THe Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory by Rick Rivers

THE CHRONICLE OF STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY

WINTER 2011

B U I L D I N G M EN F OR OT HERS F OR 5 0 YEA R S

Among the biggest highlights of the 1970’s was the success of the 1976-77 football team.

Table of Contents

In addition to capturing the first victory over rival St. Thomas, in dramatic fashion, the team went on to win its first state championship.

Features SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY SECTION Grace Under Pressure The 1970’s

p. 3 John Hosty - The Man We Turn To p. 18 Departments President’s Message - 2 News from 8900 - 11-16 Principal’s Perspective - 17 Ignatian Spirituality - 20 Athletic News - 21-22 Alumni News - 24-27 Class Notes - 27 Births - 27 In Memoriam - 27 By George - 28 Winter 2011 Vol. 43, No. 2 Editor Rick Rivers, Director of Communications Contributors Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ Richard Nevle Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ Robert Cremins Harrison Jones ‘11 Vince Santos ‘83 The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (USPS 024165) Vol. 43, No. 2, Winter Edition, is published quarterly by Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036-4699.

President Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ Principal Richard Nevle Director of Development NJ Santarcangelo ‘67 ON THE COVER - The opening of the Moody Library in January 1970 kicked-off the school’s second decade. At the time, the building was not surrounded by the statuesque trees that it is today.

Among the biggest highlights of the 1970’s was the success of the 1976-77 football team.

Table of Contents

In addition to capturing the first victory over rival St. Thomas, in dramatic fashion, the team went on to win its first state championship.

Features SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY SECTION Grace Under Pressure The 1970’s

_________________PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

come together in support of all that we believe in. The

Although you will be reading this after the start of the new

cover story, written by former faculty member Robert

calendar year, I’m writing it at

Cremins, tells of a character and a determination that has

the start of the new liturgical

become a hallmark of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

year, the First Sunday of Advent.

One exciting new beginning for us this year is the start

of construction on the Retreat and Leadership Center

As a kid I loved the Advent

(RLC) in Leona, Texas. I am confident that this new

wreath and the lighting of the candles – the more candles, the closer Christmas was. Now I enjoy

enterprise will have a lasting impact on the school and

the change from the dark, apocalyptic scriptural readings

how we fulfill our mission. Beginning with the Class of

that mark the end of each liturgical year to the hopeful

2012, every student will come to see this property as our

readings that we hear each day from Isaiah. I enjoy the

second campus, and in a real sense, a second home. As

sense of a new beginning in many ways more real to me

the story on page 11 indicates, the RLC will touch the lives

than the artificial newness of January 1st.

of all students, offering them the yearly chance to continue

A school year is filled with new beginnings. Students

or begin again their experience with God. But we hope

return in the fall to begin new classes.Those classes begin

the RLC will be a place not just for students and faculty

afresh each quarter and semester. Courses of study divide

but for alumni and parents to find spiritual growth and

into units, each offering new chances for new beginnings.

renewal .

Each sports season – fall, winter, and spring – brings the

promise of new possibilities. And as we continually look

beginning for us at Strake Jesuit. I look forward to sharing

towards the recruitment of a new class for the following

more information on it and on its progress, and I hope

fall, a rite that includes milestones of Open House,

to be able to host you on location sometime in the near

Entrance Exam, acceptance letters, and the Mentor Mom

future.

Brunch, we look in hope to begin the yearly cycle again.

that the New Year is filled with many blessings for you and

Indeed, the school owes its very existence to a new

The Retreat and Leadership Center is a very exciting

As the days slowly become longer and brighter, I pray

beginning. The 1970s required the school to start fresh.

your family. Thank you for your support and for keeping

After a tremendous first decade, the school found itself

us in your prayers.

broke and in receivership. Others in a similar situation Sincerely,

might have simply closed up shop and found satisfaction in a good beginning that looked more like a bad ending. But Strake Jesuit has always faced challenges and risen above them. The financial crisis of the early 70s empowered the community to continue to dream and to

A Special Section This Special Section is devoted to the celebration of Strake Jesuitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 50 years.

Since it was founded in 1960 and opened its doors to that first class of freshmen in the fall of 1961, Strake Jesuit has built a rich and storied history.

These pages, highlighted by excerpts from We Are SJ, a book commemorating those first 50 years, serve to honor that history and to prepare us to write the history of the next 50 years.

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

The 1970’s

Excerpts from We are SJ - 50 Years of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory by Robert Cremins

In 1970, the atmosphere on the Strake Jesuit campus had more in

common with the old decade than the years that would immediately follow: the mood was optimistic, but the school was not immune to the political and cultural anxieties prevalent in the wider society. On January 18, the Moody Memorial Library was formally dedicated. The school community was rightly proud of the library’s state-of-the-art technology, which included a dial-access A/V system—very cutting edge for 1970.

That same academic year, the new

building became the focus for the preferred protest of the age: a “sit-in.” The burning issue that drove students to such desperate action was sideburn length. Whether their cause was just or not, one thing is for sure: the protest was soon quelled, by one man, armed with bullhorn and rosary beads: Fr.

The opening of the Moody Library coincided C.A. Leininger, SJ, the assistant principal. As with the start of Jesuit’s second decade. Charlie Atchison ’72 (and later in the decade, development director) remembers, to deal with these kind of situations “you didn’t have to call the law, you just called C.A.”

Of course, the students of the early 70s had more serious issues on

their minds, too. The war in Vietnam was still going on, and those about to graduate had to contend with numbers in the draft lottery. The war and other controversial topics came into sharp focus when future president George W.

Bush and Lloyd Bentsen III came on campus for a debate as part of their fathers’ 1970 senate race.

However, a crisis not in Saigon or Washington but much closer to

home would soon preoccupy the school community. In January, 1971, Strake Jesuit’s financial world turned upside-down. With the failure of the Sharpstown State Bank, the school was effectively bankrupt. The story of Jesuit’s mission on Bellaire Boulevard might very well have come to an untimely end.

However, to adapt the words of poet Ted Hughes, what tests a school

proves a school, and the crisis of early 1971 tested our mettle more than anything else before or since. How did we survive, let alone prosper again? The short answer is Michael Alchediak. Just months into his presidency of the school, Fr. Alchediak must have been looking forward to building on the accomplishments of his predecessor. There was a fieldhouse to complete. There was a junior college for future diplomats to build. On a personal level, there were final vows to take. Yet now circumstances demanded that he save the school.

The strain must have been immense—his secretary, Lora Kawolski,

will never forget the sound of his footsteps pacing, pacing behind the closed door of his office—but “Big Mike” displayed grace under pressure, reassuring and inspiring families, friends, and teachers. At the faculty meeting where Fr. Alchediak outlined the dire situation, Richard Nevle famously commented to John Hosty, “Damn, John, it’s the Alamo.”

The Alamo with one difference: The young school would not only

win a moral victory but also avoid actual defeat. Fr. Alchediak led us to that victory, but of course he could not have done it alone. The loyalty of faculty, staff, and families sent out a crucial message of confidence to the wider Houston community, and to anxious Provincial officials. The financial support of generous friends, soon dubbed “Alchediak’s Angels,” helped steady the ship, and meet the payroll. Mrs. Susan K. Strake, George’s

widow, organized a million dollars in funding from the Strake Foundation. No wonder our 1972 yearbook made sure to “take this opportunity to note her generosity and to thank her for the great consideration she has shown us.” When Mrs. Strake passed away three years later, the school named in honor of her late husband mourned the loss of another great and steadfast friend.

Other “Alchediak Angels” had names like Brueggeman, Seger, and

Parsley. It is no coincidence that these same names feature in the list of board members of a new entity, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Inc., that now took over governance of the school. We would benefit greatly from the new board’s collective expertise and experience.

We were also blessed in the appointment of Mr. Henry Oliver as trustee

of the old corporation, the Houston Educational Foundation, which had gone into receivership. According to Larry Mason ’66, Mr. Oliver “worked closely” with Fr. Alchediak to ensure that, though it was necessary to sell off some land to settle the school’s debts, the core of the campus, and the essence of the mission, would be preserved.

Indeed they were. In February, 1971, The

Texas Catholic Herald reported Fr. Alchediak confidently announcing that the school would continue. Just seven years later, our own alumni newsletter pictured Fr. Alchediak handing over a check to Mr. Oliver—“the last payment due on the purchase of the school.” The lessons of Fr. Alchediak presents a check to trustee Mr. Henry Oliver in 1977 representing the last payment As the school emerged from survival mode, for the purchase of the school.

Sharpstown would last a lot longer.

it rediscovered its confidence and boldness of vision. In 1974, as if to prove conclusively that Strake Jesuit was sticking around, we raised a new flag, designed by Fr. J.B. Leininger, a legendary math

teacher who also insisted on conclusive proofs when he asked students to “go to the board.”

A new flag was going up, but a fence was coming down—the “Berlin

Wall” that had divided Strake Jesuit from Saint Agnes Academy. That wall had, as you might guess from the name, never been terribly popular among students. Neither had the mandatory green blazer, another casualty of the casual 70s, though it’s worth remembering that the school motto—SIC DEUS VULT [thus God wishes it]had provided us with the ultimate clue as to why the whole SJ enterprise continued to exist.

The atmosphere on campus may have become a little more “laid back,”

but students continued to do us proud academically, and do themselves proud on the sporting field. Painful memories of an “a**-kicking” at Brenham during the 1972 football season were virtually erased by the momentous victory over classic rivals, St. Thomas, on that famous November night in 1976. Strake Jesuit had proved than it could excel in every arena of prep school life.

Our athletes still had to contend with primitive conditions.

practice, a football player going out of bounds had just a few feet to stop before coming up against a telephone pole. He had to make do with crushed ice and salt tablets instead of drinking water. When the boiler broke, as it often did, a cold shower was the order of the day.

However, students of the 70s talk a lot more about the fun they had

than any discomfort they endured. At prom, someone seems to have put soap in the fountain outside the Warwick Hotel; everybody seems to have eaten at Sonny Luck’s Sirloin House. If things got too out of hand—if, for example, a 1971 Toyota Celica mysteriously ended up in the foyer, or if that eight-track tape got too loud—the Mr. Phil Smelko, the Brother Casey of his day, was there to restore order.

Students of the 1960s might have been surprised to see a Japanese car

on campus—either inside or outside the buildings. But this was the decade

when Americans first became painfully conscious of fuel efficiency. However, the skyrocketing price of oil meant that Houston kept on booming, and growing. By the late 1970s, Strake Jesuit was surrounded by development, including apartments and a supermarket on land that it had once owned. The 1979 yearbook sounded a regretful note about these losses but also asserted that, through service and other endeavors, we would “maintain our footing in the rapidly changing city.” PRESIDENT’S PROFILE Five Jesuits have held the full-time position of President over the school’s first 50 years. Within a year or two, each of their terms spanned an actual decade. This Profile will feature the President associated with the decade featured in this special section.

Fr. Michael Alchediak, SJ President from 1970 -1980 Fr. Michael Alchediak, SJ, graduated from Tampa Jesuit and earned his BS in Math from Spring Hill in Mobile, Alabama, his STL from St. Louis University and his MS in Math from Marquette. Ordained in June, 1966, he taught Theology and Math at Tampa Jesuit before being assigned to Strake Jesuit as Principal in 1967. In 1970 he was appointed President by the Superior General, Fr. Pedro, Arrupe, SJ. Fr. Alchediak’s legacy at Strake Jesuit is his leadership and guidance in keeping the doors of the school open following the financial crisis of the Sharpstown State Bank failure. He left Jesuit in 1980 and served on the Province Staff in New Orleans from 1981-1986 as Province Director of the Apostolic Advancement, Director of the Seminar y and Mission Bureau and three years as Provincial Assistant for International Apostolates. In 1987 he became President of Jesuit College Preparator y in Dallas and served there until 1992. His last assignment was a Associate Pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Tampa, Florida. In 1993, funds were raised to pay tribute to ‘Big Mike’ by naming the field at the stadium Fr. Michael Alchediak, SJ Field. Just a year later, Fr. Alchediak passed away on April 30, 1994 at the age of 58.

TRADITIONS MOTHER-SON LUNCHEON

FRESHMAN RETREAT

The Annual Mother-Son Luncheon was held in October 2010 (bottom). It marked the 23rd year that Strake Jesuit Moms and their sons have met and enjoyed lunch together. Just as they did in 1989 (top), a great time was had by all and memories were created that will last for years to come. Read more about this year’s Luncheon on page 14.

CAREER DAY

For almost as long as Strake Jesuit has had alumni who

Since 1992, the Freshman Retreat has eased the

have begun their professional

transition of the school’s newest class of students.

careers,

those

As in 1996 (above) and 2010 (below), the three-day

alums have been returning

retreat is held on campus. It has provided freshmen

to school for Career Day to

the chance to learn about their new classmates with

speak to current seniors.

whom they will be spending the next four years. Unlike

Just as Dick Triche ‘68 did

any of the other school retreats, it is entirely planned

in 1976 (top right) with Fr.

and executed by current students and has been so

Don Bahlinger, SJ looking

successful that it has served as the model for a number

on,

of other Jesuit schools across the country.

some

Ryan McConnell ‘95

(bottom right) did this past October. To read more about this year’s Career Day, see page 24.

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NEWS FROM WORK BEGINS ON RETREAT & LEADERSHIP CENTER

The initial phase of infrastructure preparation on Strake Jesuit’s Retreat & Leadership Center (RLC) has begun and expectations are that the facility will be ready for use as the 2011-2012 school year begins. The site, less than two hours north of campus, includes 62 acres of rolling hills, large trees, and access to a lake and a pond. It is located in Leon County situated between Centerville and Madisonville just west of I-45. Phase 2 of the project includes construction of eight cabins and a dining hall and should begin in January. The completion of those facilities will enable the school to conduct each of their offcampus student retreats at the Center next year, as well as other retreats and other uses by Jesuit teams, student groups, alumni, and parents. The initial work on the site began late this fall. This includes the installation of a new gate at the entrance to the property from the county road that runs adjacent, scraping of a road into the property for construction vehicle access, clearing in the wooded areas where the cabins will be constructed, scraping of the pads for the dining hall and conference center site and the widening and deepening of the pond. “I think this is the most exciting project that we have done in the last ten years at Strake Jesuit,” says Fr. Daniel Lahart, school president. “Not only will it be a permanent home to our retreat programs, but it will also provide many other student groups the opportunity to get out of the city for team building and leadership opportunities.” The design of the RLC campus reflects how we operate our retreat programs. Cabins provide a perfect setting for the Kairos groups that make up the senior retreat. The bedrooms in the cabins consist of a single bunk bed to provide the private setting that makes the sophomore Father-Son retreat so special. Future phases include a conference center, a chapel, a faculty retreat house, an outdoor pavilion, and a bunkhouse for team use. These will be constructed as funds are available. For information on being a part of the developTop: Once complete, the entire RLC will cover 62 acres. Middle: Artist rendering on the Dining Hall ment of the RLC, please contact NJ Santarcangelo ’67, Bottom: Rendering of the cabins Director of Development.

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NEWS FROM

ANNIVERSARY BOOK

UNVEILED AT BOOK LAUNCH The much anticipated book, “We Are SJ”, which celebrates the school’s 50th Anniversary, was unveiled at a special Book Launch event on Sunday, November 7, 2010. Those invited served as Patrons for the book at the Green, White, and Contributor Levels.

As it states on the book’s dust jacket, “We Are SJ tells the story of the first 50 years of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, from its early efforts in the 1960s to establish itself among the rice fields in the far reaches of southwest Houston to its current stature as one of the finest Catholic high schools in the nation.”

The 230 pages are full of stories, photos, and a brilliant narrative written by Robert Cremins. Mr. Cremins taught English at Jesuit for 13 years and

JESUIT AGAIN NAMED AMONG TOP 50 CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS For the fifth time since its inception, Strake Jesuit has been named to the National Catholic High School Honor Roll as one of the best 50 Catholic secondary schools in the United States. Jesuit previously appeared on the list of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008. In 2009, the list became a biennially (once every two years) published list. The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education. It is a critical resource for parents and educators that distinguishes those schools that excel in three categories: academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education. In its seven years, the Honor Roll has seen over 50 percent of America’s nearly 1,300 Catholic high schools participate at least once. The best schools demonstrate a balanced excellence, which includes an active Catholic culture, sound college preparation and integration of Church teaching in all departments. These schools also display sound moral, catechetical and civic formation that prepares students for vocations in the world as political, religious, scientific, and business leaders.

2 0 1 0 - 11

has published two novels as well as numerous short stories.

SEAN RYAN ‘13 RECEIVES 2010 HOUGHTON AWARD There are a limited number of books remaining for purchase. They can be purchased in the Spirit Store or on the school web site. Just click on the Quick Links button on the home page.

Author Robert Cremins signs a book at the launch this fall.

Sean Ryan ‘13 received the 2010 Capt. Andrew Houghton ‘97 Award at a Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 11 held at Strake Jesuit. The event was hosted by the Captain Andrew R. Houghton Foundation with proceeds benefiting the Captain Andrew R. Houghton Bill McArdle, Sean Ryan ‘13, with Cynthia & Financial Aid Scholarship George Houghton, parents of Andy Houghton ‘97. at Strake Jesuit. The guest speaker for the event was Bill McArdle, former Strake Jesuit Athletic Director and Dean of Students. The Award honors Capt. Andrew Houghton ‘97 who passed away on August 9, 2004 from injuries sustained on July 10, 2004 while serving in Iraq. He was a

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NEWS FROM Captain in the United States Army with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry. It is presented to a current Strake Jesuit sophomore “who best exhibits the characteristics and values” that Andy Houghton exemplified. Those include academic excellence, service to friends and the community at Strake Jesuit and beyond, an enthusiasm for life, and a determination to succeed. In accepting the award, Ryan said, “to be selected from all of my fellow classmates who are all talented and exceptional Men for Others as the recipient of this award and to be honored as a student who most closely resembles who Andy was and what he represented humbles me deeply.”

SINGERS, MUSICIAN EARN ALL-STATE HONORS The Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) has chosen 10 Jesuit students who are members of the St. Agnes Academy/ Strake Jesuit Mixed Chorus for the

RECORD CROWD ATTENDS 6TH ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

2010-2011 All-State Choir.

A record crowd of students and their grandparents enjoyed Mass and lunch on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the 6th Annual Grandparents Day. More than 500 grandparents (double the 250 that attended the first Grandparents Day in 2005) gathered in the Competition Gym. Among those grandparents in attendance were Principal Richard Nevle and his wife, Nancy Nevle, the Secretary to the Dean of Students, who enjoyed the day with their freshman grandson Alex. After the grandparents had Top: Principal Richard Nevle and his wife, Nancy who gathered, they were soon works in the Dean of Student Office, enjoyed Grandjoined by their grandsons parents Day with their freshman grandson, Alex. and they enjoyed a Mass, Bottom: A record crowd filled the Competition Gym. lunch and portrait photographs. The students then offered their grandparents a personal tour of the school campus.

Those Jesuit students chosen for this prestigious honor include seniors Christian Knight, Ryan Lord, Matt Stubbs and Yinka Olutoye, juniors Matt Hawes, Mark Storey, Elliott Bouillion, Nicholas Woods, and Gus Hennings and sophomore Nicholas Rathgeb ‘13. Eight St. Agnes members of the Mixed Chorus were also named to the All-State Choir.

Once again, Strake Jesuit’s Simon Lee ‘11 (cellist) will be representing Jesuit on the Texas Music Educator Association (TMEA) All-State Orchestra as he has been selected for the second consecutive year. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Over 1,500 students are selected through a process that begins with over 55,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 13 ensembles (bands, orchestras, and choir).

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NEWS FROM

23RD ANNUAL MOTHER-SON LUNCHEON HELD

Judge Mark Davidson ‘71

The 23rd Annual Mother-Son Luncheon was held October 13, 2010 as a sellout crowd gathered in the Westin Galleria Hotel Ballroom. The annual lunch for Strake Jesuit students and their moms has become one of the most popular and anticipated events for Jesuit mothers over the years. The day included portrait photographs, a delicious lunch in the elegant surroundings of the Westin Hotel, and a memorable and heartwarming address by the event’s keynote speaker, Jesuit alumnus Judge Mark Davidson ‘71. In recognition of the school’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary this year, Judge Davidson gave an entertaining ‘history lesson’ to the students and their mothers in attendance. It was a lesson in what the school was like in the fall of 1967 when he arrived on campus as a freshman and how far he had seen it come in the years since.

HEARTS OF GOLD - 2011 FANTASY AUCTION PRECIOUS ITEMS AND MEMORIES Commemorating Strake Jesuit’s 50th Anniversary, this year’s Hearts of Gold Fantasy Auction will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. The evening promises a beautiful atmosphere complete with dinner and exciting live bidding. A glimpse of 2011 auction items shows some of the past favorites that will go down a new path this year: • “A Night of Magic” – Pepe Ruiz, SJ, Jesuit scholastic will astound 12 lucky couples with intriguing magic – along with a delicious dinner at the lovely home of Mark and Peggy Burck. • A few special projects needle pointed by the Strake Jesuit Stitchers to include a set of gold heart-shaped Christmas ornaments. • Precious metals…. Every lady will look forward to seeing the custom made black diamond Crusader cross necklace specially designed and crafted by Orion Fine Jewelry for this year’s auction! • Big Board items include: 1995 Jaguar XJ12, a Lake Livingston girls’ weekend for 6, and wonderful hotel/restaurant outings. Many traditional favorite items will also be offered once again including: • An event from our vault – brought out to commemorate our 50th Anniversary - Fly to New Orleans, accompanied by Fr. Lahart, in a private airplane to enjoy an evening of delectable Cajun cuisine.

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NEWS FROM • A crowd favorite: Let our coaching staff stir up a good time with a crawfish boil for 50 people! • Fill your wine cellar with an impressive assortment of carefully selected wines. • Reserved student parking spot. • The popular lobster boil sign-up party at the home of Jack and Barbara Bonner. And, of course, a chance to bid on many other exciting destinations await you including trips to the beautiful Adirondack area of Lake George, Lake Tahoe, Telluride and so much more! Program ads are another great way to support the auction and the school’s financial aid program. For as little as $100 you can congratulate SJ on 50 years of shaping Men for Others with a personal message. Auction Chairs Mary Anne and Ed Capo promise an evening that has something for everyone. Plan your table now and join the rest of the Jesuit community. Last year, more than $400,000 was generated to benefit the school’s Financial Aid program. Major sponsorship opportunities with some great amenities are still available. Added features include an ad in the Auction Program (this has a deadline of January 19), reserved table, and a complimentary room for two at the Marriott the night of the event. For more details on the 31st annual Fantasy Auction, please go to the auction website at www.strakejesuit.org. - Fantasy Auction under “Support SJ” for forms and more information or contact Mary Anne Capo at macapo@comcast.net or Sharon Venables at svenables@strakejesuit.org.

MIKE CROWLEY HONORED BY HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S COURT Mike Crowley, chair of Strake Jesuit’s Social Studies department and track and cross country coach, was honored by the Harris County Commissioner’s Court with an ‘Unsung Hero’ Resolution. He was recognized for his actions last June when he came to the aid of a bicycle accident victim.

Last June, while on a run, Mr. Crowley witnessed George Lyon, an Engineer with the Harris County Toll Road Authority, lose control of his bike. Mr. Lyon was seriously injured in his fall suffering multiple fractures. Mr. Crowley was the only witness to stop and render aid. In doing so he managed to keep Mr. Lyon awake and calm, urged bystanders to call 911, and contacted Mr. Lyon’s wife by using the injured man’s cell phone.

Among the exciting items that will be available at this year’s Fantasy Auction are (clockwise from top left) a vacation home at Lake George in the Adirondacks, a custom made black diamond Crusader cross necklace, and a trip to Lake Tahoe.

Mike Crowley, George Lyon, and Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner and past Strake Jesuit Parent Steve Radack.

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NEWS FROM

SOPHOMORE INTERNATIONALLY RANKED FENCER

18 STUDENTS AMONG NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM FINALISTS A total of 18 Strake Jesuit students have been recognized by the College Board in the National Hispanic Recognition Program, 17 as Scholars and one as Honorable Mention. The Scholars are: Stephen Allison, Ricardo Ayala, Eduardo De La Torre, William Dillon, Nicolas Giraldo, Karl Griesser, Sebastian Kawar, Christian Knight, Jose Linardi, Andrew Munoz, Christopher Nart, Douglas Patson, Anson Petrick, Gabriel Puccini, Paolo Ruiz, Michael Scott, Blake Warden and Honorable Mention: Alejandro Esquino. The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students and to share information about them with interested colleges and universities.

JESUIT RECIPIENT OF 2010 COLLEGE READINESS AWARD For the second straight year, Strake Jesuit has been recognized by the Texas ACT Council with the 2010 College Readiness Award for maintaining or increasing the number of students taking the ACT Assessment over the past five years and significantly increasing their level of achievement and college readiness. Less than 6% of the high schools in Texas receive this recognition.

by Harrison James ‘11 Sophomore Christopher Ahn first heard about fencing while attending a school summer camp when he was ten years old. “Someone did a report on fencing,” said Ahn. “I thought it sounded really cool.” He then asked his parents if he could learn how to fence, and they allowed him to start taking lessons at a local academy. Eventually, Ahn decided to focus on one style of fencing – saber fencing. That focus has resulted in his being ranked fourth in the nation in saber fencing in his age group and his participating in tournaments around the world. He placed 18th at an international cup in Konin, Poland this past September, 8th at a tournament in Meylan, France, and 7th at a tournament in Moscow, Russia. Teams at these tournaments include ones from the United States, Poland, Italy, Hungary, France, and Russia. Ranking is based on performance in Chris Ahn ‘13 prepared for competition and in action. tournaments. As a fencer improves, he or she will compete in better tournaments. Since Ahn is ranked so highly, he is allowed to compete in international tournaments. “A big international tournament I have coming up is in London this coming January,” said Ahn. In addition to international tournaments, he will also compete in Atlanta, Georgia and the Junior Olympic Fencing Championship, to be held in Dallas in February. The intellectual nature of saber fencing attracts Ahn. “I always like to think of fencing as human chess,” said Ahn. “You need to know your opponent so well that you will know the move he will make before he makes it.” As evidence of the Ahn’s confidence, the tournament in Poland was won by the top–ranked fencer in America. When asked how good the number one fencer was, Ahn replied, “He’s good, but I can beat him.”

PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE

Our campus is filled with sacred places, some public

__ 800 building is a repository

and visible, others entirely out of site, and numerous

containing soils from the

others that are unique and personal. One of the first

grave sites of the men who

sculptures to arrive on campus arrived during the school’s

founded Strake Jesuit and

first years–the stature of the school’s patron saint, St.

who later saved it, Fr. Warren

Stanislaus Kostka. The Kostka statue spent years hiding

Baker, Fr. Merlin Mulvehil and

in a maintenance shed. In the 1980s it was moved from

Fr. Michael Alechediak. Far beneath

one site to another and has finally settled down to a serene

the floors of the Parsley Center, directly under the place

place on the north side of the Lowman theater. Just north

the altar occupies there is an assortment of soils gathered

of the Moody Library there is a large sculpture donated

from holy ground. There is sand from the roadside where

by the Mothers’ Club. In this rendering the figure of Jesus

Father Rutillo Grande, SJ was gunned down, and soil

is an adolescent, not an infant. There are few depictions

from the convent garden where his friend Bishop Oscar

quite like this one. I’ve written about it before, and I think

Romero was assassinated and there is earth too from the

of it often–it’s about letting go and moving on, about

yard outside the Jesuit Residence where the bodies of the

uncertainty, maternal love and finding one’s destiny; it

Jesuits and the women who worked at the University of

points across the quad, past and through the crowd of

Central America were found.

football tossing, frisbee playing, high jinxing students to

another sculpture that hangs from the ceiling of the 800

personal places where a friend was made, an insight

building–the Suscipe– with its nine golden arches suspended

revealed, a vocation confirmed, or simply a moment

in space and time– a memorial to the six Jesuits, their cook

remembered, they are not always visible and sometimes

and her daughter who were slaughtered in the dark of a

forgotten only to be rekindled in the clear light of an

November night outside their home at the University of

autumn morning. Like so much that is holy in our lives,

Central America in San Salvador.

we take these sacred places for granted. The chapel, those

statues, and those invisible places are in fact an important

There is of course the chapel. Are its arches a tribute

Besides these known spots there are many others;

to the beams of the old gym, are they meant to soar

part of our curriculum–lessons about our past and,

heavenward, or are these the beams of a Norman ship

perhaps, our students’ futures.

turned upside down where Crusaders can take refuge? Are they the nave of prayerful place? The simplicity and clarity of design and the Singleton Stations of the Cross argue for a place of prayer.

Besides these visible sites there are other places that

are entirely out of sight; they are known only in memory. Under the Suscipe, under the floor of the atrium of the

the man we turn to by Robert Cremins

A few years ago Larry Mason ‘66 wrote a story for this magazine about the greatest challenge in Strake Jesuit’s half century of history: the Sharpstown Crisis. In Larry’s article there is a small but telling detail, not about the crisis itself but about the school’s longest serving teacher, John Hosty, who began working here the same year that Larry graduated. The news of the closure of Sharpstown State Bank broke on January 25, 1971. “I remember being called to an important faculty meeting,” John told Larry in 2008, “but I had no idea what it was about.” Mr. Hosty had not heard the rumors of the rapidly gathering financial storm because, as Larry notes, he had been in his classroom working all day. Working in his classroom, as he had already done for almost a thousand days at that point in his teaching career and as he would do for approximately another seven thousand days subsequently. And as he still does to this day. Very few of those individual days are etched in history or memory as January 25, 1971, but cumulatively they add up to something momentous: an exceptional contribution to an exceptional school.

“You cannot find a better person than John Hosty,” states N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67, who has known him as an educator, colleague, and friend. “He will do anything for anyone. In addition to being an excellent teacher for over forty years, his life serves as an example to all of us. If ever there was an example of being a Man for Others, it is John Hosty.” Coach and former Dean of Students Michael Crowley echoes N.J.’s sentiments about Hosty as an inspirational figure: “He has inspired me and served as a wonderful role model for so many of us. Teaching can be a grind sometimes, but John makes it all seem so effortless and it is very obvious to see when you spent any amount of time with him that he truly loves teaching and, more importantly, he loves his students.” And it is not just younger faculty members like Mike Crowley who sing Mr. Hosty’s praises, but also fellow legends like Brother Casey: “John Hosty is a super-excellent teacher. He makes sure his students learn the Spanish language. He is very concerned about them. He is fair and honest.” It came as no surprise to his colleagues or to the

hundreds upon hundreds of young (and late: the students were gone. Later he found now not-so-young) men who have been his out why. Some time went by. One day John students when, in 2005, Mr. Hosty became beat Dennis to one of his classes, told the one of the inaugural winners of the students that Mr. Kana would not be there Fleming Award for Teaching Excellence. that day, and dismissed them. However, excellence alone is not In other words, Mr. Hosty has kept enough to explain the Hosty magic. As us learning and laughing for some forty-five anybody who has been in his company years now. He has enriched our minds and for any period of time knows, John has a enriched our hearts. He has been there for us. wonderful sense of humor, and a slightly There is another telling detail about mischievous side. the importance of John Hosty in the life of In John’s first year at Jesuit One of the classic stories concerning in 1966-1967 he taught this school (for the lion’s share of its history) John involves another beloved SJ educator, Spanish, Latin and coached in Larry Mason’s story about the 1971 crisis. the late Dennis Kana. Apparently, one day football and basketball. It’s that famous moment when Richard Nevle John got the schedule mixed up - no teacher turns to Hosty in that important faculty is perfect, not even Mr. Hosty - and did not go to class, meeting and says, “Damn, John, it’s the Alamo.” though his students did. Dennis happened upon the He turns to Mr. Hosty. So many of us have been class and, since Mr. Hosty was not there, dismissed it. turning to Mr. Hosty for so many years. John Hosty is John realized his mistake and dashed to class, but too the man we turn to.

I have known John Hosty since boyhood. As a high school student, he was renowned for his willingness to work—at many things—for his boundless enthusiasm and infectious good humor. Back then, John could not tell stories about himself with out breaking into uncontrollable laughter, whether he was recalling evading a rattlesnake while playing left field, or making cream puffs for his fellow novices when in the Basillians. John was an outstanding athlete in both high school and college. At some time or another he has coached baseball, football, or basketball here at Jesuit. His passion for the Spanish language began as a high school student. John was constantly listening, learning, and practicing. He sought out people who spoke Spanish. Just before graduation from the University of St. Thomas in 1963, John spent the summer in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, working at a mission there with some other students from the university. In the fall of 1966, John joined the Jesuit faculty, of course teaching Spanish, coaching, and in general keeping the rest of us alive with his humor and example. Those who learned Spanish from John in the ‘60s and ‘70s will find that his classes today are little different. John has been at it for 44 years here, but in terms of energy you would think it was his first week if you walked into his class. The pace is incessant; there is no reluctance whatsoever to drill. There is seldom a word of English heard, and when a student makes a mistake, John’s glance rolls to the ceiling, he grins, laughs or does whatever it takes to cajole the correct form or phrase from his students. When you leave Hosty’s class, your Spanish is better and you are energized and downright inspired. ~ Richard Nevle

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY____

Praying as Partners in the Jesuit Mission by Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ

As we celebrate 50 years of Jesuit education in Houston and as we move forward towards new horizons, I invite you, our readers and companions in mission, to pray and imagine God’s vision of love for our world. At a dilapidated Chapel ten miles outside Rome, St. Ignatius of Loyola stops to pray and receives a consoling vision. This vision confirms Ignatius’ desire to be placed with Jesus Christ and to share in his mission. The vision is a window into the origins and purpose of the Society of Jesus. It marks the beginning of the Jesuits’ missionary undertaking: to be placed side by side with the Lord carrying his cross and sharing in God’s plan of salvation for all people. In the vision, he sees the Father and La Storta Vision the cross-bearing Jesus. The Father speaks and says to the Son: “I want you, my Son, to take this man as your servant.” Jesus speaks directly to Ignatius’ heart and says: “I want you to serve us.” Thus, Ignatius feels confirmed in his desire to serve God under the banner of the Cross. Consequently, our heritage and vocation is to be companions laboring under the banner of Christ. The grace of this vision is realized in our work as partners, friends and collaborators of the Society of Jesus and its mission and service to the Church. Jesuits are placed forever under the cross. Then, as he describes the vision at the Chapel of La Storta, Ignatius hears the Father speaking to his heart one more time, “Ego ero vobis Romae propitious,” which translates to, “I will be propitious to you in Rome.” God’s promise to St. Ignatius of Loyola and his first companions is providential. Ignatius’s faith journey begins to take shape in ways that are unimaginable.

This vision continues to speak to us Jesuits and lay partners today as we continue to serve God in the various ministries around the world. This vision continues to be relevant to us here at Strake Jesuit where teachers, staff, administrators, students, families and board of directors discern and bring to fruition God’s eternal plan revealed in his son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyday, our call to be companions of Jesus is re-enacted in all of our academic enterprises, retreats, work study program, and extra curricular activities. Each one of us--in our own way and with our own gifts and talents--make this vision a reality and a renewal promise: God is propitious to us in Houston, Texas. God continues to call us and God places us with his Son. Christ calls us each day to serve Him under the banner of His Cross. I invite us all to take notice of this vision. I invite us all to make this vision our own in all our deliberations, our conversations and silent meditations. This vision shapes our budgets, our imagination and desires to continue Strake Jesuit as a premier model of Catholic, Jesuit education. Our true place, beyond the boundaries of the city of Houston, is under the Cross. Following the footsteps of Ignatius and the first companions, from this vantage point, we work and dedicate our lives to make our school a community of men and women for others. We take up the cross of educating men and women for others. We take up the cross of serving the Church and its people with renewed faith and a commitment to justice. We are called to be companions of Jesus. We are called to serve God and to build a future full of hope.

NEWS

ATHLETIC CROSS COUNTRY F r o m start to finish, all three squads that make up the Jesuit Cross Country team had outstanding seasons in 2010. Blessed Regional Champions (left to right): Frank Lara, Gus Raskowsky, with 24 new Mike Wakeland, Weston Novelli, Nick Gibson, Conner Troxclair, freshman this and Chris Schiller year, the team grew to 54, its largest size in the twelve years that Head Coach Mike Kerley has been at Strake Jesuit. The Freshman team took charge by capturing six team championships during the season. The Junior Varsity team followed suit as they went undefeated and won seven team championships. The Varsity team experienced the most successful season of Jesuit’s brief existence in the UIL. The Varsity squad had to overcome losing their number three runner early in the season due to an injury. Despite that setback, they pulled together and won five team championships during the season including their fifth District championship in a row and a Region III championship which was their fourth in five years. The team went on to place fourth at the State meet, the highest finish in school history. Seniors Weston Novelli, Nick Gibson, and Mike Wakeland earned All-District and All-Region honors. Novelli took this individual district title for the second year in a row. Seniors Chris Schiller and Connor Troxclair and sophomore Gus Raskosky, and freshman Frank Lara earned All-District honors.

TEXANS KUBIAK PRESENTS AWARD IN HONOR OF HEAD COACH RON COUNTER TeachersCount honors the contributions of Houston Texans Coach Gary Kubiak, a well-known and respected community leader, and the teacher who has influenced the community, Head Football Coach Ron Counter of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, as part of its annual effort that features big-name celebrities with their favorite teachers. As a part of that recognition, Staples donated a $1,000 check that Coach Kubiak presented to Strake Jesuit in Coach Counter’s honor.

“I selected Coach Counter to receive this honor because of the impact he has on young men’s lives every day,” said Coach Kubiak. “As the varsity football coach at Strake Jesuit, he teaches discipline and life lessons that his players can draw from for the rest of their lives.”

FOOTBALL Facing a challenging schedule, the Crusaders football squad battled in every contest finishing with a 3-7 overall record with two of those three wins coming in the team’s last three games. “We had the toughest schedule in the history of the school,” noted Head Coach Ron Counter. “Three of our opponents were preseason Top 10 in the state and going into our last game of the season each of them were undefeated. What I’m proudest of is how we finished the season despite the adversity we were up against. The assistant coaches and the seniors did a great job of finishing the season the right way.”

Staples General Manager Matt Pickelsimer, Ron Counter, Gary Kubiak, and Fr. Daniel Lahart

NEWS

ATHLETIC

The season began with a win over rival St. Thomas. The Crusaders would then go on to defeat Morton Ranch and Mayde Creek at the end of the season before dropping their last game against playoff bound Memorial by just six points. Senior Wide Receiver Clay Martin led the way with individual honors as he was a unanimous First Team AllDistrict selection. Senior Defensive Lineman M.J. Sam, who has committed to play at Rice University, was also a First Team All-District selection. Junior Offensive Lineman Pace Murphy, and senior linebacker Will Huskinson each captured Second Team All-District honors. In addition, 23 members of the squad were selected Academic All-District with ten seniors being nominated for Academic All-State honors.

Wide receiver Clay Martin, unanimous selection as First-Team All-District.

ERIC MULLINS ‘80 & EVAN FICHTER ‘11 HONORED AT PCA AWARDS CEREMONY The Positive Coaching Alliance hosted their first ever PCA Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarships sponsored by Deloitte LLP and the Thrive Foundation for Youth in Houston on Friday, October 15 in the Moran Dining Hall at Strake Jesuit. Over 80 original applicants, representing almost 20 area high schools, went through an interview and application review process with 25 of those being named finalists. Among one of four high school boys receiving a $1,000 college scholarship award was Jesuit senior Evan Fichter. He was recognized for exemplifying PCA’s model of the Triple-Impact Competitor: Personal Mastery -- Making oneself better; Leadership -- Making one’s teammates better; Honoring the Game -- Making the game better. Fichter was also named the Snell Eric Mullins ‘80, Evan Fichter ‘11 and Gary Kubiak. Scholarship winner. Jesuit grad Eric Mullins ‘80 was also on hand to receive the Triple Impact Professional Award for his success on and off the field. After graduating from Jesuit in 1980, he played for and graduated from Stanford and then was drafted by the Houston Oilers. He then entered the business world and is the managing director of Lime Rock Resources. He is also a member of the Strake Jesuit Board of Directors and parent of Zachary, a current Strake Jesuit freshman.

1 of every 7 One of these students would not be at Strake Jesuit without support of the One out of every seven. That’s the number of Strake Jesuit students who receive tuition assistance from the school’s Financial Aid Program. Walk across campus on an average school day and it would be impossible to pick one of them out of a group of Jesuit students studying, playing frisbee in the Quad, in a theater production, or on one of the school’s athletic teams. Here they are simply Strake Jesuit students. The only difference is, without your support of the Strake Jesuit Annual Fund, there is a good chance that they would not have the opportunity to be Strake Jesuit students. Every dollar given in support of the Annual Fund makes it possible to provide this program that is so essential to the school’s mission. A part of that mission states that no qualified applicant is ever denied enrollment for financial reasons. If you have made a gift to the Strake Jesuit Annual Fund, thank you for helping to make a difference in a young man’s life. If you have not, please consider a gift today. Each gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Simply use the envelope provided in the magazine to make a gift or online go to www.strakejesuit.org and click on the Strake Jesuit Annual Fund. If you have questions or would like additional information, contact N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67, Director of Development, at 713.490.8152 or njs@strakejesuit.org.

NEWS

ALuMni

ALUMNI RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR ANNUAL CAREER DAY

As the Class of 2011 moves closer to graduation next May, they also prepare for life after Jesuit. That includes college and a career. On the annual Career Day held Wednesday, October 13, they received some sound advice from a variety of successful professionals representing multiple careers with one thing in common. They are all Strake Jesuit alumni. A total of 14 alumni returned to campus to give this year’s seniors some advice and guidance as well as to answer some questions. The group was highlighted by the day’s keynote speaker, Frank Rynd ‘70. Mr. Rynd, a lawyer and former judge, recently was named the General Counsel for the Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston. Others present to offer their insight were: Brian Baltazar ‘93 - Senior Sales Representative - Abbott Pharmaceuticals; James Byrne ‘04 - Inside Account Manager - GHX Industrial LLC; Jeffrey Cardenas ‘76 - Director of Operations - DKI Consulting; Rick Frank Rynd ‘70 Couvillon ‘81 - Director Origination; Natural Gas Marketing - ConocoPhillips Co.; Brendan Doran ‘96 - Controller - AssetNation; Rody Grant ‘90 - Director of Recruiting, Training, & Dev. - Consolidated Graphics; Michael Hansen ‘85- Principal/Managing Director - Buffalo Jump Energy Corp.; Ron Luster ‘92 - VP Employee Benefits - Willis North America; Ryan McConnell ‘95 - Attorney - Haynes and Boone LLP; Erich Schenk ‘88 - Attorney - Coats Rose; Tom Stallings ‘86 - Professor in the Practice - Rice University; Miguel Suderman ‘70 - President & Chief Science Officer - Cell Systems 3-D; and Champ Warren ‘84 - Managing Director - Merrill Lynch Private Banking.

ANNUAL CLASS OF ‘67 LUNCH HOSTS O’SHEA As they do each fall, members of the Class of ‘67 gathered for their annual lunch on November 19 at the Four Seasons. The 16 members of the class in attendance hosted a special guest as Mr. Dan O’Shea and his wife joined the group. Mr. O’Shea was a faculty member at Jesuit from 1964 to 1967. In addition to teaching Latin and English, he was also the school’s first Theater Director and oversaw the school’s first production. Standing left to right: Peter Brogniez, Mike Guarino, NJ Santarcangelo, Rick Sindelar, Jim Stewart, Abner Burnette, Ray Adamcik, Gil Naert, Tom Standish, Jim Booth, George Gaenslen, Gray Miller, Mike Lallnger, Sam Polichino, Glen Boudreaux, and Gene Nettles. Seated Dan & Joan O’Shea.

NEWS

ALuMNI ALUMNI PROFILE:

JEFFERY CARDENAS ‘76 by Vince Santos ‘83

GRAY MILLER ‘67 ADDRESSES

Jeffery Cardenas has a host of fond memories from his days on the campus of Strake Jesuit. A member of multiple organizations such as Spanish club and the National Honor Society, Jeff graduated in 1976 and then went on to attain his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at Rice University. He then spent one year at Texas A&M University specializing in Bio Engineering. It was this appreciation for math and science that laid the foundation for him to enjoy a successful career in the aerospace industry. Since 2007, he has been working for DKI Consulting, out of League City, as a data architect and IT specialist. Jeffery and his lovely wife, Jeffrey Cardenas ‘76 Colleen, reside in the greater Houston area. Having grown up and remaining in Houston, he is happy to still maintain many of the friendships and bonds that he formed while at Jesuit. He is the proud father of four sons: Jason, Andrew, Michael, and Oliver. When asked what was the biggest impact from his days on the SJ campus, he did not hesitate. “Regardless of the course; humanities, social studies, math or science - the passion and commitment from the faculty was undeniable.” He went on to say that “Whether clergy or laity, every faculty member instilled the importance of aspiring to be more.” He specifically recalls one instance when he got an English paper back and saw a note from his teacher, Don Rausch. The message basically advised that if Jeffery put more effort into doing his papers, that Mr. Rausch would in turn put more effort into grading them. “It taught me a lesson that has remained with me ever since,” said Jeff. He concluded that, “It’s all about effort, and applies to so much more than just English papers. If you put your effort into all aspects of your life, you will undoubtedly get better results. You have to show up in class, and in life.” Several years ago, Tim Scaliztti, Jesuit’s Director of Alumni Relations, reached out to Jeffery to see if he would show up once again with an annual commitment to come address the seniors about working in the aerospace/science industry. They wanted someone to give them real world experience on exactly what it would take for them to pursue a similar career path. He has been showing up ever since they asked. Clearly, over 34 years after graduating, the very effort that Mr. Rausch was looking for, has been found.

STUDENTS AT 50TH ANNIVERSARY ASSEMBLY

Gray Miller ‘67 The Strake Jesuit students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Parsley Center on Wednesday afternoon, November 17 for a special assembly celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary, which is being celebrated this year. The general focus of the assembly was to give the students an idea of how the school came to be and what it was like to get it up and running in the 1960’s.

First, a short video was played that told much of that story of the effort to get the school started in the 1950’s and then the struggles that were faced to get the school running over that first decade.

To bring the point home to the students of what those days were like, Federal Judge Gray Miller ‘67 then addressed the gathering. He shared with the current students what the school was like in those early days and told them that they were a part of the tradition of Strake Jesuit.

Join us for

ight of

onor

~ Saturday, February 5, 2011 ~

Join the Strake Jesuit community on this special night as we honor these five men. Men who, each in their own way, have contributed to the rich, 50-year history of Strake Jesuit.

Dr. Tony Garcia-Prats ‘94

George Bean ‘81 Athlete

Corey Davis ‘90 Athlete

Tommy Nolen Coach

Bob Pilegge Distinguished Individual

For more information or to make reservations, click on the Night of Honor button under Quick Links on the school web site or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 713.490.8153.

Notes

CLASS

70’s John Bradley ‘77, Williamson County, Texas District Attorney traveled to Ireland in October where he had been invited to participate in a debate of the death penalty before the University College of Dublin Literary and Historical Society. Jimmy Galle ’78 lives in Sausalito, California and is owner of Gulfish, a seafood distribution company selling fresh Wild Sustainable US Gulf Seafood. During the BP Oil Spill this summer he founded and organized Dine Out for the Gulf Coast, a nationwide fundraiser with over 150 restaurants raising almost $100,000 for support of gulf coast fishing communities and an ongoing support of natural habitat restoration.

80’s

Andrew Hill ‘81 and his wife Mary Lynne moved to Ballycastle, Northern Ireland this past summer to begin work at Corrymeela, a peace and reconciliation centre that brings Catholics and Protestants together to address the social, political and religious divisions in the country.

they are thankful and blessed.

~ IN MEMORIAM ~

90’s

Mildred Herring Anderson Mother of James ‘70

Jack O’Brien ‘90 and his wife, Kari, welcomed their third child, Jackson Luke, on October 7, 2010.

Frederick Gordon Carl, Jr. Father of Brian ‘01

Ken Lojo ‘91 and his wife, Wendi, welcomed the birth of Michael James on October 11, 2010.

Robert R. Fretz Father of Robert, Sr. ‘76 & Richard ‘87

Trip Norkus ’95, and his wife Lizzie and their daughter, Josie, welcomed John Joseph Norkus IV on December 7, 2010. Trip is chair of the Computer Science Department at Strake Jesuit.

Judge Joseph M. Guarino Father of Mike ‘67 & Greg ‘72 Mary Colvin Hill Mother of Andrew ‘81, Michael ‘84 & David ‘88

Jason McArdle ’96 and Tiffany Winn were married on December 11, 2010 in San Antonio and honeymooned in Hawaii. They both work at the Scooter Store in New Braunfels.

Carol Moss Leonardon Mother of Richard ‘79 Dorothy Louise Martin Morrow Mother of Ed ‘69, Mother-in-Law of Rusty Senac ‘66 & Grandmother of Brian Stork ‘98

Gerardo Interiano ’99 returned to Austin from Washington, DC after serving as Deputy Chief to Staff to Congressman Lamar Smith. This fall he started as Counsel to the Texas House of Representatives Speaker Joe Straus. Additionally, Gerardo and his wife Aynsley welcomed their newest addition to the family, Isabela, on May 25, 2010.

Clara Newton Mother of Guy ‘74 & Joseph ‘77 Elmer James Volmert Father of James ‘75 & Larry ‘88

~ BIRTHS ~ Henry Lorenz on August 29, 2010 Todd ‘88 and Julie Jackson Luke O’Brien on October 7, 2010 Jack ‘90 and Kari Michael James Lojo on October 11, 2010 Ken ‘91 and Wendi John Joseph Norkus IV on December 7, 2010 Trip ‘95 and Lizzie

Joey Gimenez ’84 is nearing his fourth year as an independent public relations and marketing communications counselor to the world’s largest software company, a Texas pension association, and an international oilfield services company. He lives in Austin with his wife Anthe and is close to being a single digit handicap golfer. Todd Lorenz ‘88 and his wife, Julie, welcomed the arrival of Henry, their newly adopted son. He was born on August 29, 2010, and joined their family forever on September 3rd, 2010. He is truly a gift from God, and

00’s Zane Keller ’04 was married to the former Ashton Niemann on December 4, 2010. Robert William Lindeman ‘05 is engaged to Ms. Tracey Einem, of San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2009 with a degree in BioMedical Engineering and is enrolled at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

I’M STILL GREEN I met Kenneth McGregor soon after the start of his freshman year. He was one of those many bright and eager young freshman faces that I had become so very accustomed to seeing at the start of every new school year. Little did I know that this particular youngster and this Olde Crusader would end up forging an unpredictable and unexpected bond that still endures. I think of him often. We met one afternoon at freshman football practice. I enjoy watching the freshman football; seeing them all suit up for the first time in their JEBBIE green uniforms. I can always sense the pride as they bond with each other and with the school. This bond is just one of the gifts that Strake Jesuit affords us all. And so it would be for me and Kenneth. Despite the difference in our respective ages, one very Olde Crusader and Kenneth one very young Crusader, we would come to form an unlikely bond. There were three of us there that day, standing in the baseball dugout, sizing up the talent as the team practiced. Kenneth and a classmate were engaged in running commentary, going back and forth as each new play unfolded on the field, “Hey, look at that black kid! Did you see that? “Yea, and how about that white boy. He’s good but I like the tackle that Spanish guy just made.” Both boys looked to me. “Guys”, I said,” I don’t see any black kids out there, or any white kids or even any brown kids. Everyone I see out there is green. Here, at Strake Jesuit, we are all green.” The two looked at each other, probably wondering who the heck I was and at the same time wondering if I had the authority to hand out a PH. They were both good boys; didn’t say much at the time, but I was pleased as they began calling out jersey numbers instead of ethnicities. I knew they meant no harm. A few days later, I was crossing the parking lot and spotted Kenneth coming my way. He was wearing his Kipp Academy T-shirt. He was proud to have come from Kipp and often sported a Kipp shirt. As we passed, he recognized me and with one of his trademark big Kenneth McGregor smiles on his face he exclaimed, “Hello sir! I’m still green. How about you?” “I’m still green too Kenny Kipp,” I loved calling him Kenny Kipp. To me, the moniker still seems to be a fitting one. And that’s the way it started for us. I used to watch Kenny Kipp play basketball. He wore #3 and he loved to play. But there was something else about the boy. There was something

more. Sadly, I didn’t quite know what it was and I didn’t find out until he passed away. The other kids knew. His friend and teammate Jeremy knew. But I didn’t know: Kenneth was a kind and giving soul. At the funeral service, I saw people there that I know off campus and had no idea that they also knew Kenneth. When it was his time to speak, Kenneth’s uncle looked out over the mourners and seeing the size of the crowd, he was understandably a bit taken aback. There were so many people, all from so many different walks of life; a diverse group of young and old; of every conceivable background. “I am 34 years old,” he confided, “twice Kenneth’s age and even I don’t know this many people.” How did this come to be? Answer: Kenneth was a kind and giving soul. Youngster after youngster came forward McGregor to speak of their love for Kenneth. He was there for them, always going out of his way to extend the hand of kindness and generosity. He was ever ready to risk his own popularity in doing so. One Kipp boy talked of being teased and bullied about being overweight. The teasing stopped when the popular Kenneth McGregor intervened and became his friend. Another Kipp schoolmate, a girl, talked of being shunned and ostracized because of a birth defect. That ended when the popular Kenneth McGregor began sharing her otherwise vacant table for lunch. There were so many testimonials; so many acts of kindness. Remarkably, one young boy had made a difference for so many. When Kenneth’s Strake Jesuit class graduated, they remembered him. And so did I. Afterwards, in the parking lot as I was just about to leave, one of the grads, a friend of Kenneth’s approached me and asked, “Are you still green?” It was the other young man that was there that day four years earlier at freshman football, the day when everyone was green. I’m still green and I strive to be as kind and giving as was my young pal, Kenny Kipp. To his memory, I pledge my shield and my sword.

George EDITOR’S NOTE: Kenneth McGregor passed away during his junior year on September 18, 2002.

PARENTS, if you are still receiving your son’s Chronicle although he no longer lives with you, let us know so we can change our records and send the magazine directly to him. If you enjoy reading the publication but do not receive a copy of your own, let us know that too. We would be glad to send a copy to your son’s new address and continue to send you one.

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory 8900 Bellaire Boulevard Houston, Texas 77036

Contact the Alumni Office at tscalzitti@strakejesuit.org or at 713.490.8153

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Janaury 9

It’s Not Too Late!

Father-Son Pool Tournament

12-16 Father-Son Sophomore Retreat 21

Right to Life Mass

Entrance Exam

February 3

Ignatian Foundation Series

7-10 Father-Son Sophomore Retreat 9

Parent-Teacher Meetings

Father-Son Hockey

School Liturgy

Guidance & Counseling Presentation: The Next Three Years

Father-Son Bowling

March 6

Spring Fling

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

14-18 Spring Break 24

Ignatian Foundation Series

It’s not too late to get your copy of We Are SJ, the school’s beautiful commemorative 50th Anniversary book. A VERY limited number of copies are available.

For up to date event information, go to www.strakejesuit.org

You can purchase online at www.strakejesuit.org and use the book button in the Quick Links.