The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory by Rick Rivers

THE CHRONICLE OF STRAKE JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY

WINTER 2013

As a special tribute to Fr. Billac, a native of New Orleans, the Strake Jesuit Jazz Band led the crowd at his Memorial

Table of Contents

Mass on a traditional Second Line march from the Parsley Center to the Jesuit Community.

Features This Jesuit Family p. 3 Remembering Fr. B p. 7 Departments President’s Message - 2 News from 8900 - 8-13 Ignatian Spirituality - 15 Principal’s Perspective - 17 Athletic News - 18-20 Alumni News - 21-22 Class Notes - 23 In Memoriam & Births- 23 By George - 24

Winter 2013 Vol. 45, No. 2 Editor/Layout Rick Rivers, Director of Communications Contributors Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ Ken Lojo ‘91 Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (USPS 024165) Vol. 45, No. 2, Winterl 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 - Many Jesuit priests, brothers, novices and scholastics have served as Strake Jesuit over the year and these are just some of them. For a key of the names of the those pictured on the cover, see page 6.

As a special tribute to Fr. Billac, a native of New Orleans, the Strake Jesuit Jazz Band led the crowd at his Memorial

Table of Contents

Mass on a traditional Second Line march from the Parsley Center to the Jesuit Community.

President Fr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ Principal Ken Lojo ‘91 Director of Development NJ Santarcangelo ‘67

_________________PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Each fall, Jesuit regions around the world publish a Catalogue listing every Jesuit Community in that region, the name of each man assigned to that Community and his job. The index lists every Jesuit in the Catalogue and on what page you will find him. It also lists four dates for each man: Birth Date, Date of Entrance into the Society, Date of Ordination, and Date of Final Vows as a Jesuit. I know many Jesuits who share my enthusiasm for quickly reading through the Catalogue as soon as it is published each fall – or in more recent years, as soon as it is posted online. We love to see who has been moved where, who has taken what job, who might still be “awaiting assignment.” That’s the closest we get to Jesuit intrigue. When I entered the Jesuits in 1983, the summer I graduated from college, each P rovince published a separate Catalogue. The U.S. had ten Provinces then. Now it has only nine, and by 2021 only four. The Jesuits now publish one collective Catalogue. How times change. Today’s Catalogue is thinner than the ones in 1983 reflecting the more than 50% decline in the numbers of Jesuits in 30 years. This has led to some changes in how the Society functions. For example, we have moved out of two parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and our new Province structure is an effort to streamline our administration, tying up fewer Jesuits in internal governance and freeing them to work in more productive areas. Though the Jesuit Community at Strake Jesuit has experienced the usual annual changes in Communities, it has been remarkably stable, ten men today and nine in 2001. We also have enjoyed the unusual blessing of having many scholastics, or Misters, join us for their regency . I count a total of 25 priests, brothers and scholastics who have been members of our Community at one time or another in the last dozen years. We truly have been blessed.

Without a doubt, however, our Community has lost several giants in the short few years that I have been at Strake Jesuit. Fr. Toye in 2001, Fr. Leinginger in 2007, and, of course, Fr. Billac this fall. They are impossible to replace, but we give thanks that we shared the time together that we did. A Jesuit Community is an interesting thing. It is not meant to be an end in itself but to foster its members’ zeal for their work in the Lord’s vineyard. It should also have a positive impact of the happiness of those who live there, enabling them to be better servants. The Strake Jesuit Community has long had a welldeserved reputation as a happy and healthy Community. Jesuits younger and older have enjoyed living together, praying together, socializing together, and maintaining a place of wonderful hospitality. And while each year is slightly different from the last, we have been extremely fortunate to have generous men who give themselves to both their work and to their brothers. Personally, I feel very blessed to have been a member of this Community. Here I have found both wonderful mentors and lifelong friends. And I know many members of the school community have felt that blessing too. People often tell me how their lives were influenced by a Jesuit from the school, whether a Jesuit from half a century ago or just last week. It is a wonderful thing to hear. It was certainly a joy for me to hear stories at Fr. Billac’s memorial service about the ways he touched people’s lives over the years. The large turnout for his service was a wonderful testimony to him and to his life dedicated to others. As Jesuits we give up much to live this life, but we do so freely and happily. What we get in return are incredible blessings – both from those students and families we serve and from the men we call brothers in our Community. The Jesuit Catalogue may be thinner today than it once was, but the reality of Community continues to be a grace for each one of us. Thank you for your support of each of us, and of our mission.

This Jesuit Family

The make-up of the Jesuit Community at Strake Jesuit, as with most such communities in the Society of Jesus, changes frequently. Novices, brothers, and even priests come and go - some more often than others. What binds this community together, what makes it more of a real family, is their shared sense of mission.

oth technically and by definition, according to the dictionary, the Jesuit Community at Strake

Jesuit is, in fact, a community. It is, indeed, “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.” But even to the most casual observer, that definition falls well short of capturing the true nature of this group of Jesuit priests, brothers, scholastics and novices. This close-knit Community might be more accurately described as a family. After all it is a place where each evening, much as occurs in family homes around the world, stories of the day’s trials and tribulations make for common conversation. Also like most a families, the Jesuit Community has its routines and traditions, each member has their duties and chores, and it must adapt to change. “This is my family; it is important to me,” states Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ the Community’s Rector (or director) and the school’s Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Ministry. “A family means that there are people who are concerned about each other, and that is what we have,” adds Br. Casey Ferlita, SJ, the Community’s longest serving member who arrived in 1972. Jesuit alumnus Marcus Fryer, SJ ’00 has had the unique opportunity to experience the Jesuit Community from several vantage points – as a student, as a member of the school’s Alumni Service Corps (ASC) during which time he lived within the community, and now as a scholastic and resident.

“When I was a student here I had the impression that

says Fr. Daniel Lahart, the school’s president. “It is part

the Community was like monks,” he admits. “That they

of who we are, and its purpose is to bind us together and

were isolated people who happened to be living in the same

provide us with the support we need to accomplish the

place but they each just went back to their rooms at the end

mission we have been given. The goal of Community is to

of the evening, and they didn’t interact a whole lot. That it

make us better apostles, to help us in our work and mission.”

was a kind of quiet, somber place.” When he returned to the school as a member of

TRADITIONS

the ASC in 2005, he was able to live close enough to the

One of the most important things that give a family

community that he realized that, unlike his impressions as

stability is its day-to-day routines and traditions which

a student, the Community was much more like a family. “I

provide a sense of continuity and familiarity. And, as with

saw that the Jesuits were very inter-related with each other.

most traditions, some hold great meaning and add depth to

That they shared time, laughing, supporting and caring for

a family or community and others, while smaller on their

each other - things that real families do. Then, since coming

face, still serve to add flavor and are no less important.

back as a scholastic and living here, the parallel to family

Br. Casey recalls that when he first arrived it was right

is even clearer. Just like a family we look out for the older

after the bankruptcy. He learned early on of one of its most

members who need support. We also have fun and enjoy

long-standing traditional characteristics of the Community

being with the really busy members, and then work together

– it was a hard-working family. “I was impressed with

with the younger guys in the community to learn what our

the community itself,” he remembers. “At that time the

mission is and how we serve that.”

community didn’t have any money. We didn’t go out to eat

“Jesuit Community is part of our charism as Jesuits,”

very often. But that brought the community together – to

Pictured at the Retreat & Leadership Center, members of this year’s Jesuit ‘family’ at Strake Jesuit are (top, right to left) Fr. Jeff Johnson, Fr. Flavio Bravo, Mr. Marcus Fryer and (bottom, left to right) Fr. Daniel Lahart, Fr. Roy Joseph, Fr. T. J. Martinez, Fr. John Folzenlogen, Br. Walter Eckler and Br. Casey Ferlita. Not pictured is Fr. Hung Nguyen.

survive, to work.” Fr. Lahart echoes those sentiments. “I remember when I first arrived in this Community, it struck me as the hardest working Jesuit Community I had ever been a part of,” he recalls. “Jesuits were often out saying mass at local parishes or out hearing confessions; there were men who wanted to teach summer school each year. This is still the case. And, fortunately, it is also a group who enjoys spending time together in relaxing moments as well.” One of its youngest members, Mr. Fryer is none-theless well versed on several of its other traditions. “One of our big traditions is community night on Mondays,” he notes. “It’s something that happens every week with Mass, social time and dinner. It’s a real treat. Another is when we do Christmas decorating together. That’s a huge opportunity to make a big meal and decorate the whole

At this year’s Jesuit Community gift exchange, Fr. Lahart takes great joy in watching as Dr. Joseph ‘steals’ the gift that Fr. Johnson has picked.

community. Then in the summer we do a community reflection which we did this year at the Retreat & Leadership Center. These traditions are wonderful and I find that they serve as guideposts throughout the year. No matter how

guestmaster for the Community which means that visiting

things are going at work, we get to cement our life together

Jesuits make reservations for accommodations through

as community.”

him. Other assignments, while less ‘official’, are also very

On the lighter side, one tradition that Fr. Bravo recalls

important. Dr. Roy Joseph, as an example, is in charge of

hearing about around the Province before his arrival as a

the Community cars. As what can be known in many Jesuit

scholastic in 1999 was the ‘Chocolate Drawer.’ “Strake Jesuit

Communities as the ‘Car Csar,’ aside from assigning cars,

was known as the Community that has the chocolate drawer,”

he is also responsible for ensuring that the cars receive their

he remembered. “It had lots of candy and chocolate and it

regular maintenance and are in good, working order.

was all kept it in a drawer. When you would first come to the

“My chore for at least the last ten years has been the

house you would try to find out where the chocolate drawer

grocery shopping,” notes Br. Casey. “I find it a social outlet.

is. And we still have it.”

It gives me the opportunity to see people outside the school environment which is a nice break from the day-to-day school setting.” Aside from shopping for the needed items

CHORES Just as in a traditional family where dad mows the lawn

for the week’s menu provided by the Community’s cook,

and takes out the trash, and mom does the laundry, the

Br. Casey has also learned over time things like which cereal

Jesuit family members have their responsibilities and regular

others members like, and he knows to keep those items in

chores. Every member of the Community has a role, either

the house. Fr. Jeff Johnson, who during the day is the school’s

an official position that may be assigned by the Provincial or

Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, serves as the

a less formal regular duty.

Community Historian. As such, on a daily basis, he logs the

Fr. Bravo, as Rector, is the head of the Community.

happenings and events in and around the Community.

Fr. Daniel Lahart, the school’s President, also serves as the

we are blessed to have a younger community,” Fr. Bravo

ADAPT TO CHANGE As with any family which has its ebbs and flows, the

observed. “Now people gather to watch TV, and they will

Jesuit Community also changes over time. Almost every year

order pizza or Chinese and sit and talk. That is something

the makeup of the Community changes slightly. Scholastics

that has started to happen just over the last 3 or 4 years.”

generally come for three years and then move on to their

“We are blessed with a great group of individuals now who

theology studies. The retirement and subsequent passing

work, pray and play together exceptionally well,” notes Fr.

of longtime community member Fr. Chris Billac preceded

Lahart.

several years ago by the retirement of Fr. J.B. Leininger,

Change is also one of the fundamental aspects of religious life. All members of the Society of Jesus know

marked a significant time of change for the community. “When Fr. Billac retired to New Orleans last year there

that, as comfortable and at home as they become within a

was a change of tone in the community,” says Mr. Fryer.

particular Community, the time will come when they must

“Some of it was sorrow and some of it was relief because

move on to a new assignment and, thus, a new Community.

we had seen how much he had been suffering. There was

“It’s hard,” notes Fr. Bravo. “That’s the hardest part

a definite change in tone, there was a seat that was missing

of being a Jesuit. You become involved with families and

at supper each night. The community was still there but

people’s lives on a very personal and intimate level. When

something had changed.”

it’s time to move it’s not just gathering books and clothes

Fr. Leininger was an avid player of cards, dominoes and other games. He enjoyed activities that exercised his mind.

it’s also about gathering your intimacy, your friendship and having to move somewhere else and start all over.”

“When JB was here, there was almost always a dominos or

At the heart of this Jesuit family of religious men

card game each evening after dinner,” recalled Fr. Bravo. Fr.

and what binds them is their common mission and their

Billac and Fr. Merlin Mulvihill on the other hand, according

friendship.

to Br. Casey, loved to sit and tell stories about the old days.

“A lot of times our work, our sense of our mission

“That was a way that the young members of the community

becomes our way of connecting,” observes Fr. Bravo. “We

would learn about the history of the place,” he says.

invest in the mission and then the mission provides for us

With the passage of time those activities are not as common. But, just as the cycle of the seasons has spring,

the gift of friendship.” And, most certainly, family.

new common activities have replaced them. “In many ways

ABOUT THE COVER

Pictured on the cover are just some of the many Jesuits who have served at Strake Jesuit over the years. Pictured left to right are: Top Row - Br. Martin, Fr. John Keller, Fr. Joey Carola, Fr. Robert Tynan, Fr. Bao Nguyen, Fr. Daniel Barfield 2nd Row - Mr. Carlos Esparza, Fr. David Borbridge, Fr. Brian Reedy, Fr. Merlin Mulvihill, Fr. Jeff Johnson, Fr. Vincent Sykes 3rd Row - Fr. Michael Kennelly, Fr. Richard Toye, Fr. William Kidwell, Fr. C.A. Leininger, Fr. J.B. Leininger, Fr. Daniel Lahart 4th Row - Fr. John Folzenlogen, Fr. Billy Huete, Fr. Doug Hypolite, Fr. Thomas Jenniskens, Fr. Philip Postell, Fr. Jacques Weber 5th Row - Fr. Falvio Bravo, Fr. Edward Coles, Fr. Brian Zinnamon, Fr. Michael Dooley, Fr. William Doyle, Br. Casey Ferlita Bottom Row - Fr. Michael Alchediak, Fr. Don Bahlinger, Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, Fr. Warren Baker, Fr. Chris Billac, Fr. Harry Thompson

Remembering Fr. B Strake Jesuit was Fr. Chris Billac’s home from 19671982 and from 1992 until his retirement last spring. ‘Fr. B’ passed away in early October and on Wednesday, October 10 over 400 people gathered in the Parsley Center to pay their final respects. The evening began with a Memorial Mass celebrated by school president Fr. Daniel Lahart; Fr. Flavio Bravo, Rector of the Jesuit Community, preached the homily. During his comments Fr. Bravo touched those in attendance with his recollections of his time with Fr. Billac. He specifically recalled driving Fr. Billac to New Orleans last March when he moved to the Ignatian Residence in New Orleans. “On the way to New Orleans I remember talking with him and so many times he said ‘thank you, thank you.’” Fr. Bravo continued, “When I said my good-byes that evening, and I started driving, my heart just broke. I wanted to just go back and tell him ‘Let’s go back home,’ because I knew I was going to miss him. I was dropping off this loving friend and mentor, and I didn’t know when I was going to see him again. And I started to cry, and I said ‘Lord draw closer to me and draw closer to him because I know he’s going to need you.’ ” “Over the years, he loved taking people through his room in the residences to see his belt buckle collection. In my life Chris was like a belt buckle. He helped me keep my pants together. He helped me keep my life together – because he taught me how to pray. He taught me how to be a priest. He taught me about drawing closer to Jesus. Drawing closer to being human. So thank you, Chris. Thank you for teaching me on the road. Thank you for being this belt buckle in my life. I will always love you. And I will always reach out and hold your hand because I know you are there.” Following the Mass, Fr. Billac was remembered by three of his former students, each alumni of Strake Jesuit. Mark Davidson ‘71, John Bertini ‘74 and Tom Overbeck

‘76 each took turns addressing the audience and each spoke with great affection as they told stories and shared fond memories of their teacher and their friend. Following the service and as a special tribute to Fr. Billac, a native of New Orleans, the Strake Jesuit Jazz Band led the crowd on a traditional Second Line march from the Parsley Center to the Jesuit Community. There, a “celebration” reception was held for Fr. B by his many friends.

Fr. Flavio Bravo spoke lovingly of Fr. Billac and his famous belt buckle collection at the Memorial Mass.

8900

NEWS FROM

SOPHOMORE BUCEY RECEIVES 2012 CAPT. ANDREW HOUGHTON AWARD

The 4th Annual Capt. Andrew Houghton ‘97 Award Dinner was held on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in the Moran Dining Hall. On this special evening before a record crowd of nearly 100, current sophomore Blaise Bucey ‘15 became the fourth recipient of the annual award. Each year the award 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. “This award means a lot to me,” said Bucey in his acceptance remarks. “It is very humbling to be acknowledged as being similar to someone that was so loved and respected by everyone around him. It makes me feel that I must be doing something right to be compared to such an outstanding individual.” The keynote speaker at the dinner was Dr. Robert Ivany, President of the University of St. Thomas who also is retired from the United States Army having achieved the rank of Major General. In his comments he acknowledged and congratulated Blaise, George and Cyndi Houghton, Andy Houghton’s 1997 Strake Jesuit classmates. In addition Top: Award recipient Blaise Bucey ‘15 he remarked that the evening was a “great source of comfort to all veterans. with Dr. Robert Ivany, President of the University of St. Thomas who delivered the As Vietnam veterans we did not have the good fortune to have this kind of a welcome. And one of the few good things to come out of this conflict is to see evening;s keynote address and George and Cyndi Houghton. how beautifully the American public has responded to men and women who have served. Because regardless of one’s politics, I think people realize probably Bottom: Previous Houghton Award winners much more honestly and frankly than they did before that a soldier’s job is to Sean Ryan ‘13 (left) and Taylor Charbonnet serve his or her country.” ‘14 (right) with Bucey after the ceremony. Capt. Andrew Houghton ‘97 passed away on August 9, 2004 from injuries sustained on July 10, 2004 while serving in Iraq. He was a Captain in the United States Army with the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry.

8900

NEWS FROM 6500 GESSNER UPDATE Apartment Complex Empty, Demolition to Start Soon

Preparation for re-developing the 7.5 acres of land at 6500 Gessner – which Jesuit re-acquired this summer – is progressing. Since the school re-acquired the property, residents have completely moved out. “The apartments emptied out earlier than we could have imagined,” noted Fr. Lahart, the school’s president. “Many leases expired during the time since we purchased the complex, and we released everyone from their lease obligations so they could immediately begin their search for new housing. Most apartments offer move-in incentives to renters, and that provided the incentive that people needed to move out.” In mid-October, the far west parking lot of the property was able to be fenced off from the apartments and opened up for school parking. That gave the school approximately 80 additional parking spaces. Then, in December, the occupancy was low enough to do the same with the south side parking which runs parallel to the school’s Gessner drive. That additional parking has been used for special events such as athletic events and Open House. After about a month of preparation work, the demolition of the buildings should begin. “Bringing the structures down as soon as possible once empty is necessary for security reasons,” noted Fr. Lahart. “Once the buildings are down, we will turn our attention to the fund-raising efforts that will give us the resources to fully return the property to school use. We expect our alumni, particularly those who witnessed the loss of this land and The far west parking lot (top) of the apartments was opened for school parking have wished for its return to the school for in October while the south lot (bottom) was opened in December. The large shrubs which had stood along the Gessner drive were removed to provide visibility decades, to generously support those efforts.” to the lot. Just before the end of the year, work began on the installation of a long-awaited traffic light at the school’s Gessner drive. It is an addition that will significantly improve traffic flow into and out of campus.

8900

NEWS FROM

FIRST SPORTING CLAYS CHALLENGE DRAWS OVER 150 SHOOTERS Over 150 Strake Jesuit shooting enthusiasts turned out for the first Strake Jesuit Shooting Clays Challenge, held Monday, November 12 at the Greater Houston Gun Club. The crowd included alumni, current and past parents and many friends of the school. After a magnificent lunch catered by Goode Co., a few introductions by event Chair Mike Medrano ‘88 and safety instructions, the shooters were off to the course on golf carts. The event involved teams of four making their way around either the South or the North Course. Each course had a series of stations where the team would take their turns at shooting clays. As teams completed their turn around the course and returned to the main pavilion, they had the option of taking a turn at a second competition, the Flurry. For this event, each member of the team took a position in one of four stands. A series of clays were then fired and the team attempted to shoot as many as they could in one minute. The event Chair was Michael Medrano ‘88 with support from Co-Chairs Robert Clay ‘85, Ryan McGrath ‘03, and Eric Mullins ‘80. The Host Committee members were Charlie Adcock, Rob Ammons, Jeb Bashaw ‘80, David Beathard ‘77, Glen Boudreaux ‘67, Jim Braniff IV ‘88, Michael Doyle ‘83, Gray Gilbert, Maynard Holt, Mike Mercer, Chris Miller ‘83, Steven Murray, John Natoli, John Norkus, John Parsley, David Pruner, and Bouncer Schiro ‘82.

Top: Jeb Bashaw ‘80 takes aim. Middle: The team of (left to right) NJ Santarcangelo ‘67, Fr. Daniel Lahart, Mike Medrano ‘88 and Troy Finney take a turn at the Flurry. Bottom: The winning Sporting Clays team of (left to right) Steve Mitchell, Roy Duff ‘81, Dietrich Landis and Roger Keyte.

8900

NEWS FROM 13 NAMED TO ALL-STATE CHOIR, RATHGEB NAMED TO FIRST CHAIR FOR 2ND YEAR A total of 13 Strake Jesuit students have been selected to the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-State Choir with Nicholas Rathgeb being named first chair of the bass section for the second consecutive year. Selected AllState were basses Rathgeb, Ryan Lord, Jack Martin, Christopher Auchter, Alex Gambini, Quoc Tran, Daniel Buckner, and Johann D’Souza. Tenors chosen include Alex Embry, Rock Morille, Zac Wierschem, Taylor Ly, and first alternate Drake Lewis. These young men, along with 8 young ladies from St. Agnes Academy also selected All-State, will represent the schools’ Mixed Chorus when they attend the TPSMEA All-State clinic and concert from January 31 to February 2 in San Marcos. Once again, the Mixed Chorus had more students chosen for All-State Choir than any other.

All-State Choir members (left right) Front Row: Tenors Zac Wierschem, Drake Lewis, Rock Morille, and Taylor Ly; Second Row: Bass Christopher Auchter, Tenor Alex Embry, and Bass Quoc Tran; Third Row: Basses Jack Martin, Johann D’Souza, and Daniel Buckner; Fourth Row: Basses Ryan Lord, Alex Gambini, and Nicholas Rathgeb.

JOSEPH HERNANDEZ ‘13 RECEIVES MAYOR’S DISABILITY ADVOCATE YOUTH AWARD Senior Joseph Hernandez was recognized on October 30 for his commitment to community service and, more specifically, for assisting those with disabilities when he received the 2012 Mayor’s Disability Advocate of the Year Award in the Youth category. The Mayor’s Disability Advocate of the Year Award (MDAYA) seeks to recognize and honor the contributions of advocates who, through their volunteering in the community, have provided a notable effort towards increasing Houston Community awareness of issues related to disability, working towards dissolution of one or more barriers to people with disabilities and /or being the voice for those who have difficulty or cannot represent themselves. Joseph has volunteered the last four years for the The Arc of Greater Houston’s Joseph Hernandez ‘13 (center) receives the Mayor’s Disability Advocate of the Candy Cane Ball and has also served at the Year Award with (left to right) City Councilwoman and organization’s Camp Champions held in July. award sponsor Wanda Adams, his parents Carlos and Carmen Hernandez This past summer he was voted the camp’s best and Houston Mayor Annise Parker. volunteer. The Arc of Greater Houston works

8900

NEWS FROM

28 NAMED NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS The following 24 Jesuit seniors have been named Commended Students by the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program: Chafic Charafeddine

Oliver Quoyeser

Jeremy Dang

Steven Ragland

Alexander Degroot

Santiago Restrepo

Jerry Eumont

Alexander Rice

Juan Garcia

Sean Ryan

Taylor Hough

John Schmidt

William Kim

Lucas Sganderlla

Aaron McAughan

Rohan Shah

Matthew McAuliffe

Vinh Tran

Grant Mueller

Jack Witte

Jobin Murickan

Blake Bourne

Cary Okerlund

Christopher Ahn

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition.

In the previous issue of The Chronicle, the 15 Jesuit students named Semifinalists were noted. They include: William Barksdale, David Clifton, Cyrus Duque, Joseph Ewbanks, Scott Freysinger, Patrick Granahan, Benjamin Granberry, Stefan Grasu, Trey Jenner, Timothy La, Zachary Meves, Steffen Seitz, Krishna Thiagarajan, Christopher

to include children and adults with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Joseph was an inspiration to other volunteers through his interaction with his campers and through his leadership abilities,” said Bethanne Franco, Arc’s Director of Programs. In addition to his volunteer work, Joseph has earned his Eagle Scout, is a member of the National Honor Society, is the Drum Major of the school’s Band, a member of the Symphonic Band playing Alto Saxophone, and is a member of the school’s District Champion Cross County team.

IT’S A BAYOU CITY BALL! ANNUAL STRAKE JESUIT AUCTION APRIL 13, 2013 Get ready for some fun in the Bayou City! Plans for the Strake Jesuit Auction are underway and everyone is invited to get involved now. The theme of this year’s auction, which is being chaired by Kelly & John McQuerry, is “Bayou City Ball.” It will once again be held on the Strake Jesuit campus on Saturday, April 13, 2013. Count on the Competition Gym being packed with friends of the school from across the years! Longtime alumni join our newest school families for an exceptionally fun evening, brimming with great food and the excitement of our silent, big board and live auctions. All money raised will benefit the school’s endowment. Our generous sponsors and underwriters play a huge part in making the Auction an annual success. There are any number of great opportunities for sponsorships and underwriters. The deadline of recognition in the Auction program is January 18, 2013, but all other benefits of serving as a sponsor or underwriter will be available for some time to come. I n addition to the sponsors and underwriters, the live auction, plus Big Board and silent auction, also drive this important fundraiser. Donations of all kinds are needed to make it a success. Maybe you have something unique that you can donate to the auction, such as a weekend vacation home, a suite at a sporting event, or consider using your credit card reward points or airline miles to purchase something we can really use in this year’s auction. How about teaming up with friends to donate a group gift? This is the perfect strategy for generating the big-ticket items that make our auction so exciting!

Wager and Adam Wesely.

8900

NEWS FROM A glimpse of a few new 2013 auction items: • Hunt for four in Hebbronville, Texas at Trapiche Ranch for 3 days/2 nights. Father/son pairs are encouraged. All food, drinks, alcohol included. Hunters may take 2-8 point bucks, 2-doe, bobcat, javalena, turkey and dove (if in season). Trip includes a private flight from Houston to Hebbronville and ground transportation to the ranch. • Black Labrador puppy! This little cutie will have just completed an 8 week obedience and hunt training program when she comes to the auction. She has her certificate from the American Kennel Club and the lucky family that adopts her will be able to register her. • David Cordua, Strake Jesuit alumnus and well-known local chef, will do a cooking demonstration and prepare a tasting dinner with wine pairings for ten people in the buyer’s home. David is a graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Paris and was named 2010 “Upcoming Chef of the Year” by My Table magazine. Also, he is the Executive Chef of Churrascos, Américas, Artista, Amazón Grill and Cordúa Catering. • A cellar of wine has been assembled by Scott Spencer at Houston Wine Merchant. This item has been graciously underwritten by families of Strake Jesuit freshmen. • A 7-night stay at The Phoenix Resort in Belize with local air connection from Belize City to San Pedro and also ground transfer to the resort. The Phoenix Resort is owned by Strake Jesuit alumnus Mukul Kanabar and his wife Kelly who is a St Agnes alumna. This resort was named Best Hotel in the World in 2012 by users of the travel website TripAdvisor. For all the up-to-the-minute information about the 2013 Strake Jesuit Auction, “The Bayou City Ball,” please visit the school web site. To get specifics on donations, sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please contact Kelly McQuerry at kmcquerry@yahoo.com or Jill Ribbeck at 713.490.8107 and jribbeck@strakejesuit.org. See you at the Auction on April 13, 2013. Among the live auction items this year at the auction are (top to bottom) a black Labrador puppy, a cooking demonstration and dinner prepared by alumnus and chef David Cordua ‘00, and a vacation at the Phoenix Resort in Belize owned by Strake Jesuit alumnus Mukul Kanabar ‘96.

P R E S E N T I N G

the 2013

strake jesuit

men’s retreat program H O S T E D

A T

T H E

The Men’s Retreat Program is open to Alumni, Alumni Dads, current Dads, and Faculty / Staff members. Retreats begin on Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon. Accommodations and meals are included.

Fr. Billy Huete, SJ January 18 - 20, 2013

Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ February 15 - 17, 2013

Fr. Brian Reedy, SJ April 5 - 7, 2013

“Themes of the Spiritual Exercises in Scripture”

“Ignatian Spirituality in the Daily Life of Men”

“Eucharist and Daily Prayer”

For more information or to register for one or all of these retreats. scan this code with your mobile device or go to www.strakejesuit.org and click on the button on the homepage.

GNATIAN

PIRITUALITY

“The whole town gathered at the door.”

Mark 1:33

by Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ

The passage from the Gospel of Mark is one that and inwardly” because I am not very much interested in provokes within me amazement and wonder. A whole wanting a relationship with Christ. Jesus, his message of town gathered at the door waiting to healing, forgiveness and mercy catch a glimpse of Jesus. His presence along with his actions that make and fame has spread around the towns God’s reign visible, is someone and people are curious to see who this I prefer to look at from afar, but man is and they seem eager to hear his not someone with whom I want to words and watch his actions. know and love as a friend. The Year of Faith, which we are This Year of Faith is an now celebrating from October 11, opportunity for a renewal of our 2012 through November 24, 2013, is encounter with God for all of us. an opportunity to step a little closer at Many times in my ministry at Strake the door of faith and to contemplate Jesuit with students, faculty and the gift of faith God is offering in our families, I tell them that regardless hearts, our homes and communities. It of where they are in their faith is a time to nurture, to strengthen, and journey, God is very much waiting to venture deeper into our faith. for them and interested in having One of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s a deeper relationship with them. principles, from the Spiritual Exercises, Perhaps you may feel that you are “And the Whole Town Was Gathered at the outside the door waiting or maybe challenges the person making the Door” by Arthur Ernst Becher Exercises to risk his or her faith you are struggling with personal beyond the cliffs of knowing things, disappointments and lack of faith at for “It is not much knowledge that fills and satisfies the this time. Fear not, Jesus is eagerly waiting for you beyond spirit, but to feel and taste things inwardly.” My reflections, the threshold of the door. I believe that God is looking for as we journey through this year, have led me to ask in you in your seeking to understand and he is offering His prayer for the gift of desiring a deeper relationship with friendship and love. Christ. My prayer this Year of Faith is that I would be Therefore, I pray that we grow in deeper knowledge given the gift of “gustar” (taste) and “sentir” (feel) my of Jesus, who loves us and has given himself up for each relationship with God, so that I can grow firmly planted in one of us! I pray that we would be courageous in our the encounter with Christ as it unfolds in my daily life. decision to follow Christ. I pray for the grace to venture I have to admit that in my faith journey, I have often through the door of faith so that we may give witness of been like the town’s people in Galilee, crowding at the God’s presence in our lives, in our community and in our door and standing on my toes to watch, like the paparazzi, world. waiting for the opportunity to snap a picture of a celebrity. May we have a deeper desire to walk through the door I can be very much like the curious person who questions of faith and rekindle our relationship with Jesus. much, but stays outside the realm of “knowing fully

“I am from a large family. I know for certain that if financial aid was not available to me, I would not be able to attend Strake Jesuit. I cannot imagine being at another school. I am an Honor Roll student, an athlete, and am involved in many clubs. I know I have a great responsibility to give back to Strake Jesuit. I know how lucky and fortunate I am. Without people who give to financial aid, the life I have would be very different. Thank you for helping shape who I am now and who I will be in the future.” ~ Strake Jesuit Financial Aid Recipient

please support the

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.

PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE_________________ Pope Benedict XVI dedicated this year as a “Year of Faith,” and in doing so calls us to “an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord.” In his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei, he explains that today the world needs “the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the Word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God.” During my time as a student at Strake Jesuit, lay faculty members taught all of my Theology classes. While I could write volumes on the impact that those classes had on my faith, another influence helped shape my beliefs in a similarly significant way – the Jesuits. What I learned from the Jesuits, I learned outside of the Theology classroom. They showed me how to live a life of faith in other ways: praying with Fr. Coles before a baseball game; studying biology in Fr. Folzenlogen’s class; listening to Fr. Huete’s homilies; remaining under Fr. Joey Carola the ever-watchful eye of Brother Casey; chatting with Fr. Jenniskens in a counseling session; talking with Fr. Zinnamon in the walkways during an ordinary school day. They taught me to find my faith in all things. During my high school years, one Jesuit in particular had a lasting impact on me. My classmates and I knew him as “Mr. Carola” since he was not yet ordained. On the first day of my sophomore year, a healthy dose of anxious conversation erupted among my classmates as we waited for class to begin. When the bell rang, there was no teacher to be found at the front of the room. Naturally, we continued our hearty conversations. Soon, a silence crept forward from the back of the room. That’s when my classmates nearest the back first noticed Mr. Carola… waiting. Arms crossed, he said nothing. He simply waited for us to quiet ourselves, stand next to our desks, and await the daily prayer. Without saying a word, he brought a room full of two dozen loud and unruly adolescent boys to silence in mere seconds. As nervous as we were, I doubt

you could find an alumnus from Mr. Carola’s Spanish class who would not count it among one of his favorite classes, taught by one of his favorite teachers. It is a sentiment commonly shared about another Jesuit – Fr. J.B. Leininger and his legendary Math classes. Stern dispositions and strict classroom policies did not make Mr. Carola or Fr. Leininger great teachers. It was their faith demonstrated in love and care for those they taught each day. Men dedicated to a life of service, they faithfully made the walk from the Jesuit Residence to their classroom each day. Their daily routine was filled with what some would consider insignificant acts – calling a student to “Go to the board;” correcting an incorrectly Fr. J.B. Leininger conjugated verb; standing patiently at the start of class waiting for a room full of noisy young men to quiet down. They may have been small acts, but there was love behind each. Quite simply, they cared. We all knew it, and their care made all the difference. By their actions, they taught us how to live a life of faith. My classmates and I were lucky to pass through adolescence with such role models. Considering the Jesuits who walk the halls of Strake Jesuit today, the current generation of students is just as lucky. They need to look no further than the Jesuit Residence to find “people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God.”

NEWS

ATHLETIC

FOOTBALL

The Crusaders began a new era in 2012 as then entered the season playing for a new head coach for the first time since 1998. “This season was a major step in building the future of the Strake Jesuit football program,” noted first year Head Coach James Clancy. “Our boys continued to improve every week, overcoming adversity and learning how to believe in each other. This senior class will be missed, but they have set the bar for our rising seniors.” Despite a 2-8 season and a 2-5 district record, the team had a number of highlights during the season. Their first win was a comefrom-behind effort against Katy Taylor. Trailing by 17 points at halftime, the Crusaders came back for a 21-20 win. Senior running back Jackson Klein led the way with three touchdowns. Then, on Senior Night, they posted a 30-20 win on Mayde Creek with quarterback senior Kyle Santry throwing for three touchdowns. The Crusaders also pulled down their share of post-season honors. Senior defensive lineman Ben Huskinson was named 1st Team All-District while Klein, who was selected as the team MVP, earned 2nd Team All-District honors. No less than 13 players earned Honorable Mention honors. Among them were senior offensive linemen Christian Stangel and Allen Ahn; sophomore running back Dwyer Bucey; senior wide receivers Ryan Broeckelmann and Kyle Campbell; defensive linemen Robert Martin, a senior, and Tito Ejiogu, a junior; junior linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee; in the secondary seniors Connor Carpenter, Gator Adams, and Andrew Senior defensive lineman Ben Huskinson was Garcia-Rameau and junior Major Adams; and senior punter Matt named 1st Team All-District for 19-5A. Aven.

CROSS COUNTRY The 2012 Cross Country season got off to a fast start with the Crusader Harriers winning the Spring, Lamar Consolidated, and LaPorte Battleground meets. In the middle of the season the Varsity placed 2nd in both the Humble Pre-region and McQuaid New York meets. As the championship season rolled around the Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman teams swept the Jesuit invitational then went on to sweep the District 19-5A meet. “This was a great ending for the sub-varsity teams who placed in the top three of every meet all season when they were running at full strength and in their designated division,” noted Head Coach Mike Kerley. “The JV team did manage to pull two first places in Varsity meets during the year.” The Varsity and JV teams each won their seventh district title in a row. Juniors Frank Lara and RJ Ammons finished first and second and made the All-District team for the 2nd year in a row. They were joined on the All-District team by seniors

NEWS

ATHLETIC

Gus Raskosky and Joseph Hernandez. On Saturday morning, November 3, the Crusaders Cross Country Team won their fourth straight Region III title. Led by Regional Champion Frank Lara and Regional runner up R.J. Ammons, the team went on to score 42 points to out distance Cy-Woods (79) and 3rd place Cinco Ranch (132). Rounding out the Jesuit scores were All-Region III Gus Raskosky, Joseph Hernandez and Colin Thompson. Lara, Ammons and Raskosky earned spots on the All-Region team. At the state meet RJ Ammons placed 15th to make the All-State Team. At the state meet, a mishap at the Regional Champions (left to right): Frank Lara, Head Coach Mike Kerley, R. J. start left several Jesuit runners injured and Ammons, Gus Raskosky, Joseph Hernandez, Colin Thompson, Corbin Witte, Alex the team managed an 11th place finish. Vaporciyan, Assistant Coaches Adam Hauser and Peter Nurre. “They gave it a gallant effort but were not able to run up to their potential,” noted Kerley. “This was very disappointing for the team and seniors but overall the season was a huge success.” The team looks forward to returning many experienced athletes and challenging for all titles again next season.

SENIOR RIBBECK RUNNERUP FOR GREATER HOUSTON SCHOLAR-ATHLETE Strake Jesuit senior Eric Ribbeck was named runner-up for the top scholar-athlete award on Greater Houston high school football teams on Wednesday, November 7 at the 14th Annual High School Football Scholar-Athlete Luncheon. As a result he was awarded a $1,250 scholarship. Ribbeck was one of 25 other finalists for the award. The finalists had to be seniors and starters on their respective high school football teams, with the highest GPA and good citizenship, as embodied in their extra-curricular activities. “Eric represented our community well and has made us all very proud,” noted Jesuit Head Football Coach James Clancy. “We are

Eric Ribbeck with Gifford Nielsen, left, and Murry Bowden. Nielsen (who played quarterback at BYU) is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and emceed the TD Club luncheon. Bowden (who played defensive back at Dartmouth) is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and was the guest speaker at the program. 19

NEWS

ATHLETIC

very fortunate to have him as a member of our football program.” The Touchdown Club of Houston is the Houston chapter of the National Football Foundation. The NFF – among other things – runs the College Football Hall of Fame, provides the BCS formula that determines who will play in the college national football championship game, and gives scholarships to undergraduates and graduates in colleges.

SENIORS ROBERT MARTIN AND SEAN RYAN AWARDED PCA SCHOLARSHIPS Two Crusader athletes were recognized by the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) with scholarships at the organization’s Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship Breakfast in October. Receiving a $2,000 scholarship was football player Robert Martin and being recognized with a $500 scholarship was soccer player Sean Ryan. Scholarships are awarded based on essays by students explaining how their actions represent the ideal of the Triple-Impact Competitor which includes making oneself better (Personal Mastery); making teammates better (Leadership); and making the sport better (Honoring the Game). As part of a targeted effort to provide the most positive experience for its athletes, Strake Jesuit has established a partnership with Positive Strake Jesuit Assistant Athletic Director Bill McDonald, Sean Ryan, Coaching Alliance (PCA). PCA, a Stanford Executive Director of PCA-Houston Ben Rose, and Robert Martin. University-based non-profit organization, works with coaches, organizational leaders and parents to more effectively teach young athletes not only how to win, but also how to learn about teamwork, discipline, respect and goal-setting through their sports experience. In conjunction with this alliance, a number of PCA workshops for coaches, administrators, parents and student-athletes have been held.

ATHLETES TAKING ACTION CLUB MEMBERS VOLUNTEER IN NOVEMBER With 200 members, Athletes Taking Action brings student-athletes from Strake Jesuit and St. Agnes together for community service projects. Their mission is to make a difference in the community and lives of children who cannot participate in sports due to illness or disabilities. The group had 40 members volunteer at The Beacon, which provides social and health services to poor and homeless men, women, children, and youth, every Sunday in November. The students worked in the kitchens preparing and serving food to about 800 homeless people.

NEWS

ALuMni TOM STANDISH ‘67 NAMED 2012 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Tom Standish ‘67 has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Ignatian Award presented annually to Strake Jesuit’s Alumnus of the Year. He is the third member of the Class of 1967 to receive the award joining classmates C. Jim Stewart III and N.J. Santarcangelo. Standish has been with CenterPoint Energy in Houston since 1984 where he is an Executive Vice-President. 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. Tom Standish ‘67 “I am very proud to have been chosen for the Ignatian Award.,,” said Standish. “It is very humbling to receive this award when I consider the many alumni who are truly Men for Others as well the caliber of those who have received this award.” After graduating from Jesuit, Standish earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas and his MBA from the University of St. Thomas. His many activities within the community include serving on the Strake Jesuit Board of Directors from 2001-2007. In addition, he is a past Chairman of the Board of the Greater Houston Area American Red Cross, the Salvation Army Houston Area Command, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Houston chapter, and St. Agnes Academy. In addition, served on the Board of Directors at the University of St. Thomas afrom 2002-2008. He and his wife, Joyce, have raised three children. Their sons, Brian ‘96 and Mark ‘03, attended Jesuit and their daughter, Jennifer, is a member of the St. Agnes Class of 1999. Standish will be presented the Ignatian Award on Saturday, February 9 when the school holds its annual Night of Honor. That same evening the four new members of the Athletic Hall of Honor will be inducted. They include Patrick Devine ‘78, Bill O’Brien ‘78, the 1977 Mile Relay Team of Ira Lucas, Tyrone Donahoe, Alan Bergeron, and Bryant Newbill and the 1998 Baseball Team.

IGNAITAN 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

ALUMNI RE-CONNECT DURING ANNUAL LONE STAR TOUR

School President Daniel Lahart, SJ, Director of Development N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67 and Alumni Director Tim Scalzitti ‘90 have completed their Annual Lone Star Tour. The annual tour features three receptions for alumni in three Texas cities - Dallas, Austin and San Antonio - on three consecutive nights. On Tuesday, October 23 they began the tour in Dallas Maggiano’s Little Italy was the site of the Dallas-area alumni gathering on October 23 which kicked-off the Annual at Maggiano’s Alumni Lone Star Tour. Little Italy where they hosted 30 alumni and guests. From there they headed south to Austin where they hosted over 20 guests at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill which is owned by Larry Perdido ‘86. After a visit to the Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Austin, also owned by Perdido, the trio headed for their last stop in San Antonio where they had 11 guests at the Omni Colonnade Hotel, hosted by Bret ‘76 & Debbie Broussard. Watch for plans in the fall of 2013 for the next edition of the Strake Jesuit Alumni Lone Star Tour!

FR. ALVARO INTERIANO ‘99 CELEBRATES KOSTKA MASS The annual Kostka Mass was held on Friday, November 16 in the Parsley Center. As is the tradition, the school community took the opportunity to recognize and pray a blessing over the freshman class in advance of their annual retreat which started that weekend as well as the many student leaders who will be guiding them. Alumnus Fr. Alvaro J. Interiano ‘99 served as the guest celebrant for the mass. In his homily he had a special message for the freshmen as they prepared for their retreat which was themed “Be the man God wants me to be.” Fr. Interiano was ordained in June 2012 and is serving his first priestly assignment at St. Francis de Sales in Houston. Fr. Stanislaus Kostka, SJ is the patron saint of Strake Jesuit. He was a Polish teenager who joined the Society of Jesus in 1567 at the age of 17, contrary to the wishes of his parents and after overcoming other obstacles. Fr. Alvaro Interiano ‘99 was the guest celebrant at the annual Kostka Mass.

Notes

CLASS

70’s Jerry Smith ‘70 closed the doors to his company, O&G Exploration and Operations, in 2005 and has been working as a Business Development Consultant for a large foreign-based international oil and gas company in Houston. He has three children, Katie (30), Anthony (27) and Jeanette (24), who are all doing well.

Stuart Sisler ‘99 and wife, Sandy, welcomed their first child, daughter Rylee Evelyn Sisler, on November 9, 2012, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stuart is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and is stationed at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque.

00’s Jeffery Gaspard ‘00 married Andrea Blum on May 5, 2012 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Houston. They are both graduates of Texas A&M and are now living in the Humble area. Brian Chambers ‘01 was awarded the 2012 Bill Barnett Distinguished Coaching Award for the Southwest Zone of USA Water Polo.

80’s Alvin Tolentino ’87 has taken on a position as a Accounting Staff Analyst at Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Stacy J. Papajohn ‘89 and his wife, Erin, welcomed the birth of their son, Jonathan James Papajohn on November 17, 2012

John Fitzgerald ’03 recently received his MBA from Yale University. He lives in Houston where he is in investment banking at Barclay’s Capital.

Joyce Childs Mother of Clinton ‘85 and Mother-in-Law of Joe de le Fuente ‘88 Tomas E. Diaz ’06 received his BA in Theology from the University of St. Thomas in 2010 and is his MATS (Masters in Theological Studies ) from St. Mary’s School of Theology in December 2012.

Marcie Clark Mother of Robert ‘84 Paul Howe Father of David ‘66 and Chris ‘76 Rudy Lange Father of Michael ‘82 Edward Lebeau Father of Ed ‘70 Frances Mustachia Mother of Michael ‘67

Andrew M. Diaz ‘08 received his BBA in Finance from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and is working with Navigant Consulting, a financial consulting firm in Chicago.

Vincent Nick ‘93 and his wife, Emily, welcomed the birth of their first child, Vincent, Jr., on October 30, 2012. The family is living in Walnut Creek, California.

~IN MEMORIAM~

Walter Zagst ‘70 Brother of Fred ‘73

Steven Hogan ’03 and his wife, Mary (SAA ‘03), welcomed the birth of their first child, Luke Andrew, on June 5, 2012. They live in Dallas where Steven is in residency to be a pediatric dentist and Mary is a nurse.

90’s

Jonathan Spring ’97 and his wife, Kathryn, and Jonathan’s father, Jim Spring ’65, welcomed the birth of Charles Joseph Spring on September 4, 2012. He joins big brother JR.

Ivan Vrcek ’03 was married to Caitlin Donovan at College of The Holy Cross in Worchester, Massachusetts this last June. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ. Ivan is now Dr. Ivan Vrcek and is doing his residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Drew Maresh ‘03 and Chelsea Price were married on February 11, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. The wedding party included J. Edward Bates ‘03, Pete Broussard ‘03, Mat Stearns ‘03, and Chris Price ‘03. The couple lives in Lewisville, Texas. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Texas A&M and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and works for Bell Helicopter in Hurst.

~ BIRTHS ~ Luke Hogan on June 5, 2012 Steven ‘03 and Mary Charles Spring on September 4, 2012 Jonathan ‘86 and Kathryn Vincent Nick, Jr. on October 30, 2012 Vincent ‘93 and Emily Rylee Sisler on November 9, 2012 Stuart ‘99 and Sandy Jonathan Papajohn on November 17, 2012 Stacy ‘89 and Erin

“THE SHACKS”, A VOLKSWAGEN BUS AND OTHER OLDE SJ ICONS In 1961 this school was built in the middle of nowhere. I do not exaggerate. At the time, the Sharpstown community was no more than seventy percent concept, twenty percent wishful thinking and at best, ten percent reality. (For that matter, the same could probably have been said of the brand new Jesuit school.) Sharpstown itself was a rice paddy. What we had here at Strake Jesuit were just two permanent buildings: The Freshman building (now Cameron Hall or the 300 Building) and the old gymnasium (now the Moran Dining Hall). But, thank God, we also had the land. Yes, just like all the rest of Sharpstown, the school’s land was a rice paddy too. But it was our rice paddy and we promptly learned to live with it. Everyone adapted to the reality of a whole lot of mud and water everywhere. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the Jesuit fathers and scholastics all wearing their traditional cassocks - every black robe mud splattered at the hem. The two buildings were not enough. The freshmen building was very small and provided little more than classroom space for the first freshman class. More buildings were needed but funds were limited. The solution came to us in the form of temporary portable buildings. Soon the most prominent feature of our campus landscape became those iconic wooden “shacks.” The first Chapel was a shack, as was the cafeteria, the bookstore and even the principal’s office. We all spent a lot of our school day sequestered within the confines of those whitewashed wooden walls. No one was spared. In retrospect, I can say that they weren’t really all that bad. We needed those buildings and they served us well. They also served us for a very long time. Indeed, those humble albeit useful structures were a feature of campus life for so long that we eventually had to stop calling them “temporary.” Instead, we unflatteringly referred to them as “the shacks.” The last one was unceremoniously taken away in the 1980’s. Although we were grateful for the service they

provided; it was good to see them finally move on to help others elsewhere. In those early days, Bellaire Boulevard was not really a boulevard, at least not anywhere near these confines. Street paving ended at the Southwest Freeway near the Sharpstown Center. I can say that now, but at the time there was neither a Southwest Freeway nor a Sharpstown Center. Instead, there was only a trail; two runners of crushed oyster shell laid over a bed of crab grass and cocklebur. The trail led not to 8900 Bellaire, but instead to the ever so tiny little farm town of Alief. It was a trail meant to support farm vehicles and livestock; i.e. wagons, tractors, pickup trucks and occasional bovine herd. City bus service along Bellaire Boulevard ended where Bellaire Boulevard itself ended. Jesuit students who rode the city bus to school were left stranded about five miles short of their destination. And then, along came Father Donald Bahlinger, SJ and the beloved Volkswagen Bus. It was simply a matter of necessity born out of the age old need to get from here to there. The VW was used to ferry students the rest of the way to Jesuit. That little four cylinder strudel wagon was like the little engine that could. And oh, how we could squeeze ‘em in! Nineteen students at one time was the record…twenty passengers in all when you count Father. That was no small feat when one considers all the book bags and briefcases that also made the trip. I can’t remember a harder working team than Father Bahlinger and the Volkswagen Bus. Back and forth he drove, then drove that trail some more; always hoping that one day, the road we traveled together would be a paved one. In gratitude for all who helped to take this school from its humble beginnings to what it is today, I pledge my shield and my sword.

George

Save the Date! Strake Jesuit Auction April 13, 2013 at Strake Jesuit

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

Join us for our annual

January 18

Pro-Life Mass

18-20 Men’s Retreat 24-26 Father-Son Sophomore Retreat 26

Entrance Exam

February 6-9

Kairos LIV Retreat

Night of Honor

Parent-Teacher Meeting

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

15-17 Men’s Retreat 19

BSU Assembly

26-27 Junior Pilgrmage

March 3

Spring Fling

11-15 Spring Break 28

Holy Thursday Mass

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

Saturday, February 9, 2013 Make plans now to join the rest of the Strake Jesuit community at our annual Night of Honor when we induct members of the 2012 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 2012 Patrick Devine ‘78 Bill O’Brien ‘78 1977 Mile Relay Team

(Ira Lucas, Tyrone Donahoe, Alan Bergeron and Bryant Newbill)

1998 Baseball Team

2012 Ignatian Award - Alumnus of the Year Tom Standish ‘67 For reservations scan this Code or use the link on the homepage of the school website at www.strakejesuit.org.