Stewart IV
stinction
The James H. Stewart IV
Wall of Distinction PMS 289
The James H. Stewart IV
Wall of Distinction PMS Cool Gray 30, CMYK
2020 - 2021
This is the official, inaugural class of Malvern Preparatory’s
James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction Mr. Alan Ameche and Mrs. Yvonne Ameche-Davis P‘71‘72‘76‘77 The Augustinian Friars Brigadier General Curtis Buzzard ‘88 Mrs. Joan Downs P‘96‘98‘98 Mr. Charles P. Kelly III ‘88 Mr. James J. Murray, Jr. P‘88 GP‘16 Mr. Donald F. O’Neill ‘57 TE Mr. James H. Stewart IV P‘86‘94 PT Hon
ames H. Stewart IV
of Distinction
The James H. Stewart IV
Wall of Distinction PMS 289
The James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction
highest quality that inspires young men to lead with
recognizes individuals who have had a profound
humility and heart. The Wall of Distinction provides
and lasting positive effect on both Malvern Prep and
our community with role models to be celebrated,
within their communities. Wall of Distinction
honored, and recognized so that our students know
honorees are wonderful examples of selfless service
what positive leadership looks like and what social
to others and to the Common Good, which
impact means.
demonstrates the Augustinian Core Values of Truth, Unity, and Love – the hallmarks of the Malvern Prep
A member of the Wall of Distinction Committee,
experience. The inaugural class of inductees
Mr. Jim Stewart passed away on August 15, 2020,
demonstrates to our students and community what
prior to the announcement of the inaugural class.
it looks like to have a lasting, positive The impact.James
recognitionIV of his lifetime of selfless service, some H. InStewart
of which is known only to those who sought his Wall of Distinction
Appropriately, the James H. Stewart IV Wall of
counsel, Jim was not only selected to be a part of
Distinction is located in Malvern’s St. Augustine special inaugural class of inductees but PMS Cool Graythis 30,very CMYK Center for Social Impact. The Augustine Center
is being honored in one final way. It is with great
provides both a location and programming for
pleasure that the Wall of Distinction will be named
students to solve problems affecting humanity now
in honor of James H. Stewart IV so that his record of
and in the future. This space helps tell the Malvern
service is forever memorialized at Malvern Prep.
Prep story of an educational experience of the
“
Regardless of his role, Jim sought first to listen and understand while serving with character, dignity, humility, and wisdom. - Wall of Distinction Committee
”
Mr. James H. Stewart IV P‘86‘94 PT Hon Through 48 years of service to Malvern Prep,
Jim spent his entire adult life as a friend and
Jim not only served the school but thousands
counselor to anyone he knew in need. He was
of Malvern students and others as a classroom
passionate about the success of MECO,
teacher, coach, Headmaster, Head of School,
attending many trips over the years. Perhaps one
and President. He loved teaching and continued
of his greatest accomplishments was overcoming
to teach even while he was Head of School. Jim
his fear of flying so that he could support and
had an unmatched energy and spirit. Regardless
attend the service trips abroad. After each trip
of his role, Jim sought first to listen and
to one of the poorest parts of Peru, Jim would
understand while serving with character, dignity,
share that his greatest joy was watching the
humility, and wisdom. Jim was always
students come to understand that they were the
committed to and passionate about education.
ones who would be changed by the service trip, not those whom they were helping. Following
In addition to his remarkable record of service at
his retirement, Jim continued to serve by
Malvern, Jim combined his love of teaching with
volunteering his time at the Ronald McDonald
his love of football and volunteered as the Head
House on a regular basis. Malvern is grateful for
Coach of St. Dorothy’s seventh-and eighth-grade
the lasting impact Jim has made on our school
varsity football team. Jim served in this role for
community.
50 years and left a legacy of hard work, commitment, and constant improvement. It wasn’t just students and players who were impacted by Jim’s passion for education, but his four children were as well. All four of Jim and Mary’s children are teachers.
ll a W
ray G l o S Co
PM Mr. Alan Ameche and Mrs. Yvonne Ameche-Davis P‘71‘72‘76‘77 T “God provides the wind but man must raise the
Ameche went on to play for the Baltimore Colts
sails.” - St. Augustine
and was named NFL Rookie of the Year and was the star of The Greatest Game Ever Played.
Alan and his beloved Yvonne lifted the sails of
When his career ended early due to injury, he
many individuals and institutions. Alan Ameche
and Yvonne focused on raising a family and
married Yvonne, the love of his life, and together
were part of the team that founded Gino’s, the
they became a formidable duo who did so much
very successful fast-food chain. But their greatest
for so many, often anonymously.
achievement, besides raising a beautiful family,
Born in Italy, Alan’s family immigrated to the United States settling in Kenosha, WI, when he was a young boy. Alan played football in high school and went on to play at the University of Wisconsin, earning accolades like MVP,
was their incalculable support of so many in need. They became active in organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
All-American, and becoming the first player from
Malvern and its students were among the many
the U of WI to win the Heisman Trophy.
beneficiaries of Alan and Yvonne’s substantial largesse, which came in the form of general gifts, scholarships to many students in need, Board service, B.A.S.H sponsors, and other ways likely known only to them and the individual Malvern beneficiaries. Malvern and so many people stand on their shoulders.
“
Alan Ameche was famous for his incredible success on the football field but he and his wife, Yvonne, have been selected for the James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction and deserve our recognition and thanks for all the great philanthropic work they did humbly and without fanfare for Malvern and so many other institutions and people. - J. Michael Riordan ’73
”
“
The Augustinians have had a profound impact on the history and day-to-day life of Malvern Prep. Therefore, honoring the entire Augustinian Order is appropriate and well deserved. - Wall of Distinction Committee
”
The Augustinian Friars The Order of Saint Augustine includes some 2,800 Augustinians in 47 countries throughout the world. Founded in 1796, the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova was created by a decree of the Prior General of the Order authorizing the establishment of a Province in the United States under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel. In 1841, the Friars purchased a
on academics and the spiritual experience at
PMS CMalvern. It is often referred to as a journey that ootransform will students. The Augustinians l Graour y center of Augustinian life in the Province and 3 0, CM of learners at have created a true community Y our patron, home to Villanova University. Malvern Prep, modeling the life ofK 200-acre farm 10 miles outside of Philadelphia and established what would soon become the
Malvern Prep is the direct continuation of the academy program founded by the Augustinians in 1842 for Villanova University. The educational model that the Augustinians brought to Malvern Prep is centered around each student’s journey – both his personal journey and his journey within his community. St. Augustine, our patron saint, was above all else a great teacher. The Augustinian teaching approach is focused both
St. Augustine, whose personal journey was centered on community, service to others, and lifelong learning. It is estimated that the Augustinians have helped to educate over 10,000 students at Malvern Prep in the Augustinian spirit of Truth, Unity, and Love. We are pleased to hold as models for positive social impact, the Augustinians.
Brigadier General Curtis A. Buzzard ‘88 “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names
awards), Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert
are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things
Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Master
are, and Courage to see that they do not remain
Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Presidential
as they are.” ~ St. Augustine
Service Badge, Army Staff Badge, and numerous foreign jump wings.
After graduating from Malvern Prep in 1988, Brigadier General Curtis A. Buzzard continued
BG Buzzard has had the opportunity to work
his academic career at West Point and was
with numerous allies as he commanded our
commissioned an infantry officer from the United
Army’s Combat Training Center in Europe. He
States Military Academy in 1992. He is proud to
is currently the Commandant of the 4,400
have had the opportunity to command soldiers
member Corps of Cadets at West Point. He has
at Company, Battalion, and Brigade levels
shared, “It’s very humbling to play a small role
including many multiple combat deployments.
in the development of Cadets into leaders of
He has served 13 years with the 82nd Airborne
character for our Army.” He is proud of his three
Division, which is part of our Army’s Global
daughters and his wife, Teri, who have all
Response Force. Among his unique opportunities
embraced military life.
has been serving as the Army Military Aide for two Presidents (Bush and Obama).
YK M C , Harvard University and the Marine Corps 0 3 y rHea has deployed to both Iraq and University. G l o o and his awards and decorations CAfghanistan, S M P include the Defense Superior Service Medal, BG Buzzard earned master’s degrees from
Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star Medal (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), Army Commendation Medal (three
BG Buzzard has lived his life training and leading men and women to serve our country. He did and continues to demonstrate and lead with courage to see that our world will not remain as it is, as St. Augustine has said. His service to his country and mankind reaches people around the globe.
“
Brigadier General Buzzard has dedicated his life to one of Service, Leadership and Caring, impacting people around the globe. He has served in the European Theater, the Middle East, and for two Presidents. His caring for those he leads as well as the people in many countries has not let him forget about his roots. BG Buzzard now serves his country and alma mater by leading the 4,400 cadets at West Point. Curtis has also returned on a few occasions to share his journey with the Malvern Prep student body. He exemplifies a Malvern Alum who ‘enters to learn and goes forth to serve.’ - Joe Redican ’60
”
“
But for the Grace of God and the love and dedication of Mrs. Downs, I may have never known about Malvern Prep. One Friday evening in March of 1992, Mrs. Downs visited my home to tell us about this great private Catholic school in Chester County; the following Saturday she brought us to campus for a driving tour, and a week later I took the entrance exam. My life was changed forever because of her selfless act of Christian Service which is a pillar of the Malvern Community. - Toby Booker ’96
”
Mrs. Joan Downs P‘96‘98‘98 Mrs. Joan Downs will always be remembered for
Finding the best opportunities in life for her own
her lasting impact on diversity at Malvern Prep.
boys was not enough. Mrs. Downs sought to
Although small in size, Mrs. Downs has been a
establish the framework and pipeline that would
giant in stature to all who have known her.
create generational change for many young men
Mother of eight children, she has always been
to follow. She went on to help to create
a central figure in helping to mold the lives of
equitable and inclusive opportunities for these
young people in the communities in which
students to transcend society’s expectations for
she lived and served. Whether it be the
them. Her tireless work continued across two
neighborhood in West Philadelphia where she
decades to recruit boys throughout Philadelphia,
and the late Mr. Dee Downs raised their family,
Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, and South
in her church home, at the local community
Jersey. Her legacy continues today as second
center, or on the sports field, she has always
and third generations of family and friends have
been a regular and welcomed leader and role
continued to experience the Malvern Augustinian
model.
tradition.
Beginning in the early 1990s, Mrs. Downs was
While Joan didn’t win a Heisman, make
extremely instrumental in helping to facilitate
millions in business running a company, become
a demonstrable increase in students of color
a General or the like, she did so much good by
who would enroll and graduate from Malvern.
giving her best to Malvern. As a result, Joan may
Always recognizable by the van she drove, the
provide the greatest inspiration to our students
fanny-pack she wore around her waist, and the
who otherwise might think that you can only
baseball cap she wore on her head, you always
make a positive social impact if you play on the
knew when Mrs. Downs had arrived. She could
largest stage. Joan provides compelling proof that
often be found in Austin Hall for the usual
doing our best in our part of the world, however
unannounced meeting to present her newest
big or small, can make a meaningful contribution
slate of candidates to become future Malvern
to the Common Good.
Men. She spent tireless hours making home visits with families and giving personalized tours of the campus.
PMS C o
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Charles “Chic” Kelly ‘88
m a J The of
ll a W
s i D
injury. Chic didn’t think twice. And so it began.
years of Varsity Hockey. He earned an academic
He wanted to help others.
Chic left home in August with the traditional
Coo S PM eventually would earn an MBA in finance. During
aspirations of a college student. However, Chic
that time, Mr. Jim Stewart convinced Chic to come
also entertained hopes of playing collegiate
to Malvern, “just for a year” and begin teaching
hockey for Merrimack.
Theology. Chic has been at Malvern now for over
scholarship to Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. After graduating in June 1988,
Chic Kelly enrolled at St. Joseph’s University and
25 years teaching Theology and Economics. After successfully walking-on to Merrimack’s hockey team, Chic’s life took a dramatic turn when during
Chic and his family have started The Friends and
practice he was tripped and sent headfirst into the
Family of Chic Kelly Foundation, a non-profit
boards, suffering a severe spinal cord injury. As
organization whose goal is to provide some funds
he was being taken off the ice on the stretcher,
to individuals living with a spinal cord injury who
Chic asked the EMTs and school staff if someone
lack the resources needed to carry out daily living
wouldn’t mind going over to the city’s bus depot
activities. Chic serves as a mentor and inspiration
to pick up a friend of his who was on his way up
to young people who have become paralyzed due
to visit him. This friend happened to be a fellow
to spinal cord injuries. He speaks at schools about
Malvern Prep Friar and classmate of his. Why share
overcoming spinal cord injuries, and how you can
this story with you? Because it captures the
continue to make a positive impact on your world,
essence and soul of Chic Kelly – he is always
no matter what life throws at you.
thinking of others first.
When asked how he gets up every morning with
The injury left Chic a C-5 Quadriplegic. However,
such positive energy, he replied, “When God lets
he refused to let that limit his ability to make a
you know He’s present in your life, He does it
positive impact on others. During his 8 months in
through other people.” Chic concludes with this
the hospital recovering, he was asked by a nurse
message “What you get out of life, is the result of
if he wouldn’t mind speaking with the family of
what you put into it.” Thank you for what you put
another victim who had just suffered a similar
into the lives of so many. Chic Kelly, you truly are an inspiration.
M
,C 0 3 y l Gra
Chic attended Malvern Prep and played four
“
It isn’t lost on me that God lets many people know He is in their lives through the actions and heart of Chic Kelly. - Mr. Ron Algeo ’87 P’15
”
“
Jim has made an enduring impact on thousands of lives and thousands more yet to come thanks to his leadership with the Ronald McDonald House and other philanthropic work. His dedication to family and service to others truly exemplifies what it means to live a life in accordance with the example set by St. Augustine. - Ryan Nassib ’08
”
Mr. James J. Murray, Jr. P‘88 GP‘16 Jim Murray has devoted his entire adult life to
Medical Society, and the Catholic Leadership
philanthropy and civic leadership, which includes
Institute’s Award for Outstanding Catholic
co-founding the first Ronald McDonald House
Leadership, among others.
(RMHC) in Philadelphia with Dr. Audrey Evans in 1974. Murray persuaded many of his peers
Jim has been guided by the spirit and teachings
in the NFL to become involved in the unique
of St. Augustine ever since childhood. He has
Ronald McDonald House concept. The Ronald
shared relationships with numerous Augustinian
McDonald Houses provide temporary homes,
brothers for decades, which played a part in his
at little or no cost, for the families of children
journey to becoming part of the Malvern
undergoing treatment for various illnesses at
Community. Through his contributions to
nearby hospitals, helping families with sick
Malvern’s MECO program since its early years,
children in 65 countries save over $930 million
Jim touched the hearts of countless Malvern
each year.
students and is still remembered for the impact he made by those who were able to share that
During his 14 years with the Philadelphia Eagles,
MECO experience with him.
Murray assumed leadership roles in a number of community projects. He helped start the
Empowered by unwavering faith and belief in
successful Eagles Fly for Leukemia campaign
the power of prayer, Jim remains involved in
and has often been recognized for his charitable
the Philadelphia community and has made an
work, receiving numerous awards including the
enduring impact on the lives of thousands
President Ronald Reagan’s Medal for Volunteers
of people.
of America, the American Medical Association’s Citizen of the Year Award, the Bishop DiMarzio Award for Leadership, the Benjamin Rush Humanitarian Award by the Philadelphia County
Mr. Donald F. O’Neill ‘57 TE “Pray as though everything depended on God.
of Malvern Prep (1842 founding as Tolentine
Work as though everything depended on you.”
Academy, 1923 move to the Rosengarten Estate
- St. Augustine
in Malvern, PA). Because Malvern Prep was able to remain open, thousands of young men have
Don O’Neill graduated from Malvern in 1957.
benefitted from the school’s uniquely
Following his time at Malvern, Don attended
Augustinian, value-centered education.
Dartmouth College graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Over the years,
Don is well known for his fundraising
Don has worked with countless Malvern boys
challenges. In 2017, Don challenged the
helping them to gain acceptance to his beloved
Class of 2017 to get 100% participation in
alma mater. He has served as Head Agent for his
the Malvern Fund. They did, and Don doubled
class and was honored by the Stephen F. Mandel
his gift!
Society for exemplary leadership and service to the Dartmouth College Fund.
Mr. O’Neill also devotes time to The Immokalee Foundation which, provides educational and life-
Don is Malvern Prep’s senior statesman and a
skill training to the children of migrant workers in
man who lives Veritas, Unitas, Caritas every day.
Florida. The Immokalee Foundation has served
His service to Malvern Prep includes serving as
1,475 children through its education program
Chair of the Board of Trustees, founder of the Alumni Association, and Chair for three capital
Mr. O’Neill is a proud father and grandfather.
campaigns. He is a lifelong Trustee Emeritus.
He is an avid sportsman and a lifelong Roman Catholic. He and his wife, Ellen, split their time
In 1975, Don was part of the seven-man Trustee
between Florida, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.
team along with Alan Ameche, Ed Daly, Fr. Dave
When in Philadelphia he visits his family and
Duffy, Nick Howley, Bob Quigley, and Mike Walsh
always manages a visit to Malvern Prep.
who prevented Malvern Prep from closing its doors. To many, this was the third “founding”
“
The first time I ever met Don, I was a brand new Malvern mom, working on the BASH ad book. We needed a lead sponsor, and I sheepishly called him. His immediate response was, ‘Whatever you need.’ And ... for the last 25 years, he has always responded to Malvern with ‘Whatever you need.’ - Margaret S. Boova P’98 TE
”
If you would like to submit a nominee for consideration of this award, please contact development@malvernprep.org, using the subject line ”Wall of Distinction.”
Malvern Preparatory School offers its sincerest gratitude to the members of the Wall of Distinction Committee. We commend the Committee for their time and dedication to our school and for recognizing this inaugural class of the Wall of Distinction members who have left an indelible and lasting mark on Malvern Prep.
Ron Algeo ‘87 P‘15 Toby Booker ‘96 Margaret Boova P‘98 TE Ryan Nassib ‘08 Joseph Redican ‘60 J. Michael Riordan ‘73
ames H. Stewart IV
of Distinction
The James H. Stewart IV
Wall of Distinction PMS 289
The James H. Stewart IV
Wall of Distinction
418 S. Warren Avenue Malvern, PA 19355-2707 www.malvernprep.org 484-595-1100