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CHAIRMAN of THE WALSH JESUIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stacy earned his B.S. in Accounting from The Ohio State University and his MBA in Finance from Carnegie Mellon University. Recently retired, Stacy was previously VP of Capital Markets at JP Morgan Chase, CEO of Dormont Manufacturing, SVP of Global Operations at Herbalife Int. Wand President of Bacharach, Inc. Stacy resides in Pittsburgh, PA and is active in several charities in the Pittsburgh area. He joined the board in 2014.
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What does it mean to be Chairman of the Board at WJ?
"Being chairman gives me the opportunity to contribute and give back to WJ students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, admin, and the broader WJ community. My time at Walsh was the most meaningful/ impactful experience of my life. Being chairman allows me to use my skills and experiences in the best way possible to try to repay all that WJ has done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Walsh Jesuit. I have been Chairman for almost 3 years, and my term will end after this school year."
What motivates you to help WJ?
"Giving back to WJ and ensuring others have the opportunities to grow and live the mission that I was so fortunate to have. I am most excited about seeing Walsh Jesuit thrive in a time when everything in our lives seems to be changing at a rapid pace, and we continue to be faced with challenges that very few of us expected. My goal is to establish the long-term plans and finances to ensure that Walsh Jesuit continues to develop and curate the 'grad at grad' long into the future."
What led you to give back to Walsh Jesuit?
"To be honest, when Karl [Ertle] and Jason [Ruegg] met me in Pittsburgh about 8 years ago, I hadn’t stepped foot in WJ since the day I graduated in 1977. I was not involved in any way, but that meeting led to me join the Board, start the enrollment committee with Janice Margheret, drive WJ’s strategic planning activities, become Vice Chairman and eventually Chairman. Walsh had done so much for me - I thought it was time to get involved. Of particular importance to me was following in my parents’ footsteps. My parents were very active at WJ… My dad was on the Board and my parents were the first non-Jesuit cochairs of the Warrior Gala my senior year."
Did you have any mentors at WJ?
"I’m not sure I had one mentor - lots of folks influenced me... Fr. King, Fr. Dickson, Mr. Sever, Mr. Petrus, Mr. Carabollad, Mr. Benes, Mr. Ricco, Mr. Hasenstab... One experience I remember and think about often was freshman homeroom with Mr. Gorbach, when I received my first report card. I received all A’s & B’s and was thrilled! Mr. Gorbach came up to me and said something like: “do you consider that good?” That stopped me in my tracks and made me rethink my goals. I think I only got one 'B' during the rest of my time at Walsh, OSU, and Carnegie Mellon!"
Tell us about the Strategic Plan:
"The Strategic Plan & longer-term financial plan are still in development. We still have some significant review milestones with the Strategic Planning Committee and The Board, & we hope to be able to seek Board approval in November. The Plan has 8 strategic themes of emphasis: Curriculum - Enrollment - Advancement & Alumni Engagement - Jesuit Mission - Diversity - Technology - Strategic Talent - Management - Facilities."
What was it like to be a Warrior in 1977?
"That was a long time ago! I remember, and continue to experience every day, the cumulative impact of the 4 years I spent at Walsh Jesuit on my life and how it was so important in my personal development. My time at Walsh gave me the confidence to attack any challenge."
What was your role in the Strategic Plan?
"I worked with Karl Ertle, the WJ Leadership Team, the Board, the Strategic Planning Committee, and our outside facilitator to structure the overall process, ensure we stay on track, make sure we’re addressing all the important issues, and contributing to our strategic research and conclusions."
What was most challenging about the Strategic Plan?
"We involved a large number of members of the WJ community. It was difficult to engage so many, have detailed discussions on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Walsh and develop a consensus on our plans. Demographics, technology, societal imperatives, approaches to education, etc. are all changing so fast, so trying to investigate the future to develop longer term plans is very difficult and can be overwhelming. We involved many subject matter experts, did a lot of market research, and went through a detailed evaluation and review process to drive our approach to tackling these changes in the future while not losing sight of the WJHS and Jesuit mission."
What was the most rewarding part of the Plan?
"The most rewarding parts are/will be involving so many members of the WJ community, finalizing and implementing a well thought out roadmap for WJ’s future, and Board approval!"
What did you learn from serving on the Board?
"It is so important to keep your eyes on the horizon, to focus on long term objectives - even though unexpected challenges may arise (like COVID, OSHAA issues) that must be addressed. However, you can’t lose sight of the long term. Everyone has different, valuable opinions, approaches, and experiences. It is important to listen, understand, and determine how to incorporate them into the management processes to create a stronger organization. I think anyone who has spent time with me as Chairman knows I am very focused on a few, very important things that I will raise over and over again until I’m satisfied we’ve addressed them."
What was accomplished under you as Chairman?
"I hope I’ve been able to build on the other wonderful leaders' efforts to continue to move WJ forward & ensure our strength and effectiveness into the future. I am proud of the progress we’ve made with our diversity efforts and changes to financial aid to make WJ accessible to more students and families."
What's a metaphor that describes the work you do?
"I’m a 'grinder' – make a little progress every day and you’ll wake up one day and find that you’ve accomplished quite a lot. Remember, nothing goes in a straight line so expect setbacks!"
What does the Strategic Plan process tell us about WJ?
"We have an amazing community - so strong, so many talented folks involved, so much momentum - but the world is changing so fast that we constantly need to consider changing how we serve our students, families, and community to fulfill our mission. It is difficult to embrace the fact that what worked in
the past may not work in the future. We also must make sure we are attracting younger, more diverse alumni and others into faculty, staff, administrative and leadership positions."
When you think of the future, what comes to mind?
"So much gives me hope - our students, families, faculty, staff and administrators, broader community, financial condition... I often think about what my parents would think of today’s WJ - they would be amazed! I think addressing our future challenges will be incredibly difficult. Demographics are changing rapidly, competition for potential students will dramatically increase and potential students will have so many education options."
What’s next for you?
"I would like to be involved in Walsh Jesuit in some capacity… and to dominate my US Masters Swimming age group!"
pREsIdENT, wAlsH jEsuIT HIGH scHool
"I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been for such a committed alumnus to serve as our Chairman. He and his family were involved with POWWOW (Warrior Gala) and his parents actually served as chairs, and his father was on the Board. Stacy has continued his parents’ legacy of service, and he brings a strong mission and business background that makes us a better school now and in the future.
Stacy is also very collaborative, and has worked not only with the WJ team so well, but he has also helped on the provincial and national levels, as he provides his expertise. He leads a talented group of committed alumni so well, and I am grateful that he gives back so loyally to his alma mater in so many ways, from sponsoring a student to providing his wise counsel.
He loves making great videos about his favorite school, as long as it’s not during a game in which his beloved Buckeyes are playing!"
STACY BROVITZ CLASS OF 1977
Once a Warrior... Always a Warrior
GRAD AT GRAD
OPEN TO GROWTH
INTELLECTUALLY COMPETENT
COMMITTED TO DOING JUSTICE
LOVING
RELIGIOUS
CONGRATS GRADS!
College Matriculations
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From May 2021 until July 2022, the Society of Jesus celebrates an Ignatian Year. What is an Ignatian Year? May 20, 2021 marks the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius’ conversion — that fateful day when Ignatius the soldier, struck by a cannonball, began his transformation into Ignatius the pilgrim.
The Ignatian Year
"When Jesuit, Fr. General Arturo Sosa announced the Ignatian Year, I found his explanation most exciting. Surprisingly, he does not see the year as a celebration of St. Ignatius himself, but rather as an invitation for us to recall that 500 years ago, this courtier and soldier - a man of the world, had a deep personal conversion during his recovery from wounds inflicted in battle by a cannonball.
Ignatius came to see himself and the world around him as centered on God, not on himself. Fr. Sosa invites all of us to recall that we too, like Ignatius, have a daily opportunity to experience a new conversion, reflecting on ways God enters our life, seeing all things new in Christ. The Ignatian Year will conclude on July 31, 2022, the feast of St. Ignatius. It took a cannonball to the legs to shatter Ignatius’ false images of himself. What does it take for us?"
- Fr. Donald Petkash
WHAT'S YOUR CANNONBALL MOMENT?
"I would have to say my cannonball moment (to a Catholic conversion) was my wedding day! We got married in a Catholic Church, and as we were preparing for marriage, I realized how important being the same religion as my wife and (future) kids would be. I started the RCIA process, and the more I learned about Catholicism, the more I knew I made the right decision. I recently got to add on to this cannonball moment when my children were baptized. My daughter was baptized just a few months after I was initiated into the Catholic Church and to be able to celebrate that with her was very special."
- Nick Alexander
(Teacher + Head Football Coach)
SEEING ALL THINGS NEW
Guided by the theme of the Ignatian year, we hope to encourage inspiration from St. Ignatius, his conversion, and his close relatioinship with God. Thus we may find God in all things, see all things new in Christ, and contuously strive to be Men & Women for & with Others.
COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS
Starting in the 2020-21 school year, Walsh Jesuit’s Office of Equity and Inclusion began “Courageous Conversations,” a series of podcasts in efforts to promote discussion and raise awareness of diversity-related issues affecting our society both in and out of these WJ hallways. Led by Mrs. Kaneshia Crenshaw, Dr. Feliesha Shelton-Wheelers, and Mr. Brian Anthony, these podcasts invite students and faculty to join in the discussion.
What Is It:
“The primary focus of cultural humility work is to offer a new lens of perspective as it relates to how we encounter and interpret diversity related issues within our community. Cultural humility is simply recognizing the way that we as people experience our differences and live our differing realities. In doing so, we come to understand that we are not the experts on someone else’s life. In today’s society, how often do we truly listen to the stories of others? The work that Kaneshia and I do is about providing opportunities and resources for those experiences to be comprehended and for those stories to be told.”
Primary Objective:
“We want to bring honest conversation and real dialogue to the community about occurrences in our society. We want to provide a platform for those who wish to speak, and we welcome those – students, staff, admin, etc. – who wish to share their experiences and thoughts. These Conversations may be uncomfortable for some, but as we always say, “uncomfortability breeds growth,” and growth is necessary for change. We understand speaking about issues such as race, gender, mental health, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status (and the struggles that they can and have caused for society) may seem controversial or upsetting, but it is just as upsetting for those who live and cope with these struggles. The Courageous Conversations are a great tool to help start people talking, listening, and hopefully learning from each other.”
Guests:
“Kaneshia and I want to capture and reach as many voices as we can so our efforts are always for the greater WJ community. We will have our in-class cultural humility presentations in addition to the school-wide “Courageous Conversation” live broadcasts (we are aiming for three live broadcasts this upcoming year). Also, we would like for the podcasts to air either one or two times a month.”
Other Efforts:
“The cultural humility efforts led by Kaneshia & I are part of a partnership: Dr. James Knight – VP of Equity & Inclusion at St. Edward’s HS. He began the efforts with the staff & administration through professional development sessions last year to start the conversation, and we are continuing those conversations. Additionally, thanks to the efforts of WJ’s Advancement Team, Kaneshia and I were able to secure grant funding to start podcast series from both the Akron Beacon Journal’s Health Disparities Project and the Akron Community Foundation.”
Mr. Brian Anthony
Office of Equity and Inclusion
Mr. Dave Banks
TO A FUTURE MUSICIAN: PROFESSIONAL CAREER:
“Becoming a High School Musician is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences a young adult can have. Music is a multidimensional discipline that gives a student a distinct advantage as it encompasses multiple parts of the brain to work together, all while learning to work not only individually, but also in tandem with others. The bond that is created through the gift of music provides the student with life-long friends who will share the same experiences and the same mental and emotional highs that come from the discipline of preparing and the thrill of performing. Leadership skills are also a big byproduct of being in the band, orchestra or jazz ensemble, the choirs, and theatrical presentations. As a student grows and matures through the grade levels, they then pass on their experience and help shape the underclassmen and women as they work on their craft. Allowing one’s creative side of the brain room to grow is a big part of the “Open to Growth” concept that is so meaningful here at Walsh Jesuit. There has been a long list of WJ graduates who have become successful in the performing arts! Become a WJ performing artist! You will never regret it!” His educational experience includes ten years as the Director of Bands and Choirs at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas and was a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as a Trumpet Instructor and Assistant Director of Bands. His professional performing experience includes a twenty-year performing career in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked with numerous entertainers and major production shows. Since returning to the Ohio area, he has performed with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, and his own band, The Dave Banks Big Band. He has recently performed with name acts like Johnny Mathis, The Who, “The Temptations,” and numerous traveling shows. Mr. Banks has served as Lead Trumpet for shows at Playhouse Square, E.J. Thomas Hall, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Porthouse Theater, and Blossom Music Center. Mr. Banks holds a Bachelor’s of Music from The University of Akron, and a Masters of Music degree from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
AT WALSH JESUIT:
Now in his 22nd year as Director of Music and Drama and serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair at Walsh Jesuit. He directs the Concert Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and the Harmony Gold Show Choir as well. At WJ, he has produced and directed over 30 productions for CenterStage Theatre.
