Chronicle winter 2014 by Rick Rivers

THE CHRONICLE OF STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY

WINTER 2014

undebateable success

Senior Frank Lara proudly displays the hardware he earned with the Jesuit Cross Country team at the state UIL meet.

Table of Contents

The team took home 3rd place medals and Lara added the individual state title. To read more, see page 18.

Features Undebatable Success p. 3

In All Things Update p. 8 iPad Impact p. 10 Departments President’s Message - 2 Principal’s Perspective - 7 News from 8900 - 11-14 Ignatian Spirituality - 15 Athletic News - 17-19 Alumni News - 21-22 Class Notes - 22-23 In Memoriam & Births- 23 By George - 24 Winter 2014 Vol. 46, No. 2 Editor/Layout Rick Rivers, Director of Communications Contributors Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ Ken Lojo ‘91 Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ Phillip Bartholomew ‘09 Natalee Hanna The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (USPS 024165) Vol. 46, 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 Ken Lojo ‘91 Director of Development NJ Santarcangelo ‘67 MISSION STATEMENT To assist young men in their formation as leaders and as Men for Others through a program of rigorous college preparation in the tradition of the Society of Jesus. ON THE COVER - The Strake Jesuit debate program is one of the strongest in the nation. To learn more about the program and what it has taken to build it into the successful program it is, see page 3.

Senior Frank Lara proudly displays the hardware he earned with the Jesuit Cross Country team at the state UIL meet.

Table of Contents

The team took home 3rd place medals and Lara added the individual state title. To read more, see page 18.

Features Undebatable Success p. 3

_________________PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I recently gave a talk to a group of Catholic Latino leaders in Houston. The topic was “Parents as the Primary Educators of their Children.” Quite frankly, I don’t recall if the topic selection was theirs or mine. In either case, I enjoyed pulling some thoughts together around this topic, and the evening and discussion was a great success. Possibly, the topic derived from a conversation I had with the gentleman who had invited me. We talked about the blessing in the Baptismal Rite that is said over the father of the child at the end of the ceremony. God is the giver of all life, human and divine. May he bless the father of this child. He and his wife will be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith. May they be also the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. As a priest and as an educator, I’ve always found this prayer particularly meaningful. It reminds the parents, both father and mother, of their awesome responsibility that they now have in the life of their newborn child. Certainly there will be cares for feeding and changing, the very basics of life that the child depends on the parents for, but more than that, the parents are responsible as the primary educators of this child—the first and best teachers of their child. Most parents wisely realize that they need help in this educational endeavor. That is part of the reason that a child is baptized into a community. Parents make choices about their children’s education, both education of faith and the education of the world. The Baptismal prayer reminds us that parents are primarily responsible for

this most important endeavor, and it reminds them that they are witnesses to that faith in what they say and do. Example matters. When speaking to parents at school I often remind them of their primary role as educators, not to scare or scold them, but to thank them for making the decision to allow Strake Jesuit to join them in this remarkable role. We take this responsibility very seriously. Just as parents, appropriate to their means, want to give their children the best, so we want to give our students the best, appropriate to our means. As such we work very hard to provide our students with the best faculty, best programs, best extracurricular activities and athletics. We constantly work to upgrade our facilities to provide the best environment for our students. (Please see the update on our current construction projects on pp. 8-9) One of the areas that repeatedly tops the charts in terms of great achievement is our Debate program. Year after year, Mr. Crist and his students bring home trophy after trophy, honor after honor. It doesn’t come easily as any of the alumni and veterans of the program can attest—and their parents can as well. Our cover story will help you to understand what goes into making a program one of the best in the country, but it starts with hard work, and with the leadership that understands the importance of setting an example of excellence. The next time you are at a baptismal ceremony, take special note of that closing blessing on the father of the child. It is a wonderful reminder to all of us of the great and ongoing privilege we have and responsibility we are entrusted with by the parents of our students. It also reminds me to be grateful to the so many who help us provide the best possible education for our students. Thank you for sharing in this mission. Be assured of my prayers for you as we begin this new year.

undebateable success

by Philip Bartholomew â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;09

The Strake Jesuit Debate program is undeniably one of the most successful programs in the state as well as the nation. In fact, the Jesuit debate team has been one of the top teams in the country for nearly a decade. Now, before I get any further, I need to make some disclosures. First, I not only debated for four years in high school, but also served as the Co-President of the debate team my senior year of 2009. Second, even though it has been roughly four and a half years since I graduated, I still routinely catch up with the debate team coaches every couple months. So, it is possible that I might be a little biased. That said, I believe that what the team has accomplished speaks for itself. Not only has the debate team won consistently, it has put Jesuit values into practice.

To debate for Strake Jesuit is to commit oneself completely and totally to the team. Every morning these debaters share debate homeroom. Every afternoon they attend practice from 3:00-4:30. Every night the debaters complete both their regular homework and additional debate work, which includes writing cases, practicing speeches, and reading a mix of current events and philosophy. To move up to the national squad, a debater must individually conduct around 15 hours a week of additional research, attend a two week summer debate camp, win consistently at the local level, and maintain above a 3.6 GPA. A successful Jesuit debater makes A’s on every report card, behaves well in every class, wins overwhelmingly in every round, and constantly hones his writing and critical reasoning. In return for pushing themselves to the limit, the young men on the team receive incredible educational opportunities. With generous funding secured by the school’s administration, the Jesuit team competes 23 weekends out of the year. The local team competes at a tournament nearly every weekend with the first tournament at the end of August and the last during the second weekend in February. The national team competes at tournaments in places like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Palo Alto, Dallas, San Antonio,

and Austin. “Typically schools will maintain a strong national program, but not field much of a local team,” explained Head Coach Jerry Crist. “Or, they will have a large and active local team without much in the way of national circuit competition. We are unique in that the team offers competitive opportunities to students that want to be involved in other activities and compete on the local circuit or to those that are totally committed to the activity and make debate their top priority and compete on the national circuit.” Currently leading this effort is an incredible staff of coaches that have dedicated much of their spare time to support the young men on the team. Crist leads and organizes the team as the head coach. Murvin Auzenne heads the Public Forum squad, William Burke works as the freshman Lincoln-Douglas coach, and Chris Castillo serves as the national circuit coach. Clearly, this highly successful debate program did not spring up overnight. The debate program at Jesuit dates back to the very early days of the school. Those early seeds were sewn by people such as Richard Nevle and Fr. Chris Billac, SJ. Then, in the early ’90’s, Mike Melancon became the

The Strake Jesuit Debate Team in the late ‘60’s led by Richard Nevle (seated left) and Fr. Chris Billac, SJ (seated right).

head coach. “Mr. Melancon not only held the program together, but also implemented one of the team’s most important institutional reforms: a large rotating group of assistant coaches,” said Crist. “By rotating responsibility for driving the bus and running practice and attending tournaments, Strake Jesuit coaches were able to avoid burnout and provide continuity to the program.” The next important step in the program’s evolution occurred midway through the 1999-2000 school year when Crist took over as head coach. He recruited two Jesuit teachers, Auzenne and Nick Arguello, to become assistant coaches. Together, the three coaches experimented with different organizational strategies to push the debate team past where it had gone before. The coaches first decided to limit the number of activities in which the boys would compete. Instead of 8-10 speech and debate events like most high school squads, Strake Jesuit would specialize in one activity: Lincoln-Douglas debate. They would eventually add a second event, Public Forum, in 2007. Next, Crist took over a freshman speech class, rechristened it “Freshman Debate Speech,” and shamelessly used it to recruit top talent. He also convinced then Principal Richard Nevle to boost funding which let the boys compete in more tournaments. Next, Crist hired a freshman at Rice

University named Gary Johnson to be an assistant coach to help with the more technical aspects of debate. Finally, after some initial results, the team received authorization to travel and compete nationally. The results have been spectacular. Since 2005, Strake Jesuit has dominated the Lincoln-Douglas event at the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) State Championship. TFA State is the largest and most competitive state championship in the country. Every year Jesuit qualifies more debaters than any other school. In the past nine years, Jesuit debaters have placed 3rd twice (Andy Werner in 2005, Nick Lassus in 2010), 2nd four times (Paul Tyger in 2009, Drew McCormick in 2011 and 2012, Jeremy Dang in 2013) and 1st twice (Andy Werner in 2006, David Donatti in 2008). In 2012, Strake Jesuit won the 1st place sweepstakes award for Region IV at TFA State. Usually at a disadvantage because Jesuit only competes in two events, they won so thoroughly in their fields that the team received the overall sweepstakes anyway. That year, Jesuit debaters placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 10th in a field of 198 in the Lincoln-Douglas event and 4th in a field of 142 in the Public Forum event. The team’s success also extends to the national level. Since 1999-2000, Jesuit has qualified more than thirty debaters to the National Forensic League (NFL) National

The 2013-2014 Strake Jesuit Debate Team

In 2008, Todd Liipfert (pictured with Head Coach Jerry Crist) claimed the National Forensic League’s Lincoln-Douglas debate national title. Championship, the most prestigious and competitive tournament in the country. Every year, around 120,000 high school students compete in NFL regional qualifiers with only 3,300 making it to the championship. Once at the championship, Jesuit debaters always do well. In 2008, three debaters - Philip Bartholomew (’09), David Donatti (’08) and Todd Liipfert (’08) - made history. They dominated the Lincoln-Douglas event by placing 12th (Philip), 9th (David) and 1st (Todd). Most Jesuit debaters continue to succeed after graduation. Former debaters have attended Harvard, Colombia, Stanford, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Fordham, Claremont McKenna, Rice, Georgetown, Morehouse, the University of Chicago and the University of Virginia. Beyond school, former debaters now work at law firms Vinson & Elkins and Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.), tech companies

eBay and Amazon, marketing firm Yodle, oil and gas giant Exxon, various political organizations, and the Catholic priesthood. It would be easy to get carried away with the winning and forget the real purpose of the team: to shape young men into Men for Others. The school’s mission to instill Jesuit values guides the team. While winning is obviously important, the conduct and personal growth of the debaters is the primary focus. Consequently, the coaches try to teach the importance of collegiality and of social and personal responsibility In 2005, Coach Auzenne started a two-week summer debate camp called “No Limits Debate!” where Jesuit coaches and debaters teach students from other schools. “The camp offers an affordable alternative to expensive ‘elite’ debate camps while offering the same high quality instruction,” said Auzenne. Moreover, every year, he offers scholarships to local debaters with financial need. No Limits Debate! allows the young men on the team to be Men for Others and to give back to the community of Houston. In my mind, being Men for Others has always been the team’s secret strength. In contrast to most schools, where intra-squad intrigue often spreads into the in-round performances of the competitors, Jesuit supports its own. Coaches and students all work together for the benefit of the whole. Even when personal conflict exists, the debaters set it aside to support their teammates at tournament. As a result, everyone on the team shares a closer relationship than at rival schools. I am sure every alumnus of the team remembers laughing at Mr. Crist’s antics or bonding while working late into the night. The team’s greatest accomplishments are not the wins, or the championships, or the trips around the country, but the lifelong relationships formed by the debaters and coaches. The team is a community that lasts forever.

Philip Bartholomew ‘09 graduated with high honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 2013 with a double major in Sociology Honors and Spanish. He currently works as a Business Development Assistant at Norton Rose Fulbright. He is currently studying to take the GMAT and LSAT.

PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE_________________ be much more challenging. As I walked back to my office, I thought about that picture and about the many times I had walked past that spot on campus without noticing the beauty around me. Had I hurriedly walked past those rays of light earlier that morning and not even noticed them? In our adult lives, we experience moments of tension and worry that can be much more intense than semester exams. On those days, our thoughts can run so fast we have trouble focusing on anything. Ignatius warns that the ‘evil spirit’ can use these times to foster and perpetuate anxiety in order to keep us from a place of consolation and peace. When the evil spirit is the cause of that anxiety, God is not in the anxiety. Rather, God is trying to speak to us through other means. That is where we must find Him. Of course, it takes effort to look beyond our distractions. Just as we can easily walk past the beautiful rays of sunlight shining through the trees, we can easily miss the ways God is speaking to us and gifting us His grace. If we stop for a moment and look around, we will find it. As joyous as Christmas can be, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. I hope that this Christmas season you will find a moment to pause and look for God’s grace in your life.

During semester exams, I have noticed one thing that remains a constant for our students – anxiety rises. This past December during finals, I crossed paths with a student who seemed particularly frazzled. The pressures of exams had taken their toll. We talked briefly as he headed toward his next exam. As we walked across campus, I thought of a Facebook post I had seen earlier that morning. One of our faculty members posted the picture you see in this column with the caption, “A moment of Grace in the midst of final exams at Strake Jesuit. Finding God in All Things.” The picture reminded me that God’s grace, like the sunlight, is beautiful. It continually shines down on us, but sometimes can be difficult to see because of the stress and distractions in our life. I showed the post to the student and suggested he pray for God’s grace to help him through the day. He said he would. (Although I had the feeling he’d rather ask God to take his exam for him!) He smiled and we parted ways. It was a brief but meaningful exchange. For our students these nerve-racking times of semester exams are fertile learning grounds for much more than content mastered during the preceding semester. They teach responsibility, perseverance, time-management, setting priorities, and most significantly, the importance of turning to God and asking for help – for his grace – even during the stressful times of the year when it is the last thing on our mind. “Finding God in all things” is one of the core lessons students encounter during their time at Jesuit. Typically, they have less difficulty finding God during peaceful times like retreats, liturgies, or in a quiet moment of prayer. Finding God during the hectic pace of semester exams can

NEW SCIENCE & ENGINEERING BUILDING TAKES RISE With the Clay Center and Atrium in the background (pictured here), construction on the Science & Engineering Building went vertical in mid-December as steel began to rise where the Zinnamon Hall parking lot once lay. After weeks of preparing the site which included tearing out the Zinnamon Hall parking lot and pouring the foundation, the project went vertical with the placement of the first steel columns. The first five truckloads of steel were delivered and the next day, Tuesday, December 10, the placement of those pieces was begun. The initial pieces included the three-story columns and 2nd floor beams. The following week another six truckloads of steel were delivered which included the 3rd floor beams and other pieces. Those pieces took another 6-10 days to be placed. In total, the placement of all of the steel is expected to take two months. Meanwhile, across the Gessner Drive, work is continuing on the re-development of the land at 6500 Gessner. When complete, hopefully in the late spring, the property will include two full-size practice fields, an auxiliary fieldhouse and a Golf Learning Center. That facility will include a 3500 square foot artificial putting green with chipping collar and a 40 yard long, fully enclosed hitting net with a sand trap and an indoor facility for video recording. The on-going construction of the building and the work at 6500 Gessner can be followed on two construction cameras. To access, scan the code here or on the website select the In All Things button and the homepage and then click on ConstructionCAM in the lefthand menu.

iPad impact

This is the next installment of a year-long series spotlighting how iPads are impacting the classroom at Jesuit by Natalee Hanna

“Top 10 Apps for able to walk around the classroom with my iPad, questionEducators” is the average answer style as I complete the lecture notes. Students are headline buzzwords we able to download from iTunes U, follow along, and fill-in the educators are seeing lately. With the introduction of iPads teacher-prepared notes. at Jesuit, I engaged these articles with gusto! However, I was An example of group-style learning is a WebQuest, an overwhelmed by the sense internet webpage a teacher of how can I actually use this creates for students to in my daily curriculum. As explore a lesson, which the first semester is coming is enhanced by links to to an end, I recognize my websites, illustrations, approach is from a different and a step-by-step guide. perspective. The question Although WebQuests have is not what can we do with been around for several the iPad, but rather how years, with the iPad, I do can we solve problems that not have to book lab-time already exist in education and we can complete it with the iPad. It is not all in our own classroom. about the apps, games, or Another project-based even the access to WiFi, Natalee Hanna interacts with her math students as they work on their iPads. learning lesson occurred but rather asking how can the iPad enhance the discernment of the information and increase understanding. From a practical standpoint, in setting up our mathematics classroom this year, I chose to use iTunes U to disperse information and enhance communication between teacher and student. I am able to post homework, attach documents, and make announcements. Although all of this was possible with the class website I have used in the past, iTunes U is easily accessible as an App on a student’s iPad as well as notifies students whenever I post something new. The streamline of communication is excellent. On a day-to-day basis, both the students and I use it for lecture-style, group-work, and project-based learning. Again, I was already using a variety in pedagogic approaches in the math classroom before iPads; however, more possibilities for learning are imaginable. Lecturing is now done throughout the classroom instead of at the front. With AppleTV, I am

when I had students explore campus and take pictures of geometric shapes with their iPads; these pictures were then edited, drawn on, and annotated to explain the vocabulary previously introduced in class. Textbooks are a thing of the past in our geometry classrooms. The iBook students download to their iPads is interactive! Benefits to the iBook are homework questions that can instantly validate their answer choice, illustrations of 3-D objects that can be manipulated by the user, and accessibility wherever you have your iPad, no WiFi or heavy backpacks required. I look forward to the maturation of the digital textbook and its availability in the high school classroom. Ultimately, many of my practical pedagogical issues have dissipated and the learning in my classroom is more engaged. The iPad is an instant information producer, and students now witness interactive lessons with an array of types of learning: kinesthetic, auditory, and visual.

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NEWS FROM ARTIST/ALUMNUS KEIKO GONZALEZ ‘82 DONATES PAINTING

The Strake Jesuit Art Museum hosted a reception and exhibit of alumnus Keiko Gonzalez ‘82 and his works on Tuesday, October 29 in the Moran Dining Hall. The artist used the occasion to donate his painting “The Wanting Seed” to the museum. Students, parents, alumni and friends gathered for the event to view Gonzalez’ works. Gonzalez lives and works in La Paz, Bolivia and his work is represented by galleries in the U.S. and abroad. He also took time during his time in Houston to visit some of the school’s art history classes and talk with the students and share his experiences. Gonzalez studied art in Texas and received an advanced degree and the Ralph Bunche Fellowship from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of Art and traveled and studied in Europe. His intuitive practice has been honed for over 25 years on three continents. Although Keiko’s primary medium is paint, he is also at ease sculpting, drawing, and producing multi-media installations. He frequently Keiko Gonzalez ‘82 and Strake Jesuit Art Museum Registrar Pam Howard with his painting “The Wanting Seed” which he donated to the collaborates with other artists and has taught out of his studio for over 20 years.

2nd ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS CHALLENGE DRAWS LARGE CROWD The 2nd Annual Strake Jesuit Sporting Clays Challenge was held on Monday, November 11 at the Greater Houston Gun Club and another large crowd turned out for the event. This year’s event was successfully chaired by Ryan McGrath ‘06 with assistance from Co-Chairs Billy Zaleski ‘86 and Taylor Dacus ‘06. Participants included alumni, current and past parents, and many friends of the school. The day began with a magnificent lunch catered by Goode Co. After some introductions and safety instructions, shooters set out to the course in their carts. The event involved teams of four making their way around either the South or the North Course. Each course had twelve stations and each team stopped at each station to test their clay shooting skills. As the shooters completed their turn around the course and returned to the pavilion, they had the option of taking a turn at a second competition, the Flurry. Teams of

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four had one minute to shoot as many clays as they could while other participants looked on. The Flurry provided an exciting conclusion to the day’s competition. Winning teams in the Challenge were: 1st Place – Steve Mitchell, Roy Duff, Roger Keyte, and Dietrich Landis; 2nd Place – John Fleming, Robert Smith, Greg George, and Prentiss Burt; 3rd Place – C.W. McLeod, Kyle Johns, David Elder and Jeff Sikora. The Individual 1st Place winner was Bayne Horne and the Flurry’s winning team was Bobby Fowler, Mike Medrano, Stan Faison, and Chris Minton

ROBOTICS TEAM WINS LOCAL COMPETITION

Members of the Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes team are (left to right): Ana Baleva ‘16, Alex He ‘17, Tiffany Au ‘14, Nicholas Stout ‘17, Meron Wonderad ‘15, Matthew Sklolaut ‘15, Mary Nguyen ‘17, Briggs Weatherington ‘17, Angelina Anderson ‘17, Coach Allen Gregory, Hunter Werlla ‘14, Tristan Dupuis ‘17, Ryan Ogilvie ‘14, Yan Yao ‘17, Justin McAuliffe ‘14, Jamie Smith ‘16, and Sara Baltz ‘16

The Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes FIRST Robotics Team competed in the Houston Robot Remix in November in The Woodlands and, despite a slow start, came away with championship. Teams spent six weeks building a 120-pound robot for this competition. After dropping four of their first five matches, the squad put together a string of three straight wins to finish the qualification rounds. In the elimination rounds they partnered with teams from The Woodlands and Cy-Ranch and posted six more straight wins to finish with a 10-4 record. The competition included ULTIMATE ASCENT, a game where teams build a robot that can shoot Frisbees into ten-foot high goals both on their own and under the control of student. Teams receive additional points if their robot can then climb an eight foot-tall pyramid structure. FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, was founded by inventor Dean Kamen and MIT professor Dr. Woodie Flowers in 1992 .

UNDER THE TEXAS SKY - ANNUAL STRAKE JESUIT AUCTION APRIL 12, 2014 This year’s “Under the Texas Sky” Auction 2014 will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014 on campus in the Competition Gym. Auction chairpersons, Karen and Dewey Gonsoulin, promise a fun and fabulous evening with lots of Texas flair. Join current and alumni parents, alumni, faculty, and friends for what is sure to be a fantastic event featuring live and silent auctions. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the amazing live auction offerings: • A week stay in a 2-bedroom apartment in Forest Hills, New York. Perfect for the US Tennis Open and just a 20 minute subway ride from Midtown Manhattan. • Trip for 2 to Christmas Markets in Germany December 5-7, 2014 (top right)

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NEWS FROM • 6 bedroom house in Watercolor, Florida for the week of Thanksgiving 2014 (middle right) • The always popular Mass and brunch with Father Lahart at Brennan’s. In addition, these terrific Texas items will be featured on the Big Board: •Round Rock Express owner’s experience including 4 tickets to a game and behind the scenes tour • Custom cowboy boots and matching belt from AJ’s Handmade Boots • J.J. Watt autographed helmet and jersey (bottom right) • Weekend hunt at Chili Canyon Ranch in the Hill Country Of course, we welcome more donations in any amount. There is a gift registry under the school’s name at both Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma. Another way to contribute is to become a sponsor and/or underwriter. There are several levels of table sponsorships available that reflect our auction theme, such as Big Thicket, Panhandle, Hill Country, and Gulf Coast. All table sponsors receive a table for 10 with priority seating and an ad in the auction program, as well as various other VIP perks that accompany each level. Additionally, parents, alumni, and businesses can support our school and its mission by underwriting a specific component of the auction, such as lighting or printing. Underwriters and sponsors confirmed by January 8, 2014 will be recognized in the program invitation. All companies and individuals interested in sponsorship or underwriting should contact Jill Ribbeck, Auction Coordinator, at jribbeck@ strakejesuit.org or 713.490.8107. We hope to see you Under the Texas Sky!

MEN’S RETREAT PROGRAM COMPLETES SECOND YEAR Last year Strake Jesuit introduced the Men’s Retreat Program hosted at the school’s Retreat & Leadership Center. The Retreats, which are open to all men in the school community - alumni, current dads, alumni dad and faculty and staff - were continued this past fall with two more retreats. One led by Fr. Brian Reedy, SJ and the other by Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ. The retreatants included men from all aspects of the Jesuit communit including current parents, alumni and parents of alumni. “I had the pleasure of attending the first retreat last year which was on Ignatian Spirituality,” said Hugh Vrsalovic ‘84. “During our three days Bell Tower at the RLC. we covered the Principle and Foundation of the Spiritual Exercises; The

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Examen; main forms of Ignatian Prayer - Meditation and Contemplation; Vocal Prayer and Mental Prayer. God even welcomed us at our sunrise Morning Prayer time on Sunday. The RLC is absolutely beautiful and perfectly located only 120 miles from Houston and Dallas. I would encourage men to jump at the gift of one of these Men’s Retreats.” Watch dates and other details for the Men’s Retreat Program next year.

LARGE CROWD ENJOYS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE A large crowd of over 1,100 prospective students and their families braved a chilly night on Thursday, December 5 to attend Strake Jesuit’s annual Open House. In his welcome remarks Fr. Lahart gave a brief background on Jesuit education, the campus’ physical make-up, the school’s magnificent Retreat & Leadership Center and described the ongoing construction on the re-development of the land at 6500 Gessner as well as the new Science & Engineering Building. After a brief video, the guests were given tours of the school’s beautiful campus in small groups which were led by current Jesuit students. Approximately one-third of the student body volunteered to assist for the evening in one way or another. Peter Martin ‘12 leads his Open House guests on a tour of the The tours visited every building on campus, making brief campus. stops to hear comments from each Academic department. After covering the academic side of campus, the groups toured the school’s Athletic Complex. From there they had the option of attending an Athletic Fair in the main gymnasium where they could visit with the coaches from each of Jesuit 13 athletic teams. The evening concluded in the Moran Dining Hall where everyone enjoyed refreshments and had the opportunity to speak with the moderators of other extra-curricular activities as well as Academic Department Chairs.

FOURTEEN NAMED TO ALL-STATE CHOIR Fourteen Jesuit students were selected to the 2013 Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-State Choir. The students will represent the school at the TPSMEA All-State clinic and concert held January 30 and February 1 in San Marcos. The selected Jesuit students are top row: Alex Gambini, Ryan Ogilvie, Paco Medina, Andrew Donnell. Middle row: Drake Lewis, Christopher Auchter, Johann D’Souza, Alex Embry, Patrick Boland. Bottom row: Taylor Ly, Quoc Tran, Rock Morille, Andy Gambini, Zachary Wierschem.

GNATIAN

PIRITUALITY

“Where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them.”Matthew 18:20

by Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ

For several years now, the Strake Jesuit school has a lasting effect on us and it mediates God’s grace to community has shared at the beginning of seventh period one another in a truly sacramental way. In many occasions, a moment of silent prayer and reflection during the daily students have shared their appreciation of prayer and Examen. Ever since we began this daily prayer, I can shared the graces of the Examen. The quiet reflection honestly say that this practice of sharing silence and prayer allows for lively conversations on the events of the day. has become a catalyst of It is because we reserve grace for our community. time for quiet prayer that For instance, when you we can discern among the step out onto the Kennelly noises of the world around Green and observe how our us. Because of the shared students and faculty take a prayer, our seemingly few minutes to pray and to mundane efforts are seeing give thanks for the graces with the eyes of faith and received is always a moment we can actually distinguish of grace for me. What tugs the footprints of God’s at my heart is always the presence in our lives. intentionality of prayer in The Examen focuses the midst of our busy lives. our attention on gratitude. No matter how hectic the It awakens the desire to stay The 5 Steps of the Daily Examen day may be, I can always in touch with God and its ~ Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you. count on the few minutes spirit impulses us to imagine ~ Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. we are given during seventh and to realize our actions ~ Review your day - recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. period to bring some new more lovingly. In many ways, ~ Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? perspective, a few seconds praying the Examen as a ~ Look toward tomorrow think of how you might collaborate more effectively with to breathe in goodness and school community helps us God’s plan. Be specific, and conclude with the “Our Father.” to resolve to be a little more to discern the road ahead grateful and attentive to the and gives us the strength to world around me. turn our endeavors to God who graciously calls us to labor I also believe that the Examen has become a door with Him. to the sacred for our school community. Many times, I So, next time you are on campus or are busily doing am moved by the depth of students’ reflection on the your daily work in the office or at home, take time to points of the Examen. In my conversations with faculty thank the Lord. Take time to pray in silence and unite your and students, they often say that these minutes of shared thanksgiving to the palpitations of other people’s hearts prayer are integral to their daily life at Jesuit. They usually in your community and family. Pray the Examen. Give say that the practice of the daily Examen helps them get thanks to God for His loving presence. Ask for the grace in touch with their desires to have a relationship with God that you need to continue your work with generosity. Ask and to be more loving. Thus, listening and paying attention for pardon and for the grace to forgive your shortcomings. to our reflections allows us to tap into our deeper purpose Finally, turn over to God the remains of your day and and meaning as a school community. allow Him to empower you with His Spirit so that all that What we say and do in the shared silence of prayer you say and do be done for the Greater Glory of God.

one in seven One of every seven students would not be at Strake

Jesuit without your 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 or to make a gift 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

ATHLETIC NEW INDUCTEES SELECTED TO HALL OF HONOR

The sixth class has been selected for induction into the Strake Jesuit Athletic Hall of Honor. This year’s class includes two from the category of Individual Athletes, Ray Albrecht ‘72 (Football), and John “Bumper” Schiro ‘80 (Football, Track); one from the category of Coach, Jerry Martinez (Cross Country, Track & Field, Football); and one from the Teams category, the 1995-96 Basketball Team. The group will be formally inducted at the annual Night of Honor dinner scheduled for Saturday, February 8. Here is a closer look at each inductee: Ray Albrecht ‘72 was a three-year letterman on the varsity football team. As a junior he earned All-District honors and was the team’s leading rusher with 1,185 yard on 208 carries. As a senior, he was selected All-District, All-State and AllAmerican while rushing for 1,183 yards on 209 carries. Ray was a highly recruited player by many college programs and went on to play at the University of Virginia on a full athletic scholarship. He is the first inductee into the Strake Jesuit Athletic Hall of Honor who is also a recipient of the school’s Ignatian Award as Alumnus of the Year, which he received in 1988. Bumper Schiro ‘88 was an outstanding two-sport athlete for the Crusaders as a sophomore, junior and senior. As a sophomore, he ran on the Varsity Track Team and was a receiver on the State Championship Football Team catching 10 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. As a junior, he was selected All-District in football and All-State in Track for the state championship team where he was on the 1st place 440-Relay team and the 1st place Mile Relay team. As a senior, he was selected All-District and All-State as a member of the state championship team with 14 receptions for 381 yards. In track, he was again a member of a state championship team and a member of the 1st place 400-Relay and Mile Relay teams. He went on to play football at Notre Dame. Jerry Martinez has one of the most impressive records of any Cross Country and Track coach in the state of Texas. From 1969 to 1982 his cross country teams won 10 District titles and 10 State titles, his track teams won 13 District titles and 8 state titles, and football teams on which he was an assistant coach won six district titles and four state titles. To date, of the thirteen individual athletes inducted into the Strake Jesuit Athletic Hall of Honor, he coached nine of them and of the four teams inducted into the Hall of Honor, two were coached by Martinez. The 1995-96 basketball team earned Strake Jesuit their fourth straight TCIL state championship. On the season, they posted a 29-4 overall record and were led by three-time All-State selection Michael LeBlanc and two-time All-State selection Jake Voskuhl. LeBlanc and Voskuhl served as a three-year core for the basketball team along with Swoboda, Kanabar and Montilla that posted a 112-19 record. Both Voskuhl and LeBlanc went on to play at the University of Connecticut Top to bottom: Ray Albrecht ‘72, Bumper Schiro ‘80, and Voskuhl enjoyed a successful NBA career.

Jerry Martinez, 1995-1996 Basketball Team.

NEWS

ATHLETIC

FOOTBALL

Though the scoreboard at the end of most games did not reflect what Head Coach James Clancy and the other members of the Crusader football program had hoped for, there was great reason for hope by the time the 2013 season came to an end. “I was very proud of this team for continuing to fight the entire season,” Clancy said. “The players and coaches continued to encourage each other and improve as the season went forward.” Fighting through a 1-9 season, the young Crusaders had some outstanding individual performances, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, which bodes well for the future. Jesuit had the #1 offense in the district by averaging 367 yards per game. Meanwhile, sophomore wide receiver Christian McStravick led the district in receptions with 45 and receiving yards with 749, senior quarterback Colby Chapman was the district’s leading passer with 1,989 yards, and junior running back Dwyer Bucey led the team with eight rushing touchdowns. Post-season honors were also numerous for many of the Crusaders. Chapman and McStravick led the way with 1st Team Offense honors with McStravick adding the Newcomer of the Year award. Senior Offensive Lineman Michael Welsh earned 2nd Team Offense recognition while senior Linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee picked up 2nd Team Defense honors. Numerous players earned Honorable Mention All-district honors. On offense, they include Bucey at Running Back, senior Austin Smith, junior Gus Sulentic, and sophomore Braden Smith on the Offensive Line, senior Miles Cutterbuck and junior Jonah Trahan at Wide Receiver and sophomore Andrew Eichelberger at Tight End. On the defensive side of the ball, these honors went to juniors Jack Skipper and Dewey Gonsoulin and senior Tito Ejiogu on the Defensive Line and junior Chase Johnson in the secondary. Senior punter Welch Gilbert rounded out the Honorable Mention honors. A total of 36 members of the Jesuit football team also earned Academic AllDistrict honors. Senior Quarterback Colby Chapman (top) and Looking to the future, Clancy sees nothing but promise. “We will be sophomore Receiver Christian McStravick (bottom) returning 22 lettermen next year,” he noted. “This was a very important year each earned 1st Team All-District honors for the for the growth and development of our Football program. I want to thank Crusaders. the coaches, players, and administration for their continued support and hard work.

CROSS COUNTRY Led by individual State Champion senior Frank Lara, the Jesuit Cross Country team, for the eighth straight season, earned a berth in the State meet. This year they earned a 3rd place finish, their highest since they began competing in the UIL. The season building up to the State Meet was indicative of most Cross Country seasons for Jesuit - winning most meets at all levels; freshman, junior

ATHLETIC varsity and varsity. The wins included ones at CyRidge, LaPorte, Klein Forest, Jesuit, and a 5th place finish by the varsity at the prestigious Stanford Relays in Palo Alto, California. Not to be outdone, the Junior Varsity team also capped off a successful season by winning their 8th District 19 5-A meet in a row. The very talented freshman team followed suit by winning the District crown as well. With 7 UIL district championships under their belt, the Varsity added an 8th District title and followed it up with another Region III win, the 5th in a row and 7th out of the last 8 years. A highlight of district & regionals for the varsity was a 1-2-3 finish by Lara , senior RJ Ammons, and sophomore Andrew Hebert. Ammons and Lara traded places in the regional meet with Ammons claiming the Region III individual title. All together, the season was one of the most successful in school history. The abundance of post-season honors the team earned reflects their overall success. Earning All-District honors were seniors Ammons, Lara, Matthew Solcher and Colin Thompson, junior Blake Bordelon, and sophomore Andrew Hebert. All Region III team members included Ammons, Lara, Hebert, and Bordelon while All-State members were Lara and Ammons.

NEWS

Top: The Jesuit team that finished 3rd at state were (standing left to right) Head Coach Mike Kerley, Colin Thompson, Matthew Solcher, Conrad Gray, and Frank Lara. (kneeling) Andrew Hebert, Blake Bordelon, and R.J. Ammons. Bottom: Senior Frank Lara captured the school’s first UIL state title in cross country and just the second in any sport.

AMMONS ‘16 TO RUN AT HARVARD After receiving interest from a number of prestigious programs from around the country, including Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Rice, and Stanford, senior R.J. Ammons decided to attend Harvard after receiving one of that university’s highly prized Likely Letters from its Dean of Admissions. He will be the fifth student from Strake Jesuit to attend Harvard in the past seven years. R.J. has served as the Captain of Strake Jesuit’s Varsity Cross County and Track Team. He specializes in the 3200m and 1600m races. R.J.’s time of 9:03.60 in the 3200 earned him a third place medal in the UIL State meet last year and a national ranking among high school juniors. He has earned UIL All-State Honors in cross country each of the last two years.

R.J. Ammons ‘14

NEWS

ATHLETIC

WELSH ‘14 HONORED AT TOUCHDOWN CLUB OF HOUSTON

Senior Michael Welsh was honored by the Houston Touchdown Club at their Annual Football Scholar-Athlete Award Luncheon on Wednesday, November 6. One of among 25 nominees, Welsh placed 2nd and was awarded a $1250 scholarship to the college of his choice. “Michael is very deserving of this scholarship, and we are all very proud of him,” said Head Football Coach James Clancy. “His ability to maintain a high level of both academic and athletic excellence is a true testament to him, his teachers, and his coaches.” An offensive lineman for the Crusaders, Welsh started on varsity each of the last three years while earning Academic All-District honors. He was also appointed the football representative for the Positive Coaching Alliance. A member of Michael Welsh ‘14 with Head Football Coach the National Honor Society and the Principal’s Highest Honor James Clancy. Roll, he has earned a GPA of 4.2 and scored 2120 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT. He has also been active in the community serving as a counselor at Camp Blessing for special needs children and a volunteer at Loaves & Fishes providing meals to the homeless.

FIVE ATHLETES HONORED BY POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE At the 4th Annual Positive Coaching Alliance-Houston Scholarship and Awards Banquet held in October at River Oaks Country Club, five Jesuit athletes were among those honored as Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship finalists. Recognized were Aaron Gisser (soccer), Christopher Simon (Baseball), Joseph Michael Welsh (Football), John Jewett (Basketball) and Brian Doyle (Basketball). PCA’s Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Program awards scholarships to high school athletes, based on their essays explaining how they represent the ideal defined in by PCA Founder Jim Thompson. These ideals are defined as Personal Mastery: Making oneself better, Leadership: Making one’s teammates better, and Jesuit athletes who were honored as Positive Coaching Alliance Triple-Impact Scholarship Honoring the Game: Making the game winners were (left to right): Aaron Gisser (soccer), Christopher Simon (Baseball), Joseph better.

Michael Welsh (Football), John Jewett (Basketball), Brian Doyle (Basketball).

ALuMni BO BOTHE ‘88 NAMED 2013 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Bo Bothe ’88 has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Ignatian Award presented annually to Strake Jesuit’s Alumnus of the Year. Bo is president and CEO of BrandExtract, LLC, an award-winning Houston-based brand experience firm. The Ignatian Award is annually bestowed upon a Strake Jesuit Alumnus who meets the following criteria: his life exemplifies the academic, religious, and social values of the Jesuit tradition; outstanding generosity to the community; professional achievement contributing to the advancement of his area of expertise, and he exemplifies a Man for Others. “It’s truly humbling to be honored with the Ignatian award by the Jesuit community. Strake Jesuit has been such a huge part of my life,” said Bothe. “Every Bo Bothe ‘88 day, I try to live up to the standard set by my classmates, the class of ‘88, the teachers I had, and those who are a part of the greater Jesuit community. ‘In all things’ is a motto our family lives by and I hope that I can honor this award by continuing to help others see “God in all things.” The motto Man for Others is lived at Jesuit every day. Through this, the Jesuit mission has been felt in our home, through our graduates and staff, and has had great impact in the global community – I am very proud to be a Jesuit grad.” Bo holds a BA in Design Communications from Texas Tech University and an MBA from the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. He was 2010 recipient of the School of Business’ Alumni Service Award which recognizes Jones School alumni for their service in support of the school. He also received the Jones Citizenship Award from the school in 2005 which is given by faculty and administration to graduating Rice Jones School students for excellence and service. Bo is the past president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts – Houston. He also serves as the president-elect of Rice University’s Jones Graduate School Alumni Association and is a board member of The Entrepreneurship Institute of Houston. In 2009, Houston Business Journal named Bo to its inaugural class of “40 Under 40,” Houston’s young leaders who excel in their industries and show dynamic leadership in their community. In addition, he was elected a city council member for the City of Spring Valley Village where he lives with Heather, his wife of 20 years, and their children. Bo will be presented the Ignatian Award on Saturday, February 8 when the school holds its annual Night of Honor.

NEWS

IGNATIAN AWARD RECIPIENTS

1984 - Larry A. Mason ‘66 1985 - Marcel R. Frey ‘74 1986 - C. Jim Stewart III ‘67 1987 - Charles S. Atchison ‘72 1988 - Raymond P. Albrecht ‘72 1989 - Patrick J. Moran ‘66 1999 - Thomas H. Adolph ‘75 2000 - N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67 2001 - Michael J. Koch ‘75 2002 - The Honorable Frank B. Rynd ‘70 & Stephen F. LePore ‘75 2003 - Msgr. James B. Anderson ‘70 2004 - Dr. Julius A. DeBroeck ‘73 2006 - Dr. Brian S. Parsley ‘74 2008 - Dr. Joe Mike Piazza ‘72 2009 - Steve Kamel ‘74 2010 - Dr. Anthony Garcia-Prats ‘94 2011 - The Honorable Mark Davidson ‘71 2012 - Tom Standish ‘67

NEWS

ALuMni

AVEN ‘13 TIES COLLEGE FIELD GOAL RECORD After an outstanding career playing football and soccer at Jesuit, this year Matthew Aven ‘13 is a freshman at Claremont McKenna in California and is the kicker on the school’s Division III football team. In a game last October, with a minute left in the first half and Claremont trailed, 6-3, and the Stags were stopped at the Cal Lutheran 44-yard line, Claremont Coach Kyle Sweeney sent Aven in to try a 62yard field goal. If he made it, the kick would tie the NCAA Division III record set in 1976. Aven’s kick, combined with his overall success, earned him one of 35 nominations for the Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award. The annual award is provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams.

Matthew Aven ‘12 is the kicker for Cameron McKenna in California.

Notes 60’s

CLASS

Ken O’Donnell ’65 has retired from the home building business after 41 years. He and his wife, Janet, are celebrating their 42nd anniversary and enjoying their seven grandchildren who all live here in Houston. They are both enjoying this great chapter in their lives traveling and working on their “bucket lists.” Michael Briggs ’66 will retire in January 2014 after more than 32 years at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory.

Richard Sindelar ‘67 retired from legal practice and now serves as an Assistant Professor of International Studies in the Univeristy of St. Thomas’ Center for International Studies. He and his wife Patti recently attended his son R.J.’s doctoral commencement in Environmental Engineering at the University of Florida, where RJ’s research focuses on remediating water quality in the Everglades.

70’s

W. Blake Dominguez ‘72 retired from the Teachers Retirement System in Austin, Texas and began a graduate degree in Theology at St. Mary’s University while volunteering for the Tribunal in the Diocese of Austin. After completing course work he and with my wife,

Monica, moved to Mendoza, Argentina. They hope to eventually move to Buenos Aires where he can study for the licentiate in canon law. Peter Hoyt ‘73 is Director of a Bioinformatics Graduate Program at Oklahoma State University in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He and his wife, Mary, have been together 33 years. Their oldest daughter graduated from the University of Tennessee and lives in Bryan, Texas with her husband Jeff and is working at Texas A&M. They have a son, Greyson, making Peter and Mary grandparents. Their youngest daughter graduated from Oklahoma State with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and is married to “AJ.” Luke Bucci ‘74 has left Schiff Nutrition after a buyout by Reckitt-Benckiser and is now Senior VP Research & Scientific Affairs for ReNew Life Formulas. He lives in Reno, Nevada and helps rescue French Bulldogs via Nevada Frenchie Rescue with his wife, Naniece. Kevin Koller ‘74 retired from state service after 32 1/2 years with the State Comptroller’s Office. He started a second life as the Director of Practice Development at Ducharme, McMillen and Associates, a state and local tax practice.

Mike Almaguer ’75 is an RN and works in the Neurology department of UT Health Science. He and his wife Kim live in Sugar Land, Texas. For the past 10 years they have both volunteered for the Tourette’s Syndrome Association at Camp du Ballon Rouge for children. Randy Almaguer ’76 is married to Debbie, who is a realtor with Coldwell Banker United in The Woodlands where they live. His oldest son Austin was recently married and is a Resident Pastor in Dallas. His son Ryan is attending American University in Washington D.C. for his Master’s in Criminal Justice. Their youngest son Chase is graduating from The Woodlands and hoping for a baseball scholarship as a pitcher. David Almaguer ‘77 has been the Assistant Fire Chief for the Houston Fire Department for three years and has over 30 years with the department. He and his wife Jill live in Bellaire. They spend their spare time at the family ranch near Gonzales where they raise registered Texas Longhorn cattle and Spanish mustangs.

90’s

Ryan McConnell ‘95 and Herrick Sovany ‘95 recently formed a law firm, McConnell Sovany LLP in Houston and hosted their firm’s first annual Pig & Pinot holiday party. Before joining forces, they both practiced at nationally recognized firms. The pair have known each other for 30 years. McConnell Sovany LLP is a boutique law firm specializing in Plaintiffs’ litigation, corporate compliance, and criminal

Notes

CLASS defense. Alumni among attendance at the party were Dan Barton ‘81, Michael McConnell ‘68, Jeff Davies ‘95, Hon. Gray Miller ’67 and Tim Drone ’95 (not pictured).

00’s

Eric Gama ‘00 his wife, Lynne, and son Andrew welcomed the birth of their son and brother, Matthew Tyler Gama, on May 21, 2013.

~IN MEMORIAM~

Michael Mustachia ‘67 Brother-in-law of Greg Schneider ‘73

John V Pham ‘97 and his wife, Angie, welcomed the birth of their second child, Elizabeth Trang Pham, on December 12, 2013. Their first child, Christian Trung, will turn 3 in January.

Douglas Potts ‘01 and his wife, Amy Zdobylak Potts (SAA ‘01), welcomed the birth of their daughter Amaryllis Brynlee Potts on October 16, 2013 weighing 7 lbs., 13 oz. and 20 1/4 inches. John Price ‘03 Sarah Davis Mother of Claytie III ‘89 and Corey ‘90 Aline Mattalino Mother of Angelo ‘69

Jack Bonner ’98 and his wife, Desiree, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Penelope Katherine Jane, on December 5, 2013. Jack, who previously served on the faculty at Jesuit and as a member of the Alumni Service Corps, is currently teaching at Central Catholic in San Antonio.

Saints of God, come to their aid! Mike Bandy ‘03 married his, wife Brittany, on October 10, 2010. On July 12, 2013 they welcomed the arrival of their first child, Wells Michael Bandy. The couple live in Dallas, Texas.

Hasten to meet them, angels of the Lord! Receive their soul, and present them to God the Most High. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

~ BIRTHS ~

Jeff Shaddix ‘99 was married on June 15, 2013, in Austin, Texas, to Caroline Richardson Le Feuvre. The wedding was held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin. The couple live in Dallas, Texas.

Alex Brown ‘05, Nathan Ledesma ‘05, Chris Lemming ‘05 comprised Team SJ ‘05 at the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

Matthew Tyler Gama on May 31, 2013 Eric and Lynne Amaryllis Brynlee Potts on October 16, 2013 Douglas ‘01 and Amy Penelope Katherine Jane Bonner on December 5, 2013 Jack ‘98 and Desiree Elizabeth Trang Pham on December 12, 2013 John ‘97 and Angie

THE FRESHMAN BUILDING Formally named the Isabel C. Cameron Hall, the 300 for the door, it swung open startling the lad. Behind the door, building was at one time at the center of the school. When stood Father Donald Bahlinger SJ, one of the original five this school opened in 1961 it was the only classroom building. founding Jesuits. Behind Father, and inside the brand new It stood almost alone (save the gymnasium) way out west of building, a number of workers were still busily finishing up the the city of Bellaire, five miles past any neighborhood and in Terrazzo floors. Seeing the work in progress and at a loss for the middle of a rice paddy just east of the R.E. “Bob” Smith something to say, the young Ed Hardin blurted out, “Are you Ranch. An argument could be made that in 1961 this first ready for us Father?” With a knowing smile on his face Father B building was Jesuit College Preparatory. Originally called the replied, “Son, the real question is; are YOU ready for US?” “Freshman Building,” its construction even out dates the naming A little later on that day, a small ceremony marked the of the school for Mr. official start of Strake. Why was it school. The freshmen called the “Freshman were directed from Building”? Well, their classrooms out when this school into the hall. Students opened its doors for lined up either side the first time, there separated by the were only 9th grade centrally located freshmen enrolled. administration office. One year later, when Cameron Hall (the 300 Building) as it appeared close to the first day of school in 1961. There, as they stood those young men in front of their became sophomores, lockers, a prayer was 86 new freshmen were admitted and we had two grades. And offered, the students were welcomed and, in the tradition of the so, in this fashion, we progressed for four years until in 1965 the times, the Principal, Father Ed Coles SJ, proceeded from one school had been expanded to include all four grades. side of the building to the other ringing an old fashioned school That first year was a modest albeit joyous beginning for a bell for the very first time calling all students and faculty alike to fledgling new school. That year the entire student body consisted begin class. of just 91 young freshman. Five “founding” Jesuits were the Ever wonder why the 300 Building’s windows are first of their order to offer classes in Houston. Students and positioned so high and at the ceiling? The Jesuits were a very faculty alike were all housed in that one small building which forward thinking and clever educators. When the architect drew consisted of eight classrooms and a small administrative office. up the building plans, I believe that maybe more than a few of Students considered these surroundings as cutting edge, spacious the Jesuits were remembering their own high school days and a and perhaps best of all, air conditioned. Indeed, for its time it young boy’s propensity for distraction and daydreaming. You see, was quite the modern structure and amply afforded us what we in those days we were located in a strictly rural area. Out front needed most of all – a place to start. was Bellaire Boulevard where farmers and ranchers made their There is quite a bit of trivia related to 300 Building and lots way in all manner of agricultural vehicles not to mention their of old stories. As most of you know when you enter the campus horses and livestock. The 300 Building overlooked the entire from Bellaire Boulevard, the 300 Building is the first building busy scene but with the windows so high up the students were that you will see on the right. What most do not know is that, denied the view and therefore, the distraction. the view from that vantage point is actually that of the back Over the years, the Olde Freshman building has served us of the building. Early plans called for the school to consist of very well. Every graduate surely remembers his time spent there. two rows of buildings all running south to north from Bellaire Yet as this Olde Crusader looks around our campus and sees all Boulevard with all buildings facing inward overlooking a green the grand new edifices including another wonderful new building commons in the middle. The 300 Building was supposed to now under construction; the Isabel C. Cameron Hall is no longer be the first building of the west row but plans soon changed the center of campus life that it once was. Still, after all these as the original campus concept had to adapt to ever changing years it remains a viable place of learning and a comfortable conditions and sometimes perilous restraints. reminder of our beginning and of days gone by. A couple of early stories took place on the first day of In gratitude for all the grand structures upon which this school. Ed Hardin ’65 was a freshman that day. He recalls school so depends, I pledge my shield and my sword. approaching the building for the first time filled with the George common freshman anxieties and apprehensions. As he reached

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 rmarshall@strakejesuit.org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Join us for our annual

January 11-12 Mothers’ Club Retreat 15

Admissions Application Deadline

Prep Bowl

Mass for Life

Entrance Exam

The Next Three Years - Guidance Presentation for Freshmen and Parents

February 4

Parent-Teacher Meeting

Night of Honor Entrance Exam

Mass for Vocations

CrusaderARTS Festival

March 2

Spring Fling

Ash Wednesday

17-21 Spring Break

ALL DATES ARE TENTATIVE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION For up to date event information, go to www.strakejesuit.org

Saturday, February 8, 2014 Make plans now to join the rest of the Strake Jesuit community at our annual Night of Honor when we induct members of the 2013 Athletic Hall of Honor and present the annual Ignatian Award to the Alumnus of the Year. Athletic Hall of Honor Inductees in the Class of 2013 Ray Albrecht ‘72 John “Bumper” Schiro ‘80 Coach Jerry Martinez 1995-96 Basketball Team 2013 Ignatian Award - Alumnus of the Year Bo Bothe ‘88 For information of for reservations, use the button on the school’s home page or scan this code.