in school history – as the capital campaign exceeded the $20 million mark.
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YOU
KNOW JACK Several years ago, Dr. Robert Gallagher ’42 found himself in a hotel elevator in Key Biscayne, FL.
Stopping on a floor to pick up more passengers, the doors opened and a young boy entered wearing a Georgia Swim Camp shirt. The shirt sparked memories of his son’s lifelong friend, UGA Swim Coach Jack Bauerle. Dr. Gallagher pointed at the boy’s shirt and proceeded to tell him that he knew Coach Bauerle and that he and his son were close friends. The boy beamed with pride and responded,
“Oh, you know Jack.”
Maybe it’s the honor of being an Olympic coach, or the success of being the Head Swim Coach at the University of Georgia that helped John R. “Jack” Bauerle ’70 earn induction in the La Salle College High School Hall of Fame. But to everyone around Coach Bauerle, this award-winning coach is just Jack – the consummate sportsman and friend. The friendship between Pat Gallagher ’70 and Jack Bauerle began in 1960 when the two competed against each other in the 8 and under category at the Germantown YMCA. Pat swam for the Abington YMCA and was nervous to face this young phenom whose speed and poise scared his competition. Jack always had a smile on his face and was the first to shake the hand of his fellow competitors. He joked on the blocks until the gun sounded and the competitor in him was let loose in the water. Jack won the race that day, and although Pat Gallagher earned the silver medal, he received something much better – a life-long friend. Jack Bauerle was the spirit of every team he ever organized. His innate ability to lead was not limited to the swimming pool as Jack constantly formed pickup basketball games and intramural
teams. He loved competition, regardless of the level, and took every contest as seriously as the next. The extrovert in him allowed him to extend a hand of friendship to all and include them in the activity regardless of their age, size, or ability. Jack’s leadership skills and commitment to friendship were fostered by his parents – Harry and Grace. His mother was one of the individuals responsible for lobbying for the current pool at La Salle College High School as it was not in the original plans for the new Wyndmoor campus. Ironically, Jack would forever leave a mark on that pool and the swimming program who calls it home. Along with Pat Gallagher, Jack was co-captain of the 1970 swim team and a member of four teams that won Philadelphia Catholic League Championships under legendary Coach Walt Farrell, and became the foundation for the swimming dynasty that exists today. An All-American swimmer, Jack got his start at the Germantown YMCA and later swam at Manor Lu Swim Club in Dresher. He eventually swam for the Philadelphia Aquatic Club under Don Sonia and made his mark in the 200 yard Butterfly and 500 yard Freestyle. It was there that he teamed with Frank Lichtner, the current Head Swim Coach at La Salle College High School. Frank would go on to the University of Florida and he and Jack would spend four years facing each other in Southeastern Conference (SEC) meets. Jack learned a great deal from his two coaching mentors – Walt Farrell and Don Sonia. Jack discovered early on the need to coach everyone differently. He didn’t employ “cookie cutter” methods to his coaching style; rather, treated every stroke and every swimmer in a different way. Jack adapts his coaching psychology, philosophies, and techniques to the nuances of the individual swimmer, which has allowed him to successfully coach both men and women. Jack has always understood the importance of “the moment” and has taught his swimmers to do the same. Jack’s swimmers are prepared not only to give it their best, but to win. His zest for competition and the lessons that he takes from it have taught him not to “play it safe” as
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evident by his first NCAA Championship when he needed only to finish fifth in the final relay race; yet, chose to “go for it” and his UGA swimmers broke a record in route to capturing the championship. A product himself of the University of Georgia swim program, Jack Bauerle collected four letters, three school records, and co-captained the team during his junior and senior years. He majored in English and had a passion for writing. He remains a notorious letter writer and his notes and letters, coupled with his commitment to strong academics, have aided in his recruitment efforts. For over 30 years, Jack has coached the University of Georgia Swim team- beginning with the women’s team in 1979 and assuming the helm of the men’s team in 1983. He has produced four NCAA Women’s titles (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2005) and six SEC Women’s titles. He has been chosen as the SEC Coach of the Year thirteen times (eleven with the women and two with the men) and named the NCAA Women’s Coach of the Year on five separate occasions. In 1997, Jack Bauerle was named SEC Men’s Coach of the Year and SEC Women’s Coach of the Year. The crowning moment in his career came in 2008 when he was head coach of the U.S. Women’s Swimming Team at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. He had previously served as an assistant swim coach for the Olympic Women’s Swimming Team in 2000 and has been around the world as a U.S. National Team coach at multiple championships. Jack Bauerle has met with unparalleled success in and out of the pool. Under his watch, individual national and Southeastern Conference champions, All-Americans, recordsetters, Academic All-Americans, and NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients have become the norm. During the 1998-99 season, Jack Bauerle became the SEC’s winningest coach. That same commitment to excellence extends into the classroom as UGA athletes have always ranked among the nation’s best in academic honors. In 2006, Georgia placed four-
teen swimmers and divers on the CSCAA Academic All-America Team and a program-high twenty-six on the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
“Jack Bauerle is the consummate team coach. What he has done at the University of Georgia represents the pinnacle of team swimming.” Mark Schubert Head Coach and General Manager for USA Swimming’s National Team Besides coaching, Jack Bauerle has dedicated his athletic talents to other endeavors, ranging from guest appearances on a local sports radio station to marathons to a world record for the most consecutive hours of doubles tennis. For his contributions to the University and the community, Bauerle was selected to be an honorary member of the Sphinx Club, Blue Key Society, the Gridiron Society, and Phi Kappa Phi. He is the Northeast Georgia Chairman for the United Way and was the Honorary Chairman for the World of Wonder project that raised more than $500,000 for construction of playgrounds. Jack is married to the former Frances Ruth Fowler. They reside in Athens, GA with their two sons, John Randall, Jr. and Stuart Magill, who is named after legendary Georgia tennis coach Dan Magill. The spirit and laughter of that 8-year old boy remains today. Often he laughs so hard that he cries. Despite the fact that he has represented the USA in over twenty countries throughout the world, he has never forgotten his roots. You can take the boy out of Glenside, but you can’t take Glenside out of the boy. Perhaps that’s why he is still “just Jack.”
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William J. Whelan ’55
Alumni Service Award Recipients John C. Fenningham, Esq. ‘68 John Fenningham is a timeless La Salle treasure who embodies the La Salle commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service. For six years John served as an Alumni Association Director before becoming its President in 2000. He then became a Trustee of the High School, where he dedicated his time and expertise for another six years over two terms. John has been instrumental in the development of La Salle’s strategic plan to maintain and advance the Lasallian vision for its men of tomorrow. John also devotes his time as a Trustee of La Salle Academy.
William J. Whelan ‘55 Alumni Service Award The Alumni Service Award was established in 2001 in an effort to recognize the dedicated and consistent service of an alumnus to La Salle College High School. The award is presented in memory of William J. Whelan ‘55, a man of both kindness and principle, who at all times was a loyal son of La Salle. Bill was a friend and teacher, and the identification of the award to his life reflects the true spirit of his service to La Salle and its Alumni.
John is the consummate professional in every aspect of his life. He graduated law school in 1975, and became law clerk to United States District Court Judge Joseph L. McGlynn, Jr. From there, John went into private practice, and today heads the distinguished Bucks County firm he co-founded, Fenningham, Stevens & Dempster, LLP. As part of his very busy and diverse civil practice, John specializes in Federal and State litigation with an emphasis in complex commercial, real estate, zoning and land use matters. His integrity and commitment to the service and counsel of others is unparalleled. He has also distinguished himself as Special Counsel for the County of Bucks, and as Northampton Township Zoning Hearing Board Chairman/Member, Building Code Board of Appeals, Solicitor and Community Center Advisory Committee Chair. Central to John’s “giving back” philosophy is the very special relationship he had with Bill Whelan ’55. Motivated by Bill’s St. La Salle-like character, John has mentored generations of the La Salle faithful. He is particularly grateful to Bill for charting the course of kindness and principle he has followed in life. John accepts this award in Bill’s name and with a full measure of thankfulness for his wonderful family, Maureen, his wife of 39 years, and their children Maura, J.P. ’93, and Tim ‘98.
James E. McCloskey ‘64 Jim McCloskey is a teacher of service. As one of the La Salle Community’s most prolific service forces, Jim “prefers to fly under the radar.” Because he does so much for so many without want of recognition, the distinction of 2010 Recipient of the William J. Whelan ’55 Alumni Service Award is most humbling to him. Jim is always the first to acknowledge the good works and deeds of others, yet he never puts himself first. He believes the core of his basic existence is “helping people who have fallen through the cracks.” Jim’s life is thus dedicated to serving the forgotten, and to inspiring others to serve by following his lead. Jim lives the La Salle mission. After graduating in 1964, his service of Country began. Whatever he did and wherever he went, Jim served with highest distinction and honor. Proficient in Vietnamese and French, Jim volunteered for Vietnam where he served two tours. He relates that he “went back to Nam to teach, rather than help them fight.” Jim also commanded several Units in Rwanda, Yugoslavia and Panama between 1971 and 1998. He retired in 1998 with the rank Colonel (0-6) USAR. Over the years, Jim’s commendations include two Purple Hearts, two Crosses of Gallantry, two Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, two Meritorious Service Medals with Oak Leaf Clusters and the Legion of Merit. Jim’s teaching and business experience is equally compelling. He has taught finance, accounting, law, marketing, management, business, economics, and communications courses and seminars at Ho Chi Minh Open University, Villanova University, La Salle University, Drexel University, Immaculata University and Penn State University. In addition, Jim currently heads two private companies in the areas of product marketing, investment advice and strategic planning. At La Salle, Jim founded the “Secret Santa” service project where teams of La Salle students gather funds, and buy, wrap, coordinate and deliver Christmas gifts to the oncology and hematology patients at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. He is an annual career day presenter. Jim has served on the Alumni Board for almost two decades. He credits his wife, Carol, and children, Dana, Erin and Bill ’04, as the most important inspiration in his life.
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photogallery
Golden Explorers Luncheon Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Robert McMacklin ’45 and Joseph Gerngross ‘43
Mass Celebrated in the Marian Chapel
Class of 1948- Joseph Mulvaney ’48, Ted Rogers ’48, Bob Maro ’48, Bill Annan ’48, Ron Donato ’48, Justin Kershaw ‘48
Robert Foster ’43, James Logue ’43, and Jim Casey ‘43
Philip Drach ‘47, and Ben Ventresca ‘70
Bill Annan ’48, Ron Donato ’48, and Bob Maro ‘48
Class of 1949 – (Top) Joseph McGrath ’49, John Flannagan ’49, Paul Mullin ’49, Bill Vare ’49, and Joseph Hanna ’49 (Bottom) William Harvard ’49, John Familletti ’49, Joseph Margre ’49, and Joe O’Neill ‘49
Class of 1938 – Ray Tatlow, Walt Small, and Bill Foster
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La Salle Auction Saturday, November 7, 2009
Mothers’ Club – The Stars of the Big Show
Chris and Susan Bilotta, Patricia and Joe Karoly, Dorothy and Principal Joe Marchese, Ron and Karen Guearra, and Brother Richard Kestler, FSC
Freshman Volunteers Frank Monzo and Pat Shafer with Brother Carl Clayton, FSC and Brother James Steck, FSC
Chris and Susan Bilotta join Tim and Meg Foley
Guests of the Auction
Amy Lintner, Austin Meehan, Dale Lintner, Dianne and Ed Carmody
Master of Ceremonies Christopher M. Carabello ‘82 models Lilly Pulitzer
Christine Giaimo, Maria Caporizzo, and Susan Dearolf
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photogallerycontinued
Grandparents’ Day Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Michael Ryan ’13 with his grandfather
Pat Resch‘10, Conor Resch ‘13, Corey Schaffer ’12 and Floyd Schaffer ‘13 with grandmother, Barbara Resch
Ryan Winslow ‘13 with his grandparents, Richard and Dori Winslow, and Frances and Henry DeVincent
Brett ’13 and Chad McClutcheon ’13 with grandparents, Cleve and Nancy McClutcheon
Sean Cincotta ’13 with grandparents Ronnie Boyle, and Sean and Estelle Cincotta
James Gillen ’13 with his grandmother
Robert Moore ’13 and grandparents Robert and Sue Moore and Principal Joe Marchese
William Mischler ’13 with grandparents Fred and Maureen Mischler, and Ruth Kurtz
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classnotes
1940’s
James Fallon ’47 is the Secretary of the Fort Dix Retiree Council and Treasurer of the E9 Association, Keystone Chapter.
Charles Ansel ’41 has been informed that he is the only WWII Veteran still employed by the City of Philadelphia.
Vincent McAneney ’47 is enjoying retirement by traveling, spending time with his thirteen grandchildren, and spending summers at his beach house.
Jim Logue ‘43 reports that his son, Peter Francis Logue, has been at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University for over three years in preparation for his ordination.
Joseph Orlando ’47 and his wife, Susan, celebrated their 50 years of marriage with the renewal of vows and a luncheon.
Reverend Robert Breen ’45 offers his congratulations to La Salle’s President, Principal, Faculty, Fundraisers, and alumni for the recent expansion of La Salle buildings, fields, and programs. The future Lasallian community may call these years, “The Golden Age,” of La Salle College High School.
V. Richard Sheridan ’47 celebrated his 80th birthday on October 3, 2009. He was joined by his seven children, including his son Matt, who flew in from Hong Kong for the weekend, and his son Jim, from Sydney. In addition, six out of his thirteen grandchildren celebrated along with many old and new friends.
George Hines ’46, Legendary Coach of La Salle Rowing, does not intend to grow up. George offers his heartfelt thanks to his oarsmen, and all those behind his election to the Hall of Fame – giving him an immense feeling of fulfillment. Edward Bader ’47 has spent thirty years in the business world, his last position being President of a medium side wood treating firm. Subsequent to that, Ed spent seven years as an Accounting Professor at La Salle University and eight years at Holy Family University. Ed and his wife Dolores have been married for 60 years with nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Thomas Smith ’47 has enjoyed the last twenty years in sunny Florida, and is looking forward to the next class reunion in 2012. Robert Maro, Sr., MD ’48 reminds his classmates that the Class of 1948 meets twice a year for lunch, and has done so for many years. If you need information contact Justin Kershaw at kershawja@verizon.net or Ron Donato at dronlor@verizon.net.
William Crosson, CPA ’47 is still one of the lone La Salle boys on the West Coast and is benefitting from his La Salle education.
You earned it. Don’t give it to the IRS.
Leave your IRA to La Salle College High School. The Problem
Discover the benefits of giving wisely…
If you are single or a surviving spouse, any balance you leave in your traditional IRA, 401k, 403b, or other qualified retirement plan when you die is potentially subject to multiple taxes, including federal income tax, federal estate tax, and state inheritance tax. If you are in a taxable estate bracket, the combined taxes could be 85% or more of the balance of your plan, which will leave very little for your heirs.
For additional information, please contact: Robert F. McAnespey ‘66 Director of Development and Major Gifts (215) 402-4808 mcanespey@lschs.org www.lschs.org/plannedgiving
The Solution Make La Salle College High School the beneficiary of your retirement plan and leave other, less tax-burdened assets to your heirs. How? It’s easy. Just fill out a Change of Beneficiary Form, available from your plan provider. La Salle College High School will receive any remaining assets tax-free.
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1950’s Michael Carey ’50 has a son Devlin, a senior, who will be graduating exactly sixty years after he left La Salle College High School. Enda Coyne ’50 recently completed a twelve day Holy Land pilgrimage led by Colonel Roger Mohony of Los Angeles. In addition, Enda was recently promoted to Knight Grand Cross Equestrian Order of The Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.
Capital Campaign Update
Patrick Cronin ’50 writes that his wife, Dr. Amber Kinser, has two new books out and has been named Chair of the Department of Mass Communication. Amber is now Pat’s boss, and Pat is Head of the Division of Theatre. They both work at East Tennessee State University. Vincent McDermott, MD ’50 and his wife, Margaret, received the St. Luke Award at the White Mass in the Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center Chapel, Camden, NJ on Sunday, October 18, 2009. The annual Mass is celebrated for physicians, nurses, health professionals, and their families. Margaret is the Nursing Coordinator and Vince is the Medical Director for Project Hope and Community Health Practice in Camden, NJ. John McElvenny, Jr. ’50 and his wife, Anne, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 3, 2009. He is also quite proud of his grandson, Kevin Gatti ’10, who has been an honors student at La Salle College High School three years in a row. Peter Frey, PhD ’56 is enjoying retirement and his three grandchildren. Robert Lyons, MD ’56 received Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Yale Medical School Alumni Association in June 2009. He also gave a lecture “Rudyard Kipling and Doctors: A Second Opinion” in November 2009 to 434th meeting of Beaumont Medical Club, a Yale Faculty club started in 1920. Edward Rice ’56 sends his best wishes to fellow alumni of the Class of 1956. Joseph Malizia ’56 writes that his son, Joseph, Jr., is a Major in the US Army and has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Robert Federspiel ’57 writes that his son, Scott, recently returned from Iraq and has been promoted to Warrant Officer. Scott is actively serving the Ohio National Guard. John J. Convey, PhD ’58 authored a new publication, Weathering the Storm – Moving Catholic Schools Forward, National Catholic Educational Association, 2009. James Marks, PhD ’58 retired at the end of July 2009 from work in the City and County of San Francisco, Public Utilities Commission, where he had managed all public outreach and communications for large-scale water and power projects. William Regli ’58 reminds his classmates of the annual Communion Breakfast held on Sunday, March 7, 2010, and that fellow classmate, Ed Solvibile, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Public Phase Launched As the calendar year 2009 closed, Brother Richard Kestler FSC, ’60 was proud to announce that the “Promise Campaign for La Salle College High School” had surpassed the benchmark goal of $20 million that had been set by the Board of Trustees. As the new year begins, the “Promise Campaign” has received $20,729,314 from 239 pledges. Of this pledged amount, $12,000,000 has been received! These numbers put us in great position to reach and or surpass our stated goal of $25 million as we begin our public phase of the campaign. As of January 15, we have over 100 alumni volunteers representing 26 classes actively meeting, planning, and soliciting their classmates to support their efforts. Class committees have established target goals and opportunities, such as naming a classroom for their favorite teacher, Brother, or coach. If you would like more information about your own class and their efforts in this campaign, please contact Paul Colistra ‘00 in the Office of Institutional Advancement at (215) 402-4811 or colistrap@lschs.org
26 Explorer Winter 2010
classnotescontinued
1960’s
John Bissell ’66 retired after forty years in the refractory industry worldwide.
J. Peter Clark, PhD ’60 recently returned from his third trip as a volunteer food processing expert in Moldova. In addition, he published his second book in two years titled, Case Studies in Food Engineering: Learning from Experience. John Quinn ’60 has been a realtor for the past twelve years in Doylestown, PA. He is currently working with Weichert Realtors, while his wife, Marguerite Corr Quinn, is in her second term as a State Legislator in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Leslie Schmalbach, Jr. ’60 and his wife, Anne Marie, are now retired, but work part time and are community volunteers. After 42 years, they’ve moved from Oreland, PA to a 55 and older community in Worcester, PA. Berne Siergiej ’60 is continuing his project making video travelogues around the world. To date, he has visited 91 countries!
Terence O’Hara ’66 is enjoying retirement in Collegeville, PA. Leonard Sloane ’66, Frank Wesner ’66, and James Haggerty ’72 once again presented the 27th Annual Seminar on Automobile Insurance Law, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. Len was the course planner, and both Frank Wesner and Jim Haggerty were speakers at the seminar. Reverend Mark C. Aita, SJ, MD ’67 is Director, M.A. Healthcare Ethics at Saint Joseph’s University. Albert J. Fornace, Jr., MD ’67 was named the first recipient of the Molecular Cancer Research Chair at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University. William Brinkmann ’69 reports that Brinkmann Brothers Roofing is celebrating its 145th year of continuous operation.
Frank Yannessa ’60 will be performing in Delaware Valley’s Opera Company production of “The Desert Song” in late July and early August of 2010. In addition, he retired from scouting for the N.F.L. Louis Balizet, MD ’61 continues to practice oncology in Pueblo, CO. Louis is active in “Physicians for a National Health Plan”. Albert Them ’61 published his second book, The Man in the Basement, five years to the day after his first book, Ghost Stories and Other Tales of Lansdowne. Vincent Flynn ’62 is happy to report his first granddaughter, Freyja Anne Norburg, turned one year old on November 5, 2009, and resides in South Portland, ME. CDR John M. Shaeffer ’62 has retired from his position as VP – Financial and Operations at Elizabethtown College, after seventeen years of service. He is enjoying life with his four grandchildren and playing lots of tennis in Lancaster, PA. Louis Beccaria, PhD ’63 was recently appointed Vice Chair of the newly formed Chester County Food Bank. Also, Lou was awarded the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan Service Award by the O.I.C. of Chester County. B. James Cake, CPA, CSA ’63 was voted a “Five Star Wealth Manager” by Philadelphia Magazine, in the November 2009 issue.
Members of the class of 1969 walked in the 2009 Greater Philadelphia Walk to Defeat ALS. Classmates who walked included: Brian Belcher ’69, Steve Dougherty ’69, Mike Feeny ’69, Paul Frentzen ’69, John Furtek ’69, Joe Greco ’69, Joe Hartnett ’69, Bob Kaniewski ’69, Jim Kurtz ’69, Joe Lindinger ’69, Henry Londergan ’69, Jim Lynch ’69, John McGrath ’69, Geoff Meyer ’69, Bob Moran ’69, Dennis O’Hara ’69, Jim Roddy ’69, Mike Sheehan ’69, Pat White ’69, Steve Wolk ’69, and Jim Koller ’69.
Alan Cinquino ’63 and his wife, Michelle, have permanently moved to Lake Ashton in Winter Haven, FL, but will always remain Philly sports fans. John P. Fisher, DDS ’63 has been elected to the International College of Dentists – President Elect of the Massachusetts Dental Society. Bernard Kurek, DMD ’64 is a member of Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, as well as Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine Alumni Society Executive Board. Robert Yacobellis ’64 is retired and enjoying life in Florida. He is proud of La Salle winning the State Football Championship. Edward Belcak ’65 ran into Michael Cassidy ’74, and his son Michael ’09 while at Orientation Weekend at Wake Forest University. Ed’s son Austin and Michael ’09 are classmates at Wake Forest.
Class of 1960 will celebrate its
50-Year Reunion
in Conjunction with Graduation on June 4-5, 2010 Members of the Class of 1960 who wish to help plan and organize this
special occasion should contact Mary Frances Kelly at (215) 233-2350 or mfkelly@lschs.org
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1970’s James Gentilcore ’70 has been appointed CEO of EPAC, a printing company with offices in New York City, New Jersey, and California. William Svihel ’70 is still working at Lockheed Martin in Dallas, TX and lives in Mansfield, TX. Bill is looking forward to his 40th Reunion in April. George Thompson, PhD ’70 and his family are back home in Boca Raton, FL after ten days in Sea Isle visiting family on 45th Street. With two children still in middle school and the youngest in elementary, George says he’ll be working until he’s 80. John Maher ’71 has retired from Lower Township, NJ as Chief of Police and is now the Executive Undersheriff of Cape May County Sheriff’s Office. Robert Szostak, Esq. ’72 was recently elected Co-Chairman of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s civil litigation section. Sean Colgan ’73 is now raising black angus cattle in Colorado in the summers. Thomas Keating, ’73 will be one of six recipients to receive the 2010 National Catholic Education Association’s Secondary Schools Department Award on April 7, 2010 in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Keating will receive the award for his outstanding Catholic leadership, as the principal of Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. George Magnatta, Esq. ’73 was recently appointed to Internal Revenue Service’s Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities. Michael Durkin ’74 has a son, Tim, that will be graduating in 2010. Tim is looking to go on to college and playing lacrosse. Joseph Mihalich ’74 is in his 12th season as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Niagara University. Joe’s commitment to excellence, his intensity and determination has helped to turnaround the Niagara program and the same qualities are evident in the Purple Eagle teams and individual players. Joe has mentored several players to national recognition and success. Joe has quietly collected the second-most wins in school history and was the first coach to reach 100 wins in just his sixth season at the helm. All told, Joe has produced seven straight winning seasons. The accomplishments during Joe’s first decade of coaching has yielded an NCAA Tournament victory, two NCAA tournament berths, a pair of MAAC Tournament titles, a trio of MAAC regular season crowns, national, regional, and conference accolades for his student athletes and Top 25 Rankings.
Joe was the Guest Speaker at the La Salle College High School Honors Convocations held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, which recognizes young men who have distinguished themselves by earning the Scholastic “L”by virtue of attaining a final grade point average of 3.50 or above with no grade below a “C” based on final yearly grades. La Salle also honored its National Merit SemiFinalists and National Merit Commended Students. Frank Cervone, Esq. ’75 was honored in October 2009 by Good Shepherd Mediation with its, “Peacemaker Award.” In addition, he was honored by The Philadelphia Alliance, a provider of Network of Organizations for persons with disabilities and addictions with its annual, “Alliance Leadership Award.” Joseph Hand III `76, along with his son, Joseph Hand IV `01, has brought boxing promotions to a whole new level with his company Joe Hand Promotions Inc. Joe Hand Productions brings UFC pay-per-view boxing matches to roughly 3,500 bars a month. Eugene Barbera, Jr. ’77 wishes to make it known that with the passing of Mike Vesey ’77, “we lost a great man.” Timothy Gillespie ’78 has a son, Sean ’09, who is a freshman at the University of Delaware. Also, his son, Casey is a junior at La Salle College High School and daughter, Maggie, is in eighth grade. James Driscoll ’79 and the class of 1979 football seniors are still very close: George D. Johnson, Jr. ’79, Riley Smith ’79, Conrad J. Miller, III ’79, John Gerngross ’79, John Dean ’79, and Michael Yuengling ’79. The class of 1979 football seniors also miss their team mate, who was their inspiration and an excellent player, Steven Blust ’79 (Deceased). John Ondik, IV ’79 is Principal of The Ondik Group, Management Consultants. He lives in Havertown with his wife Liz and children: John, Christopher, and Alexandria.
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1980’s Albert Solecki, Jr. Esq. ’81 was recognized by Law and Politics as a Manhattan Super Lawyer in Employment Law for the fourth consecutive year. Gregory Dudzek ’82 retired in September of 2006, and has since been living in sunny Wilton Manors, FL. Edward (Brady) O’Mara ’82 was on the cover of the November issue of Advance Magazine, a national Physical Therapy Magazine.
classnotescontinued EITC Did you know that you can earn a substantial tax credit by helping a La Salle student reach his full potential?
Hugh Panaro ’82 was called by the Walnut Street Theater, the “Man of 1,000 Faces,” with his many starring roles in musicals such as Les Misérables, Oliver!, and Phantom of the Opera. Hugh recently completed his role as Fagan in the Walnut Street Theater production of Oliver!
The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) provides businesses the opportunity to invest in the education of La Salle students. Companies who donate through the EITC program can contribute to the academic success of students and earn a substantial tax credit in the process.
Michael Cassidy, MD ’83 is practicing Gastroenterology in Sellersville, PA. He lives in Hilltown, Bucks County with his wife Ann and his three children.
EITC donations for students at La Salle College High School are used to provide need-based tuition assistance subsidies. Last year, over forty La Salle students received such assistance.
William O’Brien, III, DO ’83 is currently active in using a new medical device, TMR, to reduce pain without needles or medications. He is President of “East Coast TMR” and is placing these machines throughout PA – “Elminating Pain One Patient at a time.” Major Michael J. Suter, USA ’83 will soon be returning from his tour of duty in Iraq, and to his position as Crime Scene Specialist for the Pennsylvania State Police. Christopher Haley ’86 has formed a new advisory partnership, Palladian Realty Capital LLC, offering real estate capital and solutions to public and private companies and investors. As Managing Principal, Chris is responsible for client relations, business development, and overall firm strategy. Nicholas Rudnytzky ’86 is an Adjunct Professor at La Salle University’s Central and East European Program, and Part-Time Admissions Coordinator at Manor College. Robert Weikel, Jr. ’86 has left Johnson & Johnson after thirteen years to join the new leadership team at Ellman International as the Director of Marketing. Ellman is a small family-owned medical device company recently acquired by Baird Capital Partners. Karl Werner ’86 has obtained his “Project Management Professional” certification from PMI. Brendan Coghlan ’87 has been promoted to Director of Technical Services for CSS, a Media, PA based IT Staffing and Solutions firm.
A one-time donation can earn your business a 75% tax credit; however, a two-year commitment results in a 90% tax credit. Your business, or any of its operating subsidiaries, can receive up to $200,000 in tax credits annually. Although several large companies participate, most EITC contributors are small businesses, donating smaller sums of money. The charitable contribution reduces the amount of a business’s taxable income as tax credits reduce tax bills dollar-for-dollar. The following companies are currently involved in the program. If you are interested in participating in this program or receiving additional information, please contact Brett Foley ’00, Director of Annual Giving, at (215) 233-2350 or foleyb@lschs.org American Business Systems AQUA Pennsylvania Beneficial Savings Bank BSI Carabello and Mansell Dental Associates Chadwick Service Co., Inc. James C. Clearkin, Inc. Danella Construction Corporation Danella Line Services Daniel J. Keating Company Edward W. DeAngelis Driscoll Construction Facenda – Whitaker Lanes First Priority Bank Foundation Structures, Inc. Geppert Brothers, Inc. Global Packaging, Inc. James J. Anderson Construction Co., Inc. Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. Hightec HVAC Highway Materials, Inc. Holiday Bowl, Inc. International Materials, Inc. Lawrence Contracting Company
J.P. Mascaro and Sons Matthew 25 Management Corporation Merit Metal Products Corporation Miller Brothers Division of Wampole-Miller Movers Specialty Service, Inc. Philadelphia Tramrail Enterprises, Inc. PTR Baler and Compactor Company Philip Rosenau Co., Inc. PNC Bank PNC Vehicle Leasing, LLC Research Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Schalleur, Devine and Sargent, LLC Seravalli, Inc. Shearon Environmental Design Sovereign Agency Swartley Brothers Engineers, Inc. Tague Lumber, Inc. The Bryn Mawr Trust Company The Fretz Corporation United States Roofing Utility Line Service, Inc. Westinghouse Lighting Corporation Williamson Hospitality Services, Inc. Wilmington Trust of Pennsylvania
NOW…FOREVER!
THEN…
Grand Reunion
for the Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2005
Saturday, April 24, 2010 6:00 pm La Salle College High School $60 per person
Class of 1965 45-Year Reunion Class of 1970 40-Year Reunion Class of 1975 35-Year Reunion Class of 1980 30-Year Reunion Class of 1985 25-Year Reunion
If you would like to help in the planning of your reunion (locating lost classmates, organizing the evening as well as other potential activities, calling classmates to increase attendance, setting-up that day, etc.), please contact Mary Frances Kelly, Director of Alumni Relations at mfkelly@lschs.org or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (215) 233-2350.
Class of 1990 20-Year Reunion Class of 1995 15-Year Reunion Class of 2000 10-Year Reunion Class of 2004 5-Year Reunion Class of 2005 5-Year Reunion
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classnotescontinued
1990’s Stephen Yatcilla ’91 has been promoted to Specialist position with the IRS in its Washington, DC headquarters. Stephen has relocated to the Metropolitan Washington, DC area. David Wenhold ’94, his wife, Nilde, and daughter, Page, recently moved to Doylestown, PA. David Stimmler ’95 is entering his tenth year with Aetna. He is currently Supervisor of Data and Analytics for Aetna Behavioral Health. Matthew Lewandowski, II ’96 recently began touring with Shen Wei Dance Arts. As Technical Supervisor for this New York City based modern dance company, Matthew will oversee upcoming performances in Hong Kong, Singapore, Milan, and Monaco, amongst other locales. He spends his summers in the San Francisco Bay Area as Production Manager for the Music at Menlo Chamber Music Festival.
ON SALE NOW! Official School Ties
Stay “tied” to La Salle College High School with two ties made of 100% silk and proudly displaying school colors and graphics.
$20 each Please visit the school bookstore or order online at www.lschs.org
Looking to make a difference in the life of a child? Can you make a place in your family for a special child? Can you provide a safe and loving temporary home? Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is seeking single and married adults in the five county Philadelphia area to become foster parents for children of all ages, races, and religions. Some children have emotional or medical needs, while some children are siblings and wish to be placed together.
If you can help or would like more information, please contact Melissa Kosmin in the Child Care Department at (215) 587-2458.
31 Explorer Winter 2010
2000’s
Edward L. Guarrieri ‘06 joined Vice President Joe Biden as a part of a panel held at Syracuse on the topic of education.
ENS Terence J. Fitzgibbon, USNR ’00 recently wrote and published his book, Assumed the Watch. Moored as Before. (An Alternative Naval Officer’s Guide). Frank DiLella ’02 is a producer for NY1 NEWS, New York City’s 24-hour news channel, covering the theatre scene. He also started writing for PLAYBILL magazine. His first article appeared in the August 2009 issue. William O’Neill ’03 graduated from The Catholic University of America with a Masters Degree in Architecture. Bill is employed by KCCT Architects in Washington, DC. Peter Hand ’04 is currently living and working in New York City. He works for the new television show, “The Dr. Oz Show,” as an assistant to the Executive Producer. Patrick Montgomery ’05 rode a tandem bike with a friend from The Spectrum in Philadelphia to Fenway Park in Boston for the NHL Winter Classic, in order to raise money for the poor and abandoned people of Philadelphia. Working in conjunction with the Blessed Sarnelli Community, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Flyers’ Wives, and 93.3 WMMR, the two boys raised over $5,000.
Liam O’Neill ’07 has been named Captain of the Drexel University Mens’ Crew Team. He is joined by fellow Explorers Greg Pierce ’07 and Pat McGann ’08. John Harrison ‘08 was named the Centennial Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week for his role as Quarterback in Franklin & Marshall’s 42-21 win over Catholic University on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Harrison made the Franklin & Marshall history books as he made a new record for touchdown passes and touchdowns responsible for in a game, with five pass completions in the endzone. Michael Cassidy ’09 has been named official student manager of Wake Forest University Basketball, where he is currently a freshman.
Alumni Basketball Game Sunday, January 17, 2010
32 Explorer Winter 2010
Births Richard Shelton ’51 and Joseph DiGregorio, PhD ’61 are the proud grandfathers of Domenic John DiGregorio born in November 2009. Dick’s daughter Suzanne is married to Joe’s son Joe. Robert Moran ’69 and his wife, Mary, are pleased to announce the first Future Explorer in their family, grandson Graham Patrick Smith (Class of 2027) born to the Moran family on November 13, 2009. George Albarelli ’72 and his wife, Denise, welcomed their son, Jackson Patrick, on October 2, 2009. James Ward ’72 and his wife, Joan, a girl, Georgina Florence, on November 10, 2009. Brian Carr ’91 and his wife, Colleen, welcomed their second son, Rowan Patrick, on July 16, 2009. Frank McCann ’93 and his wife, Erin, a girl, Grace Elizabeth on September 22, 2009. William Bell ’94 and his wife, Alison, twins, Benjamin and Megan on July 23, 2009. Christopher Holwick ’94 and wife Kellie, a girl, Delaney Grave, on November 11, 2009. Kyle Miller ’94 and his wife, Carol, a girl, Amber Nicole, on September 22, 2008. Michael J. Witkowski ’94 and his wife, Alana, a girl, Hannah Kathleen, on July 2, 2009.
David Stimmler ’95 and his wife, Alyssa, welcomed their first child, a boy, Christopher David, on September 29, 2009. John O’Hara ’99 and his wife, Veronica, welcomed their first child, a boy, Grey John, on October 21, 2009. Matthew Schaffer ’99 and his wife, Kaori, welcomed their first son, Kai, on July 22, 2009. James Fyke and his wife, Abbie, a girl, Edith Marie Fyke, on October 2, 2009.
Deaths Michael G. Belansen ‘49 William F. Boscoe ‘62 Gary H. Campbell ‘69 Louis J. Casale, MD ‘54, father of David Casale ’84 Michael F. Coffey ‘72 Thomas R. Convey ’44 F. Ross Crumlish ’46, father of Ross Crumlish ‘74 John L. D’Arcy, PhD ‘63 Philip E. Donahue, MD ‘60 John D. Famularo ’57 Joseph C. Hall ‘59 William A. Haller, PhD ’55 Thomas P. Heron ’56 Charles “Skip” E. Hofmann, IV ‘86 Edward J. Holmes ‘89 Joseph M. Hricinak ’50 James A. Kelly, Sr. ’54 Ellwood J. Link ‘52 John Masciantonio ‘40 Harry McFadden ‘48
Joseph A. Perret ’47 Robert R. Pellegrini ‘61 Michael T. Vesey ’77 Kevin G. Robinson ‘98 Reverend John S. Shellem ‘44 Joseph G. Sundermann ’51 Samuel A. Bacica, father of Stephen ’89 and Michael ’92 Mary P. Bettacchi, mother of Robert Bettacchi ‘60 Michael T. Buben, son of Alvin Buben ‘42 Lynne Cahill, mother of Christopher ‘04 and Geoffrey ‘07 Thomas A. Campbell, Jr., father of Thomas ’72, Timothy ’82, and the late Terrence ’85 Robert A. Clancy, father of Michael Clancy ‘88 Mary Kay Connolly, sister of Gerard ‘77 and Paul ’80 Thomas J. Conner ’63, brother of Patrick Conner ’59 Edward J. Dougherty, father of Kevin ’98 and Sean ‘00 Elizabeth M. Galbally, mother of James ‘63, William ‘71, and Michael ‘77 Otto W. Graf, father of Carl Graf ’73 and grandfather of Carl Graf, Jr. ’93 Elizabeth M. Hagerty, mother of James ’08 James J. Hartey, father of Gerard ‘93 Edward A. Hibbert ‘87, brother of Ross ‘90 Dominic Juliano, father of Mark ‘72, Brian ‘76, and Anthony ‘79
Patricia Ann Lordi, wife of George J. Lordi ’60 Rita M. Kelley, mother of Kevin ‘74, grandmother of Robert Schmitt ‘00 and Kevin Kelley ‘09 John P. McCormick, son of John McCormick ’66 James J. McKeown, father of Patrick ‘00 Barbara C. Millard, PhD, mother of John ’85 Nello M. Naticchione, grandfather of Peter ‘00 and Gino ‘06 Beatrice Nicoletti, grandmother of John Peruto ‘06, Michael Ferrier ‘1,2 and Vincent Peruto ‘13 Matthew F. Romano, Sr., father of Matthew Romano ‘91 Alfred D. Sacchetti, father of Alfred ’71 and Michael ’76, father-in-law of Thomas Alberico ’74 Thomas A. Sarnese, Sr., father of Thomas Sarnese ’75 Carol J. Stefanowicz, mother of Brian ‘82 and Adam ‘80, grandmother of Robert ‘12 and Adam ‘12 Patricia Summerhays, mother of Robert Summerhays ‘12 Margaret M. Tilson, mother of Arthur ’89 and Timothy ’90 Joseph Vetter, father of Joseph Vetter ‘67 Madeline Vizza, mother of Peter Vizza Ernest Waninger Andrew Weaver, father of Michael Weaver ‘84 Margaret J. Zamichieli, mother of John ‘84 and Robert ‘86
Honoree The United States Marine Corps remember the leadership, athleticism, and intelligence of fallen hero, Marine First Lieutenant Travis Manion ’99, as a brand new training school building was named in his honor, Manion Hall. In the process of building in Quantico, VA, The Basic School completed the first in a series of eight new student quarters buildings that are estimated to be finished this upcoming August. The first building was dedicated to the life of Travis Manion on October 23, 2009, and roughly holds 220 students and faculty in its $21 million, four story facilities.
Excelling in school and athletics, Manion was bound for greatness during his time at La Salle College High School, the United States Naval Academy, and the Marine Corps. But on the tragic day of April 29, 2007, Manion’s heroic life was cut short by enemy fire during a patrol in the Al Anbar providence of Iraq. With the dedication of the new building in Quantico, the legacy of Manion’s athleticism, studiousness, and leadership lives on and sets an outstanding example for the young officers in training at The Basic School. Manion is the only Marine to have a building named after him at The Basic School to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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33 Explorer Winter 2010
Annual Alumni thScholarship Golf Outing
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Philadelphia Cricket Club 6025 West Valley Green Road Flourtown, Pennsylvania
ALUMNI
GOLF
Play will take place on both courses Wissahickon (Old) and Militia Hill (New).
For additional information, please contact Mary Frances Kelly at (215) 402-4814 or mfkelly@lschs.org
Celebrating 50 Years of Brothers‘ Boys
E X PLORE R
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Lansdale, PA Permit No. 93
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Change Service Requested
ON SALE NOW! The Sesquicentennial History of La Salle College High School This hardcover, limited edition, is a one-time collector’s publication containing stories and reflections, and hundreds of photographs of our 150 years. Please visit the school bookstore to purchase copies or order online at www.lschs.org