Focus
Alumni Magazine - Fall 2018/Winter 2019
Pictured here with President, Dr. Betsy Ackerson, Todd Shaw ‘89 and Mike Armbrust ‘88 lead another successful Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing.
In This Issue:
Liz Vonderhaar ‘09 on Ob Hill
Aerospace Engineers Alumni Updates Reunion & Fall Event Recaps Distinguished Alumni Alumna in the Antarctic Start Up Day Faculty Spotlight
Advancement Office Dr. Betsy Ackerson President
Michelle Clegg
Vice President of Advancement
Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser Alumni Relations Manager
Maureen Isphording Director of Admissions
Megan Jamen
Communications Manager
Peg Kopec
Institutional Advancement Associate
James Quinn
Institutional Advancement Information Manager
Debbie Quirk
Director of Special Events and Parent Relations
Beth Erazmus ‘89 Wiborg
Director of the International Student Program Assistant Admissions
After winning the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest last spring with the local VFW Post 8081 in Warrenville, Jack Armbrust’s ’18 artwork was entered into the state competition, where he earned second place honors. According to the VFW Auxiliary website (https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/ young-american-creative-patriotic-art-contest/2018-department-winners/), this contest is intended to inspire students to discover their own love and loyalty for their country while expressing it through their art. This was the first time Post 8081 participated in the contest, and they were very proud Jack represented them so well. Jack was encouraged to participate in the contest by his teacher, Mrs. Holinger. His artwork captures the “internal struggle that soldiers deal with even after they have returned from war.” He chose teacher John Schuller as the model for his soldier’s face saying, “I hoped to draw a face that seemed weathered but wise, and Mr. Schuller immediately came to mind. He has been a friend and mentor throughout my high school experience. He has fought many battles in his personal life, but also walks alongside each and every student who walks through his door in their daily battles. He has so much experience and wisdom that using him as a model just seemed right.”
Stay Connected:
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St. Francis High School Wheaton IL
SFHS Alum
@SFHS_Spartans
@SfhsAlumAssoc
sfhsspartans St. Francis High School Wheaton, IL sfhscollegeprep.org
Letter from the
President Dear St. Francis High School Alumni, Winter greetings! We just celebrated Catholic Schools Week (with three days of intermission due to the polar vortex) and it’s a fitting time to reflect on the impact of a St. Francis High School education. And that impact is vast and profound—touching the heart, mind, and body. As it was in your day, it remains true today that our teachers continue to challenge, encourage, and inspire students to reach farther, aim higher, and dream even bigger dreams. Retreats, masses, and special celebrations continue to refresh and enkindle the flame of the love of God within our hearts and souls. Coaches motivate our student athletes to excel in sports and in life. In short, St. Francis High School is doing what it does best—preparing students in spirit, mind, and body for all that lies ahead. In this issue of Focus, we find our alumni on the frontiers—whether that be 50,000 feet up in the air, in Antartica, or navigating outer space! And we find alumni much closer to home as well— speaking in the classroom, volunteering as coaches, mentoring students on the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. We also hope to find and see many of you as we continue our Alumni Regional Event Tour around the country. I, and others from the school, will be visiting Southern California (late Feb); Naples (March); Pheonix/Scottsdale (March); Chicago (June); and Milwaukee (July). And if your plans have you close to Wheaton on March 9, please consider joining us for the “SFHS Road Trip” (see the last page). Please spread the word, join us at a regional event, and stay in touch—we look forward to seeing you soon! God bless you,
Dr. Betsy V. Ackerson President
FALL 2018/WINTER 2019
Alumni Careers
Soaring
“Innovation is the fulfillment of dreams, so dream big...” current students – don’t be afraid. Tim Farmer ’83 advised students not to be intimidated by the work environment and encouraged them to find mentors who will help them to influence their career environments with new energy. Similarly, Dan Reczek ‘14 wants current students to know that failure is important to success, and they shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes. Tim Farmer ‘83, recently retired from Boeing after 31 years, visited the Intro to Engineering class in September. He shared his career stories, beginning with a fun video compilation which showcased his pride for the work he’s done and the missions his work helped to accomplish.
Above - Tim visiting the Intro to Engineering class at SFHS and presenting details about his career with Boeing; Below - images of the C-17 in action In the fall, science teacher Tom Juliano invited alumni to connect with his Intro to Engineering students. They had the opportunity to contact and interview the alumni who were working in the field of engineering. Two of those alumni, while separated by 31 years in age, shared their stories and both had the same message for
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Tim earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. He began his career with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis as a Guidance and Controls Engineer on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 fighter program. Later, Boeing acquired the company and in 1990, Tim moved to Long Beach, CA where he joined the program for the C-17 Globemaster III, a transport aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas for the U.S. Air Force. Tim said his main job over the years
has been working on the flight control system. It’s a complex system that employs people across the globe in the areas of manufacturing, parts, suppliers, etc. Most planes today are designed to fly using computers, but the C-17’s original design was mechanical. Tim and his colleagues – electrical, structural, mechanical, and software engineers – were tasked with reconfiguring that design and had to build a hardware interface for electrical signals as well as the software that translates pilot commands with aircraft sensor data to provide the desired aircraft response. The C-17 is used on missions to “transport supplies, equipment or personnel evacuation of the wounded; evacuate citizens suffering from natural disasters; and repatriate our fallen heroes,” explained Tim. “When I visit the various USAF and Foreign Air Force customers, the interaction with the men and women who fly and maintain the C-17 really re-enforces the importance of the work that we do…you walk away inspired to do more after hearing their stories and knowing you played a small piece in providing them the capability to complete their mission and return home safely.” He told of one story about how a U.S. Air Force pilot flew to North Korea to receive and repatriate the remains of
the servicemen killed in the Korean War. Because of the importance of this mission, Tim said there is a real sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that the reliability of their work on the aircraft helped to make it all possible. Tim has been back to visit St. Francis High School a few times since he graduated and said that while there have been structural changes to the school, the same commitment to family and a college preparatory education remain the same. Looking back, Tim has a renewed appreciation for the time he spent at St. Francis High School and the sacrifice his parents made for him to have the opportunity to attend and graduate from the school. Tim feels SFHS provided both an educational and a religious foundation for his career. He recalled the passion and energy with which Mrs. Sue (Koenitz) Harsa taught and inspired her students, and he noted that his closest friends are those he made in high school. Tim always had a love for aviation and was fortunate for the opportunities he had in high school which led him to achieve his dreams. Tim added, “It is amazing to see the speed and advances in technology, with a new emphasis on space exploration, new materials and technology in aircraft design, or the advancement of remote systems that are shaping how we drive or fly. As he transitions to his retirement, Tim reflected back and realized how quickly time has passed. He stressed that everyone should enjoy themselves and take advantage of as many opportunities as they can, but he also reminded of the importance to give back. He and his wife, Joanna, plan to take time traveling and sightseeing, but they also want to spend time with their families and giving back to their community. Tim told the Intro to Engineering class that it was rare that he was with the
Picture - Dan with BillikenOne, the rocket he and his team designed for their senior design project at Saint Louis University and for which he was project manager same company for his entire career. He had varying jobs with Boeing so there was always something new to keep him interested, but the new challenge in the workforce is balancing the old and new employees and keeping them all engaged and supported. He told the students to be persistent. “Innovation is a fulfillment of dreams, so dream big and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.” Dan Reczek ’14 is one who can affirm that following dreams results in great rewards. Just eight years ago, he had no idea that he would be among a select few people in the world who are certified NASA flight controllers, for one of the “finest flight operations teams on and off the planet.” Yet, he is currently employed as an engineer working for Odyssey Space Research, LLC, at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
In this role, he is training for his certification as a flight controller and instructor. Specifically, Dan will be supporting NASA’s Orion Crew Vehicle and Space Launch System (SLS) Launch Vehicle as a propulsion flight controller, who controls the valves and thrusters that change the trajectory or rotation of the spacecraft, as well as an instructor who will teach these skills to new propulsion team members and astronauts who will fly the spacecraft. Dan credited SFHS teachers saying they were instrumental in “encouraging and nourishing [his] childhood love and aptitude for math and science” and in preparing him for a STEM career in college. Even when he shied away from pursing a future in anything that required calculus, Mrs. Joan Kustak helped to redirect him by helping him (continued on page 6)
to become comfortable with the APlevel math and enabling him to see his potential. He said she was the best math teacher he ever had!
Chris Kraft, but missions resulting in accidents – Apollo One, Challenger and Columbia – have taught them they must use history to learn and improve.
Dan advises current students that “STEM and math careers are not easy but that it’s some of the most rewarding work one can do – building robots and rockets, and literally learning how the world works.”
“When we think of the giants of our given fields, it is very easy to think of them as infallible figures,” said Dan. “It is vital to remember that they made their own share of mistakes...NASA had a spectacular string of failures in their first attempts at launching rockets in the late 50’s…but they learned from every single failure until they got it right.”
One of his passions in high school was music. Dan played guitar in the music ensemble and sang in the choir during his senior year. While he doesn’t feel those directly relate to his career in science, he admits they taught him the skills to conquer stage fright and nerves, which he thinks will be a great skill as he communicates and broadcasts over live loops to the Flight Control Team in Mission Control. Interestingly, Dan never mentioned history and history is one subject for which there is a large focus at NASA. Dan said there is a saying, “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” that he has heard time and again in training. History is very important in his role. NASA still uses many of the original Mission Control systems founded by
In the fall, shortly before moving to Texas to begin his exciting career with NASA, Dan visited St. Francis High School and was surprised at how quickly things changed, and positively so – new teachers, new facilities, and the new Microsoft one-to-one teaching structure. Most surprising was Dean Burke moving back to the classroom and assuming his new name – Mr. Burke! Time moves forward and things change, but history grounds us all. Dan said St. Francis High School prepared him well, but he knows there are better times, amazing opportunities, extraordinary people and unanticipated adventures awaiting him.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants.”
Above Top - Dan in front of the Christopher C. Kraft, Jr. Mission Control Center; Above Middle - Dan in front of the entrance to NASA’s Mission Control Center when he was there in August for his interview; Above Bottom - Tim with SFHS science teacher, Tom Juliano; Right Tim playing ice hockey with his Boeing colleagues
Did you know...
...that there are 14 students, from 4 different countries (Russia, Spain, China, Vietnam) in the International Student Program?
Calendar
February 8 Spartan Olympics 20 Band Solo & Ensemble Concert 21 Vocal Solo & Ensemble Concert
School
News
March 7 Acoustic Night (Music Ensemble) 9 Ensuring Our Future Auction 14-17 Spring Musical April 4 Class of 2023 Welcome Night 11 Jazz Showcase & Swing Night 13 One Acts 15-18 Fine Arts Festival 24 Spring Band Concert 28 Spring Choral Concert
Our students recently produced a video answering the question. “ What would the world be like without SFHS teachers?” Please watch it here.
May 10 Rock Show 19 Graduation 20 Spirit & Pride Golf Outing
Alumni, how would you answer this question? Please help us with a feature for the next issue of Focus by sending your answers to mjamen@ sfhscollegeprep.org.
Academic Excellence... Three students in the Class of 2019 earned perfect scores on their ACTs, and 44 seniors (24% of the class) were named Illinois State Scholars.
Congratulations to the faculty and staff who recently celebrated significant anniversaries at SFHS: Peg Kopec - 45 years; Mary Pratscher ‘93 and John Schuller - 20 years; Ken Burke, Kate Doane ‘95, Bob Mamminga and Sheri Meadows - 15 years; Matt Gorski ‘04, Colleen Kaplan, Christine Paolella ‘08 and Jenny Stiefel - 5 years.
Alumni
Updates 1971
Richard Doria competed in the World Archery Master’s Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland in August and earned two silver medals and one bronze medal.
“I couldn’t be more excited to share this CRAZY FUN day with you all,” said Chris, SFHS Business Office Associate. “I hope you will all watch and share our JOY! It was truly one of my favorite family memories EVER!”
In October, he went to South Africa to compete in the International Field Archery Association’s World Championship along with 400 other shooters and finished in fourth place, missing the bronze medal by just 12 points. He said the African sun was hot and it hadn’t rained. The grass was dry and the dirt was a fine powder that they breathed in causing many, including himself to suffer from allergies. But, while out on the ranges, he saw wildebest, elands, blue monkeys, zebras, ostrich and giraffes. Richard is a member of the USA Team, an honor given to him by the National Field Archery Association. The next IFAA championships will be in 2020 in Estonia, and he plans to compete.
Matt MacPhail ‘88 produced and edited an anniversary video for the 30th Anniversary of the State Champion Girls’ Volleyball team. Here is a link to view that video. Thanks Matt for a fun trip down memory lane!
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Michael McLaughlin and wife Kaitlyn welcomed their son Danny in October 2018.
2010
Survey says...! Last summer, the Konchel Family - John (Dad), Chris (Mom), Nick ‘11, Taylor ‘16 and Tori ‘18 - auditioned for and won a spot on long-time game show “Family Feud.” Their taping is scheduled to air on February 13 or 20 (dates are subject to change). Find a local viewing station by going to http://familyfeud.com/ there is a place to enter your zip code. Check your local listings for the correct air time.
2007
Did you know... ...that St. Francis didn’t write the “Prayer of St. Francis?” It can be traced back to the early 1900s in France to a magazine titled La Clochette. While it’s author remains anonymous, it is suspected that magazine founder Father Esther Bouquerel actually wrote the prayer.
Carolyn Griffith was chosen as Chicago’s Best Baker by Chicago’s Best Baker Contest. Her grandma’s rohlíčky recipe took 3rd place in the international category, and her raspberry white chocolate cake took 2nd in the cake category. Joseph Mordell was recognized in July during the 2018 Honors Day Ceremony at Southern Illinois University. Jim Olofson was the celebrant at the all-school liturgy at SFHS in August. The chalice in this photo was gifted to Jim. It was former principal Fr. Francis McDonald’s chalice.
2016
Jonathan Burke was named the Summit League’s Athlete of the Week. He is the starting goalkeeper for Eastern University Soccer. Serena Harnack released her first single entitled “Fine” (by Serena Z) in October on Spotify. Check it out at cdbaby - an independent online music store.
2017
Correction: The alumni legacy photo in the Spring/Summer issue of Focus incorrectly listed and misidentified alumna Juliana Atten ‘85 Maller. We apologize for the error.
2017
Katie Webb traveled to Africa in December and through the GIVE (Growth International Volunteer Excursions) organization served as a volunteer in Zanzibar, Tanzania. For eight days, Katie taught English to local women, as well as performed physical labor as they constructed rooms at the school in which she taught. She also went on a two-day safari in the African Savannah, but said it wasn’t even the highlight of her trip. She would have rathered stayed another two days in Tanzania. Katie learned a lot about her own footprint while there. She saw so much pollution, specifically mentioning water bottles in the ocean. In America, Katie said we take for granted that we have garbage pick up and we never think about it again. On this trip, she learned that we have a responsibility to create less garbage and to take it with us and never leave it behind.
Our Condolences
In Memoriam
Alumni
Susan Mary Bombenger ‘64 Eagan sister of James Bombenger ‘65 Patrica Long ‘66 Ennes sister of Mary Long ‘67 Antonelli James E. Knox ‘81 brother of Kathleen Knox ‘85 Mary Jane Mathieu ‘62 Monaghan sister of Susie Mathieu ‘61 Stedman Jim Pilcher ‘75 brother of Kathleen Pilcher ‘78, Keith Pilcher ‘78 Mik Scriba ‘65 brother of Joseph Scriba ‘64 Marjorie Hanson ‘60 Sheehan mother of Kevin Sheehan ‘88, Tom Sheehan ‘97 and Brian Sheehan ‘96; sister of the late Walter Hanson ‘66 Nicole Thomas ‘01 sister of James Thomas ‘99. Edward Marciniak ‘05, Frederick Marciniak ‘10 Patty Piekarczyk ‘89 Wielgos sister of Joseph Piekarczyk ‘87
Faculty
Glen Hartweck - teacher and coach 1967-1972
Family
Jamuna Josephine Alexander grandmother of Naveen Breen ‘16 James Cronin father of Joseph Cronin ‘75, Kevin Cronin ‘76, Laura Cronin ‘77 Sandberg, Sheila Cronin ‘77 Lucia, Patricia Cronin ‘78 Kraft, Monica Cronin ‘80 Carstens, Mary Cronin ‘81 Spatz, and Donna Cronin ‘83 Piemonte; grandfather of Dayna Cronin ‘95 Sweders, Katie Cronin ‘98 Acheson, Luke Cronin ‘05, Daniel Cronin ‘06, Ryan Spatz ‘10, Anna Spatz ‘12, Lillian Spatz ‘14, Joseph Spatz ‘17 and Calvin Piemonte ‘21 Michael P. Cunningham husband of Ellyn Kennedy ‘66 Cunningham Vivianna Sophia Lane sister of Lucy Lane ‘17 Julianne J. Neptune mother of John Dricoll ‘89, Deirdre Driscoll ‘90 Roemer, Jennie Driscoll ‘92 Ward and Stephen Driscoll ‘04
Memorial Cards may be purchased in memory of a loved one and
all donations benefit our students. Names are written in our Book of Intents and are remembered in the prayers of the St. Francis High School family during our weekly prayer services and monthly liturgies. Please call 630-668-5800 x 1129 for more information. sfhscollegeprep.org/condolences for obituaries/to share an obituary
Alumni
Weddings Kelly (Coleman) & Ryan Rosmonowski ‘07, July 2018
Lindsay (Rostan) ‘06 & AJ Palash ‘06, May 2017
Kaitlyn (Tomaino) & Michael McLaughlin ‘07, August 2017
Katie (Fager) ‘09 & Nick Doell, March 2018
Kimberly (Neary) ‘09 & Nick Daegle, April 2018
Send Us Your Wedding Photos Grace (Polzin) ‘09 & Rocco Motto, December 2018
(Photos courtesy of Fr. Jim Murphy, St. Isidore; and others)
Alumni
Weddings Danielle (Wink) & Aaron Metzler ‘08, July 2017
Samantha (Morgeston) & Nick Mostardo ‘05 September 2017
Anna (Swigert) & Kyle Healy ‘09, June 2017
Nora (Quirk) ‘09 & Tim Courtney, July, 2018
Ashley (Rogala) & Krystian Link ‘07, November 2018 Suzie (Morgan) ‘06 & Jeff Pahlke, September 2017
WCS Photography
Alumni
Reunions
1968 Wonen’s Brunch Approximately 108 alumni and spouses attended the 50th reunion for the Class of 1968. Over the three-day weekend schedule in September, the alumni golfed in two golf outings, (one with the Alumni Association), had some get-togethers including a Women’s Brunch, attended the Homecoming game, celebrated over
drinks at Cooper’s Corner Restaurant (just west of school on Roosevelt Rd), went on a school tour, took a class photo and a football photo, and came together at a three-hour social with appetizers, at the Sheraton Lisle/ Naperville. Thank you to the Class of 1968 for their class gift to the St. Francis Fund.
ll
a b t o o F 8 196
“J
ust got back from my 50th reunion...Boy everyone changed in looks (age will do that to all of us), but personality stays with everyone! Spent a lot of time with one of my best friends, Leo Hudetz, and we laughed half the three days!” Ed McIntyre (Facebook)
Did you know...
Alumni
...that the Alumni Association debuted their new Alumni Registration Fee Waiver? Any child of an alum will have their registration fee waived when enrolling as a freshman. In fact, 15 legacy students from the incoming Class of 2023 have already benefitted from this new perk!
Reunions
Last fall, six classes planned and gathered at their respective reunions. There were opportunities available for all alumni to tour the St. Francis High School facilites, led by long-time teacher Peg Kopec, and see all the growth, progress and changes since they graduated. The Classes of 1983 (not pictured) and 1993 each celebrated at Pal Joey’s. The Classes of 1997 and 1998 held a joint reunion in the Slant Dome. The Class of 2003 met at FunWay in Batavia. All alumni are invited and encouraged to attend their reunions and make time to reconnect with old friends, as well as visit St. Francis High School. It’s always great to have the alumni back on campus!
Right - Alumni from the 2008 State Football Championship returned for their 10-year reunion in October. Below - Girls’ Volleyball Alumni and their parents returned for and were honored at a game last fall.
‘03
‘93
‘97 ‘98
Start planning your reunion today! Select your planning committee and schedule meetings to discuss your ideas Decide on a date and location for your event Contact the Alumni Relations Office to discuss your plans and to request a class list with contact information Send invitations to your event Gather and update contact info and share with SFHS Consider making a class gift to SFHS
Thank You Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Abernathy Mr. Todd Shaw ‘89 U.S. Metals - Jamie Green ‘89 R.C. Coil Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc. Cassidy Tire & Service Mrs. Marge Cleveland Midwest Dental Implantology Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Mary Beth Stanicek ‘72 Theiss Mr. & Mrs. Salvador Alcantara Grainger Industrial Supply Armbrust Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Dr. & Mrs. Dennis J. Beck ‘74 Brad Drendel Builders, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Ken & Valerie Serwach ‘81 Bruggeman Buck Services, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Martin Gfesser Kammes Auto & Truck Repair, Inc. Mako Mold Corp. Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC Pal Joey’s Restaurant & Lounge Roger’s Flooring Schumann Financial Trinity H Mr. Pat Virtue ‘69 & Mrs. Carol Lee ‘69 Virtue WG Technologies, INC Wheaton Sport Center 221 Creations Mr. & Mrs. Stuart & Bobbie Bergeron ‘62 Aschauer Mrs. Patrice Murray ‘80 Balocca Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Brundage Mr. & Mrs. John Buchholz ‘77 Mrs. Jeanne Carroll Mr. Daniel Chrisman ‘67 Connor & Gallagher Benefit Services CustomPromos.com Ms. Shannon Pierce ‘84 Denny Mr. Ken Dillenkoffer ‘98 & Ms. Heather Hughes Ms. Debbie Duncan-Russo Lt. Colonel Larry Feltes & Dr. Ann Hartlage Feltes High Standard Services Mr. & Mrs. Phil & Maribeth Treis ‘77 Kerr Mr. & Mrs. Scott Kilrea Mr. Pete Kinsella ‘75 Mr. J.P. LaCour Mr. Scott Metzler Dr. & Mrs. David Mochel Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Mueller NEXT Yoga Mr. & Mrs. David Olson Mr. Nick Patti ‘91 Ramrod Distributors Inc Mr. & Mrs. Tim & Julie Sawko ‘82 Read Ms. Kelsey Robinson ‘10 Rodriguez Law Offices Rumpel Shirt Skin Inc Mark Sawko ‘75 Mr. Michael Schmidt ‘70 Mr. & Mrs. Carl Segneri SFHS Fathers’ Club SFHS Mothers’ Club Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates Wally’s Printing / Roskuszka & Sons Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Blank Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Maggie Boler Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Carlson Mr. Joe Champagne ‘89 & Mrs. Kathleen Holper ‘89 Champagne Mr. & Mrs. Brett & Susan Jania ‘04 Foley Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Gerdeman ‘87 Mr. & Mrs. Gerry & Linda Griffith Mr. Jay Olaszek ‘91 Ms. Christine Paolella ‘08 Ms. Mary Pratscher ‘93 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rego Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Yvonne Scholl Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Sitley St. Joan of Arc St. Michael Parish School Mr. John Weber Mr. Brian Wiborg ‘90 & Mrs. Beth Erazmus ‘89 Wiborg
We had a fantastic fall with alumni at our various events and we can’t wait to see so many more of you at events this spring. The Alumni Reunion Weekend began with a sold-out Golf Outing at Cantigny Golf Club which helped to raise more than $45,000 for the Alumni Association Scholarships! To date, this has been our most successful outing and I want to thank Peg Kopec, event co-chairs Mike Armbrust ’88 and Todd Shaw ’89, and all who sponsored, golfed and volunteered for this event. At the Homecoming Game, alumni gathered under our new Alumni Tent and cheered our Spartans onto victory! Classes celebrated their reunions and the 201819 Distinguished Alumni were awarded. Look for more on these events in this issue. In November, we came together at the Alumni Memorial mass to celebrate the lives of all those we have lost. Our president, Dr. Betsy Ackerson, has determined that this is the year of the alumni, and we have exciting regional events planned. In December, we hosted the first of these gatherings in Chicago at The Vig. While it was a small crowd, we hope to grow these events and provide opportunities across the country for you to reconnect. In February, representatives will travel to California, and in March to Florida and Arizona, to host gatherings of Spartans who live out-of-state. And, this summer we hope to arrange a Spartan day at a Cubs game in Milwaukee. Please be sure to check back for more information and contact me if you’re interested in hosting a local event. We’re also working on a new website platform that will allow our alumni to connect, network, job search and plan events together. Stay tuned for the exciting details. You’re welcome to stop in and visit the school. We’d love to have you join us at any alumni events! There are also many opportunities for you to volunteer on the Alumni Association Board and on event committees. Please contact me today for more information. You help make the Spartan difference!
Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser
Alumni Relations Manager 630-668-5800 x1202 bfischesseer@sfhscollegeprep.org
Did you know
...that to date Association has a in scholarships to
Upcoming
Events
Save-the-Dates Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at the following Alumni-sponsored events. Please note that all Alumni Association Board meetings are held in the Rosmonowski Family Media Room (Door #1 on the west side of the building) at 6:30 p.m. February 13 Alumni Association Board Meeting 24 Southern California Alumni Reception March TBA Naples, Florida Alumni Reception 28 Scottsdale, Arizona Alumni Reception
Senior Institute Day, April 25 The Alumni Association provides breakfast for seniors, following the Transition Day Mass in April. Traditionally, we like to have two young alumni come back to speak to the seniors about the impact SFHS had on their college experience and in beginning their careers. Please contact Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser if you are willing and available to represent the Alumni Association and speak to seniors at breakfast.
w...
e the Alumni awarded $225,000 33 students?
Stay tuned for more information, dates and details regarding the 30th Annual Alumni Golf Outing - our newly named Spartan Classic - and Alumni Reunion Weekend.
April 10 25
Alumni Association Board Meeting Senior Transition Day/Breakfast
May 19
Graduation & Legacy Photo
June 10 TBA
Alumni Association Board Meeting Chicago Alumni Reception
July TBA
Milwaukee Alumni Reception
“Sometimes
you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
- Dr. Seuss
Distinguished
Alumni
On Sunday, September 30, the Alumni Association awarded two 2018 Distinguished Alumni. The award recipients are outstanding alumni who have maintained high standards of excellence. They were nominated by their peers and are graduates who have taken their St. Francis High School education and Christian values on paths to make significant contributions in their fields of endeavor and/or have achieved outstanding accomplishments, honors or recognition on behalf of their communities and country. Becky Van Eekeren ’82 Metzler was awarded posthumously for her dedication and service to the Catholic communities of which she was involved, including St. John Newmann and St. Patrick in St. Charles, as well as St. Francis High School. She also devoted her time to global causes, including the Appalachian Service Project Mission, through which she helped families in need. As a student at St. Francis High School, Becky participated in theatre, chorus and the pom pom squad. As a parent and an alumna, she spent endless hours volunteering at the school and serving on the Alumni Association Board. She chaired committees, donated to events and always welcomed alumni back to the school. Whether hosting events in her home, fundraising for various causes, assisting in classrooms, chaperoning field trips or volunteering for school auctions, Becky was always involved and always serving others. In April 2016, Becky lost her eight-year battle with cancer. She and her husband Scott were married for 30 years and lived in St. Charles with their five children Aaron ’08, David ’09, Michael ’11, Matthew ’13 and Amanda ’16.
Top - Becky’s family accepted her award on her behalf. Pictured from L to R are her children Aaron ’08, David ’09, Michael ’11, Matthew ’13, Amanda ’16, her husband, Scott Metzler, and Fr. Jim Murphy; Bottom - Becky’s family and friends who attended the Distinguished Alumni Mass to celebrate her award
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Joe Buchholz ’82, President of the Alumni Association said, “Becky was so giving, and so humble. She was respected by many, and she touched so many hearts. She was so deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Award, as she represented all this award is about. She loved St. Francis High School during the years she attended and as an alumna, and she was proud to send her children here. Becky enjoyed and loved life and her family, and she did so while always smiling, even through the difficult times.”
Distinguished
Alumni
Mark Sawko ’75 was one of four siblings to attend St. Francis High School. As a student, he played tennis and basketball and was also a member of the Swing Singers and on the yearbook staff. After graduating, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Regis University and is currently the vice president of R.C. Coil Spring Manufacturing Company, Inc., a family-owned business. Mark received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his continued dedication as a coach and committee member, as well as an event participant and supporter. Previously, Mark served for seven years as the assistant basketball coach for the sophomore and freshman boys’ basketball and junior varsity tennis teams. Currently, he is the head coach for the varsity boys’ tennis and junior varsity girls’ tennis teams. In addition to attending and sponsoring many fundraising and friend-raising events for the school, Mark also serves as the representative of his graduating class and has led efforts to raise $17,000 in scholarships, as well as an annual Class of 1975 donation to the Sr. Barbaralie Library Fund, named for their favorite teacher. “While I am very appreciative of the recognition that this award brings, I have to say that my service to St. Francis High School is done from the heart, to the school I love, and not for the recognition,” said Mark. “My memories of St. Francis High School, the education that I received and the relationships that have been built over the years, all far outweigh any service that that I could give back to this school.”
Above Right - Mark with his family and friends at the Distinguished Alumni Mass; Above - Mark and Sr. Barbaralie Stiefermann, OSF in the library with her book “Creative Sexuality: Memoirs of a Catholic Nun;” Right - Mark with his award Left - Distinguished Alumni who returned for the Mass from L to R - Ray Reid ‘61, Bobbi Bergeron ‘62 Aschauer, Rich Haase ‘61, Maureen Carroll ‘62 Boyle, Joe Buchholz ‘84, Bill Melka ‘78, Andy Kammes ‘68, Scott Metzler, Mark Sawko ‘75, Greg Webb ‘67, Pat Virtue ‘69, Carol Lee ‘69 Virtue, Maribeth Treis ‘77 Kerr, Lynn Mirabella ‘80
Alumna in the
Antarctic
“At some point, I think I just started going for any job I caught wind of that interested me, regardless of whether or not I was qualified,” said Liz Vonderhaar ’09 when referring to her history of having some unique jobs. Included in this list are jobs as an apple picker, a science assistant, on a schooner, in the suburbs of Madrid, in the mountains of New Zealand, and now, her current position as Communications Operator for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) at McMurdo Station on Ross Island in Antarctica. In this role, Liz is responsible for keeping tabs on the people and teams who venture out into the cold and ice to conduct research. Whether they leave McMurdo Station to maintain camps or equipment, or are part of the National Science Foundation teams that are working in the field, they schedule a
“Waking up
in Antarctica every day continues to blow my mind. This place is as beautiful as it is stark.”
check-in time with Liz and her team (MacOps). If they miss that check-in, an emergency response team is activated to investigate and search for answers. This is Liz’s first season working with the four-person MacOps team which provides a twenty-four hour life-line to anyone who leaves the base. She began her work in mid-October and plans to stay through the end of February when the sun will set and a new crew will arrive to work through the austral winter season in darkness. Liz’s time at McMurdo Station has been during the five months of daylight. She hopes to return next October to complete at least one more season of work as she said she “loves it there.” “Liz has always been curious and willing to try new things,” said Nancy Vonderhaar, Liz’s mom. “Tom [Liz’s dad] and I are happy to see her continuing to explore the world, even if it takes her to Antarctica! The whole family enjoys following her adventures and participating vicariously.” Liz jokingly said, “I provide further evidence for Newton’s first law of motion: a Liz at rest will stay at rest, and a Liz in motion will stay in motion.”
Top Left - One of a few penguins and 100 se Society mountain range, about 50 miles Landscape; Top Right - Liz, in the blue and races on base (the 10K and marathon are t at the terminal to fly to the ice; Bottom Mi ice (Liz thinks they’re adorable and for fun she hums a theme song she made up for t underwater pictures, but she took this from - a chimney used for undersea viewing She feels that her unique and exciting jobs have put her life in motion, noting that she has met the right people who have provided her with opportunities through their teaching and guidance, and she has been willing to learn. Liz remembered her time at SFHS, calling herself lucky, as she felt that the teachers really cared about students and helped them to be confident and different. When asked what advice she would give to current students, Liz said, “I would give them the same advice I give myself: always say yes. A friend asks you to travel with them? Make the time, do it. You’ve found a great job, but you have to move to a new city? Make the push, do it! Someone asks you to help bake some cookies? Do it, and eat a little batter.” This advice has provided Liz with
Alumna in the
Antarctic
eals on the sea ice that extends to the Royal away from base; Top Middle - Antarctica white onesie, running the 5K, one of three the other two); Bottom Left - Liz and friend iddle - a Pisten Bully used to drive over the likes to spy on them with her binoculars as them); Bottom Right - Liz doesn’t have any m the inside of the Observation (Ob) Tube opportunities to jump outside of her comfort zone and have experiences for which she might only have dreamed. Because of her willingness to say “yes” and her parents’ trust in her explorations, Liz said she has made mistakes, but has a renewed confidence which has grown from the experience of uncomfortable situations. Liz also credited SFHS for providing the foundation of connections to support her through her life’s journey. “Last year, I got to see three different SFHS friends in New Zealand, the Philippines, and South Korea. You can make 50 friends a year, but it sure feels good to have such familiar friends in strange places.” Liz can add a new SFHS connection to her list. While communicating back and forth with her for this story, it was discovered that Tim Farmer (featured on pp. 4-6) helped to engineer the C-17
Far Left - Liz at MacOps; Left Once Liz accompanied two divers (one who has been doing this for 40 years) when they drilled a dive hole to collect fish samples; Right - Liz in her Big Red and bunny boots (Extreme Cold Weather issue gear)
planes that supply the fresh produce and package mail to McMurdo Base! Known as “Operation Deep Freeze,” according to Tim, “the USAF flies these missions with their C-17’s from Joint Base Lewis McChord..in Tacoma, Washington…to Christchurch, New Zealand where it picks up the supplies before it heads to the South Pole.” Liz said they “LIVE” for the C-17’s. Right now the wheeled runway is too “melty,” as she puts it, preventing it from being operational, and therefore not allowing the C-17 delivery, and forcing them to continue waiting for package mail and fresh produce - a ripe apple or crispy green lettuce. Tim said he will be reaching out to Liz and hopes she will send him photos and stories that he can share with his Boeing buddies, “Seeing it in action is always a big thrill at the office.” “It’s a small world down here,” said Liz, “I reckon Tim and I have less than two degrees of separation.”
Above: One of the C-17 missions in which the USAF transported a group of scientists to McMurdo Station the largest of the three US Antarctic research facilies and the largest on the continent. Below: McMurdo Station sign during one of the final sunsets in the spring; McMurdo Station is situated on Ross Island at the edge of Antarctica where the seasonal sea ice meets the permanent ice shelf
Alumni
Opportunities
In November, the Business and Technology department – Joe Duffy, Jeff Gerdeman ’87, Dan Holleman, Raeann Huhn, Paul Johnson, Colleen Kaplan and Mike Lynch ’77 - in partnership with the Oak Brook Microsoft Store, hosted a Start-Up Day for students enrolled in business classes. During the 12-hour “Shark Tank-type” event, students were divided into teams and were tasked with drafting and presenting a business plan - market research, pricing, distribution
and advertising - for a new product, app or service, to a panel of judges. The students were guided through four working sessions from finding their big ideas, to building their business plans and writing their elevator pitches. In between sessions, the students heard from various guest speakers. The morning “kick-off” speakers were Rich Schulz ’89 and Jason Schulz ’93 who spoke about their journey toward owning their own real estate company, The J. Rich Company. With no formal education or background in real estate, Jason found he had an interest in the field. He met a woman who was a tenant representative for a brokerage firm and asked her for a job. She didn’t hire him, but referred him to someone who could. He began as a receptionist as a way to get his foot in the door, and ended up working for the same company for 15 years. Rich joined the same company sometime later. When they decided they wanted the freedom of owning their own company, they realized they would have to make some sacrifices. Revenue wouldn’t be pouring in immediately so they made sure they had six months of savings to back them. They eliminated luxuries and found a cheap office space with only necessary furnishings. They made lists of all their contacts from previous jobs and all the parents
Above Top - Jason Schulz ‘93, The J. Rich Company; Above Bottom - Rich Schulz ‘89, The J. Rich Company; Right Michelle Kapustka, of SendaBall. com; Far Right - two samples of Michelle Kapustka’s product
SFHS President, Dr. Betsy Ackerson welcomed stuednts at breakfast while telling them to “be creative and have fun.” and friends they knew. They began a LinkedIn page. They networked. This month, they will celebrate nine years in business. Even though they are bigger and successful, they admit they still utilize some of the same cost efficient practices they initiated when they started the business. Both Jason and Rich said it takes doing it all to make it work. Everyone has to start at the beginning. “Don’t be afraid to pour the coffee and buy the paper towels,” said Jason. “Do anything it takes.” The brothers left the students with a few words of advice: expect setbacks, but wake the next day and keep going; present yourselves as best as you can; always dress for the job you want, not the one you have; follow up; and network. “If someone says you can’t do something, let that fuel your fire,” said Rich. The mid-day speaker was Michelle Kapustka, co-founder and co-owner of SendaBall.com. She encouraged
Business & Technology Department
Start-Up Day
Trent Anderson ‘08, Youtech & Associates, Inc.
students to “look around and find something already being used and repurpose it.” After one of Michelle’s friends had a baby, she purchased a typical kickball from the store and wrote “Have a Ball with your Baby” on it. She wrote her friend’s address right on the ball, stamped it and brought it to the post office. They accepted it, she mailed it, and her friend received it! Michelle did this a few more times for different people on different occasions. People started to see the balls and request them, and she began to fill orders. She received a call from Shark Tank because someone there received one. She sent a ball every month to Oprah for two years and one day they called her to do a show on mom entrepreneurs. Good Morning America placed an order for 6,000 balls. Michelle was persistent and it paid off. She encouraged the students to find something they enjoy doing and to be themselves, and stressed that “Simple ideas can be big ideas.”
The final speaker of the day was Trent Anderson ’08 with YouTech Associates, Inc. Trent spoke about his untraditional journey through school, jumping from one school to the next and changing his major along the way. He started off in law school and hated it and eventually received his MBA. He interned and worked for various jobs and employers, mostly as a lobbyist or in marketing. For five or more years, he didn’t feel like work was fun.
One day he decided to make a list on Twitter of all the people he wanted to work for and eventually was contacted by one of them. He quit his paying job and went to work for commission only. He said this was the best decision he made. He is now the Vice President of Development at that same company. Trent went to law school to work with professional athletes, but admits it’s “cooler” working with mid-sized business owners and helping them with their website, social media and SEOs. He wanted to be where the technology was, and now he’s building mobile apps. Trent said, “If you’re passionate about what you do, you can do anything.” While he added that he was fortunate to live with his parents and have no debt or loans throughout his time changing schools and jobs, he was also able to follow his dreams and it paid off.
Left - Student participants; Right - Winning Team from L to R (with Microsoft reps and the judges) BethAnn Morgese ‘20, Caroline Zimmer ‘19, Sam Audy ‘19, Michael Cushing ‘20, Chloe Hawkins ‘19. Not Pictured - Taylor Gerard ‘19 was recognized as the MVP of the Start-Up Day event.
He told the students that they are learning how to learn here at St. Francis High School and that nothing is possible without these teachers, and the foundations they are helping to build. One thing all of these entrepreneurs had in common was that they continued to make connections. They all reminded the students that in order to find success, they needed to network and expand their horizons. They even encouraged the students to go home, create LinkedIn accounts, and connect with them immediately. After dinner, student teams presented their business plans to a panel of judges, including Joe Buchholz ’84, Buck Services, Inc. and Gabe Cardona, Oak Brook Microsoft Store. The winning team presented “Living & Fulfilling” - a travel agency targeting recent high school and college grads, as well as young professionals, and looking to help their customers stop living vicariously through Instagram and instead pursue their travel dreams. They provided options for “bucket list” vacations, as well as opportunities for customers to work remotely in a new country or volunteer their time with local charities in the destination city as a means to afford the opportunities. The members of their team were each presented with Bluetooth speakers as a prize from our Microsoft partners.
Vice President of
Institutional Advancement
WCS Photograpy
Make An Impact
Since 1957, St. Francis High School’s mission has been made possible by the generous support of our alumni, parents and friends. You can make an extraordinary impact by investing in the Spartans of today and tomorrow. Annual gifts are our most critical source of philanthropic support because they fund virtually everything on campus. Your annual gift will have a direct impact on our students, our faculty and our mission. It will enable qualified students in need of financial aid to attend St. Francis High School, provide the necessary means for what it actually costs to educate a SFHS student, and enable us to maintain our facilities and meet unanticipated expenses throughout the year. To find out more, please visit www.sfhscollegeprep.org/page/support-us.
IL Tax Credit Scholarship Program PAY YOUR TAXES WHILE
HELPING SFHS STUDENTS
For example, a friend of St. Francis High School estimates his State of Illinois tax liability as $7,500.*
SCENARIO ONE
• Pay $10,000 to the State of Illinois through the Illinois tax credit program • Receive a $7,500 IL state tax credit (75%)
SFHS STUDENT RECEIVES:
$9,500
(Your full contribution minus a 5% administrative fee) *no federal tax deduction
SCENARIO TWO
• Pay $7,500 to the State of Illinois
SFHS STUDENT RECEIVES:
$0
For more information contact: Michelle Clegg, Vice President of Advancement mclegg@sfhscollegeprep.org (630) 668-5800x1220 or visit: www.sfhscollegeprep.org/taxcredit
Donate Today Planned Giving – Make St. Francis High School a part of your legacy! One of the most transformational ways to support the students and teachers at St. Francis High School is through making a planned gift. By creating a lasting legacy with a charitable bequest to St. Francis High School today, you will shape the experience of our Spartans for generations to come. Planned gifts preserve what means most to you, while offering financial flexibility and giving you the option to change your mind at any time. If you have included St. Francis High School in your estate plans, please let us know. We would like to thank you for your generosity, make sure the purpose of your gift is understood by the school, and recognize you as a member of our Legacy Society. Or if you wish, your gift intentions can remain anonymous. To discuss a planned gift in more detail, please contact me at 630-6685800, x. 1220 or mclegg@sfhscollegeprep.org. Or visit our planned giving webpage at http://plannedgiving.sfhscollegeprep.org/. Thank you for your support of SFHS with your prayers, good works, and financial contributions. It really does make a difference.
*The above example is for illustrative purposes only. Please consult a tax professional as to your individual tax situation.
Michelle B. Clegg Vice President of Institutional Advancement www.sfhscollegeprep.org
Faculty
Spotlight
After posting the story to our social media accounts, alumni were quick to comment. Rachel Bonine ‘93 Diny‘s, “Favorite. Teacher. Ever,” sums up a number of responses. Many others offered their congratulations and said the honor was well deserved.
Congratulations to teacher Mike Harper for his recent recognition by the Daily Hearld as one of the Suburbs’ Top Teachers. In the December 10 issue of the DuPage newspaper, and in a full- and front-page story in the Neighbor section, reporter Marie Wilson showcased Mike and his entire 39-year teaching career here at St. Francis High School. She told of his “inquisitive style and flair for the narrative,” as well as noting his sense of humor and knack for sarcasm.
Nicholas Fagan ‘98 poked a little fun at Mike by adding, “I don’t remember much about US history. But for some reason, I do remember that Joliet is the City of Champions,” referring to Mike’s hometown. And, Matt MacPhail questioned whether “Mr. Harper still warns kids during lectures, that if the class becomes silent for a prolonged period of time, and you begin to hear the lights buzzing, it means we’re about to all be detonated into oblivion?” All kidding aside, Mike Harper is not only a great teacher in the classroom, he is willing to support St. Francis High School in any way he can.
SPARTAN EGG ROULETTE
Recently, Mike agreed to be paired up with a teacher who is deceased or retired, in his case it was Mr. George Craver, to encourage alumni to vote for their favorite teachers as they donated to our #GivingTuesday campaign. Not only did their “pairing” help to bring in the most votes, thus qualifying Mike to be a participant in our first ever Spartan Egg Roulette, but their votes brought in nearly $10,000 for our campaign! Peg Kopec and Mark Kolodziej were the next highest vote getters, so Peg Kopec was Mike’s opponent in the challenge, which we filmed LIVE on Facebook. Follow this link or the play button on the picture below to see that footage. Brenda Davis ‘89 Marcinkus commented on the video saying, “That was hilarious! I can’t believe how many of the teachers are still there from when I attended SFHS! What a wonderfully dedicated faculty!” Mike Harper truly is one-of-a kind!
Thank you to everyone who supported to our #GivingTuesday Campaign. We raised $30,265, to support our scholarship fund. We are very grateful to all who donated, liked and shared our social media posts, voted for our faculty, challenged us to earn more, and offered kind words and encouragement. In total, 39 alumni donated $12,430, which was more than a third of the total raised! Save the Date for the #GivingTuesday Campaign on December 3, 2019.
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