A magazine for alumni, parents, students, faculty and friends of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Vol. 7, No. 2 Summer 2011
news P R E P P E RS
A r oun d t he W or ld [p. 8]
PR E S I D E N T ’ S L E T T E R
editor’s note: Dear Friends, Sometimes, cosmic forces come forward and everything works out. This issue of The Prep News is an example of that. My initial thoughts for this issue were to highlight alums living abroad. As I was planning that, Fr. Bur came to my office and said he had an idea; how about we feature Preppers living on every continent. Waa-la, a theme is formed!
Fr. Bur with Brendan Zehner ’11 at Commencement
Dear Friends of the Prep, The presence of graduates of the Prep in every corner of our globe provides a counter weight to a narrow impression that the Prep with its intense school life is an island unto its own, a small world. We have a counterweight also each year when students volunteer in the islands and build new homes in the Dominican Republic. Or as in this summer when four of our students go off on exchange programs, one to Japan, two to Chile and one to Germany. Or when faculty members take students on an eco-trip to Costa Rica or a cultural tour of Italy. The rich travel traditions of the earliest Christian disciples throughout the Mediterranean, the missionary journeys through Europe in the first millennium and then the flood of Christian missionaries, Jesuits among them, to every part of the globe as Europeans made contact with the rest of the world, provide for us today a network of relationships on which to build, relationships that draw us out of our small world. It is no surprise that graduates of the Prep find themselves engaged in service and work on every continent. And it should come as no surprise that they meet graduates of Jesuit high schools and colleges wherever
The challenge, I thought, would be Antarctica. Of course, Fr. Bur was confident that we would have someone (and he was right!). We were able to find people on each continent, each with an interesting story and journey, each living the Jesuit ethos of “Go Forth and Set the World on Fire.” This has been a great year for many of our extracurricular activities…last issue we featured the soccer and golf championships. Since then, bowling, crew and lacrosse won Catholic League championships and the mock trial team finished second in the state. Certainly, those students are living that same Jesuit motto. Also in this issue, we learn more about Fernando Mendez, a longtime teacher and Prep character. Whenever I travel and meet alumni, they inevitably ask about favorite teachers. Mr. Mendez is always on that list. Finally, just a few weeks ago, Leo Carlin ’55 was honored at the Prep Golf and Tennis Classic. It was a true celebration of a great man. What I took out of it, even more than how much everyone loved Leo was how much everyone truly loves the Prep. Somehow, the school has entered their lives in ways that they can’t explain. It is that intangible that helps St. Joseph’s Prep stay successful and allows us to continue educating men for and with others. As always, thank you for reading The Prep News. Would love to hear any feedback you may have.
they go, men and women from every corner of the globe who know what it means to be for and with others, know the practice of finding God in all things and know the prayer of gratitude for their gifts. So, yes, the Prep in its outreach is no small world. And yes, we have
Bill Avington ’90 Editor, The Prep News
found God’s love on every continent. But the claustrophobic feeling of limits now applies to this small globe on which we humans live. How do we think now about the vastness of the universe? Some day we will know with certainty the answer to this exciting question: Is God’s infinite love on display in other personal regions of the universe beyond our small globe? For now the answer to that question and the issue of the
reminder: PREP AT THE SHORE
Prep news highlighting the inter-stellar exploits of our graduates lies off in the future! For now enjoy these stories of our graduates and dream about God’s
Saturday, July 30
generous gift of this world.
Noon-3 p.m.
Sincerely,
Deauville Inn, Strathmere, N.J.
Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 President
Register online at http://my.sjprep.org/shore2011
inside: F E AT U R E S TO RY Preppers Around the World ...................... 8
SECTIONS News .............................................. 2 Graduation .................................... 2 Senior Awards ............................... 3 Hawktion ....................................... 5 Champions .................................... 7
Student/Faculty Profiles ......... 14-15 Trustees ....................................... 18 50th Reunion ............................... 20
THE P RO DU C ERS
Archives/Prep Classic ................... 21 Class Notes .................................. 22 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 Angie Falcone
Class Notes Editor
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program The school year is often a stressful time for those in an academic institution, whether it be a
editorial staff
student, faculty member, or even parent. Thanks to a program recently implemented by Religion
Ceal Biello, Beth Missett, Nancy Moule, Charles Schrier ’06, Al Zimmerman ’73
teacher Steve Oldham, students, faculty, and administrators alike have learned valuable methods
photography
uses meditation, dialogue, reflective inquiry, and mindful yoga in helping its participants to
John Burns, David Debalko, Frank Raffa
of dealing with that daily stress. It is called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and it cope with the grind of everyday life. “It is an opportunity to experience the power of paying
writers
attention on purpose in the present moment in a non-judging, non-striving, compassionate spirit,”
Bill Avington ’90, Susie Cook, Bill Gallagher ’77, Tom Lyons ’60, Charles Schrier ’06, Al Zimmerman ’73
says Oldham. So far, Oldham has offered and completed teaching of two sessions of the MBSR program to
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
faculty and administrators at the Prep, and it has received high marks. Among those who have completed the course is Alumni Service Corps member David Gullotti ’06, who felt the class “was a great opportunity to focus on self care.” Joe Donahue ’63, Religion teacher, says, “it gave me insight, even at my age, of how to deal with a problem by using all of my God-given tools of body, spirit, emotion, and mind.” Oldham will be offering another session of the MBSR in the fall of this year, and is looking to open the program to parents, alumni, and other friends of the Prep. Anyone interested should contact him at soldham@sjprep.org. This eight-week program will cost $300, which includes 8 2 ½ hour sessions and the needed supplies.
– Charlie Schrier ‘06
Commencement
G R A D UAT ION
2
2011
THE PREP NEWS
SENIOR AWARDS National Spanish Contest Gold Medal, Mandarin Chinese JSEA Award Silver Medal, Fine Arts Silver Medal, Dramatics John Burgoyne Gold Medal, German National German Contest Christopher Cannataro McCloskey Loyalty Award Gold Medal, AP Government Gold Medal, Forensics Nick Centrella Grady Writing Award (3rd-poetry) National Spanish Contest Gregory Chatzinoff Cassidy Award for Highest General Average Students' Mothers' Club Award Gold Medal, Biology Gold Medal, Jazz Band Silver Medal, Computer Science Silver Medal, Latin Silver Medal, Concert Choir Ryan Connors Silver Medal, US Government Kyle Coppola Gold Medal, AP Spanish National Spanish Contest Perfect Attendance (9-12) Habib Coulibaly Walsh Award for French National French Contest Charles Craig National Spanish Contest Connor Dehel Perfect Attendance (9-12) Andrew Dierkes St. Joseph Award Grady Writing Award (2nd-short story) Grady Writing Award (3rd-non-fiction) Silver Medal, AP Spanish Silver Medal, AP English National Spanish Contest Gold Medal, Concert Choir Jordan Edwards National Achievement Scholar Jacob Erdy Ignatian Service Award Christopher Farion Gold Medal, Honors Spanish Michael Flanagan Bender Gold Medal for Latin Ford Memorial Award for Greek Perfect Attendance (9-12) Andrew Furlong National Merit Scholar National Spanish Contest Eden Adorno Alan Ming Au Joseph Binck
SUMMER 2011
Ryan George Cape and Sword Award Timothy Gilbert Grady Writing Award (2nd-non-fiction) A. Julian Grasso Perfect Attendance (K-12) Bradley Haas Silver Medal, Honors Spanish Dean Hill Silver Medal, German Christopher Jones Cassidy Award for Highest General Average Gold Medal, Physics Silver Medal, AP Biology Silver Medal, AP Chemistry Leon Jones Perfect Attendance (9-12) Alexander Kocher Silver Medal, Spanish Gold Medal, Concert Band Andrew Korz National German Contest Michael Levy Ciarrocchi Memorial Award Louis Lombardi Prep Spirit Award Silver Medal, AP Psychology Michael McCabe Phi Beta Kappa Book Award Gold Medal, Spanish Gold Medal, Yearbook Edward McCartney Silver Medan, Greek Geoffrey McKernan Silver Medal, Yearbook Mathew Mecoli National Merit Scholar Arrupe Medal Christopher Mulvey Kueny Alumni Award Silver Medal, AP Government Silver Medal, Concert Band Jonathan Ousley Silver Medal, Calculus National Mathematics Contest John Pierce Grady Writing Award (1st-non-fiction) Grady Writing Award (3rd-short story) Connor Rademaker Wolf Memoriam Award Silver Medal, Physics Christopher Radomski Gold Medal, Religious Studies Javier Ramos Gold Medal, English Tyler Rhode Grady Writing Award (1st-short story) Grady Writing Award (2nd-poetry) Gold Medal, AP Biology Gold Medal, AP English Gold Medal, AP Psychology Silver Medal, Statistics Erik Rocchino Silver Medal, AP European History
Giancarlo Sanguinetti Silver Medal, French Black and Latino Culture Club Award Pre-Prep Award Joshua Sattel National Spanish Contest Kevin Savage Cassidy Award for Highest General Average Scholar-Athlete Award Gold Medal, US Government Gold Medal, AP Chemistry Gold Medal, AP Physics Gold Medal, Calculus Gold Medal, Statistics Himes Medal for Mathematics Silver Medal, Biology Andrew Smith National Merit Scholar Gold Medal, Chemistry Gold Medal, Mathletes Aleksander Smolij Gold Medal, Chronicle Literary Magazine National Spanish Contest Michael Stinson Gold Medal, Computer Science Kevin Toniazzo-Naughton McShain Award Gold Medal, Dramatics Perfect Attendance (K-12) Raymond Toto Silver Medal, Chemistry Tyler Tynes Grady Writing Award (1st-poetry) Alfred Ventura Rogers Fine Arts Service Award Gold Medal, Fine Arts Silver Medal, Chronicle Literary Magazine Thomas Voter Cape and Sword Award Adam Walsh Hauck Service Award Silver Medal, AP Physics Silver Medal, English National Spanish Contest Sean White Silver Medal, Mandarin Chinese Silver Medal, Religious Studies Brendan Zehner National Merit Scholar Gold Medal, AP European History Silver Medal, Forensics
Activity of the Year Award Taggart Memorial Award
Soccer Brian Reinhart
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pr e p ne w s
ALUMNI FATHER-SON BREAKFAST Top left: Col. Brian Reed ’85 presents the keynote address. At left, he was joined by a few members of his class, including Andy Lynch [far left], the President of the Alumni Board of Governors Above: Col Reed and Prep President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59 congratulate the award winners [l-r] Sr. Kathleen Woody, G.N.S.H. (Schnorr Award), Joseph Binck ’11 (Sauter Award) and James P. Murray ’59 (Alumnus of the Year).
Come Sail Away Fashion Show
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THE PREP NEWS
Hawktion 2011: was a fantastic celebration. A special thank you goes to event chairs John and Sue Gillen and all of the volunteers who helped transform the Kelly Fieldhouse into Bourbon Street.
1 2 3
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[1] Several trustees were in attendance: [l-r] John McConnell ’70, Chair, Armand Della Porta ’73, Christine Beck, Linda Galante, Paul Geraghty, Joe Ruggieri ’69, Joe McElwee ’73 [2] Swoop joined the Prep Hawk and the Woodland String Band in opening the live auction [3] The Gillen’s with Beth Missett, Director of Special Events [left] [4] Laura Haas [second from right] celebrating her winning bid on a trip to Italy. Her husband, Terry, is to her left.
SENIOR PROM
JUNIOR PROM SUMMER 2011
HOMECOMING
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE DANCE 5
pr e p ne w s
PREPPERS IN NATIONAL CATHOLIC FORENSICS LEAGUE TOURNEY Three Preppers competed in the 2011 National Catholic Forensic League Grand Tournament held over Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C.: •
Brendan Zehner '11: octafinalist (27 out of 219 in the nation) in Extemporaneous Speaking;
•
Evan Wescott '12: finalist (among top 24 out of 222 in Student Congress);
•
James DeMarshall '13: semi-finalist (among top 54 out of 222) in Student Congress.
While in DC, the students and coach Dr. Barbara Giuliano met with several members of the SJP DC Alumni group.
MOCK TRIAL SECOND IN STATE The mock trial team advanced to the State Championship, losing to Wyoming Seminary in the championship. The Pennsylvania Cable Network broadcast the championship trial. “The Prep was the Cinderella of the tournament with never more than a single judge’s ballot separating victory from defeat,” says coach Tom Johnson. •
Round I 3-2 win over Eden Christian of Pittsburgh
•
Round II 3-2 win by tiebreaker over Baldwin School
•
Round III 4-3 win over Scranton Prep(defending champion)
•
Round IV 4-3 loss to Wyoming Seminary of Kingston, PA in championship match
MORRIS WINNINGEST COACH
IN
CL HISTORY
Speedy Morris became the winningest coach in Catholic League
Philadelphia history, behind Dan Dougherty ’53 who won 621 at
history this season with 561 league wins, surpassing Buddy
Episcopal Academy. In addition to his stints at Roman and the
Gardler who won 560 in stints at O'Hara and Kenrick. Speedy
Prep, Speedy coached at Penn Charter for two seasons and at La
spent 14 seasons at Roman and is in his 10th year at the Prep. This
Salle University, first as women's coach for two years followed by
season also marked his 600th high school win, putting him just 20
15 seasons as the men's coach.
victories shy of becoming the all-time winningest coach in
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THE PREP NEWS
CHAMPIONS 2010-2011
SUMMER 2011
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NORTH AMERICA
JIM POWER ’76
EIGHT YEARS AGO, WHILE SERVING AS HEADMASTER AT GEORGETOWN PREP, JIM POWER ’76 RECEIVED A CALL FROM A CONSULTANT WHO ASKED, “HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME TO THE BEST SCHOOL IN CANADA?” It seemed to Jim at that time that he had hit the “stained glass ceiling,” having served as second in command at the Jesuit school in Rockville, Md., for over 10 years and would likely not have an opportunity to advance to the President’s position. After a period of discernment, he, his wife Mary, and their five children made the move to Toronto and they have enjoyed every moment. “Do you know the name of Canada’s Prime Minister,” Power asked playfully. Before I could answer (I didn’t have a clue), he said not only do most Americans not know his name, they don’t care to know his name. “Therein lies one of the essential differences between Canadians and Americans.” He continued, “Do you know that there is Canadian Literature and a Canadian Broadcast Company? Canadians know almost everything about the American political system and their own of course. They’re curious.” Power’s thirst for knowledge and his interest in the greater world around him began at the Prep. As a young student, Power also fancied himself a basketball player and was confident of making the Prep’s basketball team as a freshman in 1972. He was cut after the first round of tryouts. Devastated he went home crying and his dad had some important advice: “stop the pity party and find another activity in which to get involved!” He learned that the swim team had a “no cut policy” and joined it the next day. Its moderator was a young Jesuit, Fr. Tom Roach, who became influential in Power’s Prep career and beyond. “The Prep didn’t just teach me to read and write well. Men like Jim O’Brien, Jerry Taylor, Steve Garrity and Tom Roach taught me so much more,” he says. “Their lessons shaped how I viewed the world.” Undoubtedly, they influenced a young Power enough to continue his Jesuit education at Holy Cross and then to serve the community of South Boston as a Jesuit volunteer. It was in this role in the late 70s that he saw first-hand the dilemma of forced busing when used as a tool to combat segregation. Through his work in South Boston during those incendiary times, he gained a better understanding of race and
class relationships and a greater sense of the challenge that “preferential options for the poor,” [a phrase coined by Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Superior General of the Jesuits, in his letters to Jesuits in Latin America] create for all. Over the years, Power stayed in touch with those teachers who influenced him, especially the Jesuits. It was not surprising that he received a call one day from an old friend, Fr. Roach, who alerted Jim to an opening at Georgetown Prep and he hoped Jim would apply. Power enjoyed a terrific working relationship for several years with Roach, who was then President at GP. Power holds the title of “Principal” (the equivalent of our “President”) at Upper Canada College, Canada’s largest private school, an all-boys K-12 school. He is responsible for several school heads who, in turn, are in charge of 120 teachers and 1,200 students. As principal he is also responsible for the fiscal health of the school and spends many days on the road, quite literally around theworld visiting “old boys” (alumni) from Singapore to London and everywhere in between. His visits are generally fundraising in nature but, since about 10% of the students are boarders from around the globe, he occasionally dons an admission hat as well. His advancement team asked him to start a blog two years ago and he has become a prolific blogger; his website at UCC has already received over 20,000 hits. Power’s blogs are didactic in nature and usually deal with contemporary issues and are meant to stimulate discussion among students, teachers, and graduates. His four sons attend UCC. The oldest, Patrick, a 12th grader, will attend Notre Dame in September while his older sister, Bridget, begins her senior year at Georgetown. Seamus, Liam and Aidan are also nearing the end of their UCC careers and will each become old boys themselves in just a few years. “Steven Harper,” Power blurted near the end of our conversation. “Who is Steven Harper?” I asked. He retorted, “Canada’s Prime Minister. You didn’t know his name nor did you care to know. Good American!” – Al Zimmerman ’73
SOUTH AMERICA
JEFFRE Y VOLK ’9 1
ON JULY 2, 2009, JEFFRE Y VOLK STOOD WITH HIS FATHER DOUGLAS AND BROTHER JASON IN PRUDHOE BAY, ALASKA. AHEAD OF HIM LAY THE “HOLY GRAIL” FOR BIKE RIDERS…THE MYTHICAL ALASKA-ARGENTINA ROUTE THAT FEW HAD COMPLETED BUT MANY DREAMED OF. NOW TWO YEARS AND 15,000 MILES LATER, HE IS CLOSE TO REACHING HIS GOAL. When the trip began, Volk was already a seasoned touring bicyclist, having cycled from Senegal to South Africa over 17 months in 2005-06. On that tour, Volk says, he “saw things and experienced things that were truly priceless.” So, when his dad Douglas suggested this trip, Jeffrey was on board.
Volk in White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, UT
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Since starting in Alaska, they have crossed the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Mexico from Chihuahua to Cancun, Cuba, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Volk was joined by his father for stretches and is riding with Jason, friend Craig Caparatta and Sonia Huber,
THE PREP NEWS
ANTARCTICA IMAGINE
PETER VOSSENBERG ’79
BEING A CHEF FEEDING A CREW OF SCIENTISTS
AND THEIR SUPPORT STAFF.
NOW IMAGINE DOING THAT IN THE REMOTE SOUTH POLE, where you had one chance at a delivery but the perks included “the world’s largest walk out freezer.” That was the job that Peter Vossenberg ’79 took on twice in the 1980s and it was an experience that he will never forget. After graduating from the Prep, Vossenberg joined the Navy. After receiving disappointing news that his colorblindness took him out of the running for a spot in the Navy Seals, he went into cooking and found a profession. He worked his way up the ranks, eventually earning a spot as the captain’s cook on the USS America but it was his tour of duty in the South Pole that made a lasting impact. In 1982, while in the Navy he became the cook/baker for the McMurdo Station, cooking for the crew from the National Science Foundation’s Operation Deep Freeze. After a year of service, he returned to the warmth of the US and got an Associate’s degree at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). He then returned to the Amundson-Scott South Pole Station as the winter-over chef in 1986 with the ITT Antarctic Services, serving 100 people during the “ summer” and 17 in the “winter.” The conditions offered many challenges. The warmest the temperature climbed was -6 degrees. Everything was stored in a geometric dome but supply trips were possible only once a year. He was charged with over $1 million inventory and to order enough to feed the crew for the year and the next year. The elevation at the pole also presented logistical issues that Vossenberg had to consider. His first batch of bread “looked like a science project,” he laughs. Also, water boils at a lower temperature which made it difficult to cook pasta and get all of the starch out so it wouldn’t stick. Vossenberg learned a bit at CIA but even so, “you really have to plan,” he says. “You are planning the next year’s meal and it’s really the proteins that you are looking for. Down there it’s a high protein, high carb diet. You burn so much when you go outside so it was a lot of chicken, a lot of pork, beef and canned goods.” During the summer (October 31-February 14), flights could arrive from New Zealand so Vossenberg was able to procure fresh milk and eggs. While the job took most of his time, Vossenberg says that it was important to be “happy with yourself. You are alone a lot and it’s helps to be okay with that.” The work was six days a week and 13 hours per day, not leaving a
Jason, Sonia and Jeffrey playing music on the island of Cartí in Panamá
a “Swiss girl, who we met by pure coincidence in Guatemala in October.” The group hopes to finish in Patagonia, Chile in February. Volk has been impressed with the geography of the places
SUMMER 2011
lot of time for outside interests. Vossenberg says he went outside every day. “It’s so beautiful down there,” he says. During the winter, “you’re so close to the stars, you can actually feel them.” Vossenberg taught a carpenter to bake bread in exchange for construction lessons. One of the scientists was a 4th degree black belt and he taught the group karate. The doctor wanted to learn how to bake pies. “It was a way to keep everyone’s focus,” he says. “That’s where the Prep training came in. You have to be strong and focused and not worry about what happens in the outside world. If something happens to your family, they can’t come in and fly you out.” Vossenberg, a Philly guy through and through, used the Short Wave/HAM radio to call into WMMR on Hawaiian Shirt Gonzo Friday. He spoke to Morning Zoo DJ John DeBella on the air and eventually came to visit the station. He also spoke with then Eagles coach Buddy Ryan. As the Eagles “southernmost fan,” he received an invitation to a game as Ryan’s guest when he returned. He and the crew also raced “around the world,” running 10 laps around the pole. Vossenberg wore his Prep crew windbreaker and SJP sweatpants on the run. “The Prep is with me always, it never leaves me,” says Vossenberg, who continues to wear Prep hats around his Orlando neighborhood. “And I always seem to run into people who ask, ‘is that St. Joe’s Prep?’” He is now a chef instructor at the Cordon Bleu Academy in Orlando. In addition to his degree from CIA, he holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management from Florida International and is pursuing a Master’s in Education at American International University. He and his wife Kathleen, also a chef instructor, have two children, Greta (2) and Pierce (1). Today, even though there have been 32 years and many miles travelled since his Prep days, Vossenberg remains rooted in his alma mater. “As a group, the Prep puts out so many great individuals,” he says. “We’re all over the place and we were taught to always keep our faith. Fr. (Joseph) Alminde (’49) was my mentor and I remember going into the Gesu and feeling that Jesuit spirit. That has stayed with me all the way through life.” Today, Vossenberg teaches classes on cost control (food costs, labor costs, etc.), wine and Foundations 3 (final skills classroom before specialties, over 110 recipes cooked by the students). And he looks back with gratitude to doors that never opened. “It’s been a nice career in the hospitality industry. I’m kind of glad that I didn’t get – Bill Avington ’90 into Notre Dame or Annapolis after all.”
he has seen and the people he has met. “North America is marked by its amazing landscapes,” he says. “Latin America is infinitely large and very diverse. There are great landscapes as well, but with diverse cultures thrown in. Each country has its own history and style, some markedly different, some similar. Although the landscapes and language and food and people are always changing, the bike remains the constant throughout.”
and tropical depressions on the bicycle. In El Salvador, Jeff performed at an open mic night at a surf town in El Tunco. “We had four guitars, two ukuleles, a drummer and some percussion,” he says.
In Colombia, a “country everyone loves to fear, we found friendly people who were very hospitable,” he says. “We have been given all kinds of things here, from lodging to The entire trip has been a real highlight, yet Volk can point food to cycling hosts (known as casa de ciclistas, where to a few snapshots that stood out, including having his dad cyclists can rest and recover), for no charge.” along for the first two months (Prudhoe Bay to Jasper National Park). His group also rode most of the Great Volk will look for work in Argentina or Brazil when finished. Divide Mountain Bike Route through the Rocky Mountains “I have had Brazil in my sights for a long time, and would (Montana-New Mexico) and mountain biked through the like to be there for the Soccer World Cup in 2014,” he says. length of the Sierra Madres of Northern Mexico, meeting By work, he means “teaching English, guide work, working and lodging with local mountain bike clubs and going on on a perma-culture or collective living or social project, local rides with them. “For this stretch we had the company anything is possible.” He also dreams of cycling from of a British rider and an Australian as well,” he says. Lisbon, Portugal to Shanghai, China and walking the Continental Divide Trail through the Rocky Mountains but In Guatemala, the group climbed numerous volcanoes and with “no scheduled start dates yet!” camped on them as well. They also got the chance to experience “great street food with an amazing indigenous To follow Jeff and his group on their journey, go to culture with great landscapes.” However, it wasn’t all www.volksonbikes.blogspot.com. – Bill Avington ’90 positive as they also lived through earthquakes, landslides
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EUROPE
JOSH GASPERO ’6 0
Gaspero [right] with Sullivan and Lyons
IT
SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY WHEN THREE ANXIOUS, MAYBE SCARED,
BOB SULLIVAN AND JOSH GASPE RO) FROM ST. MARTIN OF TOURS PARISH IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA BOARDED THE “R” BUS FOR THEIR FIRST DAY AT ST. JOSEPH’S PREP. In reality, it was 55 years ago. Fast forward…some 50 years later those three, with other Prep classmates, vacationed at Josh’s 34-room, one-of-a-kind-villa in Altomonte, Italy. What has happened in those years? A lot, a whole lot! Josh chased his dream and created a modern day adventure story. ADOLESCENTS (MYSELF,
After Prep graduation, Josh got his B.S. degree from Saint Joseph`s College, attended graduate school for international business and began his quest to create his legacy. Hearing Sargent Shriver’s call, he went to India to serve in the Peace Corps. Next, he spent time with Hershey Chocolates creating Marketing Strategies and developing persuasive ads. But his larger ambitions were still unsatisfied. He turned to Publishing, a career that became “hand in glove” to Josh. His love was always writing; in fact he wrote a book when he worked for Hershey, The Hershey Chocolate Cook Book, which is still in print today. It was printed by Golden Books who subsequently hired him as VP of Sales & Marketing. After five years, he left to become President of Ideals Publication, a subsidiary of Harlequin, an international publisher. Within a year, Josh was promoted to President of Harlequin. Subsequently, in 1980, producing Broadway shows became his goal. For a year and a half, he drilled dry holes before returning to his first love – publishing and writing. To quote Josh, “failure is a great teacher; I was a lousy producer.” Back in publishing, he founded Joshua Morris which would become a very successful children’s book publisher in 26 different countries. After eight years, Josh sold the company to Readers Digest and was appointed Chairman of Readers Digest-Young Families division. After Reader`s Digest , Josh rejoined Golden Books in a joint venture until 2001 when he left to pursue writing full time. Because his contract had a non-compete clause, it gave him a “window of opportunity” to chase other dreams as well. Josh has owned four different restaurants in Connecticut and Manhattan ranging from high-end haute cuisine to speakeasy-style taprooms. “Always a lover of the ponies,” he has owned thoroughbreds for 20 plus years, once stabling as many as 25. He has written multiple screenplays, still waiting for the big breakthrough. Travelling has always been a major attraction and there are few foreign countries that have not stamped his passport. Josh and philanthropy are a “good fit”, being a “true man for others,” He, along with Janis Fisher, founded The Lollipop Theater Network at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, the highly regarded Cancer Treatment Center in New York City. This is a program that allows children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases to see Hollywood’s first release movies in the privacy of their rooms. It started in 1994 and the model is currently being used in over 40 nationwide hospitals. He also founded the Jane Gaspero Memorial Library in Altomonte, Italy in 1999. Then, only six children could speak English; today over 250 can. Josh used his connections in the publishing business and contributions from friends to
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stock over 25,000 books in 16 different languages. To quote him, “this is a wonderful tribute to my mother who loved education.” He has received awards for his contributions, such as the Citteradino Honorio Award given in 2002 by the Mayor of Altomonte for meritorious work. In fact, in the town square there is a statue of Christopher Columbus with an inscription that loosely translated reads: “Italy has given Christopher Columbus to America, and in return, America has given us Josh Gaspero.” In 2004, Josh received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award, an award received by many of our Presidents, Frank Sinatra, Donald Trump, Muhammad Ali and other notables. This is one of the highest awards for charity in the land. One of his social venues is well-known Elaine`s on the upper east side in NYC. This is a mecca where thespians, celebs, and “rain-makers” congregate to discuss current events and socialize and to be seen. Josh`s table is #4 where he can be found dining with a potpourri of his friends. Marching to the beat of his own drum, Josh may show up in a cape, an Armani tuxedo, cowboy boots, a dashiki or a handbag with matching earring. At his 50th Prep reunion, Josh was the only member of the class with both an earring and a pocketbook. The man hasn`t owned a suit or a tie since the Carter administration. He divides his time between Italy and New York City. I asked Josh, why Italy? His answer was quite simple: “First of all, I am Italian. I first went to the annual book fair in Bologna in 1973 and fell in love with Italy…the people, the food, and the culture. Who could ask for more, NYC and Italia?” His latest endeavor is working at the Cutting Room, a famous New York music venue from years gone by and hosting groups at his luxurious villa in Altomonte (www.casadigasperi.com). For Josh, his legacy is “I lived my life the way I wanted to. Fr. (Joe) Alminde (’49), our Latin teacher at the Prep, said on the first day of school: Carpe Diem, Fratres….and I took his advice. And obviously, I have a wonderful family, four great children (Jason, 40; Andrea, 38; Fabian, 16; and Giannina, 14), tremendous health and great friends.” “In fact that is what I value most about the Prep, friendships I formed there have lasted a lifetime. You and Bob Sullivan, Jim Byrne, Joe Oakes, Phil Alburger are living testimony. The kind of friends I can call at 2a.m. Several of us still dine frequently and travel together. Also, the Prep taught me to be a humanitarian, to think critically, keep acquiring knowledge...and trust your friends. I`ve had a good run. I wouldn`t have it any other way.” When asked what would be his epitaph, Josh responded: “Roll over Beethoven, and tell Tchaikovsky the news.” – Tom Lyons ’60 Lyons, who grew up with Gaspero and has remained friends with him, is an author, having recently written his memoir, You Can’t Get to Heaven on the Frankford El. More info on the book can be found at www.magispress.com. Lyons is the father of three Prep grads (T.J. ’87, Andrew ’89 and Sean ’93).
THE PREP NEWS
AFRICA
GERRY JONES ’6 3
Jones visiting the offices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Bishop (Abune Epiphaneos) who is in charge of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's national Office for Evangelization & Pastoral Care
ROBERT FROST’S
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN SPEAKS VERY GERRY JONES ’63 TOOK IN HIS LIFE. DIVERGED IN A YELLOW WOOD, POEM
POIGNANTLY
TO THE COURSE THAT
“ TWO ROADS AND SORRY I COULD NOT TRAVEL BOTH AND BE ONE TRAVELLER, LONG I STOOD AND LOOKED DOWN ONE AS FAR AS I COULD TO WHERE IT BENT IN THE UNDERGROWTH; THEN TOOK THE OTHER, AS JUST AS FAIR, AND HAVING PERHAPS THE BETTER CLAIM, BECAUSE IT WAS GRASSY AND WANTED WEAR; THOUGH AS FOR……….” Gerry took the untraveled path. He had an idea, different than what many Prep students decided after their “Career Day.” When students opted to pursue traditional careers in medicine, law, teaching, engineering etc., he went in the Peace Corps, the Red Cross, and currently has a job in a Papal agency in Ethiopia. But we are getting way ahead of the story. Let`s go back to the beginning.
With pressure from Sperry and pension-vesting just a few years away, he felt compelled to return to D.C. On his first day back, ironically, Burroughs purchased Sperry Rand which eventually became Unisys. Subsequently, the DC office was closed, but fate once again intervened. The American Red Cross, whose office was across the street, was going international and hired him as Director of International Operations. The International Red Cross is the world`s largest humanitarian and development network and Gerry spent more than 10 years there advancing to Vice President of International Services. While there he achieved much success and was enrolled in the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for Leadership Training. Gerry retired in 2005 but yearned to return to Ethiopia. There were several catalysts for this desire. His wife was Ethiopian and wanted to return home. She left her homeland during “The Revolution,” lived in Moscow for three years before relocating through Europe to New York City. That`s where she met Gerry. Secondly, her aging mother was taking care of four grandchildren after the death of another daughter and her son-in-law; this task was getting beyond her capabilities. Gerry had read about Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) from an article in a Peace Corps Newsletter. This organization, founded in 1926 by Pope Pius X, had as its major ecumenical mission to bring the Roman and Orthodox churches closer together and upgrade the training of the clergy. They report to Rome, but their administrative headquarters are in New York. The interview was complete, and the job was his, a dream realized.
Raised in Corktown (now called University City) and Mayfair, Gerry followed his brother Ray ’60 to SJP because of Ray`s positive high school experience. Upon graduation, Georgetown University was his next stop, majoring in Government. When Gerry heard John Kennedy speak of his Peace Corps` vision while campaigning for President, he decided that was, despite his family`s chiding, his aspirational goal. This was reinforced while he was at the Prep when the Jesuits nurtured his social conscience. Discussions about missionary work in Chile and India made him more aware Jones and his wife (Berhane Tadesse) and a of the global possibilities of being a “Man for Others.” The dye photo of their nephews, niece and their tutor was cast. His dream became a reality in 1967 when Gerry joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to Ethiopia. His life was focused on teaching history and English to high school students in the town of Desie. He extended his tour, and in the last year of his four and a half year stint, was in a teacher-training program developing future local elementary educators. While altruism was still a major driver, he recognized a practical need to support himself and think about future needs. He returned to the U.S. and got his MBA from Columbia University in New York. In 1976, he joined Sperry-Rand, a multi-national force in computers, second only to IBM. Spending three years in New York, he did financial work and Investor Relations. His interest was still in politics, so Gerry transferred to Washington, D.C ., in 1981 to take a post in their Government Relations division. In 1984, a watershed event happened that changed his life`s direction. The news was replete with story after story of the destruction and devastation from the famine in Ethiopia. He felt an acute pain, because part of him was still there. As fate would have it, he ran into an old Peace Corp friend and the conversation wandered into an opening in Ethiopia as Deputy Country Director with Save The Children. Being torn between practicality, security and his heart, he requested and got a “leave of absence.” For the next 18 months, Gerry did this, as well as volunteer work for Amnesty International.
SUMMER 2011
In 2006, the Jones` moved back to Ethiopia. They now live in Addis Abba (means New Flower), a city of three million people where he is Country Director for CNEWA. The population of the country is about 82 million, the land mass about twice the size of Texas and the Catholic population is .5 %. One of the flagships of CNEWA is maintaining and developing Catholic school systems, a nice complement to Gerry’s prior days in the Peace Corps. They now have around 50 schools throughout the country. Gerry has found a home. “I love the people of Ethiopia, the antiquity of the country and the excitement of the ongoing change. And, there is much work to do!” He visits America at least twice a year for business reasons and to see his aging father and family. Gerry always finds time to have dinner with an old Prep classmate, Martin McKernan. He and his wife are currently occupied with raising their nieces and nephew who are in sixth, eighth and ninth grades respectively, and a boy in University. The overwhelming challenge of being first-time parents in their 60’s is offset by the joy of creating a loving and happy family life. Gerry has many fond memories of the Prep and enjoyed his days there. Through the universality of the Jesuit order, he became aware during high school of how big the world is. Gerry learned that reaching out was a two-way street, Gus Kueny ’53, former math teacher and executive vice president at the Prep, was a big help, particularly since Math was not his strong suit. He said “I became much more socially aware which has inspired me greatly throughout my career. I am very grateful for that opportunity.” Quite surprisingly, he has run into several former colleagues in Addis Abba……and “he extends an open invitation to any Preppers who are passing through.We would love to show you some Ethiopian hospitality.” – Tom Lyons ’60
11
ASIA
JIM DANIELS ’87
IN
A BOX, IN A WARZONE, THERE
JIM DANIELS – SMILING. AFTER ALL, CLIFF LEE WAS BACK.
WAS
The 1987 Prep grad laughs when he remembers finding out about the lefty’s return. Daniels himself was in a bit of a jam. He and his four roommates—a staff of Army specialists--didn’t have much space to move about in their small, metal-like trailer on the Kandahar airfield in the south of Afghanistan this past year.
“It was quite an odyssey,” Daniels says. “When I first got back, I just kept repeating to myself, ‘I’m home, I’m home, I’m home.’”
Literacy lessons now go on air twice a day. They reach high into the dusty mountains and stretch north beyond the capital. Each week, the new lessons build on the previous week’s learning.
There’s relief in Daniels’ voice. There’s also respect – respect for where he was, for the people. Daniels remembers the “We just barely got it off the ground before I left,” Daniels landscape well. “Everywhere you look, you’ll see brown, says. “It took a lot of effort because we needed permission “The news about Cliff Lee really raised my spirits,” chuckles dusty mountains peak up,” he says. “There are patches of from the Afghan government to use their learning material. Daniels. A native of Northeast Philadelphia and a Penn green, fertile land, but they are so few and far between. I We also wanted their blessing. From this point, we are grad, Daniels also taught history and math at the Prep from would always ask myself, ‘How can anything grow on this hoping that if this turns out to be a successful way of 1997-2006. It raises my spirits to be back in touch with land?’ The most prominent thing you’ll see is that rough, teaching skills, that it will have the potential to grow into him. I haven’t spoken to my friend and former colleague in rugged landscape. It’s just very harsh, very forbidding.” other educational programming. awhile, so we have a lot to talk about, especially since Daniels has just returned from the edge of the desert. I, like Soon we are talking about radios. And reading. When “Hopefully we planted the seed to empower the people to many faculty and students, esteemed Daniels for his flowing Daniels’ commanding officer on the air base realized his take full charge with programs like this.” How can anything intellect and dry wit, and for his daily vivacity, an energy new Army specialist had a background in education and grow on this land? It’s the question Daniels asked himself that seemed to spill into my classroom across the hall. instructional design, both would begin to develop a literacy as he flew over the desert for the first time, way back when program, one that might help build understanding between Cliff Lee was a Ranger. For a year, Daniels cultivated his Daniels is still a man in motion. When he left here for people and the page, between people and each other. response, trying to create more space for people, more Austin, Texas, he became an education instructional designroom for them to read, learn, and grow. er--a job that still has him designing curriculum for online educational products. He didn’t settle down for long. In The people (of Kabul) are remarkable. They are incredibly 2008, he joined the Army Reserve and was off to basic training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His skill set landed dedicated to their families and they have this vibrance and him a position as a psychological operations specialist. resilience through decades of corruption and warfare.” Then came a fast curve: days after returning from Fort Bragg, Daniels learned of his deployment to Afghanistan. Afghanistan has the third lowest literacy rate in the world. “As far as the answer,” Daniels tells me, “I certainly don’t He would leave for Kandahar in May of 2010. This March, “And,” Daniels says, “we noticed that most people in think I have it, and I don’t think any mere mortal does.” he made it home to Austin. Home in time for opening day. Afghanistan listened to the radio – a lot. It’s a really popular form of media, so we could reach them with Daniels would like to return to Afghanistan someday. “If I literacy lessons over the air.” had an opportunity in the future, in a civic capacity, to go back and work in Kabul, I would do it. The people are Educational opportunities of this sort are like those patches remarkable. They are incredibly dedicated to their families, of green ground--few and far between, especially for and they have this vibrance and resilience through decades women, who cannot travel without a male escort and of corruption and warfare.” whose station in Afghanistan’s patriarchal society makes for a rough learning landscape. At the end of our call, I ask Daniels about his favorite memory from his time as a student the Prep. He goes right “Right now there are public service announcements on the back to Jerry Taylor’s A.P. history class. It’s Taylor whom radio about farming, hygiene, or life skills, but this program Daniels credits with his interest in international relations is the first one that is interactive and structured,” Daniels and diplomacy. “I just remember those discussions we had tells me. in Mr. Taylor’s class, and how we had to be ready at any given moment for the topic in question. That higher level Today the Afghan military has distributed more than of sophistication in the classroom was the quintessential 50,000 booklets in an area marked at once by war and learning experience for me,” Daniels says. beauty. These workbooks guide listeners through the reading lessons they hear on their radios, those very small, This memory takes him home to Philadelphia – and maybe very powerful boxes. Daniels is grateful for the publisher in home to Kandahar, too – to those places where there was Kabul who printed the books. He is also grateful for the space enough to think outside the box. Afghan interpreter and teacher on the base who could – Susie Cook translate Daniels’ scripts of literacy skills into the native Information for this article was taken from Stars and Stripes.com. language, then record them.
“
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THE PREP NEWS
AUSTRALIA
MICHAEL FERRARA ’92 SENIOR AGENT, RMK MANAGEMENT
“WHEN
YOU ARE FARTHER AWAY, YOU REALLY APPRECIATE THE
After he graduated in 2005, the couple decided to make the move back to Australia.
CONNECTION.”
Michael Ferrara ’92 might be an accidental Australian but he nevertheless has embraced his new home. After meeting his wife on his first night of a “temporary” stay on the continent, Ferrara has moved there full-time and is now a season ticket holder for the Sydney Swans, an Australian Rules Football team, though he still wakes at all kinds of crazy hours to keep up with the Phillies, Eagles and other Philadelphia-area teams. “Definitely a lot of late nights and early mornings,” says Ferrara who left his home to celebrate outside the Sydney Opera House after the 2008 World Series. “There are a lot of expats here and we gather to watch the games.” How Ferrara ended up halfway around the world is an interesting story. Though Australia might not have been in the playbook when he began his career, international living and travel was most certainly part of the agenda. As a junior at the University of Southern California, he spent a semester studying in London but never returned to USC. He eventually graduated from Richmond University in London and began working there. After four years in England, Ferrara returned to the US and began working for production companies. But the lure of international living was too much and Ferrara grabbed the opportunity to spend a few months in Taiwan teaching English. “Of all the things that I have ever done, that was and probably always will be the most fulfilling,” he says. “It was an amazing experience.” After Taiwan, Ferrara joined Jim McGreevey’s campaign for Governor of New Jersey. After the Inauguration and before law school, he went to Australia for a six-month working holiday, working primarily as a temp in ING’s legal department. On the first day there he met his future wife, Catherine, at the Opera Bar on the Harbor right in front of the Opera House. “It was typical me,” he says laughing, “I had money hanging out of my pocket and some of it dropped out. She was at the table next to mine and gave it back.” He returned to the US and studied at Rutgers-Camden Law School planning to enter international law. Catherine, who worked for Sun Microsystems, transferred to the US.
Although he has enjoyed living in Australia, there were some challenges to overcome, especially in the job market. Opportunities were a bit scarce but “once I got the opportunity everything opened up, especially because it’s smaller than New York, Philadelphia, or LA.” Today, Ferrara works for RMK Management, representing actors, voice over artists and production crew. “Voice over is 80 percent of what we do and we are Australia’s leader in that industry,” he says. “It includes everything from movie trailers and commercials to animation, documentaries and TV programs. Most of my time is spent marketing and promoting the artists and drumming up new clients. No two days are the same.” His new career delves nicely with his study of the law. “There are a lot of legal aspects to it, contract work, intellectual property, and it is helpful to have my background,” he says. “We have clients from all over the world and we have to be aware of different contracts and IP laws, etc., when negotiating.” After moving back and forth between countries, Mike and Catherine are now truly settled in Australia. “Having had some international living experience made it easier; it gave me a good global view of things,” he says. “Having been here for many years, it feels very much like home.” For Ferrara, one of the toughest aspects about living in Australia is the distance from his family. As the oldest of five (John ’96 plus three sisters), he misses them, though they have always been “very happy for us to follow our own path and very supportive.” He also enjoys receiving the Prep email update every two weeks. “The closeness of my friends from the Prep is special to me and being in Australia I miss a lot so the update keeps me connected,” he says. Despite being in a faraway place doing a job out of the realm of his studies, Ferrara feels well-prepared thanks to his Prep days. “In general terms, I obviously received a great education but it also instilled great values and a sense of responsibility and respect that I’ve carried with me my whole life,” he says. “It prepared me well for work/life relationships. I think that guys from the Prep have a really strong personal foundation. That has given me confidence in work and life because the Prep helped me find who I am in a lot – Bill Avington ’90 of ways.”
Reunion Weekend 2011 Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 For more information, go to http://reunion.sjprep.org SUMMER 2011
13
s t u d e n t pr of il e
LOU LOMBARDI ’11 At the Prep, like many schools, it is often the teachers and administrators who are expected to motivate the students of the school. It is rare, though, to find a student that is able to motivate his peers, through both actions and words, and at the same time maintain that same drive in all aspects of his own life. For Lou Lombardi, it comes naturally. Lombardi, a senior from Huntingdon Valley, is the first in his family to attend St. Joe’s Prep. He chose the Prep because he knew it was the best school and the best place to succeed. Freshman year, he joined the Prep swim team and although he expected to continue with the sport, it was crew that really struck a chord. “My mom got me into it, [but I] decided I wanted to be a coxswain,” Lombardi recalls. He remembers using an erg machine for one day before switching over. “I have a loud mouth, so I thought I’d be a good coxswain.” Who knows what Lombardi’s rowing career would have looked like, but you would be hard-pressed to find a better coxswain at his age. In fact, last summer, Lombardi was a part of the United States Junior National Crew team as the coxswain for the Junior Men’s Eight boat. Competing in the Czech Republic, his boat was projected to finish fifth out of six participating teams from various countries around the world. When all was said and done, Lombardi had led his boat of Americans to a gold medal, squeezing out a photo-finish ahead of the top-ranked Germans.
TYLER RHODE ’11 He knew the pain immediately. Tyler Rhode felt the ache in his side and felt lightheaded while working as a tutor at a learning center near his home. For the second time in his young life,
So what makes Lombardi such a great coxswain? “You have to be in charge, you have to
Rhode’s lung was collapsing, an ailment known
develop trust with your rowers, and you have to know what is motivating to that
as spontaneous pneumothorax.
particular bunch,” he says. “I like to call out a specific guy to set the pace. I put him on the spot and let him rise to the occasion.” Luckily, he says, it is in his personality to take charge and rally his peers that led him to steal that coxswain spot on the US National team after only six days of practice with the team. “The tryouts started on June 14, but I arrived on July 5 (while representing the Prep at the Henley Regatta), and the team was finalized on July 11,” says Lombardi. “I knew I couldn’t sit back so I was the first to do everything, I talked to the rowers after every practice to earn their trust and learn about their rowing style.” Obviously, Lombardi’s motivation to succeed rubbed off on, not only the coaches who selected him but also on his teammates who brought home the gold medal. On the home front, Lombardi is the coxswain for the Prep’s Varsity Eight (V8) for the past two years. Last year, he helped the boat to qualify for Henley, one of the most revered rowing events in the world. Set up similar to an NCAA bracket, Henley features head-to-head races with the winner advancing. Last year, the Prep finished in the top four in the world with Lombardi as their coxswain. “The Henley trip was my best memory from the Prep. It’s so magical there, and getting to the semis was a great accomplishment,” says Lombardi. He hopes to qualify again this year and advance further – perhaps even bring home the Henley Cup itself.
Somehow Rhode got the strength to tell his boss he wasn’t feeling well and walk the short distance home. Of course, his lower capacity to breathe made the walk seem eternal but he made it and asked his father to drive him to the ER. The next month was spent dealing with the issue, including two surgeries and 30 missed days of school. Thankfully, he is fine now, though it is always something about which he will be wary. Luckily, Rhode is one of the brightest in a school full of bright students and he wasn’t far behind. He is grateful to his teachers and administrators like principal Michael Gomez and Rev. Bruce Maivelett, S.J., for their support. “It was a strug-
This year, as of May 10, Lombardi and the V8 boat have captured yet
gle but not anything I
another Catholic League title, as well as another City Championship.
couldn’t handle,” he
Lombardi will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall
says. “All of my teachers
as a student and member of the crew team. This next step to college
were great during this.
presents more challenges that he is ready and able to overcome, with
They let me catch up
academics coming first, and breathing a new life into the crew team a
and helped me.”
close second. “They are an up and coming program,” he says, “and
Of course, it’s hard not
I want to be a part of the turnaround.”
to like Rhode. He is
If we have learned anything about Lou Lombardi, he will be the driving
respectful, smart and
force behind it.
truly willing to get
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– Charlie Schrier ’06
THE PREP NEWS
fa c u lt y pr of il e
ERIC GREGG For Christmas in 1986, Eric Gregg got a lacrosse stick. He was 10. His life was changed. Gregg, the Prep’s head lacrosse coach, smiles big when he remembers that Christmas, or rather what happened in the months before it. “One day one of my teachers asked me if I’d ever heard of lacrosse, and he let me borrow a stick. I loved it. I couldn’t get enough. I went home and begged my parents for a lacrosse stick for weeks.” That teacher was George Wattles, a mentor to the fourth-grade Gregg at Episcopal Academy. Months later, in the summer of ’87, Gregg – who grew up in West Philadelphia’s Wynnefield Heights section – would go to lacrosse camp at Shipley, where his new friends needed a goalie. He obliged. For his net effort, he was named camper of the week. His neighborhood friends, unfamiliar with the game, would look at him quizzically. What is that, they’d ask about his new gear. He carried his stick everywhere, from home to school to his grandmother’s house in Overbrook. Ten years later, the camper of the week would win two state lacrosse championships with Episcopal Academy. Twenty years later, the neighborhood enigma would be on the cusp of going pro for Philadelphia’s outdoor team, the Barrage. These days, while leading his third Prep squad into another playoff season, Gregg gives the gift of lacrosse to kids all over the city. The idea was born on a bar napkin. There was Gregg, watching ESPN with his buddies, scribbling down an acronym for what would become one of Philadelphia’s most successful non-profits. L.E.A.P.S. – which stands for Leadership, Education, Attitude, Perseverence and Success – would soon become an organization that introduces lacrosse to inner-city youth. Changing lives by giving kids a strange and powerful sort of stick—it’s what Gregg and co-founder John Christmas, a member of the Philadelphia Wings, would do. They’d give out equipment to kids who might not otherwise be able to afford it. They’d teach the game they loved. They’d become agents of their napkin acronym, rooting lives in a mission to develop potential on and off the field. involved. He has gravitated towards subjects like biology and the classics. Though they may seem to be disparate areas of study, in fact, Rhode sees them as similar. “I am interested in how things work and those subjects all deal with process,” says Rhode, who will attend Columbia University in the fall. “Biology talks about how we work and interact. In Classics, I enjoy the process of translating. As a kid, I always liked logic puzzles and decoding things. Now I do the same thing with Latin poetry.” Rhode is also an outstanding writer, winning two Bennett Awards, short story as a sophomore and poetry as a junior, and has been part of building two papers at the Prep. As a sophomore, he realized that it was difficult for his classmates to get their opinions heard through the established Prep publications so he and John Burgoyne ’11 began Sophomore Slant. “It started as an opinion paper to give our class a chance to be heard,” he says. This year, he was part of the rebirth of the Hawklet, renamed as the Crimson and Grey. The paper put out several issues this year and reestablished that student paper. “It was easier to start over than to try and revamp it,” he says. “It gave a chance to do things differently.” It takes strength and perseverance to accomplish all that Rhode has. He says that his medical difficulties proved to him that he had the mettle he needed. “It was really tough, especially lying there in the middle of the night alone in the hospital and they’re waking you up all the time,” he says. “To me, it validated my resolve. If I could make it through that and walk away, I could do anything.” – Bill Avington ’90
SUMMER 2011
Three years after its inception, L.E.A.P.S. is a major presence in this city. Gregg estimates that L.E.A.P.S. has put lacrosse sticks into the hands of over 500 kids in Philadelphia alone, kids who might not otherwise be exposed to America’s oldest and fastest growing game, one often associated with suburbs and affluence. Gregg and Christmas also work with the Philadelphia School District, instructing physical education teachers in how to teach the game to their own middle and high schoolers. Prep senior and midfielder Jeff Heath is a team captain for Gregg. Go to a game and you’ll see Heath scoop, cradle and shoot like the all-Catholic he is. He’s fast. He’s smart. Go to a LEAPS clinic and you will see Heath and Gregg side by side on the Simon Gratz High School turf, teaching kids how to hold on to what they’ve got, and how to go after what they want. They teach their campers how to move smart, how to hydrate and focus, how to take good care of themselves and each other. When I ask Pat Swanick, a junior attackman for Gregg, what it’s like to teach at L.E.A.P.S. events, he smiles and laughs. “The kids are just so happy. And they’re good.” They’re a little like Gregg at Christmas in 1986. So is Kenny Lankford, a 2009 Prep grad who played for Gregg in the coach’s first year at the Prep. Like Gregg, Lankford got the gift of the game as a kid and continues to love giving the gift away. “I had a great time volunteering. It was so much fun to help because I was teaching a sport that I love so much with other guys on the team. For me, it wasn’t just service and making a positive impact on the kids’ lives. It was also passing on a love of the game that I was fortunate to have given to me at a young age.” It’s been 25 years since Gregg met lacrosse, 25 years since George Wattles taught him a new game. Wattles – an NCAA official and member of the Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame--and Gregg still talk. That was made especially clear in our interview: he’s in touch with his past, and grateful for his calling. Gregg remembers when he was selling medical equipment full-time after goaltending for Gettysburg. “I asked my boss if I could change my hours from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” says Gregg, who was an assistant at Lower Merion for a few years, then Penn Charter. Working, Gregg couldn’t wait to leave each day for coaching. “I finally told my boss my heart was elsewhere,” Gregg says with a laugh. “Then everything just snowballed.” That can be a scary thing, to follow your heart. To go to that elsewhere.To take that chance. When Gregg made that call, he got the call from the Barrage to go pro. Then he got the call from the Prep. Then L.E.A.P.S. took flight. With a goalie’s sensibility, Gregg would not let himself give up these shots to commit himself full-time to a sport that seizes his heart, day after day. Now, with the help of co-founder John Christmas as well innumerable sponsors, coaches, players and parents, – Susie Cook Gregg is building up a team and a city, stick by stick.
15
fa c u lt y pr of il e “It is an interview show about
FERNANDO MENDEZ
political and social issues,” says Mendez. “I interview politicians
Fernando Mendez will humbly try and tell you that he is
and community leaders, such as
not an interesting person. But engage him for five min-
(Mayor) Michael Nutter (’75) and
utes about his classes, his part-time work, or his global
(former New Jersey Governor) Jon
political views, and you will find that interesting would be
Corzine.” This is the second talk
an understatement.
show that Mendez has headlined
Mendez left his home in Bogota, Colombia in the late
for Telemundo, co-anchoring a
1960s to pursue a degree in French and German at LaSalle
health program with cosmetic
University. He later earned a Master’s degree from
surgeon Jose Castillo, M.D. in the
Villanova in Spanish and Portuguese, and, soon thereafter,
early 1990s called “Dr. Castillo y
began teaching at the Prep, where he has remained for 35
Su Salud (Dr. Castillo and Your
years and is in his second stint as the chair of the Modern
Health).”
Language department. Over the years, he has taught
Mendez also does Spanish narra-
German, French, and Spanish.
tion for NFL films and continues
One of the staples for any course that Mendez has taught
to narrate season recaps for the
has been country reports, weekly oral presentations pro-
Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders,
viding insight into current events from countries around
and San Diego Chargers. “I like the
the world. He also holds special classes on Fridays, called
Chargers because they have amazing family ownership [in the Spanos
“Friday discussions,” in which he provides a forum for his students to
family], but I am still an Eagles fan,” he says.
discuss global, national, and local issues with him. Mendez feels it is important for the students to be exposed to these types of discussions not only about the culture of the United States, but, more importantly, about other cultures around the world.
Whether it is in the classroom or on the big screen, Mendez captures others with his informed beliefs and engaging stories. The Prep continues to be thankful for his services, and, as he says, he remains for two reasons: “I love teaching, and this is the best place to teach.”
In addition to his daily teaching at the Prep, Mendez has been a talk
– Charlie Schrier ’06
show host for Telemundo’s “En Portada” television program since 2006.
1
CELEBRATION
OF THE
SCIENCES
On Thursday, May 19, several alumni, parents and faculty gathered to celebrate the sciences at St. Joseph’s Prep and to honor John Milewski, who is retiring after more than 40 years at the Prep.
[Above, left] Science chair Barb Brown paid tribute to Mr. Milewski with brief remarks. Bernie Gray ’79 and Mark D’Eramo ’04 also spoke to honor Mr. Milewski. [Above, right and below] Members of John Milewski’s family and many alumni were in attendance in honor of his retirement.
2
16
THE PREP NEWS
Make a Gift
that helps the Prep today! 1 out of every 3 students would not be at St. Joseph’s Prep today without the support of
The Prep has always been a place where the “son of a bus driver sits next to the son of a brain surgeon.” Financial aid is what allows that dynamic to stay alive and The Prep Fund helps fund our financial aid programs and supports our various academic and extra-curricular activities .
To learn more about The Prep Fund, go to www.sjprep.org/giving or call Ceal Biello – 215-978-1016.
Make a Gift
that lasts forever!
Dozens of men and women like Mike and Rosemary Robinson have included the Prep in their estate. A planned gift is a “forever gift,” one that will live on at the Prep for generations. It doesn’t affect your current cash flow of assets and it’s easy to change if your circumstances change. Plus, it may save you estate taxes later. Best of all, you have the satisfaction of leaving a legacy that will last “forever.”
“
Crimson and gray blood runs deep in me and my family. That is why I wanted to make sure that the Prep was taken care of in my will. I went to the Prep as an unpolished kid and they turned me into something. I would like that to happen for students for generations to come.” – Mike Robinson ’50
SUMMER 2011
For more information, contact Russell Gartz, Chief Development Officer, at 215-978-1035 or rgartz@sjprep.org. If you’ve already included the Prep in your estate plans, please let us know so we can welcome you into the Magis Society.
17
FAREWELL TRUSTEES This past May, several key members of the St. Joseph’s Prep Board of Trustees had their terms expire. Board chair John R. McConnell ’70, John T. Paul ’66, Linda Ann Galante, Armand J. DellaPorta ’73 and Sean A. Rooney ’80 all served two terms. In addition, due to changes in his professional demands, Rev. Stephen N. Katsouros, S.J. is also leaving the board at the end of this year. McConnell leaves after serving as chair for three years. He oversaw changes in the finance and development operations and was active in the Presidential transition. “Over the past three years, John has always been personally available and I value his counsel,” says Prep President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59. “John made tremendous contributions to the school and he held the Prep’s mission in his heart at all times. His advice will help me even in the years to come.” McConnell, the father of three Prep grads, is now working diligently to help bring the Cristo Rey School to Philadelphia. “He is a true Man for Others,” says Fr. Bur. Paul has been an outstanding contributor to the development efforts of the school over the past decade. In addition to serving as chair of the development committee, Paul was the co-chair of the Campaign for the Prep which raised over $30 million and added Jesuit Hall to the physical plant along with several million dollars to the endowment.
John Paul ’66, John McConnell ’70, Linda Galante and Armand DellaPorta ’73
“Because of his work on other boards, John brought us experience that was truly valuable,” Fr. Bur says of Paul, who has also served on the boards at La Salle College High School, Rosemont College and St. Anselm’s College, his alma mater. “His ready generosity, both in benevolence and consultation, was outstanding and I found his personal encouragement very consoling.” Galante, the mother of a Prep grad, was the chair of the neighborhood committee. “Linda helped us understand the importance of our civic responsibility,” says Fr. Bur. “As an attorney, she also brought a special expertise to any discussion we had, both within the school community and outside the school. We will miss her unique skills.” DellaPorta, who is the father of a Prep grad and also served as President of the Alumni Board of Governors, was an early resource
for Fr. Bur. “I had known Armand through the experience of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius so, when I was researching the President’s position, I relied on his advice,” says Fr. Bur. “Truly sold on the mission of the Prep, as a member of the Trustee Committee, he helped recruit a set of outstanding trustees.” Fr. Katsouros has been president of Loyola School in New York City and now leaves for a position at the University of San Francisco. “As an experienced president of a Jesuit high school, Steve brought a very helpful perspective to development and trustee issues,” said Fr. Bur. Rooney has served for several years on the board and continues to be a generous donor. “Sean’s enthusiasm for the school is unbounded,” said Fr. Bur. “It is a special privilege for our sports teams to support the Kelly Rooney Foundation established in memory of his wife who died of cancer.”
RUGGIERI NAMED BOARD CHAIR; NEW TRUSTEES APPOINTED Joseph A. Ruggieri, Esq. ’69 has been named the new Chairman of the St. Joseph’s Prep Board of Trustees. Ruggieri, who has been on the board for three years and served effectively as chair of the Committee on Trustees, will begin his term in the fall.
New trustees joining the board this year are Sheila Brennan Connor, A. Bruce Crawley ’63, John M. Natale ’72, Dr. Marianne Ritchie Gordon, Anthony C. Stevenson and Rev. John W. Swope, S.J. ’72.
Connor, the mother of three Prep grads, is chief legal counsel for Core “I am excited to have Joe serve as Risks, Ltd., in Wayne. Crawley, who board chair and look forward to has also served on the board at SJU working with him,” says Prep and Independence Blue Cross among A Bruce Crawley ’63, Dr. Marianne Ritchie Gordon, John Natale ’72, Anthony Johnson, Sheila Brennan Connor and Rev. John Swope, S.J. ’72 others, is the president/principal President Rev. George W. Bur, S.J. ’59. “For the past three years, he has done owner of Millenium 3 Management an excellent job both recruiting the membership of the board and Inc., and founded the Philadelphia African American Chamber of enhancing the board’s ability to do its job. Commerce. Natale, a member of the Alumni Board of Governors, is regional vice president of Lincoln Investment Planning in Marlton, A few years ago, Ruggieri participated in the Spiritual Exercises N.J. Dr. Gordon, the mother of three (including two Prep grads), is a of St. Ignatius with a group of Prep grads. Prior to serving as professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. President of the Prep, Fr. Bur regularly hosted the group at a meetStevenson is the principal of Radnor Middle School, where he has ing room in the Jesuit Community at Saint Joseph’s University. worked since 2004. Fr. Swope is President of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore and serves on the boards of SJU and Loyola Ruggieri, a graduate of Villanova University and Temple Law Blakefield in Maryland. School, and his wife Anna had three sons graduate from the Prep.
18
THE PREP NEWS
Regional Gatherings
Members of the St. Joseph’s Prep alumni/development team travelled throughout the US to visit with alumni. Events were hosted in Texas, Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Florida, as well as nights at the Flyers and Phillies. Below are photos from some of the events.
FLYERS
DALLAS
AUSTIN
FORDHAM HOUSTON
Would you LIKE TO USE YOUR PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS TAX DOLLARS TO HELP PREP STUDENTS?
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program allows you to do just that. Any C corporation or S corporation authorized to do business in Pennsylvania that is subject to one or more of the following taxes: • Corporate Net Income Tax • Capital Stock 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 Tax credits equal to 75% of your contribution, up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year, can be utilized. This can be increased to 90% of your contribution, if your business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive tax years
win, win, win situation. The EITC program is a
I get to support an institution I love, get a charitable deduction and get a tax credit on certain state taxes, just for a little paperwork. It’s a no-brainer.” – John Paul ’66 President, Thomas J. Paul, Inc.
Please consider joining the following businesses who have supported the Prep through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program: Advanced Network Products, Inc. Barroway Topaz Kessler Meltzer & Check, LLP Beneficial Savings Bank Bruno's Inc. Casaccio Architects LLC Colonial Electric Supply Co. Inc DNB First, National Association Driscoll Construction Company Elkay Manufacturing Corporation, LLC Evercrest, Inc. Geppert Bros., Inc. Gordon E. Conwell Associates, Inc. Henkels Foundation
SUMMER 2011
Herman Goldner Company Inc. Kildare Capital MCS Group, Inc. Millennium Insurance Company Mohawk Tile & Marble Mulhern Electric Company, Inc. Norman, Spencer McKernan Philip Rosenau Company Inc. Procacci Brothers Republic Bank Thomas J. Paul Inc. VJG Enterprises Limited Wilmington Trust of Pennsylvania
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Class of 1961
Reunion Weekend
2011
20
THE PREP NEWS
f r o m t he a r c hi v e
1940
1958
1963
2003
2011
TRACK
CREW
BASKETBALL
FOOTBALL
SOCCER
William Strowhower ’40
Ken Duckworth ’58
Joe Donahue ’63
Pat Kaiser ’03
Pat Kardish ’11
These items are some of many housed in the Prep’s new archive center, which is managed by history teacher Bill Conners ’80. If you have any Prep items, memorabilia or other items (pennants, yearbooks, pins, etc.), contact him at wconners@sjprep.org.
This year’s Prep Golf and Tennis Classic, held on Monday, May 16 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, was the most successful ever as [1]
the golf portion sold out with 210 golfers and the tennis had near two dozen players.
At the dinner, Leo Carlin ’55 was honored. His son, Prep trustee Leo Jr. ’81, spoke on behalf of the Carlin family, Philadelphia Eagles legend Harold Carmichael spoke
[3]
on behalf of the team, where Leo had worked for more than 50
[1] Leo Carlin ’55 (seated) with his wife Kay and four of their children and several of their grandchildren
years, and Jim Knowles ’83 read a
[2] Honoree Leo Carlin ’55 (left) rode around the course with his close friend and classmate Jack Branka
letter from NFL great Rich Gannon ’83, who is a close friend of Leo.
SUMMER 2011
[2]
[3] Dan Heenan ’89, John Paul ’66, Russell Gartz (SJP Chief Development Officer) and Past Parent Joe Mignatti
21
1940s
1960s
James Duffy '44 is very proud of Kiera, the oldest of his 25 grandchildren and an opera singer who has sung at Carnegie Hall, the New York Philharmonic and concert halls all over the world. She was one of 11 finalists in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2007 and featured in the film “The Audition.” In late December, she will understudy the lead role in “The Enchanted Island” at the Met that will run through early January.
Raymond Davis '61 tells us that after retiring from a seven year teaching, four-year government and 22year Wall Street career, he started a boutique advisory firm in the Philippines called Mabuhay Capital, where he spends nine months a year. The rest of his time is divided between his home outside Charleston, SC, where his wife Cathy stays and his house in Brewster, MA.
Paul Sigmund '46, a retired Professor of Politics at Princeton University, continues to teach a seminar each year at Princeton. A revised edition of his St. Thomas Aquinas on Politics and Ethics will be published by W.W. Norton next year.
Salvatore DeBunda '61 is the Co-Managing Partner in the Philadelphia office of Archer & Greiner, P.C., a 170-lawyer firm. He owns and races thoroughbred horses and is President of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. Also he is Vice-Chairman of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.
1950s
Thomas Morrissey '61 is retired from teaching History. He and his wife Mary live in Swarthmore, and are expecting their second grandchild. He has written two historical novels and is working on a third.
Dr. L. Stewart Barbera '50 received the Sr. Kathryn Etchells, CSR Award in honor of his longstanding generosity and service to the women and children of Drueding Center.
Dr. Timothy O'Connell '61 is a psychologist in practice in northern New Jersey. He and his wife Eileen live in Millburn, NJ and have a daughter, Elizabeth, who is living in Brooklyn.
Dr. Joseph T. English '50 has stepped down from the board of the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) after nine years of service. Dr. English served three three-year terms after being appointed to the commission by the American Medical Association. Dr. English, a member of the American Psychiatric Association, is the Distinguished Sidney E. Frank Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers.
Michael Higgins '62, Past President of Aronimink Golf Club, was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the Golf Association of Philadelphia.
Leo Burke '53, who retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2001, has been quite busy over the last 10 years. From 2001 to 2009, he was President of the Philadelphia-Bucks County Chapter and Vice President of southeastern region of eight counties of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees. In 2010 he was appointed Region 3 Director of International Intertel (top 1% I.Q.) over eight states, including Pennsylvania. Rev. William Currie, S.J. '53 has a new position, delegate of the General of the Jesuits to the World Union of Jesuit Alumni/ae. The position is part time but involves travel. Last October, he was in Malta for a European congress, in January he traveled to Patna, India for a similar conference and in March he was in Budapest. Fr. Currie is stationed in Tokyo, Japan. Cardinal John Foley '53 was honored by The Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute for his years of service, not only to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia but for his international service at the Vatican. Cardinal Foley is a Philo Scholar and a recipient of the Sourin Award.
Andrew Costello '63, who was employed as a professor of mathematics at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, has retired. His wife Marsha, who is a Latin teacher, has also retired. Francis DeSimone, Esq. '63 has been presented the prestigious Caesare Beccaria Award by The Philadelphia Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section and the Justinian Society of Philadelphia for his achievement in the field of criminal justice. Robert Fitzpatrick '63, a former Prep teacher, is enjoying retirement and living in Paris. In 2010 he participated in evaluation and accreditation visits for the Association of European Conservatories in Switzerland, Poland, and Lithuania. He also participated in a seminar for music executives in Vienna, and was a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education visiting accreditation team for the Juilliard School in April. In June, Bob was a jury member for the concours de direction d'orchestre at L'Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. He retired in 2009 as Dean of the Curtis Institute of Music after almost 30 years of service.
rowing coach in the nation. Glavin has joined the Philadelphia Children's Foundation as Vice President and Director of Development. The Philadelphia Children's Foundation (PCF), a 501c, is an educational support organization for disadvantaged youth in the Philadelphia area. PCF provides many career oriented programs for students K-12, with the goal of enabling students to connect their interest and abilities to aspiring and obtainable career paths.
1970s Dr. Robert Culleton '70 is a Research Scientist and Planning Director in the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the New Jersey Department of Human Services. He and his wife Vasanthi have two children and live in Swarthmore, PA. D. Benjamin Hyde '70 and his wife Tina have been married for 34 years. He is retired but works full time as a construction volunteer and member of the Board of Directors with Habitat for Humanity in Montgomery County. Joseph McCool '70 served as the coordinator of the Fire Fighters Memorial Run in Sea Isle City. This year was the 36th annual event that was started in 1975 in memory of the eight firemen who lost their lives at the Gulf Refinery fire. Each of the last two events raised a total of approximately $5,000 for the burn centers in the Delaware Valley, Crozier Chester, Temple University and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. This year's race was won by Joe's son, Joe McCool Jr. '97. William Ricci, Esq. '71 was named one of the "Lawyers of the Year" in this year's Philadelphia Best Lawyers supplement in the category of Product Liability Litigator of the Year. The honorees are selected based on their particularly high level of peer recognition. He is a partner with the firm Lavin, O'Neil, Ricci, Cedrone & DiSipio in Philadelphia. Gerald McHugh, Esq. '72 received the Lesnick Award from Penn Law School for sustained commitment to pro bono activities and public service in the practice of law. He was also named "Lawyer of the Year" in Philadelphia within the field of medical malpractice by Best Lawyers in America. He continues to live in St. Francis deSales parish in West Philadelphia. Michelangelo Ciocca '73 is a CPA and Partner in the firm ParenteBeard, LLC located in Huntingdon Valley. He and his wife Donna live in Holland. Rev. William Grogan ’73 met up with Joe Murphy, long-time Prep Fathers’ Club Steering Committee member and his son Tim ’95 on a recent trip to Ireland. (Picture)
Dr. Ferdinand Manlio '53 traveled to Brazil and the Amazon last summer.
Louis Orlando '63 has published his second volume of The Ultimate Phillies Trivia Quiz. It is a series of questions testing knowledge of the Phillies highlights and lowlights and the players responsible. The book is available for the Kindle on Amazon.com. Also it's available for download at www.louieorlando.com which was created by his classmate Fran DeHoratius '63, former Prep teacher and administrator.
John Curran, Esq. '57 is semi-retired from law practice but teaches classes at Delaware Community College in Media. He is also involved in mediation matters and babysitting his grandchildren.
Armond Ipri '64 is entering the 29th year of his Financial Services business. His only "co-worker" is his wife of 42 years, Pat. Recently they learned that their 10th grandchild will arrive in July.
James Murray '59, the Prep's Athletic Director and Varsity Soccer Coach, was honored by the Philadelphia Ancient Order of Hibernians in May for a Lifetime of Leadership.
Dr. William Sherwin '65 is proud to report that his son Christopher is in the second year of a Ph.D program at Georgetown University.
Dr. Gary Ferguson '75 continues his private dental practice in Waterville, ME. He, his wife Mary and their three children live in Oakland, ME.
James Glavin '65 was named the Male Junior Coach of the Year by the Joy of Sculling Conference, a yearly gathering of the world's top rowing coaches. The award is given annually to the top high school or club
Rev. John Cecero, S.J. '76 who previously served as Trustee for St. Joseph's Prep, is Professor of Psychology at Fordham University and Rector of the Jesuit Community.
22
THE PREP NEWS
RAdm. Gerald Hueber '77 is the American Chief of Staff for the Libyan mission.
DeMarco will resign from Philadelphia's Zoning Code Commission of which he has been a member since 2007.
1980s
Michael Garry '85 was invited by the Wall Street Journal to participate in its 2011 Adviser Roundtable with three other financial advisors who came in from other parts of the country. He discussed working with clients and what to expect in the economy and markets for 2011.
John Arimond '80 was selected Employee of the 1st Quarter for 2011, Water Utilities for The City of Oceanside, CA. John Zielinski '80 is the owner of Pinnacle Technology Sales. He and his wife Rita live in Southampton and have four children: Whitney, John, Jr. '09, Hayley and Shane '14. Thomas Bowers '81 has informed us that he's a proud grandfather as his first grandchild was born in June 2009. Steve Humes, Esq. '82 has joined the New York City office of Holland & Knight where he will be continuing his energy and environmental law practice. He and his wife Linda live in Hamden, CT. Thomas Kueny, CIC, SJP '82 is currently the President and CEO of Martin-Kueny Insurance Solutions in Warrington. Martin-Kueny Insurance is an independent insurance agency specializing in property/casualty insurance for businesses and individuals located in the five county Philadelphia regions, New Jersey and Delaware. Tom and his wife Barbara reside in Warrington with their two children, Tom '13 and Erin. John McCormick, Esq. '83 is proud to announce that his oldest son, Griffin, was recently awarded an Ignatian Scholarship and will be attending the Prep as a member of the Class of 2015. In addition, John, along with Frank Costa '90 participated in the formation of Oak Financial Partners, LLC in 2010. John has been a financial consultant with AXA Advisors, LLC since 2000. His business is focused on executives and business owners and includes retirement planning, business issues and sophisticated estate planning strategies. He and his wife Dawn reside in Haddonfield, N.J., with their eight children. William McGarvey '83 has written a Freshman Survival Guide for students heading to college. The guide is the first to deal with the whole student, treating the intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual lives of college students as intimately connected aspects of their overall success. Michael Downey '84 has produced a movie, "Roadie," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in late April. He also was the Associate Producer and his company, HERO Content, did the production on a powerful documentary called "Living for 32," about the Virginia Tech massacre which also premiered at the festival. Stephan Brown '85 completed 60 days of active duty for the United States Coast Guard-Atlantic Strike Team (AST) in Louisiana at Deepwater Horizon burning oil at the BP oil release location. Over flights and driving allowed him to see the areas he responded to during his time at USCG Air Station New Orleans in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Kevin Byrne '85 is employed at Boynton & Boynton in West Conshohocken. He has been selling malpractice insurance since 1995. He and his wife Megan and three daughters live in Narberth. Richard DeMarco, Esq. '85, a member of Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg's Zoning and Land Use Practice Group, has announced that he will campaign for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas this year.
SUMMER 2011
Kevin Quinn '85 recently became Vice President for Development for the Woods Services Foundation in Langhorne. Kevin and his wife Sarah have been married for almost 17 years and are the proud parents of Mariah and Declan. Francis Stepnowski '85 has released his second book S.C.R.E.W.E.D., An Educational Fairytale. His first book, Why Are All the Good Teachers Crazy?, has reached #1 (out of over 216,000 books under "teachers") on Amazon.com and this one is rapidly rising as well. All proceeds for this book are going to the Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit organization that assists our wounded troops (and their families) in their recovery. Matthew Swanick '85 has recently taken a job with Wells Fargo Insurance Services as their Regional Manager of Surety Bond Services. This product is for the commercial construction industry and provides protection on public works. Timothy Potero, Esq., '87, who is the Deputy Chief Compliance Counsel for the Philadelphia office of Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, the leading global risk and reinsurance specialist and a member of Marsh & McLennan Companies, has been selected as a "Rising Star" in Reactions Magazine's global survey of those in the insurance and reinsurance industry. The prestigious list of 50 executives represents a broad range of talent regarded as among the next generation of leaders in the insurance industry. Christopher Sheridan, Esq. '87 is Chief Advancement Officer at "For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation," a Philadelphia-area organization that provides respite vacations to adult cancer patients and their loved ones. David Winkowski, Esq. '87, a partner with Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, counsels clients in the areas of tax, estate and business planning, as well as trust and estate administration and fiduciary litigation. He represents high-net-worth individuals, owners of closely held businesses, and executives in their estate and personal planning. He provides advice to clients with complex estate, gift and income tax issues. Antony Braithwaite '89, Director of the Cape and Sword Drama Society, was part of the show "This Is The Week That Is," 1812 Productions' "annual sendup of the year's news," at the Plays and Players Theatre in Philadelphia which ran through the month of December 2010. In February 2011 he starred in "Heeere's Tony" at the Act II Playhouse in Ambler. The show, a take on the old "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" featured Howie Brown '99 as the announcer/sidekick. The show featured a nightly comedic monologue, skits, songs, and special guests including Prep grads Phil Martelli '72, Rev. William Byron, S.J. '45, Leo Carlin '55, Tom Burgoyne '83, Ed Gafas '99 and the Woodland Stringband, Justin Hopkins '02, Matt Duke '03, Mike DiDonato '08, Speedy Morris (Prep basketball coach) his son Chris and many more. Other Preppers involved with the show were Will Dennis '01 (Head Writer) and guest wranglers Matt Silva '01, Joe Binck '11 and Tommy Voter '11. In March, Tony starred in an all-new "First Impressions" at Hedgerow Theatre; in April, he directed "The Producers” at St. Joseph's Prep and in May starred in the Tony-Award winning comedy ART at Act 2 Playhouse in Ambler.
Edward Broderick '89 was feted at a surprise 40th birthday party at his home in January. Other Preppers from the Class of '89 traveled from near and far to join him for the occasion. Rick Campbell flew in from Chicago, Mike Englesbe from Ann Arbor, Rob McCann from New York, and Denis Curran from Washington, DC. Together the five of them have 17 children ranging in age from twelve to one. Vince Curran '87 was also in attendance. MSgt. Anthony Ciotti '89 is enjoying his work with the Health Sector Development in Afghanistan with the Army. This is his fourth combat tour in the Global War on Terror since 2001 with a reserve Civil Affairs Battalion. This is his first tour on a division level staff and not on a front line. He made the promotion list for Master Sergeant in October 2010. Maximillian Potter '89 wrote an article on the "poisoning" of a vineyard in France for the May issue of Vanity Fair. La Romanee-Conti, the tiny, centuries-old vineyard produces what most agree is Burgundy's finest, rarest, and most expensive wine. Edward Sfida '89 was the lead statistician in the Fox Sports broadcast booth for Super Bowl XLV. Sfida works alongside Joe Buck, who is Fox's lead football play-by-play announcer.
1990s Mark Schneider '90 is currently the Resident Director of “Billy Elliot: The Musical” on Broadway. Last October, he ran in the Dublin Marathon as part of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. He resides in Weehawken, NJ. Matthew Kaness '91 is the Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy for Urban Outfitters, Inc. Recently he shared his experiences and advice regarding the importance of networking with the Prep Business Network Group which meets at the Prep on the third Thursday of the month. Christopher Mignatti '91 and his brother Kevin '93 own and operate Learning Express Toys in Cherry Hill, NJ. Dr. Robert Shick '91 was voted a "Top Doctor" in New York and was featured in a television commercial segment on Fox during the “Dr. Oz Show” in March. [l-r] Gregory Kriz, son of Stephen Kriz ’92 [middle] with Joseph and John Eble, sons of Thomas Eble '96 on a play date at the Kriz household.
James Dever '93 is employed with The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philly.com as an Advertising Account Executive. Bryan Master '95 released a new album "For People Like Us," on Bonavox Records in March. Three members of the Class of '95 also appear on the same record, songwriter Don McCloskey and bassist Chuck Fay join Bryan on the track, “Wake Up.” John Gorman '95, who was with the Arlington County Fire Department for 4 1/2 years, has recently relocated to Seattle, WA and is employed with the Seattle Fire Department at Station 17. The station houses Engine 17, Ladder 9, Medic 16, and Battalion 6. 23
XC Alumni Christopher Murray '95 has been appointed Vice President of Communications of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and is an adjunct professor in Drexel University's Department of Culture & Communication. He and his family live in Wayne. Sean Lavelle '96 was recently promoted to Vice President of Development for the Gesu School. He, his wife Shannon and son Liam live in Glenside. Christopher Heuisler '97 is involved in a documentary about running that began shooting in October and is set to conclude at this year's New York City Marathon. As the marketing campaign slowly unfolds, the producers have asked him to keep a blog to document his training and, hopefully, to generate interest for the film. Philip Tinari '97 is the editor of LEAP, a bilingual art magazine of contemporary China. He lives in Beijing. Dr. Eugene Haas '99 was unanimously voted by the Chief of Staff and Board of Directors of Abington Hospital in Jenkintown to be Chief Resident of Family Medicine for 2011-2012. Howard Brown '99 was featured as the one-man press corps in "First Impressions," the hilarious take on the Presidents created by Tony Braithwaite '89 which ran at the Hedgerow Theatre in March. He was Assistant Director of the spring production of "The Producers" at St. Joseph's Prep and recently became the new Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Workshop. He will be General Manager and Director for PTW's fourth annual PlayShop Festival which took place from April 29 through May 22. Timothy Casey, S.J. '99 joined the Society of Jesus in the fall of 2010 and is assigned to the New England Province. John Fife '98 has been named the Head Rowing Coach for Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas. Philip Gravinese '99 was recently appointed as the director for Heritage High School’s (Palm Bay, Florida) Environmental Science Academy. He also was nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Philip accepted a summer teaching assignment in Costa Rica Teaching marine science to high school students and conducting sea turtle and marine mammal research. Angelo Rizzo, S.J. '99, who was a teacher at Loyola Blakefield, was selected as a teacher recipient of the University of Scranton's 2010 Rose Kelly Award. Each year, the committee selects a student winner of the award and the winners are then asked to name a high school or elementary teacher who most influenced their pre-college preparation. Dr. Barbara Giuliano, a Prep Science Teacher also received the award and was nominated by student winner Bill Woody '07.
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2000s John Banionis '00 is North American Sales Manager for Future Science Group, an independent STM journal publisher based in London. In order to promote uptake in the academic, corporate, government, and health sectors, John attends numerous library conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has also traveled to Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Beijing. He is currently employed by the Dutch firm Accucoms BV and previously represented Taylor & Francis Journals. Gregory Camaratta '00, who received his Masters in Information Systems from NJ Institute of Technology in December 2009, is currently working at Lockheed Martin in Cherry Hill, NJ as a Senior Financial Analyst. William Dennis '01 is the new Associate Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Workshop, which continues to produce world premieres by Philadelphiaarea playwrights. Brian Fox, Esq. '00 graduated from Widener School of Law in 2010 with a Jurist Doctorate Degree. He has passed the PA and NJ Bar and is now a practicing attorney in Philadelphia. John Gallagher '00 is currently a Health & Safety Sales Specialist for Cintas Corporation in the First Aid and Safety Division.
News Specialty Assignment Report. In addition, he has three other nominations and four regional Edward R. Murrow awards. He currently is employed at KOLD News 13, the CBS affiliate in Tucson, AZ as the Assistant Chief Photojournalist. (Picture) Prince Holloway, Esq. '01 received his law degree from Widener Law School in Harrisburg and is an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County. He and his fiancĂŠe Melissa will marry in 2011. Drew Kramer '01, who leads the band Dephonic, was a supporting act for the popular group Badfish which performed at the Electric Factory in late December. Dephonic is managed by Patrick Fay '01. Brendan McGrath '01 is teaching theology at Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, NJ. Mark Turowski '01 was recognized by NASA's Space Flight Awareness Program for outstanding support of human space flight. Mark, an engineer with the Jacobs Technology NASA Test Operations Group at John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, was recognized for his support of the A-2 Test Stand. He has also been instrumental in the development of Integrated System Health Management, a high-tech monitoring system used by the U.S. space program. (Picture)
Andrew Goldner '00 is currently employed at Ricoh Business Solutions in Philadelphia as a Systems Engineer. He recently purchased a home in the Graduate Hospital section of Philadelphia. John Paul Mantey '00 works in industrial real estate for Jones Lang LaSalle. Christopher Donnelly '00 is completing his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Neuroscience and will be employed at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore as a Post Doctoral Fellow studying clinical treatment of Lou Gehrig Disease. Matthew Smith '00, who teaches in the English Department at Temple University, works very closely with the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in his free time. He has created a project called "The Spaces Between Your Fingers" (www.spacesbetweenyourfingers.com). On the Website is a video explanation of the project and a story dedicated to his grandfather William B. McNamee '39. Matthew Tinari '00 is living in Dakar, Senegal working as a musician and free lance writer. Paul Durrant '01 recently received two Emmy Awards from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He received one award for Best Editing in News, and the other for
Edward Robson, Esq., '02 recently formed Robson & Robson, LLC, a law firm that focuses on closely-held businesses and commercial litigation. After law school, Ed served as a law clerk to the Hon. Howland Abramson in Philadelphia. In private practice, he represented municipal governments in First Amendment and other types of litigation. He has published several articles on litigation and business topics. Gregory Tomezsko '02 had his artwork on display in a show at the Forbes Gallery in New York this past winter.
THE PREP NEWS
Tony 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. [Pic] Matthew Mealey '03 is the owner of Kiwi Yogurt, a business he started a year and a half ago. Presently there are stores in Cherry Hill, University City, West Chester and Collegeville with two more opening by the summer. SPC. J. Travis Logan '03, a research associate with Diversified Search Odgers, Berndtson in Philadelphia, left for Fort Knox, KY earlier this year to begin Officer Training as part of the U. S. Army National Guard. In June, he entered Officers Candidate School. Austin Connors '04 graduated with a degree in Classical Studies from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and is back in the Philadelphia area. He is employed at the Media Theatre as their Director of Development. Patrick Daley '04 is the Development Manager for Junior Achievement of Delaware. He covers Salem County, NJ, the three Delaware counties, and Cecil County, MD. His goal is to create meaningful relationships with donors who volunteer and provide funding for JA student programming focused on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA empowers today's youth to own their future economic success via K-12 student programs which bridge the gap between school and the real world. Carl Engel '04 is a first-year law student at Temple University. Matthew Rafferty '05 is a research analyst in prospect development for Georgetown University's Advancement Office. He plans to attend GU in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in English Literature. William Smith '05 is a second-year student at Jefferson Medical College. Louis Vogel '05, who is pursuing a law degree from Villanova University, is the Mid-Atlantic Chairman for The United PAC of America.
LAX Alum
Theodore Gribb '06 graduated cum laude from Fordham University. He is presently employed by Pharma Tech in northern NJ as an organic chemist synthesizing prostaglandins and living in New Jersey. He co-authored a paper on the use of metal oxide nanoparticles in nanoreactions which was published in 2009. Brad Kelly '06 recently graduated from Catholic University in Washington, DC and is employed in the Psychology Department at Georgetown University. Jeff Battipaglia '07, an offensive lineman at the Naval Academy, played in his final Army-Navy game which was the ninth straight win for the Midshipmen. John Braithwaite '07 recently won the Student Leadership Award at Fordham University. Matthew DiGiesi '07, a senior at Catholic University of American, has made the Dean's list for the third semester in a row. Matt is a Political Science/Pre-Law Major with a minor in Philosophy. Matthew Dolan '07, a senior at Dickinson College, was a first-team, all-conference selection for the 2011 All-Centennial Conference men's basketball team. Matthew Griffin '07, a junior at Boston University, made his NCAA tournament debut. Ryan Haber '07, a fifth-year senior at Stony Brook University who was captain of the 2006 Prep football team, has been named a captain of the Stony Brook team. 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. Ryan Gregory '08, a junior at the University of Scranton, was President of the Rugby Team for 2011. Other Preppers who were officers this year are Rory Lynch '09, Vice-President, Mike Farren '08, Treasurer and Fr. Rick Malloy, S.J. '73 was the Team Chaplain. Ernest Menold '08 and his teammates on Loyola University of Maryland's Ice Hockey Team participated in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 3 National Championships. Samuel Settle '08, Chairman of the Penn State Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), attended the 19th Biennial YAF National Convention in Orange County, CA last fall to celebrate the 50th Anniversary
of YAF. At the convention, Samuel accepted YAF's Chapter of the Year award on behalf of Penn State YAF. Samuel, who was appointed to YAF's Board of Directors last winter, was elected to serve a full two year term at the convention. He was subsequently elected by his fellow board members to serve as Secretary for the Board. 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. Christopher Smith '08, a junior at Ursinus College, won the 2011 Centennial Conference Championship in the 200 yd. butterfly, while setting a new Gettysburg College pool record in that event. At the Championships, he also set a new Ursinus College record in the 200 yd. free style. Brian Capps '09 and Matthew Bischoff '09 have developed “Quotebook,” an app for the iPhone and iPod touch that stores quotations for papers, projects, and speeches. It is a digital notebook for quotes that lets users store, sort, and share the quotations that matter to them. Brendan Glynn '09, a sophomore at Drexel University and a member of the men’s lacrosse team, received a Colonial Athletic Conference Academic Excellence award. This award is given to student-athletes who achieve a 3/2 term and/or cumulative GPA during their championship athletic season. William Hockeimer '09, a neuroscience major at the University of Michigan, was recently elected Editor-inChief of the University's Undergraduate Research Journal. He will be the first junior to hold the position. Jeffrey Lynch '09 earned 2011 Mike Durgala CC Tournament co-MVP accolades after leading Johns Hopkins to its fifth straight baseball conference championship. Michael-John McGinn '09, a sophomore English Major and Creative Writing and Coaching Minor at Ursinus College, wrote an essay “Google It,” which was selected for an oral presentation at the 7th Annual Undergraduate Conference on Literature and Creative Writing, "Literature and Creativity in a Digital Age." He presented the essay at Susquehanna University. Andrew Goebel '09, a sophomore at DeSales University, was cast in “She Stoops to Conquer,” a charming, romantic comedy first performed in 1773. The play, an Act 1 production, ran in the early Spring. Recently he was cast as one of the Knights of the Round Table in Lerner and Loewe's “Camelot.” Kyle Mullen '09 has emerged as an ace pitcher for the Saint Joseph's University baseball team. Anthony Ricco '09 is president of an organization at Penn State University called Global Water Brigades and is leading about 20 students to rural Honduras in the spring to build sustainable pipelines and wells, bringing clean potable drinking water to over 1,600 people. Brian Lojewski '10, a freshman at Loyola University in Maryland, was in the cast of "Our Country's Good" at Loyola's McManus Theatre earlier this year. Last fall he appeared in "The Pillow Man" at the Black Box Theatre also at Loyola.
FALL 2010
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BIRTHS
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William to Kelsi and Anthony Fernandez ’87 [1] Anthony Giovanni to Janene and Anthony Ciotti ’89 Anthony Justin to Debbie and Carmine Rauso ’89 Brendan James to Christa and Matthew Madden ’90 [2] Gabriela Raquel to Maggie and Harry Solimeo ’91 [3] 6 Georgia Rose to Alexis and Jason Jordan ’92 [4] Leo Jackson to Kristin and Brian Daly ‘93 [5] Calum Joseph to Samantha and Geoffrey Samtmann ’93 [6] Hannah Grace to Charlotte and Michael O'Brien ’94 [7] Declan Rhys to Melinda Smith and John Gorman ’95 [8] Annabelle Grace to Cathy and Patrick Boyle ’96 [9] 11 Chloe to Corrie Harkins and John Corey ’96 [10] Grace Elizabeth to Brooke and Joseph Marsden ’97 Noelle Marie to Meghann and Michael Musial ’98 [11] Marguerite Anne to Maureen and Andrew Farrell ’99 [12] Jake Wayne to Kristy and Wayne McKillop ’99 [13] Joshua Samuel to Marissa and Samuel Deitch, Director of Ignatian Service Program [14]
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WEDDINGS Andre deMoya ‘91 and Judy Huitz Marcus Shoup ‘94 and Kristin Guinan Francis McCartan ‘96 and Kaitlin Morris [1]
Christian Sauter ‘97 and Mairead McKendry [2] John Paul DiJulia ‘01 and Kelly Foley [3] Richard Scott ‘01 and Erin Connolly [4] Mark Turowski ‘01 and Christen Mananto [5]
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Frank J. Wesner ‘01 and Melissa Mita [6] Gregory Tomezsko ‘02 and Sara Marie Brady [7] Mark Smith ‘02 and Sarah Young [8]
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Turowski and Maranto were married at St. Rita of Cascia Church in New Orleans, LA. The wedding party included: Edward Turowski ‘97, Matthew Turowski ‘99, Frank Cattie ‘00 and Matthew Cardellino ‘01.
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Back row: Christian Patragnoni (English teacher at the Prep), Al Sauter ‘95, John Anastasia ‘97, Christian Sauter ‘97 (groom), Joe Marsden ‘97, George Marsden ‘87, Ryan Flynn ‘97, Fr. David Sauter, S.J., (former President at the Prep) Front Row: Anselm Sauter ‘00, Maureen Barber (mother of Michael ‘97) Eileen Reynolds (mother of Sean ‘97), Mairead McKendry Sauter (bride), Mary Beth Sauter (mother of the groom and former German teacher at the Prep), PJ Pecoraro ‘97 (missing) Brian Kraus ‘97
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Row 1: Fran McCartan ‘96, Michael Nolen ‘96, Mike Mita ‘97, Michael Wesner ‘95, Melissa Mita Wesner, F.J. Wesner ‘01, John Finegan ‘73 Row 2: James Nolen III ‘59, Michael Mailey ‘02, Dennis Mulgrew ‘01, Sean Heenan ‘01, Jim George ‘01 Row 3: John Dombroski ‘08, Mike Nolan ‘98, Kevin McNulty ‘01, John Connors ‘02, Terence O’Neill ‘01, Pat McKeever ‘01
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[l to r] Andrew Scott ‘98, Brian McCabe’02, Ryan Connolly’10, Erin Scott, Richard Scott ‘01 (groom), Peter Scott ‘99, Neal Dhand ‘01, Sean Connolly ‘12
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THE PREP NEWS
IN MEMORIAM Gerard F. Cattie '44 Joseph S. Kane '44 Albin J. Voit '44 Raymond C. Williamson '44 Rev. James P. Bradley, S.J. '45 Joseph J. Corey '45 Louis F. Duffy '45 William E. Howe '46 John P. Allen '47 Donald F. Denny '47 Robert K. Doyle '47 Wallace F. Quin '47 Rev. Joseph M. Alminde, S.J. '49 William T. Kallmeyer '49 James M. Purtell '49 Donald F. Bradley '50 Thomas E. Peacock '50 Henry M. Burgoyne '51
Rev. Edward H. Nash, S.J. ’32 James A. Keegan '34 Edward A. Poppert '37 George J. Gruber '38 Joseph F. Monaghan '39 Francis T. Miller '40 William D. Sands '40 Edmund C. Wesolowski '40 Kevin J. Flanagan '41 Thomas M. McDermott '41 James J. Diamond '42 Victor C. Faralli ’42 Thomas A. Noone '42 George B. Breen’43 Alexis M. Carlin '43 Frank F. Law '43 William J. Milligan '43 Richard C. Carroll '44
Joseph P. Delaney '51 Richard L. Flynn '54 Anthony F. Pagano '54 Barry A. Felice '56 John H. Howland '57 Andrew S. Burgoyne '58 Richard T. Welsh '58 Dominic F. Comperatore '60 John M. Hochhaus '60 Charles J. Frank '61 Vincent Michelangelo '61 Louis E. Fante '63 Thomas A. Busch '65 Robert G. Stipa '75 Thomas P. Schnepp '77 Robert F. Kirby '84 Patrick J. McCormick '92
This list reflects all alumni deaths that we have been notified of as of May 13, 2011.
BOB METTLER’S MEMORIAL SERVICE
On April 30, 2011, a memorial service was held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Glenside for Bob Mettler ’58 who passed away during the summer of 1959. Following graduation from the Prep, Bob attended the University of Delaware while he awaited an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. He received that appointment and experienced his long wish of attending West Point. Sadly, a few weeks into his first year as a Plebe at the Point, Bob suddenly contracted Spinal Meningitis and died.
PHOTO [l-r]: Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo ’58, Bill Novak ’58, Tom Prior ’58, Sandy Blackwell (Bob Mettler's sister), Jim Mettler (Bob Mettler's brother), Linda Mettler (Jim's wife), Joe Appalucci ’58 and Gerry Bryan ’58
There is a tradition at West Point for a class member to visit the gravesite of each fallen associate once a year. That
includes cadets of the class who passed away during the four years at West Point. Because he died only a few weeks into service at the Point, Bob was overlooked by the Military as a member of the West Point Class of 1963 and subsequently the traditional gravesite visit did not occur until this year. In December of 2008, a chance meeting involving Gerry Bryan ’58, also a member of the West Point Class of ’63, resulted in a search for Bob’s gravesite and their combined effort to give Bob and his family the long overdue recognition. Mettler family members were joined by Bob’s Classmates from both the Prep and West Point on April 30 in honoring Bob. – Tom Pryor ’58
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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SUMMER 2011
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Perspectives
Bill Gallagher ’77 shares the lessons he learned at the Prep…lessons that he has used in more than 30 years of living abroad. Just about everything at the Prep while I was a student there in the 1970s was hard. The calculus, physics, chemistry (especially chemistry), Latin, even the commute to and from the school, about ninety minutes each way, was a challenge. For just about all of us grads, I presume that we have concluded that this demanding experience was a positive force in our lives. Much has been written about the level of character and integrity the Prep develops in its students with its emphasis on serving God while serving others. These values ingrained in teenagers through the rigors of the Prep last a lifetime and are the most important contribution the institution makes to its students.
After graduation I spent the next 32 years in the US Army, in which I had a rewarding career with soldiers while commanding an infantry platoon, company, battalion, and brigade. Soon into that stage of my life I realized the Prep also taught me a lot of skills of great practical value. I haven’t opened a physics or chemistry book in decades, but I did work my way through many demanding military assignments. Here are 10 nonacademic lessons the Prep taught me that have made a lot of sense: • Be on time. It shows people you have some basic organizational skills, can keep a calendar, and you respect those you’re meeting with. I hated getting JUG for being late to class. • People are the most important thing. The Prep taught me to take care of others and to lead by example. I can picture the faculty members, staff, and coaches who really exemplified this. You probably can too. • Sprint through the finish line. Our tough football coaching staff had zero sympathy for not doing this. We did it out of fear, at first. Later we did it out of commitment. It’s a lesson that applies just about every day. • Don’t fear or suspect people because they’re different. The Prep was my first multicultural experience. This was truly invaluable. And ever since, when I describe my high school to someone who knows nothing about it, I emphasize this point. • How you dress makes a difference. Perhaps I was a weird teenager, but I actually liked wearing a coat and tie to school. It made me feel like an adult and a little on par with the faculty that I admired so much. The precise neatness with which I wore my Army uniform had its roots in the Prep’s dress code.
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NYU Abu Dhabi students in a boat after winning the city’s annual Dragon Boat championship.
• Respect members of the clergy. These people sacrifice a lot and devote their lives to the faith. In the Army, I always made the chaplain a central figure and a key leader, and I learned the value of this from the Prep. • Be unfailingly loyal. “Nobody Beats the Prep.” The spirit of this slogan is so important in the family, workplace, on teams, and among close friends. Be a part of something bigger and greater than yourself. The Prep was my first association with this concept. Loyalty is the glue that holds people, who share common goals, together. • Listen to your conscience. A strong conscience is a warning of danger when we are about to stray away from the righteous path. Mine was born at home and reinforced at the Prep. The Prep gave me the spiritual tools to maintain a healthy conscience. • Be sincere and humble. We rarely are solely responsible for successes in life. Deflect the credit to others, accept responsibility when given it, and realize that deep down, we’re all pretty much the same. The very best leaders are humble people and recognize the contributions that others make to the effort. AP chemistry tests keep you humble. • Focus on building self confidence in your kids, not self esteem. Self esteem is often freely given with meaningless awards, recognition, and praise. It’s superficial. Self confidence, on the other hand, is earned by accomplishment against a challenging standard. The Prep builds self confidence. Passing AP chemistry builds confidence.
THE PREP NEWS
I’ve spent about 33 percent of my professional life living abroad – previously in the Army and now, in my current role as the Associate Vice Chancellor for New York University Abu Dhabi. The Prep taught me, at an impressionable age, to embrace other cultures and people from all socio-economic backgrounds, as it drew from the various greater Philly neighborhoods to create a unique community of talent. Our move to Abu Dhabi was my family’s 23rd. And in a life-goesfull-circle kind of way, I’m having a similar Prep experience in my final career stop, but on a broader scale. NYU Abu Dhabi is a four-year liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and research university situated at the Middle East crossroads. The location of Abu Dhabi was selected due to a shared understanding between leaders at NYU and in the United Arab Emirates of the essential roles and challenges of higher education in the 21st century: a common belief in the value of a liberal arts education, concurrence on the benefits a research university brings to the society that sustains it, a conviction that interaction with new ideas and people who are different is valuable and necessary, and a commitment to educating students who are true citizens of the world. The current freshman class of 150 students comes from 39 countries and six continents, and is drawn from the top 1 percent of the intellectual pool. About two dozen freshmen are American students. The campus facilities are superb in the heart of this vibrant island-city, and we offer a full spectrum athletic program that makes the most of the great climate and beaches
SUMMER 2011
Bill Gallagher ’77
found here. At the moment, this program is unique in the world. The Prep life-lessons are timeless and not tied to culture or geographic location. My goal is to pass these on to the NYU Abu Dhabi students and trust they will be as useful. Thanks, SJP.
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