Tradition & Innovation
Legacy Family Serves as Example of Viatorian Mission
Alumni Career Day
Inaugural Event Highlights Importance of Connections
Save the Date!
Upcoming Alumni Reunions & Fall Events
A LION FOR LIFE Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary Alumni Magazine
Class of 2022 Sets Out to Transform the World Commencement Recap
SUMMER 2022
LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Staff | StaffListing Listing AALION SUMMER 2022
IN THIS ISSUE
A Lion for Life Magazine is a publication of the Saint Viator High School Office of Institutional Advancement
Letter from the President.........................................................3
President Fr. Dan Lydon, C.S.V. ’73
From the Heart - Sacred Heart of Mary Feature.......................6
Vice President of Development Mr. Thomas Ramsden Senior Director of Development Mrs. Kristen Daniels Alumni Relations Manager Ms. Krystal Harris ’15 Data and Stewardship Consultant Mrs. Sara Root Manager of Development Operations Mrs. Cari Miller Communications Specialist Mr. Jim Mitchell ’77 Communications Manager Ms. Elizabeth Schuetz ’08 Marketing Consultant Mrs. Megan Leahy Director of Enrollment Mrs. Christine Bremner
Alumni Spotlight.......................................................................4
Commencement Recap............................................................7 Leadership Update....................................................................8 Career Day Recap.....................................................................9 Alumni News...........................................................................10 Class Notes.............................................................................12 In Memoriam..........................................................................14
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Assistant Director of Enrollment Ms. Maggie Wiener Advancement Assistant Mrs. Jennifer Bonifacic Anderson ’89 Director of Development Emeritus Mr. Patrick Mahoney Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus Mrs. Judith Wampach Amberg Printing NPN 360 - Mr. John Fox ’71 Saint Viator High School 1213 East Oakton Street Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004 (847) 392-4050 www.saintviator.com Please email alumni@saintviator.com if you have any questions, if you would like to submit story ideas and photos, or to update your contact information.
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ON THE COVER: Rowan McDonnell ’22 pictured with his siblings Bryce ’20, Miles ’16, Payton ’19, and his father Mark ’86. Rowan is the nephew of Maureen McDonnell Reeves SHM ’85, Matt McDonnell ’92, and Megan McDonnell Cahill ’94.
ALION FOR LIFE | Letter from the President
Dear Fellow Alumni, Families, and Friends: It seems as if we only get a brief period of time to enjoy and celebrate the end of a successful school year before we must quickly turn our attention to preparing for the next. This summer is one of transition on many levels. In May, we celebrated the induction of 224 members of the Class of 2022 into the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary Alumni Association. We were blessed with beautiful weather for our Baccalaureate Mass and graduation. This class in particular will be remembered as the group most impacted by the COVID pandemic. While it greatly affected their high school experience, our faculty and staff did a tremendous job to make their senior year as positive and robust as possible. As you know, we are experiencing a great deal of transition in our faculty and staff this year. Through retirement and new opportunities, we will be welcoming a number of new people to key positions for the coming school year. In this edition, we introduce you to our new principal, Mr. Jon Baffico. Our facilities are undergoing some transition as well. Because of the importance of our Catholic values and our Viatorian tradition, our first project is a major enhancement of our chapel. We have contracted with the revered Daprato Rigali Studios to complete the project. Also, thanks to the generosity of the Papanicholas family and their company, Nicholas & Associates, we began the transition to new, more modern and collaborative spaces with two new classrooms this summer. Finally, we will transition from celebrating our 60th anniversary to preparing for the next era in our history. Much work is being done this summer that I hope to share with you in our next visit as we look to ignite our community for the future. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy a restful and healthy summer. While we take a break, our focus still remains on our mission and I leave you with these words from a Summer Blessing for Families: May we constantly strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our loved ones and in the world around us as we enjoy the warm days of summertime. Adored and loved be Jesus,
Rev. Dan Lydon, C.S.V. ’73 President
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LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Alumni | Alumni Feature Spotlight AALION
Legacy Family an Active Example of Viatorian Tradition In recent years, Saint Viator High School has come to be known as an institution where faith, tradition, and innovation meet. While some may see it as a marketing phrase, there are plenty of examples in which the sentiment is clearly brought to life. As more and more families with alumni across multiple generations fill our community, the tent poles of faith, tradition, and innovation can be seen across the kitchen table as well as throughout the halls of Saint Viator. Current faculty and students hear about the tradition of Saint Viator. Members of the Trapani family of Arlington Heights helped build it. Dan ’71 and wife Beth Sommers ’77 were students during the formative years of the schools, and each relied on older siblings Greg ’69 and Linda ’67 to help guide them through these new schools. But their commitment to Catholic education didn’t begin in school, it began at home where both sets of parents played a role in strengthening local parishes and leading the drive to build Catholic high schools in the suburbs. Both Dan and Beth’s parents already knew the value of Catholic education having been educated in either a Catholic grade school or high school in the Chicago area. As young couples, and throughout the years, they volunteered countless hours to the formation of the St. Raymond’s parish and school in Mt. Prospect. Bill Sommers, a graduate of St. George High School, had a strong bond with his classmates which added to his interest creating a similar type of secondary Catholic education for his daughters. Bill helped with the original steering committee to plan for Sacred Heart of Mary spending many hours with Mother Loyola and Sister Columba, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, on the logistics for their first Catholic high school in the Midwest. During those initial years, students didn’t really know they were laying the groundwork for traditions that would live on decades later. “We were so young we didn’t really know what was going on,” said Dan about what those early classes were building. “We just knew we were different.” Dan notes that in those years, the seniors took care of the school. They each took on a little brother in the freshmen class who they looked out for and taught them the ropes of high school. “There was no bullying of the younger kids. It was not acceptable.” Dan and Beth speak reverently about the impact the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart faculty had on their lives, something that took on even more meaning when they saw that impact repeated decades later with their children Sarah (Sullivan) ’08 and Nic ’10. The level of personal commitment by faculty members is what many consider to be the strongest component of the tradition of Saint Viator. During Dan’s sophomore year, he contracted mono and was out of school for weeks. “Br. Larry Lentz made sure I got my lessons and did not let me fall behind,” Dan said. “Fr. Pat Render told my dad I could do anything I want the day I decide I want to do it. As you age, you come to really value what they did, along with awesome educators like Fr. Arnold Perham and Fr. Pat Cahill.”
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From left: Sarah Trapani Sullivan ’08 with her husband Beau and children, Beth Sommers Trapani ’77, Dan Trapani ’71, Nic Trapani ’10, and his wife Christiana.
Beth recalls how teachers fostered her interest in learning, especially across multiple disciplines. “My biggest driver for getting into nursing had to do with the science teachers at Sacred Heart, the way they engaged me and excited me about the field.” But Beth’s experience with her English teachers and their guidance on how to do research also had an impact—allowing her, years later, to combine the skillsets in her role as Senior Manager, Medical Affairs, Medical Information at Baxter International Inc. Disparate career paths but caring guidance from faculty and counselors led both to Marquette University, continuing the pursuit of Catholic education. For Dan, it was a last-minute recommendation from Fr. Fraser, C.S.V. to Dan’s dad to visit Marquette that had him enrolled and on-campus four days later. Interestingly, a few years later, Br. Lentz intervened with another student by encouraging him to pursue his interest in journalism by interning his senior year – with Dan Trapani. When that student, this author, was lost in choosing a college, it was Dan who drove him to Marquette, introduced him to the faculty and had him enrolled and in class shortly thereafter. Alumni looking out for the next group — it’s how things are done. Both credit their high school education for giving them the ability to thrive at Marquette. Each then went on to innovative careers. Dan began working in radio, doing everything that came his way but quickly found his calling in ad sales. In the years that followed, he found himself at the forefront of innovative new markets, blazing a trail for those who would follow, including his daughter Sarah. Flash forward to the 2000’s. Sacred Heart has closed and merged with Saint Viator, and Dan and Beth now have two children enrolled at St. James and are considering high schools. They looked at the outstanding public school in their area, but felt drawn to the combination of academics and faith formation that Saint Viator still offered. “For me, I didn’t have the hallway experiences to go back to,” Beth said. “Sacred Heart was gone but I felt that same strong commitment on behalf of the faculty to educate and impart religious aspects and values and create that same culture I had experienced.”
To hear Sarah’s story is to hear an echo of her parents’ experiences. “I was able to experience a holistic environment,” she said. “I did cheerleading, tried soccer, was on student council, and served as a LINK Leader. I took AP classes and fine arts classes and picked up skills that are transferable to my career.” Like many Saint Viator students over the years, she quickly mentions Br. Bob Ruhl, C.S.V. as an influence. “It wasn’t just what he was teaching regarding literature,” she said. “I was more interested in his life lessons.” Nic speaks freely about people like Kate Schafer Costello ’70 and Nancy Rosean having a major impact on his experience. He played on the golf team and was deeply involved in theater tech all while thriving in the classroom with support from staff in the Scanlan Center. “Nancy Rosean took care of implementing the Viator mission. She provided individual attention to give me and others the education we deserved, and never let me fall behind,” Nic said sharing his story without any prompting of his father’s similar experience with Br. Lentz. That theme is doubled as Sarah recalls struggling in Chemistry until Fr. John Van Wiel, C.S.V. stepped in to make sure she succeeded. For Sarah and Nic, the transition to leading universities was seamless. Sarah attended the University of Illinois. “Academically, I was overprepared. U of I was easier than Saint Viator.” Nic took quickly to Marquette’s theater department with Dan noting, “Without Saint Viator, Nic doesn’t go to Marquette. People look at the cost of tuition but it’s a part of what you sign up for. It pays for itself.” Both took their Viator experiences with them as they carved out innovative career paths. Currently Vice President, Director, Solutions Architect at Starcom, Sarah was inspired by not only her dad, but his classmates and colleagues in the advertising industry. “I had access to a big network, but I also rely on what I learned as a LINK Leader about respecting peoples’ time and being a leader. I still draw from that a lot.” Nic quickly rose through the ranks at Mainstage Theatrical Supply, drawing on the construction knowledge he gleaned from his uncle and grandfather as he works on lighting systems for some of the biggest, most innovative venues in the county. “I feel prepared to navigate challenging people and situations. I lean back on the foundational pieces of accountability and ethics that I learned at Saint Viator.” Beyond the influence of their family members, each of the four relies on their Saint Viator and Sacred Heart families. Dan counts a number of Saint Viator grads from multiple classes among his closest friends today, while Beth sees former classmates in her neighborhood and at work. Sarah is in daily contact with as many as nine of her classmates. In addition to friends, Nic also points to other Viator connections. Along with his dad and Sarah, he counts Saint Viator past-parent Jack Klues as a mentor and friend, noting that Viator grads of all generations are always available to assist other alumni. Even faculty like Fr. Charles Bolser, C.S.V. provide multi-generational connection as he recruited Dan for the feeder program, later baptized both Sarah and Nic, and eventually officiated at each of their weddings.
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It’s no surprise then that the other key pillar of the Saint Viator tradition, service, is a final central theme among them all. Once again citing his parents and siblings, Dan says, “We didn’t know any other way.” He spent years launching and building the Saint Viator feeder basketball Clockwise: Dan Trapani ’71, Beth Sommers program and was Trapani ’77, Nic Trapani ’10, and Sarah Trapani Sullivan ’08. involved in the early version of the Alumni Association. “The expectation is that you will influence the world in a good way.” In recent months, Sarah, Beth, Dan, Dan’s siblings Jan ’74, and Joan ’74 and many others have jumped in to assist Nic and his wife Christiana in their effort to assist the people of Ukraine. Christiana, who is of Ukrainian descent, explored her entrepreneurial side by launching a start-up Door County Delivered and flourishing during the pandemic, then taking on another small company Door County Candle. Nic makes time to assist her with operations, back-end software, and ordering raw materials. But when she launched a special candle to raise money for the people of Ukraine after the Russian invasion, things took off to another level. “She hoped to raise five to ten thousand dollars,” Nic said. “After some publicity, we have donated five hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars to date with more to come. When there is a national story about the effort, we can get a thousand to fifteen hundred calls. Dad and my aunts have tried to return every call.” Conducting this interview while walking her young son home from pre-school Sarah is asked if there will be another generation of her family at Saint Viator. “That is the plan,” she replies. But before that time arrives, both she and Nic offer advice to current students. “Experience everything now,” advises Sarah. “Saint Viator provides a well-balanced education. I feel like a well-balanced person in all that I do because of it.” For his part, Nic draws from the structure of family and friends he built growing up. “Identify people who will mentor you and take them up on it. Listening is one of the most important things you can do.” For the Trapani family, the tradition of Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary is seen every day whether it is in innovative careers or in giving back to those around them. It is clearly much more than a marketing phrase to them. n
ALION FOR LIFE | From the Heart
FROM THE HEART: Patricia Lydon ’76 Patricia Lydon ’76 can’t think about Saint Viator without thinking about Sacred Heart of Mary. Like everyone else at Sacred Heart in the 1970s, Lydon remembers the wonderful memories at Sacred Heart amidst the sign of the times.
There is a lot of laughter when we all get back together! I met my dear friend of 50 years, Marguerite Tully ’76, at Sacred Heart.” A treasured constant for Patricia is the “Viator Family.” Lydon’s family has had someone attending, teaching or otherwise involved with Sacred Heart or Saint Viator every year, except one, since 1969.
“It was an interesting time. The nuns (Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary) had just turned the school over to the Archdiocese. Things were a bit chaotic as the “My cousin Maureen new administration took McDonnell Reeves ’85 over. A modular schedul- Patricia Lydon’s 1976 senior yearbook photo and her today. and I went to Sacred ing system was used and Heart. My three brothers, it felt like we had a lot of free time. It was a great learning experi- Fr. Dan ’73, Jack ’81, and Steve ’82, and three cousins, Mark Mcence about organizations in transition. It was also a transitional Donnell ’86, Matt McDonnell ’92, and Megan McDonnell Cahill and chaotic time in our culture. The Equal Rights Amendment ’94 all went to Saint Viator. Mark’s four children, (featured on was being debated in state legislatures. The Vietnam War ended this issue’s cover) Miles ’16, Payton ’19, Bryce ’20, and Rowan in our junior year. In our senior year, we celebrated the United ’22, have all gone through Saint Viator as well. You can’t shake States Bicentennial.” us!” She speaks about Sacred Heart of Mary being a great place for young women to find their own voices, largely due to the faculty and staff. “Our many wonderful, devoted teachers and counselors guided and challenged us, Dorothy Jurs, Cheri Neri, Pat Philbin ’65, Judy Amberg, Sally Griffith, Jeanne Sattler, and many others. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Riggs for teaching me to sew. Cheri Neri advised me in my college choice, and I will always be grateful for her guidance.”
“I’m grateful to Saint Viator for incorporating Sacred Heart of Mary into the school. Whenever I go for meetings or events, I love seeing the Lady of the Moon statue that had been in the Sacred Heart courtyard near the school entrance.” n
Lydon went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in finance at Georgetown and her MBA at Yale University. After working in motion picture production as an assistant director and location manager for over eight years, Patricia found herself applying to a program called the MBA Enterprise Corps, which placed newly graduated MBAs in developing economies to assist their growth. Lydon got to work in Poland for a year. After returning from Poland, she took a job as director of finance for a boutique law firm, Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose, Ltd in 1998 and has been working there ever since. Patricia has donated her time sitting on the Finance Committee at Saint Viator for many years now, but finds time for other pursuits such as genealogy, quilting, and travel. While Patricia does not miss the gym uniforms they had to wear back in the day, she enjoys reconnecting with friends from Sacred Heart who live in the area and who have come back to the northwest suburbs. “We recall making movies, the Spirit of 1976, our Junior Ring ceremony, and a sit-in (but no one remembers why we did it)!
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Above: “Sophomore Officers” in Moonshadows 1974 yearbook: Dorothy Strobl [Jurs]-faculty advisor (front row), Marguerite Tully, Patricia Lydon, and Donna Becco.
ALION FOR LIFE | Commencement Recap
Commencement 2022 “117 million, 776 thousand, 800 seconds.” According to Class of 2022 Valedictorian Christopher Rapala, son of Bryan Rapala ’79, that’s how much time passed between his graduation day speech and their freshman orientation all the way back in August 2018. “We’ve had lots of shared experiences as a Saint Viator community,” he said. “All those moments—whether in the classroom or online—have transformed every one of us in some way.” Throughout his speech that sunny Sunday morning at the beautiful Arlington International Race Course, Christopher encouraged his classmates to reflect on how much they’ve changed throughout those nearly 120 million seconds and on how they plan to, in turn, change the world they set out to encounter. “The lessons we’ve learned, and the ways we’ve changed, have the power to profoundly impact others,” he said. “Your presence here at Saint Viator and your future—wherever you will be—will change the world.” Recipients of the school’s most prestigious awards, the Andrew Johnstone Award and the Christopher Erdmann Award, were also celebrated. Michael Schumacher was recognized for his leadership skills with the Andrew Johnstone Award, and Emma Ziebka, daughter of Bridget Liszka Ziebka ’91, was selected as the senior who best exemplifies the mission, vision, values and is the living spirit of Saint Viator High School, with the Christopher Erdmann Award. In all, 224 seniors graduated, including 19 international students. At last count, they combined to draw $34+ million in scholarship offers, with 27 students committed to collegiate athletics. Graduates now head to 105 different colleges and universities, including Stanford, Vanderbilt, and Northwestern. We also thank the alumni parents who paid us the highest compliment of trusting us to partner with them in the education of their sons and daughters. In addition to those featured in the photos to the left, other legacy graduates and parents include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Ricky Anesi, son of Rick Anesi ’79 Cameron Augustine, son of Amy Valenti Augustine-Hohman ’86 Thomas and Michael Austing, sons of Kelly Howland Austing ’90 Charles Bullock, son of Bradley Bullock ’90 Aidan Callero, son of Maureen Flood Callero ’95 Chase Carroll, son of Stephen Carroll ’90 Danny Crawford, son of Julie Brehm Crawford ’81 Mikey DiMucci, son of Michael DiMucci ’94 Lucas Doland, son of Desiree DiFiore Doland ’88 Joseph Giuliani, son of Gianna Cinefro Giuliani ’94 Katherine Hayes, daughter of Sean Hayes ’91 Mary Grace Hegberg, daughter of Thomas ’86 and Joan Schoessling Hegberg ’86 Sean Kenney, son of John Kenney ’83 Alex Konopka, son of Pete ’93 and Ella Magdziak Konopka ’93 John Lewis, son of Libby Bowes Lewis ’94 Alex Madaras, son of Kathleen Egan Madaras ’83 Rowan McDonnell, son of Mark McDonnell ’86 Colleen Murphy, daughter of Matt ’88 and Julie Enright Murphy ’88 Andrew O’Brien, son of Thomas O’Brien ’81 Dominic Pastika, son of James Pastika ’78 Stella Raftery, daughter of Patrick ’93 and Nikki Baer Raftery ’94 Christopher Rapala, son of Bryan Rapala ’79 Dennis Ratzki, son of Joseph Ratzki ’91 Benjamin Rygiel, son of Ron Rygiel ’87 Sidney Stygar, daughter of Edward ’88 and Sheila Stygar ’89 Rory Whetstone, daughter of Kerry Paulsen ’91 Sofia Yonkus, daughter of Andrew ’92 and Maria Cinefro Yonkus ’92 Emma and Ryan Ziebka, daughter and son of Bridget Liszka Ziebka ’91
From top: Michael Schumacher and Emma Ziebka with their respective awards; Owen Politzki with his mother Stacey Romanowski Politzki ’89 and brother Ryan Politzki ’20; Ryan Regan (son of the late Dave ’86) with his mother Karen Farrell Regan ’86; Jack Denten with his parents Patti Anderson ’86 and Steve Denten ’86.
LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Q | Leadership Update AALION &A
Saint Viator Welcomes New Principal Jon Baffico In April, Saint Viator High School announced the hiring of Jon P. Baffico as the school’s new principal for the 2022-23 school year. Baffico has served in the same role at St. Patrick High School in Chicago for the past nine years. “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jon Baffico to the Saint Viator community,” said school President Fr. Daniel Lydon, C.S.V. ’73. “He was the clear choice of our selection committee from among all of the exceptional candidates we interviewed.” Baffico replaced Principal Karen Love who has since moved with her family to the west coast. “Karen served us well for the past five years,” said Fr. Lydon. “She left the school in good shape so that Jon can immediately focus on expanding the academic groundwork established by Karen and our entire staff and administration. I know that because of his years of experience, Jon will move our academic program to new heights.” Baffico received his BS in Mathematics Education from Indiana University and an MA in School Leadership from Concordia University. In addition to his leadership at St. Patrick, Baffico was an assistant principal at Algonquin Middle School in Algonquin, a school board member in Oak Grove School District 68, and a member of the school board for St. Francis de Sales in Lake Zurich. “I am honored to accept this position at Saint Viator, knowing their unyielding commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and preparing students to transform the world around them,” Baffico said. “The students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni have built a tremendous reputation over the past 60 years and I will continue to move their mission forward as principal.”
A Fond Farewell to Principal Karen Love
During his tenure as principal, St. Patrick added a number of new courses to their curriculum, introduced both STEAM and INCubator programs, implemented Professional Learning Communities, increased building security, developed and implemented their first two strategic plans, and expanded faith-formation opportunities for students. Prior to moving into administrative leadership roles Baffico was a math teacher at Carmel High School in Mundelein where he also served as head varsity coach for boys basketball and both boys and girls volleyball. He currently is a member of the board of directors for the Illinois High School Association. “We have a number of key initiatives already in motion for the future of Saint Viator High School, and I expect Jon to help us formalize and enhance those plans as we get to work. I know he will be a tremendous asset to our community,” said Fr. Lydon. Baffico resides in Libertyville with his wife Tiffani and their three children Ella (17), Hailey (15), and Michaelene (12).
Under Karen’s leadership, we greatly enhanced our curriculum through additional courses added as well as refinement of existing courses. Karen and Assistant Principal Mike Field (now Dr. Mike Field) helped attract a number of new faculty members and nurtured the pursuit of higher academic standards in all departments. Karen and her team led our school through several accreditation efforts, furthering our reputation as a school where tradition and innovation meet. We must also recognize the monumental task Karen faced in leading our community through the COVID pandemic. Very few schools anywhere can claim the success that we experienced in providing the highest standards of both safety and commitment to academics.
As we welcome Jon Baffico as the new principal at Saint Viator High School, we also recognize the exceptional achievements of Karen Love during the past five years. Karen and her husband are moving to the San Diego area to enjoy warmer weather and better proximity to their new grandchildren.
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We know that Karen’s impact will be felt for years to come as recent graduating classes go on to excel in college and careers, and future classes benefit from the programs put in place during her tenure. Each of us are grateful for the leadership and commitment Karen displayed and wish her and her family all the best in their future endeavors.
ALION FOR LIFE | Career Day Recap Business Spotlight
Alumni Career Day Highlights the Power of Connections
On Friday, May 27, the Counseling Department and Alumni Relations Office hosted a Career Day for current freshman, sophomore, and junior students. Prior to the event, students were able to browse the titles and resumes of the speakers and select two informative presentations to attend. Over 29 alumni and friends of Saint Viator presented in the classrooms in a variety of fields, including nursing, engineering, public relations, law enforcement, finance, armed services, education, non-profit, sports, and more. “Considering your future career at the ages of 15, 16, and 17 can be very overwhelming,” said Alumni Relations Manager Krystal Harris ’15. “This event will continue to be a great way to expose current students to a variety of careers that are related to their interests and connect them with people who can guide them on the right path.”
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“I really appreciate this opportunity as it is helping me prepare for my future already, and I can start taking classes to succeed in the future right now,” said Emilia Radlinski ’24. One way for students to continue preparing for their future is connecting with over 100+ mentors through the College & Career Connection program (CCC). Cade Faulkner ’23 echoed Radlinski saying, “This day was very useful and gave me a great amount of knowledge towards my future. This day needs to happen more often.” For more information about Saint Viator High School’s Career Day event, visit saintviator.com/student-life/career-day. To present at the next Career Day or networking event, email kharris@saintviator.com.
ALION FOR LIFE | Alumni News
Former Faculty and Staff
Where Are They Now? BR. JOHN EUSTICE, C.S.V. Years at Saint Viator: 2001-2002, 2006-2009, 2013-2017, 2019-2021 Campus Ministry Vice President of Viatorian Identity & Mission
FAVORITE SAINT VIATOR MEMORY: I loved ministering in Campus Ministry! Some of the most memorable experiences for me were creatively planning the all school liturgies with students from the campus ministry team. It was amazing to see the well-oiled machine of student-run Masses. One of my proudest moments was when Bishop George Rassas came to preside. A student and I, with Fr. Corey Brost, C.S.V. met him at the main entrance. Bishop asked Fr. Corey for the outline for the Mass. Fr. Corey turned to me and asked for the outline. I turned to the student who met with him. This is an example of how Viatorians engage young people in the life of the Church to become leaders. Every time I witnessed a transformation of a student because they experienced God through a service trip or a retreat (too many times to list) was memorable.
THE IMPACT WORKING AT SAINT VIATOR HAD ON ME: During all of my four assignments, I found it extremely important to accompany young people on service outings that directly served those who are on the margins of society. The impact on the students came when we could theologically reflect on where Christ was in the experience and look at the possibilities of eradicating the root causes of society that made that service necessary.
WHAT MADE SAINT VIATOR UNIQUE: The deep sense of family among students and adults and the sense of being faith leaders. Walking with students and leaders through the many Quest and Kairos retreats, that assisted young people to acknowledge the importance of honesty with self, deepening a
Your Legacy Can Change a Life How would it feel knowing that you can be an incredible support to Saint Viator High School with no impact on your current lifestyle or your family’s financial security? How would you like to transform the lives of young adults with the gift of a Saint Viator education? Please visit saintviator.plannedgiving.org to learn more about planned gifts - why they are an advantaged way to support Saint Viator High School, and how you would receive tax benefits from different vehicles. Please contact Tom Ramsden, Vice President of Development, at (224) 625-1286 or tramsden@saintviator.com with any questions.
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relationship with others, and venturing out on a friendship with God, helped me to see the face of Christ through so many young people. I continue to pray for all graduates that they may continue to forge a relationship with Christ.
TOWN YOU CURRENTLY RESIDE IN: Bourbonnais, IL
WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW: Currently, I am studying at Catholic Theological Union and preparing to become a priest. The many encounters with Saint Viator students have been part of this emerging call from God into my life.
MESSAGE FOR FORMER COLLEAGUES AND STUDENTS: God has an invitation for you every single day. Keep asking God to understand that invitation and to have the courage to answer it. If you, or anyone you know would be a good Viatorian brother or priest, please let them know and reach out to me at vocations@ viatorians.com. Connect with Br. John by email at jeustice@viatorians.com. Read more Former Faculty and Staff Profiles at alumniconnect. saintviator.com.
Historic Year for Saint Viator Athletics Celebrated at Million Dollar Classic
Athletic Director Jason Kuffel ’99 (far right) is joined by Wilson Starr ’17 (third from left), Bill Sanford, Cole Kmet ’17, Brett Kay ’09, and members of the Saint Viator Varsity Boys Golf Team at the event’s Out Drive a Lion Contest.
Saint Viator athletics had a lot to be proud of after the 2021-22 school year, and there was no better place to celebrate than the 27th annual Million Dollar Classic. Held on Monday, June 13, at The Club at Wynstone, this year’s outing hosted more than 100 golfers for a world-class round followed by dinner and a brief program. Highlights of the MDC program included special recognition of outgoing baseball coach, Michael Manno ’94, and remarks shared by outstanding student athlete and young alumnus, Michael Schumacher ’22. Every year, Million Dollar Classic serves as the largest fundraiser to benefit Saint Viator student-athletes and athletic programs. In the past several years, the goal has been to support the whole student — mind, body, and spirit. With this special event in 2022, we launched the campaign to build out a wellness bar and gathering space on the
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first floor of school to provide not only a sense of community, but a quick and convenient spot for nutritious food options. The space will be named after Saint Viator’s late longtime Building and Grounds Director, and steadfast MDC attendee, Mr. Steve Burks. For more information on the Million Dollar Classic, or to learn more about supporting the health of Saint Viator student-athletes, and Burks Place, please contact Kristen Daniels, Sr. Director of Development, at kdaniels@saintviator.com. Special thanks to the 2022 Million Dollar Classic supporters and sponsors, including Dan and JoAnn Murphy and family, Idealease, Inc., the Clerics of St. Viator, Nicholas & Associates, C. Starr Properties, Quest Food Management Services, Inc, Motor Werks Auto Group, and all of this year’s attendees.
LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Class | Class Class Notes Notes AALION Notes
Class Notes Class of 1965
Classes of 1986 & 2016
Classmates Mark Condon and his wife Barb, along with Chuck Heinrich and his wife Martha, began a Danube River cruise in May in Budapest, Hungary. Along the journey, they visited Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia, and Passau and Munich, Germany, while on their way to Oberammergau, Germany to experience the Passion Play.
Stephen Hegarty ’16 graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marquette University this past spring. He is pictured above with Mary Beth Krebs Geiser ’86, who served as his final clinical instructor before he completed school, at his graduation ceremony.
Class of 1970
Members of the Class of 1970 enjoyed some golf in Barrington in June before their upcoming reunion in September.
Class of 1975 Supervising Nurse for the Village of Arlington Heights Mary Joyce Sterrenberg was recognized for her work in the community with vaccine distribution, contact tracing, and additional measures taken to protect residents and employees from COVID-19.
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Class of 1991 Caroline Avell Starr was honored as Woman of the Year by JOURNEYS | The Road Home this past April. Since 2016, Caroline has served on their advisory board and currently serves as co-president of the Saint Viator High School Booster Club and as a member of the Saint Viator Board of Trustees. She is also a Eucharistic minister at St. James Church in Arlington Heights. Additionally, Caroline and the C Starr Team were recognized in Crain’s Chicago Business in April as Notable 2022 Residential Real Estate Brokers: Teams.
Classes of 1992 & 1994
Class of 2014 Dr. Christopher J. Meehan, DVM graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May. Chris will be joining a small animal practice in Aiken, South Carolina where he will make his new home along with his better half, Dr. Sharlee J. Lowe, DVM and their cat, Jackson.
Class of 2019 Alumni reunited at the Athletic Booster Club’s annual Trivia Night event in April.
Class of 2000
Marcus Lannie graduated in three years from Purdue University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and minors in Economics and Intercultural Communications. Marcus was named a Purdue University College of Engineering Fellow and was also awarded the 2022 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Student Section Leadership Gold Medal. In the fall, Marcus will be attending University of California, Berkeley where he will pursue a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering & Product Design on the Fung Excellence Scholarship.
Class of 2020
Annie Reifsnyder and Dr. Hilary Haseley were wed in May in Prescott, Arizona. Fellow Saint Viator alumnae Katie Birger ’99 and Meghan Birger ’03 were in attendance. Annie, Hillary, and their daughter Baylor live in Scottsdale. She currently serves as the executive director of Arizona Serve of Prescott College, and is pursuing her doctorate in experiential service learning.
Class of 2011 After completing her master’s degree, Diana Vanstedum now works as a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist for RUSH Pediatrics, specializing in autism and use of augmentative and alternative communication. She is starting a PhD program in the field. Recently engaged after five years and starting wedding planning, her family also adopted pets, Lucky, Sugar, and Bailey.
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Jack Cambria is studying biochemistry at Montana State University and works as a wrangler at Mountain Sky Ranch.
Jack Law rode in the Little 500 at Indiana University this past spring.
LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Staff | In Memoriam AALION Listing
In Memoriam God, grant eternal rest to these members of the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary community. ALUMNI Dale Bennett ’65, May 12, 2022. Husband of Sharon; brother of Debie ’68 and Deena ’70 Bennett. Wally T. Biela ’65, April 8, 2022. Son of the late Waldemar and the late Virginia Biela; father of Kelly O’Kelly and Tyler Biela. Eileen Griffin Cosgriff ’77, May 18, 2022. Daughter of the late Mary Jane and the late William D. Griffin Jr.; wife of John Cosgriff; sister of Mary Jane Griffin, OSF ’68, William D. Griffin ’69, Julie Griffin Murphy ’70, Joan Griffin McCabe ’74, and John, Patrick, Kathryn, the late Matthew J. ’73 (Marianne Holmes’77), and the late Margaret Mary Griffin. Mary Jane Wardwell Eigel ’72, September 12, 2021. Daughter of the late Dorothy and the late Henry Wardwell; wife of Dan Eigel ’72; mother of Maggie, Jamie, and Catherine. Tammy F. Gallivan ’85, November 18, 2021. Daughter of Nelda Rosado and the late Lawrence Vanda; mother of Sharon Waggoner; sister of Michelle Mann, Charlene Rougher, and Robert Gallivan. Kathleen M. Harty ’71, April 20, 2022. Daughter of the late John and the late Edna Harty; sister of Maureen ’78, Kevin ’65, the late Michael ’70, the late John Patrick ’75, and the late Brendan Harty. David P. Huber ’77, June 7, 2022. Son of the late John Jr. and the late Mary Huber; brother of John III ’74 and Michael ’75 Huber; uncle of Danielle, Kyle, and Scott. Richard “Rick” A. Kaiser III ’76, March 12, 2022. Son of the late Joan and the late Dick Kaiser; husband of Judith Kaiser; father of Richard and Caroline Kaiser; brother of Gordon ’77 and Chris Kaiser, and Ann Ballinger. Nathaniel (Nat) Leighton Jr. ’68, March 17, 2022. Son of the late Nathaniel Sr. and the late Sally Leighton; husband of Ellen Madden Leighton ’69; father of Erin Fisher, Megan Sheridan and Kate Leighton; brother of seven including Mary Susan ’65 and Sally ’71 Leighton; brother-in-law of Maureen Madden Loughery ’71. Robert Joseph McCabe ’81, March 13, 2022. Son of the late James L. and the late Mary McCabe; father of Robert, Margaret, and Elizabeth McCabe; brother of James E. McCabe ’77, Ann McCabe Tovella ’78, Carol Zielinski, John McCabe, Jeanne Borta, and Marilyn McCabe.
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David M. McDermid ’78, February 6, 2021. Son of the late Norman and the late Marilyn McDermid; father of Brad and Kelly; brother of Therese Cofrin, Nancy Filatre, Kathy Kotel, Dawn McDermid, and the late Thomas McDermid ’79. Wendy Marie Chapleau Suhling ’82, April 18, 2022. Daughter of Maryann Buehler and the late Robert Chapleau; wife of John Suhling; mother of Casandra Henningfeld.
Marion LaMantia, May 9, 2022. Wife of the late John LaMantia; mother of Victor ’75 (Kathryn Augustin ’75), Mark ’76, Robert J. ’81 and Michael ’87; grandmother of Angeline Collier ’02 (Sean ’04) and Nicholas ’04. Richard “Dick” Lappin, May 1, 2022. Husband of Mimi Hopkinson Lappin ’75, former Saint Viator Board of Trustees member; father of Sean ’03, Reid ’05, Jill, Rick, and Nicole.
Diane Adamick, May 20, 2022. Wife of Ken Adamick; mother of Bryan ’97 and David ’99 Adamick.
Dr. E. Patrick Lira, March 13, 2022. Husband of Dawn and the late Walterine “Terry” Lira; father of Martin Lira ’86, Nina Lira Jacobson ’88, Rena Lira, Petrina Simms, and the late Patrick; step-father of Mark Taubensee and Amy Campbell.
Claudia Aleliunas, June 12, 2022. Wife of Hank; mother of Michael ’97 and Rachel ’01.
Edward A. Louis, June 12, 2022. Husband of Margaret Phyllis Louis; father of Tracy Louis Infante ’84.
Annette Anderson, May 29, 2022. Wife of the late Roy E. Anderson; mother of Jeanine Anderson Majewski ’78, Elizabeth Anderson ’80, and the late Philip Anderson.
Joseph F. Luby, May 12, 2022. Husband of Frances Cecilia Luby; father of Joseph Luby Jr., ’83, Michele Luby Long ’84, Janet Luby Bonnell ’85, and James Luby ’88.
Terry Baranowski, April 23, 2022. Husband of Carol; father of Beth ’90 and the late David Baranowski.
Marilyn “Mikki” Jane Majus, May 28, 2022. Wife of the late Stephen Majus; mother of Marc ’73 and Steven Majus, and Melinda Vetter.
Anthony “Tony” Cuttone, December 30, 2021. Husband of Penny Cuttone; father of Lenny Cuttone ’89 and Gina Miller.
Marilynn Martini, April 7, 2022. Wife of the late Peter Martini; mother of Terry Martini ’76, Cathleen Reilly, Mary Ellen Zamost, and Robert Martini.
William A. Dahlborn, Jr., May 3, 2022. Husband of Marianne; father of Diane Dahlborn Kordecki ’78 (Michael Kordecki ’77), and William III ’80, James ’81, and Thomas ’84 Dahlborn.
Alfred Mayer, April 5, 2022. Husband of Barbara, longtime Saint Viator German teacher; father of Michael ’80, Rosemarie, Elizabeth, and Tom; grandfather of Amber Holst ’97.
June M. Dunlavy, April 29, 2022. Wife of the late Thomas Dunlavy; mother of Susan Dunlavy Chaplinski ’67, James Dunlavy ’70 (Mary Pearson Dunlavy ’72), Patricia Dunlavy Billuni ’73, Timothy Dunlavy ’76 (Michelle Mallek Dunlavy ’76), Thomas Dunlavy, and Mary Ellen Dunlavy.
Thomas L. Mulso, May 5, 2022. Husband of Nancy Mulso; father of Ron ’87, Stacey Gierut, Colleen Mulso, Misty Standring, Lily Barrera, Zach and Bryce.
FAMILY
Lawrence Joseph Faul, April 24, 2022. Husband of Judy Cwick-Faul ’71; father of Kathy ’76, Danny ’77, Richie ’79, Meg ’80, Maureen ’82, Timmy ’83, Molly ’96, Lauren, and the late Lizzy ’88. William (Mike) K. Flood, June 4, 2022. Husband of Carole; father of William ’79, Brian ’80, Kevin, Michele Mele, Michael Flood, Deborah DiIorio, Christopher Flood, David Flood, Coleen Geary; grandfather of Kylene ’22 and Bridget ’22.
Megan Munroe, June 9, 2022. Daughter of Jim and the late Terese; brother of Steven ’11, Resident District Manager at Quest Food Management Services which serves Saint Viator High School, and Tim and Matt. Jay Thomas Parsons, May 22, 2022. Husband of Margaret; father of James ’88 and Steven. Shirley C. Powers, January 24, 2022. Wife of the late Donald Powers; mother of Douglas ’66, Patrick ’74, and Kevin ’77 Powers, and Nancy Lenihan and the late Michael Powers ’70.
Patrick Michael Gray, February 26, 2022. Son of Diane and the late Brian Gray; brother of Bridget ’97 and Devin Gray.
John L. Raymond, March 14, 2022. Husband of Kathleen Raymond; father of Jason ’92, Saint Viator girls’ varsity basketball coach, and Mark ’94 Raymond.
Barbara Joy Kellen, November 7, 2021. Wife of the late John Kellen; mother of Susan Kellen Wood ’82, and Michelle ’85, Vince ’78, and Neil ’79 Kellen, and Laura Osterman and Sharon Tsuffis.
Carl J. Saccomando, May 16, 2022. Husband of Carol; father of Kristin Saccomando ’85 and Michael Saccomando ’87, Saint Viator recruitment director in the 90’s.
Rita T. Kordecki, January 7, 2022 and Raymond E. Kordecki, April 7, 2022; parents of Michael ’77 (Diane Dahlborn Kordecki ’78), Susan, John, Daniel, David, Maria, and Janet.
Kathryn Alice Schafer, March 31, 2022. Wife of the late Robert Schafer; mother of Robert ’66, Mary ’68 - assistant producer of Saint Viator musicals, Kathryn Schafer Costello ’70 - longtime
Grandparents’ Mass 2022 Saint Viator theater teacher and musical director, James ’73, and Ann Schafer Knipp ’74; grandmother of Jack ’99, Robert ’02, Paul ’05, and Philip ’09 Costello, and David Schafer ’96. Margaret Mary Stephen, May 25, 2022. Wife of the late George; mother of Barb Stephen Rapp ’66, Jim ’68, Janet ’69, George, Debbie, Bob, Bill, Ken, Jeff, Maggie, and Susan B. Stephen, and Maryl Weskamp and Ginny Stephen-Hirshberg. Dolores Teichen, April 4, 2022. Wife of the late Robert Teichen; mother of Janet Teichen McHugh ’68 (Thomas McHugh ’68), Karen Teichen Dean ’71, and Linda Teichen Kelly ’73. Cheryl Tricoci, May 2, 2022. Wife of Mario Tricoci; mother of Mario ’89 and Michael ’92 Tricoci. Cornelia M. “Neeley” Van Der Bosch, March 17, 2022. Wife of the late Thomas “Casey” Van Der Bosch; mother of Gretchen ’81, Thomas ’83 (Erin Raftery ’83), Amy Burnidge, Jennifer Lyons, and Joseph. David Euell Webster, March 9, 2022. Husband of Debbie VanRooyan Webster ’84; father of David II, Michael, Danielle, and Sara Webster. Gottfried Winter, April 24, 2022. Husband of Karin Winter; father of Mark Winter ’83 and the late Elain Winter Boburka ’82; grandfather of Hanna ’13 and Nicholas ’14 Winter. Germaine Wleklinski, May 24, 2022. Wife of the late Robert Wleklinski; mother of Gary ’70 and Craig ’72 Wleklinski.
FACULTY Marie Smith, June 7, 2022. Mother of Greg Smith, member of Saint Viator Building and Grounds Crew since 1989; grandmother of Kyra Smith ’18.
May they go on living in their family and friends, in our hearts and minds, our courage and our conscience.
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Thank you to the 150+ grandparents who joined us in April for the return of our traditional in-person Grandparents’ Mass! We cherish the opportunity to witness the love shared between our students and their family. Thank you for the blessing that you are to the Saint Viator Community. Save the date for our next Grandparents’/Thanksgiving Mass this fall— Friday, November 18.
Saint Viator High School 1213 East Oakton Street Arlington Heights, IL 60004 www.saintviator.com (847) 392-4050
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