Emma Kwok couldn’t contain her joy at our May 27 graduation. Emma was presented with the Principal’s Leadership Award and is off to San Diego State University this fall. Turn to pages 6 and 7 for more graduation photos and to see where others from the Class of 2023 are headed to continue their studies.
Principal
Fr. Steve Kim
Director, Advancement
Lucy Lopez
Editor-in-Chief
Jim Muyo
Designer Katherine Hanover '14
Writer Christopher McKittrick
Photographers
Richard Fuoco
Michael Ho '24
Jim Muyo
Mission Statement
Saint Joseph Notre Dame, a Catholic parish high school, provides a dynamic and rigorous college preparatory education. Our faith-filled, diverse, and welcoming community embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ. We develop confident, open-minded, and effective leaders who are ready to live joyful lives of faith, scholarship, and service.
Vision Statement
SJND will continue to expand innovative pathways that enable students to learn, engage, serve, and live confidently in pursuit of opportunities to become their best selves.
Class Notes
Submit notes to Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving Vicki Bargagliotti at vbargagliotti@sjnd.org.
Send story ideas, suggestions, and letters to the editor to: jmuyo@sjnd.org.
Saint Joseph Notre Dame Update Magazine
1011 Chestnut Street
Alameda, CA 94501
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, SJND or the Oakland Diocese.
Summer 2023, Vol. 40, No. 1
© Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School
12
Our new principal seeks to build on the success of his predecessors and forge a new dawn for Saint Joseph Notre Dame.
6
COMMENCEMENT JOY
Class of 2023 members distinguished themselves with accolades and an abundance of scholarship support for their ongoing education.
8 A HALL OF FAME CAREER
Beloved Coach Don Lippi looks back on 50 years of coaching and the “victories” he says mean the most to him.
10 NEW COACHES EAGER
A familiar face steps in as the new boys basketball coach while a decorated newcomer will lead the girls team.
16 MR. HOLMSTEDT'S WAY
Math teacher and department chair Don Holmstedt set an example for his fellow teachers as he instilled confidence in his students to excel in the classroom and beyond.
18 A FOND FAREWELL
Outgoing Principal Julianne Guevara looks back on 17 years of dedicated service to SJND and talks about the one constant she faced — change.
20 MRS. ROD
From Notre Dame student to SJND legend, Mrs. Rod has done nearly everything a person can do for one school.
ON THE COVER
New SJND Principal Father Steve Kim visited campus several times before his July 1 start date because he couldn't wait to get started on his new job.As the 2022-2023 academic year came to a close, I found myself looking back on the last 17 years as I conclude my time at SJND. Our school has been molded by many people over decades of relentless hard work, dedication, creativity, love, and compassion for all who set foot on its campus. It is the people and the relationships that are cultivated and then cared for that makes our community so special. And it is that as well as being witness to the growth and achievement of our amazing students, that I will truly miss.
Throughout this school year, I witnessed countless mission moments. Time and time again I was touched when I experienced faculty spending time with students during office hours, bleachers full of screaming fans to help our teams push that much harder, students sharing their reflections during liturgies, and parents/guardians sharing how their child’s high school experience has been nothing but amazing.
All of the hustle and bustle of the school year came to an end with the tradition of our graduation ceremony and the anticipation of summer. When Mr. Tony Aiello (our former long-time principal) graced us with his words as our commencement speaker for the Class of 2023, I felt honored to have been a part of something so noble as the education of our students. The roles I have played over the years at SJND as coach, administrator, teacher, and confidant will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I offer my sincerest thanks to those who came before me and built the foundation of SJND, including leaders, students, families, alumni, and community supporters. Thanks, also, to my friends and colleagues who together led our school through the COVID pandemic – one of the most challenging times in history. How we were able to navigate through that so nimbly and so effectively remains one of the many wonders of my time here. For the recently graduated Class of 2023 and myself, this is the end of us being on 1011 Chestnut Street. We will always carry that Pilot pride and spirit wherever God’s plan leads us. It is a part of us. For our returning and future families, faculty, and staff, the future is bright with new beginnings and opportunities. There is so much to look forward to, and you are in good hands. I wish Fr. Steve Kim, our new principal, and the SJND community nothing but the best going forward. There are many more mission moments ahead for you to experience. As always, you will be in my heart and my prayers. Go, Pilots!
Peace, love, and hope,
Julianne Guevara, Principal
“ I offer my sincerest thanks to those who came before me and built the foundation of SJND, including leaders, students, families, alumni, and community supporters.”
GENDER 40 Female
55 Male ALUMNI 28 Siblings
RELIGION 43 Non-Catholic
95
3 Parents
3 Grandparents
PREVIOUS SCHOOL TYPES Catholic
59 Charter 10 Christian
* Data reflect those that chose to respond.
52 Catholic Class of
Filipino(a) (5)
Prefer not to say (5)
8
6 Private 12 Public
Southeast Asian/American (4)
East Asian (3)
Black/African American (2)
American Indian/Native American (2)
Middle Eastern (1)
Congratulations to Valerie Pham '24 for having her painting chosen to represent the 12th Congressional District and be hung in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. through the annual Congressional Institute Art Competition. Valerie's work, "Kitchen Chaos," depicts her family's Buddhist altar stand amidst a hectic kitchen scene, representative of the still and grounding role spiritual practices play in a fast-paced world. Her work was submitted through Congresswoman Barbara Lee's 12th District in Alameda.
Christopher Aria '08, associate attorney at Patricia Scott Law, APLC, has been named to the SJND Board of Trustees. Aria received his JD from Santa Clara University’s School of Law and his BA in English language and literature from UC Davis. He has devoted much of his personal time to supporting non-profits, serving as an ambassador, fundraiser, and event organizer for the Susan G. Komen "Rally for the Cure" program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the American Red Cross, respectively.
The first tennis player named to the SJND Athletic Hall of Fame, Aria competed at the Divison I level for UC Davis and was named one of the 500 best tennis players in the U.S. in 2015 by the U.S. Tennis Association.
"I feel honored to serve my alma mater as a member of the SJND Board of Trustees and give back to an institution that has given me so much," Aria says. "SJND instilled in me strong values, faith, and a great education. It is a part of who I am. I want to see the school continue to grow, flourish, and serve as a platform for students to succeed."
Congratulations to Miranda Massie '24, SJND's poet laureate for 2023-24. Miranda, who grew up in Alameda, adores the arts, including drawing, painting, theater, and poetry, and often takes inspiration from life on our suburban island on the outskirts of Oakland and San Francisco.
Miranda writes about the nature of art, faith, and personal struggle through depictions of the sandy beaches and beautiful city views of Ballena Island or through vivid descriptions of the creative process. An active member of the SJND community, Miranda has participated in multiple clubs and advocated for equity and inclusion via the Rainbow Coalition.
Welcome, New Pilot!
Carlos Alberto Sunderland touched down at 2:59 a.m. March 20 in Oakland, weighing in at 7.3 pounds, and was quickly issued the requisite Pilot gear. Born to English teacher Michael Sunderland and wife Carla Jasso '06, young Carlos projects to be in our Class of 2041.
STEM science teacher Mustafa Siddiqee has been named SJND’s new dean of academics. Siddiqee has been at SJND since February of 2020 and holds a BSc in Biomedical Engineering in Differential Equations from the Georgia Institute of Technology as well as a master of arts in teaching from Santa Clara University.
"Over the past four years at SJND I have worked closely with the dean of academics and other administrators to navigate the tumultuous waters of distance learning, hybrid learning, standards-based learning, and more, in the hopes of meeting the needs of our students," Siddiqee says. "During much of my administrative work I was often one of the few if not the sole voice of an active classroom teacher. When the position became open, I saw an opportunity to more wholly unite the administrative and faculty perspectives as we continue navigating these educational shifts," he says.
Can’t get enough SJND news? We have you covered. Check out our online Newsroom at www.sjnd.org/about/news for the latest SJND happenings.
Sylvie Karlstrand '25 (left) and Carrie Truong '25 recently competed in the California High School Speech and Debate Championships in Carlsbad, Calif. Both placed in the top 30 in Dramatic Interpretation and National Extemporaneous Speaking, respectively. Sylvie was named first alternate to the national championships. The SJND speech and debate team members had a great season and hope to continue the momentum next year.
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On May 27, we celebrated the graduation of 120 students at our 141st commencement at College of Alameda. Our diverse class amazed us for four years, much of which was disrupted by the pandemic. Still, their resilience and perseverance was evident by their accomplishments in and outside of the classroom.
With stirring speeches by outgoing Principal Julianne Guevara, retired long-time Principal Tony Aiello, a valedictory address by Sarah Lisanti, and music by SJND musicians and singers, we honored the Class of 2023 in typical SJND style. We wish all members of this year’s graduating class health, happiness, and a fruitful pursuit of continued education and learning wherever their journeys take them. Fly high, you Pilots!
Members of our Class of 2023 were accepted to an impressive array of colleges and universities. Included in the list are Ivy League schools Columbia University, Brown University, and Yale University, private schools such as Stanford University, Santa Clara University, Boston University, Villanova University, the United States Naval Academy, many schools in the UC system, and stellar community colleges known for facilitating transfers to four-year universities.
Not only are the destinations impressive, but members of the Class of 2023 were offered more than $9.1 million in scholarship money to pursue their studies. Truly, SJND graduates are in demand and sought after by some of the best universities in the country.
For the full list of the schools to which they were accepted, check our website at http://www. sjnd.org/admission/ acceptances2023
"The Class of 2023 is not creative, compassionate, and intelligent despite the difficulties that we have faced, but rather because of them. The collective experiences that we have shared throughout our time at SJND have enabled us to become more than a class. They have allowed us to become a community."-
SarahLisanti (left), Valedictorian
Don Lippi, long-time and beloved boys basketball coach at Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, announced his retirement in March.
Coach Lippi's contributions to SJND’s rich athletic history in his 23 years at the school are numerous and profound and they include four state championships.
A 2022 inductee to the California Coaches Hall of Fame with more than 900 wins by his teams at Bay Area high schools, Coach Lippi began his head coaching career at SJND in 1978. He then went on to work as an assistant coach at Stanford University before returning to high school coaching, first at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School in Vallejo before moving on to Skyline High School in Oakland and St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco.
Coach Lippi returned to SJND in 2004. That year, the Pilots won the California State Division IV championship. Under Coach Lippi, the Pilots also won state championships in 2011, 2014, and 2016. In all, Coach Lippi led seven teams to state championship games, six at SJND and one at Skyline.
He attributes his success on the court to his early experience coaching with his mentor Lyle Newcomer at Skyline College. "He showed me how to create a fast break, how to create intensity, but most importantly how to form a team and create a family," Coach Lippi said.
Despite all of the victories, Coach Lippi, 75, considers his greatest accomplishments to include the impact he had on his players off of the court.
"My proudest moments as coach are many, including when my former players become coaches, when my players start their families and I get to visit them, share
great memories, and get updated on their lives," Coach Lippi said.
"Two of my former players are helping to build low-to-moderate income housing for people in San Francisco," he said. "Another example is a documentary being produced by three former players about the discrepancy in education in our country. These stories are the real championships where I find my ultimate joy."
"I thank Coach Lippi for his many years of dedicated service and accomplishments, and I wish him well as he transitions into retirement and life's next adventure," said outgoing SJND Principal Julianne Guevara in an email to the SJND community announcing Coach Lippi's retirement. "Coach Lippi's impact on the lives of thousands of students is immeasurable. From the classroom to the court, he has modeled the meaning of family, commitment, faith, and love. It has been a blessing to know him, learn from him, and be part of the Pilot family because of him."
Though retiring from SJND, Coach Lippi isn't about to slow down. He plans to travel with his wife, Joanne, finish the book he's been writing, "What it is Like to Have 7,000 Children," follow the career of his son, Dominic, who is assistant men's basketball coach at California Baptist University, work out, referee CYO basketball, and spend more time with family, including his brother, Michael, who has Down syndrome. His daughter, Gabriela, will be married this fall and just concluded 10 years working at SJND.
"I try to live everyday to make everyday great for some student, player, coach, parent or stranger," Coach Lippi said. "God gave me a big heart and I want to share that with others."
Coach Lippi has shared that heart plenty already. Just last fall he and SJND players conducted a youth basketball camp, the proceeds of which went to support Smile Train, an organization that provides surgical procedures to children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
Coach Lippi was born in San Francisco and attended San Mateo Junior College, playing basketball there. He then served in the U.S. Army for three years and started a basketball team while serving in Vietnam. Upon completion of his Army service, he attended San Francisco State University and tried out for the basketball team.
"After day three of the tryout, the coach (Lyle Damon) pulled me over and said, 'You are too small for forward and too slow for guard, so we are not going to keep you, but you seem to have good knowledge of the game. Did you ever think about going into coaching?'
"I was not happy with that comment at the time," Coach Lippi said, "but it was the best thing anyone has ever said to me. I never played organized ball after that, but I coached for 50 years." Though he did not make the basketball team, he embarked on a coaching path that would lead to a level of accomplishment that propelled the Pilots to four state championships.
"I have been following Coach Lippi's success since his days at St. Ignatius Prep," said SJND Athletic Director John Bertken. "Everywhere he has gone he has established his program as one of the best in the Bay Area. It is truly fitting that he brought his career full circle and was able to retire at Saint Joseph Notre Dame where he has made such an impact on the Pilot community."
After a comprehensive search, SJND hired long-time varsity assistant and JV head coach Jon Musson '99 as its new coach. Musson is a familiar face to SJND having played basketball for the school before beginning his coaching career. "As a coach, it has been a privilege to watch the masterful motivation of Coach Lippi for the past 20 years," Musson said shortly after his hiring.
Coach Lippi was honored at a June 17 celebration in SJND's Kelly Gymnasium. Past players, coaches, alumni, and family members gathered to pay tribute to "Coach." The event included the raising of a banner marking Lippi's Hall of Fame career.
Upon hearing of Coach Don Lippi's retirement this spring, several Bay Area coaches who faced him offered thoughts on the impact of Coach Lippi over the years.
"Lippi is a legend. I’m 46, so for me, Lippi is kind of like the last of the old great coaches. Like Frank LaPorte and Mike Phelps and my coach up at Fremont (Oakland), Clint Williams. A bunch of those guys who were coaching when I was in high school. Lippi, for me, represented the last of that group."
– Frank Knight, Moreau Catholic Coach Bay Area News Group, Mercury News
"I have nothing but praise and admiration for Coach Lippi, and the years and years and years he’s spent helping our community. That’s what coaching is all about."
– Lou Richie, Bishop O’Dowd Coach Bay Area News Group, Mercury News
"He has had an incredible impact on my life as a person, coach, and a father. I still talk to Coach about once a month about a variety of topics, seeking advice on life, family challenges as well as anything related to basketball."
– Rob Marcaletti, former coach, St. Ignatius Prep Scorebooklive.comAvery familiar face and a newcomer have been named the next head varsity basketball coaches at Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School.
Jon Musson '99, long-time SJND assistant boys varsity basketball coach and junior varsity coach, has been named to replace legendary Coach Don Lippi, who announced his retirement in March. Jazmine Jackson, a standout player and graduate of Pepperdine University, who also played professionally in Europe, has been named head girls varsity basketball coach, assistant athletic director, and physical education teacher.
Musson came to SJND in 2002 as freshman coach before quickly taking over the junior varsity team in 2003. He joined Lippi's varsity staff as an assistant coach in 2009 and was part of SJND's CIF state championship squads in 2011, 2014, and 2016.
"I am humbly appreciative of the opportunity to be the next head coach of the Saint Joseph Notre Dame Pilots," Coach Musson said. “I am well aware of the history of Pilots basketball. As a young ball player, I attended SJND basketball camps and cheered on the great teams led by Jason Kidd in the early '90s.
"As a student-athlete, it was surreal to be a part of the program that dominated the late '90s. As a coach, it has been a privilege to watch the masterful motivation of Coach Lippi for the past 20 years. Our school has appeared in 11 CIF State Championship games and I was in the building for all of them. Having had the opportunity to learn from, play for, and be mentored by great coaches like Frank LaPorte, Gordie Johnson, and Don Lippi, I am beyond grateful to be selected as the next head coach to uphold the standards and continue the tradition of Pilots basketball."
For SJND Athletic Director John Bertken, hiring Musson brings a familiar and respected figure to what has become a much-admired program over the decades.
"Jon cares about the emotional, social, and spiritual impact of playing at Saint Joseph Notre Dame," Bertken said. "He shares in our mission and I feel very comfortable working with him to bring holistic success to the growth of our boys. I'm sure that those of you who know Jon will
share in my enthusiasm and welcome him as we enter the next chapter of Pilot history."
In all, SJND has won six state titles, starting with the Jason Kidd era and state championships in 1991 and 1992. Kidd went on to play at Cal before a long NBA career. He is currently head coach of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. SJND also won the state title in 2004, Lippi’s first year back at the helm after coaching stops at Skyline High (Oakland), St. Ignatius Prep (San Francisco), and St. Patrick-St. Vincent (Vallejo).
Jackson enjoyed wide-scale success as a player at Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco. There, she played four years of varsity basketball and was named an EA Sports All-American, MaxPreps All-American honorable mention, all-state first team and Northern California Division III player of the year in her senior season. She won three consecutive San Francisco Examiner City Player of the Year honors and two San Francisco Chronicle Metro Player of the Year awards. She was named the West Catholic Athletic League MVP as a senior. In her four years, Sacred Heart went 126-8, including a 56-game winning streak and a national championship in 2008.
Following her career at Pepperdine University and graduating with a degree in sociology, she went on to coaching stints at San Francisco State University and then back to Sacred Heart before serving as assistant girls coach and assistant athletic director at Saint Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco.
"I am deeply honored, humbled, and incredibly excited to join the Saint Joseph Notre Dame community," Coach Jackson said. "I was so fortunate to have so many unique opportunities that have prepared me for this. A former coach of mine once told me, and I continue to live by this quote, 'The road to greatness is a journey, not a destination.' SJND, let’s be great!"
"We are truly fortunate to have Jazmine joining our community,” Bertken said. "Her experience of being part of multiple CIF state championship teams both as a player and a coach at Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep as well as all of her West Coast Conference achievements while playing at Pepperdine bring a new level of understanding and confidence to our girls' program. But the best thing about her is what she brings as a person. She is full of positivity and poise and a great Christian role model to all of our students here at SJND."
Want to know more about new Athletic Director John Bertken? Check out his story from our improved web Newsroom. Read about John and other news stories at www.sjnd.org/about/news.
Interim Cross Country Coach
WE Service Club Moderator
10th Grade Division Moderator
Cana Committee Member
After just four years at SJND, Sherry Scott has become one of the most recognized and involved members of our faculty. Teaching, coaching, and club moderating are just some of the many hats Sherry has worn since coming to SJND from Saint Lawrence Elementary and Middle School in Santa Clara.
Q:
A:
You graduated from St. Francis University with a degree in accounting. What motivated your transition to theology?
It was a gradual transition. I have always volunteered at the parishes where I lived. While my children were growing up, I started a vacation Bible camp at my parish and for several years I led the youth band on Sunday evenings. I found my calling in sharing my faith with others and building faith-based community.
Q:
A:
Why do you teach theology and what outcomes are you looking for from your students?
I teach theology to share my Catholic faith with the next generation. Aware that our students come from many different faith communities, we build a common vocabulary to discuss spiritual concepts that will drive how we live our lives. I encourage students to employ practices and rituals that they may find helpful in navigating their own lives.
Q:
A:
Have the students of today surprised you with the issues they find important?
Yes! In the midst of our fast-paced world where we see advances but also stubborn problems of inequity, SJND students give me hope for the future. They are bright-eyed, inquisitive young people who are learning to make their voices heard not only for themselves but on behalf of others and also on behalf of the environment.
Q: In addition to teaching theology, you also coach and moderate student groups. Why do you do that and what satisfaction does that give you?
A:
I enjoy coaching cross-country and also being the 10th-grade division moderator. Both give me the opportunity to build relationships with students outside of the classroom; where the "rubber meets the road." I get to see another side to students, and they get to see me, not only as a theology teacher but also as a person who is trying to live out her Christian calling.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A:
The best part of my job is that I get to be around young people every day, and I get to talk about God. I get to affirm students and encourage them. And I rejoice in their learning and their success. Young people keep you young; they make you laugh, and they challenge your perceptions. Life is not static or stagnant when you are around young people, especially those on the cusp of adulthood. And when we talk about God together, we are more aware of God's presence in our lives.
New Principal Father Steve Kim could not wait to get started on his new job, and if his past is any indication, he will infuse the school with a burst of energy and a series of new ideas. He visited campus several times this spring, months before he officially took on the job on July 1.
I“can't wait to get started," Father Steve Kim says. "I'm all in on SJND and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and entire SJND community of students and families."
Father Kim's appointment was announced on March 31. He took over from Principal Julianne Guevara, who had been at SJND for 17 years, including the past four years as principal. Principal Guevara stayed on through June 30.
"I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School," Father Kim wrote in a message to the SJND community, including parents of current students. "Throughout the interview process, I felt more and more drawn to the community's warm and welcoming environment. Every time I visited the school, the weather was a little cloudy, but on Chestnut Street I can see the mission of Jesus at work. Also, during my third interview with the faculty, staff, students, and various members of the board and parents, it was clear that everyone cares about the school and wants nothing but the best for our students to be successful and serve the world."
Father Kim brings with him impressive teaching, administrative, and entrepreneurial experience. He has spent the last 10 years on the faculty at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View where he has also served as director of Campus Ministry. He left his post as pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in San Jose to join SJND. Since 2018, Father Kim has served as chaplain to the San Francisco 49ers.
"I look forward to welcoming Fr. Kim to the SJND community and to partnering with him," said Fr. Mario Rizzo, parochial administrator of St. Joseph Basilica. "Fr. Steve displays a contagious zeal for education, love for students, and dedication to teachers. Being a teacher himself for many years, I have no doubt that he will provide exceptional support to our faculty. What’s more, his experience as an administrator at Saint Francis High School and pastor of St. Leo Parish will enrich our community, as all our principals have done in their own unique way. I wish to thank Principal Julianne Guevara for her many years of service to SJND. It was a privilege to work with her."
After graduating from Palo Alto High School in 2003, Fr. Kim earned his BA in philosophy and religious studies from Santa Clara University (SCU). He then earned three degrees at Saint Patrick's Seminary and University, completing his bachelor's in sacred theology, his master of divinity, and his master's in theology and theological
Before officially taking over
principal,
studies. From there, he returned to SCU for his master’s in educational leadership and administration and then attended the University of Southern California for his doctorate of education in organizational leadership. He was ordained into the priesthood in 2011.
Passionate about Catholic education, Fr. Kim has served as San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantú's delegate to build the future St. John XXIII High School in Morgan Hill. He also enjoys teaching graduate students in the Excellence in Catholic Education and Leadership (ExCEL) and Catholic Master of Arts in Teaching (CatMAT)
programs at SCU as well as lay leaders in the Institute for Leadership in Ministry (ILM) program at the Diocese of San Jose. He is the founder and president of several non-profits, including Camp Thrive (social skills and self-esteem for children) and St. Martin Paving Company (paving and grading).
With Fr. Kim joining SJND and new Vice Principal Andy McKee (see below), the school is poised to build on the accomplishments of its previous leaders who have left their own valuable and indelible marks on the school and its students.
ndy McKee, an SJND veteran who has filled many roles in his 20-plus years at the school, has been named vice principal. He assumed the position July 1. McKee, the parent of an SJND alum, has vast institutional knowledge. As a teacher, he's been a part of four departments (Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, English, and Science Technology Engineering Math). He served as educational technology coordinator and recently as coordinator and director of technology and integration.
McKee has worked as a member of the Leadership Team, the COVID Operational Task Force Academic Team, and the Authentic Learning Framework Committee. He has seven years of experience publishing the school yearbook and has been a multi-club moderator. His understanding of SJND student life runs deep as does his loyalty to the SJND community.
"Andy's calm resilience helped lead SJND into online learning in the face of a global pandemic
Aand he continues to lead our academic community through the transition to Standards Based Learning and development of the Authentic Learning Framework," said outgoing Principal Julianne Guevara. "His commitment to the SJND mission of equity and justice, supporting the whole child, and the knowledge of challenges that this community faces, demonstrate Andy's unique understanding of SJND and the many skills that make him qualified for the job as vice principal," Guevara said.
"In my new role I plan to continue the rich traditions that have shaped our school," McKee says. "SJND is a unique environment that provides a safe space for growth and learning within a diverse and inclusive community. I look forward to developing deeper relationships with our families. Their partnership is integral to our mission at SJND, and together we can create an educational experience that empowers our students to become confident, open-minded, and effective leaders.
"Additionally, I'm committed to advancing the development of our Authentic Learning Framework. It is our faithful objective to provide an accessible and well-defined college preparatory curriculum that is delivered through differentiated and studentcentered instruction. I'm privileged to work alongside a phenomenal team of educators and staff, and an energetic new principal, who all share a deep commitment to the SJND mission. Together, we will inspire our students to lead joyful lives of faith, scholarship, and service."
March 16 was truly a remarkable day filled with inspiration and generosity as the Pilot community came together to raise money in support of our students. This year, donors had the choice of more than 10 programs to support from theater, band, athletics, service learning, science, and more. More than 350 donors helped us to surpass our goal, raising more than $85,000.
Outcomes of our fundraising include the purchase of four new 3D printers to increase production and experimentation for students interested in engineering and the arts. Students on our academic and service learning trip to the Dominican Republic explored the science behind the region’s natural resources and learned how agriculture and fair trade go hand-in-hand. Our bolstered Annual Fund will allow us to address emerging needs that occur in the normal course of a school year. We are immensely thankful to our volunteers and to everyone who made Day of Giving 2023 a rousing success.
More than 300 guests packed Kelly Gymnasium this spring to raise more than $65,000 for the school’s tuition assistance program and safety and security enhancements through the return of our Crab Feed event, the first since 2019 due to the pandemic.
Attendees participated in a costume contest, bid on generously donated experiences and items, and were wowed by a performance from our spring musical. Our thanks to the combined efforts of the dedicated donors, sponsors, students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, volunteers, and board members.
Our “Raising the Bar” weight room project has broken ground. The initiative will include the renovation of the current weight room and the expansion and repurposing of the adjacent outdoor space to provide access to an inclusive fitness and wellness center environment for all students, faculty, staff, and coaches today and for years to come.
The renovation and new equipment will allow our sports teams to train together, enhance participation in physical education, promote growth of student-led fitness clubs, and support wellbeing and mental health of the entire student body.
If you are interested in partnering with the Advancement Department to help support or sponsor the project, please contact Lucy Lopez at (510) 995-9456, llopez@sjnd.org.
It's hard to imagine anyone with a greater passion for reaching his students than retired SJND math teacher and department head Don Holmstedt. Taking challenging concepts and making them understandable while also instilling in his students his confidence in their ability to understand and excel made Don a favorite, not just amongst his students but his teaching colleagues.
Those who share in admiration for Don include retired long-time SJND Principal Tony Aiello, who hired Don in 1992, and fellow teachers Mandy Tham and Didi Kubicek. Their acclaim and respect for Don's approach to teaching and connecting with his students runs deep.
Born and raised in Nebraska, Don attended Wayne State Teacher’s College where he met his future wife, Lorraine. He achieved a master’s in administration from University of Northern Colorado and a master’s in mathematics from Boston College on a National Science Foundation grant. He left the United States to serve in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps in Japan during the Korean War. After his service, Don and Lorraine married and moved to the Bay Area, as Lorraine had taken a position as a kindergarten teacher in Oakland. They raised three children, have been married for 67 years, and remain in the local area.
Don's teaching career saw him ascend to serve as principal of Oakland’s Fremont High School. Health issues forced him to step away from that position, but his passion for teaching and reaching young people persisted, so he accepted a position at the University of California at Berkeley helping to write math curriculum and mentoring Oakland teachers. When funding for that program ended, his relationship with SJND began.
"We arranged an interview and naturally Don's credentials, background, and expertise spoke volumes about him," Aiello says of his 1992 meeting with Don. "He was a gentleman and had a great feel for students. I had the pleasure of visiting his classrooms over the years
and witnessing what he did and also witnessing what he did outside the classroom and helping the students. He knew the subject matter and treated the students with respect and dignity. They knew what they were going to be doing each day from the outset, and then he reviewed that the following day and challenged them."
Mandy Tham, a former teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School (SJES), principal at three Catholic elementary schools, and field supervisor and placement coordinator at California State University, East Bay, came to know Don through a program they developed to offer a zero-period class of prealgebra for seventh grade students and algebra for eighth graders at SJES.
"I approached Don on a purely volunteer basis," Tham says. "He would come in and teach the zero-period algebra, while I taught the pre-algebra class. My students loved him. He could connect with each of them. His ability to volunteer and make this happen and give these programs the necessary trajectory that our students needed to be successful in high school was absolutely phenomenal.
"Don had a way of connecting with all of the students in his class," Tham says. "He was so approachable."
For Didi Kubicek, her experience was more of Don the administrator, head of the math department, and guide for all of the math teachers at SJND. Kubicek was hired in 1993 and saw first-hand the attention Don, as chair of the math department, brought to the department for the benefit of the teachers and the students.
"Don would come and watch us teach and he'd run the department meetings," says Kubicek. "He was really an excellent, excellent boss. As a department chair, he would get to know us and he knew our strengths and he did his best to assign us to courses that were in sync with our strengths and preferences. He was always considering ways to improve the curriculum, either by creating new classes or redoing the ones that were there. He would keep up on textbooks, changing them out as needed. He wouldn't let things slip through the cracks."
Kubicek spent 28 years teaching and also heading the math department at SJND, so she had many opportunities to witness Don in his element.
"Don was attentive," Kubicek says. "He'd come and see if one of us was struggling with something and would personally help you work it out. I actually became department chair after him. I just found that I really wanted to emulate him. I found myself advising other teachers to connect with the students the way that he did. I always tried to get teacher input the way he used to. I just tried to follow his lead and run the meetings in the department in a similar fashion."
Kubicek was also struck by the connection that Don was able to foster and maintain with his students, something that not all teachers can easily do.
"Don's students really loved him and they wanted to be in his classes," she says. "His persona was friendly and outgoing. He just loved to chat with the kids and he knew so many things about them. And, he was kind of this warm and fuzzy grandpa kind of guy by the time he got to us. He was just as engaged and enthusiastic as if he was starting his career, not ending it. That was wonderful to see."
Don retired from SJND in 1999. He’s left a legacy as a mentor and teacher that is impactful to this day on his fellow teachers as well as his students.
"Don had really high expectations of the students," says Kubicek. "He'd get the students up to the board, and then he would walk around the room while they worked on whatever topic they were doing. He would stop at
every single desk. He'd check on what they were doing, he'd nudge them a little, he'd help them, correct them, praise them, you know, kid around with them, and encourage them. And his demeanor was just so supportive that the students didn't mind working hard for him because he was really interested in how they were doing. He did not let any students slip through the cracks. I don't know what more you can say about the attentiveness of a teacher when they paid enough attention to every single student."
Don's impact on his students was profound and lasting. Because of this special gift that Don had, SJND annually awards a STEM scholarship in his honor to a graduating female student who intends to major in a STEM field at university. Alana D'Cruz is the 2023 recipient of the scholarship, and her comments excerpted from a recent letter of thanks to Don are typical of the appreciation Don's students have for him.
"Frequently being one of only two or three female students in advanced classes, I've struggled with seeking help when needed out of fear that I would appear less intelligent than my classmates," Alana wrote. "My teachers helped instill confidence within me by encouraging me to not only perform well but to challenge myself to perform to the best of my abilities. With this scholarship established in your honor, I am sure that you left a similar impact on your students, and I would like to thank you for your commitment to the SJND community."
The SJND community echoes Alana’s sentiments and thanks Don Holmstedt for his dedication, his passion, and the profound impact he had on so many students and fellow faculty members.
(If you would like to make a gift to SJND in honor of Don Holmstedt, please contact Director of Advancement Lucy Lopez at (510) 995-9456, llopez@sjnd.org or you may go to https://www.sjnd.org/support-sjnd/ donate-online to make a gift.)
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Don had a way of connecting with all of the students in his class. He was so approachable, he made the mathematics doable.”
Maybe Julianne Guevara was more surprised than anyone when she decided to leave St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 2006 to come to a much smaller Catholic high school in Alameda.
Guevara, a standout student and basketball player at SI who later returned to the school to teach and coach the girls basketball team for five years, had a reputation for her prowess as a player and a coach. Plus, she was at a place she loved and was not far from her San Francisco home.
Yet, unexpectedly, she left behind the comfort and familiarity of SI, took on a much longer commute, and landed at Saint Joseph Notre Dame for a new challenge, one that would see her wear many hats in her 17 years in Alameda which concluded in June.
"Coach (Don) Lippi encouraged me to visit SJND as they were in need of an admission director and women's basketball coach," recalls Guevara. "I visited the campus after school one day and was amazed at how hospitable, kind, and warm the students were. After speaking to a group of them, I got a sense that SJND was a special place due to its teachers, community members, and the overall vibe I got from meeting teachers and staff."
However, admission and coaching duties quickly morphed. When the school faced leadership changes, Guevara was more than willing to step in wherever she was needed.
"I really enjoyed and valued my service as the director of admission, sharing the school's stories and introducing current students to prospective families," Guevara says. "I could have served in that role much longer than I did, but there was a time when the school needed me to serve as a leader as the assistant principal of student life, overseeing the co-curricular programs. I was in a situation where the school needed me to make a different impact, so I said yes...even though I really enjoyed admission work." Perhaps one of the characteristics that best describes Guevara's 17-year tenure at SJND is change. She's seen much of it, and it has come with its share of challenges.
"There have been various leadership shifts, from pastors to principals," she says. "Plus, we've lost members of our SJND family." She cites the unexpected passings of beloved science teacher Kristina Taylor from cancer in 2020 and Athletic Director Dan Curry, also from cancer in 2019.
Change required Guevara to take on additional roles. She could have deferred, but found it difficult to say no to new challenges.
"After serving the school for over 10 years under four principals, including an interim, the school needed me to serve in another role, one that I never professionally
After 17 years at SJND, outgoing Principal Julianne Guevara looks back on a body of work that had one constant — change.Always intense on the court, Coach Guevara readies her charges for action in 2013. Principal Julianne Guevara on campus in 2023.
pursued...principal," Guevara says. "I know that God's plan was for me to lead the school as principal for the last four years, particularly during the pandemic."
Just eight months into her time as principal, Guevara was faced with the pandemic and California Governor Gavin Newsom's shelter at home order. "With an amazing leadership team in place, I knew I had to huddle us together and create a plan that would be best for SJND," says Guevara. "I called a team meeting, we put our plan together, and called on the community to help implement it."
So, what's next for Guevara? Time will help her to discover what that path forward will be. "What's next for me is some time to reflect, rest, and rejuvenate,” she says. "I will spend time with family and travel. I will take some time to redesign what's next to come." Guevara feels at ease with this approach, perhaps because it might be the first time in 17 years that she will not be devoted to her tireless service at SJND.
In addition to the administrative positions of director of admission, assistant principal for student life, and principal, Guevara filled many other roles including that of retreat leader, service immersion leader, academic trip leader, and club moderator. She also served on many school committees.
"Julie Guevara’s passion for Catholic education has been self-evident in her 17 years at SJND in different leadership roles," says Tony Aiello, retired long-time SJND principal who guided the school for decades and who still remains involved with the school.
"Her commitment, faith, enthusiasm, and personal touch brought comfort and confidence to colleagues, students, parents, and the SJND community," Aiello continued. "Her leadership was extraordinary. As principal, she led with insight, equanimity, and grace, especially in managing instruction and learning during the pandemic. Julie Guevara was the right person at the right time to lead SJND."
She has many fond memories of her 17 years at SJND to reflect on and enjoy. She describes her time at SJND as "blessed and transformative," and is grateful for "the joyful moments, relationships with students, colleagues, families, alumni, and benefactors."
She considers herself fortunate to have served with dedicated educators such as Aiello, Lippi, the recently retired Gail Rodrigues, and outgoing Vice Principal Jessica Park, who is stepping away from SJND to raise her two young children.
"I'm very proud of the authentic ways SJND takes care of our students, faculty, and staff," she says. "I'm proud of leaving the school better than when I first arrived. I gave so much, but received much in return."
“As principal, (Julie) led with insight, equanimity, and grace, especially in managing instruction and learning during the pandemic. Julie Guevara was the right person at the right time to lead SJND.”Early in her SJND tenure at the 2007-08 Parent Association barbecue with Board President Gina Edwards. Guevara with retired SJND Principal Tony Aiello at this May’s graduation.
and classrooms. "It was a very welcoming community," she says. "I always felt like I belonged there."
She became very involved with campus activities, especially athletics. Mrs. Rod was part of a standout varsity volleyball team that had an undefeated league championship season. During her senior year, she was also captain of the varsity basketball team. She participated in other school clubs and organizations, like Student Council, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society, and was recognized in grade 12 as a "Renaissance Woman" for her multifaceted extracurricular talents.
After graduating from Notre Dame, Mrs. Rod began attending California State University Hayward in 1970. However, she immediately reconnected with her alma mater by becoming the Notre Dame girls' varsity volleyball and basketball coach. "I was an 18-year-old coaching 16- and 17-year-olds," Mrs. Rod says. "I remember a mom saying to her daughter, 'She's not much older than you, but she knows what she’s doing because she’s been there.'"
With a degree in kinesiology and teaching credentials in K-9 mathematics and K-12 kinesiology from CSU Hayward, Mrs. Rod – then still Ms. Sousa – returned to SJND. She began teaching math and, shortly afterward, also became a physical education teacher and department chair when the school had an unexpected opening.
While in grade 11 at Notre Dame Academy in 1969, Gail (Sousa) Rodrigues '70 was voted most likely to succeed. However, her classmates who selected her for that superlative could not have guessed the impact that Rodrigues – affectionately known to the SJND community as Mrs. Rod – would have on the school that shaped her formative years and served as her home for more than five decades before she retired from SJND in 2022.
Mrs. Rod attended Notre Dame from 1966 to 1970, following in the footsteps of her father, John Sousa '47, a graduate of Saint Joseph's. She shares that she was initially reluctant to attend the school. "I was the only student at my elementary school who came here," the St. Leander School graduate remembers. While her first two years at what is now SJND were challenging, she felt supported by everyone she encountered in the hallways
As the years passed, Mrs. Rod served in several faculty and administration roles – including athletic director, dean of students, math department chair, physical education teacher, testing coordinator, and substitution coordinator (20+ years) – wherever SJND needed her extraordinary leadership. "Gail Rodrigues helped lay the foundation for what this beautiful community represents," says Julianne Guevara, outgoing SJND principal. "In her many roles as a servant leader at SJND, she has helped thousands of students and friends. Through it all, her humility has stood out. I feel Mrs. Rod was called to lead this school, and that exemplifies who she is as she impacted the lives of generations of students. She is also a dear friend, and I truly believe her heart is SJND."
An example of Mrs. Rod's perpetual support of SJND is the tireless hours she spent as a volunteer behind the counter of the snack bar in the gym. "I can't even begin to tell you how long my husband and I ran the snack bar," Mrs. Rod shares with a laugh. "It was something that I really enjoyed because it was a connection with the students, parents, and alumni." In 2008, the snack bar was named "Mrs. Rod's Café" in her honor.
Mrs. Rod’s enthusiasm for SJND became a shared interest after marrying her husband, Ken Rodrigues, in 1975. Like his wife, Ken has served in many roles in support of SJND over the years, including supervising hundreds of athletic games, coaching the baseball team, serving as a substitute teacher, supervising the library, proctoring AP tests, and acting as a crossing guard. For his service, Ken was honored in 2020 with his induction into the SJND Athletic Hall of Fame, joining Mrs. Rod, who was inducted in 1996.
The Rodrigues SJND legacy continued into the next generation after their children Jen Rodrigues '96 and Stephen Rodrigues '99 also became graduates. "My kids virtually grew up at SJND from the time they were born until they graduated – my daughter was actually in my algebra class and asked to be transferred out," Mrs. Rod recalls, laughing. "But I was the only female physical education teacher at the time, so she did not have a choice and was in my PE/Health class. Both of my kids were very involved in athletics, and Jennifer actually came back to coach swimming for several years – almost right after she graduated from high school as well.”
Gail might have been in more SJND yearbooks than anyone else given her decades of service as a coach, teacher, administrator, and more. Here she flashed her endearing smile in the 1976 yearbook.
Mrs. Rod's nearly five-decade history of working at SJND ended when she and Ken decided to move to Alabama to be closer to their grandchildren. On November 25, 2022, SJND honored Mrs. Rod during the alumni basketball games with a presentation highlighting her dedicated work to support SJND as students, alumni, faculty, and staff bid her a fond farewell. Though she has made the move from Alameda to Alabama, Mrs. Rod will forever remain a proud alumna and still refers to her colleagues from SJND as her "Pilot Family." She even recently returned to the campus for a visit. "I slipped in, sat down, and waited for the reaction of the students. I almost felt like I had never left. It was so welcoming," she says proudly.
"That sense of family and belonging makes SJND such a special place," Mrs. Rod says. "I always told parents that somebody would always be looking out for their students." For over 40 years, Mrs. Rod was one of those devoted school leaders whom students knew would always be willing to support them.
“In her many roles as a servant leader at SJND, she has helped thousands of students and friends. Through it all, her humility has stood out.”With husband Ken and daughter Jen '96 at Gail's retirement celebration in November.
1951
Sister Martin de Porres Coleman celebrated her 70th jubilee as a Notre Dame Sister. What a wonderful example of Catholic service and leadership.
Gail Sousa Rodrigues (second from left) with (left to right) Victoria Smith, Babs Freitas and Kerry O’Hara Plain at Gail’s celebration at the alumni basketball game in November.
Dr. Cicily Hampton published "Be The Change, Putting Healthy Advocacy, Policy, and Community Organization into Practice in Public Health Education," a resource on public health advocacy, policy, and community organizing.
1957
Robert Pola and his wife, Rochelle (pictured in the middle) with Mike Pola '82 , Elizabeth Pola, Christine Pola McCanna, Bryan McCanna, and their grandsons enjoyed an evening of SJND basketball.
Jeff Gorell was recently elected to the Board of Supervisors for Ventura County.
1967
Cynthia J. La Croix, Colleen O’Connell DeZur, Veronica Rivera Christie, AnnKelner Weiss, and Sharon Beyerle Grennan (left to right) recently celebrated 58 years of friendship by sharing lunch.
Jody and Calvin Byrd (left) met with Ted Langowski '87 and Abbey Salmans in Hawaii before watching Miles Byrd play basketball for San Diego State.
Clay Doherty accepted a new position as managing director of Strategic Convening for the German Marshall Fund.
Renee Macalino Rutledge published her third book, "The ABCs of Asian American History."
Amelia Khoo attended Brown University for undergraduate studies, where she received a B.S. in biomedical engineering. Recently, she finished medical school with a master's in engineering from the EnMed program at Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine. Amelia is now starting her residency in internal medicine at Yale.
Maya Rowell, PhD candidate in bioengineering at UCSD, was highlighted by the Elementary Institute of Science in its annual campaign to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in STEM.
Connor Waterloo won the TOPS (Thanks for Outstanding Performance and Service) award at Ingenio where he works as a data analyst. Connor was nominated and recognized by his business partners in product and marketing.
1968
Marco Dondero attended SJND's graduation on May 27 to celebrate AJ Arevalo '23
1970
Victoria Smith published the book "Tuxedo Baby and his Annoying Cousin," a picture book written for children ages 5-8 about right and wrong and the consequences of your choices.
Gisèle Binder Tanasse received an award from Video Trust for her outstanding contribution to the field of media librarianship. Gisèle is the Film & Media Services Librarian at the University of California, Berkeley and is a past chair of the American Library Association's Film & Media Round Table. She currently administers the popular VideoLib and VideoNews listservs and serves on the advisory board for the Academic Libraries Video Trust.
Peli Woods (holding flowers) joined the national tour of “Frozen the Musical” as part of the ensemble and Bulda! Several SJND faculty and alumni were able to watch Peli perform at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco.
Adam Campos '19 moved to Buffalo after graduation from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University to join WKBW-TV as a news reporter. Adam recently returned to SJND with the Newhouse School admissions team to present to students interested in media careers.
United States Military Academy Cadet Jackson McDermott '20 returned to campus recently as part of his volunteer service in West Point’s Cadet Public Relations Council (CPRC) program in which cadets share their experiences, career path options, and dozens of academic degree programs available at West Point. For SJND students, it was an opportunity to ask one of their own unfiltered questions and receive honest answers.
John Cahill '49
George E. Garcia, M.D. '48
Justin Grady '86
Charlene Abood Lee '53
James Mackey '65
Peter Passanisi '52
Gary Rinehart '53
Jordan Robinson '16
Donald Schneider '65
Robert Silva '59
Marie Marich Tapia '66
Mother of Paula Helena Tapia
Devine '96; Daughter of Helena Lucas Marich '38 (dec.); Niece of Marie Lucas '39 (dec.), Emma Lucas Beland '42 (dec), Betty Lucas Spingola '45 (dec.), Walter Lucas, Jr. '48 (dec.), and Beverly Lucas Splan '51 (dec.); and Cousin of Tanjore Splan '72, Laureate Splan Mari '73 and Claire Splan '78
Joseph Totorica '73
Donald Vadnais '52
David Vinella '73
Brother of Elaine Vinella Zolfarelli '72, Dennis '75, Laura '78 and Donald '79 Vinella
Jerald Vitatoe '67
Brother of Larry '68 and Marvin '69 Vitatoe and former Brother-in-Law of Yvette Washington Vitatoe '71
Michael Kamplain
Father of Michael '18 and Thomas '19
Address Correction?
If this edition of Update is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, notify SJND at (510) 995-9452 with the new address.
Members of the Class of 1973 commemorated their Golden Reunion with events June 9-11, including their reunion Mass, luncheon, Golden Diploma ceremony, and campus tour.
Sharing hugs, laughter, and even a few tears, classmates enjoyed reconnecting and renewing friendships. Teresa Brutcher-Perez, who traveled from Spain for the reunion, said, "I have never been happier to have spent 26 hours traveling! It was so wonderful to reunite. Thank you so much to the most amazing Class of '73 for this absolute highpoint in my life."
Watch for more photos and details in the next edition of the e-Connect newsletter. Don’t get e-Connect? Sign up at https://www.sjnd.org/alumni
We salute the Notre Dame High School Class of 1948 on the occasion of their 75th anniversary. Though small in class size, the ladies were the pioneers of their day and should take pride in knowing that their presence remains a fixture to the SJND students of today who see this class picture every time they assemble in Notre Dame Hall. We honor you, ladies. Though much time has passed, the legacy of your dedication to academics and service remains a hallmark of today’s SJND which carries on the Notre Dame tradition in Alameda and beyond.
Though we have the above photo, we do not have the 1948 yearbook to identify each of the Class of '48 members. If you can help us identify any of the young ladies in this photo, please let us know by reaching out to Director of Alumni Relations and Alumni Giving Vicki Bargagliotti at vbargagliotti@sjnd.org. Thank you!
