A.M.D.G.
ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HIGH 2020-21 GRATITUDE REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT
VISIT US ONLINE www.sluh.org @sluhigh @sluh @sluhjrbills
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“GO FORTH AND SET THE WORLD ON FIRE.” - ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
With gratitude, we recognize and thank our benefactors for igniting our mission and illuminating our future. Your selfless spirit and generous support allows us to develop Men for Others who pursue excellence Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — For the Greater Glory of God. Pictured: Class of 2021 Graduation in the SLUH athletic stadium on May 30. Photo by Kathleen Chott
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LE T T ER FROM THE PRESIDEN T
Thank you for spreading joy. I think we are all tired of COVID 19 – at least, that is the case at St. Louis U. High. Yet as we reflect on the 202021 school year, we find moments of grace, pride in the SLUH community, and a deep sense of gratitude for all who support our Jesuit mission.
“...as we reflect on the 2020-21 school year, we find moments of grace, pride in the SLUH community, and a deep sense of gratitude for all who support our Jesuit mission.” – ALAN CARRUTHERS
Our faculty, staff, students and families navigated this unprecedented time with balance, consistency and a collective commitment to creative problem solving. At the same time, our alumni, parents and benefactors rallied to support our school at a level that surpassed that of our Bicentennial in 2018. The Jr. Bill Fund, Parent Annual Fund, Cashbah, our Endowed Scholarship program and the Go Forth campaign experienced incredible generosity. Buoyed by our supportive community, we are focused on our future. We are taking what we learned from the pandemic to evolve and grow stronger – and we are eager to repeat the success of last fiscal year as we enter the final phase of Go Forth, cementing a sustainable foundation for our third century. When we welcomed our faculty and staff back to campus this August before the start of school, I was overcome by joy, which, coincidentally, is the theme of our current school year. Knowing what we had accomplished together last school year, even in a prevaccine world, I felt a collective, positive energy among
our beloved colleagues through lively conversation, jokes and stories of travel and the literary treasures of summer reading. I felt the joy of a productive summer on our campus, featuring Upward Bound, sports and STEM camps, outdoor life experiences and summer school options. I felt joy knowing we had made several security and technology updates; undertaken strategic academic planning, scheduling and curriculum work; and finished many campus improvements, including a new roof and restoring the original skylights on Backer Memorial. The school looked and felt brighter, as if ready to throw off the burdens of the last 18+ months and welcome the energy of nearly 1,000 talented young men returning fully in-person to its halls. Thank you for spreading joy through your generous charitable support of SLUH. It envelops our campus and enriches our mission. We remain humbled and grateful for your support as we continue to form Men for Others committed to pursuing excellence in leadership and service for our city, our nation and our world. Gratefully,
Alan Carruthers President
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LE T T ER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Parents, Alumni and Benefactors, As St. Louis University High School enters a new school year, we are reminded of all there is to celebrate because of this institution: More than 200 years of talented students and dedicated alumni; an unparalleled history of faith formation; caring and selfless parents and volunteers; and a team of faculty, staff, Jesuits and coaches that is second to none. I join Alan Carruthers in thanking you for your continued support and contributions to the success of our school. This school year we are prayerfully anticipating the milestone of reaching the goal of raising $70 million for our Go Forth campaign. Over the last five years, we have been blessed with thousands of benefactors who have contributed to the scholarship-focused Endowment Fund, enhanced student offerings including college and student counseling, new science labs and many campus improvements. We are getting close to completing the funding for a renovated Chapel and Campus Ministry Center, and other important projects. With God’s grace we will be able to announce the completion of this historic campaign in the near term. One of the most generous private schools in the Midwest, SLUH provided financial aid to 43 percent of students totaling $4.4 million in fiscal year 2020-21. As the pandemic and soft job environment have lingered,
TABLE OF CONTENTS
“One of the most generous private schools in the Midwest, SLUH provided financial aid to 43 percent of students totaling $4.4 million in fiscal year 2020-21. As the pandemic and soft job environment have lingered, the number of those in need continues to increase.” – JOSEPH F. JEDLICKA III '80
the number of those in need continues to increase. We remain committed to helping young men succeed at SLUH regardless of their families’ economic or social circumstances. On behalf of your Board of Trustees, we wish you and your loved ones good health. We deeply appreciate your commitment and generosity to our students and mission.
Letter from the President 2 Letter from the Chairman 3 2020-21 Highlights 4 Presidential Scholarship Program 7 Paving the Pathway Beyond the Pandemic 8 Strategic Vision Nears Fulfillment 9 Cashbah: A Spectacular Success 10 Transformative President: Fr. Paul Sheridan SJ 11 Class of 2021 12 Donor Highlights 14 Nominate an Alumnus 19 Board of Trustees 20 Financials 21 Mothers Club/ Fathers Club 22 Alumni Board 24 Advisory Committees 25 Advancement Staff 26
Thank you for all you do for SLUH! Sincerely,
Joseph F. Jedlicka III ‘80 Chairman, Board of Trustees Published September 2021
4 Y E A R IN R E V IE W
MAKING AN IMPACT IN 2020-2 1
PURSUING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
4 7 36 100
JR. BILLS were selected to the highly competitive U.S. State Departmentsponsored National Security Language Initiative for Youth program. STUDENTS earned recognition as National Merit Finalists. PERCENT of the Class of ‘21 ACT testtakers scored a 32 and above. (96TH PERCENTILE NATIONALLY)
After winning the local PERCENT of the Class of ‘21 is attending college.
80 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS in 30 states.
60 PERCENT are attending out of state.
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STUDENTS took 917 AP exams in 27 different disciplines.
723 OF THESE EXAMS were scored 3 or higher, earning college credit at most universities.
ACADEMIC WORLD QUEST COMPETITION
for the second consecutive year, SLUH placed #10 out of 105 teams in the national competition.
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DEVELOPING FAITH-FILLED MEN FOR OTHERS
Successfully held 18 RETREATS, including Freshman (1 classwide), Sophomore (1 classwide), Junior (5), Kairos (6), Art (1), Senior Silent (1), Wilderness (2) and Philia (1). THE GRANDE PROJECT, which replaced the annual Senior Project due to the pandemic, provided seniors the opportunity to safely engage with a marginalized population. Campus Ministry hosted multiple Food, Formation and Fellowship events that featured recreation, bonding and faith sharing. The Freshman Service Project thrived in a modified format, with students cooking meals for the underserved.
FURTHERING A STRONG ATHLETIC TRADITION
MEMBERS of the Class of ‘21 committed to continue their academic and athletic careers in college at nine universities in five different states.
VOLLEYBALL (undefeated in matches and sets) and RACQUETBALL earned State Championships, and CROSS COUNTRY posted a second consecutive runner-up finish at State. WRESTLING had two state qualifiers, RIFLERY and RUGBY went to nationals, and TENNIS had a singles state runner-up. VOLLEYBALL received the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award.
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STUDENT-ATHLETES were recognized as All-Metro including ONE AllMetro Player of the Year, and 18 student athletes were honored as Academic All-State.
6 Y E A R IN R E V IE W
STUDENT MUSICIANS competed successfully at State Band, including one 3rd place, one 2nd Alternate and two Honorable Mentions. EMBRACING THE ARTS
THE DAUPHIN PLAYERS produced a video production of Spoon River Anthology, codirected by Kathryn Whitaker and Kevin McKernan ‘01. Sisyphus, the SLUH Magazine of Literature and Art, published five issues with remarkable work by student, faculty and staff writers and artists. To view these and past issues, visit www.sluh.org/sisyphus.
Watch Spoon River Anthology
The PARENT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURAL ENRICHMENT AT SLUH (PACES) held monthly Zoom meetings to give SLUH parents a place to connect with each other and process issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Under the leadership of PACES President Joycelyn Barnes, the group also hosted a social event called "Sips and Nibbles" and an end-of-theyear celebration at the home of PACES officer Mari Watanabe.
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
In its first year, the FRANCIS SCHOLARS PROGRAM offered 13 freshmen with the greatest financial need the opportunity to receive a SLUH education with financial aid that includes auxiliary expenses. Faculty and staff mentors guide these and future Francis Scholars through their four years at SLUH. As the nation experienced a racial reckoning in the wake of George Floyd's murder, the Voices of SLUH program created a video series called "SLUH VALUES BLACK LIVES." Through eight episodes featuring current students, alumni and parents, this series helped the SLUH community reflect prayerfully on our responsibilities and challenges in participating in the struggle for racial reconciliation. View these videos on the SLUH YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/ stlouisuhigh
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PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS BOOST LONG TERM VIABILITY OF FINANCIAL AID Alumni, parents and friends of SLUH responded generously for St. Louis U. High Day by raising more than $400,000 for the Jr. Bill Fund, which supports financial aid and ensures the full SLUH experience for all Jr. Bills, regardless of their economic circumstances.
PROVIDING FINANCIAL ACCESSIBILITY
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PERCENT of the student body received $4.4 million in financial assistance; awards ranged from $1,000 to full tuition, with an average grant of about $10,000.
The first-ever SLUH SCHOLARSHIP VIRTUAL GOLF CLASSIC, presented by the Kurt and Katie Mungenast Foundation, raised more than $165,000 for financial aid.
SLUH remains committed to preserving its strong legacy of financial accessibility so that all qualified students can attend, regardless of economic circumstances. In 2020-21, SLUH experienced a boost to its Presidential Scholarship program with the launch of two new scholarships, including: • Heritage Presidential Scholarship Created by an alumnus (anonymous) who wished to carry on the spirit of generosity that enabled him to attend SLUH through scholarship. The Heritage Scholarship is awarded to students who qualify for financial aid and who wish to continue the legacy of generosity by leading their class endowed scholarship effort.
• St. Louis Presidential Scholarship Also created by an alumnus and his wife out of appreciation for the alumnus’s SLUH education and the school’s philosophy of meeting financial need for qualified families throughout the metropolitan area. The scholarships recognize beneficiaries of financial aid who represent different regions of the metropolitan area and are committed to representing SLUH in their local community, and representing their local community at SLUH.
A Presidential Scholarship is established through a $1,000,000 gift to endowment. The earnings on these scholarships are projected to provide the equivalent of full tuition assistance to three students annually. Each scholarship honors the spirit and generosity of the benefactor, through the selection of three deserving students who meet eligibility requirements set by the donor. Presidential Scholars are selected before their sophomore year and carry this distinction through graduation. Presidential Scholarship donors and scholars are given an opportunity to meet annually to celebrate the generosity and achievements of both parties. In addition to the Heritage and St. Louis Presidential Scholarships, we gratefully acknowledge our benefactors who have previously established scholarships at this generous level:
• William Brennan, SJ Scholarship Presented by Anonymous Donor • Laura and Ben Schilli Memorial Presidential Scholarship Presented by Cheryl and Tom Schilli ‘64 • Fr. Paul Sheridan, SJ Presidential Scholarship Presented by Aja and Pat Stokes • Steward Presidential Scholarship Presented by World Wide Technology Foundation and the Steward Family Foundation
To learn more, visit www.sluh.org/scholarship. Enjoy a brief video about the St. Louis Scholars.
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PAVING THE PATHWAY BEYOND THE PANDEMIC BY FR. IAN GIBBONS, SJ, PRINCIPAL
“A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.” — HARVEY MACKAY Thus saith this celebrated author in his classic Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty. Throughout the pandemic, it has been challenging to see beyond the immediate crises at hand. The proverbial digging of wells has had to wait. Our Pandemic Response Team has done a tremendous job in keeping us safe, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts. They have been tasked with building schedules, generating safety protocols, securing resources and equipment, preventing viral infection, creating pandemic communications and reports, as well as creating plans to reopen our school in a safe and impactful manner. To help move SLUH past the pandemic, our Strategic Summit Team (SST) will prepare us for our next five years. The SST will prioritize, assess and provide direction for strategic issues related to all areas of academics, co-curriculars and student life for the Academic Years 20232027. These primary focus areas include: • Faculty Formation: Make visible the standards of excellence for being an educator at SLUH; celebrate successes and provide feedback
and opportunities to grow; and encourage a culture of self-reflection, constructive feedback and planning for growth. • Grade Level Guides: Develop an administrative and programmatic structure wherein the student experience is intentionally curated and carefully, personally implemented with particular attention to the needs of each grade level. • Grading Policy and Communications: Create a grading policy grounded in a shared understanding of academic rigor that promotes accuracy, fairness and student motivation; frame out a plan for associated practices of communicating grades that are clear and understandable to teachers and students, as well as parents, counselors, administrators, colleges and other community partners; and build out the resources needed to implement policies. • Graduation Requirements and 21st Century Skills: Clearly identify the educational objectives that a SLUH student should obtain throughout his four years that will allow him to
“While so many institutions are preparing to exit the pandemic with a return to what was, SLUH is focussing on what will be.” – FR. IAN GIBBONS, SJ
fully understand himself as a child of God and equip him with the skills and competencies to succeed in a modern, globally connected world. • Schedule and Calendar: Create an innovative working schedule and instructional calendar for academic year 2022-2023. While so many institutions are preparing to exit the pandemic with a return to what was, SLUH is focussing on what will be. We are building the wells for our third century. Amidst a departure from locked-down constraints, SLUH is launching toward an open, bold future.
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SLUH REMASTERED Check out the SLUH Insignis podcast for two programs on one of the most disruptive – yet also creative and inspiring – chapters in the school’s 203-year history. Like a classic music track updated and enhanced for new audiences with better technology, you'll not only hear how SLUH endured the pandemic, but how, thanks to the efforts of so many from every corner of the school community, the school will be stronger and more mission focused when the pandemic is behind us.
www.sluh.org/insignis
STRATEGIC VISION NEARS FULFILLMENT
In 2016, 198 years since the founding of St. Louis U. High, the school endowment was valued at $33 million. Today, after just five years of the Go Forth campaign, that value has more than doubled.
within sight, and construction will likely begin in the coming months. Funding for the renovation of the Chapel and building of a new Campus Ministry Center is within $1 million of completion.
Go Forth is already the most successful campaign in the school’s history, and the remarkable achievement in endowment growth is the result of strong leadership among the SLUH Board of Trustees and broad alumni and donor support to make financial accessibility a permanent part of the school's character.
Generous campaign contributions in 2020-21 have created wonderful momentum, and SLUH is expected to approach the completion of the $70 million Go Forth campaign within the next 18 months.
GO FORTH GO FORTH
The final funding for the Dill Center for Academic Success is
Learn about the latest improvements to Academic Programs, Faith Formation and Endowed Scholarship at www.sluh.org/goforth.
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THE VALUE OF A SLUH EDUCATION During Cashbah, several alumni shared how SLUH provided them the foundation for success. View their compelling and inspiring stories by following the QR codes below.
CELEBRATING A SLUH LEGACY
CASHBAH: A SPECTACULAR SUCCESS The SLUH community rallied to make the 2021 Cashbah auction, themed SLUH Spectacular, a resounding success. The April 9-10 virtual event, led by auction co-chairs Megan Browdy and Susan O’Keefe, raised more than $1 million for the school financial aid program. “We are extremely grateful to our many sponsors, benefactors and volunteers who supported Cashbah,” says President Alan Carruthers. “Their generosity and love for St. Louis U. High helped us to maintain our longstanding tradition of offering need-blind admission for young men from all walks of life.” The auction culminated with a livestream presentation from the Si Commons on the evening of April 10. During the event, Carruthers recognized Tom Becvar, who retired this summer after an incredible 48-year career at SLUH. Becvar offered moving remarks before a tribute video was shown that included expressions of gratitude from alumni and colleagues. Our SLUH Spectacular – presented by Platinum Sponsors Kathleen & Paul Matecki ’74 and Mary & Joseph Stieven ’78, and Gold Sponsors Ameren and Aon – featured stunning vacation packages, exquisite jewelry, distinctive furniture and much more. Generous sponsors contributed more than $440,000 to the event. In addition, alumni, parents and friends donated more than $400,000 for Fund-A-Bill, directly funding full tuition for 19 Jr. Billikens. All funds raised at Cashbah help to ensure SLUH can admit all students qualified to attend the school, regardless of their families’ economic circumstances.
Alumni, students and friends define Tom Becvar, Assistant Principal for Academics and longtime Calculus teacher who recently retired, as “influential,” a “Man for Others” and a “great teacher and all around good guy.” To view a touching tribute video, and to share your own message of gratitude for Mr. Becvar, visit www.sluh.org/becvar.
“Mr. Becvar made me feel more confident in myself at an age when that is so important. He was a role model who showed the value and strength of being nice and treating people with kindness. And being able to teach a difficult subject about as well as anyone on the planet made me appreciate that he was my teacher, and it inspired me to do well.” – TOM MCGINN, MD ‘82
Doug Auer ‘95
Third Degree Glass, Co-Founder
Kwofe Coleman ‘01 The Muny, Managing Director
Joe Donnelly ‘97
Spurs Sports and Entertainment, Director of Corporate Relations
Greg Ortyl ‘92
Olive+Oak, Owner
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TR ANSFORMATIVE PRE SIDENT:
FR. PAUL SHERIDAN, SJ "SLUH has been blessed by the leadership, generosity and good work of Fr. Sheridan over many years. He has modeled what it means to be a Man for Others while making our city, our nation and our world a better place.”
Fr. Paul Sheridan, SJ, a Man for Others marked by selflessness, generosity and humility, recently retired from his dedicated and longstanding service at St. Louis U. High. Fr. Sheridan’s tenure as SLUH President from 1997 to 2005 brought some of the most extensive changes to the campus since the construction of Backer Memorial. Overseeing the ambitious Vision 2000 plan, he led the school to a dramatic expansion of the physical plant, a significant increase in the number of teachers as well as improvements in technology, class size and teacher compensation. When he returned to SLUH in 2015, after serving as President of Bellarmine Prep (San Jose) and Regis Jesuit (Denver), he assisted the Advancement and President’s Offices with annual and Go Forth campaign fundraising initiatives, including a deep commitment to the effort to renovate the Chapel. He also served as a theology teacher and spiritual moderator for alumni Manresa groups. The legacy of Fr. Sheridan extends well beyond the SLUH community: • In 1977, he created Boys Hope, a residential program serving youth from adverse backgrounds that helps them succeed academically. The program later expanded into Boys Hope Girls Hope, with residences across the U.S. and Latin America. • In 1999, he founded Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuit middle school that serves boys who have the potential for college preparatory work but whose progress may be impeded by economic or social circumstances.
- ALAN CARRUTHERS, PRESIDENT
WITH GRATITUDE Fr. Sheridan’s incredible legacy is undergirded by a strong, enduring faith and deep devotion to Christ. In touching the lives of others, especially those most in need, he has inspired students, alumni and colleagues to cultivate their own faith and strengthen their relationship with God. Above: Fr. Paul Sheridan, SJ (far left) at the Catedral Primada Metrpolitana de Santiago in Guatemala City for the SLUH Senior Project in 2020. Six members of the Class of 2020 dedicated the month of January last year to serving Esperanza Juvenil, the Boys Hope Girls Hope affiliate in Guatemala City.
In addition to Tom Becvar (noted in the Cashbah article) and Fr. Sheridan, SLUH thanks Tom Flanagan who retired after 30 years of dedicated service as a math teacher and former cross country coach. We are also grateful to the faculty and staff who moved on from SLUH, including Fr. Joseph Hill, SJ, Mimi Hartung and Michael Mohr, SJ.
CL ASS OF 2021
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I knew I would be prepared for college and beyond coming out of SLUH, fully equipped with the study, time management and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the world. Those benefits are absolutely true, and I believe they are a big part of why SLUH students are so successful. I know we will be beyond ready to take on the challenges we are presented with in the future. But looking back, those are not the main reasons why I am pleased for choosing SLUH. The real reason why is because of all of the choices that I learned how to make here. Everyone in our class has incredible accomplishments to brag about, like starting a successful student media club, showing off our music skills in front of the Pope in Vatican City, and winning three racquetball national championships. We were able to have these experiences – and many more – and make them memories because we were presented with opportunities and chose to seize them. Our experiences here have all been different in a way, because we have taken different classes and were involved in many different extracurriculars at SLUH. We have all been presented with different opportunities and have made different choices during our time here. Yet, our experiences are all very similar because they have bonded us together. Whether that experience was negative at times, like getting cut from a sports team, or positive, like riding down that slip ‘n’ slide during our turnaround turnup, it played a part in making us who we are today.
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These experiences made us members of this incredible U-High community. They made us Jr. Billikens. Forever. – GRANT SUSSMAN ‘21 ED HAWK AWARD RECIPIENT (Excerpt from his speech at Graduation)
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Venturing into the unknown can create new possibilities and opportunities. When I decided to try out for freshman football, I had no idea I would become a three-year starter with several football honors, including being team captain. When I decided to run for Junior Class President, I did not think I would have the incredible opportunity to serve alongside Jack Rosenstengel and all of the other members of the 2019-20 STUCO. And ultimately, I did not know that venturing out to be a Jr. Bill would lead me to becoming the 2021 Mac Boland Award winner. It was a life-changing experience. My story of SLUH is my story, but to a certain degree we all have different versions of the same story. Every student here has had to get out of his grade school comfort zone and venture out to the unknown in order to become the man he is today. As I look back over my time at SLUH I cannot be more thankful and grateful for everything I had to suffer through. Because of my struggles, the young and immature boy who came to SLUH is leaving SLUH a much more mature and polished man.
Having reflected on my SLUH story and, by extension, our shared story, let us, the graduates of 2021, give thanks for the love we have been shown by so many: our parents and families, our teachers, coaches and moderators, and one another. May peace and blessings be always with those who love us and those we love. Amen. – ZAK STEVENSON ‘21 MAC BOLAND AWARD RECIPIENT (Excerpt from his speech at the Baccalaureate Mass)
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14 D O N O R HI G HL I G H T S
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CLASS OF 1971 SCHOLARSHIP
Enduring Brotherhood, Lasting Generosity Commitment to each other and to SLUH culminates in an evergreen gift to SLUH The Class of ‘71 has distinguished itself with enduring brotherhood and incredible support for SLUH. It was the first SLUH class to undertake the inaugural Senior Project, which was novel at 72 the time and is now emulated by high schools across the country. It is also known for winning the football state championship in 1970. In 2017, team captain Joe Castellano ‘71 published Bull in the Ring, capturing in captivating detail the threads connecting their class during the championship season. The memory of Ed Hawk ‘71, who died tragically his senior year and who plays a special part in Bull in the Ring, continues today with the Ed Hawk Award for a graduating senior.
A ll-S ta te B ill Ziegler ran fo r 154 yards against KC Center. R ight: M cD ona ld,fo rces KC receiver to juggle pass.
The Class of '71 led the Jr. Bills to win the football state championship in the fall of 1970.
Motivated by a desire to make a gift of appreciation to SLUH in honor of their 50th reunion, representatives from the Class of 1971 worked closely with the Advancement Office to fund a fully endowed scholarship. The Planning Committee shares how they achieved their goal below.
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Check out Class of '71 graduates recount their SLUH experiences in a special video series.
In late 2019, as our 50th class reunion approached, we began conversations with SLUH and expressed a desire to fully endow our class scholarship, inaugurated years ago, to leave a lasting legacy for the profound impact SLUH has had on our lives. Most fundraising efforts first try to line up the major donors to establish a strong baseline of support. A key part of our message was that we
were reaching out to everyone at the same time with the same message, so that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, could play a foundational role. We put an equally strong and complementary emphasis on achieving the widest possible level of participation, where every gift would be recognized in the same fashion, versus any kind of tiering or recognition levels.
We made a plan with the Advancement Office and sent our first letters in February 2020 and have followed up with several letters, emails and phone calls to classmates. Though not directly related, in May 2020 we began hosting monthly “Class of ’71 Sunrise Social” Zoom calls where we rekindle our friendships, and where each month two Blue Buddies expound
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“It is with deep gratitude for our time at SLUH, and for the exceptional bonds the Class of '71 holds strong to this day, that we could activate this classwide effort to achieve such a worthy goal.” - THE CLASS OF '71 SCHOLARSHIP PLANNING COMMITTEE
on what they’ve been doing since graduation. Another classmate set up a Facebook page where we’ve shared SLUH memories and grandparent pictures. And there’s no question that communications about our upcoming reunion have stoked a thousand great memories and connections in anticipation of a “can’t-miss” event. This summer, we exceeded our goal of raising $325,000 for a permanent
SLUH ’71 Class Scholarship. As important to us, we’re very near our goal of achieving more than 60 percent participation. It is with deep gratitude for our time at SLUH, and for the exceptional bonds the Class of ’71 holds strong to this day, that we could activate this classwide effort to achieve such a worthy goal. Along with our annual scholarship, we hope to bequeath
to future SLUH graduates the same kind of lasting, loving friendships and memories that have inspired and sustained us for more than 50 years.
”
– THE CLASS OF '71 SCHOLARSHIP PLANNING COMMITTEE
Above: The Class of ‘71 keeps in touch through monthly Manresa Society meetings, focused on Ignatian spirituality, and Zoom Sunrise Socials.
WITH GRATITUDE SLUH is pleased to work with alumni to identify a project that fulfills their desire to make a class gift in conjunction with their 50th reunion. It is with deep gratitude that SLUH recognizes these classes that have fully endowed their class scholarships preceding their 50th reunion: Class of 1963 Class of 1969 Class of 1970 Class of 1971 Class of 1972
16 D O N O R HI G HL I G H T S
TOM '67 AND BARBARA BUCHANAN
Unanimous Decision TOM ‘67 AND BARBARA BUCHANAN, INSPIRED BY GRATITUDE, ENDOW FULL SCHOLARSHIP Community. Challenge. Gratitude. These are just a few reasons why Tom ‘67 and Barbara Buchanan established the Thomas M. Buchanan and Barbara J. Buchanan Scholarship at St. Louis U. High. After graduation, Tom attended Saint Louis University and the University of Iowa Law School. He has practiced law in Williamsburg, Iowa his entire career. He and Barbara have two daughters and four grandchildren. Following, Tom reflects on his SLUH experience and giving back.
What did you like most about SLUH?
though I was in the stands. I was a part of something far bigger.
What was the most important thing you learned at SLUH?
I loved being part of a community that is committed to values and nurtures a sense of identity among all of its students. With athletic ability limiting participation to pool and wall ball, I was energized by the pep rallies. When Fr. Kellett spoke, you knew it was a special game. Taking a bus to Alton our senior year and watching a great game played in a downpour gave me a sense of purpose even
The academic challenges were incredible. Early in my freshman year, I confided in Fr. Hagan that everyone was so smart, and wondered if I should even be here. He told me if I gave my best effort, I could overcome the challenges I would encounter. He said the teachers would not give up on me as long as I didn’t give up on myself. That is a community that truly values all of its members.
I learned how to write and how to think, which is critical to effective writing. My first law school professor informed our class we needed to learn to think like lawyers. I soon realized the teachers at SLUH had already taught me how to do that. The ability to think and write have been the foundation of my professional and personal life.
What inspired you to give to SLUH in such a meaningful, generous way? At our 50-year reunion, SLUH hosted a Mass and social. It was a great reminder of the quality education still being provided. In addition, I read Bull in the Ring by Joe Castellano ‘71. That book resonated with me so I asked my wife to read it. After she finished, she shared that she finally understood the love I have for SLUH. I had given to the annual fund (now Jr. Bill Fund) for many years. It now struck me that my gift to the annual fund was no longer adequate. I knew how much I benefited from a scholarship to St. Louis U. High, so it seemed only fitting that I should do the same for another young man. I considered making a provision
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“...the gift I made to St. Louis U. High will never compare to the gift I received from it.” - TOM BUCHANAN '67
in my will. However, I decided waiting might deprive a student the benefit of attending SLUH today. I knew what I had to do. Why do you feel it’s important to give back to SLUH? After our 50-year reunion, Joe Fritsch created a Google group for our class. One of the topics was, “Where would you have gone to high school if you had not been accepted at St. Louis U. High?” I considered that question and thought about the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Rather than reflecting on how the world would have been different without me, I considered how my life would have been affected had I not attended St. Louis U. High. I concluded SLUH was critical in nurturing who I am today. Without question, the gift I made to St. Louis U. High will never compare to the gift I received from it.
JOE SHAVER '11
Young Alumnus Leverages Support with Estate Giving As a student at SLUH, Joe Shaver ‘11 appreciated how the school’s Jesuit, Catholic identity was incorporated into daily student life, from prayer to start and end the day, to the Examen and Prayer for Generosity every afternoon, to the many spiritual and service opportunities. “Becoming a Man for Others really started to grow within me while I was at SLUH and has continued to form who I am,” says Shaver, a graduate of Truman State University with a B.S. in Business Administration Finance. He says one of the many ways he tries to personify this ideal is through his current role as Workflow Coordinator at the Annual Catholic Appeal Office of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. “I’ve supported SLUH ever since graduation because of the incredible formation and support I received as a student, including generous need-based financial
aid through the work study program. I recently decided that I wanted to give back on a larger scale, but as a young adult I needed to find a way beyond cash support. Including SLUH in my estate plans was an easy way to accomplish that. “As someone who relied on financial aid in order to attend SLUH, I think it’s imperative to give back to the school so that other young men can have the same, and even better, opportunities than I did, regardless of their families’ financial situation.”
Joe Shaver ‘11 is the youngest member of the George and Anna Backer Heritage Society whose members have expressed a commitment to make an estate gift to SLUH.
Heritage Society members have made a provision for an estate gift to SLUH by either including SLUH in their will or trust, by naming SLUH as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or insurance policy, or by creating a gift annuity for the benefit of SLUH. Learn more:
18 D O N O R HI G HL I G H T S
SUSAN AND MIKE VANOUS
Finding A Place Called Home In 2016, Mike and Susan Vanous moved from Atlanta to St. Louis with their two sons. Feeling uncertain and a bit overwhelmed by the St. Louis high school landscape, they heard about SLUH from a friend. Five years later, they are grateful they chose SLUH for Noah ‘20 and Matthew ‘22.
Mike and Susan Vanous are members of the SLUH Leadership Circle.
Here’s their story, in their own words. What was it like moving to a new city for your boys for high school? The welcoming smiles and sincerity of the SLUH faculty and staff made us feel right at home. After touring the school, we had no doubt SLUH was where we wanted our boys to spend their high school careers. Jeff Pottinger went beyond his role as band director and connected us with a family in the Central West End, where we eventually moved. What do you value most about SLUH? SLUH promotes an environment that not only values academic achievement but also encourages students to focus on their impact
on their fellow classmates and on society. Over five years we have witnessed the brotherhood that develops among Jr. Bills and the genuine love that exists for their community. Any favorite SLUH memories? Noah had the opportunity to perform with the SLUH symphonic band in 2018 for Pope Francis and he was fortunate to shake hands with His Holiness. Both Noah and Matthew loved their experiences in band at SLUH. How did you (Susan) like serving as Mothers Club President in 2020-21? I had the opportunity to see the faculty and staff interact one-on-
one daily with students. There are so many amazing faculty and staff that hold special places in our hearts. They care deeply about all students and go out of their way to make sure the boys are successful emotionally and academically. The energy and love on campus is electric. Attending a schoolwide Mass and seeing the Si Commons transformed into a sacred place of worship is a special treat. Witnessing the school community’s love for Christ enforces why attending this Jesuit school is so special. It is incredible to see how many moms help with our events as they feel so grateful for their
sons’ experiences and know that SLUH is a special place. What compels you to donate to SLUH? Every single dollar raised makes a difference by giving students in need the opportunity to have the most enriching college preparatory opportunity possible, regardless of finances. Even better, their experience will not just be academic, but it will be spiritual and holistic as SLUH cultivates students to become Men for Others. Our world, and our future, needs these positive change agents.
SLUH | 2020-21 GRATITUDE REPORT | 19
NOMINATE AN ALUMNUS TODAY BACKER AWARD The highest honor that SLUH bestows upon its alumni, the Backer Award, is named for George and Anna Backer, whose generosity brought about the creation of our current campus. The award is presented to a deserving alumnus who embodies the mission of SLUH in extraordinary fashion. Backer Award nominees shall have achieved outstanding success in one or more of the following areas: service to their family, their church and humanity; contributions to their business or profession; leadership in civic or social work; and promotion of intellectual or cultural pursuits.
Do you know an alumnus worthy of this most esteemed award? If so, nominate him at sluh.org/awards.
NEW AT SLUH:
THE 1540 LIST In September 1540, St. Ignatius of Loyola and six companions lit the flame that would become the Society of Jesus. Together, these young men explored the intersections of faith and culture. Love and learning. Human nature and all of its many possibilities. Through service, solidarity and prayer, the Jesuits (as they are known today) were welcomed around the globe as men of wisdom and science, education and spiritual depth. With The 1540 List, we recognize 15 SLUH alumni under the age of 40 who—like the young, creative and bold leaders who came before them—are challenging our definitions of excellence, and setting the world on fire.
Know someone who should be on the list? Tell us at sluh.org/1540List
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2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees serves as St. Louis University High’s governing body and ensures that the future direction of the school fulfills its mission and founding purpose, ad majorem dei gloriam. To facilitate the decision-making process, various subcommittees report to the Board.
PRESTON HUMPHREY, JR. '90 MAN FOR OTHERS 1972-2021 The SLUH community was saddened to learn of the death of Preston Humphrey '90 on August 31, 2021. Preston was a class leader and Student Council President, and he sang with the Dauphin Players. A graduate of Washington University School of Law, he served as the federal public defender for the southern district of Illinois. He also coached the SLUH Mock Trial team. May the soul of Preston and all of our deceased alumni rest in eternal peace and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Thomas P. Berra Jr. ‘85 PP Member Lewis Rice LLC Alan R. Carruthers President St. Louis University High School Kwofe A. Coleman ‘01 Managing Director The Muny David G. Eichhorn ‘92 President and Head of Investment Strategies NISA Investment Advisors, LLC Timothy R. Fogerty PP President 23 City Blocks Catering David Glarner ‘89 Principal Raven Development Francis William Huete, SJ Socius U.S. Central and Southern Province of Jesuits LaShonda L. Lambert Howze Senior Counsel Schnucks Markets, Inc. Joseph F. Jedlicka ‘80 PP - Chair Legal and Business Consultant Darryl T. Jones ‘73 PP Owner D&D Concessions, LLC
Mark Mantovani ‘72 PP Former Chairman, President and CEO Ansira Paul L. Matecki ‘74 Retired General Counsel Raymond James Financial David. V. Meconi, SJ Assoc. Professor of Theological Studies and Director of the Catholic Studies Program Saint Louis University Mary R. Reedy PP John H. Schaefer ‘70 Retired President, COO Morgan Stanley Global Wealth Management Anjanette R. Schmelter PP Paul G. Sheridan, SJ President Emeritus St. Louis University High School David J. Suwalsky, SJ Superior, St. Jean de Brebeuf Jesuit Community, and Vice President, Mission and Identity Saint Louis University Mark A. Wilhelm ‘72 PP CEO Safety National Casualty Corp. John D. Wunderlich ‘66 PP
SLUH | 2020-21 GRATITUDE REPORT | 21
OPERATING REVENUES 2020-2021
% Total
Tuition $17,478,065 72.4% Student Activities & 397,601 1.6% Auxiliary Enterprises Other Revenue 6,263 0.0%
$17,881,929 74.1% Gift & Endowment Transfers
$6,256,845 25.9% Total Operating Revenues $24,138,774 100%
Other Revenue 0%
Tuition 72.4%
OPERATING EXPENSES 2020-2021
Instructional Direct Financial Assistance Student Activities & Auxiliary Enterprises General & Administrative Plant Operation
% Total
$14,535,212 60.2% 4,078,973 16.9% 1,950,647 8.1% 1,420,404 2,153,538
5.9% 8.9%
Total Operating Expenses $24,138,774 100%
Instructional 60.2% Direct Financial Assistance 16.9%
Gifts & Transfers From Endowment 25.9%
Student Activities & Auxiliary Enterprises 8.1%
Student Activities & Auxiliary Enterprises 1.6%
General Activities & Administration 5.9% Plant Operation 8.9%
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2020-21 MOTHERS CLUB OFFICERS
2020-21 FATHERS CLUB OFFICERS
2020-21 ALUMNI MOTHERS CLUB OFFICERS
CASHBAH AUCTION CO-CHAIRS
President Susan L. Vanous
President Mark R. Barnes
Megan Browdy Susan M. O'Keefe
President Elect Christine M. Mittendorf
Officers Thomas C. Albus '90 Peter A. Brawer Jason A. Browdy Michael J. Fiordelisi '89 Rich T. Ledbetter Kevin McDaniel William E. Newbold Timothy P. O'Keefe Craig M. Ortwerth '91 Timothy A. Walters '84 Brian M. Watkins '86
President Janet Knobbe Viox (dec’d)
Officers Nancy M. Blittschau Andrea F. Brockmann Sara L. Buehring Marilyn L. Gannon Jennifer Hempstead Elizabeth J. Mooney Elizabeth J. Morefield Christy R. Patritti Tracy A. Polansky Carol A. Swiecicki Jennifer L. Tieber Laurie L. Zeitler Karen S. Zenor Antoinette C. Zychinski
Officers Laura J. Cerutti Mary H. Cooley Marilyn Dell'Orco Lolly A. Frillman Mary Claire Garner Kim R. Graman Sandra A. Jansen Marybeth Lumetta Kathryn T. Snodgrass Peggy L. Wachter
WOMAN FOR OTHERS:
JANET KNOBBE VIOX (1958-2020) The SLUH community was saddened upon learning that Janet Knobbe Viox passed away on December 17, 2020, due to complications from a brain tumor. Janet was the wife of Mark and the mother of Daniel '07, Jeffrey '09, Elise and David '16 Viox. Janet was a tireless volunteer, whether it was working with the SLUH Mothers Club, tutoring students at Loyola Academy and Marian Middle School, helping to run the Loyola Santa Shop each Christmas, or leading the SLUH Alumni Mothers Club as President in 2020. She was also an important volunteer, along with Mark, for the Clavius Project. In honor of Janet’s dedication and commitment, the Mothers Club Loyola Santa Shop has been renamed as the Janet Knobbe Viox Loyola Santa Shop.
SLUH | 2020-21 GRATITUDE REPORT | 23
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ALUMNI BOARD The Alumni Board Council helps direct the Alumni Board, fostering an inclusive, dynamic community where SLUH alumni can come together in support of the school’s mission. These leaders are prayerfully selected by active leadership, Alumni & Advancement staff and SLUH President Alan Carruthers. Want to learn more about the SLUH Alumni Board? Contact Alumni Relations Coordinator Chris Buerke '09 (cbuerke@sluh.org). OFFICERS Mr. Richard Mehan, Jr. '70 President of the Alumni Board & Director of Class Captains Mr. Halpin Burke '82 Vice President of Service & Spirituality Mr. Brian Walsh '89 Vice President of Reunions & Events Mr. Thomas Erman '71 Vice President of Admissions Support
CLASS CAPTAINS
Located across the St. Louis area and all around the world, Class Captains build excitement around supporting the Jr. Bill Fund at SLUH. Through outreach and engagement with members of their graduating class, Class Captains help increase giving, promote community and advance the mission of the school. Mr. Daniel J. McAuliffe '53 Mr. Thomas R. Leritz '54 Mr. Thomas V. McTigue Jr. '55 Mr. Edward L. Golterman '56 Daniel L. Schlafly Jr., Ph.D. '57 Mr. Al W. Tikwart Jr. '59 Mr. John R. Gorman '60 Mr. J. M. Rohlfing '60 Mr. Donald S. Boyce Sr. '61 Richard E. Schrick Jr., M.D. '63 Mr. Robert A. Seitz '63 Mr. John L. Stein '63 Mr. Thomas W. Brockland '64 Mr. James L. Mudd Jr. '64 Michael J. Engle, Ph.D. '65 Mr. Edward W. Rataj '65 Mr. Paul L. Steube '65 Mr. David Powers '66 Stephen R. Kappel, M.D. '67 Mr. Michael J. Soehngen '67 Mr. Stephen E. Hutchison '68 Mr. Edward L. Bushmeyer Jr. '69 Mr. Lawrence B. Grebel '69 Mr. Peter Sharamitaro Jr. '69 Mr. Thomas J. Simon '69 Mr. William J. Kuehling '70 Mr. Richard J. Mehan Jr. '70 Mr. Mark S. Milburn '70 Mr. John C. Weller '70 Mr. James F. Whalen '70 Mr. Thomas J. Erman '71 Mr. Terry Moffitt '71
Mr. Timothy F. Rodgers '71 Mr. John R. Sondag '71 Mr. John E. Troy '71 Mr. Robert M. Walsh '71 Mr. David P. Weiss '71 Mr. Terry V. Altepeter '72 Mr. James P. Landolt '72 Mark G. Beck, D.D.S. '73 Mr. Michael J. Brand '73 Mark F. Stroble, M.D. '73 Michael F. Abels, D.D.S. '74 Mr. Mark A. Burmester '74 Mr. Patrick J. Leahy '76 Mr. David L. Richert Jr. '76 Mr. James P. Bick Jr. '77 Mr. Gene J. Brockland Jr. '77 Mr. Timothy G. Guelker '77 Mr. Timothy D. Milford Sr. '77 Martin L. Buchheit, D.D.S. '78 Mr. Anthony K. Conroy '78 Mr. Francis G. Ferrara '78 Mr. John M. Ferrara '81 Mr. Halpin J. Burke '82 Mr. Glen Kemper '82 Mr. Mark P. Clynes '83 Mr. Anthony S. Floretta '84 Mr. Thomas P. Berra Jr. '85 Mr. Richard A. Blankenship Jr. '85 Thomas J. Finan IV, Ph.D. '85 Mr. Timothy J. Graham '85 Mr. Patrick N. Mehan '86 Mr. Matthew Nordmann '86 Mr. Fred A. Surber Jr. '86 Mr. Peter A. Ferrara '87 Mr. Michael J. Grzesiowski '88 Mr. John T. Sadlo '89 Mr. Brian C. Walsh '89 The Honorable Thomas C. Albus '90 Mr. Michael R. Bowers '90 Mr. Louis H. Henderson '90 Mr. Mark F. Mueller '90 Mr. Robert R. O'Blennis '90 Mr. Richard K. Pickett '90
Mr. Anthony R. Winkeler '90 Mr. Roderick J. Harkey '91 Mr. J. P. Hoehn IV '91 Christopher S. Muskopf '91 Mr. Peter C. Palumbo '91 Mr. James M. Penilla '91 Mr. Peter J. Sadlo '91 Mr. John M. Wynne '91 Mr. Kevin J. Folkl '92 Mr. Robert M. Funke '92 Mr. Mark E. Berns '93 Mr. Joseph J. Buttice '93 Mr. Joseph F. Hodes '94 Mr. Dominic J. Orlando '94 Mr. Peter J. Schrappen '94 Mr. Eric N. Simon '94 Mr. Daniel P. Berns '95 Mr. Nicholas A. Kriegel '95 Mr. Daniel S. Leritz '95 Mr. John M. McArthur '95 Mr. John G. Weller '95 Mr. Gregory T. Donovan '96 Mr. William M. Hof '96 Mr. Timothy R. Powers '96 Mr. Jerry J. FitzGerald '97 Mr. James P. Sanders '97 Daniel T. Daly, Ph.D. '98 Mr. Timothy C. Hodits '98 Mr. Christopher P. Kellett '98 Mr. Brian C. Klos '98 Mr. John F. Meier '98 Mr. Gregory A. Pratt '98 Jeffrey P. Rombach '98 Robert L. Wacker '98 Mr. John J. Marino Jr. '99 Mr. Andrew R. Gilfoil '01 Mr. Garrett A. Holland '01 Mr. David P. Willard '01 Mr. Peter J. Berns '02 Mr. Joseph F. Devereux III '02 Mr. James W. Lutkewitte Jr. '02 Mr. Michael Mahon '02 Mr. Frank J. Sgroi '02
Mr. Adam J. Hilkenkamp '03 Mr. Cliff J. Reynolds Jr. '03 Mr. Nicholas C. Gresick '04 Mr. Kyle A. Poelker '04 Mr. Richard J. Bettger '05 Mr. Laurance M. Howe Jr. '05 Mr. Timothy P. Larkin '05 Mr. Kenny J. Reagan '05 Mr. Adam J. Castellano '06 Mr. Christopher M. Hoffmann '06 Mr. T. William Hartzler '08 Mr. Bradley W. Tharpe '08 Mr. Justin L. Bertani '09 Mr. Jeffrey M. Brand '09 Mr. Christopher D. Buerke '09 Mr. Andrew P. Howe '09 Mr. Joseph Schrick '09 Mr. Evan J. Sullivan '09 Mr. Christopher R. P. Ayala '10 Mr. Kevin J. McAuliffe '10 Mr. Richard J. Mehan III '10 Mr. Stephen E. Deves '11 Mr. Andrew J. Evola '11 Mr. Nicholas B. Hartzler '11 Mr. Daniel B. L'Ecuyer '11 Mr. Brad T. Pitlyk '11 Mr. Daniel L. Brummell '12 Mr. John W. Jedlicka '12 Mr. Matthew S. Sainz '12 Mr. Parker J. Schenk '12 Mr. Daniel T. Tlapek '12 Mr. Nicholas A. Kimble '13 Mr. Stephen A. Lordo '13 Mr. Nicholas A. Pertzborn '13 Mr. Alexander M. Ferrara '14 Mr. Andrew E. Gilkerson '14 Mr. William T. Kernell '14 Mr. Andrew W. Murphy '16 Mr. John M. Perryman '16 Mr. Samuel J. Tettamble '16
SLUH | 2020-21 GRATITUDE REPORT | 25 ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO THE BOARD * The President of SLUH and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees are Ex-Officio members of all advisory committees. We thank these volunteers for their generous service and good counsel. ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
ADVANCEMENT
Thomas C. Becvar Assistant Principal, Academics St. Louis University High School Rob N. Chura CP ‘21 Chair, Foreign Language Department St. Louis University High School Dr. Milena Garganigo CP ‘23 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching Clayton School District Ian R. Gibbons, SJ Principal St. Louis University High School Dr. John T. James PP Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Saint Louis University Mark Mantovani ‘72 PP Former Chairman, President and CEO Ansira Chris Mittendorf PP CP ‘22 Stephen D. Missey ‘88 CP ‘21 Faculty, English Department St. Louis University High School Mary R. Reedy PP Mary Russo Faculty, Science Department St. Louis University High School Susan Vanous PP CP ‘22 Anjanette R. Schmelter PP - Chair Daniel See PP Faculty, Math Department St. Louis University High School Dr. Theodore D. Washington PP Faculty Ladue School District
Sean T. Agniel ‘96 Director of Advancement St. Louis University High School Nicholas L. Bellon ‘00 Principal VonAllmen Capital Partners Thomas P. Berra Jr. ‘85 PP Member Lewis Rice LLC Kwofe A. Coleman ‘01 Managing Director The Muny Timothy R. Fogerty PP - Chair President 23 City Blocks Catering Dr. Kevin Foy CP ‘24 Chair, Social Studies Department St. Louis University High School Gerard M. Hempstead ‘89 PP CP ‘23 Managing Partner Northwestern Mutual Life Kevin C. Kissling ‘79 PP Consultant Collaborative Strategies John H. Lake ‘89 PP Partner Mercer Investments Peter C. Sharamitaro Jr. ‘69 PP President Sharamitaro & Associates, CPA Thomas J. Zinselmeyer Jr. ‘99 Faculty, Social Studies St. Louis University High School
BUDGET & FINANCE Thomas C. Becvar PP Assistant Principal, Academics St. Louis University High School John P. Csik ‘80 PP COO and Chief Financial Officer Safety National Casualty Corporation J. Christopher Hemmersmeier ‘84 President & CEO Jerry Seiner Dealerships
Francis William Huete, SJ Socius U.S. Central and Southern Province of Jesuits Darryl T. Jones ‘73 PP - Chair Owner D&D Concessions, LLC Thomas J. Keeline ‘68 PP Retired Partner Deloitte & Touche, LLP Joseph P. Komos, CPA, CGMA ‘77 PP Vice President, Administration St. Louis University High School Daniel J. McAuliffe ‘53 PP Manager, Partner McAuliffe Law Firm LLP Daniel M. Millman ‘87 PP Vice President Millman Lumber Company Julie Moeser Chair, Math Department St. Louis University High School John M. Penilla ‘99 Director of Alumni and Parent Giving St. Louis University High School Michael P. Siebert PP Accountant BWTP, PC David J. Suwalsky, SJ Superior, St. Jean de Brebeuf Jesuit Community, and Vice President, Mission and Identity Saint Louis University Charles F. Urschler Jr. ‘81 PP Director Deloitte Tax LLP Mark A. Wilhelm ‘72 PP CEO Safety National Casualty Corp.
ENDOWMENT INVESTMENT Sarah Becvar Faculty, Social Studies Department St. Louis University High School David G. Eichhorn ‘92 President and Head of Investment Strategies NISA Investment Advisors, LLC
Joseph P. Komos, CPA, CGMA ‘77 PP Vice President, Administration St. Louis University High School Timothy J. Lower ‘95 CEO Willow Tree Credit Paul L. Matecki ‘74 Retired General Counsel Raymond James Financial Michael P. Siebert Accountant BWTP, PC Mark A. Wilhelm ‘72 PP - Chair CEO Safety National Casualty Corp. David P. Willard ‘01 Founder & CEO 52 Capital Partners, LLC John D. Wunderlich ‘66 PP
FACILITIES Richard T. Bradley, P.E. ‘83 President St. Louis City Board of Public Service Francis J. Corley ‘77 Faculty, Math Department St. Louis University High School Fred C. Daues Jr. ‘71 PP President/Owner Masonry & Glass Systems Mark W. Franke ‘84 PP Vice President, Global Supply Chain World Wide Technology David Glarner ‘89 Principal Raven Development Rich T. Ledbetter PP CP ‘22 Chief Operating Officer Guarantee Electrical Company Robert J. Lochner ‘86 Vice President, Development Clayco, Inc. Michael G. McAuliffe ‘84 PP President Corrigan Company Robert C. Mitchell ‘74 Division Leader Franklin Mechanical
Joseph E. Rankin ‘83 Director of Facilities St. Louis University High School John D. Wunderlich ‘66 PP - Chair
IGNATIAN MISSION AND IDENTITY Thomas G. Auffenberg PP Former President Modern Litho-St. Louis H. Eric Clark ‘83 President Loyola Academy of St. Louis Ralph D. Houlihan, SJ ‘52 Special Assistant to the President St. Louis University High School Joseph Hill, SJ Director, Campus Ministry St. Louis University High School James Linhares PP Assistant Principal, Mission St. Louis University High School David V. Meconi, SJ - Chair Assoc. Professor of Theological Studies and Director of the Catholic Studies Program Saint Louis University Mark A. Wilhelm ‘72 PP CEO Safety National Casualty Corp. John D. Wunderlich ‘66 PP
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION Simonie Anzalone Faculty, Fine Arts and Campus Ministry Departments St. Louis University High School Thomas P. Berra Jr. ‘85 PP Member Lewis Rice LLC H. Eric Clark ‘83 President Loyola Academy of St. Louis Erwin Claggett Faculty, Social Studies Department St. Louis University High School Ian R. Gibbons, SJ Principal St. Louis University High School
Darryl T. Jones ‘73 PP Owner D&D Concessions, LLC Frank M. Kovarik ‘94 Faculty, English Department and Director, Equity & Inclusion St. Louis University High School Angela Sexton-Warner PP Parent & PACES Representative St. Louis University High School Nancy Parker Tice PP CP ‘23 Kate Toussaint Chair, Foreign Language Department St. Louis University High School Mark A. Wilhelm ‘72 PP CEO Safety National Casualty Corp.
EXECUTIVE Sean T. Agniel ‘96 Director of Advancement St. Louis University High School Timothy R. Fogerty PP President 23 City Blocks Catering Ian R. Gibbons, SJ Principal St. Louis University High School Ralph D. Houlihan, SJ ‘52 Special Assistant to the President Darryl T. Jones ‘73 PP - Chair Owner D&D Concessions, LLC Joseph P. Komos, CPA, CGMA ‘77 PP Vice President, Administration St. Louis University High School Joseph D. McAuliffe ‘94 Attorney McAuliffe Law Firm Anjanette R. Schmelter PP David J. Suwalsky, SJ Superior, St. Jean de Brebeuf Jesuit Community, and Vice President, Mission and Identity Saint Louis University Mark A. Wilhelm ‘72 PP CEO Safety National Casualty Corp. John D. Wunderlich ‘66 PP
26 L E T T E R F R O M T HE D IR E C T O R O F A D VA N C E ME N T
ADVANCEMENT STAFF 314-531-3062 or 314-531-0330 plus ext. number
THANK YOU FOR PASSING THE TORCH Ascesis (noun): Training; self-discipline, especially in a spiritual sense. (Greek origin: ασκήσις)
SEAN AGNIEL ‘96 Director of Advancement Ext. 2095 — sagniel@sluh.org
St. Louis U. High is about ascesis and, by way of your charitable support, you are as well.
AMANDA ANTONY
It was interesting to see many schools and worthy non-profits plead during the pandemic: “The need has never been greater.” I assure you it was tempting for us to say the same. But, what about the last couple of pandemics our school endured, or both World Wars, or the Civil War...
Database Coordinator Ext. 2084 — aantony@sluh.org
As the forces of history press on and press in, SLUH remains about our Jesuit directed mission: forming young men “dedicated to building Christ’s kingdom of truth, justice, love and peace,” and ensuring that all young men of potential have this opportunity, regardless of economic circumstances. You, our donors, make this possible. You allowed us to keep our head and provide today’s Jr. Bill’s with the rigor and tradition of SLUH that we all expect.
Alumni Relations Coordinator Ext. 2115 — cbuerke@sluh.org
The Jr. Bill experience in 2021 is not what it was in 2018 or 1818, but the fraternity that bonds alumni across generations was and is ever-present at Backer Memorial. The year was marked by selfdiscipline and extraordinary training in academics and spirituality, in athletics and co-curriculars – all producing excellence in performance AND forming souls in compassion. Ascesis. When you make a gift to SLUH, it can mean giving up another opportunity, or experience, some pleasure or even some need. God moves in the space of this charitable act, forming us in the model of his generosity: Christ. You model for our students, and our community, what it means to be formed as Men and Women for Others. Thank you for passing the torch of service for a self-emptying mission and a soul-building purpose for our world.
CHRIS BUERKE ‘09
BETH CHIPLEY Campaign Coordinator Ext. 2114 — bchipley@sluh.org
LIZ CRAFT Advancement Assistant Ext. 2118 —lcraft@sluh.org
LINDA DOMEYER Director of Leadership Giving Ext. 2113 — ldomeyer@sluh.org
CONNIE LEINAUER Parent Engagement Coordinator Ext. 2116 — cleinauer@sluh.org
Sean Agniel ‘96 Director of Advancement
SUSAN O'KEEFE Advancement Events Assistant sokeefe@sluh.org
JOHN PENILLA ‘99 This Gratitude Report from the President is a publication for alumni, parents and friends of St. Louis University High School. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this report. If an omission or error has occurred, please contact Amanda Antony, Database Coordinator, at aantony@sluh.org. Thank you!
Director of Alumni and Parent Giving Ext. 2170 — jpenilla@sluh.org
SEE ALL THINGS NEW IN CHRIST From May 2021 until July 2022, the Jesuits and the Ignatian family celebrate an Ignatian Year. What is an Ignatian Year? May 20, 2021 marks the 500th anniversary of the beginning of St. Ignatius’ enormous change of life – that fateful day when Ignatius the soldier, struck by a cannonball, began his transformation into Ignatius the pilgrim. How might we grow in our relationship with God and our love for one another by meditating on this important moment in Ignatius’ life? God continues to invite each of us into a deepening relationship, to ongoing conversion. We believe that by embracing this invitation, we embrace our God who calls us to act in new, bold ways that reconcile our world, bringing about justice, peace and compassion. For this Ignatian Year, we ask for the grace to see all things new in Christ. Learn more about the Ignatian Year
LISTEN TO THE INSIGNIS PODCAST The newest SLUH Insignis podcast episode celebrates the Ignatian Year with interviews, "down the hall" SLUH short-takes and homegrown music. Show host and Assistant Principal for Mission Jim Linhares talks with new Campus Ministry Director and Theology teacher Fr. Matt Stewart SJ ‘98, former SLUH Student Dean and current President of Loyola Academy Dr. Eric Clark ‘83, and past parents Patty and Dan Federer ‘83.
www.sluh.org/insignis
“The 2021 class motto, ‘Just Glad to be Here,’ is very special to me, as SLUH’s generosity gave me the opportunity to attend the school. I really value all the relationships I made, especially those with my teachers who pushed me to be a better student and a Man for Others. Learning to think critically and apply what I’ve learned to the real world has led to my success both inside and outside of the classroom.” – CAMILO HERNANDEZ ‘21 Attending Washington University in St. Louis
