A magazine for alumni, parents, students, faculty and friends of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Vol. 8, No. 1 Winter 2012
news STUDEN TS OF TOD AY,
Leaders of T om orrow [p. 6]
PR E S I D E N T ’ S L E T T E R
editor’s note: Dear Readers,
Fr. Bur at Homecoming with Barb Oberlies, her son Kevin ’12 and his date Maddie Kohler.
This issue that you hold in your hands had very ambitious beginnings. We attempted to show before and after profiles, sort of like those diet ads that spring up every year around January 1. In this case, instead of photos of the same person, we attempted to profile a current student leader and then project into the future, of the possibilities available to him, by profiling an alumnus who had similar interests while he was at the Prep. Though the effect was not quite what we expected, I think you will be impressed by the men whom we feature in these pages.
Dear Friends of the Prep, This issue celebrates a characteristic of God so succinctly described by Saint Augustine with the phrase “Ever ancient, ever new.” In 1789, when the first Jesuit school in the new United States was founded at Georgetown on the Potomac, no one could have dreamed about this nation’s present network of 28 Jesuit universities and colleges and 60 high schools. Each generation of Jesuits and their colleagues renews the mission of our schools always with an eye to our history. This issue looks at a narrow window of history here at the Prep, a living memory window of those taking on various roles over the years but illustrating the phrase “ever ancient, ever new.” The first rector of the Prep that I ever met was Father William Michelman, S.J. I was a non-descript Prep student when he took over the leadership of the school in 1956. I had no idea what he did around the school but I know he appeared cheerful and encouraging. In those days the role of rector included a complex task as superior of the many Jesuits in the house and as leader of the Prep and the Gesu parish. I was to be with Fr. Michelman frequently during my subsequent Jesuit life as he continued his parish and spiritual ministry. It was here in Philadelphia that I visited him for the last time as he struggled through his last illness at Manresa Hall, the Jesuit infirmary, a part of the Jesuit community at Saint Joseph’s University. During that visit knowing that he was facing death, he graciously asked me for my priestly blessing. I humbly remember that blessing now as one which he actually gave to me as he crossed himself. Neither of us knew that I would one day take on the role of leadership at the Prep that he exercised when I was a student but now I count on his blessing and that of the other 28 Jesuits who have been presidents and rectors before me. We 29 represent a small window of time within a long tradition stretching back much further to Georgetown on the Potomac in 1789 under the leadership of John Carroll, S.J. and back even to the first Jesuit school founded in Sicily in 1548 at the direction of Saint Ignatius himself. May the Ignatian spirit constantly refresh the tradition ad multos annos! Sincercely,
Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 President
Walking through the third floor of the old building (circa 1968!), you will see a major difference as the Maguire Science Center has been completed. Anyone who remembers the old labs will be stunned to see the difference. The new labs are magnificent. Kudos go to the Prep Board of Trustees, the SJP administration and, especially, Barbara Brown and Joe Feighan who made it all a reality. For photos from the dedication, go to pg. 6. Also, check out a feature story on Joe on pg. 17.
On a personal note, many of you know that my father passed away during Thanksgiving break. I write today to tell of the special bond that Preppers have with one another. My colleagues and Prep brothers were wonderful support for me and my family. The cura personalis, that personal care and attention that is a characteristic in Jesuit schools, was witnessed firsthand by my family and me and we are truly grateful.
This issue of the magazine also welcomes a new member of the Communications team. Maryellen Anastasio joined our group after graduating from Cabrini College in May. She is mostly responsible for our online presence but also wrote two articles for this issue. Welcome Maryellen to the Prep team!
Happy Reading and Happy 2012!
Bill Avington ’90 Editor, The Prep News
inside: F E AT U R E S TO RY Students of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow ... 8
SECTIONS News .............................................. 1 Mother-Son Luncheon .................. 2 President’s Reception .................... 3 Athletic Signings ........................... 4 Science Dedication ........................ 6 Homecoming ................................. 7
Reunion Weekend ...................... 18 Class Notes .................................. 20 Cardinal Foley Memoriam .......... 26 Perspectives ................................. 28 Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 Michael Gomez Russell Gartz Rev. Bruce A. Maivelett, S.J. Timothy O’Shaughnessy
President Principal Chief Development Officer Director of Ignatian Identity Chief Financial Officer
editor Bill Avington ’90
Director, Marketing and Communications
designer Maridel McCloskey
McCloskey Designs
class notes editor Kevin Gilbert ’02
Class Notes Editor
editorial staff Maryellen Anastasio, Ceal Biello, Beth Missett, Nancy Moule, Al Zimmerman ’73
photography Maryellen Anastasio, David DeBalko, Nicole Jacot, Andrew McCloskey ’88, Patrick McElhenney ’97
writers Maryellen Anastasio, Bill Avington ’90, Susie Cook, Nicole Jacot, Tom Lyons ’60, Bernie Maguire ’60
The Prep News is published twice a year. Please send comments or contributions to: Attn: Editor The Prep News St Joseph’s Preparatory School 1733 Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130 or e-mail to: bavington@sjprep.org For additional information, check our website www.sjprep.org/prepnews
A
FEW
GOOD
M EN
pr e p ne w s
MOTHER-SON COMMUNION LUNCHEON The annual Mother-Son Communion Luncheon was held on Sunday, September 25. Tony Braithwaite ’89, Director of the Cape and Sword Drama Society, provided the keynote address. Top left, Braithwaite poses with Principal Michael Gomez, event co-chair Ellen Giangiordano, Rev. Bruce Maivelett, S.J., event co-chair Melissa McGrath and Mothers’ Club moderator Ceal Biello. Top right: Former club president and moderator Cynthia Kupniewski with former presidents Mary Berko and Kay Carlin. Middle top, senior mothers [l-r] Terri Sirianni, Elaine Francis and Jill Romanelli with their sons Vincent, Justin and Anthony. Middle bottom: Giangiordano with her sons Gregory ’14 and Matthew ’15. Below: Braithwaite stands with his nephews Hugh McAllister ’13 and Timothy Braithwaite ’14, sister Angie McAllister and sister-in-law Tanya Braithwaite.
THE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE, organized by the Community Service Corps, collected 356 baskets full of food and nearly 500 turkeys. Of that group, 205 baskets were delivered by our students, faculty and staff to neighbors. Another large group of baskets was donated to members of SOWN (Supportive Older Women’s Network) for older women who provide for grandchildren and other family members. The remainder of the turkeys were donated to charities that have a relationship with the Prep (food banks, homeless shelters, etc., where our students do service).
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2
3
4
5
PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION The most generous donors to the Prep Fund were honored at the annual President’s Reception, this year held at the Aquarium in Camden, N.J. Many were on hand for the event, which featured a presentation by President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Joe Ruggieri ’69 and Chief Development Officer Russell Gartz. [1] President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 with Chairman of the Board of Trustees Joe Ruggieri ’69, former Board chair Tony Iannacone ’70 and his wife Anne and Lee Casaccio ’70, architect of Jesuit Hall/Sauter Dining Hall renovation project.
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[2] Current parents Mary Ellen and Preston Leisenring with Principal Michael Gomez. [3] Joe Clearkin ’75, Anna Ruggieri, Alumni Parent and wife of board chair Joe Ruggieri ’69, and Debbi Della Porta, an alumni parent and wife of former trustee Armand Della Porta ’73. [4] Former trustee Paul Kelly ’66 left with Jim Ksansnak ’58 and his wife Suzanne. [5] Br. Bob Carson, S.J., with board member John Natale ’72 and his wife Charlene. [6] Parents and former Hawktion chairs John and Sue Gillen are on either side of Fran Murphy ’66 and his wife Kathleen.
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pr e p ne w s
ATHLETIC SIGNINGS At two separate events in the Prep library, three Prep athletes
McKenzie is considered by many to be the premier distance
announced their college choices. Basketball player Steve Vasturia
swimmer in the Philadelphia Catholic League. In 2010, as a
’13 and swimmer Shane McKenzie ’12 will attend the University
sophomore, McKenzie won the 500 Freestyle at the District 12
of Notre Dame while Logan Knauss ’12, a diver, will attend the
Championships with a time of 4:43.74. He returned as a junior
University of Wisconsin.
to win another gold medal in the same event with a time of
Vasturia, a swing point/shooting guard, was named third-team,
4:40.17. In both 2010 and 2011, Shane represented the Prep at
all-city last year by the Philadelphia Daily News and had more
the PIAA State Championships.
than 20 college offers. He averaged 17.9 points per game last year
Knauss holds the District 12 record in diving for 11 dives with a
and made 63 free throws in a row to set a Catholic League record.
score of 490.15, set in 2011. He has represented the Prep at the
Vasturia made 49 percent of his field goal attempts, including a 41
PIAA State Championships each of his first three years. As a
percent mark from beyond the three-point line.
sophomore Logan cracked the top ten, finishing 9th in the state. Left picture: Shane McKenzie ’12 [third from left] poses with his parents Lori and Paul while Logan Knauss ’12 stands with his parents Dean and Lisa. Athletic director Jim Murray ’59 is at far left and swimming/diving coach Paul Morrissey is far right. Right picture: Steve Vasturia ’13 [center] with his parents Kathleen and John plus athletic director Jim Murray ’59 [far left], basketball coach Speedy Morris [third from right], principal Michael Gomez [second from right] and President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 [far right].
CAREER DAY Several alums came to the Prep to speak about careers to juniors:
Drew Griffin ’89 (technology), Jim Rafter '01 (law enforcement),
[l-r] Jay Devine '79 (public relations), Anthony San Filippo '91
Mike Barker '01 (real estate), Tim McKenna '89 (education) and
(journalism), Ben Haney '01 (entrepreneur), Joe DeCamara '96
Joe Murphy ’88 (medicine). Lee Casaccio ’70 and his daughter
(radio), Vince Reilly '76 (law), David DiGirolomo '98 (business
Laura presented on architecture in the Sauter Dining Room which
owner), Kevin Emery '89 (technology), Pat Morgan '97 (politics),
Lee’s company designed [inset].
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THE PREP NEWS
TAGGART SERIES
Wes Moore [left] and Alexandra Robbins [below]
The Taggart Cultural Events Series had a very busy fall. In addition to welcoming back Dr. Michael Fowlin (Mykey) for freshman retreat, the Taggart Series also hosted authors Wes Moore and Alexandra Robbins. Fowlin’s one-person show, “You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me,” deals with issues of race, discrimination, violence prevention, personal identity, suicide, gender equity, homophobia and the emotional pain felt by special education children. Fowlin, who morphed from character to character, offered the topics in an entertaining way. Moore, author of a memoir The Other Wes Moore, overcame a difficult childhood to become a respected member of society. He has written a book juxtaposing his life with that of another Wes Moore, who was convicted of the murder of an off-duty Baltimore police officer during an armed robbery. He wondered how two young men from the same city, who were around the same age, and even shared a name, could arrive at two completely different destinies. Robbins, the author of The Overachievers and The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth, discussed the pressures that teens face to succeed. The New York Times wrote: "Ms. Robbins has built her career giving voice and shape to the lives of teenagers....Their stories beautifully demonstrate things we know intrinsically: that being popular is not always the same as being liked, that high school is more rigid and conformist than the military, and that the people who are excluded and bullied for their offbeat passions and refusal to conform are often the ones who are embraced and lauded for those very qualities in college and beyond — what Ms. Robbins has dubbed Quirk Theory."
PREP
AT
WRIGLEY
This summer, more than 30 Prep alumni and friends gathered on a rooftop on Waveland Avenue, across from Wrigley Field for a Phillies-Cubs game. The sun-drenched day provided the perfect
IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY... AT THE PREP!
atmosphere for reconnecting. Stay on the lookout for future Prep events at Phillies games throughout the country.
Rob McElhenney ’95, [above, second from left] creator/director/ producer/star of the FX series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” brought the cast and crew to the Prep for a day of shooting in June. The episodes aired in December. Photo of cast by Patrick McElhenney ’97.
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Maguire Science Wing Dedication The Prep community gathered on November 30 to celebrate the completion of renovations of the science wing and to thank those who made the new facilities possible. At the dedication, the school announced that the new wing would be named in honor of the Maguire Foundation. Representing the Foundation were Jim and Frances Maguire [below right], who gave a generous gift to the campaign. The Maguire Science Wing features new labs for physical science, biology, chemistry, physics and an advanced lab, along with a greenhouse [above], which was named for Prep science teachers Barbara Brown and Joe Feighan [left] who worked tirelessly in planning the new spaces. In addition, new lecture rooms were built and the prep rooms/teacher offices expanded. The Chemistry Lab was named in honor of Dr. Martin McKenzie ’73, a long time friend of the Prep and a chemistry teacher at Bellarmine College Prep, a Jesuit high school in San Jose, Calif. Dr. McKenzie passed away suddenly last year and his family, friends and classmates spearheaded this naming opportunity [middle]. The Physics Lecture Room will honor the Connelly Foundation, a longtime friend of St. Joseph’s Prep and supporter of Catholic education in the Philadelphia area. Representing the Foundation were Emily Riley and her daughter Amy [bottom left]. The Prep owes a debt of gratitude to the Campaign for the Sciences Committee which included: (Chairs) Dr. Kevin Judy, Ellen Judy and Joanne Boylan; (members) Dr. Frank McCusker ‘73, Trish McCusker, Dr. Paul McKenzie ’83, Dr. Steve McKenzie ’74 and Brian Murphy ’74.
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THE PREP NEWS
The 78th annual St. Joseph’s Prep Homecoming, sponsored by the Mothers’ Club, was a wonderful success with more than 1,000 students and dates along with many alumni and parents. This year’s theme was “Home for the Holidays.” A special thank you goes to Colette Bellwoar, who chaired this year’s Homecoming [above with husband Peter].
The annual Homecoming raffle raised more than $50,000. Congratulations to the winners: First Place ($5,000), Marion Nazer (grandmother of Kevin Bohny ’15); Second Place ($2,500), Francine and Mark Gindele ’74; and Third Place ($1,000), Jane and Joseph Kenney ’50.
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MUSICIANS EVAN WESCOTT
MUSIC
’12
HAS BEEN A LIFE-LONG PASSION FOR
EVAN WESCOTT ’ 12. HE PIANO IN SECOND GRADE.
“Not only does this group allow for students to share our love and passion of music through performance,” says Wescott, “but also allows others who are
BEGAN PLAYING
AT
THE
PREP,
interested in music to pursue another aspect of its creation." The students are
HE HAS
taught how to use recording equipment and then have a chance to record, make, and produce albums. Evan said he created the club not only for students
PLAYED IN THE JAZZ BAND, JOINED WITH FRIENDS TO COMPETE IN THE
BATTLE
OF THE
BANDS
AND
who play music but also for “students who don’t necessarily have the ability to play instruments but want to get involved with music and the music community. This gives them the chance to learn to use the equipment and be involved. You
ADDS MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT FOR MANY EVENTS.
IN
PREP
HIS SENIOR YEAR, HE CREATED A NEW
STUDENT GROUP, THE
AUDIOPHILES ANONYMOUS,
don’t need musical talent to be a part of music recording club.” Evan is inspired by Prep students. “There are a lot of talented musical students [at the Prep] but not many groups and clubs for them,” he says.
A MUSIC RECORDING CLUB WHICH HE CALLS HIS
After graduation, Evan plans to attend the Naval Academy. He believes that the
“BRAIN
“academic and physical challenges of the academy will be a good guide to
CHILD.”
further my moral values.” The same values he learned at the Prep. He wants to Fully student-run, "Audiophiles Anonymous,” allows students to engage in music by not only performing it, but recording it and producing it as well. Students set up the equipment for performances and utilize professional software in order to capture the musical talent at the Prep. The group’s first major project is to create an album of the school’s various musical groups, from the Jazz Band to the Treblemakers, a new “a cappella” group. They will
study chemistry and biology and learn about the brain or possibly engineering. Given his determination and intelligence, it’s hard to imagine he will not be successful in all of his future endeavors. There is no doubt that he will be a valuable asset to the Naval Academy as he is to the Prep. – Nicole Jacot Nicole is a senior at Arcadia University and an intern with the SJP Communications Department.
eventually include small student bands.
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THE PREP NEWS
GREG O’CONNOR ’85 “LIFE
IS ONE GRAND, SWEET SONG, SO START THE MUSIC.”
Former President Ronald Reagan said the above, but Greg O`Connor has lived it. Music has been Greg`s life, it is the passion that kindles his soul and inspires his intellect. He is one of the fortunate ones who found a career that he loves, provides ample support, and has given him a platform for success. O`Connor’s interest in music began when he was enrolled in the Bryn Mawr Conservatory at the age of six. His mother insisted, even though the administration were not sure “he was ready.” Maternal instincts were validated as Greg has carved out a significant and highly successful career in music. Greg has scored for over 24 TV series (570 episodes), as well as commercials, films and songs. His contributions have ranged from comedy, animation, game shows, drama and award shows to trailers, commercials, reality TV and documentary. The artists he has worked with read like an all-star review: Barry Manilow, Chicago, Ben Stiller, Brooke Shields, Kimberly Locke, Jeff Foxworthy, David Allen Grier, Jamie Kennedy and numerous stars and guest actors on the comedy show “MadTV.” Greg was the musical composer for all 14 seasons of “MadTV” and was the musical director for the ABC reality competition series, “The Next Best Thing.” Major companies like Starbucks, Gatorade, Sunkist, and Applebee`s have benefited from Greg`s talents as he has scored several different commercials. Literally, Greg writes the songs. The culmination of his career to date has been an Emmy award as well as four nominations. Also, he has written two Billboard Top 20 songs. These are remarkable achievements and more accolades will surely be forthcoming. After his grade school years at St Thomas of Villanova, he entered the Prep, intimidated somewhat by the talent of his classmates and the overwhelming tradition of the institution. He quickly found his comfort zone in music and the arts nurtured by the gentle hands of Sr. Kathleen Woody and former band director Tom Bender. Greg fondly remembers “how their personalized attention
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aroused his ‘specialness’ and encouraged the pursuit of music.” He is forever grateful. Knowing that music was his love and future aspiration, he enrolled at the University of Notre Dame to study music composition, but also to enjoy a full liberal arts experience both academically and socially. Upon graduation, he refined his skills by doing a graduate program in scoring for TV and film at the University of Southern California. The stage was set! Like many people his first job was a “lucky break.” Fox TV had a show called “The Sunday Comics” and his friend was the post supervisor. The licensing deal with a large music library was expiring, so they needed someone to score small film segments. The rest is history, and Greg got a foothold making a name for himself. When Greg was asked about factors that contributed to his success, he responded: “the reasons are multi-factorial. The major ones are –my parents who believed in me, a strong family unit, and a great education. I was given opportunities and tools growing up that many people have to learn on their own as adults. The Prep taught me critical thinking. In today`s competitive world, it is important to think ‘outside the box’—take information and apply it in an innovative way. I also learned discipline, loyalty, to never give up during tough times, and to continue to challenge myself.” “One final thought is…you should always listen to your gut instincts. The first thing that comes to your mind, that inner gut feeling you get when you are in a situation, is God`s way of talking to you. Always let that voice be your guide, and you will make the right decision.” – Thomas J. Lyons II ’60. Tom, the father of three Prep grads (TJ ’87, Andrew ’89 and Sean ’93), is the author of a recent book, You Can`t get to Heaven on the Frankford El. Information on the book can be obtained by e-mail, tjplyons@aol.com.
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PREP PRIDE
ZACH BOYLE ’12 THE
MEMORY IS BURNED INTO HIS MIND FOREVER.
QUARTERBACK CHRIS WHITNEY ’07
70-YARD TOUCHDOWN ON THE FIRST NESHAMINY. CROWD GOES WILD. THE PREP
FADES BACK TO PASS AND FIRES A
PLAY OF THE GAME IN A BATTLE WITH SUBURBAN POWERHOUSE GETS ON THE SCOREBOARD FIRST AND NEVER LOOKS BACK.
For young Zach Boyle, that moment solidified his desire to follow his father, uncle and brother to the Prep. That view of the student section put it front and center. Zach was going to the Prep and was going to be a part of that group. Zach has followed the footsteps of his brother Joe ’09, who started the Crimson Tide student fan group. Now Zach and many of his classmates go wherever the Prep plays. He estimates that he has been there for more than 125 Prep football, soccer and basketballs games during his four years, plus other sports when time permits. “It’s never been about winning and losing,” he says. “Going to the games is part of who I am. I want to show my pride in my friends, my classmates and my school. When I started at the Prep, my brother made it mandatory for me to attend those games but even when he graduated I went anyway.” Zach’s father Joe ’74 is also a season ticket holder for Saint Joseph’s University men’s basketball and he took his young sons to games. Zach noticed that no matter the opponent or the team’s record, the same guys were there year in and year out. “That really stood out to me,” he says. During his time at the Prep, many events stand out. Number one in his mind was the 2010 Catholic League soccer championship. “The number of students was incredible but it was also the atmosphere,” Boyle says. “All of the students believed we were going to win and then we saw history.” Last year’s basketball win at La Salle was also memorable. “The number of students there wasn’t huge but we went to La Salle’s gym and I believe we made an impact in the game,” he says. “Our fans were into it and we had a good contingent of kids there,” basketball coach Speedy Morris says. “They were outnumbered by far but there is no doubt in my mind that our fans out cheered their fans. That definitely excited our players.” Away from the student section, Boyle is applying to colleges, hoping to major in creative writing. Right 10
“
It’s never been about winning and losing. Going to the games is part of who I am.”
now, his top two choices are Iona and Temple. A member of the tennis team, Boyle and some friends also co-founded the Intramural Sports League, an attempt to supplement the programs already in place (basketball, volleyball and ping pong) while giving more students the chance to participate. The group hosted the second annual Turkey Bowl flag football around Thanksgiving and plans are in place for wiffleball.
Now, Boyle hopes that someone will step into his role as leader of the Crimson Tide. “We want anyone who wants to be involved to join us,” he says. – Bill Avington ’90
THE PREP NEWS
BRIAN MCCLOSKE Y ’9 1 PASSION,
ENTHUSIASM AND
CLASSMATES MIGHT USE WHEN DESCRIBING
PREP PRIDE
ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TERMS HIS
BRIAN MCCLOSKEY ’91. THOSE
SAME QUALITIES ARE STILL
EVIDENT IN HIM TODAY.
Twenty years ago he was the vice president of student council, a quarterback and punter for the football team, a retreat leader and the Hawk, among other things. In the yearbook, he was voted “Most Prep Pride.” Today he is the Prep’s Assistant Director of Admission and head coach of the Rugby team. McCloskey was no stranger to the Prep when he arrived in 1987 as a freshman. He is part of a strong Prep lineage with his grandfather Matthew ’36, father Matthew ’59, and brothers Patrick ’84, Andrew ’88 and Sean ’99 all attending. “I had no choice of where I was going to go to high school since my grandpa, dad and brothers all went here, this is where I was going too,” McCloskey says. “I don’t regret it even a little bit.” Being the younger brother was hard at first. “Andrew was a senior when I was a freshman and all of his friends would treat me like a little brother.” McCloskey said. “They would kid around and I got my share of teasing but, no matter what, the seniors all genuinely looked out for me and the other freshmen. That is something that hasn’t changed.” But, according to McCloskey, many things have changed. One example is there are many more clubs and activities for students to get involved and the way students communicate has changed. “When I went to the Prep there weren’t as many organized clubs as there are now,” McCloskey said. “Today, kids will come in my office and bounce ideas off me and ask, for example, if I think an intramural team would be possible. They have great ideas and the school is willing to listen and help them get started.” As one of the spirit leaders in his class, McCloskey has noticed that technology has helped the current students get psyched. Today students can generate a Prep pride frenzy in a matter of seconds via text message and through their use of social media. “Our pep rallies never had videos, but today they do,” says McCloskey. “We have some talented boys here.” Though he wore the Hawk costume as a senior, McCloskey wishes the “green man” costume, made famous in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” by Prep alum Rob McElhenney ’95, was around back them. “If we had a green man, I would have been it,” he laughs.
person on the bench, the Prep is cheered on,” says McCloskey. “We’re not there cheering on individuals but the group. No one is ever bigger or better than anyone else.” One look around McCloskey’s office will tell you all you need to know about his priorities: family, Prep, Fairfield University and Philadelphia sports memorabilia. There is one large photo that sits in front of his desk. In it, dozens of smiling men hold a state championship rugby trophy aloft. In the front sits McCloskey with his son Garrett, enjoying every moment. His facial expression and Gatorade drenched shirt reflect the mood of celebration after a job well done. “I want these boys to have the same positive experience I had as a student here,” McCloskey says. “I want those memories that stay forever and I want them to experience the excitement of storming the field or court after a huge win.” After McCloskey graduated from the Prep, he went on to attend Fairfield University where he earned his B.A. in Communications. There he was a member of the Rugby team and met his wife, Maridel. They now have four children and are expecting their fifth in March. Prior to coming back to the Prep, McCloskey worked in public relations with half.com and the Philadelphia Phantoms minor league hockey team before joining the Prep’s Alumni Relations team in 2002. “I always wanted to be in education, to what extent I had no idea,” he says. “I always had a love for the Prep and the right position opened up. The following year I moved over to the Admission office and have been here ever since.” Every fall McCloskey ventures out into the greater Philadelphia area speaking to prospective boys and their families about considering the Prep for high school. “To see them as 8th graders and how they transition and manage to remain humble all the way through to senior year is great,” he says. “One thing that hasn’t changed since I went here is that the kid who’s starting quarterback, the kid in the school play, the kid that struggles in Latin and the freshman are all the same.” McCloskey says. “The Prep teaches these kids to stay humble and all the egos get checked at the door.” “It takes a special kid to come here,” McCloskey says. “That’s stayed the same.”
But the feeling of Prep pride, of cheering on your school, hasn’t changed a bit. “From a fan perspective, it doesn’t matter if you’re the first person or last
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– Maryellen Anastasio
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RETREAT LEADERS
SOONTHTVONG LANCTOT ’12 EVERY
STUDENT’S EXPERIENCE
AND PATH TO HIGH SCHOOL IS DIFFERENT. WHILE SOME KNOW FROM AN EARLY AGE THAT THEY WANT TO ATTEND THE
PREP,
LATER.
OTHERS ARE PUSHED TOWARDS IT
SONTY LANCTOT ’12
WAS IN THE LATTER
AND HE WAS HESITANT WHEN HIS FATHER TOLD HIM HE WOULD BE TRANSFERRING TO THE AFTER FRESHMAN YEAR AT
PREP
UPPER DARBY HIGH
SCHOOL.
“I had already made my friends at Upper Darby and was comfortable there,” Lanctot says. “I felt as if I had to start all over again.”
walls, cleaned the insides of the houses, painted and connected with those living in the community, it was a great experience.”
Lanctot’s two brothers, Dennis’94 and Courtney McCunney ’96, attended the Prep and though he was uncertain about coming to a new school, he ventured out of his comfort zone and was up for the new challenge.
As part of the campus ministry team he has been able to raise money and awareness for many causes. “I oversee the work we do on service sites in the city, help prepare for the Thanksgiving Food drive and Operation Santa Clause.”
“Sophomore year was a tough transition for me, but Though all of these activities can become time I adapted,” he says. “I got involved in many different consuming Sonty still finds time to balance his clubs and sports teams.” athletics, schoolwork and his passion for singing.
“
‘Go forth and set the world on fire’ is a saying
that sticks out in my mind.”
Sonty is the definition of a student leader. He is the co-founder of the Treblemakers “a cappella” singing group, a member of the jazz band and the mission and ministry team board as well as a freshman retreat leader. He is truly living out the motto of being a “man for and with others.” He realized after a service trip with his classmates to Baltimore he wanted to give back to the community. “We worked with Habitat for Humanity,” Sonty says, “helping to repair dilapidated houses. We put up
He began at an early age and in fifth grade joined the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale. Through this experience he was able to travel around the world to many different countries where the group would sing and tour.
“When I was on a service trip my friend (Hasani Allen ’12) and I would sing while working,” Sonty says. “We decided that when we came back we would ask Mr. (Michael) Gomez if we could start an a cappella group. He thought it was a great idea and we named it the Treblemakers.” To further illustrate his well-roundedness, Sonty is also a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams as well as the rugby team. As his senior year winds down he is happy that he transferred to the Prep. “Being open to growth and coming to the Prep has helped me to open up and learn a lot about myself. There are many things I have done here that I probably would have never done somewhere else.” Sonty says. The workload at times may be hard to handle but Sonty manages it gracefully. The Prep has given him the tools he will need as he prepares for college next fall.
“‘Go forth and set the world on fire’ is a saying that sticks out in my mind from being a leader at Today Sonty is still a member of the Boys Choir and freshman retreat this year,” Sonty says. “It means has also impacted the music department at the Prep. doing more than you’re asked to, it means getting He sings with the jazz band, mass choir and the involved by making a difference and stepping Treblemakers. outside your comfort zone.” – Maryellen Anastasio
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THE PREP NEWS
DR. JOE MURPHY ’88 THERE BOLT.
WAS NO LIGHTNING
NO
THUNDER SHOOK
THE WALLS.
NO, KAIROS
RETREATS AT
ST. JOSEPH’S PREP
STARTED WITH A QUIET CONVERSATION IN A HALLWAY AS A TEACHER ASKED A STUDENT IF HE WAS INTERESTED IN LEADING THE FIRST
KAIROS. NOW, 23 LATER,
KAIROS
YEARS AND
122
RETREATS
HAS CHANGED THE SCHOOL IN
WAYS TOO NUMERABLE TO COUNT.
And it all started with one conversation and a desire to complete service hours. “(Fr. Joe) Schaller asked me if I would do the retreat,” says Dr. Joe Murphy ’88, one of the pioneering eight Preppers who made that first trip to Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., to learn how to do it. “I thought it would be a good way to fulfill my senior service requirements so I agreed. I had no idea how important it would be.”
schools, Murphy still believes that the Prep was the best decision he could ever have made.
Murphy and the other seniors spent four days and three nights with the group from Gonzaga. “They welcomed us and were really wonderful,” says Murphy, who became the rector for Kairos I. “We realized right away how incredible it was and brought it back, hoping it would be successful.”
“Going to the Prep was a sacrifice, not only for us as students but for our whole family,” says Murphy, who remembers long bus/subway rides and his mother picking him up many days after wrestling practice or down at the river after crew. “But what we learned from it and the people we met there made it all worth it.”
The first SJP Kairos retreat was small, 20 or 25 by Murphy’s estimates. “I was really nervous,” he says. “Some of the guys I didn’t know really well but that was the whole point. It forced us to stop and think, which is different from most things you do in high school. It helped us all understand where the other came from.”
In many ways, Murphy says, the Prep experience echoes the Kairos experience, perhaps giving the reason for its success. “For both experiences, I believe we enter a bit nervous, not knowing what is coming but we believe it’s going to be special,” he says. “While there, we connect with each other and learn things we never could have learned otherwise.”
That skill has followed Murphy into his current career as a obstetrics/gynecology physician with a practice at Abington Hospital. “What I learned on Kairos has stayed with me as a doctor,” he says. “When I treat a woman, I am treating more than her medical issue. I am treating how she feels about it, what it means to her life and family. That broad view is something that I learned at the Prep and through Kairos.”
Murphy’s path to medicine follows a similar path. His father, a chemist, always had respect for physicians and encouraged his son. Murphy credits his father for making the sacrifices necessary to help him gain the opportunities that led to his success. “I know my father would have made a great physician had he been given the same opportunities that he gave me,” says Murphy. “He never complained and gave selflessly of himself to my family and whomever he met. His example showed me what it meant to be a man for others.”
Murphy entered Georgetown University, the alma mater of another mentor and friend Rev. Ryan Maher, S.J., where he met his mentor Fr. Otto Hentz, S.J. ’55. There, he earned a theology degree while also completing his pre-med requirements. He then earned a medical degree at Thomas Jefferson University before doing a ob-gyn residency at Pennsylvania Hospital. While in residency he met a labor and delivery nurse named Amy to whom he “proposed on their first date,” he says laughing. “Wisely, she turned me down but she finally accepted seven months later.” The couple has three children, Kate (12), Anna (10) and Joseph (7), “who already knows the Prep fight song.” Murphy’s dedication to his profession and family are nearly matched by his love of the Prep. Living in Glenside, where it would have been easier to attend other
Murphy feels that Kairos compels its participants to do the same. Participants are challenged to learn from their experience and then lead by example. Murphy feels that Kairos speaks to the basic tenets of our Catholic faith – give of oneself to better others through love and action. Today, Murphy works hard as a doctor and a father and continues to use the skills learned all those years ago. “As a leader, you know the changes that happen on Kairos and you look forward to seeing those transformations,” he says. “It’s the same with my patients and my family. Often you know the transformations that are possible and when you see them, it’s amazing.” – Bill Avington ’90
WINTER 2012
13
GUS CAMMISA ’12 WHEN GUS CAMMISA HOPS OFF THE 33 BUS AT RIDGE AND STILES, PEOPLE TAKE NOTE. “DRIVING DOWN THE RIDGE INTO THE PREP EVERY MORNING, I OCCASIONALLY SEE GUS, WITH HIS LONDON FOG COAT AND LEATHER BRIEFCASE, DISEMBARKING THE SEPTA BUS,” says Classics teacher Ed Turner ’00, who taught Gus for
“I haven’t decided on an answer, but I guess it is all part of me growing up.”
Latin I, “He could easily be confused for a downtown lawyer, or (6ABC reporter) Vernon Odom’s heir apparent; it always makes me smile.”
Gus walks fast down the Prep halls, but not fast enough to miss the world around him. In one particular peregrination down the K-Street Corridor last year, he walked by two students discussing the benefits of big business in the 1920s, he heard Mr. Turner and Gerardo Faia talking about Latin phonetics. A student nearby was reading Keats’ “Ode to a Grecian Urn.”
It makes me smile to write this article about Gus. I first met him in September of his sophomore year in our Honors English II class. One of the first things to be noticed is Gus’ style. His wears suits custom-made by his Italian grandfather; it’s dignified, magisterial even, and through it bursts forth the wearer’s passion for literature. Daily, Gus had so much to say about Emerson and Gatsby that he’d lose his breath. There, in our class, we’d wait, all on the edge of our seats, all asking the same question: Would Gus explode out of his custom-made Italian suit? Indeed, Gus’ ebullient and passionate – and insightful and erudite – pontifications on Holden Caulfield and Willy Loman had the 25 of us hanging in the balance. Balance, though, has been a tough thing for Gus this year. In the first quarter, he saw his grades slip into unchartered territory. Many of Gus’ teachers voiced concern. Here was an A.P. Scholar with Distinction without the same spring in his step. In some classes, Gus’ voice went mute. In other cases, it seemed that Gus, still distinguished looking in suit and tie, didn’t even want to listen. “I had a tough beginning to my senior year,” Gus tells me on an early November day. “My arrogance—my hubris—it got to me. I expected a lot of my classes to be walks in the park, and I didn’t want to admit it right away. It was disappointing, to say the least.” With the support of his teachers and his rededication to his own high standards, Gus appears to have made it through the London fog of the first quarter. He’s found himself again, and explodes with even more conviction now, especially when he talks about his big dream: to be a writer. “Personally I want to be able to send a message, to inspire people, to stimulate the mind, because I want people to think. I want to make a difference in someone’s life. I would like to try my hand at a book or two, not just for my peers but for future generations. I want you to entertain something. My message I’m still debating. What principle do I find valuable enough to commit my whole life promoting? Is it the cliché that life is beautiful? Plenty of people I know don’t know what to do with themselves. They think there’s no point to anything. I want to remind them about curiosity, that there’s so much to do. Or is my message to tell people to relax? You don’t have to fear that life’s going to destroy you. Maybe I will convince them that life is not as horrible as people make it out to be, that for all the evil in the world, the good is tenfold.
Growing up at 1733 has been eye-opening for this South Philly native. “My freshmen year was a huge wake-up call for me. I didn’t know what was going on outside of my neighborhood, much less South Philly. The Prep has exploded my senses of how big the world truly is.”
“It was then that I realized that to be scholarly doesn’t mean to be snotty or stuffy,” he says. “We are all determined scholars here. I’m so happy to be a part of that.” Hopefully, Gus will never lose his trademark gusto, but now, after two years of teaching him and working with him with the yearbook (he is the reigning editor), I’ve noticed that he’s embraced the silences that come with reflection and a deepening selfawareness. And quietude is not such an easy task for a young man in love with words, in love with life. Vergil’s words, for instance, have the power to satiate Gus’ insatiable love of language (with unfeigned humiliation, Gus admits he’s a poor scientist and mathematician). Gus laughs when he remembers how his A.P. Vergil classmates, Nick Endo and Nick Norberg, would eat lunch in five minutes last year, then find true nourishment in Homer. “A.P. Vergil was the most remarkable and most difficult classes that I took, and Mrs. Primick is one of the most fantastic people I’ve ever met. She taught me how to read the Aeneid and really see how Vergil arranges his words to send hundreds of cohesive messages.” Turner’s class in Cammissa’s freshman year proved profound as well. “I liked how Mr. Turner didn’t explode with a love of Latin—it was just obvious he knew a lot, and was calm and assured about it.” And then there was Mr. Kania’s religion class in Gus’ sophomore year. “When I was confronted with a different perspective on the reality of the Gospels, I became aware of the complexity of it all, that nothing’s so simple.” Headed into December, Gus continues his work as editor of the yearbook and as an anchorman for Prep Vision, all the while moving through his gauntlet of A.P. courses. He also works at Super Fresh at 5th and Pine, where he spends four days a week in 5-6 hour shifts as a cashier. His uniform at the grocery store? “This,” Gus says, pointing to his custom-made suit. In more ways than one, this senior has worked his way through the Prep, proudly, humbly, indefatigably and inimitably, briefcase in hand. – Susie Cook
14
THE PREP NEWS
MARK RUBBO ’04 THERE
IS A SAYING:
“YOU
TAKE THE KID OUT OF
PHILLY
SOUTH
BUT YOU CAN’T EVER TAKE
SOUTH PHILLY MARK RUBBO THOUGH
CAN
OUT OF THE KID.”
IS LIVING TESTIMONY OF THAT.
HE NOW LIVES AND WORKS IN
MANHATTAN,
THE MECCA FOR PEOPLE IN THE CREATIVE ARTS INDUSTRY, HIS FAMILY, MEMORIES, AND A SOLID EDUCATION ARE ROOTED IN
PHILADELPHIA.
Rubbo presently works at Click3X, a company that specializes in creating animation and visual effects Without SJP, I would never have had the exposure for commercials, movies, videos, and computer graphics. Mark, who majored in Fine Arts at the to the different cultures and people, it was a great University of Pennsylvania, enjoys this work because he can combine fine arts and computer science into conduit for social and academic opportunity.” telling a story, something that really compels him to get up and go to work every day. To say he loves his work, would be an understatement--- it gives him an The Prep did its part as well. “Without SJP, I would After graduating from Penn, he knew the competioutlet for his creativity. And he gets paid for it, one tion would be tough in his field, everyone wanted to never have had the exposure to the different cultures more piece of field research supporting Maslow`s work in a creative studio in New York. He did some and people, it was a great conduit for social and Theory of Self-Actualization. academic opportunity,” says Rubbo. “I enjoyed freelance and contract work and sent out over 70 significant personal, scholastic, and spiritual growth, resumes to New York studios. Perseverance, hard Mark`s older brother proceeded him to St Joseph`s work and patience landed him a job as a compositor particularly through the Kairos experience.” Prep, which greatly influenced his decision. ”I had at Curious Pictures. In 2010, Mark and his creative a lot of early exposure to the Prep and I had a good Mark may now dwell in the Big Apple, but his heart team hit pay dirt when they won an Emmy for feeling that it was the place for me. Plus, it was is still in South Philly and at the Prep. Other than Outstanding Title Design for the HBO series “Bored the best high school in Philadelphia.” Mark and a couple more Emmys, nothing would give him to Death.” In Mark`s own words, “I was both his chums from South Philly instantly recognized greater joy except maybe the extension of the Broad stunned and elated.” He also produced a premiere they were different from their fellow freshmen, holiday special called “Little Spirit-Christmas in New Street subway to include a station stop in Tribeca, but this quickly dissipated as a crimson and gray the opening of a Pat`s Steaks in mid-town or the York,” sponsored by Macy`s as part of their 150th metamorphosis occurred and they became the Prep football team playing a home game in the Anniversary Celebration. His career has been well cohesive energetic class of 2004. His first impression Meadowlands. paced, and the future is boundless, there is every was, not only the diversity of the student body, but expectation that more awards are on the way. His the great facility, the academic energy, and the Once again, proving the adage right, there is still a biography is just beginning. devotion of the faculty. One day just a few weeks lot of Philly in this boy. into his freshman year, after he missed his bus, he When asked about his success, he echoed, “you wandered around the halls seeing students playing – Thomas J. Lyons II ’60. can`t take South Philly out of the kid.” He believes pick-up basketball in Kelly Fieldhouse, someone Tom, the father of three Prep grads (TJ ’87, Andrew ’89 and Sean it all goes back to his roots. He appreciates all the ’93), is the author of a recent book, You Can`t get to Heaven on the practicing the piano in the multi-purpose room, and support, hard work, and sacrifice of his parents Frankford El. Information on the book can be obtained by e-mail, observing a club meeting in one of the side rooms, tjplyons@aol.com. to enable him and his brother to have the best he realized that he had “made the right choice.” He education. “It wasn`t easy for them,” he says. was overwhelmed with the variety and passion of Mark can be reached via his Website: www.markrubbo.com. However, they found joy in watching the Rubbo the place. acorns grow into accomplished oaks.
“
WINTER 2012
15
Make a gift that lasts forever! Tom McParland ’52, a retired partner of KPMG, and his wife Marge are proud members of the Magis Society, which honors those who have made legacy gifts in their will to the Prep. “Marge and I are supporters of the strong academic and moral values that Catholic schools like the Prep offer. The Prep is a source of our future leaders and it is very important to keep this great institution vibrant for the good of the individuals who attend but also for society as a whole. By including the Prep in our wills, we are saying thank you and continue with your outstanding work.” For more information on making a forever gift to the Prep, contact Russell Gartz at 215-978-1035 or rgartz@sjprep.org.
Tom McParland ’52
Would you LIKE TO USE YOUR PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS TAX DOLLARS TO HELP PREP STUDENTS?
The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) allows you to do just that by providing tax credits up to 75% of your contribution to the Prep, up to a maximum of $300,000. This increases to 90% if your business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive years. Keep in mind that this is money you already pay in taxes. By submitting a 1-page application, your company can direct all of these designated state taxes to the Prep! • • • •
Corporate Net Income Tax • Capital Franchise Tax Bank and Trust Company Share Tax • Title Insurance Companies Share Tax Insurance Premium Tax • Mutual Thrift Institution Tax Personal Income Tax of S Corporation shareholders or partnership partners
All EITC donations are scholarship gifts to the Prep Fund and can only be used for scholarship purposes as regulated by state law. On average, over 36% of our student body receives approximately $3.2 million annually in both need-based and merit-based financial aid. Each year, EITC contributions average over $150,000 in aid.
“The EITC program is like free money from the state. My brothers and I, along with cousin Peter [below], are lucky enough to own our own business and have an annual tax liability to the state. It's a no-brainer from a business standpoint.” – Jay Bellwoar ’80, VP Colonial Electric Supply Co.
Additional information can be found at www.sjprep.org/EITC Have questions? Contact Ceal Biello at cbiello@sjprep.org Below is a list of companies who have supported this Prep in 2011 through the EITC Program: Advanced Network Products, Inc. Beneficial Savings Bank Bravo Foundation Bruno's Inc. Casaccio Architects LLC Colonial Electric Supply Co. Inc Connor, Weber and Oberlies DNB First Driscoll Construction Company Elkay Manufacturing Corportaion, LLC Evercrest, Inc.
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First Niagara Geppert Bros., Inc. Gordon E. Conwell Associates, Inc. Henkels Foundation Herman Goldner Company Inc. Kildare Capital MCS Group, Inc. Millennium Insurance Company Mohawk Tile & Marble Mulhern Electric Company, Inc. Neutronics, Inc. Nihill & Riedley, P.C.
Norman, Spencer McKernan Philip Rosenau Company Inc. Procacci Brothers Republic Bank Thomas J. Paul Inc. Topaz Kessler Meltzer & Check, LLPViroPharma Incorporated VJG Enterprises Limited Wilmington Trust of Pennsylvania
THE PREP NEWS
fa c u lt y pr of il e
JOE FEIGHAN SCIENCE When the Prep was rebuilt in 1967-68, nearly everything was modern, from the beautiful three-story foyer and chapel to the state-ofthe-art library and gym. The architecture is very much in its time, especially when compared to the classic design of the buildings that had been destroyed by fire. One area, however, that felt older, even then, was the science wing. Labs were designed on a model of science that had been around for nearly a century. By 2010, they were downright antiquated. Enter Joe Feighan. He and chair Barbara Brown, with support from the Prep administration and the Board of Trustees, set off on a quest to create a science wing to fit the educational mission of the Prep, one that its students and faculty deserved. Now, in the 2011-12 school year, the Maguire Science Wing is complete and their vision has been realized. And Feighan may have been the perfect person for the job. Not only is he deeply rooted in science education—with 38 years of teaching under his lab coat—but he also worked in construction and carpentry. His designs helped turn the team’s vision into something that the general contractor could utilize. “Over the years, I had attended several seminars on lab design and had that to draw upon,” says Feighan. “We needed new facilities, that much was clear. We just tried to make sure we did it correctly.” Feighan and Brown toured several schools, seeing things they wanted to utilize at the Prep. The goal all along was to enhance and promote science education at the Prep. “When we sketched out a floor plan, our aim was to have more students experience science simply by seeing it,” he says. “That is how we plan to promote science. We would love to have more students take four years of science.” The first wave of renovation was a huge undertaking. Feighan and Brown had a vision to turn the unused space formerly used by the Treasurer’s Office into an advanced science lab. From there, the empty space that provided sunlight into the library became a greenhouse. Windows installed in the hallway would allow the entire space to be seen by anyone passing by, thereby accomplishing the goal of opening the space to new people. Over the summer of 2010, these two spaces were created, as was a new classroom and the biology lab/prep room. The impact has been enormous. “We’ve seen an increase in elective courses,” he says. “We’ve doubled the number of students in Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. I think those numbers will continue to grow.” This summer, the chemistry and physics labs were redone, along with the classrooms and prep rooms. The entire wing was dedicated in honor of the Maguire Family, whose donation made a major impact on the science campaign. Symbolically, the Greenhouse was dedicated in honor of Feighan and Brown, the two teachers who made it all possible. “Of course we were humbled by it,” says Feighan. “Neither one of us is into receiving individual recognition but we were able to help achieve something that was needed and now we are at the point of almost total completion. That’s exciting.” Feighan may have been the perfect man at the perfect time but his career choice isn’t that unusual in his family. His father, Dr. Joseph Feighan ’44, studied nuclear chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania and taught at Saint Joseph’s College and Cabrini College. Three of Joe’s sisters are chemistry teachers and another is an elementary school teacher. He also has an aunt who taught chemistry at Immaculata and another cousin in the field. “I’ve been in labs all my life,” says Feighan, who remembers hanging in his dad’s lab at Saint Joseph’s as a youngster. Feighan wants students to feel a passion for science from the labs in which they learn. “The Prep should have the best science facilities, the best science teachers and the best science technology,” he says. “It was a little bit of divine fate that the board and administration were interested in moving forward, Mr. and Mrs. Maguire were interested in helping and that Barb and I were ready to help bring it to fruition.” – Bill Avington ’90
“
The Prep should have the best science facilities, the best science teachers and the best science technology.”
WINTER 2012
17
Reunion Weekend 2011
Class of 1971
Class of 1976
18
Class of 1981
Class o
THE PREP NEWS
Class of 2006
Class of 1986
of 1991 WINTER 2012
Class of 2001
Class of 1996
19
Thomas F. Reilly, Esq. ‘69 has joined the Philadelphia office of The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP. He was a founding partner of Gallagher Reilly & Lachat until he joined Swartz Campbell in 2000. He has served as a Judge Pro Tempore since 2000 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and has been named as a “Super Lawyer” by Philadelphia Magazine every year since 2006.
1930s
1960s
Walter Arader ‘38 is in his 91st year and still active on several boards and associations. He still keeps bees for a great honey harvest each year.
Rev. Gerald Huyett, S.J. ’60 and Rev. Leonard Martin, S.J. ’60 celebrated 50 years in the Society of Jesus
Rev. Joseph Fitzmyer, S.J. ’38 celebrated 60 years in the priesthood.
Dr. Leopold Andreoli ‘63 has retired as Director, Chief Scientist at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. He currently resides with his wife Kathleen in Torrance, CA.
1970s
Joseph Toto ’63 has been selected to be a senior fellow in Human Capital by the Conference Board in New York
William Greenlee ’71 is completing his first full term as a Philadelphia City Councilman at Large (first elected in 2006).
John Whelan ’38 reports that he is still surviving at the young age of 91!
1940s Rev. Edward Jarvis, S.J. ’41, Rev. Frank MacEntee, S.J. ’41 and Rev. D. Gilbert Sweeney, S.J. ’41 all celebrated 70 years in the Society of Jesus. James Carbine ’43 attended his 65th Reunion from West Point in May. Rev. William Byron, S.J. ’45 celebrated 50 years in the priesthood. SJP grads swept the “over-80” football and softball throws at the Delaware County Senior Games. Joe Kraft ‘48 won Gold, Joe Hart ‘45 took silver and Ed Neary ‘45 won bronze in both events. Rev. Edwin Sanders ’47 is continuing and expanding the ministry at Berks County Jail and at St. Mary’s Parish in Lebanon, PA. Rev. Joseph Sanders ’48 and Rev. Richard Schmidt ’48 celebrated 50 years in the priesthood.
1950s Thomas Duffy ’51 is surviving retirement while helping out in local parishes. He enjoyed seeing so many at the class’ 60th reunion
George McShea ’64 has retired after 43 years in the maritime industry. He is now doing training and seminars for mariners and company managers part time. Don Cocozza ‘65 was inducted into the Merchant Marine Academy Athletics Hall of Fame for football. At the Academy, Cocozza was a four-year starter and signal caller as middle linebacker on the football team. Team co-captain in 1969, Cocozza was a member of the 1969 Lambert Bowl team that was the No. 1 ranked defensive team in the country by the NCAA. Dr. James Comey ‘65 has retired after 41 years of teaching in public education (Kennett Square, Upper Darby, Wallingford-Swarthmore). He is also the writer-inresidence at Stages of Imagination, a nationally recognized 510 (c)(3) nonprofit entertainment and learning organization that he co-founded in Media, PA. Dr. John J. McPhilemy ’65 has been elected as President of the Philadelphia Orthopaedic Society for the 2011-2012 academic year. Dr. Joseph Ferroni ‘66 received the Teacher of the Year award from the Saint Joseph’s University chapter of P.I.L.O.T. (Pharmaceutical Industry Leaders of Tomorrow). For the last several years, Dr. Ferroni has taught Pharmacology to the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing students at the university. In addtion to teaching, Dr. Ferroni continues his OB/GYN practice in Malvern, PA.
Terry Connors ‘72 [right] was recently elected to the Board of Directors of KPMG LLP, where he is an audit partner responsible for professional practice matters for the Pennsylvania Business Unit. Terry also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Gesu School. Rev. John Swope, S.J. ’72 celebrated 25 years in the priesthood and joined the SJP Board of Trustees this past summer. Jeffrey Myers ’74 joined the in-house counsel of LECOM, the largest medical school in the United States, at its Bradenton, FL campus after almost 28 years of private practice at Blank Rome, LLP in Philadelphia. RADM Kevin Sweeney ‘78 was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. On July 9, 2011, family and friends of Ellen and Bern Kueny ’79 gathered to help them celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Preppers who joined the festivities were: Kneeling [l to r]: Bernie Kueny ‘07, Tim Kueny ‘87, Joe Kueny ‘92, Pat Kueny ‘11, Tom Kueny ‘13 Standing [l to r] Gus Kueny ‘53, Jim McGlone ‘79, Tom Kueny ‘82, Bern and Ellen, Mike Gallagher ‘84, Jacques Kueny ‘58, Steve Keeler ‘79, and Bill Wechsler ‘71.
Three Preppers were honored by the Saint Joseph’s University Medical Alumni chapter. Award winners included Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach ’59 [second from right], Dr. Thomas Sutula ’67 [second from left] and Dr. Joseph Horstmann ’64 [center]. Prep President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 offered the blessing at the event. Dr. L. Stewart Barbera ’55 serves as President of the chapter and Dr. Alexander Pedicino [far right], a Prep Alumni parent, is President Elect.
1980s Pat McCloskey ‘83 and his company Racing Resources, in conjunction with Delaware Canal State Park, Yardley Borough and New Hope Borough, organized the first Bucks County Marathon.
20
THE PREP NEWS
G. Lawrence DeMarco, LLM ‘86 ran for County Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County. He is one of four endorsed candidates of the Democratic Party. Larry practices personal injury, workers compensation, social security, and crime victim compensation law as a partner of the law firm of DeMarco & DeMarco, P.C. Anthony Tigano ‘86 is the Chief Financial Officer of Chapman Auto Group in Horsham. He and his wife Michelle reside in Sewell, NJ with their two sons, Anthony and Alexander. Antony Braithwaite ‘89 and Will Dennis ‘01 starred in the Tony Award winning comedy ART at Act 2 Playhouse in Ambler in late spring. Also involved were Matt Silva ‘03 as Assistant Director and Howie Brown ‘99, the Development Director of Act 2 Playhouse. Carmine Rauso ‘89 accepted a position as Executive Director of Sales at Advertising Specialty Institute in Trevose. In his role in the Major Accounts division, Carmine is working with ASI’s Multi-Million Dollar Roundtable distributor clientele. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Newtown Square and are the proud parents of Nicholas, Joseph, and Anthony.
1990s
Timothy Malcarney ‘92 is the Principal of Prime AV Solutions, an audio visual design and integration solutions provider located in Pennsauken, NJ. The company offers a variety of audio visual, presentation, and communication solutions for schools. Gregory Kuklinski ’94 received the Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement at the annual conference of the American Society of Civil Engineers in Memphis, Tenn. Eugene Bell ’95 is an independent associate with Legal Shield (a home based business providing legal services plans and identity theft protection to individuals and businesses). He and his wife Marla also operate a catering business called Little Bites, Big Taste! He is in his 6th year of coaching basketball at St. Rose of Lima in West Philadelphia. T.J. Lunardi ‘95, a member of the Diplomatic Security Service, was in charge of security for Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s recent trip to the United Nations in New York City. CPT. Michael Nguyen ‘97 currently serves in the US Army Reserve as the Brigade Adjutant for the 3rd Civil Affairs/Military Information Support Operations Brigade at Fort Totten, NY and is an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Fordham University Army ROTC.
Daniel Gallagher, Esq. ‘90 has been appointed by President Barack Obama to be a commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Gallagher is a partner in the Securities Department of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, LLP, where he focuses on regulatory issues and market-related enforcement matters.
Dr. Eugene Haas ’99 is chief resident at Abington Memorial Hospital. He will graduate from residency in June 2012.
Steven Rosso ‘90, a producer for the “Rachel Ray Show,” has been nominated for a Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award.
Brian Gilbert ‘99, Director of Admissions at Georgetown Prep, has been named the National Chair of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association’s Admissions group.
Kevin McGowan ‘91, who is Director with Newmark Knight Frank Smith Mack, was honored with Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award at a ceremony which was held in May. He was honored for his professional excellence and involvement in the Philadelphia
Philip Gravinese ’99 was named the Florida Marine Science Educator Association teacher of the year. He spent the summer working for Broadreach Academic Treks and the Sea Turtle Conservancy in Costa Rica to monitor and tag endangered green turtles as part of their conservation program. Phil was recently awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship to pursue his PhD in marine biology at Florida Institute of Technology.
Howie Brown ‘99 has been named the new Managing Director at Act 2 Playhouse in Ambler.
Joe Mallon ‘99 was cast as Stanley Kowalski in “A Street Car Named Desire” at the University of South Carolina Graduate School for Theatre. Brendan Quinn ’99 is sports editor for nooga.com in Chattanooga, Tenn., covering SEC football and basketball, as well as UT-Chattanooga.
Michael Rady ‘99 guest starred on CBS’ “The Mentalist” for three episodes. AJ Rizzo S.J. ’99 started his first year of Jesuit Regency at Scranton Prep (where former Prep Principal Rev. Herb Keller S.J. ‘69 is President and former Prep Principal Rev. Tom Roach is Rector of the Jesuit Community.)
2000s Patrick McCool ‘01 received his J.D. from the Earl Mack School of Law at Drexel University this past spring. Bob Hamburger ‘01 [right] graduated in May from Nova Southeastern University School of Medicine, where he won the Dean’s Award as the top ranked student. He has started his residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital. Liam Moriarty ‘02 was admitted to the New York bar on September 29 after graduating from Columbia Law School. He is an associate at Gibson, Dunn, Crutcher LLP in New York. Christopher Sulock ’02 graduated Cum Laude from Widener University School of Law. He accepted an associate position at the Law Firm of Yost & Tretta, LLP, and also passed the PA bar exam. Christian Barlow ‘03 is a first year medical student at St. Georges University School of Medicine pursuing his dream of becoming an M.D. Anthony Foltz ‘03, who was the victim of a terrible hit and run accident last April, overcame his critical injuries to finish the Broad Street Run and graduate from Temple University Law School. He completed the run with his brother Charlie ‘11 and received the Crossen Award from Temple for overcoming adversity. Steven Boc ‘04 currently serves as a law clerk in Philadelphia and began his final year of law school at Drexel this fall. Ted McShane ’04 and several friends drove to Milwaukee in a Winnebago for the Brewers/Phillies series [below]. Several Preppers were in attendance, including (they are class year of 2004 unless noted): Pat Dougherty, Larry Wargo, Andrew Bongiovanni, Chris Harrington, Drew Blacker, Pat Mahoney,
community. Kevin’s primary focus at Newmark Knight is in the industrial market within the Greater Philadelphia region, with a strong concentration in the Lehigh Valley and Central Pennsylvania. Greg Small ’91 was inducted into the Gwynedd-Mercy College Athletic Hall of Fame for Men’s Basketball.
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Kevin Murray, Mike Sansoni, Bobby Muth, Ted McShane, Greg Mendez, Sean Ryan, Kevin Lake, Joe McElwee, Bob Protesto all from ‘04, Jim Kane ‘07, Brian Kane and Kyle McElwee ‘08, and the veterans Jim Kane ’73 and Joe McElwee ‘73. Michael Morell ’04 is working as an accountant for Surfline in Huntingdon Beach, CA Tommy Saporito ‘04 has been accepted to Second City’s Conservatory Company in Chicago. Austin Connors ‘04 is the Development Director for the Media Theatre. Stephen Harrington ’06 graduated from Catholic University with a degree in finance after playing as a fouryear starter and 2010 captain of the Lacrosse team. He is currently residing in Washington, D.C. area working for Seneca Resources as a Sales Associate. John Braithwaite ‘07 recently won the Student Leadership Award at Fordham University. Zachary Certa ’07 is a first year student at Jefferson Medical College after graduating from Georgetown University in May. Patrick Curtin ’07 graduated from Chestnut Hill College in May and was the recipient of The Golden Griffin Award, which is presented to the graduating senior who had the most school spirit for their four years. Patrick is currently employed as an Admissions Counselor at Rosemont College.
Hornell, NY. The ceremony was attended by fellow Prep graduates: CPT Michael A. Nguyen ‘97, Ens Greg Taylor ‘07, and Ens Alex Rulon ‘07. Thomas McGlynn ’07, a recent graduate from The College of the Holy Cross, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Germany during the 20112012 year. Tom’s appointment is in Saxony, Germany. ENS Alexander Rulon ‘07 graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy last spring and commissioned as a USCG Officer. He is assigned to his first cutter out of Norfolk, VA. ENS Gregory Taylor ‘07 graduated from Purdue University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Flight Technology and a Master of Science degree in Aviation and Aerospace Management. He also received his commission as a naval officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Ensign. He is currently stationed at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida as a Student Naval Aviator. James Zebley ‘07 was awarded the Staughton Prize for Excellence in Latin, Romeo Elton Prize for Excellence in Greek, and the John F. Latimer Prize in Classics by the Classics Department at George Washington University. These awards are awarded annually by the department to the student(s) who has demonstrated academic excellence in each of these areas. Andrew Hanna ‘08, a lacrosse player at Rollins College where he is a member of the honors program, was named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-District Second Team. An economics major, Hanna is the first player in program history to earn the prestigious honor. Robert Jones ‘08 interned this past summer with the scholarly publishing house Librairie Droz in Paris, France. Robert’s internship was facilitated by Princeton University’s Department of French and Italian with support from the University’s Council of the Humanities.
2LT Christopher Gannon ‘07 [above, second from left] was commissioned as a US Army Officer at Fordham University in May. Chris also graduated from Fordham and will serve with the 222nd Military Police Company in
who had previously served as Secretary of YAF’s Board of Directors, became Secretary of YAF’s newly formed Board of Governors. He was inducted into The Phi Beta Kappa Society this past spring. Settle accepted YAF’s Chapter of the Year award on behalf of Penn State YAF. He also served as a Republican Precinct Captain and a Member of the Centre County Republican Committee, and is actively involved with the area Tea Party. Mark Giubilato ’09 played fullback for the University of Pittsburgh and plays on the special teams kick off and punt squads. Jeffrey Lynch ‘09 earned 2011 Mike Durgala CC Tournament co-MVP accolades after leading Johns Hopkins in its fifth straight baseball conference championship. John Zielinski ’09 spent the summer in Shanghai, China working as an Engineering Intern doing research and development at Tianma Microelectronics. He is a junior at Penn State (University Park) majoring in Electrical Engineering.
2010s Joe Madsen ‘10 directed a play, “Peaches and Freon,” at Georgetown University. John Gregitis ‘10, John McShea ‘07 and Fran Smith ‘10 are members of the University of Scranton lacrosse team which won the Landmark Conference Championship (first time in 25 years) and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament. Robert McCabe ‘10, a freshman at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), was named to the NCAA Division 1, America East Conference Baseball All Rookie Team last spring.
Samuel Settle ‘08 was a Republican nominee for the State College Area School District Board of School Directors. Earlier in 2011, Samuel was appointed to the State College Human Relations Commission by the Borough Council. Following the merger of the Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) with the Young America’s Foundation this past summer, Samuel,
Class of '03 (mostly) news: Patrick Travers '03, Sean Mitchell '03, Dan Stanek '03, Greg Connors '02, Andrew Rice '03, Dan Fitzpatrick '03 and Trevor Echelmeier '03 celebrating the wedding of classmate, Mike McDonald '03 [not shown].
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THE PREP NEWS
Help the Prep ... keep our database current. The Prep wants to know more about you. In an attempt to maintain our database appropriately we are asking everyone to go to http://my.sjprep.org/updateinfo and make sure we have your most up to date biographical information or mail this completed form to: SJP Development Office, ATT: Kevin Gilbert ’02, 1733 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19130 or fax to 267-515-6000.
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BIRTHS Abigail to Karen and Jose Gonzalez, Prep Director of Diversity William John to Therese and Dr. William Gillespie, Prep Counselor Michael Andrew to Bridgette and Vincent Stinger ’78 [1] Grace Kathryn to Rebecca and Michael Hochhaus ’84 [2] Loren Charles to Stephanie and Timothy Vieira ’87 Olivia Mary to Lauren and Mark Weinmann ’88 [3] Sabina Alexia to Alexia and Charles Henneberry ’89 Michael Thomas to Nicki and Tim McMenamin ’89 Colin John to Melissa and Sean Moule ’92 [4]
Leo Jackson to Kristin and Brian Daly ’93 Ronan Edward to Kate and Brendan Brazunas ’93 Mackenzie Jane to Kristine and Eric Vesotsky ’95 [5] Christopher James to Julie and Nicholas Falcone ’95 [6] Francis James 'FJ' to Courtney and Benjamin Crowley ’95 [7] Liam James to Lindsay and Timothy Madden ’98 Kathleen Melissa to Heather and Brian Gilbert ’99 [8] Caleb Patrick to Emily and Patrick Donohue ’98 [9]
WEDDINGS Eric Vesotsky '95 to Kristine Meindl [1] Eugene Bell '95 to Marla Cam [2] Christopher Morris ’96 to Allison Kruper John Connors '02 to Dana Rush
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Kevin White '02 to Molly Gallagher [3] William Sullivan ’02 to Diana Lizardi-Sullivan Joshua Bair ’03 to Dawn Chaplik Jerry Sullivan '03 to Alicia McGinn [4]
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Michael Blisard '04 to Victoria Komen [5] Steven Boc '04 to Kristin Quinn Patrick Carney '04 to Megan Maloney [6] John Dougherty '04 to Cecilia Watson [7]
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[abovr, l or r, top row] Michael Robinson IV ’04 (Groomsman), Robert Protesto IV ’04, Brian Comly ’04, Joseph McElwee ’04, William Gennaro ’04 (Groomsman), Sean McGonigle ’04, Patrick Bianchi ’04, George Matteo ’04, Michael Malarick ’04, Daniel Gordon ’04, [l or r, bottom row] David Binck ’05, John Shindle ’04, Matthew McCool ’04 (Groomsman), Michael Blisard ’04 (Groomsman), Robert Schriver ’04, Joseph Kelly ’04, Daniel Wisniewski ’04 (Groomsman)
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THE PREP NEWS
Calling all “Jersey Girls” (PA girls too, plus guys of course) Come and celebrate the Prep “Jersey” style as the Kelly Fieldhouse turns into the legendary Stone Pony
THIS YEAR, HAWKTION WILL FEATURE:
• BidPal handheld devices. No longer will you need to be chained to the silent auction tables to “protect” your bid. These devices allow you to know whenever you have been outbid and to place another one • Music and dancing to the sounds of the B Street Band, the famous Springsteen tribute band known throughout the East Coast
NEW THIS YEAR!
“Dancing in the Dark” to the sounds of the B Street Band!
HAWKTION 2012 Saturday, April 21 6:30 p.m. til ….
• Decorations that will transport us to the shore, especially the famous Asbury Park landmarks so known to Springsteen fans For the first time ever, Hawktion will honor a family which has meant a lot to the event. This year, Hawktion will honor a special group who have been associated with Hawktion past and present: the Glanzmann and Clearkin Families. Check the Hawktion Website: http://hawktion.sjprep.org for more information or to reserve your tickets as we get closer to the event.
HAWKTION KICK OFF PARTY:
Saturday, January 28 at Mac’s Tavern (3rd and Market Sts.) 3 – 6 pm. Only 120 tickets to be sold to this fabulous Prep event.
ALUMNI/FATHER-SON COMMUNION BREAKFAST Sunday, February 26, 2012 (snow date, March 4) 10 a.m. Mass in the Church of the Gesu Breakfast to follow in the Kelly Fieldhouse Cost is $25 per person KEYNOTE SPEAKER: J. Michael Farrell, Esq. ’70 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Christopher Tretta, Esq. ’71 REV. CHARLES A. SCHNORR, S.J. SERVICE AWARD: Michael Gomez
For more information, go to www.sjprep.org/commbreak.
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ANNUAL PREP GOLF & TENNIS CLASSIC
Monday, May 21, 2012 PHILADELPHIA COUNTRY CLUB
NEW LOCATION
Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Dinner to follow. Go to prepclassic.sjprep.org THIS YEAR’S HONOREE:
FRANK QUATTRONE ’73 25
in m e m or i a m
CARDINAL JOHN FOLEY ’53 (1935-2011) Known to many as the “nicest person at the Vatican,” Cardinal John Foley ’53 lived a life devoted to the Catholic church and to spreading its message throughout the world. He passed away on December 11 after a struggle with leukemia. After being elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2007, Cardinal Foley returned to the Prep for a celebration and Mass. During his homily, he spoke of hearing “God’s whisper” while a student at the Prep and following that whisper into the priesthood after graduating from Saint Joseph’s College. Cardinal Foley, who eventually served for more than two decades as the President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, was one of the Catholic Church’s key communicators during the papacy of Pope John Paul II, one of the church’s largest eras of world outreach. After graduating from the College, Foley was ordained a priest in 1962. The following year, he was named Assistant Editor and Rome correspondent for the Catholic Standard and Times and became editor in 1970. He served as a member of the board of governors of the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in 1976 and was named a monsignor that same year. He served as news secretary for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in the United States (19691984) and as English-language liaison for Pope John Paul's visits to Ireland, the United States and Canada (1979) and for the International Synod of Bishops held in Rome in 1980. In 1984, Pope John Paul II named him Archbishop and President of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Social Communications and he was ordained an Archbishop by Cardinal John Krol in that same year. Foley has received numerous awards including the St. Francis de Sales Award of the Catholic Press Association (1984), Knight Commander with Grand Cross, Order of the Northern Star, Kingdom of Sweden (1991), and Knight Commander with Grand Cross, Order of Holy Sepulchre (1991). His responsibilities also included the Vatican Film Library and the satellite transmission and commentary for the Christmas Midnight Mass from St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a duty he kept for decades. In 2007, Foley was named pro-Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, one of the papal orders of chivalry. In October 2007, Foley was elevated to the College of Cardinals to reflect his new position and his lifetime of service to the church. The New York Times quoted Cardinal Foley as saying that Pope Benedict XVI told him the appointment was “one of the best things” he had done as pope. Cardinal Foley was named Alumnus of the Year by the Prep in 2008 and was a great friend of his alma mater, remaining in contact with many of his classmates despite living abroad for years. Through the years, scores of Preppers had been received by him at the Vatican and he had arranged many papal audiences. In honor of his achievements, in 2008, his classmates began the Cardinal John Foley Scholarship Fund to benefit students with financial need. For more on Cardinal Foley, check out the tribute page at http://www.sjprep.org/news/foley.html.
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THE PREP NEWS
IN MEMORIAM Ward J. Childs '55
Joseph P. Breslin '25
Edward C. Bradley '46
Joseph M. Lambert '32
Frederick A. Homann '46
Paul J. O'Neill '55
Edward H. Nash '32
Robert M. Klinges '46
Michael J. Powers '55
Herman J. Scheier '35
Martin T. McKenzie '46
John J. Salera '56
Joseph A. Eisenhart '36
Richard G. Stranix '46
Joseph F. Pandolfi '57
William J. MacMurtrie '36
Joseph C. Donnelly '47
Thomas P. McCarthy '59
Frank B. Eliason '37
Hugh I. Monaghan '48
Philip J. Rosato '59
Frank J. Lombardo '37
William T. Kallmeyer '49
Theodore J. Skowronski '60
James T. Leary '40
Joseph M. Hentz '50
John E. Zeaser '60
Richard T. Hughes '41
Paul R. Abel '51
Robert B. Bonner '62
John M. Hagerty '42
Henry M. Burgoyne '51
Ralph A. Rossi '64
George B. Breen '43
Joseph R. Donegan '51
Michael F. Selgrath '66
Victor C. Faralli '43
Lawrence J. Madden '51
Gary J. Rao '71
Eugene J. Brett '44
Arthur J. O'Connor '51
Robert M. DiFlorio '72
Joseph P. Leaming '44
John F. Thompson '51
James E. Henry ’77
Thomas J. McKeever '44
John F. Derham '53
Bernard J. Robinson '78
Michael A. DiGiacomo '45
Cardinal John J. Foley '53
Peter E. Allen '80
John P. Thomas '45
Francis X. Meehan '54
This list reflects all alumni deaths that we have been notified of as of December 14, 2011.
Tell Us Your News... We are interested in what you are doing. Please fill out this form and mail it to: The Prep News, 1733 Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19130 or e-mail hawk@sjprep.org
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Perspectives
Bernie Maguire ’60 is a loyal alumnus of both St. Joseph’s Prep and the United States Naval Academy. On one gorgeous Saturday afternoon in September, those two places dear to his heart merged as the Prep football team played at the Academy’s Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Here is Bernie’s recollection of the day. It was a warm, short-sleeve and flip-flop day in Annapolis, Md., as the Prep football team traveled there to play another Jesuit school, Gonzaga College High School. Early that day, another Prep/Naval Academy grad, Ron Klemick ’59 and I attended a Mass and breakfast for the football team, managers and coaches. Ron was quarterback for the powerhouse Prep team of ’58 and also a starting quarterback for Navy during the 60’s. Ron teamed with Ruggieri, Rubino and Kowalski at the Prep and with Bellino and Staubach at Navy. During breakfast, Ron spoke to the team and explained the significance of the setting for the game in a stadium dedicated to the brave sailors and marines who sacrificed their lives in the battles inscribed on the walls surrounding the football field. Ron stressed that each of the young men should enjoy the experience of playing in a major college football stadium, perhaps a once in a lifetime experience for some of the players. We spoke with many of the players and were pleased to meet these well-spoken, young gentlemen, and impressed that these Prep scholar-athletes could have been members of the teams of the 60’s. One memorable image of September 10 is Coach Gabe Infante linked arm-in-arm with his players as they casually walked in platoon formation, seven men per row and about eight rows. It was 45 minutes before game time, the warm-up routine was finished and the team was leaving for final preparations in the locker room. On the way, the team paraded along the sideline while reading and reflecting on the names of important Navy and Marine Corps battles that ring the stadium: Midway, Guadalcanal, Chosin Reservoir, Mekong Delta, Desert Storm, and others. This was a great day for the alumni as well as current midshipman who attended both the Prep and the Naval Academy. On the field, the Prep prevailed 41-14, after a devastating fourth quarter attack.
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THE PREP NEWS
Bernie Maguire ’60 [fourth from left] and other Academy alumni with current football seniors.
The Prep is largely responsible for my attending the Naval Academy. I was well prepared at the Prep to compete with my contemporaries in order to obtain a coveted appointment. Earl Hart and Nick Kueny, Joe Mattern and Charlie Barton were some of the great teachers who demanded academic excellence and showed us what excellence was. But Ron Klemick also had a major impact. It was a mild fall day in 1958, All Saints Day, when the Prep had a holiday and other schools were in session. Ron asked if I could accompany him on a trip to a college in Maryland. I didn’t know much about this place called Annapolis except for occasional viewing of a popular show at the time called Men of Annapolis. As it turns out, many of my Naval Academy classmates believe that show played a major role in their attending the Naval Academy. For me, it required a personal visit. When Ron and I arrived in Annapolis that long-ago day, he left to sign his letter of acceptance and I wandered onto a field, Warden Field, on the Naval Academy grounds. There were some wooden stands in place with a football size field but with carefully manicured kelly green grass. I chose a seat on the edge of the empty stands to relax while I waited for Ron to return. First, some Marine Officers arrived at the field, then young ladies dressed in their Sunday best entered the stands shielded
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by parasols, Naval Officers arrived, and other people began to fill the seats in the stands. Later, we all heard a base drum in the distance…boom – boom – boom – burroom. On the Severn River, behind the field, the billowing sails of large sailboats appeared. And here they come…….the uniformed midshipmen. The white gloves were visible first, bright in contrast to the green grass and periodically contrasted against the dark blue uniforms. The white gloves held rifles or swords depending on the rank. The midshipmen all marched with precision in perfectly arranged lines. I took it all in, the ramrod straight officers, young ladies, sailboats, young men marching and academic buildings as a backdrop. For the first time in my life, I knew which college I wanted to attend. I wanted to wear those white gloves! On the ride home, I asked Ron many questions about Annapolis, and vowed to ask my father if he and I could work on getting an appointment. That was the day that changed my life and the rest is now history. Without the Prep, I doubt if I would have been introduced to the Naval Academy, in which case, I would not have served in nuclear submarines. My life would have taken a much different path. I still think about those white gloves whenever I see the midshipmen marching.
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Saturday, April 21 6:30 p.m. til …. ST. JOSEPH’S PREP
KELLY FIELDHOUSE