Spotlight on Art and Sculpture Teacher, Mr. Rob Muntz P‘26

SETTING THE STAGE

An Employee Spotlight on Malvern’s Art and Sculpture Teacher, Mr. Rob Muntz P’26

By: Sarah Ravenfeld

Rob Muntz P‘26 has been at Malvern for 20 years as a staple in our Arts Department. He has taught both Middle and Upper School art classes during his time, as well as helped out with Stage Craft, producing sets for the Malvern Theatre Society’s three productions each year.

“This spring [Rock of Ages] is my 27th production that I have been a Stage Craft designer for since the Duffy Arts Center opened,” reflected Muntz, as we recalled the opening of the Duffy Center.

“Having the space to put on performances with such a large design output, as well as having a large space for ceramics, studio art, sculpture, graphic design … it was a bold move in Malvern’s history. The school showed that they are committed to the arts and providing that outlet for our students.”

Muntz is a Chester County native, growing up in Downingtown and attending Downingtown High School. He studied art at Muhlenberg College and returned to the area working for Bentley Systems selling architecture software, but he quickly realized he wanted to do something different.

“I went back to school at University of the Arts for my master’s degree in Arts and Education. I had this goal of working and living in the city, but the job at Malvern showed up in The Inquirer, so I applied, interviewed, and was offered the job a day or two later,” he shared. Muntz is an engaging force in the classroom. He is comfortable with the students and meets them where they are. But, he also understands the importance of feedback and walking with the student along the path, particularly in a creative field.

“Art class is all about the one-on-one with a student. I’m able to ask them questions about their piece and sometimes it can take the kids aback, but once you break down those first few feedback sessions, it gets easier and they get better. They learn how to defend their work or accept the feedback,” shared Muntz.

He also encourages his students to think outside the box and try new things.

“Students will see something online and they’ll want to try it in the classroom. For example, Keith Maguire ‘19 saw a classmate using epoxy and found it interesting. So, he searched online and found out it could be colored, and he built a box with a colored epoxy stripe.”

Muntz believes that art is inherently Augustinian, and he models that teaching in his classroom.

“Art class allows me to learn right alongside my students,” shared Muntz. “They’re receiving feedback about why their project might not work, and they have to defend it. That cross-banter is very Augustinian.”

Why should students take an art class? Muntz believes creativity is the key to success later in life and gives the students an opportunity to reflect on themselves.

“Art allows students to get to know them

selves better than anything that I have

seen. When you tell students they have

to make something and spend time with

themselves, they ultimately create or build

something that is all them, all their own

self-expression.” mp

Malvern Community Celebrates Annual Scholarship Breakfast

On Wednesday, October 9, Malvern Prep held the annual Scholarship Mass and Breakfast Reception. Scholarship recipients, their families, and benefactors were invited to celebrate Mass with the entire school community, followed by breakfast in the Duffy Arts Center lobby.

During Mass, Emilia Twomey, the Maguire Scholars Program Coordinator from the Maguire Foundation, and Dylan CabahugAlmonte ‘22, Maguire Scholar, spoke. Cabahug-Almonte shared how the Maguire Scholarship has given him the opportunity to

attend Malvern and receive an outstanding education. Malvern currently has 13 Maguire scholars.

“Both Malvern Prep and the Maguire Foundation work towards the goal of the student’s success, both in and out of the classroom,” shared Cabahug-Almonte.

“The Scholarship Mass and Breakfast Reception provides an opportunity for our donors and scholarship recipients to create meaningful relationships and honor one another,” shared Pam Engle, Director of Annual and Leadership Giving. mp

Malvern Prep Welcomes the Class of 2023 with Brotherhood Ceremony

On Wednesday, September 18, each member of Malvern Prep’s Class of 2023, as well as new members of the classes of 2022 and 2021, were formally welcomed into the Malvern community during the Brotherhood Ceremony in the O’Neill Sports Center.

Each student was presented with a medal of St. Augustine, which was placed around his neck by his parents or guardian. These medals depict the image of St. Augustine, the founder of the Augustinian Order of priests who established and support Malvern Prep. Each student and his family were then blessed by one of the five Augustinian Friars participating in the ceremony. The new Malvern brothers then signed their names in a Class of 2023 ledger, symbolizing their acceptance into the Malvern community. The entire Upper School student body, faculty, staff, and families of the Class of 2023 and new students were present for the ceremony, which brought together Malvern’s two groups of freshman students -- those who had attended Malvern for Middle School and those who were entering in the ninth grade.

Rev. Christopher Drennen, O.S.A. ‘73 addressed the school community: “Nothing proves a friend as much as taking a friend’s burden — that is the meaning of brotherhood.” He went on to encourage our new students to “take your turn in leadership and take your turn in service.”

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater, led by Malvern’s Liturgical Music Group. mp

2019 HOMECOMING

Malvern’s annual Homecoming and Reunion events took place the weekend of October 18 & 19. This year the weekend kicked off on Friday morning as the Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th Reunion by spending a “day in the life” on Malvern’s campus. They visited classes, toured The St. Augustine Center for Social Impact, and enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria.

On Friday night the Alumni Association presented its 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees in the Duffy Arts Center. The former Friars inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame were: DJ Driscoll ‘02, Brian Grandieri ‘04, the 2004 National Rowing Championship Boat of Ryan Coyne ‘06, Pat Ryan ‘05, Justin Teti ‘05, and Craig Wenger ‘04.

Also on Friday evening, alumni from the classes of 1954, 1959, and 1964 celebrated Mass at 5:00 p.m. in Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel followed by dinner in Austin Hall. The Class of 1994 joined them to celebrate their 25th Reunion.

Homecoming kicked off on Saturday morning with the Alumni 5k in memory of Joy Pancoast P’07’11’14. Prior to the race, Sam ‘07, Wes ‘11, Andy ‘14, and their dad Frank, awarded the Joy Pancoast Scholarship to Gabby Scarantino. The scholarship is awarded to a St. Agnes student who plans to attend a Catholic high school.

The day’s athletic contests began with JV and Varsity Soccer at 12:00 p.m., followed by the Varsity Football game at 2:00 p.m. The Varsity

Soccer team defeated Germantown Academy 1-0 in a game that went into overtime! The Varsity Football team bested Penn Charter in a hard-fought contest, 49-44. Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches!

Families, students, alumni, faculty, and staff enjoyed the Pig Roast and camaraderie of the afternoon. The energy added a sense of liveliness among the students looking forward to the evening’s Homecoming Dance.

Homecoming & Reunion was an incredible weekend, made possible by the efforts of the Alumni Association, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Club volunteers, students, faculty, and staff. We hope our entire community enjoyed being on campus, watching sporting events, and reconnecting with fellow Malvernians. mp