A C a t h o l i c S c h o o l i n t h e M a r i a n i s t Tr a d i t i o n
M ELLER FALL/WINTER 2006
D e v e l o p i n g L e a d e r s h i p i n Yo u n g M e n
Tools of
PEACE
M.A.C.H.1: Moeller Advocates for Community Housing
principal’sdesk THIS YEAR MARKS the beginning of a new governance structure at Moeller High School. Last year the Education Commission was reformed into the Advisory Board, providing a model that will allow the 10-member Board to offer strategic direction for the school, in conjunction with the principal. The Advisory Board will be the foundation for creating and assisting in implementing initiatives that will benefit students and their families who choose Moeller High School. Thus far, the Board has begun to work aggressively on creating financial strategies that will ensure Moeller’s viability in the future. Strategic plans for continuing to provide a quality education for our students is at the heart of the plan. In addition, strategies for increasing the amount of financial aid are also being developed, which will serve a greater proportion of families who desire a Catholic education for their son(s). The commitment and expertise the Board has demonstrated in its inaugural year has been a tremendous positive for helping Moeller High School continue to be a leader in Catholic education. The Board’s leadership will be focused on creating new and improved ways for Moeller to thrive in a competitive market and to ensure that the Catholic, Marianist values and ideals we espouse remain at the core of who we are as a Christian institution. The work of the Board, in conjunction with our administration, faculty, staff, students, and all the constituents of Moeller High School, will be the cornerstone for future plans, which will solidify a positive and bright future for all those who choose to attend Moeller. These efforts will help us to bridle the many challenges facing Catholic education, currently and in the future, while capitalizing on the many opportunities this new millennium holds for the success of our school and its students.
Yours in Service,
Blane M. Collison, Principal
M ELLER
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contents cover story 8 TOOLS OF PEACE Rebuiding Hope in Over-the-Rhine
features 10 MAKE THE COMMITMENT Moeller’s Annual Fund
12 KAIROS CONNECTIONS Experiencing The ‘Awakening Christ’ Will Pesta '06 is one of literally hundreds of Moeller students, parents, faculty, and staff who have worked over the past few years to bring hope to Over-the-Rhine. (See "Tools of Peace," on page 8.)
departments 2 FROM THE EDITOR 3 MOELLER WIRED 14 CRUSADER CONNECTION 16 TRACKING 2007 Barry Borman Alumni Dad Award Greg Stanforth ’67
Jim Balbach ’77
The Alumni Association recently announced that there will be two recipients of the 2007 Barry Borman Alumni Dad Award: Greg Stanforth ’67, Art/Photography Department Chair, and Jim Balbach ’77, Men's Chorus Director. This award is given during the annual Father/Son Mass to an alum who continues his legacy at Moeller by sending his son and staying involved to enhance the experience for all sons of Moeller. (For more alumni news, see the “Crusader Connection” on page 14.)
Kairos helps to build the Marianist Charism of “Educating in the Family Spirit” at Moeller. (See story on page 12.)
fromtheeditor AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, one of my favorite books was Hope for the Flowers, which chronicled the life of a caterpillar named Stripe from birth to butterfly. As an English teacher, one of my favorite books to teach was a novel of revenge, The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas. The last word of that work I always remembered: “hope.” Now, one of the most recent New York Times bestsellers is entitled The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama, a junior senator from Illinois and — some would say — a future presidential candidate. In his book he envisions a government that seeks the common good and begins a discourse in building shared understandings of us as Americans. He says, …(A)t the core of the American experience is a set of ideals that continue to stir our collective conscience; a common set of values that bind us together despite our differences; a running thread of hope that makes our improbable experiment in democracy work.” The connection between these disparate works is, of course, the reoccurrence of hope in our lives, when we’re too young to know what lays ahead, when we’re too bitter to see beyond rage, when we’re too lost in political discord. And it’s that theme — the theme of hope — that comes to mind in this issue of Moeller Magazine. With this edition, we conclude our series on how Moeller is developing leadership in young men. In this issue we focus on the two remaining Marianist characteristics – the teaching of faith formation and educating for service, peace, and justice. But, more importantly, I think you’ll be inspired by how our students are providing hope and working toward peace in our war-torn world. From adopting a school in Uganda to rebuilding dilapidated structures in Over-the-Rhine, these young Men of Moeller are using the “tools of peace” within their reach, hammering hope with each nail for our inner city and supporting peace with each penny they raise for people on the other side of their world. They inspire me. And I hope they inspire you as well. Christ’s peace to you,
M ELLER VOL. 11, NUMBER 1
FALL/WINTER 2006
Moeller Magazine is an official publication of Archbishop Moeller High School for alumni, parents, and friends. Comments and questions are encouraged. Send your letters to: MOELLER MAGAZINE EDITOR Archbishop Moeller High School Johanna Kremer 9001 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45242-7780 Voice Mail: (513) 791-1680, ext. 1330 Fax: (513) 792-3343 E-Mail: JKremer@Moeller.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Albrecht ’77 Ginny Bauer Blane Collison Lisa Ellis Joe Esbenshade ’07 Mary Fischer Chris Anne Gaier Debbie Geiger Austen Verrilli ’08 Rob Winterman ’80 Troy Woolery CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITORS Bill Balbach ’72 Cindy Neuhaus ADMINISTRATION Blane Collison, Principal Mike Rakel ’70, Dean of Academics Carl Kremer, Dean of Students Bro. Ron Luksic, S.M., Dean of Student Life Bill Balbach ’72, Treasurer Barry Borman ’64, Director of Athletic Operations CREDITS Layout & Design: June Pfaff Daley, Daley Design e-mail: jpdaley@fuse.net Online Web Design: Steve Pope ’87 www.SkiUWD.com Photography: Greg Stanforth ’67, Moeller Faculty GStanforth@Moeller.org Printing: Larry Kuhlman ’81, Bramkamp Printing www.Bramkamp.com Distribution: Ginny Bauer, Chris Anne Gaier, and Lisa Ellis
Johanna Kremer Editor, Moeller Magazine/Communications Director
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©2006. All rights reserved. Archbishop Moeller High School is owned and operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati and adheres to its policies.
moellerwired
...for service, peace, and justice
Students Adopt School in Uganda IN OUR LAST ISSUE of Moeller Magazine*, we wrote about how our students are “shining a light” on the “invisible children” of Uganda. Thanks to an alumnus, Michael Zimmer ’67, they are doing more than raising awareness; they are now adopting a school. In June, Zimmer contacted Connie Ring, the faculty moderator of the students who are involved with Invisible Children. “I was very pleased and proud when I read the article in the recent (magazine) about Moeller’s involvement with the Uganda issue,” said Zimmer. “My wife and I have decided to focus our charitable work on children’s issues, and this one really grabbed us. Seeing Moeller students involved was just a super and pleasant surprise.” Zimmer and his wife, Jill, work with a teacher in Uganda who is running a school in the city of Gulu that serves as a safe haven from the rebels who would abduct the children to become soldiers. The school also offers them hope for a future free from the terror that haunts them every day. Uganda is suffering from two decades of civil war. “Last year I read a series of articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer** about the plight of the children in northern Uganda,” said Zimmer. “Through the series I became aware of an amazing woman named Abitimo Odongkara who runs a school in northern Uganda.” Zimmer eventually met Odongkara and decided to form a non-profit group to help Odongkara’s school, the Upper Nile Institute for Appropriate Technology (UNIFAT). He named the organization Friends of UNIFAT and has already begun work to expand and upgrade Odongkara’s school. “At present, the children are taught in rooms that have no windows, mud floors, brick walls, and one blackboard,” said Zimmer. “We hope to make a visible difference at Abitomo’s school… It occurred to me that Moeller might adopt the school as a ‘sister’ school.” The response from Moeller was a resounding “YES!” said Ring. “This is all awesome. We’re adopting this school — it’s a done deal. The guys are committed.” At Moeller, the students have been hard at work for more than a year sounding the alarm about the Ugandan humanitarian crisis. “We are already on the move,” said Ring. “We informed about 2000 students and parents about it using Invisible Children’s (IC) media last year and already have several screenings (of the IC movie) booked this year. Also, I have spoken with students from at least four other high schools (Kings, Mount Notre Dame, Loveland, and Princeton), and the kids there are also really fired up about helping to sponsor Abitimo’s school.” “There is nothing we can invest in that pays more down the line than education,” said Zimmer. “Paying for this school’s operation is one of the best investments we can make in the future of our world. This is, indeed, an opportunity for the Men of Moeller to make a real and definitive statement about what they stand for.” Ring agrees, and says the Moeller students involved in IC are working tirelessly to make a difference. “The team is working with the kids at Good Shepherd to plan an Invisible Children overnight event here at Moeller in late February,” said Ring. “They have amazing ideas in the works, including simulations, speakers, and very creative ways to educate the public about the current situation with Uganda and UNIFAT. Folks from California are coming, and Michael and Jill Zimmer have graciously agreed to attend and keep us up to date on UNIFAT and their needs. We are looking into invitations to influential people in Washington as well.” * The article from our last issue is available online at www.Moeller.org under “News & Events,” click “Moeller Magazine,” then “Spring/Summer 2006.” ** These articles can be accessed online at www.gophilly.com/Uganda.
Zimmer’s most urgent efforts are directed toward raising funds to shore up Odongkara’s buildings and to help defray the cost of the many orphans who attend. “The school currently has two main classrooms,” said Zimmer. “They lack windows, electricity is limited, and they have structural problems. A third building needs to be completed. We are also considering a security fence around the school to enhance its function as a safe haven. Most importantly, though, we need to ensure that the doors remain open to any needy child. We are working toward a scholarship program for this.”
Invisible Children Transforms Students’ Lives “MY UNDERSTANDING OF justice and service has dramatically changed, because this is one of the worst injustices of our time,” said Eric Werner ’09. “My involvement has strengthened my faith journey. We need to continue to tell their story and keep pushing the leaders of our country until the situation in Uganda is finally peaceful.” “My commitment to Invisible Children has done two things for me,” said William Tardio ’07. “It has humbled me as a person to be able to commit to something that will change lives, (and it has enabled me) to see the change that this organization has already provoked, (which) shows the value and influence of today’s youth… I want to be an example for others, showing people that all it takes to make a difference is dedication, time, and the will to help others. The Invisible Children movement shows that anyone can make a difference, that everybody is influential in their own way.” “’My involvement in this effort has shown me there is more to service than sending money, care packages, or fixing buildings,” said Adam Tardio ’09. “Service can be praying, raising awareness, and just devoting time. (Something) we take for granted here in the United States is peace. Even though our country is at war, it isn’t in our country. I have learned that nothing can happen or prosper when there isn’t peace in a country.”
MOELLER • 3
moellerwired
...for service, peace, and justice
Students Initiate Team to Rebuild Katrina-Torn City By Austen Verrilli ’08, with contributing writer Joe Esbenshade ’07 ONE YEAR AGO, Hurricane Katrina ripped apart the southern portion of Louisiana and other southern states. This past August, a group of 15 Moeller students went to Slidell, Louisiana, to help people rebuild their lives. The trip to Slidell, a town severely damaged by the hurricane, began like any other mission trip, where students went to the city to help
with construction for a week. But something else happened. Some of the students who went to Slidell, including seniors Matt Reber, Brian Stiens, John Fitzpatrick, Greg Markgraf, and Korey Warzala, wanted to continue to assist Slidell’s residents in recovery. Their desire to help those in need became the Katrina Awareness Team, created to raise funds to
rehabilitate Slidell. “They still need a lot of our help,” said Reber. The wish list for the hurricane-stricken town includes a Bobcat, tents, electrical generators, shower trailers, cots, portable heaters or air conditioners, couches, nail guns, and refrigerators. “The Bobcat is our highest priority,” said Markgraf. “It will make it much
easier to dig foundations for new homes in the area affected by the hurricane.” The team will return to Slidell on December 26, bringing with them donated items that they have acquired to help rebuild the community. To donate items or volunteer time, please contact the students at katrinaawareness@hotmail.com.
New TAP Program Promotes Peace
The Katrina Awareness team will return to Slidell, LA, on Dec. 26, 2006, bringing additional donated items.
106 Seniors Serve on Summer Missions THIS SUMMER, 106 seniors, 44 % of Moeller’s senior class, served on mission trips. The Pastoral Ministry Program offered nine missions this summer — from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky to the inner-city areas of Cincinnati. In addition to working on various service projects, such as rehabbing buildings, assisting in orphanages, and cleaning up remnants of Hurricane Katrina, students explored social justice issues, learning pathways to solidarity and peace.
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Moeller seniors show their commitment to the Marianist characteristic of “service, justice and peace” by their participation in summer missions.
IN SEPTEMBER eight Moeller students and 10 Purcell-Marian students attended two all-day training sessions to become leaders of the Teens Acting for Peace (TAP) program. Todd Forman, Moeller’s Pastoral Ministry leader and community service director, reinitiated the program this year. “By partnering with Purcell-Marian and St. Francis DeSales Elementary School, we hope to promote peace and nonviolence for students at all three schools, even though this is something that is countercultural,” said Forman. “It is important for us to show there is a better way than always resorting to violence.” “I joined TAP because I thought that it was a good way to promote non-violence in our society,” said Alex Sabo ’08, TAP leader. “Our society is too violent. Peace is a good thing.” Following the seminar, Sabo and other Moeller and Purcell-Marian TAP leaders visited St. Francis DeSales classrooms to discuss how violence may have played a role in their lives and how to discourage violent activity. The Moeller and Purcell-Marian students will work with the elementary children throughout the year, teaching them the skills and values of violence prevention. “Dr. Shula, the principal of St. Francis DeSales, is really pushing peace education with his kids,” said Forman, “especially with all the violence that surrounds their neighborhood.” Additional goals of the TAP program are to encourage the high school students to put these same skills and values into practice in their own lives and to offer this vision of nonviolence to their schools as well. A key component of TAP is encouraging students to take the “Pledge of Nonviolence.” The pledge consists of seven components, which include respect self and others, listen, communicate better, forgive, play creatively, respect nature, and be courageous. In addition to Sabo, Moeller TAP leaders include juniors David Richards, Beau Jamison, Eric Gibbemeyer, Billy Yates, Tony Martin, Matt McCormick, and sophomore Cameron Shelton.
moellerwired ...for academics Raising Valedictorians: How One Family Did It WHEN ARCHBISHOP MOELLER High School Matt Magner ’06 became the Archbishop Moeller High School’s 43rd valedictorian, he also made school history: He was the third son of Beth and Mark Magner of Mason to graduate first in his class. Tony and Mark paved the way in 2003 and 2001, respectively. So what’s the secret to raising such successful sons? The parents will tell you it’s because they had great young men to begin with who worked very hard, which is obviously true. But it’s the sons who see the sacrifices their parents made to help ensure their success. “My parents didn’t have a hobby, like golf,” said Tony ’03. “We were their hobby.” “I’ve never told them this,” said Mark ’01, “but I remember asking my parents one day as a kid why they didn't have any CDs.” My mother's reply was, ‘Because we spend all our money on you guys (my fellow siblings).’ I doubt I understood the true meaning of her response that day, though I must have sensed it was true, for I certainly never forgot that conversation even so many years later.” “Our family is all about ‘family,’” the father admits. Mark and Beth became active “guides on the side” in their sons’ lives, coaching them every step of the way, both literally and figuratively. At one point, Mark coached all three sons’ sports activities, and Beth was an active volunteer at St. Susanna Elementary School, leading the Power of the Pen writing program, which met weekly after school. “In my family, all vacations are family vacations,” said Mark ’01. “All outings are
family outings. It is quite obvious to me that their children are the greatest loves of their lives.” Can Mark attribute being valedictorian to that kind of nurturing and love? “Most certainly, “ he says. My parents read to me every day when I was a child, so by first-grade I was by far the best reader in the Pictured: Front, from left: Beth and Mark Magner. Back, from left: Matt, Tony, and class. With great reading Mark Magner. skills come both compreMoeller faculty members: Bro. Lohrey, S. M., hension and confidence in school activities — AP calculus teacher for the past 26 years, and the true foundation for academic success in Bob Hotze, director of Moeller’s theater proany setting. Perhaps my parents did not teach gram since 1980. me Steinbeck or calculus or medicine, but One of the primary characteristics of they taught me to read so that I could learn Moeller’s Marianist philosophy is the school’s for myself in all my future pursuits.” belief in educating in the “Family Spirit.” The All three sons are still students — with Magner family magnify that belief times Tony and Matt attending the University of three, becoming the embodiment of both Dayton and Mark in medical school at the academic excellence and Father University of Cincinnati. And all three are Chaminade’s* vision of a Marianist family. continuing the path of academic excellence that they began at their alma mater. *Blessed William Joseph Chaminade founded Mark ’01 graduated from Miami University the Society of Mary (Marianists) in 1817. His (Oxford) in 2005 and is now studying mediphilosophy of education involves five primary cine at UC, with a special emphasis on neucharacteristics: educate for faith formation; rology. Tony ’03 will graduate from UD in the educate for an integral, quality education; fall of 2007 with a dual major in English and educate for Family Spirit, educate for service, psychology and is a member of Gamma justice, and peace; and educate for adaptation Epsilon Lambda, a service fraternity. Matt ’06 and change. is a freshman at UD pursuing a dual major in math and theater, thanks to two inspirational
Two Art Students Unveil Work at Weston Art Gallery
Nick Faust ’08 poses with his piece, There’s Fish in the Percolator, which he created as part of the “Art Shapes Us” project that had students explore creative writing with collage to depict a visual representation of what shaped their character.
Patrick McDonough ’08 stands next to his work, A World with the Help of Music, embracing the concept of marrying visual ideas to music. “I feel music...has a big influence on the way that person is,” he said.
MOELLER • 5
moellerwired ...for academics
Moeller’s Academic ‘All Stars’ FORTY MOELLER STUDENTS recently earned scholastic recognition. AP SCHOLARS: Eleven Moeller students have earned the designation of “AP Scholar” by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. One student, Matthew Polakowski ’07, qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least “3.5” on all AP Exams taken and grades of “3” or higher on five or more of these exams. Ten Moeller students qualified for the AP Scholar Award: Daniel Brunck ’06, Kristopher Kramer ’06, Jonathan Lam ’06, Matthew Magner ’06, Geoff Roberts ’07, Gregory Robinson ’06, Ryan Strizak ’06, Christopher Stroeer ‘06, Nicholas Weidman ’07, and Michael Witt ’06. NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS: Seniors Matthew Polakowski and Geoff Roberts have also earned the title of National Merit Semifinalists and will continue to compete in the Matthew Polakowski renowned National Merit Scholar Competition. ’07 recently became Seniors Ryan Chapell, Wynn Hunter, Brian Schings, both a National Merit Semifinalist and AP and Rob Sikorski were honored as “Commended Scholar. Students.”
Sitting, from left: Aaron Delgado, Stephen Kaes, Michael Benza, Brian Albrinck, Will Tardio, Michael Hartman, Matt Alitouche, Mark Bruce, and Vinny Benedetti.Standing, from left: Eric Huster, Tony Rack, Michael Chandler, Geoff Lovett, Brian Cron, Ian Kowalski, and Alex Hofrichter. Not pictured: Matt Alitouche, Vincent DiGennaro, Jake Hubbard, Marc Ketcha, Lee Meyer, Danny Romes, Matt Scott, and Daniel Young.
NEW NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS: The Faculty Selection Committee admitted the following students to Moeller’s National Honor Society. Class of 2007: Brian Albrinck, Matt Alitouche, Mark Bruce, Michael Chandler, Vincent DiGennaro, Eric Huster, Stephen Kaes, Geoff Lovett, Lee Meyer, Danny Romes, and Will Tardio. Class of 2008: Vinny Benedetti, Michael Benza, Brian Cron, Aaron Delgado, Michael Hartman, Alex Hofrichter, Jake Hubbard, Marc Ketcha, Ian Kowalski, Tony Rack, Matt Scott, and Daniel Young.
6th Consecutive Victory for ‘Arting’ Crusaders For the sixth consecutive year, the “Arting” Crusaders claimed another big victory for the Moeller “Art Team,” says Art & Photography Department Chair Greg Stanforth ’67. Eight seniors won scholarship and youth division ribbons at this year’s Montgomery Kiwanis Sidewalk Art Show. For more information about Archbishop Moeller High School and its art program, see www.Moeller.org.
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Pictured at right: Moeller senior art students display their ribbons and winning art works. Front row, from left: Cory Frost, 2nd Place; Jeff Bough, 2nd Place; Mike Ventura, 3rd Place. Middle row, from left: Chris Robinson, 3rd Place; Robert Coby, 2nd Place; Judd Hopkins, 3rd Place. Top row, from left: Dan Scherra, Grand Prize Scholarship and 1st Place Winner; and Steve Kaes, 1st Place.
moellerwired ...for academics
Main Event 2007 A Treasure of Opportunity Awaits Mates! MOELLER’S MAIN EVENT 2007 will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at the Manor House in Mason, Ohio. The theme is Pirates of the Caribbean. The Main Event is Moeller’s premier fundraiser that last year set new records in attendance and a net profit of over $172,000. This year’s Chair Couple is Bill and Celia Carroll. A treasure chest awaits you in the silent auction just by making a bid! Captain Jack Moe (alias Mr. Moroski) will be present during the Silent Auction and Raffle portion of the evening, so you will want to arrive early so you don’t have to walk the plank! For details regarding reservations, Gift Gathering Parties, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, Tuition/Cash Raffle, please check out www.Moeller.org or contact Debbie Geiger, 791-1680, ext. 1320. Pictured at right: 2007 Main Event Chair Couple Celia and Bill Carroll.
The Golden Boy Comes to Moeller
Pastoral Ministry Launches Youth Philanthropy Council
THE LEGENDARY PAUL HORNUNG, Louisville native, Notre Dame Class of 1957, Heisman Trophy Winner, and NFL Hall of Famer, will be the featured speaker at the annual Sports Stag on Thursday, February 8, 2007. Moeller's own legendary Gerry Faust will provide the introductions. Hornung, the first pick of the 1957 NFL draft, won four world championships and two league most valuable player awards in his 11-year career with the Packers. In 1986 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Prior to his NFL career, Hornung was an All-American football player at the University of Notre Dame, where his charismatic personality earned him the nickname “The Golden Boy,” and his play on the field earned him the Heisman Trophy. To this date, Hornung is the only player to ever win the Heisman Trophy while playing for a team with a losing record. For tickets, contact Ginny Bauer in the Alumni & Development Office at GBauer@Moeller.org or call 791-1680, ext. 1300.
THANKS TO A GENEROUS GIFT from an anonymous benefactor, 12 Moeller students will lead an effort to provide financial assistance to community service projects and programs. They will become a part of the Moeller Youth Philanthropy Council, a new student governing board that will be charged with “giving away” this donor’s money. “Most high school students have never heard of the word ‘philanthropy’ — even though they directly and indirectly benefit from the generosity of many philanthropists each and every day,” said Todd Forman, Moeller’s director of community service. Forman worked with a similar council at Xavier University and can see the potential this has to offer Moeller students. “I have seen the excitement that students get by being junior philanthropists,” he said. “But I’ve also seen the frustration that comes with having to make very difficult financial decisions. This experience will help the students become wise social investors and to better understand the power of giving.” Council members will meet periodically throughout the year to determine specific guidelines and to educate students about this opportunity, assisting them in generating worthy service activities. The members will also be responsible for reviewing their peers’ requests and determining which projects they will ultimately fund. “If this program is a success, it has the potential to grow and become an integral part of our Pastoral Ministry program — opening up some exciting opportunities for future service-learning programs,” said Forman. Moeller’s inaugural Youth Philanthropy Council includes Cory Frost ’07, Jon Hartman ’07, Phillip Jividen ’07, Brad Meyer ’07, Jarryd Wynn ’07, Hume Jamison ’08, Holden Marsh ’08, Mark Shipp ’08, Matthew Almario ’09, Eric Werner ’09, and Aaron Doppes ’10.
Sophomore Receives 2006 YMCA Character Award MOELLER SOPHOMORE Blake Gibson recently received a 2006 YMCA Teen Character Award. He was one of 40 teens who was honored by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and has the distinction of being the youngest teen to win this award.
MOELLER • 7
Tools of Mike Altimer ’05 dismantels the old ceiling in the apartment building Moeller “adopted.”
PEACE
Rebuilding Hope in Over-the-Rhine
The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace. —Mother Teresa
t Moeller, students are encouraged to be the change they want to see in the world. And they have taken that charge seriously. For the past two years, Moeller students have worked on Saturdays in Over-the-Rhine, steadily rebuilding two dilapidated apartment units. After first cleansing the structure of debris and neglect, they began to piece together board by board, nail by nail, a solid foundation for a future tenant who would call this place home. Week after week the young carpenters of Moeller, along with their fathers, faculty
A MACH 1 Faculty moderator, Mike Moroski, celebrates with new tenant Liz Schockley.
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BY JOHANNA KREMER
members, and other friends of Moeller, worked to help heal the brokenness and restore to health a place of renewal from the chains of poverty and addiction. A safe haven. A place of peace. In August, they celebrated a milestone. They finished the apartment at 1404 Republic Street, holding an open house for Liz Schockley, the new tenant of the renovated unit. “After working on the building for two years, it’s amazing to see the complete transformation,” said junior Mike Reeder. The transformation of 1404 was not only physical; it had a spiritual impact as well. “Every Monday, the first thing that comes to my mind is Saturday, to return to the house that I helped remodel, reconstruct, and bring life to, (and) to sometimes see the warming heart of the nice woman who is now living her life in the top two floors of 1404,” said senior Geoff Lovett. “Every time I walk through the door of 1404, I say to myself, ‘I’m home,’ home to the house I think about every day of the week. 1404 is my life and my ‘home’ away from home.”
The students began working on this initiative two years ago as part of the Adopt an Apartment program, sponsored by the Race Street Tenant Organization Cooperative (ReSTOC, which
The 1404 Republic Street apartment building in Over-the-Rhine.
is now Over-the-Rhine Community Housing or OTR-CH). Moeller students had been working with ReSTOC in OTR for years, mostly helping maintain buildings, cleaning streets, and weeding green spaces. But interest had grown so strong that Mike Moroski, Moeller English teacher and program moderator, believed the students were ready to take on the challenge and responsibility of rehabbing an entire apartment unit. Last spring the students began assuming an even greater leadership role, forming a new social justice group they named MACH 1 — Moeller Advocates for Community Housing. In May, Moroski led the three-day retreat in OTR that gave birth to this new organization. “Truly something special happened,” he said. “It was made quite clear to me (that) weekend that we work with some really special guys… A fire has been lit in the 12 students who made the retreat, and you can expect further advocacy on behalf of Cincinnati’s poorest in the years to come. All weekend it kept coming back to people, and not politics, ideology, etc. Our group decided to work on humanity in a face-to-face fashion and will fight injustice at all costs.” “Not many people would believe me when I say this,” said Will Tardio ’07, MACH 1’s first director, “but (the retreat) was more life changing than my Kairos experience…(and) had a greater impact on who I have become. I left that weekend with a sense of hopefulness for the oppressed people in Over-theRhine.” When you talk to MACH 1 students, “hope” becomes a central theme in their experience. The students speak of many “lessons” they learned. They voice personal stories, a greater understanding of poverty issues, and more empathy for the people in OTR. But the most powerful lessons are ones they hadn’t expect-
Pictured above is a “bird’s eye” view of the before-makeover bedroom/bathroom.
ed. “The most profound of these lessons is that of hope,” said Jon Hartman ’07. “Every time I visit the community and interact with the residents, I feel an unexplained sense of hope and humility. These are the most important lessons that I will always be grateful for learning.” “The real Over-the-Rhine is full of good, hard-working people who have a sense of hope and new beginning,” said R. J. Rushing ’07. “The biggest surprise of the (OTR-CH) experience was the first time I saw the real Over-the-Rhine, not the one that is portrayed in the media as a dangerous and violent place.” “The stories I heard of the Over-the-Rhine residents blew me away. I could not believe the struggles they went through,” said Monty Milburn ’07. “With (OTR-CH) I saw their hope.” Another type of hope has also evolved from their experience — the hope of making a difference. “I…hope to help those who are just getting started by teaching them using the experiences that I have gained through (OTR-CH) and MACH 1,” said Steve McVeigh ’08. “I think MACH 1 has made
me a better leader by surrounding me in a different environment than the one I’m used to,” said sophomore Charley Blum. “When I go to Over-the-Rhine, I see something I haven’t seen much. I see poverty.” Blum’s twin brother, Will, agrees. “Being involved in MACH 1 has improved my leadership skills by teaching me how to work with different kinds of people and by helping me learn the different skills used to change a person’s life for the better,” he said. “I believe through education and strong leadership that the MACH 1 goals will be met and surpassed,” said McVeigh. This statement alone speaks to the students’ passion and commitment to the new organization, for their goals are ambitious. They aspire to be advocates for the poor, to be educators for the Moeller Family and surrounding community about the injustices in OTR, to be leaders who provide opportunities for others to make a difference, and to be working examples of their mission to provide affordable housing. Ultimately, they hope to inspire others to action.
These are the hopes that keep them hammering away on Saturdays. “The most important thing I have taken away from my experiences,” said Chris Damon ’08, “is how good it feels to make a difference.” Chris Robinson echoes that sentiment. “I always knew there were major social injustice issues going on in this country,” he said, “but to me it seemed a lot further away than it really is. When you actually go down on Saturday morning and see how everything is and experience it, you realize that (injustice) is here, too. By working hard to build affordable housing, you not only help the people you meet in Over-the-Rhine, but you also gain something inside. You feel good about the work you’re doing. You feel like you’re making a difference. And for those people who now have a place to live, you have made a difference.” M
Members of the Moeller Family convene for Open House celebration!
MOELLER • 9
10 • FALL/WINTER 2006
MOELLER • 11
n n e o c t C i o n n e n s o c s t o C i o r n s i s o a r KKai ExE pexp ’ ’ rieeri t s rihrist necnin h C gng C cignT ien n e k g hTeh‘eAw a i ‘Awak n
BY JOHANNA KREMER
ost seniors will tell you that “Kairos” was a life-altering event. Few other experiences during their years at Moeller, they will say, came close to this spiritual transformation — this “awakening” of Christ in their lives. Kairos, meaning “God’s Time,” is a four-day retreat for seniors designed to deepen their experience of God’s love in their lives. The retreat includes prayer, Mass, individual talks, and small-group discussions. Father Leshney first brought this program to Moeller in 1993, and it has become the major event students look forward to their last year of high school. “The ultimate goal is allowing guys to see that God is working through the world around them and is already a part of their lives,” said Nick Borchers, Pastoral Ministry leader and retreat director. “God is working through the people they’re with every day. They just need to look to see that presence.” While this “awakening” is central to the program, the students often awaken to each other first, seeing their “brothers” for the first time through new eyes. “The big theme you’ll hear from the guys — what they grab on to the most — is that the people who are around them are different than they thought,” said Borchers. “They had stopped at stereotypes — (thinking) ‘I thought this football player was just a jock’ or ‘I thought this guy was a nerd.’ Kairos enables them to see that each person has a lot more to them than they had thought — each one has a lot more depth. They find they connect to people who they normally wouldn’t have before.” Making connections — with God, with themselves, with their struggles, and with each other — is at the heart of the Kairos experience. And it’s those connections that mean the most on reflection.
M
12 • FALL/WINTER 2006
Kairos Kairos Reflections Reflections Connecting with each other…
•
“My Kairos retreat honestly changed my life,” said Joe Zoller. “While on retreat, my eyes opened to things that I didn’t even realize I was doing. I realized I was judging people, not giving people a chance, and making assumptions about my classmates. After Kairos I have noticed a huge change. I am talking to classmates that I had never talked to before, and I have thrown previous judgments out the window.”
•
“The best part of Kairos for just about everyone was the small groups,” said Kristian Lutkewitte. “The time we spent…was amazing. We gained friendships in our small groups; I hope to continue those friendships for a lifetime, because we gained a special bond with one another.”
•
“Kairos had a huge impact on my life,” said Danny Brandel. “I (developed) so many great relationships with people I had never really talked to. After you hear their story, you really see the other side of people and learn to appreciate everyone. I never realized how judgmental I had been in my life. Kairos changed that.”
•
“For me, I have always had a good relationship with God; however, through my experience at Kairos I will never judge anyone again,” said Kyle Fabel. “I became good friends with guys on Kairos that I had misjudged in the past.”
•
“To me, Kairos was amazing!” said Thomas Weinkam. “Kairos taught me to look at things from a different perspective. It helped me get rid of my self-centered attitude, to not be judgmental, to learn how to help people. It made me really see what the Moeller Family is all about.”
Student leaders run the Kairos retreat. September Kairos leaders are pictured above. BACK: Kevin Vicario, Michael T. Fisher, Greg Markgraf, Nick Borchers (Pastoral Ministry leader), and J.T. Lanham. FRONT: Lauren Johnson, Jake Feldhues, and Cory Frost.
Connecting with themselves…
• •
“I saw the person I was hiding within,”
said Geoffrey Lovett. “My Kairos retreat had an impact on my life because I am a very closed person,” said Blake McNamara. “I usually bottle up my emotions and have trouble expressing how I feel. Kairos eliminated this problem for me, and I was able to open myself up. More importantly, I also opened up my mind and listened to those around me.”
Connecting with God…
•
“Kairos for me made me open my eyes,” said Andrew Quatkemeyer. “Kairos made me closer to God. I didn’t know how much faith I really had until Kairos.”
•
“I believe I have grown stronger in my relationship with God and with others,” said Jake Feldhues, “I believe this powerful experience changes lives.”
•
•
“I have learned that God works in mysterious ways,” said David Gault. “(Now) I have tried to look at things that have happened in my life and tried to see how God was present.”
Connecting with common struggles…
“(Kairos) was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Tom DeTemple. “I have started to pray on a daily basis and thank God for everything I have in my life.”
“Kairos has made a huge impact on my life and probably was the most important thing I have done to help me shape myself into a better person,” said Tommy Owen.
•
“During and since Kairos, I’ve found that life is really not meant to be lived within one’s self but with a community (who often) feel the same grief I have felt,” said Jonathan Myers. “Together, though, we can overcome our feelings of insignificance and find God in each other’s compassion.”
• •
“Kairos completely changed my life,” said Scott Carroll. “It was the single most important event of my short 17 years… My faith is stronger than ever.”
•
“I saw the real reason why people say they want to be a ‘Man of Moeller,’ ” said Germane Lindsey. “I have realized that my brothers have problems like me, and we can all relate to each other’s problems.” MOELLER • 13
crusaderconnection ON A RECENT VISIT to Indiana University I had the opportunity to hear a talk from the Dean of the Business School. In his message to the students, the Dean told them not to believe in boundaries, that if they believed in themselves, they could reach their goals and the possibilities would be endless. He went on to give them an example of the “fourminute mile.” For centuries, athletes were unable to break that elusive barrier. Scientists conducted hundreds of studies that concluded the human body could not physically perform at the level required to go that fast. It was a given that it was impossible, that no one could do it. But then, one rainy day at a race in England, a runner named Roger Bannister barely broke four minutes. Within 12 months, the four-minute mile was broken 26 times. These runners weren’t training any harder, eating any different, all of a sudden bigger or faster or doing anything they hadn’t been doing in the past. They broke the four-minute mile because that boundary wasn’t there anymore. Next year, the enrollment boundaries won’t be there anymore for Moeller. We will be competing with all the other schools for the same young men. If we are to stay the best all-male school in the city, we need to be able to attract them — with financial assistance, with inclusive but rigorous academic programs, and with competitive, up-to-date facilities — or they’ll go to the schools that do. With all the leadership initiatives going on at Moeller to position our young men for the future, I ask you to be a leader, to not believe in the boundaries, to do what you can for our sons, so they will have the facilities and the financial assistance they need to someday reach their goals. When considering a gift to the Annual Fund, or if solicited for the “Through These Doors” capital campaign, do what you can — no more, no less — to eliminate the boundaries and open the possibilities for the young men of Moeller, today and in the future.
From the Men’s Club President AS YOU’LL READ in this magazine, the Moeller Alumni Association has expanded its ranks and is now welcoming dads to join in promoting Moeller while having a good time in a social setting. We’ll continue to put on well-done, professional events that generate friends and funds for Moeller. I encourage you to attend our meetings and functions — they are always informative, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy being with other guys who share your passion for our school. The MMC is already exploring ways to revitalize the Business & Professional Association, and we are planning for a successful Stag in February with the legendary Paul Hornung. Look for more information coming your way on how you can get involved in the Moeller Men’s Club! God Bless,
Hope to see you around Moeller, Robert G. Winterman ’80 Men’s Club President
Chris Albrecht ’77, Director of Institutional Advancement
Association Announces 2006 Alumni Awardees THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION recently held its annual Alumni Awards & Principal’s Dinner, honoring three men who have made significant contributions to the growth of Moeller High School and who exemplify the Moeller spirit. Also recognized that evening were those in the Moeller Family who qualified for membership in the Chaminade Society Founder’s Circle (Annual Fund gift of $1,000 or more). Principal Blane Collison thanked the Founder’s Circle members for their generosity with a Chaminade Society fleece jacket. GREG ROBINSON ’06 Gold Shield Award
14 • FALL/WINTER 2006
JOE LUKENS ’79 Distinguished Alumni Award
BRO. JOE KAMIS, S.M. Bro. Eveslage Award
crusaderconnection Alumni Reunion Weekend 2006
The Moeller Men’s Club unofficially kicked off by sponsoring two tailgates this football season. Pictured above is a mix of alums and dads firing up for a victory over Harrisburg.
Association Initiates ‘Moeller Men’s Club’ AFTER THE FALL MEETING of the Alumni Association, members raised the question, “How can we get more guys involved?” They believed that there are many dads out there who are as passionate, and sometimes more so, as our alums, and who are willing to promote the ideals of Moeller High School. Without any hesitation or debate, they agreed to join forces with current and past dads and faculty and staff to form the “Moeller Men’s Club.” The new club has had a couple “organizational meetings” to begin to harness all the energy that is gaining momentum. Thanks to the efforts of current parents Scott Williams, Mike Lopinto, Dennis Oltorik, and Glenn Hartman (among others), the Men’s Club initiated its first fundraiser — tailgate parties for the football games at Nippert, already raising $1000 for Moeller! Look for more information on the new Moeller Men’s Club and how all Men of Moeller can become a part of this new tradition! Contact Chris Albrecht ’77 at (513) 791-1680 or CAlbrecht@Moeller.org for more information.
THE ANNUAL ALUMNI Reunion Weekend, celebrating the graduating classes of ’66, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, and ’01, took place on October 6-7. The weekend kicked off at the Elder Pep Rally, with members of the football teams from the reunion years acknowledged for the one thing they had in common — they had all beaten Elder their senior year. Tom Backhus ’66, in from Colorado, gave a rousing speech to the football team. Last-minute changes in venue saw the alums tailgate with the newly formed Moeller Men’s Club at Nippert Stadium as they were treated to an impressive Crusader victory over the Panthers. Saturday brought a gorgeous day as 16 foursomes took to the links at Crooked Tree for some good old-fashioned male bonding on the golf course. That evening, Mass was celebrated at Moeller, dedicated to our deceased classmates, alumni, and family. Immediately following Mass, a cocktail reception was held in the old gym where stories were told and friendships rekindled. With the Homecoming Dance in the new gym, the alums even caught a glimpse of how they compare with the current generation of Crusaders. Overall, it was a great celebration of an important time and an important place.
(Photo above) Looks like one of those “you had to be there” stories!
‘Band of Brothers’ Rally for ‘Z-Man’ ON MARCH 21, 2006, tragedy struck alumnus Mike Zegarski ’90 (AKA “Z-Man”) in the form of a brain aneurysm. Since then, his “band of brothers” have rallied to help Mike and his wife, Michelle, and their two young children, McKaela and Eli. They created a website for family and friends to receive updates on Mike’s condition and to post prayers and words of encouragement. In addition, Marcus Colosimo ’90 and Mike Lehner organized a golf outing in October, with all proceeds going
(Photo to left) Alumni gather at charity golf outing to support Mike Zegarski ’90 and his family.
directly to the Zegarski family. As of this writing, Mike is at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL, and
may soon be released. To offer your prayers and support, e-mail Mike and his family at www.mikezegarski.com. MOELLER • 15
tracking 1960s Tom Backhus (’66) attended The Ohio State University, where he was the starting offensive guard on the 1968 National Championship Team. He coached college football for 12 years and is presently the owner and operator of the 4 Eagle Ranch in Vail, CO. tbacko@aol.com Dr. Dave Bauman (’66) has been the director and professor of veterinary technology at the University of Cincinnati for the past 30 years. He is the treasurer of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and is member of the IACUC boards of Good Samaritan Hospital, Meridian Diagnostics, and the University of Cincinnati. Dave is also on the board of the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association and the Cincinnati S.P.C.A. bauman@uc.edu
weddings Moeller extends its best wishes to the following graduates and faculty who have/will “tie the knot”: Laura Beth Johnson & Eric Ellis (’98), April 21, 2007, in Danville, KY. The couple plans to live in Charlotte, NC.
Elizabeth Jarocki & Joseph Reed (’99), March 26, 2006, in Lakeland, FL, where the couple now resides.
Jen DeCraene & Michael Klatte (‘99), September 23, 2006, in Chicago, IL. Men of Moeller in the wedding party included best man Paul Klatte (‘02), Andy McKeown (‘99) and Rob Bohl (‘00). Michael and Jen currently reside in Columbus, OH.
(See picture to right.) Andressa Oliveira & Hal Maskery (’00), a February 2007 wedding is planned to take place in Natal, Brazil. The reception will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, spring 2007.
bir ths Congratulations to the following couples: Julie & Ron Adkins (’94), daughter, Elise Catherine, June 17, 2006.
Rick Burdick (’66) is employed as a police officer for the Blue Ash Police Department. Rick attended the FBI National Academy and was a security supervisor for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Rick and his wife, Susan, are the parents of Scott and Jennifer. Rick_burdick@yahoo.com Steven Entrap (’66) worked for P&G for 28 years and the St. Bernard Soap Co/Trillium from 2003-2005. He retired in 2005 and is a part-time consultant. He and his wife, Carolyn, have been married 35 plus years, have three children, three grandchildren, and twin grandchildren on the way. Glenn Griffiths (’66) is currently the assistant director for logistics management for the United States Department of Energy. He recently completed 35 years of federal service. glenngriff@juno.com Tom Horner (’66) presently lives in Myrtle Beach, SC, and works as an investment advisor for Oceanfront Real Estate Investment Company. tomhorner@oceanfrontinvestments.com
(See picture to right.)
Aimee & Rob Gruber (’87), son, Benjamin Robert, November 19, 2005. (See picture above.) Jeni & Kevin Sand (’89), son, Aidan Patrick Sand, age six months. Mary Pat & Matthew J. Smith (’89), triplets Liam, Nora & Ryan, December 1, 2005. Shannon & Doug Brausch (’91), daughter, Maya Helen, November 21, 2005. Rebecca & Anthony (Tony) Houston (’92), daughter Avery Elizabeth, October 24, 2006.
(See picture to right.) Faculty/Past Faculty Rachelle & Derek Williams (’91 and present faculty), son, Luke, April 17, 2006. Diana & Doug Horst (present faculty), daughter, Lauren Nicole, May 5, 2006. Amy & James O’Keefe (past faculty), son, Phineas Patrick, August 21, 2006.
Laurie & Steve Eichmann (‘93), daughter, Eva Grace, November 1, 2006. (See picture above.)
16 • FALL/WINTER 2006
Summer & Scott Wilson (’01), daughter, Adrianna, March, 3, 2006.
tracking Pat Monahan (’66) served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant infantry squad leader in Vietnam. He is currently an I.T. architect with JP Morgan Chase in Columbus, OH. pmonahan@columbus.rr.com Michael Morgan (’66) recently retired from General Electric after 30 years. Michael and his wife, Mary Jo, own and operate Coffee Please, a coffee shop in Madeira. Wally3117@aol.com Jerry Mouch (’66) has been married for 36 years to Sue, and they have three children, Angie, Andy, and Abby, all born on the Red’s Opening Day in different years. Jerry played football and graduated from Xavier University in 1970. John O’Connor (’66) has been the owner of Magnum Security since 1973 and has been providing security for Moeller since 1983. magnumdoc@aol.com Dave Spitzmueller (’66) attended the University of Cincinnati while working for WLWT television. He spent 33 years as a deputy sheriff for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and is now employed in corporate security for Ohio Financial Services. Corp104@cinci.rr.com Dan Sandman (’66) is the current vice chairman, chief legal and administrative officer of U.S. Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA, where he lives with his wife, Bonnie, and their daughters, Erica and Chrissie. ddsandman@uss.com
Tom Brisken (’67) is employed by General Electric in the aviation department as a general manager of the GE MX Project. He is leading the development and sales of GE’s latest new commercial jet engine for the Boeing 787, 747-8, and the Airbus A350. Tom and his wife, Susan, are the parents of Christa, Tom, Jr. (’94), Jonathan (’99), and Jason (’02). thomasbrisken@ae.ge.com Mike Powers (’69) graduated from Xavier University in 1973 and currently lives and works in Detroit, MI, as executive director of Dow Chemical Company Transportation Solutions, serving the mobility industry globally. Mike is married to Lisa, and they are the parents of three sons. Mike’s hobbies include golf, skiing, and triathlons, and he completed the Duke Ironman distance in 2004 in 14 hours, 58 minutes. mdpowers@dow.com
1970s Brian Bailey (’75) recently celebrated 25 years as a systems engineer with the Kroger Company. bbailey@cinci.rr.com
Col. Stephen Ackman (’76) graduated from Xavier University in 1980 and completed his master’s in public administration in 1992. He has been a member of the U.S. Army for the past 26 years and is currently the commander of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, until 2007 when he plans to retire. As34feb@aol.com (See picture top left.) F.J. Brosnan (’76) graduated from Notre Dame in 1980 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. He spent six years in active duty in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Japan. Currently, he works for Northwest Airlines as a 757 captain. F.J. retired from the U.S.N.R. in 2006 with 20 years of service and the rank of commander. rfbrosnan@mchsi.com
Robert Bross (’76) is an operations manager for Diversified Communications Group (DCG). He planned, designed, and implemented the ARTIMIS traffic system in Cincinnati. Robert married Renee in 1987. His daughter, Carrie, was born in 1989, and his son, Taylor, was born in 1992. (See picture to right.)
Steve Wenstrup (’66) graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1970 and was a member of the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer from ’70’75. He was formerly employed by P&G and St. Bernard Soap Company/ Trillium, but is now president of The Steven A. Wenstrup Consulting Company. stevewenstrup@yahoo.com (See picture to right.)
Bill Oeters (’76) is a 1980 graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in accounting. Bill earned his C.P.A. license and is president of Galaxy Associates, Inc. He and his wife, Sue, have two sons, Steve (’04) and Mike (’09). woeters@cinci.rr.com Mark Sullivan (’76) received a B.S.N. from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1992 and a master’s in adult education from the University of Rhode Island in 2003. Mark is currently a nurse corps officer in the U.S. Navy and is stationed in Bethesda, MD, where he lives with his wife, Kathy, and their children, Cody, Sascha, Kaitlyn, Connor, and Keri. Mnksullivan1994@yahoo.com John Tappel, M.D. (’76) retired in 2005 after 21 years with the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife, Kathy, and children, Katy, Christopher, Anna, Michael, and Mary, are living in Anchorage, AK, where John is a staff pediatrician with LaTouche Pediatrics. aktappel@acsalaska.net Pat White (’76) is the president of White Appraisal, Inc., a real estate appraisal firm in Cincinnati, OH. Pat also taught and coached at Moeller from 1981 to 2006 and has been an active member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul since 1986. Tom Morthorst (’77) has relocated to Cincinnati from Findlay, OH, and is now working for Cincinnati Electronics as an electrical engineer. Tom.morthorst@L-3Com.com Michael Clark (’79) is presently deployed with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan until January 2007. Michaelclark79@hotmail.com
MOELLER • 17
tracking 1980s Dan Eddingfield (’81) is the president of Field Development Consultants, Inc. in Columbus, OH. Dan and his wife, Cindy, have four children, Lauren, Lindsay, Cailey, and Jack. ceddingf@columbus.rr.com Jim Gangwisch (’81) is an assistant professor at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. JEG64@columbia.edu Jim Wilson (’81) is a graduate of Southern Ohio College with an associate degree in computer programming. He has been employed at Cintas Corporation for the past 21 years and currently holds the title of help desk specialist in the computer support group. wilsonji@msn.com Jeff Olinger (’82) attended Colorado University and serves as president for Pinnacle Custom Building Group, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH. He has served six years on the Home Builder’s Association. Jeff is active with HOMEARAMA as chairman of the New Lifestyle Edition, Remodelers Committee, and Awards Committee. He is also a member of the HOMEARAMA Site Selection Committee, Building Codes Committee, and Realtor/Builder Committee.
John Barnes (’86) graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1990 with a B.B.A. in marketing and real estate. John has worked in the medical x-ray field since 1991 and is employed as the operations/sales manager for Commonwealth X-Ray, Inc. of Cincinnati. John and his wife, Mindy, are the parents of J.T., Ryan, Kate, and Taylor. johnbarnes@cinci.rr.com (See picture to right.)
18 • FALL/WINTER 2006
Eric Bauman (’86) attended the University of Dayton and was a member of the football team. He is presently the assistant principal of Lakota East High School. Eric.bauman@lakotaonline.com Tom Bratten (’86) is the director of CTE at South Stark Career Academy in Canton, OH.
Anna (8), Audrey (7), and Margot (3). TWNicholson@gmail.com Philip Palermo (’86) has run a successful design consulting group since 1999. Recently the firm received recognition in Business Week Magazine. He and his wife, Maria, have two children, Isabella (8) and Vinny (4). Phil.palermo@comcast.net
Chris Maines (’86) is employed as the engineering manager for Intelligrated, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH. Chris and his wife, Karen, have two children, Colin (7) and Sydney (5). cmaines@intelligrated.com
Vada Murray (’86) attended the University of Michigan from 19861990, where he was a member of the football team. Vada is currently a police officer in Ann Arbor, and he and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of Deric, Kendall, and Harper. vskmurray@yahoo.com (See picture to left.) Tom Nicholson (’86) graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and attended pilot training at Sheppard AFB, TX. His most recent assignment was as commander of Cadet SQD. 18 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He and his wife, Nancy, have three girls,
19 9 0 s John Burke (’91) graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1995 and has worked for the University of Cincinnati since 1997 as an industrial hygienist. He married Karen in Nov. 2000 and has two daughters, Sarah and Megan. burkejk@uc.edu
Doug Guller (’91) is founder of Bikinis Bar & Grill – BBG’s – in Austin, TX. He is opening a 2nd location in early 2007 and plans to roll out new franchises at the same time. After graduating from Moeller, Doug received a four-year Army R.O.T.C. scholarship to Villanova University. (See logo to right.)
Alex Lattin (’88) has recently relocated to Chicago, IL, where he is employed as a management consultant. John Hoog (’89) is currently a product line manager with Delphi Automotives in El Paso, TX, where he lives with his wife, Kristin, and children, Mark (9), Jack (6), and Emma (5).
Donald Jones (’91) is currently a master’s student at Georgetown University in the Communication, Culture and Technology Program. His current work relates to issues of identity and community within virtual worlds, and he has published a paper. Don is the peer review manager for the journal next year. donjones@mac.com Terry Knecht (‘91) attended Miami University and was a member of the football team. Currently Terry and his wife, Debbie, own a nursery and landscaping business. They have also developed commercial real estate in Maineville and a residential subdivision in Lebanon, OH. Tk683@yahoo.com. Mike Sauer (’91) recently opened a Skyline Chili restaurant in Centerville OH. He also coaches the Kings Middle School Lacrosse Team. Mike and his wife had twins this summer. chiliville@hotmail.com
tracking Brian Welling (’91) was awarded State Trooper of the Year for 2003. He and his wife Robin, have been host parents for foreign exchange students from Finland (20042005), Norway (2005-2006), and Sweden (2006-2007). Brian also coaches varsity lacrosse for Summit Country Day High School. Wellingrbh@yahoo.com Steve Eichmann (’93) is on a one-year sabbatical from Ethicon (began July 2006). He was one of eight individuals accepted into Stanford University’s Surgical Innovation Fellowship Program, which is an opportunity to be exposed to several new approaches for uncovering surgical products for surgeon and patient benefit. He will be introduced to Stanford’s innovative techniques for clinical immersion, concept innovation, and product implementation. Steve and his wife, Laurie, are expecting their first child in November. Seichmann@EESUS.JNJ.com Paul Gessing (’93) is president of the Rio Grande Foundation and lives in New Mexico. pgessing@riograndefoundation.org Ryan Koren (’96) is a CNC computer programmer for Great Lakes Marble & Granite.
J. Brian McGraw (‘96) is a graduate of Miami University. He works at Fidelity Investments as a senior investment representative and is a student in University of Cincinnati’s M.B.A. program. Brian and his wife, Bridget, live in Cincinnati. Brian.mcgraw@fmr.com.
Justin Bayer (’97) lives in Williston, VT, where he is the assistant director of admissions at the University of Vermont. Justin and his wife, Megan, have one daughter, Rose. jbayer@vvm.edu
Jason Brisken (’02) enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 2003 after one year at the Cleveland Institute of Art. He has earned the rank of corporal and is serving his second deployment to Iraq. Jason has been awarded 11 times, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbons (2), and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. His current four-year contract with the Marines will end in July 2007.
David Schatzman (’99) graduated from Notre Dame in 2003, majoring in aerospace engineering, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the university.
2000s Andy Walton (’00) graduated cum laude from the University of Dayton in 2005 with a degree in civil engineering. He is currently living in Chicago and employed by H.D.R., an architectural and civil engineering design firm. waltonad@gmail.com Joshua Bruno (’01) graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering and works as a QC manager/engineer with Odom Industries, Inc. joshuabruno@gmail.com Scott Buckingham (‘01) is in his sixth year of pharmacy at Ohio Northern University. This year consists of nine one-month rotations at various hospitals, after which he will graduate in May 2007 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. S-buckingham@onu.edu Philip DeNicola (’01) enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 2004. He went to boot camp in May 2005 and married the following October. Phil and Jenni are stationed in Norfolk. He will be sent to the Persian Gulf in April 2007 for five months. Usnavy_Phil@yahoo.com
(See picture to right.) Michael Gravelle (’01) works as an English teacher in the Republic of Cape Verde, Africa, with the U.S. Peace Corps. His assignment ends Sept. 2007.
Nick Greiwe (’01) is pictured posing with a car concept model that he designed while a student at the Cleveland Institute of Art. (A wall of his work is slightly visible in the background.) Nick is currently a car designer at GM creating advanced concept vehicle designs. NICK_GREIWE@yahoo.com (See picture above.) Jarad Noland (’01) is the owner of Noland Concrete Surgery.
David Candy (’02) graduated summa cum laude in 2005 from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in rehabilitation science and a minor in athletic training. He enjoys bodybuilding and competes in the bantam weight class. In 2003, David won Teen and Collegiate Nationals; in 2004 he won the Jr. Nationals; and in 2005 he placed 2nd at the NPC Nationals. He was pictured in the February ’06 issue of Flex Magazine. Currently, David is a full-time student in the Doctoral of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Pittsburgh.
Scott Wilson (’01) is a supervisor, Web designer, and owner of his own Internet business. Scott and his wife, Summer, live in Landen, OH, and have three daughters, Karenna, Jolie, and Adrianno. swilson123@gmail.com
Mike Beiting (’02) has been serving in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, as a specialist since December 2004 and will receive further training in Fort Campbell, KY, as his next assignment. (See picture below.)
Kyle Dunphy (’02) is a corporal with the U.S. Marines, stationed at Camp LeJeune, NC. He is currently serving his 2nd deployment in Anbar Province, Iraq, as a TOW gunner with the Infantry, 2nd Tanks BN. (See picture above.)
MOELLER • 19
reunions
Mike Huber (’02) recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s Army R.O.T.C.
The Fall of 2007 reunion will be for the:
Abhijit Mehta (’02) graduated summa cum laude from Duke University, with a bachelor of science degree (with distinction) in physics and mathematics. He minored in classical studies. Abhijit is an Angier B. Duke Scholar, Duke’s most prestigious scholarship, and a Phi Beta Kappa. Steve Peck (’02) is currently a fourth-year student attending the University of Cincinnati, where he founded an advertising and promotional group on campus that was selected as the Student Group of the Quarter, this past spring. In the fall of that same year, he represented the UC student body as Homecoming King Runner-Up and recently interned in San Francisco and New York City. sp_design@fuse.net Matt Huber (’03) is serving a tour of duty in Iraq. He has coached JV-B lacrosse at Moeller. Rob Chappell (’05) was named the A-10 Rookie of the Year for the 2005-2006 golf season at the University of Dayton.
Mark Niehaus (’05) has just been promoted to the rank of lance corporal with the U.S. Marine Corps. After infantry training at Camp Geiger, NC, Mark was assigned a permanent duty station in Norfolk, VA. Presently, he is with the 3rd Fast Company (Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team) and has been deployed to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, until November 2006. (See picture above.)
Jeff Nieman (’05) was named Division III All-American after finishing tied for 22nd at the NCAA Division III Golf Tournament. He is the first Moeller golfer to garner All-American honors on the college level. Jeff is currently attending Ohio Wesleyan University. We apologize for any omissions. If there is anyone who has passed away or who needs to be remembered in our next issue of the magazine, please contact Ginny Bauer, (513) 791-1680, ext.1300, or e-mail GBauer@Moeller.org.
in memoriam We express our condolences and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these and other members of the Moeller Family who have passed on:
Jordan Duvall (’05) is a lance corporal with the U.S. Marines. (See picture above.)
20 • FALL/WINTER 2006
Claudean Anthony Guy Barattieri David F. Broxterman ‘66 Richard Donnelly ’79 Vincent P. Eysoldt Vera G. Feldhaus Donald C. Fette Donna Francisco Paul “Hans” Frey Peter Ginocchio Joseph E. Harrigan Scarlette Catherine Hooker Amy Horner Rudolph V. “Rudy” Javosky Fred LaRuffa ‘92 Ronald L. Mackzum Louis M. Magliano, Jr. Dr. Gregorio Matanguihan Irene McClellan Rev. Charles Mentrup
Joan Musekamp Gerald L. Padgett Mary A. Oldfield Bryan Robert Paff Marjorie F. Ragland Ernest E. Rummler Eric John “Rick” Schlueter ‘68 Paul H. Schlueter Gary Schulze William R. Speigle Therese R. Stecz William F. Sutliff Richard C. Tensi Antonia Todaro Conrad D. Voelker ’74 Roger Wachendorf Thomas R. Weber Donald A. Winterman Roger E. Winterman
Class of 2002-5 Year Class of 1997-10 Year Class of 1992-15 Year Class of 1987-20 Year Class of 1982-25 Year Class of 1977-30 Year Class of 1972-35 Year Class of 1967-40 Year Please call or e-mail and update your information (i.e., current news, special events or activities and honors), so you don’t miss out on any reunion mailing! Please contact Ginny Bauer, (513) 791-1680, ext. 1300, or e-mail GBauer@Moeller.org.
Real Men Wear
D L O G & E U L B Get all your Moeller Family Spirit Wear in the Moeller Spirit Shop!
MOELLER S PIRIT SHO P Monday — Friday 9 AM — 4 PM (513) 791-1 680, ext.110 4 www.Moell er.org/Spirit Shop
(Pictured clockwise from top left) Ben Peterson (’10), Chris Hammons, (’08), Alex Lantz (’10), DJ Rein (’10) and Joe Veneziano (’10).
MOELLER • 21
M ELLER Archbishop Moeller High School 9001 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45242-7780
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