A magazine for alumni, parents, students, faculty and friends of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School Vol. 1 No. 3, Fall 2005
news • Women of The Prep • Technology • New Faculty
• Barchi and Tretta • Communion Breakfasts • New Sports Logo
president’s letter
Dear Friends, I am sitting down to write this letter just one day after a very successful open house. We welcomed 587 families to The Prep during the three-hour event and I think that most left here as enamored of our school as we are. There is something rejuvenating about seeing the faces of the young prospective students and their families walk through our doors. They see the place that we sometimes take for granted. They see a school of outstanding young men who are aided by outstanding faculty and staff ready and eager to work together to create new worlds. It is a wonderful event for us to remember how great The Prep truly is. These past few months have been a time of great excitement for me and many others here as we dream about the expansion of our physical space. In the President’s Report, you saw a brief description of the renovation of the Jesuit residence at 18th and Thompson Streets and will read an update on the work in this issue of the magazine. When I spoke to the architects to give them some guidelines for their designs, I asked them to continue to make our school a home. They have moved forward with that task in mind and have done a marvelous job. While the renovation is a life-changing step for this institution and the building will be educationally state-of-the-art, it is also very much rooted in our heritage and tradition, allowing us to continue to build men in the Ignatian ideals of “body, mind and spirit.” The new facility will be filled with “Ignatiana,” symbols and photos representing the ideals of our founder, St. Ignatius Loyola. It is important that we never forget who we are and what we have been as we move towards a wonderful future. I would be remiss if I were not to mention the passing of Kyle Ambrogi, a beloved member of the Class of 2002. An obituary on Kyle is printed in these pages and we are truly saddened by his death. But I would like to say how proud I was to be a part of this community in the days immediately following his death. Preppers reached out to the Ambrogi family in tremendous ways; you could not have been a part of the events in Kyle’s memory without feeling the tangible presence of The Prep. While we cannot help it when tragedy strikes within our midst, we can respond in positive and faithfilled ways and I think The Prep showed its true heart and soul in how it handled this tragedy. I ask God’s grace for Kyle’s mom, dad and brother Greg ’04, along with Kyle’s friends, teachers and loved ones. He will be truly missed. In closing, thank you again for your outstanding love, devotion and support of St. Joseph’s Prep. We feel it every day, in ways that are both tangible and intangible. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers daily and I ask you to keep us in yours. Sincerely,
Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J.
Front cover image: Barbara Brown teaching a Biology class. Photography by: David DeBalko
inside:
school news
s c h o o l f e at u r e s
alumni news
New Faculty
3
Women of The Prep
Hawktion
4
Faculty Profiles
14-15
Alumni Profiles
Year of Prayer
5
Student Profiles
16-17
Alumni Notes
Communion Breakfasts
6
Departmental Profiles
19
Renovation
8
Prep Sports
20
editorial board
editor
Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J. Rev. Thomas F. Clifford, S.J. John T. Anderson Albert J. Zimmerman ’73 Rev. Bruce A. Maivelett, S.J.
Bill Avington ’90
designer Maridel McCloskey
Angie Falcone
24-25 26
Perspectives
IBC
24
Bill Avington ‘90, David DeBalko, Davor Photography, Mike Monti, Kristen Riley, Saint Joseph’s University, Thomas Jefferson University, Mike Tretotola ‘06, University of Pennsylvania
writers McCloskey Designs
Development Services Assistant
editorial staff Bonny Barry Megan Corcoran Nancy Moule Kristen Riley
22
photography Director of Marketing and Communications
class notes editor
1
Reunion
14
6
President Principal Vice President for Development Director of Alumni Relations Director of Ignatian Identity
9
Director of The Prep Fund Intern Development Services Assistant Intern
Bill Avington ‘90, Megan Corcoran, Kristen Riley
The Prep News is published three times 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: afalcone@sjprep.org For additional information, check our website www.sjprep.org
school news
Thirteen Prep Students qualify as semifinalists in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program Thirteen Prep seniors qualified as semifinalists in the 2006 National Merit Scholarship Program. The students are Brian Burke, Shane Clark, Matthew DuPont, Tadhg Ferry, Andrew Haas, Peter Horgan, Alexander Jones, Joseph Kapusnick, John Leonard, Andrew Molchan, Thomas Nell, Jaimeson Rice and Ryan Taras. They join approximately 16,000 semifinalists from around the country in meeting the criteria for this prestigious honor. The not-for-profit National Merit Scholarship Program is in its 51st year. Founded in 1955 to conduct the annual National Merit Program, it gives talented high school students the opportunity to compete for Merit Scholarship awards, worth $33 million. The awards will be offered next spring. The initial screen for semifinalists was determined by taking the 2004 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition, including maintaining an outstanding academic record, being endorsed and recommended by the high school principal and earning SAT scores that confirm the student’s qualifying test performance.
Prep opens doors to students from New Orleans Once Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the Gulf Coast became apparent to the outside world, people from across the country responded with money and assistance. Prep students collected money and clothing to send down to the storm-ravaged area and coordinated efforts with Strake Jesuit in Houston, Tex., where more than 200 students moved. More importantly, The Prep also opened up its doors to any students from Jesuit High School in New Orleans who needed a home. Three students took the offer and came to Philadelphia to study at The Prep. “Once we saw that help was needed, we alerted the JSEA (Jesuit Secondary Education Association) that we were willing to accept any student who needed a place to come,” says Rev. Thomas Clifford, S.J., Principal of The Prep. Brothers Patrick and Michael Grace (junior and freshman respectively) arrived the week before classes began and were followed by John Sileo, a sophomore. The three are given two meals a day at The Prep and were allowed to take school clothes from Second Hand Joes.
(l-r): Patrick Grace, Michael Grace and John Sileo
“We wanted to give them a sense of normalcy in a very trying and chaotic time in their lives,” says Fr. Clifford. “I am proud of the way the entire school community welcomed them.”
2
school news
Some of the new faculty gathered for a photo: (l-r) Murphy, Robson, Keating, Quinter, Haney, Cook, Rourke, McGravey and Bloor
New Faculty The Prep welcomes 11 new faculty members to its staff for 2005-2006. The new faculty represents a diverse background of schooling, degrees and work experience. Susan K. Cook [English] Ms. Cook holds a B.A. in English and a M.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. She previously taught at the Charter High School for Architecture and Design. Frank Ferraro [Band/Music Program] Mr. Ferraro is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. He has over 10 years experience in musical instruction and most recently worked with The Haverford School for Boys and Friends Central. Yan Huang [Mandarin Chinese] Mrs. Huang earned a bachelor’s degree from Capital Normal University in Beijing. Before coming to the Prep, she taught at the Fang Cao Di Chinese School. Daniel J. Keating [Social Studies] Mr. Keating holds a B.S. in history from Duke University. Last year, he taught at the Taft School in Conn. Jennifer M. Lyons [Mathematics] Ms. Lyons received a B.S. in math from Saint Joseph’s University. She is currently pursuing a masters’ degree. Nevin McGinley [Science] Mr. McGinley was a member of the Alumni Service Corps and former Assistant Dean. He is filling in for Fr. Frank Skechus, S.J., for the first semester. 3
Michael J. McGravey [Religious Studies] Mr. McGravey earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Gannon University. Sonia Nelson [Librarian] Ms. Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s of library science from the State University of New York at Albany. She previously worked at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Katherine Quinter [History] Ms. Quinter holds a B.A. from Yale in government and a J.D. from Villanova. She is filling in for Mr. Pete Reid, who is on medical leave. Edward J. Robson [Science] Mr. Robson earned a B.S. from Temple in electrical engineering technology and a MBA from Widener University. Paul Rourke S.J. [History/Religious Studies] Mr. Rourke earned a B.A. from Georgetown in history and a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition, four alums returned to be part of the Alumni Service Corps: John Bloor [Campus Ministry]; Benjamin Haney [History]; Brendan Murphy [Computer Science]; and Brian Smith [Science].
school news
Going Once, Going Twice: The Prep goes Vegas Although Hawktion ’06 is still several months away, preparations for the annual auction are already underway. Co-chairs Susann and Robert Undi and Pat and Joe Quinn ’71 along with Beth Missett, the Director of Special Events, are creating plans for staging “Viva Las Vegas” on Saturday, April 29. “The Hawktion is a lot of work, but the core of it all is the parent volunteers,” says Missett, in her second year running the hugely successful event. She noted that this will be the third time that the Undi’s have co-chaired this event. A big part of the tradition is the Wednesday Night Decorating Committee, comprised of parents, alumni and friends of Prep students both past and present. “Every themed
thing you see at Hawktion comes from the hard work of the Wednesday Night Decorating Committee,” says Missett. “In the past, they have built a boat bar and a Cadillac stage. One can only wonder what they will come up with this year. Don’t be surprised if you see Sammy Davis, Jr. at the Casino or Angie Dickinson at the bar.”
Watch the Prep webpage (www.sjprep.org) for more information or contact Beth Missett at (215) 978-1004/bmissett@sjprep.org.
The Prep Ranks High Parents across the nation now know what Prep parents have known for years—that St. Joseph’s Prep can offer young men the very best in outstanding secondary education. In the September issue of Philadelphia Magazine, The Prep was ranked 10th among 50 area private schools. The schools were ranked on the basis of academic achievement, school programs, environment/cost and teacher qualification/cost. The Prep was also among a prestigious few schools selected to be featured in the August issue of U.S. News and World Report. The highly sought-after issue ranks America’s best colleges and this year included a “Preparing for College” section. The Prep was described as “a Catholic, urban, college prep school in the Jesuit tradition . . . equipping them [young men] for a lifetime of excellence and service.”
4
school news
Spiritual Renewal in a YEAR OF PRAYER As part of the Maryland Province’s Ignatian vision, The Prep has joined the Year of Prayer. The 30-week spiritual experience began in October and brings together educational institutions, parishes, communities and ministries. Eighty-nine faculty, staff, administration, parents, Trustees and Prep seniors joined this exercise in religious awareness and discussion. Each day they will pray from the Scriptures and then periodically meet in small groups to discuss the readings and their thoughts and experiences. Rev. Bruce Maivelett, S.J., Director of Ignatian Services, hopes this time of reflection will allow all involved to grow. “One of the goals of this exercise is for men and women to grow with each other in their awareness of God, as a companion of Jesus and how it all fits into the higher plan,” he says.
Prep Spirit Shop Preppers Tee It Up!
What: Prep Alumni Golf Tournament Where: Philadelphia Cricket Club
Militia Hill and Wissahickon Courses When: Monday, May 22, 2006 Who: Open to all members of the Prep community (alumni, parents, parents of alumni and friends) Cost: $250
Reservations can be made by calling (215) 978-1003. The field is limited to 160 golfers. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, call Al Zimmerman at (215) 978-1003. Also, look for more information to be mailed in a brochure in January. 5
Go to www.prepspiritshop.org to get the latest Prep merchandise.
Alumni Father/Son Communion
Breakfast
The annual Alumni Father-Son Communion Breakfast was held as part of Reunion Weekend on Sunday, October 2. Jack Duffy ’72 was excellent again as toastmaster (above far left) and Jack McCarthy ’63, a member of the faculty at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a principal at the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations, served as keynote speaker. In addition, awards were presented to Patrick Griffis ’06 (Sauter Award), George Schoener ’72 (Alumnus of the Year) and Don Sweeney ’56 (Schnorr Award). (Above, bottom right) Prior to the event, Prep President Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J. (far left) and Bernard Kueny ’78, President of the Alumni Board of Governors (far right), congratulate the award winners: (l-r) Griffis, McCarthy, Schoener and Sweeney.
Mother/Son Communion
Breakfast
On Sunday, October 16, more than 1,100 mothers and sons packed the Church of the Gesu and the Kelly Fieldhouse for the annual Mother-Son Communion Breakfast, organized by the Prep Mothers’ Club. This year’s keynote speaker was Vince Sarubbi, Camden County (N.J.) Prosecutor (below far left). (Below, top right) Prior to the event, Sarubbi posed with Mothers’ Club members Mary Swanick (co-chair), Ro Mullen (president), Joann Corbi (co-chair) and Prep President Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J.
6
alumni news
Schoener Receives Top Alumni Honor Each year, the Alumni Board of Governors sifts through The Prep’s illustrious alumni group and chooses one who has distinguished himself and who has best furthered the ideals of The Prep. This year the Alumnus of the Year Award was given to George Schoener ’72, an exceptional example of a Prep education.
“...one of our very best trial lawyers.”
“George was someone who could excel in science and classics alike, and one of the best debaters the Prep has ever seen,” says Gerald McHugh ’72, a close friend and classmate who presented the award. “Throughout his life, faith, family and a determination to glorify God by serving his clients have been the hallmark he lives by.” For nearly 30 years, Schoener has been representing injured plaintiffs in civil cases and criminal defendants in white collar, felony and capital cases. His practice is primarily geared toward serious personal injury cases, including complex medical malpractice, products liability and highway design matters. McHugh says that he is “known throughout the Bar, and to many Prep graduates in this room, as one of our very best trial lawyers.” Schoener and his wife Patrice have two sons, Michael ’05 and Stephen, and a daughter, Kristin.
Sweeney Embodies Prep Loyalty Annually the Alumni Association chooses an alumnus to receive the Schnorr Service Award in remembrance of Rev. Charles A. Schnorr. The recipient embodies devotion to the Prep through virtues of loyalty and service. The 2005 Schnorr award was presented to Don Sweeney ’56 by special alums, his sons Patrick ’86, Daniel ’90 and Gerry ’92. When accepting the award, Sweeney spoke candidly of his time at The Prep. “I did not want to come to this school,” says Sweeney. “It was not until well after graduation that he realized the importance of The Prep.” “When I came back for my 10-year reunion, my outlook on The Prep had drastically changed,” says Sweeney. “I promised myself that if I ever had a son, he would come here so that he could experience the intellectual stimulation and moral values inculcated by this school.” Sweeney went on to become the founder and senior partner of the law firm Sweeney, Sheehan, PC in Philadelphia. He is currently a member of the bar in Pennsylvania along with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the eastern, middle and western districts of Pennsylvania. Ending his speech with a message for all alumni, Sweeney urged them to appreciate their education and place in The Prep community. “Anything I have done for The Prep is small re-payment for all that it has done for me,” says Sweeney. Sweeney and his wife Ann also have two daughters, Shannon and Suzanne, who are both attorneys.
7
school news
Renovation another Physical Milestone There have been several milestone moments for the physical plant of St. Joseph’s Prep. First, there was the school’s founding, with Saint Joseph’s University, at Willings Alley in 1851. The school then moved to Filbert Street before settling in North Philadelphia in the late 1800s. In 1927, the University moved out to City Avenue, leaving The Prep with the entire facility, which spanned from 17th Street to 18th and Stiles to Thompson. A devastating fire destroyed two-thirds of the school in 1966, leading to a rebuilding and the current school building. In the nearly 40 years since, not much has taken place beyond that new building. While projects like the Kelly Fieldhouse and the computer lab were important for the school, the essential education space has remained unchanged. Until now. The Board of Trustees has authorized the renovation of the old Jesuit Residence at the corner of 18th and Thompson Streets. As Prep President Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J., said in his letter in this issue, the renovation was a “lifechanging step” for St. Joseph’s Prep. The residence, where 40 Jesuit priests once lived, is a 45,000 square foot facility that will house: 18 classrooms (including a communications center), an art studio, an archive library, a board room, several conference rooms
and departments such as the President’s Office, Campus Ministry, Treasurer, College Admissions Counseling and Development. “Essentially, this expansion incorporates our south, or academic, side with the new north side, placing student services directly in the center of it all,” says Tony Fiume, The Prep’s Director of Service Operations. “It is definitely necessary in order for us to keep up with the needs of the student body. We are bursting at the seams and each department continues to grow and expand; now we can provide for their needs. This gives us a chance to spread our wings.” As part of the plan, a new twolevel dining hall will be constructed in the current multipurpose room and the current dining room, housed in what many will remember to be the gym, will be turned into a multi-purpose space. This will greatly reduce the number of lunch periods and give greater flexibility for scheduling. While the physical space is impressive, the spiritual ties to the renovated building are also strong. “That residence was a major part of the founding and direction of The Prep for nearly a hundred years,” Fiume says. “It has been abandoned and unused for 25 years and now we are making it a major part of our school again. There is something very powerful about that.” Architectural designs are being reviewed now with plans for them to be sent out for bids in early 2006. A completion date has been scheduled for January 2008.
National Forensics League This fall, the National Forensics League (NFL) presented
Giuliano, the faculty coach, will accept the award at the
The Prep with the coveted honor of the Leading Chapter
district tournament in March.
Award in the Valley Forge District. The award is the highest honor the NFL can give to a chapter. Only one school
“The boys deserve a lot of credit for an amazing job in
in each district can receive the award, and The Prep was
building their speech and debate skills,” says Dr.
one of 103 schools nationwide to receive it. Dr. Barbara
Giuliano. “This is truly a wonderful honor.”
8
No Longer Men Only Women of The Prep are contributing in more ways than ever
Registrar Rose Marie Kettinger is one of the “Women of The Prep� making a tremendous impact on students
9
c o v e r s t o ry
In less enlightened times, there was a
several make it look that way. Here is
saying that went: “Behind every great
a view of The Prep and its students
man is a great woman.” While women
through the eyes of some of those
today are no longer relegated to the
women.
shadows behind men, their support of the students of St. Joseph’s Prep
A TEACHER
has never been more important.
In 1978, biology teacher Barbara
The Prep has lovingly and sometimes
ed environment. She was one of only
derisively been called a boys’ club.
two women on the faculty and, at the
After all, for more than 150 years, all
age of 25, she had to work a little
of the students have been male along
harder to earn the respect of the stu-
with an overwhelming number of
dents.
Brown entered a very male dominat-
teachers. But in the past few decades, women have taken over many faculty
“It’s funny, the students I dealt with
and administrative roles. Plus, a num-
every day figured out pretty quickly
ber of high school girls participate in
that I knew what I was talking about
extracurricular activities, ranging
and I have no horror stories from the
from drama and debate to mixers
classroom during my first days here,”
and cheering on Prep athletes. And
she says. “But it was when they could
don’t forget the Mothers’ Club, the
be a little more anonymous, in the
group of Prep moms who gather for
cafeteria or the hallways, where there
monthly meetings and run
was some sexism and comments.” Barbara Brown, the longest tenured female teacher, instructs a student in the classroom
Homecoming and other fundraising activities.
But Brown broke through those initial days to find a home at St. Joseph’s
“When I arrived in 1975, it was a very
Prep and she shattered several
and bring a unique perspective. We
unnatural environment,” says Jim
stereotypes as she moved through
can help them figure out what it
McGlynn, longtime religion teacher.
her years. While at first her presence
means to be a woman and how they
“At that time, there was one female
in the science department was atypi-
can deal with the opposite sex.”
teacher here and although she was
cal, through the years the boys
very feminine she was tough as nails
learned that she had the intelligence
As the Director of the Community
because she had to be to survive. It
and style to handle a classroom.
Service Corps, Brown also sees a different side of the boys than many
was a very macho place.” “During my first weeks here, a boy
others do. “I have been blessed to see
McGlynn remembers a school where
was helping me carry some things to
them in situations with children and
the competitive juices flowed, some-
my car,” she says. “He told me that he
they have been so caring,” she says.
times unhealthily, and very little time
was surprised that a woman could
“Boys are socialized to downplay their
was spent worrying about how a stu-
teach science because science is so
natural nurturing tendencies and if
dent might feel. “The whole approach
hard. Now, with a larger number of
there are girls around they will let
to education was different then,” he
strong, intelligent women teaching
them handle the children. But when
says. “That is one change I have seen.
here, they see us in a different way.”
you remove girls from the equation, it comes right to the surface. Given the
Although I don’t think they are entirely the reason, I think that
That is not to say that Brown does
opportunity to show their tender
women bring a more natural tenden-
not deal differently with the males
side, they rise to the occasion.”
cy to have an affective outlook.”
she teaches. “It’s true that the stuA MINISTER
“Given the opportunity to show their tender side, they rise to the occasion.” —Dr. Barbara Brown
When Sister Kate Woody, G.N.S.H., arrived at The Prep to work in campus ministry in 1979, she was coming from the all-girls atmosphere of Melrose Academy. But that didn’t
It’s not always easy to be a woman in
dents relate to the men in a way that
mean that she didn’t know how to
the mass of testosterone that can fill the buildings at 17th and Girard, but
I never can,” she says. “But a woman
take boys.
in the front can do different things
10
c o v e r s t o ry
“I grew up with two male cousins
about spiritual things,” she says. “One
“That was a huge asset because I
who became my best friends,” she
of the great things about Kairos is
knew how to talk to him and his
says. “I learned how to play with
boys find that they really can talk to
friends,” she says. “I also knew what
them and talk to them. That helped
each other in a deep way. Hopefully it
was important to him and what he
me tremendously here.”
will make them better husbands and
was into.”
fathers.” She sees a positive aspect of having
Like Brown, Sr. Woody knows that women must tread a different path
She believes that females in the
women on the faculty and the
than male teachers. But she also sees
school give the boys an opportunity
administration. “One of the strengths
great value in working with boys. “For
to broaden their horizons. “In a safe
of women is communication,” says
women to work here you can’t be too
environment, they learn how to treat
Kettinger, who has been registrar
delicate, you have to be able to roll
women and it is important for them
since 1998. “We are a good sounding
with it,” she says. “At the same time, you can’t think that means that the students aren’t sensitive. You learn not to judge all of the externals.”
“One of the great things about Kairos is boys find that they really can talk to each other in a deep way.”
She points to her first “cut day,” when
—Sister Kate Woody, G.N.S.H.
the sports teams make their first cuts. “I walked around and there were
to see women who are intelligent
board for parents, students and
no tears like I was used to,” she
enough to work here and teach here,”
teachers. Women have a way of chan-
laughs. “I mentioned it to a male col-
Sr. Woody, says. “Women also bring a
neling information to the right people
league and he said watch how they
different perspective to things and it
and keeping people on the same
hold their heads. The lower they carry
teaches the boys to see that there are
page. I think that is very important.”
their heads, the more upset they are.
different ways of approaching a situa-
That was a very good lesson on learn-
tion.”
But Kettinger worries that “we aren’t as pro-active in formally educating
ing male emotions.” AN ADMINISTRATOR
our young men on how to properly
Sr. Woody also sees boys acting
Like Sister Woody, Rose Marie
treat women. Although I really believe
against stereotype during retreats,
Kettinger arrived at The Prep after a
in single sex education, I think that
especially the popular Kairos trips.
stint teaching in an all-girls setting.
we need to get our students ready to
“The students here are very spiritual
However, she also had some experi-
deal with women in academic situa-
and most of them think very deeply
ence being a minority as a math
tions in college and work situations.
major at Villanova University just
They will need to know how to deal
after it admitted women into the pro-
with women as peers.”
Sr. Kate Woody has been a spiritual guide at The Prep since 1979.
gram. All in all, she loves working at The While Kettinger enjoyed teaching
Prep and teaching young men. “They
girls, she felt that something was
are the best part of my job,” she says.
missing after having taught in a co-
“Every day, I have the opportunity to
ed high school for several years.
work with wonderful young men.”
“There is a difference in the classroom when you take boys out of the
PEERS
equation that I missed,” she says.
Entering the first floor hallway
“The students at The Prep have high
behind the theatre around 3:30 in the
expectations and demand that you
afternoon, one cannot help but notice
challenge them and I enjoy working
the difference. Feminine voices meld
in this environment.”
with the male chatter to make a wonderful cacophony as “Cape and
Kettinger had a high school age son
Sword,” the Prep drama society,
when she arrived at The Prep in 1997
rehearses. The boys of St. Joseph’s
as a computer science teacher. She
Prep mix easily with the girls from
says that helped her tremendously.
Merion Mercy, Mount St. Joseph’s and other sister schools.
11
High school girls are a major part of each Cape and Sword production.
For Aimee Della Porta and Olivia
Antony Braithwaite ’89, there is more
girl could have the opportunities that
Holdsworth, this is where they
here that keeps them coming back.
we do but we like keeping it for our-
choose to spend their extracurricular
selves.”
time. Both girls are seniors at Merion
“I feel lucky to be a part of Cape and
Mercy Academy and have acted in
Sword and The Prep,” says
MOTHERS
several Prep shows. To them, Cape
Holdsworth. “There is just something
Every Wednesday, a group of women
and Sword is their activity.
about the place that makes it so won-
descend upon the Multi-Purpose
derful.”
room. It is an apt place for the Mothers’ Club since they wear many
“We love going to The Prep, it’s like our second home,” says Holdsworth.
Both girls believe that being female
“It’s kind of intimidating, at first, but I
brings a different vibe to the situa-
feel so comfortable here now. They
tion.
different hats at The Prep. The volunteers who make up the membership of the club plan many
are like our brothers.” “We benefit from being here but I
functions to help the mothers
On the surface, it certainly seems
think that they benefit from us being
become part of their sons’ high
intimidating. There are just a dozen
here as well,” Della Porta says. “There
school experience. The group plans
or so girls in the building as opposed
is something that we, as women,
the annual communion breakfast,
to hundreds of boys. But Della Porta
bring to the room and the group that
senior mother-son dinner and
doesn’t mind. “It is so welcoming,”
I think is special.”
Homecoming. They also do events just for moms and grandmoms, such
she says. “A lot of times, it gets me through the day, knowing I am head-
Holdsworth agrees. “It gives them an
as trips and a fashion show. Although
ed to The Prep after school.”
opportunity to interact with women,”
some moms do not work outside the
she says.
home and others have flexibility
While the second looks and stares are
within their jobs to be active during
noticed (“it’s funny to see the boys
Della Porta comes from a Prep family
the school day, many do work from
react,” Della Porta says with a grin),
(father, brother and uncle) and says
home or at nights and weekends.
the girls feel important. “I have never
that she would have loved to have
felt disrespected,” says Holdsworth.
been a Prep student. “I never hear
But there is another, more hidden
anyone say they don’t like The Prep,”
reason for their presence. The moms
While the girls come to The Prep for
she says. “There is a great legacy and
want to bring some grace to their
the outstanding shows, directed by
it is something special. I wish every
teenage sons. 12
Ro Mullen with her sons Matt ‘05, P.J. ‘03, and Dan ‘07.
“We bring a little bit of femininity to
Mullen sees the advantages of an all-
Jim O’Brien ’62, an English teacher
the place,” says Ro Mullen, President
male experience in the school. “I
who has been a member of the facul-
of the Mothers’ Club and mother of
think it takes a lot of the pressure off
ty since 1970, says that while the
three Preppers (P.J. ’03, Matt ’05 and
when it’s single sex,” she says. “I
education he received at The Prep
Dan ’07). “When they are only around
know that the boys are very different
was wonderful, the changes are for
other boys all the time they forget
with their moms at our events
the better. “When I started here as a
about it, but we encourage them to
because there are no girls around. I
freshman 47 years ago, the faculty
learn some social graces.”
think they are more open and affec-
was made almost entirely of Jesuits
tionate than they would be if there
with ten or so lay teachers on staff,
were girls to impress.”
half of whom were Prep grads,” he
Mullen knows that some of the mother-son events might not be high on
says. “We loved that experience, but it
the list of most Prep students. “I
And she believes that it is important
was narrow and so very insular that
know that sometimes they feel like
for the students to see women
it had to change. The last 50 years
we force them to come to some
involved at The Prep. “Even if it’s not
have seen the Prep grow to become a
events, but they need to learn how to
your mom here, you know that there
more diverse and dynamic institu-
act in different environments and
are women working and active,”
tion; including women on the faculty
around women,” she says.
Mullen says. “I think that it is impor-
has been an important and necessary
tant for them to understand that
part of that process.”
Before the senior event in December,
women can be accomplished and
the Mothers’ Club sends a note to the
strong.”
senior homerooms, reminding the
representative,” says McGlynn. “This
students that it is a time for them to
PART OF THE COMMUNITY
atmosphere gives the students a
share with their moms. “I know Prep
The seven people interviewed for this
chance to work with women and
guys, they are perfectly content to
story are just a few of the outstand-
learn respect for them in their minds.
hang out with each other and forget
ing women that make The Prep what
They are dealing with women in
about their moms,” she says laughing.
it is today. Women and men together
ways different than just sexual oppo-
“We encourage them to really spend
provide for the educational, spiritual
sites and that is important for them
some quality time with their mothers
and emotional needs of the students
to grow.”
and tell them how important that is
of St. Joseph’s Prep.
to us.”
13
“It is far healthier today, much more
faculty profile
Profile on Dr. Barbara Giuliano Dr. Barbara Giuliano is in her ninth year at The Prep, teaching biology, physical science and environmental science. Although she has enlightened thousands of students about the Earth, immune system and the atmosphere, perhaps her greatest contribution has been outside the
Dr. Giuliano is currently president of
Dr. Giuliano encourages all students,
classroom.
the PCFL and has served as publicity
especially the officers, to broaden and
director and secretary in the past. The
sharpen their leadership skills. That’s
In 2000, her son Brian was a Prep jun-
PCFL oversees the membership of 30
why when the students approached
ior and a member of the Forensics
schools and coordinates speech and
her about hosting their own forensics
Club when the coach resigned. At the
debate activities for the teams.
tournament for elementary students,
time, Dr. Giuliano was a huge propo-
she whole heartedly supported the
nent for keeping the club. “I saw it as
Although the work is time-consum-
idea. The tournament is now in its
a really good outlet and experience
ing, Dr. Giuliano cites the students as
seventh year and allows sixth
for the students,” she says. “I knew it
her inspiration for her continued
through eighth graders the opportu-
would be a shame not to continue it.”
involvement. “Although I do not have
nity to see the Forensics team in
“My favorite part of the forensics team is being able to see their bright and curious minds cultivated and watch the leadership potential grow.”
action. “It enriches all who are involved and actually prepares future Prep students for the team,” she says. “One of our freshmen here now actually participated in our elementary tourna-
—Dr. Giuliano
ment last year and is already having
Because she is not an English teacher,
any formal background or personal
she was reluctant to volunteer for the
experience in Forensics, I use my
job. However, after discovering she
skills as a teacher to develop and
Dr. Giuliano knows that what she has
was the only faculty member inter-
refine the students’ innate talents in
at The Prep is special. While many
ested in getting involved with the
speech and debate,” she says.
schools have forensics built into the
club, she became the coach. Now it is
success.”
curriculum, Prep students learn and
a part of her life and has opened up
Prep forensics is clearly a well-proven
practice their speech and debate
new opportunities.
formula. The team is respected in
events after school as part of an
forensics circles and competes on
extracurricular activity.
The Prep is a member of the
local and invitational levels. This past
Philadelphia Catholic Forensic League
September, the team traveled to
“My favorite part of the forensics
(PCFL), National Catholic Forensic
Wake Forest University in North
team is being able to see their bright
League (NCFL), Pennsylvania High
Carolina and to Yale University in
and curious minds cultivated and
School Speech League (PHSSL) and
Connecticut, ending with finalists at
watch the leadership potential grow,”
National Forensic League (NFL).
both competitions.
says Dr. Giuliano.
14
faculty profile
Profile on
His previous work experience is also
school’s Ignatian roots. “We want to
as wide-ranging as the degrees he
begin working with students in areas
Dr. Stew Barbera ’86
holds. Before coming to The Prep,
such as being intellectually compe-
Dr. Barbera was a social worker on
tent, developing faith, being loving of
As an alum of The Prep, Dr. Stew
the children’s unit of the Eastern
themselves and of others, and mak-
Barbera ’86 knows what the school
Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. He
ing a change in the world.”
can offer. As part of The Prep’s exten-
began doing clinical counseling with
sive counseling department, he is
Life Counseling Services in Chadds
Dr. Barbera also co-moderates the
doing all that he can to ensure that
Ford in 1996, and he continues to do
Respect Life Club and PREP (Preppers
today’s students get as much from
this on a limited basis. Until this past
Respecting Every Person). He enjoys
their Prep experiences as possible.
August, Dr. Barbera also worked doing
the opportunity to be involved with
clinical psychology with the Assoc-
the students and that, in fact, is what
iates of Springfield Psychological.
makes his job worthwhile.
In his eighth year at the Prep,
“Getting to know these kids at The
Dr. Barbera shares responsibility with
Prep… they are so incredibly talent-
“Once you have this kind of experi-
the freshmen and sophomores with
ed,” says Dr. Barbera. “To be involved
ence, it changes you,” says Dr.
fellow counselor David Skowronski.
with their process is a great privilege.
Barbera, who worked in Yakima,
“We do a lot of things,” he says, “but
That is the best part of the day get-
Wash., during his year in JVC. “My
our main job is academic coaching.
ting – to know them and being with
year with volunteer work really got
We also talk about personal develop-
them along the way.”
me involved and thinking about con-
ment issues and provide short-term
tinuing to work with people.”
supportive counseling to students.”
Dr. Barbera returned to Loyola and
In addition, there is SAT and PSAT
Prep students, Dr. Barbera is quick to
earned a Master’s in Clinical
preparation, assisting students in
point out that it takes each part of
Psychology before getting a Master’s
their transition into The Prep and
the Prep to help students succeed.
in Social Work from the University of
working with the families. “We want
“What we do at the counseling
Pennsylvania, and an Master’s in
students and families to feel wel-
department is what everyone at the
Clinical Psychology and a Psy.D. from
come, successful and connected,”
Prep does,” he says. “We’re all on the
the Philadelphia College of
says Dr. Barbera.
same page.”
The counseling department, which Dr. Barbera chairs, serves to guide students through their high school experience, assisting with both educational and personal issues. Stemming from Ignatian roots, the department builds its foundation on the principles and values of these beliefs. “We try to reflect the unique Ignatian and Jesuit perspectives on education – caring for the whole person,” says Dr. Barbera. “And we want to help students make the most of the Prep.” Psychology was not always in the cards for Dr. Barbera. After graduating from Loyola College in Maryland in 1990, he did not intend on going into the field, but a year of volunteer work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) made up his mind. JVC’s motto, “Ruined for Life,” rang true in his case.
Although the Counseling Department is a critical component to the lives of
Osteopathic Medicine. Recently, the department has worked to extend its connection with the 15
“You get as much out of The Prep as you put into it...” —Keith Pizzi ’06
Pizzi Goes Above and Beyond...As Usual “At the Prep, I’ve been a part of something much bigger than my perception,” says Prep Student Body President Keith Pizzi ’06. “I’ve learned what it’s like to actually enjoy school.” And if taking full advantage of all that his school has to offer is part of his enjoyment, then Pizzi certainly is part of something big. Not only is he president, Pizzi is also a co-captain of the wrestling team, a contributing editor and writer of The Hawklet student newspaper, a participant in intramural volleyball and basketball and a volunteer with Knights of Columbus service work. He even finds the time to play volleyball every seventh period. “I really love the Prep, and I enjoy everything I do,” he says. Student Council is a major focus at the Prep – last year alone 55 kids ran for executive positions, and 700 students voted in the election. But Pizzi’s involvement with the organization was, by all accounts, quite unplanned. It was not until the beginning of his junior year that he even considered running.
“I just thought I could make a difference,” he explained, “so I decided to run.” Although it is still early in his tenure, Pizzi and the other members of the Student Council Executive Board have been making that difference. The group organizes mixers, after school events (including roof football, battle of the bands, and pep rallies) and the Senior Gift, among other things. “We try to improve student life with activities and general additions to the school,” said Pizzi. Being such an active member of his school community has made Pizzi appreciative of what The Prep has to offer as well as affording him a more fulfilling and memorable high school experience. Although he will be heading to college next fall (he applied early decision to the University of Pennsylvania and is keeping his fingers crossed), Pizzi will leave a legacy behind. And as far as future Preppers are concerned, he urges them to get as involved as they can with the school. “You get as much out of The Prep as you put into it,” Pizzi said. “It’s a great place, and I hope kids who come after me enjoy it as much as I have.”
16
student profile
Griffis Overcomes the Odds There is nothing new about students sometimes getting sleepy during class. Late nights of studying or hectic schedules do not give some teenagers enough time to sleep. But for Patrick Griffis ’06, it is not a trivial matter. Griffis suffers from idiopathic hypersomnolence, a form of sleep apnea that makes him sometimes physically unable to stay awake. He controls it by limiting his activity level and making sure he gets enough sleep at night. His efforts earned him the 2005 Sauter Award. The award—named in honor of longtime Prep President Rev. David Sauter, S.J.—is given to a student who demonstrates extraordinary devotion to the Prep. In addition the recipient has overcome some sort of adversity and who, despite obstacles, remains steadfast. Griffis was an obvious selection. Griffis, who received the award during the annual Communion Breakfast on Sunday, October 2, gladly accepted the honor. “I knew Fr. Sauter when my brother (Edward ’01) went here,” says Griffis. “I always found him to be kind, courteous and devoted while inspiring passion in all. I was honored that I was even considered for the award.” Griffis has had to work harder than most students, not only to stay conscious but also to finish school. He names his parents as his biggest supporters throughout his life, especially when dealing with his illness. “My parents never let me give up. They always put me before anything else and because of them I have been able to make it,” he says. Though he has become a great example of The Prep, it has not always been easy. “Freshman year was the hardest for me, I was in bad shape health wise and was unsure where I would belong,” says Griffis. “I knew I had to make a commitment then and there to either be home schooled or persevere in my studies.” Being a student at the Prep made that decision easier for him, knowing he had an extended family that never made him feel scared, never judged him or thought he was strange. He believes that few other schools would have gone to the lengths that the Prep has in order to help him. School administrators and faculty have offered accommodations, schedule changes and extra support. They have also instilled the desire to achieve great things. “It is here that I was taught that 100 percent effort will take you far and the help of others will take you the rest of the way,” he says. “I will constantly look to the education I got here as I go on with my future in hopes of becoming a veterinarian or a doctor, continuing to honor Fr. Sauter and the Prep. I know that whenever I feel lost, I can go back to the example of the teachers and students here and know that the Prep has prepared us all well.”
17
department profile
Technology takes its place in Prep Curriculum Anyone who graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep before 2000 might be surprised to see The Prep of today. Right alongside departments like Latin, Greek and religion now sits computer science. Augmenting the teaching of calculus and chemistry are tablet PCs and laptops. Yes, The Prep continues to update its educational model while staying true to its roots. In 2000, there was some instruction in computers and limited technology. And those teachers who used it in the classroom did so on their own, without extensive support from administration. Administrators used terminals at their desks and no one had printers in their office. That all changed in 2000 and has since blossomed. Now there are 321 computers in the school building, both PCs and MACs, standard desktops and laptops, along with the aforementioned tablets. In addition, the Computer Science Department was separated from the Math Department and now teaches several courses. It certainly has been an interesting five years.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY “Our goal with teachers was to give them the technology and eventually they would feel comfortable using them,” says Melinda O’Neill, Technology
Coordinator and Chair of the Computer Science Department who was hired in 2000 to support the new technologies. “Five years later, that is true.” It is true and necessary. Students today, born and raised in a technological environment, expect it in their lesson plans. “You can’t touch anything these days without coming into contact with technology,” says Mark D’Eramo, Director of Technology. “It is vital that The Prep continues to offer technology that is on the front of the curve. To be a first-rate school, we have to do it.” According to O’Neill, there is evidence that the increased technology helps better educate students. “It totally changes the way students learn,” she says. “There are lots of reasons for that but what I like is the interest level increases and much of this software is topic specific so it clarifies the information in ways that a regular blackboard can’t.” She says that technology in a calculus class can show graphs in motion while software in science courses gives students different views of the subject area. All teachers in the math department use tablet PCs to illustrate their work. Even archaeology students are using technology, as teacher Mike Dougherty utilizes a projector and a document camera to illustrate historic documents and to display it for all of the students to see. 18
(L-r) Brendan Murphy, Melinda O’Neill, Kevin Dietzler and Mark D’Eramo make up The Prep’s technology team.
D’Eramo thinks that purchasing new technology is extremely important, when done in a smart way. “A lot of people think that you need to spend a lot of money, but that is not true,” he says. “It really is more important to remain focused on utilizing the technology you have more efficiently and then target specific areas that will bring the most benefit.” According to D’Eramo, The Prep stands up very well when compared to other schools, especially when video conferencing is added this year. “We have everything that other Jesuit schools have,” he says.
COMPUTER SCIENCE For many years, computer science courses were housed within the math department. That changed in 2001 and the results have been impressive. This year, five different computer science courses are being offered and hundreds of students are participating. Under the direction of O’Neill and teacher Kevin Dietzler, 66 percent of those who took the AP Computer Science exam last year scored a three or better. “That is exciting because it shows that we are giving students what they need to succeed at the next level,” says Dietzler, who is in his second year at 19
The Prep. “Scoring a three or higher allows you to place out of one or two intro courses in college.” He is equally enthused about this year’s group of students. “They are ahead of last year’s class,” he says. According to Dietzler, the courses cover a wide range of topics. “The programming course is obviously for those who are very serious about studying computers in college,” he says. “But all of the courses cover a large amount of areas so that students can get a taste for all of the ways computers can be used.” Because of new, innovative software now available, students can create music and art, and build Web pages. And Dietzler sees a difference in the students using the technology. “As we accumulate new software, we have students coming to the lab who are excited to try it out,” he says. Like O’Neill and D’Eramo, Dietzler sees a more overarching need to teach computers. “Technology is such a big part of the world today, our students need to feel comfortable using it,” he says. “Plus, it can help students in so many ways and if they are comfortable with it, they can use it to their advantage.”
prep sports
Biello Blazes His Own Trail Thirteen years ago, Zach Biello ’06 strapped on his first
Last year, the soccer team was one of five Prep programs
pair of soccer cleats at the age of four. He has rarely taken
to make it to the Catholic League Champion-ships.
them off since. Although he attributes his involvement
Although only tennis and crew brought home titles, the
with the sport to his brother Jonathan ’03, Biello has
soccer team had an outstanding season, winning its divi-
earned his own soccer-keep, especially at The Prep.
sion for the fifth consecutive season. This year, the team was on top of the Southern Division heading into the post-
“Zach is a great leader, one of our two co-captains this
season.
year,” says Jim Murray ’59, Prep Athletic Director. “He’s also an outstanding goalkeeper; off the top of my head, I
Outside of soccer, Biello is also involved with community
can’t tell you how many shut-outs he’s had in all because
service ventures and the National Honor Society. He is
there have been so many. If he wants to play Division I col-
looking at several different colleges for next year, including
lege ball, I certainly think he’s capable of it.”
Bucknell, Catholic, Franklin & Marshall, Temple, and Drexel.
Biello has been goalie for the varsity since his sophomore
Biello sees soccer as more than just a sport – it has taught
year. Over his Prep career, Biello has also been honored
him life lessons and helped to shape who he is today. “I’ve
with a variety of awards, including freshman team MVP
met a wide variety of people through soccer,” says Biello.
and second-team, all-Catholic last year.
“It has opened me up to a whole lot of opportunities.”
“Soccer helps in a lot of situations,” Biello says. “It’s about
Does Biello see himself continuing with soccer in
team unity and, for me, leadership.”
the future? He nodded immediately, and then gave a casual shrug. “Well,” he says, “I’m definitely gonna try.”
The sport also makes him more conscious of how he behaves in all situations, especially in front of his teammates. “I lead by example, so it makes me think before I act, even more so than before,” he says. Biello (left) with co-captain Patrick Koehl ‘06
20
“I feel we are a standout school, so we should stand out,” —Scott Oeschger ‘90
Alum’s Creativity Yields New Sports Logo Scott Oeschger ’90 wanted to give back to his alma mater and what better way for a graphic designer to do so than to give a piece of his own handiwork, a piece of himself? Over the course of more than three months last winter, Oeschger designed a new logo for Prep sports, giving what he believed to be a very necessary and very essential gift to the school.
“There is a sense of pride in presenting things, and I was pretty proud when it came time to present my work to Mr. Murray,” he said. “I always keep my opinion to myself, but I was honestly hoping, short of praying, that they would pick the one that they did.”
“I feel we are a standout school, so we should stand out,” says Oeschger. “The Prep made me who I am today and I wanted to give something back.” Oeschger approached Prep Athletic Director Jim Murray ’59 last November with his proposal of redesigning the athletic identity. Once given the go-ahead, Oeschger was off and running – with research, research, research.
The first team to sport the logo was the soccer team this fall. “The boys liked it very much and so did the other soccer coaches,” says Murray. “It has a bit of motion to it, a bit of excitement to it, and I think that is very apropos for athletic teams. I think Scott is more than generous to do it – it’s just a wonderful thing for an alumnus to be giving back.”
“In particular with The Prep, I went online, combed through books on hawks… any kind of resource I could find. I also dug up all other athletic marks and logos that featured a hawk, so I would be nowhere near them,” he said. “Everything started with a piece of paper and a pencil before I even sat down at a computer.”
Although Oeschger has been a professional designer for a decade, his experience with design, however, dates back much farther than college.
Oeschger, a designer at Alstin in Philadelphia, created 10 versions, five of which he liked, before he could choose
“...–it’s just a wonderful thing for an alumnus to be giving back.” —Jim Murray 21
which ones to present to Murray. There were three in the final presentation, and the design selected was happily Oeschger’s favorite, too.
“Even in high school, I was predisposed to gravitate toward art,” Oeschger remembered. “At the Prep, I did a lot of theatre and worked on the Hawklet; anything artrelated.” The Prep gave Oeschger a strong foundation in the arts, and he fondly recalls the inspiration of the late art teacher Julia Rogers. “She was a big influence – she always pushed me to work harder, be better, be different,” he said. “Between her and Miss (Judy) Christian, I had some very good guidance.”
alumni news
GOLDIES
REUNION WEEKEND Welcomes Back THE 0s AND THE 5s ALONG WITH THE GOLDIES The highlight of Reunion Weekend was the honored class celebrations in the Kelly Fieldhouse, Library and Foyer. Several hundred alumni were in attendance. As part of The Prep’s new Reunion Weekend celebration, alums who graduated more than 50 years ago were invited to a mass and luncheon.
1980
23
1960
1965
1970
1975
1985
1990
1995
2000
Dr. Barchi A WellRounded Career Throughout his accomplished career in academia, Robert L. Barchi, M.D., Ph.D. ’64 has argued against a narrow education track. That should come as no surprise; after all, his academic training came from the Jesuits of St. Joseph’s Prep and Georgetown University. “In higher education today, there is tremendous pressure to specialize early,” says Dr. Barchi, who is entering his second year as President of Thomas Jefferson University. “My feeling is that it’s usually a mistake. It’s hard to know what the future will hold and you don’t want to rely only on a narrow area of expertise. I strongly support the approach that I encountered at The Prep and at Georgetown to study culture, literature and philosophy along with science and technology. Whenever I have been able to influence education, I have used that as a model.” For Dr. Barchi, that wellroundedness, along with strenuous academics, was rooted at 17th and Girard. “The Prep provided a rigorous approach to learning that set the stage for my studies,” he says. “It was not just about learning a skill set or information but also about having a philosophy of how to approach learning.” Dr. Barchi’s career has been as diverse as his education. After graduating with two doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine), he became board-certified in neurology and rose from assistant professor to full professor within a decade. By the end of his tenure at Penn in 2004, he had served as Director of the Mahoney Institute of Neurological Sciences for 12 years, Vice Dean for Research in the School of Medicine, Director of the Clinical Neuroscience Track, Chair of the Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience and, ultimately, Provost of the University during the very successful tenure of Dr. Judith Rodin. But it is in creating new academic programs like Penn’s Department of Neurology and the Graduate Group in
Neuroscience or crafting a long-term academic strategy at Jefferson where Dr. Barchi finds the most satisfaction. “To build a program that becomes self-sufficient, that is not driven by the force of one person, that to me is a success,” he says. “The wonderful thing about my position is I can find that type of success in many different areas.” Dr. Barchi came to The Prep as a sophomore in 1961 after his family moved to Yardley. In the classroom, he found inspiration in the teachers he met. “One teacher who stands out in particular was Fr. Tom Gleeson, who was a scholastic at the time,” he says. “Tom taught me physics and became a good friend to me and my family. At The Prep, he stimulated me to become a thinker and to embrace problem-solving. We had many, many long talks, some about the subjects he taught and others covering a wide range of topics.” In addition to his studies, Dr. Barchi was part of the Prep crew team for three years, including a Stotesbury title and several Catholic League and City Championship crowns. He still rows today at the masters level for Penn A.C. In rowing, he found a sport that prepared him for the rigors of medicine and research. “Crew is a great example of the work ethic required for team sports,” he says. “Every member of the boat has to be at his athletic and mental best in order for the crew to be successful. Many of us regimented our lives to become good rowers and that is a mindset that stuck with me.” Because of that mindset and his involvement at some of the top institutions of higher learning, Dr. Barchi sees the value of a top secondary education. “Schools like The Prep have such an influence over young men,” he says. “The students who succeed at places like Jefferson or Penn are the ones who have been molded at the high school level to become learners and thinkers. Those with the skills necessary to become problem solvers are the ones who do well.” 24
profile in giving
Tretta
has never really left The Prep
Early in the 1967-68 school year, Jesuit scholastic Robert Phillips made a prophetic statement. In counseling Chris Tretta ’71, Mr. Phillips looked him in the eye and said, “Chris, you will never leave this school.” In so many ways, he was right on target. Tretta did physically leave The Prep in 1971, graduating with honors. But in the 34 years since, 17th and Girard has never been far from his mind. With two older brothers (Joseph ’66 and Nicholas ’67) and cousins (Joe Pandolfi ’57 and Ralph Pandolfi ’60), Tretta was indoctrinated into The Prep aura at a young age. “My brothers’ enthusiasm for The Prep permeated the whole house,” he says with a smile. “I was singing the school song by the third grade and going to Prep football games and Christmas concerts for as long as I can remember. I told my parents that if for some reason I couldn’t go to The Prep, I didn’t want to go to high school.”
City Hall where I boarded a subway to Girard and then walked the three blocks to The Prep. I embraced the whole experience; it opened my horizons.” One year later, he entered school fulltime and immediately began the process that would become a life-long trait; he jumped into everything he could. “I was involved in crew, forensics, student council and Hawklet and I went to every Prep event I could possibly attend,” he says. “I threw myself into The Prep.” However, a few weeks into his freshman year, Tretta’s personal life took a dramatic turn. His father suffered a stroke and went through months of rehabilitation. At that point, a worried Tretta confided in his homeroom teacher that he was concerned he would not be able to stay at The Prep because of finances. Phillips gave his prophetic statement and the rest is history.
Well, there was no need to worry— Tretta was headed for his brothers’ alma mater. He attended the popular pre-8th grade program in 1966 and knew right away that he was home.
“I remember it as if it were yesterday,” Tretta says, a hint of emotion in his voice at the memory. “After my father succumbed to colon cancer during my junior year, The Prep again reassured me that I would never leave. During that difficult time, The Prep was my rock.”
“That was my introduction to a world besides my Drexel Hill neighborhood,” says Tretta. “As a 12-year old, I took the bus to 69th Street, the El to
Cementing Tretta’s allegiance to his high school were the Jesuits. “When I was a freshman, there were probably 35 black robes on the faculty and
staff,” he says. “These were dynamic men of enormous ability and if they hadn’t entered the Society they would have risen to the highest level of whatever profession they chose. It was a privilege to be taught by men of such selfless zeal.” He credits his rigorous preparation for his graduation from Georgetown where he was summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa and first in his class. And Tretta continues to keep his Prep connection strong. He rarely misses a football game or alumni event and he serves as alumni co-chair of The Prep Fund. Also, his law firm, Yost & Tretta, makes sure to hire Prep students in the mailroom and uses Prep alums as vendors and consultants. “It is important to me to continue to give to The Prep,” he says. “We are enjoying a golden era but we can’t be lulled into complacency. We must always feel a sense of immediacy to sustain the place that gave us all so much.”
Update The Prep Fund, our annual giving campaign, is well underway. There were several Phonathon evenings in October and November and we are deeply grateful to the over 160 alumni, parents, and parents of alumni who volunteered to make over 5,000 calls on behalf of The Prep. A special thank you goes out to the parents who volunteered and to those who made gifts and pledges this year. Because of your efforts and your generosity, we have already had more gifts and pledges in two months than we had all of last year!
25
If you would like to learn more about the Prep Fund or make a gift, please visit our website, www.sjprep.org and click the GIVING button, or call the Development office at 215-978-1003. Just as a reminder… the cut off for gifts for the 2005 tax year is December 31.
alumni news
1920s Rev. James Martin, S.J. ’21 spent time over the summer with Dan O’Brien ’06, who was taking a course at Georgetown University, where Fr. Martin resides. According to O’Brien, “Fr. Martin fondly recalled his years at The Prep and shared several memories with me.” Both Martin and O’Brien noted that there would be 85 years between their graduations from The Prep.
been a guest speaker on two radio programs discussing Social Security and corporate crime issues.
1950s John Devitt ’50 and his wife Mary Joan have entered their 52nd year of coaching ice skaters (15 years in Philadelphia and 36 years at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y.). They also own Devitt Studios, a jewelry design studio in Jay, N.Y. John Gallen ’56 is an independent consultant on construction projects to churches and parishes. He and his wife Issy have eight children and 23 grandchildren.
Dan O’Brien ‘06 and Rev. James Martin, S.J. ‘21
Rev. Joseph C. Dougherty ’26 was posthumously elected to the Roman Catholic High School Sports Hall of Fame in April. Fr. Dougherty began his teaching career at Roman in 1935 where he coached football and baseball and served as longtime Athletic Director. As a young man, he was a three letter athlete in baseball, basketball and football and made the 1928 New York Yankees as a catcher before deciding to enter Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., to pursue a vocation as a priest. He passed away in 1975.
Joseph Palladino ’56 has recently retired from full-time chiropractic practice. He and his wife Polly have been enjoying traveling to many interesting places including the Caribbean, Philadelphia for his 45th college reunion and New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit. Rev. Stephen Garrity, S.J. ’57 has been Pastor of Holy Cross Church, an AfricanAmerican parish in Durham, N.C., since October, 2001. Holy Cross was founded by the Jesuits in 1939.
Louis Welsh ’48 retired after 37 years in private medical practice. He was a professor for three years at Temple Medical School. James Higgins ’49 has been coordinating the MBA program at Holy Family University since his retirement from the corporate world. This past year he took his students to London as part of a global seminar. He has recently
James Leonard ’60 is a freelance proofreader who specializes in medical and health related texts. He lives in Warminster with his wife Ellen. Gerald Madden ’60 has joined the University of Alaska, Fairbanks School of Management as a Visiting Professor of Business Administration for 2005-2006. His co-authored paper on insider trading in the United Kingdom will appear in The International Journal of Finance. Jack Irwin ’62 and his wife Diane announce the birth of their first grandchild, Luke Bjorn Paul. Luke’s parents are Jack’s daughter Alison and her husband John Paul ’85. Aloysius Stuhl ’62 is Community Relations and Business Development Manager for the Joseph E. Coleman Education and Treatment Center in North Philadelphia. The Coleman Center is a pre-release facility that has a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Joseph Donahue ’63 is a religion teacher and assistant basketball coach at The Prep. This past summer he was also a ‘sous chef’ at Brennan’s Bayside Restaurant in Sea Isle City, N.J. Joseph Breslin ’64 retired from teaching English after 36 years at Wildwood Catholic High School. He also stepped down as councilman in Avalon, N.J., after 16 years to take position of Deputy Court Administrator there.
1940s Andrew Dougherty ’44 was inducted into Saint Joseph’s University Athletic Hall of Fame in September for his contributions as the longtime sports information director there. His son Larry ’78 received the award in his father’s name. Andy passed away a few weeks later after a lengthy illness.
1960s
Rev. Stephen Garrity, S.J. ‘57
James Murray ‘59 is still athletic director at The Prep and traveled to England for the Royal Henley Regatta with the Varsity Eight in June. Also this summer, his son Drew ‘90 married Kristy Moses in Charlottesville, Va., with Prep President Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J. officiating and many Murray’s in attendance – Brendan ‘65, Kevin ‘65, Jim ‘86, Sean ‘90, Michael ‘94, Chris ‘95, Andrew ‘01 and Matthew Iacoviello ‘08.
Joseph Hillegas ’65 is a criminal defense attorney in Washington, D.C. He has also been a U.S. Administrative Law Judge since 1997. Paul Linton ’65 is a mortgage banker with Sovereign Bank. Joseph Morris ’65 is Vice President of Health Care Improvement Foundation in Philadelphia. His wife Jane is the sister of Jim O’Connell ’65 and Tim O’Connell ’61. Joseph Canuso ’66 directed the world premiere of Theatre Exile’s production “Last Call: Remembering My Dad” at the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia as part of the Philly Fringe Festival. 26
Leonard DiPaul ’68 is the Director of Pastoral and Theological Studies at Neumann College in Aston. He received his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University in 2004.
1970s Thomas Makin ’70 has lived in California for the last 30 years. Besides managing in the public sector, he has coached basketball at the grade school and high school levels for the past 25 years. He has also been involved with college scouting and lots of other adventures including the 30th reunion of Marquette University’s men’s basketball Final Four team of which he was a student manager. He and his wife have two daughters, both in college. Richard Collins ’71 returned to commercial banking in 2003 with Citizens Bank after four years as a Certified Turnaround Professional with Phoenix Management. Jose Custodio ’75 has been a pilot with American Airlines for the past 19 years. He is a captain and flies Boeing 757’s and 767’s. He and his wife Holly have been married for 17 years and have three children. Kevin Sweeney ’78, a captain in the U.S. Navy, assumed command of Destroyer Squadron Two Six in June. Francis Gallagher ’79 is in the third year of publishing Global Traveler, a national magazine geared toward business and luxury travelers published in Yardley where Fran lives with his wife of 20 years, Michele, and their two daughters Katie and Laura. Bernard Kueny ’79 was recently elected President of The Prep’s Alumni Association Board of Governors and was selected as a “super lawyer” in Pennsylvania.
1980s Andrew Bellwoar ’80 is a partner in a law firm in Chester County that represents businesses, individuals and municipalities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. He also enjoys coaching his three children in soccer. Andrew and his wife Jennifer reside in Chester Springs, Pa. 27
Saint Joseph’s University Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony had a real Prep flair as two alums, Andy Dougherty ‘44 and Chris O’Brien ‘88 were both inducted. In the photo, Larry Dougherty ‘78 (far left) accepted in his father’s behalf and O’Brien is standing far right. Also pictured are: Pat McFarland, Cathy (Phillips) Schino, Katie (Curry) Gardler and Jack Whitaker.
Frederick Santarelli ’80 practices law at Elliott, Greenleaf & Siedzikowski, P.C. where he concentrates on litigation in business disputes, healthcare and other areas. He was recently selected as being in the top five percent of lawyers in the state as published in “Pennsylvania Super Lawyers” and Philadelphia Magazine. He lives in South Philadelphia with his wife Letty and their three children. Guy Ciarrocchi ’82 has been named the Philadelphia Regional Director for the HUD Region III office. He will serve as HUD’s liaison to mayors, city managers, elected representatives, state and local officials, congressional delegations, stakeholders and customers in Region III, which includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Christine, have three children and live in Paoli. Rich Gannon ’83 has retired after a 17-year career in the National Football League. Rich was a starter for the past five seasons in Oakland, leading the Raiders to an AFC title and winning the league’s MVP award. He has now moved to the CBS broadcast booth as a color analyst. Kelly Mooring ’83 received his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is a fifth grade teacher at Sampson G. Smith Upper Elementary School in Franklin Twp., N.J.
John Waldron ’83 is detailed as the Resource Manager, S-8 for the Army Field Support Battalion at Camp Anaconda in Balad, Iraq and hopes to be home for Christmas. Jonathan Glucker ’85 is Vice President of Opteum Financial Services, a national mortgage lender in the Sarasota, Fla., area. He is married and has two daughters, Victoria and Anna. Kevin Vizzarri ’85 is part of Operation Enduring Freedom VI in Bagram, Afghanistan. He is the Executive Officer of the largest Aviation Task Force in the Global War on Terrorism. He and his wife, Dominika, have two children, Luca Anthony and Domenic Anthony. Timothy Kueny, O.D. ’87 has relocated to the Bucks County area and has opened Warrington Eye Care. Tim, a graduate of Fairfield University and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, has practiced for the past ten years in southern Connecticut. He and his wife Janet are residing in the Doylestown area with their three sons, Timothy, Jake and Ryan. Christopher O’Brien ’88 was inducted into Saint Joseph’s University’s Hall of Fame in September for his contributions as a rower.
Brian Devlin ’93 is a partner with Mackenzie Equity Partners, a commercial Real Estate Investment firm in Annapolis, Md. He and his wife Alexandra are the proud parents of a little girl, Bridget Anne. Bao Nguyen ’94 volunteered to help Vietnamese immigrants who were evacuated to Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina. Robert Seiger ‘88
Robert Seiger ’88 has joined the Philadelphia-based law firm of White and Williams, LLP, serving as Counsel in the Business Department and heading the Immigration Practice Group. Timothy McMenamin ’89 has been deployed to Al Anbar Province in Iraq. His primary mission is to work with Iraqi community leaders to help rebuild and restore the infrastructure of the civil government.
1990s Steven Gordon ’90 is CEO of G&M Mortgage Services, Inc. in St. Davids. He started the residential mortgage company two years ago. Marc Schuster ’91 successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, “Practical Ambivalence: Don DeLillo and the Political Economy of the Sign,” at Temple University in May. He is now a tenure-track English instructor at Montgomery County Community College. He also wrote a short story, “My Life as an Abomination,” which was featured in the fall issue of Philadelphia Stories. Fred Short ’91 is National Sales Manager for advertising at Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. He and his wife Stephanie have been married for three years and just welcomed their first child, Brandon Christopher, into the world. Kevin Sharkey ’92 lives in Venice, Calif. and works in television production. Gregory Burgess ’93 earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. He and his wife Kim currently live in Boulder, Colo., where Greg is employed as a research scientist at the University of Colorado.
Justin Daley ’95 received his MBA from New York University in May. He is employed at UBS Financial Services and lives and works in North Jersey. W. Marcus Duley ’95 is currently working for Wachovia Bank as a Commercial Real Estate Credit Manager. Nicholas Falcone ’95 has been named Sales Manager for ADP Small Business Services. He and his wife Julie and their son Gabriel live in King of Prussia. Alfonso Gambone, Esq. ’95 is serving in the U.S. Army JAG Corps in Baghdad, Iraq. Andrew Hill IV ’95 is a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and is currently Liaison Officer for the U.S. House of Representatives. He and his wife Meghan have a son, Andrew W. Hill V, and are expecting their second child. Donald McCloskey ’95 is a musician who toured the West Coast in September. He was joined by fellow Prep alum Bryan Master ’95 for part of the tour. Drew McCrossan ’95 earned his Navy Pilot wings in 2001 and became stationed in San Diego, Calif. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004 for over six months of combat flying and is finishing up his service in San Diego before being transferred to New York. John McGlynn ’95 earned a Master’s degree in Information Science and Masters of Software Engineering from Penn State University in 2004. He is currently working for KPMG, LLP., and living in Collegeville with his wife, Medea. Christopher Pohlig ’95 is Project Superintendent for Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, a nationwide general contracting and construction management firm. He and his wife, Mary, have a 2 year old son, Ian.
Matthew VanKirk ’95 lives in Somerville, Mass., and teaches high school English to sophomores and seniors at Brockton High School. Mario DeGisi ’96 is living in Washington, D.C. where he is an architect. His wife, Nina, is on the White House staff. Alec Barker ’97 has recently retired from active Army duty. During his time in the service, he was a member of the 2/11 Armored Cavalry Regiment and a Scout Platoon Leader in the 58th Combat Engineer Company training mechanized units for the invasion of Iraq. Over the past year Cpt. Barker was a Company Commander and earned the Distinguished Service Medal. Alec is presently enrolled in a Masters Program in Advanced International Studies of the Paul H. Nitze School of Johns Hopkins University in Bologna, Italy. Carmen DeGisi ’97 is attending the University of Alabama Law School in Tuscaloosa. John Donovan ’97 is a LTJG Naval Flight Officer on an F14 and is currently deployed to the Atlantic Fleet flying missions where needed. Timothy Gunn ’97 is assistant baseball coach at Saint Joseph’s University after serving in the same capacity at Arcadia University. Christopher Pauzano ’98 graduated in May with a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from Temple University. Chris plans a future in retail Pharmacy and is going to be married in June 2006. Joseph Console ’99 received a full scholarship to Rutgers-Camden Law School and is expected to graduate in the Class of 2008. Michael Delaney ’99 is currently working at AeroVironment in Simi Valley, Calif., and is working on the development of the next generation of High Altitude Long Endurance UAV’s. Joseph Kadlec ’99 has made the Boston College Law Review for the coming year.
28
alumni news
PREPPER TAKES OVER FDA Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach ’59 has been named interim chief of the Food and Drug Administration during a time of criticism and doubt for the organization. His hiring follows the unexpected resignation of former head Lester Crawford. The FDA has come under public scrutiny in recent months. Last year, thousands of deaths were reportedly linked to the arthritis drug Vioxx, approved by the FDA in 1999. Controversy and dispute also surround the organization’s handling of Plan B, an emergency, morning-after contraceptive. The FDA has yet to approve the drug for over-the-counter sales, although its safety has repeatedly been assured.
Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as a Prep senior in 1959.
Despite these troubles, in news reports von Eschenbach stands supportive of the administration and plans to continue many of his predecessors’ initiatives, improve agency operations and continue to speed new, safe treatments to the market. A noted optimist in the field of cancer research, von Eschenbach will also continue to lead the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., to which he was appointed in 2001. His past accomplishments also include serving as president-elect of the American Cancer Society, helping to found and lead the National Dialogue on Cancer and contributing more than 200 articles, books and chapters to scientific literature. Von Eschenbach lives with his wife, Madelyn, in Bethesda, Md.
2000s Randall Bennington ’00 has earned a M.S.C. degree in Economics from Cardiff College in England. Jim Martelli ’00 has been named Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Dickinson College. He continues his family coaching legacy, joining father Phil ’72 (St. Joseph’s) and brother Phil ’99 (Manhattan) on college sidelines. Brian McKenzie ’00 is doing Land Acquisition and Development for D’Angelo Construction, Inc. He also runs a small website business, designing and hosting sites. Christopher Orzechowski ’00 is working as a financial analyst for Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia. Daniel Ranalli ’00 teaches Spanish at Loyola Blakefield in Baltimore, Md. He is currently enrolled in a Masters program at St. Louis University in Madrid, Spain which he attends in the summer. He will receive his Masters in the summer of 2007.
29
Anselm Sauter ’00 is working for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Matthew Cardellino ’01 completed Officer Training School at Fort Benning, Ga., in October. He is currently in Ranger School and upon completion will receive his permanent assignment to Fort Riley, Kan., in March 2006. Julian Holloway ’01 is currently attending Purdue University majoring in Technology. Julian was inducted into the National Deans List and received an academic scholarship for 2005-2006. Christian Barlow ’03 was named co-captain of the Virginia Tech varsity cross country team after walking on as a freshman. He is a junior biology major. Paul Martorelli ’03 has been selected to study at Oxford University’s prestigious Blackfriars College in England this year. He is a double major in English and political science at the University of San Francisco.
Trevor Maki ’04, a sophomore at LaSalle University, is one of 12 Explorers chosen to be an intern for NBC Sports at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
CORRECTIONS
The Prep News regrets the following errors in the summer issue of the magazine: Stephen DiJulia’s name was omitted from the list of graduation awards. DiJulia won the Silver Medal for Band. There is a clarification to the alumni deaths section of the last issue. The deceased member of the Class of 1949 was Joseph A. Murphy. In addition, there were two omissions from the October President’s Report: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. DeSalvo ‘58 were omitted from the Loyola Circle of the President’s Club. The Edward J. Monari Scholarship Fund was omitted from the Patrons Club listing.
alumni news
Alumni Births
Alumni Weddings
Luke Bjorn to Alison and John Paul '85
John Colabelli ‘85 and Kirsten Ann Kling
Daniel Xavier to Diane and James Hanke '87
Stephen Schoener ‘85 and Betsy Lairdieson
Dylan Joseph to Mary and Bill Holtz '87
Drew Murray ‘90 and Kristy Moses
Owen Parker to Jenny and Andrew McCloskey '88
Scott Oeschger ‘90 and Jennifer Sowicz
Nathanial James to Helena and Jay Harron '89
Michael Dougherty ‘93 and Alison Kiss
Michael Raymond to Meg and Michael Seminack '89
Justin Daley ‘95 and Josephine Bisesi
Erin Anne to Carolyn and David Magee '90
W. Marcus Duley ‘95 and Mini Kochumman
Brandon Christopher to Stephanie and Fred Short '91
Michael Gallagher ‘95 and Amy Kwiatanowski
Lauren Noel to Lori and Joseph Cavallero '92
Drew McCrossan ‘95 and Jean Saleeby
Thomas Joseph to Rosanna and Michael Doherty '92
Christopher Collins ‘96 and Tijana Stefanovic
Bridget Anne to Alexandra and Brian Devlin '93
Mario DeGisi ‘96 and Nina Pinto
Joseph Aloysius to Nancy and Daniel Kilpatrick '94
Alec Barker ‘97 and Erin Strimple
Gabriel Joseph to Julie and Nicholas Falcone '95 Andrew W. V to Meghan and Andrew W. Hill IV '95
Left to right: Matt Geschke ’95, Walt Timby ’95, Michael Gallagher ’95 (groom), Chris Murray ’95, Tom Guinan ’95, Eric Vesotsky ’95 and Dennis Hart ’95 (best man).
Mr. and Mrs. Alec Barker ‘97.
Clockwise from top left: Luke Bjorn Paul, Daniel Xavier Hanke, Owen Parker McCloskey, Nathanial James Harron, Michael Raymond Seminack, Erin Anne Magee, Bridget Anne Devlin and Gabriel Joseph Falcone.
30
alumni news
Obituaries KYLE AMBROGI ’02 “A Magnificent Kid.” That headline in the Philadelphia Daily News sums up the level of affection for Kyle Ambrogi—a standout student, athlete and person during his four years at The Prep. Ambrogi took his own life in October in an action that shocked and horrified all who knew him. Ambrogi was a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, doing well both in football and in his classes at the prestigious Wharton School. That made his death all the more tragic. In the Daily News, Donna Ambrogi talked about Kyle. “He was just the perfect son,” she said. “I’ll never forget how he asked me one time, ‘Mom, how come you never yell at me?’ I told him, ‘because you never give me anything to yell at you about.’” During his football days at The Prep, Ambrogi was a stand out. He was co-Catholic League Player of the Year and twice earned first-team, all-Catholic honors and team MVP status. He also found a special place in the heart of Gil Brooks ’75, who coached him during his time at The Prep. “He was just a magnificent kid,” said Brooks in the Daily News. “He was bright, good-looking and appeared to have everything going for him. He had a profound impact on our program and took us to a national level.” Ambrogi is survived by his mother, father and brother Greg ’04.
Alumni Deaths IN MEMORY Thomas F. Walsh ’36
Andrew Dougherty ’44
Rev. John T. Gibbons, S.J. ’39
George Barnett McNelis, Esq. ’47
Francis D. Tucker, D.D.S. ’39
John E. Clancy ’48
C. Carroll Baxter, Jr. ’41
Joseph R. Donovan ’50
William H. Mullins, Jr. ’42
James J. Reilly ’51
Bernard J. Mallon ’43
Kyle Ambrogi ’02
William H. O’Connor ’43
31
ANDY DOUGHERTY ’44 If anyone has spent any time around Philadelphia basketball, the name and face of Andy Dougherty is well-known. For more than a half century, Dougherty was active at Saint Joseph’s University in all kinds of jobs, including Sports Information Director. For his work at Saint Joseph’s he was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 (see pg. 26). In addition, he supported high school basketball by running the Markward Award program, which honored local players. Dougherty also helped form the Hawk Hoop Club, served as the secretary for St. Joe’s basketball booster club, and served on the University’s Alumni Board of Governors. He also was a sportswriter for the Catholic Standard and Times and for the News of Delaware County. He served as a judge of elections in Upper Darby, briefly was publicity director of the East Coast Conference, and spent a decade as official scorer of the 76ers. In a story in The Philadelphia Inquirer, former Saint Joseph’s Unversity coach and current 76ers assistant Jimmy Lynam had kind words for Dougherty. “What his job was, what his title was, was incidental to the real deal. His loyalties were deep. They ran as deep as those loyalties could possibly go.” And Dougherty’s loyalty to The Prep ran deep as well; he had four sons (Andy ’77, Larry ’78, Brian ’82 and Brendan ’87) graduate from his alma mater. In addition to those four, he is survived by his wife Jane; daughter Mary Ficco; three sisters; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Calendar of Events JANUARY
APRIL
14
5
Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Reception
6
Houston Alumni Reception
8
Practice Exam for 7th Graders
20
Chicago Alumni Reception
22
The Prep at Citizens Bank Park
Prep Alumni Day at Boston College Tickets are available to join other Prep grads to watch Boston College men’s basketball team play Florida State at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. Call 215-9781035 to purchase a ticket or get more information
25
Florida Atlantic Coast Alumni Luncheon
27
Florida Southern Alumni Luncheon
Tickets are available to see the Phillies play the Marlins at 7:05 p.m. Call 215-978-1013 for tickets or
FEBRUARY
more information.
9
Phoenix Alumni Reception
11
San Diego Alumni Reception
27
Baltimore Alumni Reception
16
Florida Gulf Coast Alumni Reception
29
Hawktion ’06: Viva Las Vegas (see pg. 4)
23
Los Angeles Alumni Reception M AY
MARCH 1
3 4 7 8
14 16
Wednesday Night Hawktion Decorating begins
(meets at The Prep every Wednesday through the Hawktion; call 215-978-1004 for more information) Seattle Alumni Reception Portland (Ore.) Alumni Reception San Francisco Alumni Luncheon Mothers’ Club Liturgy and Fashion Show Mass, 10 a.m., St. John the Evangelist Church; Lunch and Fashion Show, the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue Information Night for Class of 2010 Information Night for Class of 2010
6
Father-Son Picnic, 2-5:30 p.m., The Prep
22
Alumni Golf Tournament (see pg. 5)
24
Denver Alumni Dinner
JUNE 2-4
Class of 1956 50th Reunion
3
Baccalaureate Mass (@ The Church of the Gesu)
4
Commencement (@ Saint Joseph’s University)
26
Pre-8th Grade Begins. The program runs through July 26
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 afalcone@sjprep.org
Name:
Class:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail Address:
News:
32
Perspectives This new feature in the Prep News looks at an event through the eyes of a member of The Prep community. This issue takes us aboard the USNS Mercy off the coast of Banda Aceh, Indonesia in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami that rocked that region in December 2004. Mike DiJulia ’98, a nurse at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., spent a month volunteering there. The following is just one memory of his experiences:
We granted her mother’s wish and escorted Nisa and Nuralie by helicopter to the hospital in Banda Aceh, where Nisa’s breathing tube was taken out. Nisa passed in 10 minutes. I wrote this in my journal on March 9, the day she died:
“Thank you isn’t enough, but it’s all I got” -Debbie Robinson These were the words spoken to me and my Prep classmates in the closing days of our two-week stint in Ivanhoe, Va., in 1997. My experience in Ivanhoe as a young man for others was the beginning of many trips like this; trips that instilled in me important lessons of the human condition such as hardship, suffering, happiness, faith and gratitude. My career in nursing has allowed me to explore these lessons in depth. With each encounter I’ve had, these words have become faces, the faces of the many whom I’ve touched, listened to, healed or watched pass on.
The most recent of these experiences was in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, where I was one of 200 Project HOPE volunteers aboard the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship, as part of the U.S. relief effort to the victims of the earthquakes and tsunami on December 26, 2004. For almost 30 days, I worked daily in the Intensive Care Unit and, during that time, I cared for a 10-month old girl named Nisa. She was critically ill for 12 days, during which time her mother, Nuralie, spent sleepless nights and days at her bedside. Nuralie eventually decided she wanted to take Nisa off the ship and bring her home, knowing full well that Nisa would succumb to her illness off the ship.
“He (Dr. Braner) informed Nuralie through the translator that Nisa had passed and she immediately began weeping. We very briefly paused and listened to Nuralie’s own prayers and offerings...our farewell exchange was brief, as Nuralie thanked and hugged each one of us...I embraced her in exchange that may seem paradoxical; a white American male embracing a Muslim woman. But our exchange knew no religious or political ignorances; it knew only one thing, and that was a deep affection for a baby girl.” As Nuralie hugged each one of us, she spoke “thank you” in English. The humble gratitude seemed all too familiar to me. Her faith in our work and her courage to speak her “thank you” was further indication of the outpouring of maternal love and devotion that was clearly evident in the surroundings. Nuralie has just lost the youngest of her four children, but uttered the same words that I’d heard from Debbie Robinson.
Hawktion ‘06: Viva Las Vegas Saturday, April 29 see p. 4
St Joseph’s Preparatory School 1733 Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130 www.sjprep.org
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3000 Philadelphia, PA
Address service requested
Rev. Bruce M. Bidinger, S.J. President St Joseph’s Preparatory School 1733 Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130