MAGAZINE
|
SUMMER 2017
MEN FOR OTHERS :
CENTRO SAN YVES,
HONDURAS
AL SO I N S I D E : 200 YEARS IN THE MAKING: SLUH CELEBRATES BICENTENNIAL JR. BILLS ADDRESS WORLD WATER CRISES ALUMNI-STUDENT COLLABORATIONS
“SHE IS CLOTHED IN DIGNITY AND STRENGTH AND LAUGHS WITHOUT FEAR OF THE FUTURE.” – PROVERBS 31:25
Dear St. Louis U. High Community, As we begin celebrating our school’s 200th anniversary, it’s fitting that we proudly introduce the first issue of our new SLUH Magazine. This comprehensive, quarterly publication incorporates elements from previous publications, including the student-centric 1818 Insider and alumni-focused U. HIGHlights, while also bringing you faculty/staff and campus components, and much more. Our inaugural issue features an overview of our Bicentennial, related events and perspectives from our Fr. John J. Divine Alumni Service Award-winning Archive Committee, in addition to a look at our 2016-17 school year theme of human dignity and, specifically, the good work of recently retired Spanish teacher Charley Merriott in Honduras. In response to requests for more video footage, our spring and fall issues will be sent electronically so you can see our school come to life on your screen. If you currently do not receive email correspondence from SLUH, please send us your email address to alumni@sluh.org. Finally, I invite you to participate in at least one of our Bicentennial events over the next 18 months. Even if you’re out of town and cannot return to St. Louis, you can connect with us via social media and our Bicentennial Mosaic (see Bicentennial feature). Thank you for staying engaged with us through our new SLUH Magazine, and let us know what you think or if you have story suggestions. Send us a note at magazine@sluh.org. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable summer. Happy SLUH Bicentennial! God bless,
David J. Laughlin President
Summer 2017 | 1
MAGAZINE
ABOUT SLUH Magazine is a quarterly publication for alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, benefactors and friends of St. Louis University High School. The spring and fall issues are sent electronically. If you do not receive correspondence from SLUH but wish to, please send a note to alumni@sluh.org with your name, email and mailing address.
IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER:
Two Jr. Bills on a spring break service trip in Honduras. Photo by Will Kelly '17. See his photo journal on page 22.
16
JR. BILLS ADDRESS WORLD WATER CRISES
CONTACT SLUH Magazine St. Louis University High School 4970 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 magazine@sluh.org EDITOR Ben DuMont '92, Director of Communications SUBMISSIONS Story ideas and submissions are welcome. Please send a note to magazine@sluh.org. THANK YOU Photography Club (Louis Barnes '19, Jacob McCullar '20, Sulli Wallisch '19, Antwine Willis '19 and moderator Kathy Chott) for their dedication and commitment in digitally capturing life at SLUH…and to students who contribute to Prep News, SLUHTube, Sisyphus and Gadfly, for enriching the SLUH experience through their coverage, perspectives and creativity.
www.sluh.org facebook.com/sluhigh @sluh @sluhjrbills COPYRIGHT © 2017 St. Louis University High School
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CENTRO SAN YVES: THE HONDURAS PROJECT
26
18
200 YEARS IN THE MAKING: SLUH CELEBRATES BICENTENNIAL
39
ALUMNI-STUDENT COLLABORATIONS
HUMAN DIGNITY SLUH BICENTENNIAL
STUDENTS, FA C U LT Y & S TA F F
ALUMNI
1818 INSIDER
FEATURES
U. HIGHLIGHTS
AROUND THE HALLS 5 Semester Highlights
THE HONDURAS PROJECT 18 Su Legado Vive: Charley Merriott
ALUMNI PROFILES 39 Teaching by Example
6 SLUH Welcomes
New Principal
SPORTS 7 Spring Sports Recap
8 Jones Takes Helm
as Football Coach
ARTS 9 Semester Highlights CAMPUS MINISTRY 10 Connecting Art and Spirituality
46 Bionic Man
22 Live, Love: A Honduras
ADVANCEMENT 48 Servant Leader to be Remembered in Perpetuity: Mike Feder '81
Photo Journal
200 YEARS IN THE MAKING: SLUH BICENTENNIAL 26 SLUH Bicentennial
50 Noteworthy 51 Requiescat in Pace
28 Bicentennial Events 29 Historical Snapshot 30 #2Centuries2Words 32 Who Do You Know? 34 Preservation Bills Provide
52 Ignatian Reflection 53 Upcoming Events
COLLEGE COUNSELING 12 Meeting a Moving Target
GLOBAL EDUCATION 14 One of a Kind
THROUGHOUT THIS PUBLICATION
STEM 16 The Sky’s the Limit
Glimpse into Past
SEE THE COMMON THREAD OF GRATITUDE AS WE CELEBRATE OUR BICENTENNIAL
Forming Men
#2Centuries2Words
– STEPHEN HUTCHISON '68
sluh.org/bicentennial/mosaic Summer 2017 | 3
1818 INSIDER
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1818 INSIDER
AROUND THE HALLS
SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS Lead. Learn. Proclaim. SLUH’s Campus Ministry team was honored by the National Catholic Education Association with the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award at the organization’s annual conference in St. Louis. The award recognizes the outstanding efforts, contributions and achievements on behalf of Catholic school education. Campus Ministry team members honored include Simonie Anzalone, Meg Beugg, Nick Ehlman '99, Dan Finucane '06, Brian Gilmore '02, Jorie O’Malley and Nick Schwetz '11.
SLUH Iron Chef Student chefs and alumni representing some of the best culinary talent in the area teamed up at SLUH’s inaugural Iron Chef competition. The event, which mimicked Food Network’s Iron Chef America, showcased local alumni chefs and restaurateurs, while exposing students to healthy eating that utilizes low impact, flavor-packed foods. It was a remarkable success with good media coverage, and plans are underway to make it an annual event. Intention. Habit. Formation. In 2016-17, new colorful signage surfaced throughout the building at SLUH. These signs illustrate foundational values, principles, practical approaches and new school policies surrounding the use of technology. Their slogan: Intention. Habit. Formation. “We felt the need for
communal ways of limiting ourselves and finding the proper balance with technology use,” says Jim Linhares, Assistant Principal for Mission, who spearheaded this initiative. “It’s not only in response to research uncovering the perils of overuse, but we value the need to be thoughtful and reflective in our approach to communication and learning as it relates to technology. It’s what our Jesuit mission calls us to do.”
SuperMileage Champs SLUH placed first in Missouri’s SuperMileage Challenge, a sustainability and STEM event focusing on competition vehicle design, fabrication and testing, held April 18 at the University of Central Missouri. Jr. Bills were on a combined team with Cor Jesu and Miller Career Academy. They competed in a Ranken Technical College-sponsored vehicle, which won with 219.678 average miles per gallon and a highest run of 234 miles per gallon. President Search After 12 years at the helm, President David Laughlin announced he will be leaving SLUH in July 2018, when he goes to Rockhurst High School to serve as their president. Laughlin is SLUH’s longest serving—and first lay—president. The Board of Trustees is conducting a nationwide search for his successor. New Immersion Trips Two new spring break trips were added to the calendar of student immersion experiences: a second annual trip to Centro San Yves, a center for malnourished children in
Yoro, Honduras, and the Kino Border Initiative in which Jr. Bills work with migrants for a week on the U.S./ Mexico border.
Ignatian Carbon Challenge SLUH participated in the inaugural Ignatian Carbon Challenge, an international effort to respond to our current ecological context, the needs of the global community, and Pope Francis’ call to be responsible stewards of creation. Students and teachers learned about climate change and appropriate, concrete methods for living more sustainably through individual and school challenges. Examples include tastetesting fair trade chocolate and investigating the sale of bottled water on-campus, among others. Science teacher Bill Anderson '78 is part of a national group designing the challenges for next year’s Ignatian Carbon Challenge 2.0. Curriculum Institutes SLUH is hosting a series of meetings this summer to bring together teachers from across departments to study topics of interest, and ultimately to shape a curriculum that encourages more student creativity and connections between classes. Topic areas include STEM innovation, sustainability and Pope Francis’s Laudato Si, Civil Rights and Human Dignity, and the freshman experience.
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Here’s what else you may want to know about this St. Louis native who will help lead SLUH into the future:
SLUH WELCOMES
NEW PRINCIPAL FR. IAN GIBBONS, S.J. On July 1, Fr. Ian Gibbons, S.J. assumed the role as SLUH’s new Principal. You may know he most recently served as Assistant Principal at Regis High School in New York and, prior to that, as Special Assistant to the President at Strake Jesuit College Prep in Houston. But did you also know he spent more than a year in the Belize missions, published a paper on zero inflation economic policies with the Federal Reserve and served as an NFL Catholic Chaplain while at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City? 6 | SLUH Magazine
• High School (yep, since he’s from St. Louis): Edwardsville High School • College: Earned a B.S. in economics and an MBA from Southern Illinois University; master’s degrees from Saint Louis University (American Studies), Boston College (Masters of Divinity) and University of San Francisco (Catholic Education Leadership) • Entered the Jesuits: 1995 • Ordination: 2006 • Subjects taught: Economics, history, Scripture, world religions and business accounting • Other work experience: Spent six years as the Pastoral, Service, and Faculty Formation Director at Rockhurst High School; assisted with student affairs at Regis Jesuit in Denver; created English programs at Fényi Gyula Jezsuita in Miskolc, Hungary; and worked in development at Strake Jesuit • Family: His mother is British, and he has two older sisters (one lives and works in Iceland) and a younger brother
FAVORITES OF FR. GIBBONS • Prayer: Prayer for Generosity • Quote: “Wonder is a kind of desire for knowledge.” Thomas Aquinas • Book: Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder • Movie: Gravity • Band/Singer: Sigur Rós (Icelandic band) • Sports Team: St. Louis Cardinals • Hobby: Visiting museums and sites related to history • Food: Vietnamese • Hero: St. Thomas More • Childhood Memory: Visiting the beach in Tampa Bay and the Bahamas
1818 INSIDER
SPORTS
SPRING SPORTS RECAP Lacrosse A successful regular season landed the varsity lacrosse team as the #4 seed in the Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association postseason. The team overcame a 6-1 deficit to defeat CBC 11-9 in the quarterfinals before falling to MICDS 12-8 in the semifinals.
Baseball With the varsity baseball team’s loss to Vianney in the district final, a remarkable and noteworthy set of streaks came to an end: a streak of district tournament championships that extended 26 consecutive seasons (1991-2016), and a streak of 56 consecutive district wins, including the district semifinals this year. Congratulations to Steve Nicollerat and all the players and coaches who were part of this history-making run. Golf The varsity golf team drove its way through the MCC season, accumulating a 7-0 record and claiming the conference title. A 2ndplace finish in districts advanced the team to sectionals, at which a 2ndplace finish qualified the entire team for the state tournament in Joplin. After finishing the first day in seventh place, the golfers put together a strong second day to jump two spots and land at 5th place in Class 4. Inline Hockey The inline hockey team skated to the top spot in the Varsity 3 division regular season with 11 wins, 1 regulation loss and 2 overtime losses. After victories in the postseason quarterfinals and semifinals, the team fell to Columbia (IL) in the final and finished as the Varsity 3 runner-up.
Rugby The varsity rugby squad stacked its regular season with tough competition in the St. Louis area and against some of the best teams in the Midwest in various tournaments. The team navigated through the state tournament to the final and almost overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit, but ultimately fell 27-26 to claim 2nd place. Tennis The varsity tennis team displayed steady improvement throughout the season and peaked in the conference and district tournaments. At the MCC Tournament, the three SLUH doubles teams each claimed the top spot in their respective flights. In the District Tournament, the team won its quarterfinal and semifinal matches before falling to Lindbergh in the team final. Track and Field Varsity track and field brought home the 2017 MCC title in the conference meet at DeSmet. Strong showings at
the district and sectional meets led to the following results at the state meet: • 4x800 relay (Roman Lipinski, Patrick Hetlage, Paul Burka, Lazarus Williams): 3rd place • 800 meters (Roman Lipinski): 4th place • 800 meters (Lazarus Williams): 9th place • High Jump (Dan McMurran): tied for 12th place • 3200 Meters (Patrick Hetlage): 15th place
Volleyball SLUH volleyball followed an undefeated MCC season by claiming the Class 4, District 1 title with a win over CBC. The team marched to the state final—defeating Francis Howell Central in the quarterfinals and Marquette in the semifinals—where it landed the runner-up designation in a tough 3-set loss to Lafayette. Water Polo The varsity water polo team claimed its third consecutive District Water Polo crown with a 9-4 win over Ladue in the championship game. The team manufactured an undefeated season against St. Louis area teams, earning the top spot in the Gateway West Conference. —Chris Muskopf '91, Athletic Director
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SPORTS
JONES TAKES HELM AS FOOTBALL COACH Mike Jones is widely known as “The Tackle” for his famous play that won the Super Bowl for the St. Louis Rams in 1999. But the SLUH community can now refer to him as Coach Jones. The new head coach for the varsity football team, Jones brings valuable coaching experience at both the high school and college level to SLUH. Originally from Kansas City and educated in Catholic schools, Jones flourished at Hazelwood East as defensive coordinator from 2004-08 and head coach from 2008-10. During this time, he led the Spartans to a state championship (2008) and a second-place finish (2004). In addition to coaching at the high school level, Jones has served as linebackers coach at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., and head coach at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Following a successful career at Mizzou, where he was a four-year starter, team captain and leader in rushing and receptions, Jones played 12 years in the NFL for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (199196), St. Louis Rams (1997-2000) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2001-02). A captain for all three teams, Jones is best known for his tenacious defense and making the tackle that cemented the Rams’ Super Bowl victory in 2000. “As a man of faith, I am looking forward to mentoring and coaching at a school with a rich and deep history of grooming young men,” says Jones. “I view my role as more than coaching. These young men are entrusted to me to teach life skills, focus on education and mentor to add value to their communities.”
Jones succeeds Gary Kornfeld as head football coach. During his 29-year career as head coach, Kornfeld, who was inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame last year, earned the most victories in school history with a 212-105 record.
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1818 INSIDER
THE ARTS
ARTS: SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS
The Dauphin Players, along with Band, Orchestra and Choir, put on sensational, pro-grade productions of God of Carnage and Mary Poppins.
numerous pieces of student artwork were also featured at this event. The St. Louis Artist Guild High School show accepted and exhibited artwork from Sean Anderson '18, Joseph Fentress '17, Dominic Heithaus '17, Ryan Kaemmerlen '19, Daniel Knight '17, Will Kramer '17, Ian Mulvihill '17 and Will Slama '17. Zach Brock '17 was honored with the Joe Schulte Award. Joseph Hartung '18 was selected as the 2nd chair Jazz trombonist in the All-State Jazz Band.
Trevor Scott '17 was selected to the All-National Choir; Sam Pottinger '18 earned a spot on the All-State Choir; five Jr. Bills were chosen for the District Honor Choir; and five Choir ensembles and/or solos received a top rating of I at State.
All 16 band and orchestra students who participated in the State Solo & Ensemble Festival received the highest rating. SLUH band, orchestra and chorus members performed at the National Catholic Educators Conference at the America’s Center in St. Louis;
The Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra and Symphonic Band earned “Gold” Ratings at the WorldStrides Music Festival in New Orleans. They received honors for Best Music Program, Adjudicators Award, 1st place Band and Outstanding Orchestra. Individual awards for Outstanding Musicianship went to Thomas Curdt '18, Ezana Ephrem '18, Joseph Hartung '18, Handley Hicks '19, Kevin Murati '18, Anthony Rizzo '19.
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CAMPUS MINISTRY
Connecting Art and Spirituality The river slips through the sprawling landscape like a broad watercolor brush caressing the canvas, gliding and gurgling ceaselessly by. Here young hearts and minds ponder the brilliance and beauty of creation, sketching their own perspectives, etching their own expressions of something transcendent, that which beckons the ever-flow of lively water. Some say that SLUH today is more Jesuit than ever. Whether or not that statement bears any merit, the school continues to develop and strengthen programming that preserves and enhances our Ignatian identity. This is clearly evident via an increasingly robust retreat program that offers more opportunities for students to cultivate their faith in new and meaningful ways. In addition to the Wilderness Retreat, which launched in 2016, SLUH now offers an Art Retreat. This overnight retreat, designed by theology teacher Dan Finucane '06 and fine arts teacher Sean Powers '05, serves as a pathway to increased knowledge about the self and of the transcendent, and a deeper level of participation in the world around us. Thirteen upperclassmen participated this past school year in the first Art Retreat, which welcomes artistic forms of expression like the visual arts, poetry, movement, music and acting. A couple of Jr. Bills share their own reflections here.
DID YOU KNOW? • SLUH offers a wide variety of retreats—18, to be exact—for students at all grade levels. In addition, the traditional Freshman/ Sophomore/Junior Retreats, students can deepen their faith on Philia (considering issues of diversity from a spiritual
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perspective), Service Learning, Kairos (student-led), Manresa (silent in the Ignatian tradition) and Wilderness, among others. • During the week of Thanksgiving, classes were not in session to allow for Retreat Week, which included Freshman Retreat, the Service
Learning Retreat, two Junior Retreats and a Kairos Retreat. • In 2017-18, retreats (all fee-free) will be required for all freshmen, sophomores and juniors. SLUH is working to implement a mandatory retreat program for seniors in the near future.
1818 INSIDER
IN THEIR OWN WORDS The Art Retreat was unlike any other retreat I have attended at St. Louis U. High, but just as spiritually fulfilling. At the White House Retreat Center along the beautiful Mississippi River, it was a very serene time in the midst of a hectic end to the semester. Teacher reflections on their own various art forms allowed me to explore my own art, music and poetry, as well as my own self. Mr. Powers gave an especially thought-provoking reflection on painting and finding God in all things, and showed us a painting he made of Christ’s hands molding clay, and another of the Holy Family depicted as a homeless family. This inspired me to reflect and pray about how I can better see the face of Jesus in even the poorest of the poor, who were made visible by Mr. Power’s paintings. The retreat also gave me more self-confidence in my writing skills, and a great sense of brotherhood was fostered throughout our two-day retreat. I got to know fellow upperclassmen that I had never talked to before, and was amazed by their talents as well. I am incredibly grateful to go to a school like SLUH where I am surrounded by such thoughtful and talented brothers and teachers. —James Pollard '18
as an oasis for just 24 quick hours before I plunged back into the frantic pace that defines a SLUH lifestyle. In the midst of play rehearsals, dance classes and voice lessons, one might think that a retreat all about fine arts would not seem that relaxing to me. However, the retreat joined two aspects of my life I thought previously separate: my faith and my performance. The retreat, peppered with talks, discussed how art connects to one’s self, others and God. English teacher Mr. Hussung shared an idea of how God has bestowed these gifts upon us, and using these talents is a form of prayer. I had always heard that in grade school as a motivator to sing in Mass, but the line struck me a little differently this time. To fill the rest of the retreat, I chose a poem that lent itself to acting and practiced it to perform in front of the group at the end of the second day. While practicing, I felt surprisingly more in touch with God than I had ever felt while acting. Through studying a character, I could tap into a network of human behavior, and at the source of that network was God. My personal connection between acting and God had never been more clear. On the Art Retreat, I learned that I could use performance to be in harmony with Christ, and when on stage, feel His light surround me instead of spotlights. —Pierce Hastings '18
The Art Retreat fell perfectly into one of the busiest weeks of the year for me. The White House Retreat Center served
Brothers, Friends
#2Centuries2Words
– PATRICK MEHAN '86
Summer 2017 | 11
COLLEGE COUNSELING
Meeting a Moving Target
A few years ago, SLUH undertook a comprehensive strategic thinking initiative that focused on several distinct areas, including college counseling. Since then, the school has hired three full-time college counselors and started a College Counseling department, which, still in its infancy, has already distinguished itself with a robust year-round program that provides a highly flexible model and more personalized support for students and families. And that’s just the start. Sam Chechik '17 may be an anomaly in that he applied to 20 universities, but SLUH was equipped to help him throughout the entire process—a timely and daunting endeavor even for those applying to half that number of schools. “SLUH provided exceptional guidance and kept in regular communication with my mom and me,” says Chechik. “I met with my college counselor at least once a quarter as a junior, and I was in touch with him far more often as a senior.” Today’s evolving, complex and highly competitive college admissions process requires extraordinary time and attention. Earlier timelines and early decisions are becoming more important, and colleges are seeing record numbers of applications. Simultaneously, selectivity among colleges has increased significantly. To top it off, college tuition continues to rise at a steady pace—tripling, in fact, at private universities and doubling at public schools in the past few decades. Financial aid is increasingly critical for families. According to a survey on Passing up First Choice College (Royal & Co Survey), more than 40% of the time a family doesn’t attend the first choice school, the reason is financial.
“I think the effort by everyone at SLUH and the additions in counseling made a difference in our son receiving an incredible opportunity.” – GREG SPENCE, PAST PARENT (CAMERON '17) “Our counseling model provides us the ability to focus and prioritize the college counseling process more than we have in our past,” says Kevin Crimmins, Director of College Counseling. “It’s built around flexibility and adaptability to meet the dynamic moving target of the college counseling environment.” Crimmins joined SLUH in 2015 after serving as Associate Director of Admissions at Washington University’s Olin Business School. Under his leadership, SLUH has added two
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1818 INSIDER
DID YOU KNOW? A RECENT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SURVEY OF 2006-2013 SLUH GRADUATES REVEALED: The 2016-17 school year launched a newly organized Counseling program, now known as Student Support Services. Comprised of School Counselors, College Counselors and Learning Consultants, it provides greater attention and more personalized service to our students and families.
47%
earned 11+ college credits while at SLUH
46%
used 11+ college credits at the university they attended
20%
graduated with an undergraduate degree (compared to national average of about 60%)
38%
82%
OF THOSE WHO EARNED AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE:
70%
regularly participated in faith formation activities during college
more college counselors, bringing the total to 3.5 full-time employees, and developed a comprehensive plan. Among the department’s goals, he says, “We aim to stretch our students and families so they can consider the full array of options available, while also advancing our reputation and building relationships with colleges.” SLUH’s new “core plan” features increased programming for juniors and seniors, along with a new technology platform for improved research, selection and application processes. In addition, a new “early engagement plan” provides guidance for freshmen and sophomores. Unique to schools in the region, SLUH now offers a yearround program, with college counselors working throughout the summer to host junior meetings and activity days with application bootcamps, and to allow more time for college relationship building. In one short year, the College Counseling department has developed a solid foundation upon which to build. And already, plans are underway to enhance career exploration, implement a “career speakers” series, and as funding becomes available, add new office space and more counselors.
84%
graduated in four years or less
(far less than national average of 6 years)
94%
used 20+ college credits at the university they attended
earned more than one major or degree
received scholarships
“We continue to work to provide our students and families the best possible programming that is highly personalized as well as timely, relevant and responsive,” says Crimmins. Tools are in place to track success over time, but already, SLUH has seen many successes. “I think the effort by everyone at SLUH and the additions in counseling made a difference in our son receiving an incredible opportunity,” says Greg Spence, whose son Cameron '17 received the Trustee Scholarship, Viterbi Fellow and Viterbi Scholar awards at the University of Southern California, where he’s attending this fall on a full ride. Among Cameron’s aspirations: he hopes to become an astronaut. Ed Gartner '17, who earned a full scholarship to Princeton University, says that his college counselor, Kate Kindbom, “encouraged me to apply for QuestBridge, and she was incredibly patient and helpful even when I emailed her for guidance at 11:00 at night right before a deadline.” “Senior year was tough with college applications, on top of everything else,” says Chechik, who is attending the University of Pennsylvania this fall. “But my counselor kept me organized and on task through a long and difficult process, and I feel like it’s paid off.”
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GLOBAL EDUCATION
ONE OF A KIND This spring marked a significant milestone for SLUH’s global education program: the first Chinese exchange student graduated as a Jr. Bill. For those who know him, Lancer Li '17 is a oneof-a-kind in many ways, a young man defined more by the promise and opportunity of his future than the accolades and achievements of his past. He is clearly going places, starting with college.
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1818 INSIDER
When Li steps onto the campus of Duke University as a freshman this fall, he will do so a changed person— somebody who, just as importantly, changed SLUH. Li entered SLUH second semester his sophomore year as part of a 22-yearold exchange program with Nanjing Foreign Language School, one of the top schools in China. He acclimated easily with a friendly, upbeat nature; participated in the math and science clubs; earned SLUH’s top score in the American Math Competition 12; and aced AP Calculus and AP Chemistry— all as a sophomore. Given the opportunity to remain at SLUH in 2015 as part of the school’s expanding exchange program, he opted to stay. Though Li says the decision was difficult, it was well worth it. He immersed himself at SLUH and rose to his potential, becoming an officer in the National Honor Society and earning the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
different environment than secular Nanjing, where he says everybody is generally more practical and reserved. After cultivating his faith over two years at SLUH and consulting with the Jesuits, Li was baptized on Easter Vigil at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. “SLUH has provided me greater awareness of who I am, how I can better impact society and believe in my own free will to change the world,” he says. Li plans to graduate from Duke with degrees in Statistical Science and Computer Science, with a minor in Business. He hopes to run a technology business that focuses on data analysis and creative design before eventually becoming a teacher. “Lancer jumped into the SLUH experience with his whole heart,” says social studies teacher Kevin Foy, whose family hosted Li this year. “He has chosen to use his gifts and talents for so many great things—not just getting high grades.
“My SLUH experience, more than anything, fostered my faith in Christianity.” – LANCER LI '17 and Princeton Book Award, among others. He finished second overall and first (junior) in the MCTM/GPML Mathematics Qualifying Contest and second place in the Missouri Chembowl Competition. In addition, his incredible artistic ability allowed him to complete more than 50 stunning drawings for Prep News. “My SLUH experience, more than anything, fostered my faith in Christianity,” says Li, who was the first exchange student to both participate in and lead a Kairos Retreat. “Kairos was incredibly powerful and life changing.” SLUH offered Li a dramatically
“I have faith in my friends, brothers, teachers, counselors and my loving host families. The future is all unknown, yet it all rests in the hand of God. I have that faith.”
DID YOU KNOW? • In 2016-17, SLUH hosted seven exchange students from the Nanjing Foreign Language School in China, two from Colombia and two from Russia, in addition to 12 Australian and 7 Russian student visitors. • SLUH introduced Arabic as part of its foreign language offerings in 2016-17, bringing the total number to seven (Chinese, French, Greek, Latin, Russian and Spanish). In 2017-18, Arabic II will be offered as well.
His interest in service, journalism, art and faith show how compatible Lancer and SLUH have been for each other.” Though Li is a tough, if not impossible, act to follow, he has provided future exchange students an example to model in that they, too, through the application of their own gifts and talents, can graduate from SLUH. In fact, three of the Chinese exchange students have transferred as full-time students to complete their junior and senior years as Jr. Bills.
Above: Three of SLUH’s Chinese exchange students have transferred as full-time students, just as Li did before his junior year.
“Faith has brought me here and showed me many miracles,” says Li.
Summer 2017 | 15
STEM
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
A couple years ago, a group of Jr. Bills learned about the travails of gathering water in a small village in Kenya. Each day, women and children walk five kilometers with five-gallon jugs to get water from a bacteria- and cholera-infested creek. In addition to being unsanitary and physically demanding, it’s an incredibly inefficient use of time—time that could be better spent farming, working, housekeeping and learning. Short of a magic wand, these students had the next best thing to help: sharp minds and big hearts.
#2Centuries2Words
Their story began when Jimmy Reddy '16, now a sophomore at Washington University, attended a conference for MedLaunch, a non-profit, biomedical and entrepreneurship incubator partnering with Saint Louis University and other local organizations. There he met Dr. Martin Schmidt, a pediatrician at Cardinal Glennon and missionary who was looking for a water-collecting solution for a Kenyan village he served. Soon after, Reddy, a member of SLUH’s business incubator called Ignatian Business Leaders (IBL), founded Skydration. His mission: to invent and distribute simple, reliable rainwater collection technology to reduce health risks and wasted time around the world. He assembled a team of fellow Jr. Bills to fulfill his lofty mission: Dan Wagner '17 (technology and design), Joe
Spirit, Determination – NORM THOMAS '63
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1818 INSIDER
Reznikov '17 (outreach), Andrew Pluff '17 (marketing), and Zach Hennes '17 (logistics). They envisioned a simple, affordable design to ease implementation and make it widely available. Utilizing existing components, including rooftops and water jugs (called jerrycans) owned by villagers, they collaborated and tinkered in a painstaking, iterative process—failing several times—before developing a system that would successfully funnel rainwater from a rooftop into, successively, several jerrycans. One of their early designs used a hard plastic corkscrew for the jerrycans with a T-connector for the water tubes; however, after testing, they found the connector limited the flow rate and area of the tube. They presented a newer version at a MedLaunch event at SLUH in 2016, but the model did not create a water-tight seal. According to Wagner, “We made a mess.” On another attempt, the Jr. Bills assembled a contraption after school one day at Hennes’s home. “That design was so flawed even duct tape couldn’t make it work,” says Reznikov. They also collaborated with science teacher Charlie Busenhart outside of class, feeding blue-dyed water from a series of test tubes into beakers, to refine their system. Ultimately, the Jr. Bills concluded they needed a 3D printer to create synthetic rubber seals. With funds Reddy won at pitch contests through SLU and SLUH’s IBL, they purchased a 3D printer and created 30 prototypes for Dr. Schmidt to take to Africa. The group is gathering and tabulating results from the prototypes, which represent their most viable solution. Early reports are positive. In addition to a lack of time (the Jr. Bills will be full-time college students), Skydration faces one major hurdle: they need about $10,000 to mass-produce their prototypes. As they seek funds, Reddy is making plans to visit a few sites in the developing world. He will use this experience to write a scientific research paper detailing the need for and proper implementation of the system in needy communities. The Jr. Bill will then leverage this research to pursue partnerships with large public health non-profits. “I can’t thank SLUH enough for providing me with a network of people and an opportunity to really fail,” says Reddy. Skydration’s several failed attempts, of course, resulted in a simple and highly usable water catchment system.
“This project makes a lot of sense,” says Reddy, “and I hope the process of it all—the ideas, people and technology synthesized to spread love—is a glimpse into what I find myself doing for the rest of my life.”
The Cap: The central component of the system is a synthetic rubber cork that is plugged into jerrycans.
The Filter: Skydration’s filter has a replaceable 100-micron stainless steel mesh that removes small particles, prevents insect contamination and does not restrict the flow rate of collected rain.
To learn more about Skydration, visit www.skydrationsystems.com. If you want to support the project in any way, contact Jimmy Reddy at jreddy@wustl.edu. Pictured on left: Kenyan villagers carrying jerrycans many miles each day for water; Jr. Bills (from left: Dan Wagner '17, Joe Reznikov '17, Andrew Pluff '17 and Jimmy Reddy '16) displaying their Skydration water-collection system.
DID YOU KNOW? • 2016-17: SLUH introduced Environmental STEM into its curriculum, a course that taught students about generators, hydroelectric and wind power, and how to make biodiesel out of waste oil. Students also made and launched a weather balloon (twice, in fact) to understand the structure and function of the atmosphere and to investigate seasonal and altitudinal changes in atmospheric conditions. • The Clavius Project, which began at SLUH in 2014, is an outreach initiative that provides STEM training and mentoring to students in 27 urban middle schools. The program also offers an annual Robotics Jamboree and summer robotics camps at SLUH.
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“HUMAN DIGNITY IS THE SAME FOR ALL HUMAN BEINGS; WHEN I TRAMPLE ON THE DIGNITY OF ANOTHER, I AM TRAMPLING ON MY OWN.” – POPE FRANCIS
THE HONDURAS PROJECT
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Su Legado Vive Throughout his 26-year career at SLUH, Spanish teacher Charley Merriott routinely sold tasty treats from St. Louis favorites such as Ted Drewes and Pretzel Boys during activity period, working with students to collect a couple dollars at a time, all while employing a spirit that hovered between shrewd businessman and gentle philanthropist. Those
dollars, which accumulated each year, were put to good use—in fact, they saved many lives. In 1994, Merriott went to Centro San Yves, a nutrition center for malnourished children in Yoro, Honduras, with a few students for Senior Project. At the time, the center was comprised of several temporary locations and needed a more permanent and adequate facility. “We were shocked at the poverty we saw,” says Merriott of his first trip to Honduras. “It took a long time to
get used to. All of the children were extremely malnourished and had so many needs. It was like stepping back in time with dirt roads and ox carts, like something out of a movie.” With the support of the SLUH community, Merriott raised more than $20,000 to construct a new building for Centro San Yves. This haven, which was completed in 2000, still thrives today, providing malnourished infants and toddlers a safe, loving environment and healthy nutrition. For the past 23 years, Merriott (affectionately known by his students as
Summer 2017 | 19
“Profe,” which is Spanish for “teacher”) has led service trips with more than 125 Jr. Bills to Centro San Yves. Each year six students are selected to serve in Honduras as part of Senior Project. They stay with host families and provide love, care and attention to the children at the clinic by feeding them and playing games, among other activities. “It has changed me and provided me a new attitude about everything,” says Merriott, who was a Spanish teacher at DuBourg High School for 24 years before coming to SLUH in 1991. “The ‘man for others’ mantra is more than just a saying to me today—it’s a way of living.” Tangible Impact It is the children, Merriott admits, who changed him: Sonia, for instance, who was left as an infant in a box on the hospital steps before living her first eight years at Centro San Yves and ultimately being adopted (a thrilling moment for Profe); Fernando, who was taken away from his mother for neglect and adopted after receiving proper care and attention at the clinic (another victory); and Tito, who Profe had known for many years and who recently died (Profe cried on his couch at home upon hearing the news). “Profe had a special gift of being able to relate to his students,” says Spanish teacher Myriam Aliste. “He was a father figure to many of them over his 50 years of teaching.” Sadly, Merriott never knew his own father, Garland Merriott, who died when Profe was just a few months old. “It was Jean, his mother, whose love and example molded this great man.” The Honduras Project has profoundly affected those who have served alongside Profe, who says, “You know you’re doing something right when 18-year-old boys are crying when it’s time to come home because they don’t want to leave the children they’ve cared for.” One senior told Profe that when he returned home he was embarrassed by all of the “stuff” he owned—more, he said, than anybody he helped in Honduras
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“You know you’re doing something right when 18-year-old boys are crying when it’s time to come home because they don’t want to leave the children they’ve cared for.” – CHARLEY “PROFE” MERRIOTT would own in their lifetime. Another student recently made sacrifices to save money after his Honduras service trip and gave Profe more than $200 for the babies at the Center. “The Honduras Project, as well as the many conversations Profe and I had about life throughout my time at SLUH, helped to shape me into the person I am today,” says Adam Hunn '12. “I can never thank him enough for that.” “I don’t think there’s anyone who taught me more about being good than Profe did,” says Matt Kriegel '97. “He must have helped hundreds of kids in Honduras after all of these years, probably literally saving quite a few lives and providing sustenance and dignity to many more. If they made it, those kids who were there at the center in 1997 are now adults and may be raising children of their own.
“It’s amazing and wonderful to think of what he’s done. And I imagine he’s shaped hundreds of students’ lives by instilling them with understanding, empathy, and humility. Reaching the hearts of the privileged in such a direct way is no small feat. He certainly reached mine.” Preserving a Legacy A few years ago, SLUH created a committee to continue the Honduras Project upon Profe’s retirement in 2017. The committee aims to expand the program and hopes to get more members of the SLUH community engaged with the Center’s mission. (In 2017, for the first time, a group of six seniors went to Honduras for their spring break.) In addition to sending more students to Honduras, the committee is exploring other opportunities for engagement with the Center.
THE HONDURAS PROJECT
Profe, a storyteller whose loud, hearty, contagious laughter can fill a room, says, “It’s been a real blessing for me and all who have served at the Center, but mostly for the babies that didn’t die because of our efforts.
“Charley has provided a witness to the Catholic Social Teaching regarding Human Dignity that has engaged our students, faculty, administration, parents and alumni,” says SLUH President David Laughlin. “His
Though Profe will no longer be teaching at SLUH or selling candy, pretzels or frozen custard from a small table in a school corridor, su legado vive: his legend lives.
“I don’t think there’s anyone who taught me more about being good than Profe did.” – MATT KRIEGEL '97 “When I hear from the workers at the Center, they are grateful for our support for food and supplies throughout the year. But I tell them they have done so much more for us. They have enriched our lives and helped us to grow and mature in so many ways.”
commitment to those we serve through the Honduras Project extends far beyond the students who have accompanied him over the years to be part of a collective community conscience about our call to follow Christ.”
Passionate Teachers
Adios, Profe, and Gracias! In his final year before retirement—and after 50 years of teaching (26 at SLUH)—Charley “Profe” Merriott was awarded the Faculty Appreciation Award this spring. This award is given each year to one faculty member who the senior class cites for “excellence in the classroom as well as contributions outside of the classroom.”
#2Centuries2Words
– BEN DUMONT '92 Summer 2017 | 21
LIVE, LOVE: A Honduras Photo Journal By Will Kelly '17
“NO POWER ON THIS EARTH CAN DESTROY THE THIRST FOR HUMAN DIGNITY.” – NELSON MANDELA
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THE HONDURAS PROJECT
On March 10, Andrew Modder '17, Edward Gartner '17, Jacob Elieff '17, Thomas Leeker '17 and I had the incredible opportunity to experience Yoro, Honduras, for a week. Led by service veterans Señora Alvarado and Profe “B” Mueller, we played with, fed, changed, and learned from malnourished children at the Centro San Yves. SLUH provides about 90 percent of the funding for the women employed there and the needs of the children. Our intent was to provide relief to the women and care for the kids. We left, weepy and with solemn and learned hearts on March 19. It is absolutely amazing to me that a woman of normal means would take us in, let us stay at her house and cook thoughtful meals for us that would take hours—and yet we did not even know each other and I did not speak Spanish. It was the Old Testament’s theme of hospitality personified and unconditional love at its finest. Theology teacher Mr. Wehner often says when we do service, we often get served. Indeed, this was my experience. Even a week in Honduras changed my life. About three out of every five people there live on less than a dollar a day, and the top cause of death is by gunshot, not disease. I have been much more conservative and appreciative now with what I have. On this amazing experience I learned a very simple yet profound mantra that I now, too, believe can create palpable change in the world: live, love. - Will Kelly '17
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“Change your way of thinking to change the way you live.”
THE HONDURAS PROJECT
“ALL LABOR THAT UPLIFTS HUMANITY HAS DIGNITY AND IMPORTANCE AND SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN WITH PAINSTAKING EXCELLENCE.” – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
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The oldest high school west of the Mississippi River, St. Louis University High began in 1818 as a Latin school for boys in a one-story house. Since then, we have had four names and five locations, ever growing and adapting to meet the needs of intellectually gifted young men and their total formation.
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Now through December 31, 2018, we will celebrate our school’s Bicentennial with a variety of events and activities. Mark your calendar and make plans to join us as we commemorate this incredible milestone. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 Jesuit Mass with Saint Louis University on Arch grounds
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 All-School Service Day Freshmen and sophomores in Forest Park, and juniors and seniors dispersed throughout the metropolitan area
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 Bicentennial Mass and Celebration at SLUH
Bicentennial book to be published in 2018 Visit us online as more event information becomes available.
sluh.org/bicentennial | #sluh200
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SLUH BICENTENNIAL
1818
Bishop DuBourg opened St. Louis Academy on Second St. as a school for young men
1824
Jesuits assumed the management and teaching of the school
1829
School was moved to a new building on Ninth and Lucas streets
1903
Instruction was lengthened to a fouryear period, a newly established concept of secondary education in the United States
1908
Curricula was designed to meet recognized college entrance examinations
1924
Mrs. Anna F. Backer donated a transformative gift for a new building on Oakland Ave. in memory of late husband, an 1869 Saint Louis University graduate
1946
Basement recreation room and Jesuit chapel were added
1956
New gymnasium was opened and former gym converted to multipurpose auditorium
1961
Adjacent three acres of land were purchased
1971
New library was constructed
1980
Transformation of the Lower Field into a lighted football-soccer-track stadium was completed
1993
Additional 12 acres for parking and athletic field were added
1996
Performing Arts Center, including the Joseph Schulte Theater, was added
2009
The Danis Field House featuring multiple gymnasium spaces was constructed
2012
Si Commons, a multipurpose commons and cafeteria, opened
2018
SLUH to celebrate 200th anniversary
Visit sluh.org/bicentennial for a comprehensive timeline featuring many aspects of SLUH’s history.
GOD OUR FATHER, We thank You for 200 years of St. Louis University High School, 200 years of Christ-centered education, 200 years of prayer, spiritual growth and formation, 200 years of preparing young men for the future, and 200 years of brotherhood. Through Your Son, our school has grown and developed through the years from our humble beginning by the Mississippi River. You have touched the hearts of students, faculty, and staff who have walked the halls in unique and special ways, and You continue to be ever-present in our daily activities at SLUH. Send Your Holy Spirit to accompany and guide our community into the future. Help us to continue to serve each other, the St. Louis community and the entire world in Your Holy Name. Through the spirit of Your servant, St. Ignatius, and all the Jesuits that have lovingly served SLUH for Your greater Glory, we pray that our community continues to engage our faith and mission for future generations.
AMEN. Written by John Burke '18 | Riley McEnery '18 Jack Schweizer '18 | Matthew Stauder '18
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Lifelong Friends
Gratitude. It’s the inspiration for St. Ignatius and his legacy in Jesuit education. And it’s how SLUH celebrates 200 years of excellence—with deep reverence to our proud past and renewed commitment to fulfill our mission. Help us weave our past, present and future with the common thread of gratitude on our Bicentennial Mosaic. In two words, celebrating our two centuries, what or who makes you grateful to be part of SLUH? Or, what two words would you use to describe the U. High? Visit our Bicentennial Mosaic online to see a colorful, dynamic display of appreciation. Each panel is responsive, many with supporting text and digital media.
– JOHN PENILLA '99 SLUH is more than formulas memorized, literature analyzed, or techniques learned. It is a collection of incredible individuals that work together to a common cause of glorifying God. Friendships - with classmates like Tim Wells and Pat Mullen; teachers/mentors/nowcolleagues Paul Baudendistel '90, Kate Toussaint, Fritz Long; and past athletes Justin Jellinek '13, Justin Ramacciotti '12, Dan Goeddel '10 - are not just something to experience at SLUH, but a reminder of God’s presence in my life.
Two Centuries. Festina Lente
Jesuit Education – CRAIG HANNICK
sluh.org/bicentennial/mosaic
Or, “make haste, slowly.” This was one of Mr. Tychonievich’s “snappy Latin phrases” that inexplicably stuck with me throughout the years. The admonition is one that I need constantly and that SLUH helped to guide me towards. Some years ago I was complaining to Bill George when we were out for lunch that I was such a slow reader… - Read the rest at sluh. org/bicentennial/mosaic
Inspiring Hearts – NINA SEE
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– SEAN AGNIEL '96
SLUH BICENTENNIAL
Legacy Beginning – BETH CHIPLEY Our legacy at SLUH began in 2008 when my oldest son entered as a freshman. Our family had no connection to SLUH until our two sons attended and graduated in 2012 and 2015. They both have said that their sons MUST also go to SLUH.
Cross Country – BRIAN GILMORE '02
Forever Grateful
As a student who ran for Coaches Linhares and Flanagan, the sport of cross country was vital in my own development as a person. As a member of the faculty, cross country remains a central part of my life… - Read the rest at sluh.org/ bicentennial/mosaic
– FR. PAUL SHERIDAN, S.J.
Scholastics Rock
Doubly Blessed. #2CENTURIES2WORDS Future Leaders
– DENNIS DRABELLE '61 “Remember he was brought up in a Jesuit school. That leaves a mark on a man.” — Rebecca West I’M ONE of those marked men. Not literally, of course. Not even under the flickering light of a votive candle has anyone ever descried a scarlet J on my forehead. All the same, I’m very much a product of the four years I spent in the late '50s and early '60s at St. Louis University High… - Read all of “The Jesuits Made Me Do It,” published in the Washington Post, at sluh.org/bicentennial/mosaic
– DAVID LAUGHLIN The mission of our school is clear: Helping souls and in so doing, serving the world. This service is seen through the view point of the many talents God has given our students and how our history shows their leadership impact over a lifetime. We are constantly preparing leaders. This education has an eternal horizon, and its excellence is dedicated not to us but to God’s greater honor and glory. With humility that realizes all we have is of God, we are proud to step into our third century.
Joe Schulte – TONY CONROY '78
Jesuits, Family – DEDE PITTS
Spirit, Determination – NORM THOMAS '63 What I’ve discovered while working on the SLUH Archives Project can be summed up in two words: “spirit” and “determination.” The “determination” of the people connected with the school is shadowed throughout all 200 years of the school’s history… - Read the rest at sluh.org/ bicentennial/mosaic
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Who Do
YOU
Know
Test your knowledge to see if you can match the following names with faces. If you’re around SLUH’s campus, you can still see some of them today! A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N.
Fr. Martin Hagan, S.J. Claude Heithaus '16 Ray Manker Fr. Paul Sheridan, S.J. Bob Hyland '36 Ebbie Dunn Fr. Rich Bailey, S.J. Helen Klenklen Dr. Tom Dooley '44 Fr. Tom Cummings, S.J. '56 Anna Backer Fr. John J. Divine, S.J. Paul Martel Fr. Gerry Sheahan, S.J.
O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. X. Y. Z.
?
Mary Schenkenberg Dee Byrd Emmet Hanick Bro. Dick Witzofsky, S.J. Fr. Bob Weiss, S.J. '42 Eric Clark '83 Mary Lee McConaghy Joseph Schulte '54 Dick Keefe Henry Hampton '57 Dick Wehner Fr. Pierre DeSmet, S.J.
7
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ANSWERS ON PAGE 37
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SLUH BICENTENNIAL
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Preservation Bills Provide Glimpse into Past Fifty-year reunions are milestones, yet they can also be motivators. Several Class of '63 alumni were so moved after their reunion in 2013 that they approached President David Laughlin, asking how they could help SLUH by volunteering. After several conversations, they agreed to set up an archive to preserve the school’s vast history—a timely project, given the impending Bicentennial. “The SLUH spirit is like no other,” says project leader Terry Donohue '63. “We owe much of what we have become to what SLUH gave us 50-plus years ago. We wanted to not only contribute to the celebration of our 200th anniversary, but also to provide a window into this unique culture for anyone to enjoy.”
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Development of the archive requires accumulating nearly 200 years of records, pictures and artifacts into an organized and retrievable collection. According to Donohue, “Ultimately, the SLUH Archive is a treasure trove of history, culture and accomplishments to be maintained and preserved indefinitely.” For more than two years, he and some classmates—including Ron Horst '63, Marty O’Brien '63, Tim O’Connell '63, Lee Schilligo '63, Norm Thomas '63 and Bob St. Vrain '63—have met weekly at SLUH to start the archive. It has been timeconsuming work, but already they have developed much of the physical and technical infrastructure for the archive to flourish well into the future. Given the amount of time the archive committee has spent exploring and learning about the school’s history, what are some of their thoughts and perspectives? What historical nuggets or gems might they share?
SLUH BICENTENNIAL
In 1849 an epidemic of Asiatic cholera broke out in St. Louis, killing almost 10% of the population (more than 6,000 died). The entire community (Rector, professors and students) of SLUH (then Saint Louis University), housed at 9th and Washington, was miraculously spared of the pestilence. In one of his letters, Father DeSmet described this remarkable preservation. “The Lord, in His infinite goodness, has spared our university. Seven of our Fathers were day and night, for months together, among the dead and dying. We had about 200 students in our house. Fourteen corpses in one day were laid off in front and back of our college, and not a single case within our walls. All the students assembled and made a vow to the Blessed Virgin to present her a statue with a silver crown, if protected. They showed an unbounded confidence and approached frequently the Holy Table. The event proved that their vows and prayers have been acceptable.” This crown is preserved in the Museum of Saint Louis University. — TERRY DONOHUE '63
Alumni Board President John Sondag '71 (far right) and SLUH President David Laughlin (second from left) presented the Archive Committee with the 2017 John J. Divine, S.J. Alumni Service Award for their dedicated service to SLUH. The Archive Committee received this recognition at the Alumni Board’s May 17th meeting in the Si Commons. Archive Committee (from left): Ron Horst '63, Bob St. Vrain '63, Terry Donohue '63, Lee Schilligo '63, Marty O’Brien '63, Tim O’Connell '63, and Norm Thomas '63
Reaching back to our beginning as Saint Louis Academy, I discovered the name of a prominent early student, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. He was the son of Sacajawea and Toussaint Charbonneau, well-known participants in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Born on the trail in 1805, young “Pomp” was much loved by William Clark, who promised Pomp’s parents that he would raise him as his own child if they would bring him to St. Louis. The boy was very bright, having learned Hidatsa, Shoshone and French from his parents, and English from men on the expedition. Clark strongly believed in the importance of education for both white and Indian children and was happy to enroll his sons and Jean-Baptiste in the newly-founded Saint Louis Academy, administered by Fr. Francoise Niel. Although Jean-Baptiste’s school records have not survived, Clark’s records for expenditures include a May 1820 payment to Fr. Niel for tutoring J.B. Charbonneau, a “half-Indian” boy. Auguste Chouteau, one of the founders of St. Louis, was JeanBaptiste’s godfather. From this connect, Jean-Baptiste went on to be an outstanding fur trapper-hunter, guide, interpreter, European traveler (picking up Spanish, German, Italian, Greek and Latin) and model citizen in Aubur, California. Thus, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau became a multicultural, multitalented, multilingual and multinational traveler as well as a fellow SLUH alumnus. — RON HORST '63
After working on the archive project, I am much more aware of the consistent high quality of leadership at SLUH. Presidents, principals and assistant principals have adapted to changing times and needs. The hard work and quality of leadership under David Laughlin when SLUH needed a lay president has been a blessing. I am also more aware of the loyalty and hard work provided by faculty members, many of whom served at SLUH for many years. Finally, the recurrence of family names generation after generation among the student body is a tribute to the continuing quality of education at SLUH. — MARTY O’BRIEN '63
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According to a Russian proverb, “Life is the greatest teacher.” If one looks at the life of SLUH from our 1818 beginning in the humble hamlet of St. Louis along the Mississippi River to our present location on Oakland Avenue, one is impressed by love and generosity in action. This love stems from the second commandment, love of neighbor, and personified in “men for others.” From the vision of Bishop DuBourg to start our school through the generosity of Anna Backer to attract and mold boys from all neighborhoods and socioeconomic backgrounds, this love is truly unique. This love and generosity has been shown throughout our history by teachers, Jesuits, students and alumni. It has been taught at the school for generations and exemplifies the legacy of SLUH and our graduates, “men for others” who can adapt to an ever-changing world. — TIM O’CONNELL '63
The dedication and generosity of Anna Backer is truly remarkable. George H. Backer was born to Mathias and Mary Gertrude Backer on June 22, 1850. He attended St. Louis Academy and received his A.B. and A.M. degrees from Saint Louis University. After a stint at Alkire Grocery Company, he joined his father at Fusz and Backer, becoming a partner when his father retired. Anna Fredericka Graenicher came to America as an infant with her parents from Switzerland. George and Anna were married in St. Louis on November 16, 1876. Anna loved her husband and wanted to memorialize him after his death on January 31, 1919. Since Mr. Backer was very interested in education, she donated $500,000 to build SLUH, also known as George H. Backer Memorial. However, in order to accomplish this she had to fight to create a school separate from the University. Thanks to her tenacity she succeeded, and the school opened in September 1924. Her generosity, however, did not end there. Just three years later on September 29, 1927, a tornado tore through St. Louis and did extensive damage to the high school. Mrs. Backer again stepped up, helping financially and donating two new white marble statues to replace those that were damaged when concrete slabs collapsed in the chapel. Thank you, Mrs. Backer. — LEE SCHILLIGO '63
#2Centuries2Words
Solid Foundation – JOE RANKIN '83
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Two traits that seem to permeate SLUH grads of all eras are enduring friendship and camaraderie with both classmates and other alumni, and a deep appreciation for the dedication of many noteworthy faculty and staff who have molded and shaped us during high school. Even many years after graduation, Jr. Bills retain lasting bonds of friendship and “SLUH identity.” As alumni, we come to appreciate over time the profound impact that many dedicated teachers had on us. Both in class and in extracurricular activities, our teachers and coaches helped prepare us for life’s challenges beyond graduation. The SLUH Archive reflects the shared camaraderie of graduates and the impact that many memorable teachers, coaches and mentors have had on students throughout our long and proud history. — BOB ST. VRAIN '63
SLUH BICENTENNIAL
The determination of the people connected with SLUH is shadowed throughout all 200 years of our school’s history. From the founding days in 1818, the determination of the students, faculty and parents to keep the school going against the tides of history is matched only by the determination of Mrs. Anna Backer to found a school in honor of her late husband, George. Mrs. Backer had a dream and fulfilled it through sheer will and determination, in spite of several obstacles. But she persisted, and her dream became our current reality—and a living monument, 100 years later—to her determination. In addition, from our founding through today, we have seen and found the spirit of both the students and teachers to be pervasive in all that they did and accomplished. This spirit lived in the earliest graduates, who went on to make their marks on St. Louis, the West, the entire country and world. And through their legacies and examples, it has cascaded down through every generation to the remarkable young men that attend SLUH today. The spirit is real. It is alive and well, even after 200 years. May it stay as alive and vibrant another 200 years! — NORM THOMAS '63
WHO DO YOU KNOW? ANSWERS
Do you have memorabilia, artifacts or pictures of historical significance? If so, the Archive Committee would like to hear from you. Please send a note to archive@sluh.org.
1. G—Fr. Rich Bailey, S.J. SLUH President from 1968-73. Founder of Cashbah. 2. J—Fr. Tom Cummings, S.J. '56. SLUH President from 1977-85. 3. R—Bro. Dick Witzofsky, S.J. On SLUH maintenance staff from 1971 until his retirement in 2002. 4. B—Claude Heithaus '16 (that is, SLUH Class of 1916). He went on to become a Jesuit priest who crusaded for racial equality. It was at his urging that SLU became the first college in a former slave state to admit African Americans. 5. U—Mary Lee McConaghy. Longtime Latin and Greek teacher affectionately referred to as ‘Magistra’ by her students. She’s still teaching one Greek class. 6. V—Joseph Schulte '54. Legendary, longtime teacher and namesake for SLUH’s theater. 7. I—Dr. Tom Dooley '44. Founded charity hospitals in Southeast Asia. Best-selling author of books about the turmoil in Vietnam. 8. Q—Emmet Hanick, longtime basketball coach and physics teacher. 9. E—Bob Hyland '36. An influential media executive with CBS. He was the general manager of KMOX Radio for many years, and created the talk radio format. 10. K—Anna Backer. Foundress of SLUH. Gave the money to build the SLUH campus on Oakland Avenue, and left a substantial endowment for the school. She and her husband (SLU and SLUH alumnus George Backer) had no children of their own, so she considered the students at SLUH “her boys.” 11. S—Fr. Bob Weiss, S.J. '42. President of SLUH in the 1970s and longserving President of Rockhurst University. 12. T—Eric Clark '83. Dean of Students from 1993-2008 who is now the President of Loyola Academy. 13. D—Fr. Paul Sheridan, S.J. President of SLUH from 1996-2005 who founded Boys Hope in the late 1970s. 14. W—Dick Keefe, Vice Principal and French teacher on staff from 1967 until his retirement in 2010. 15. C—Ray Manker. Head of maintenance and groundskeeping from 1981 until his retirement in 2007. 16. O—Mary Schenkenberg. Principal from 2001-08. SLUH’s first female administrator. 17. Z—Fr. Pierre DeSmet, S.J. Born in Belgium, he taught at the SLU/H before beginning his missionary work with the Native Americans of the American West. 18. Y—Dick Wehner. Theology teacher who was Athletic Director for over 30 years until 2016. 19. F—Ebbie Dunn. Legendary soccer coach and mathematics teacher. 20. H—Helen Klenklen. One of the longest serving staff members at SLUH, she worked in the Principal’s Office and as the school’s Registrar from 1960 until her retirement in 2010. 21. A—Fr. Martin Hagan, S.J. SLUH teacher and rifle coach for more than 50 years. He knew each student by name. The pool hall is named in his honor. 22. X—Henry Hampton '57. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and civil rights activist. Produced the acclaimed PBS series Eyes on the Prize. 23. M—Paul Martel. Head football coach from 1958-86. 24. N—Fr. Gerry Sheahan, S.J. Principal at SLUH from 1956-68 widely known for modernizing SLUH’s curriculum. 25. P—Dee Byrd. Head of the Janitorial Services department from 1980 until his 2017 retirement. Generations of work-grant students served under Mr. Byrd’s direction. 26. L—Fr. John J. Divine, S.J. Founder of the Alumni Association of SLUH. Summer 2017 | 37
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ALUMNI PROFILES
U. HIGHLIGHTS
TEACHING BY
EXAMPLE Albert Einstein once said, “Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach.” SLUH alumni continue to personify this mantra by sharing their experience and expertise in various fields with Jr. Bills—at Backer Memorial and beyond in Washington D.C., Silicon Valley and Wall Street. This dynamic allows students to see firsthand what it means to be a leader and innovator in engineering, science, business, finance, religion, media and medicine, and what it takes to get there. It inspires them to learn more by asking questions and seeking their own pathways to fulfill their dreams. And, it’s a dynamic that can come full circle, with alumni learning from students. The following pages highlight just a few of many graduates who have been generous with their time and willingness to share their vast intellect and perspectives.
Top: Mark Grider '90, Partner at Husch Blackwell law firm, speaks with students about priorities and faith. Middle: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Albus '90 (center) and Don Boyce '90 (left) coach students in the Mock Trial Club. Bottom: Mark Grider '90 joined by Corey Durbin '91, President at Broker Benefit Services.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Bob Emnett '63 Had 22 Jobs by Age 22, Ultimately Did Things “His Way”
Bob Emnett, PhD '63 is a retired management consultant who mastered a stock analysis investment methodology. He gave a presentation at SLUH to students interested in finance.
How has a SLUH education shaped your career? SLUH reinforced what my parents taught me: to think for myself and to have bases for my ideas and decisions. That independence of thought and the confidence in my ideas and values allowed me to select, thrive in and move among positions that were both challenging and interesting.
What do you wish you would have known as an 18-year old that you know now? In many situations, leadership and interpersonal skills are at least as important as intellectual abilities. What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments and why? Earning a Ph.D. in numerical analysis validated the considerable effort to get there and allowed me some independence in job selection; participating on a team developing an international standard for computer-aided manufacturing applications; leading a high-powered team at Missouri Department of Conservation allowed me to
appreciated by family and friends), and Fr. Bob Bosken, S.J., connected faith to rationality. What is still left on your bucket list? Not to kick that bucket too soon! At 75, I hope to live long enough (with healthful awareness) to see my three grandchildren grow into adulthood. Mainly, we take opportunities as they come. It makes life interesting. How did you get out of your lowest low? By nature, I am an optimist and don’t really get low. The main exception to this was when a brother (seven years younger) committed suicide at age 53. Writing and reading a eulogy at his funeral mass helped, but coming around to realizing I could not have prevented it took some time. If you were to write an autobiography what would be the title and some of your favorite chapter? Well, Veni, Vidi, Vici and I Did It My Way have been taken! The first chapters would be dedicated to Rosemary, my bride of over 50 years, our three children and the joys of grandparenting. Another would be “22 at 22”—reflective of the 22 different jobs that I had by age 22 to earn tuition for SLUH and SLU. Growing up in Pine Lawn in a family of less-than-average means would also be in there.
What is your favorite SLUH memory? I most appreciated SLUH’s excellence in all things: education, character development, group activities—and the competition. SLUH has a spirit and an ambience of superiority (in the most positive sense) that is difficult to explain. For years, Rosemary had heard SLUH-this and SLUH-that. She came home from a Mothers Club activity one day and said, interpersonal skills are “Now I get it!”
“In many situations, leadership and at least as important as intellectual abilities.” - BOB EMNETT '63 mentor others, gain confidence and form lifelong friendships; being a management consultant helping clients improve their processes; and finally, retiring at 56 due mainly to having mastered a stock analysis investment methodology. Who was your mentor? What’s the most important thing they taught you? My parents stressed the value of education and by example to be involved in helping others. My mother taught me organization skills and “stick-to-it-iveness,” and my dad taught me to get along with others and to take life as it comes. At SLUH, Mr. Charles Conway, excellent mathematics and chemistry teacher, introduced me to puns (perhaps not always
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What are your favorite books? I enjoyed the Odyssey, which I’ve read five times, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and nearly anything he wrote, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth books. From about 4th grade on for many years, I read at least five books a week—lots of mysteries and sci-fi. Questions by Jack Callahan '18. Jack plays baseball and is involved in Youth Leadership St. Louis, Ignatian Business Leaders, theater and National Honors Society. He is the senior class president and hopes to pursue a career in law.
U. HIGHLIGHTS
Kevin Grosch '08 Took the Steps to Make His Vision a Reality What is one of your fondest memories as a SLUH student? Participating in retreats were some of my favorite memories at SLUH. Kairos and the service retreats were amazing and I’ll never forget them. If you were to go through high school again, what would you do differently? I don’t know that I would do much differently, but I do think I would try to appreciate what I was learning in the classroom more than I did at the time. The idea that my main responsibilities in high school were to read great books and learn about interesting topics seem like a dream now that I have some distance from it. How has your experience at SLUH helped you succeed in your professional career? At SLUH the expectations on the students are incredibly high, and over time I felt like I expected that same level from myself. Passing grades weren’t the standard, straight A’s were. Being an entrepreneur means you don’t answer to anyone but your board, so it is important to be able to hold yourself accountable and expect more of yourself. How has your career path changed from what you expected it to be going into college? I went to college to pursue music. I wanted to make records. Now I run a media and tech company. It is certainly not what I expected to do, but it’s a very similar creative process for me. A musician or producer has to have a vision for what they want the final recording of a song to sound like. Their job, and the difficult part, is taking all of the right steps to bring that vision to life. It is the same process for an entrepreneur. You must have a vision for what you want your company to do or become, and then the hard part is taking the right steps to make that vision a reality. What or who do you attribute your success to mostly? I’ve been lucky to have been surrounded by people my entire life who encourage creativity and pushed me to challenge myself. You have to first realize pursuing a career that is creative or different from the norm is even an option to take the first step in that direction. The other factor that has helped me is actually my anxiety! I am always looking for ways something could go wrong, and therefore, I prepare for every situation.
What keeps you motivated to continue building your company? As a company grows you are constantly faced with new challenges, which can be difficult but also motivating. I also know that I’ve been able to provide jobs for deserving people who I really care about, and I feel that it is my responsibility to continue to build the company for them as much as for myself. What book has had the most influence in your life? My Life with the Saints by James Martin S.J., and Behind the Glass by Howard Massey.
Kevin Grosch '08 is the CEO of Nashvillebased Made In Network, which develops successful YouTube channel management programs and custom video integrations for top consumer brands. He Skyped with Jr. Bills interested in business and entrepreneurship.
What obstacles have you encountered while starting a business and how did you deal with them? Every day there are new obstacles when running a business. I always make sure I don’t just have one path forward so that I’m prepared with an alternate route if something gets messed up.
“At SLUH the expectations on the students are incredibly high, and over time I felt like I expected that same level from myself.” - KEVIN GROSCH '08 Who has been your greatest mentor? My Dad. It’s a stereotypical answer but true. What piece of wisdom would you give to a SLUH student getting ready to graduate? If you are going to college you have a built-in, four-year safety net. Don’t waste it. Start businesses, pursue creative projects, develop your own perspective and build confidence in it. Develop specific and unique skills. Everyone you’ll graduate with will have a degree. These other things are what will set you apart from the pack and will allow you to discover over time what you could be doing with your life. Good luck! Questions by Brian Tretter '18. Brian is the senior class VP, leads SLUH’s Youth in Government delegation, writes for Prep News, is an NHS member and participates in the weekly community service program. He’s also involved in Ignatian Business Leaders and wants to pursue a degree in business.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Sean Gunn '92 Reflects on Waltz and Bashir, Hanging with Pirate Jenny How did SLUH influence your decision to pursue acting as a career? I had the desire to be a professional Actor Sean Gunn '92 was in Guardians of actor for as long the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy as I can remember, Vol. 2, films written and directed by his long before I went to brother James '84. He is perhaps best SLUH. But surely my known for his role as Kirk in Gilmore experiences there Girls. This spring Sean met with students in film class at SLUH. helped shape who I am. I got help and encouragement from many teachers, of course, most notably Mark Cummings at SLUH and Judy Schulte, whom I did plays with at Ursuline. What is one thing you love to do when you return home to St. Louis? Cardinals games and Ted Drewes, of course. I love visiting my friends at Tenth Life cat rescue, whom I’ve done some work with. And now I can’t miss Pi Pizza (started by my friend and SLUH grad Chris Sommers '94). What is one of your favorite movies and why? A foreign film from 2008 called Waltz with Bashir. It’s an animated depiction of the true story of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, told by men who were there. Part documentary, part animated fever dream. It’s magnificent and thoroughly unique.
“The great thing about SLUH is that when you ask for a favorite memory, at least a dozen immediately spring to mind...” - SEAN GUNN '92
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How does having a background in theater assist in your acting in films and television? I don’t really look at it as having a background in theater— I have a background in acting, I just applied it to theater first. Both film and theater acting require a foundation of truthful human behavior and good, honest storytelling, but different technical skills are required for each. Are you still friends with anybody that you went to SLUH with? I’m friends with many of the people I went to SLUH with! Too many to count. That’s one of the great things about Facebook, is being able to casually reconnect. But I also have my core handful of friends that I communicate with regularly. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? I love cooking, rap music, rescuing cats, fine wine...I’m also a pretty solid consumer of pop culture. What is your favorite memory from your time at SLUH? The great thing about SLUH is that when you ask for a favorite memory, at least a dozen immediately spring to mind and compete for the spot. But when Steve Schnur hit Jason Dulick on a last gasp 4th-and-25 to send us to state in my senior year, that’s tough to beat. Do you have any pets? I love all animals and I’m active in cat rescue. At any given time there might be various fosters or ferals being fed from my house, but my main crew is Pirate Jenny, Tommy Hearns, and The Business. If you could pick one spot to vacation anywhere in the world for a week straight, all expenses paid, where are you headed? Considering all the traveling I do these days, working on films in various locations, doing public appearances at conventions all over the world, not to mention press...I’d be happy with a week at home in South Pasadena with my cats. Can I go there? Questions by Brent Smith '17. Brent played football and basketball at SLUH, and will play basketball at Spring Hill College, a Jesuit university in Mobile, Alabama. He’s interested in film and television.
U. HIGHLIGHTS
Mike Leahy '73 Tallies the Impact of a Well-Rounded Liberal Arts Education What books have inspired and shaped your career? Leithold’s The Calculus with Analytic Geometry, Strang’s Linear Algebra and Its Applications, and Fowler’s A Dictionary of Modern English Usage. How has your status as SLUH alumnus shaped your life? I was strongly influenced by SLUH and the intensity of interactions with classmates, teachers and Jesuits on their perspective on Catholicism. I think my life has been shaped most profoundly by those interactions and the view that it is healthy and appropriate to question and challenge. SLUH seemed to welcome active questioning and discussion—even of very fundamental premises.
“I think my life has been shaped most profoundly by… the view that it is healthy and appropriate to question and challenge.” - MIKE LEAHY '73 How are you—in your daily life—a Man for Others? I try to meditate frequently, and when I do, I often wish loving kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity to my family, friends and others. How did your experience at SLUH help you find your first position at the Federal Reserve? It gave me confidence in my ability to learn, in addition to a focus on language and writing. Even though my Federal Reserve work has a heavy emphasis on math and analysis, being able to convey ideas clearly in writing is a tremendous supporting skill in policy work. I’ve found the writing and editing skills I picked up from SLUH classes in English (and, believe it or not, Russian, where I learned a lot about English), were incredibly helpful in packaging the ideas of smart people in a way policymakers could understand.
Do you remember why you chose SLUH? The SLUH students I met when I was in grade school were smart and interesting. I admired them and wanted to go to their school. Also, my father is a SLUH alumnus (Virgil '47), and my mother was happy that I was interested in going to a Catholic school. At SLUH, were you involved in any sports teams or clubs? I played tennis, ran cross country, and played saxophone in the concert band. I also was a cheerleader for a while and did a few stints with the Bellarmine Club reading poetry in school competitions (I think they desperately needed bodies to fill out a team).
Mike Leahy '73, pictured with Jr. Bills at the Federal Reserve, is the Associate Director of the Federal Reserve. He met with a group of Jr. Bills who visited Washington D.C. to learn about politics and journalism.
What advice would you give to a SLUH student interested in the Federal Reserve and Economics? Work hard on the basics—particularly math and English—but I would not neglect history, science and the arts. I am a big supporter of getting a well-rounded liberal arts education. Being able to think clearly and having a capacity for understanding and communicating important and fundamental ideas is what separates a good policy economist from an otherwise well-trained technical economist that has difficulty seeing the connection between his or her work and the real choices that policymakers have to make. In your opinion, what attributes make individuals most successful in your field? Defining my field as providing advice to policymakers, I’d say key attributes for success are (1) to be able to understand what kinds of problems policymakers are facing and what types of solutions they might be seeking, and (2) to communicate clearly and succinctly the pros and cons associated with the relevant choices they might make. Questions developed by Will Perryman '18. Will is VP of the student body, plays soccer and lacrosse, and wants to pursue a political science or English major.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
Jimmy Sansone '06 Started The Normal Brand in His Basement with a Burn-theBoats Mentality What were the first few steps you took to start your company? First I had a personal problem that I Pictured (from left): Lan '11, Jimmy wanted to solve: I couldn’t '06 and Conrad '07 Sansone. Jimmy find what I considered a founded the Normal Brand in 2015 Normal shirt, something after a brief career as an investment comfortable, durable and banker. He shared his story with versatile for my life. After students interested in business and wearing those Normal shirts entrepreneurship at SLUH. for a while, people would comment on my shirts and I started asking if they had the same problem as me. How did you grow your company to where it is today? Our team. My brothers Conrad and Lan run the business with me, and we’ve had support from friends and family since the beginning to get the word out. Everyone on our team is family now, and we work really hard to make the best products on the market. How did you pick the name “Normal Brand” and come up with your logo? The word Normal came from me asking Linda, a woman who grew up with
that will continue to grow. We also invest a lot in our digital marketing and see a lot of growth potential in our direct-to-consumer market via thenormalbrand.com. How do you plan to compete with other local brands that may start in the future? We don’t really concern ourselves with “competitors.” We think that if we just focus on getting better every day, then we will be just fine. Who was your main mentor if you had one, and if not who do you go to for advice? Our parents have been our biggest supporters since day one. They rented us our first ever office space (for free) in their basement, and literally boxed up hats with us. They’re the ones we go to when we have a problem or a challenge in front of us, and The Normal Brand would be a pile of cool hats and shirts on a basement floor without them. What are the three most important characteristics a successful entrepreneur must have? A desperate attitude (you run into problems everyday, but if you have a burn-theboats mentality, you have to find a way around the problems and you will); hard working (no job is too small for any of us at the office, and our grandpa taught us a long time ago not to pay attention to hours); and a positive outlook (being a glass halffull guy is really important or any naysayer could knock you off your game and have you questioning everything). What three books do you recommend to read for upcoming entrepreneurs? Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, The Power of Why by Simon Sinek, and Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
“We think that if we just focus on getting better every day, then we will be just fine.” - JIMMY SANSONE '06 our family and is like my sister, where I could find a Normal shirt. Linda was working in fashion in LA at the time, but now she is back home and Director of Product Development for us. The bear was inspired by the Missouri state flag, and is a rugged but elegant animal, which is the aesthetic we try to achieve with our apparel. How do you plan to expand your company in the next five years? We plan to grow through the best stores around the country. You can now find us in about 250 stores coast to coast, and
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What are some of the highs and lows you’ve encountered as an entrepreneur? Seeing random people wear our clothes on a daily basis trumps any low we would have.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it? At the beginning, when things were just starting and we were growing fast, we tried to do too many things at once. We realized that we should stay in our lane and do what we do best and only that. Questions by Will Berg '19. Will participates in the Youth in Government, Ignatian Business Leaders, plays lacrosse, and is in the National Honors Society. This summer he is interning at the financial institution, E3 Wealth. One day Will hopes to be a personal stock trader.
U. HIGHLIGHTS
Mark Valdez '01 Champions Grit, Focus on Preparation for Success What do you remember best from your time at SLUH? I have lots of vivid memories from SLUH, such as playing in the state soccer championship as a junior against Rockhurst. Many of my best friends are friends from SLUH. They are some of the most special people I know and have accomplished amazing things. What’s your greatest motivation? I savor the role of the underdog. I grew up in a single parent home that was high on discipline and low on frills. We lived a simple life to make it work. Now it’s my time to pay it back to my family and pay it forward to my kids to ensure they have the opportunity to follow their own dreams.
What does your day–to-day life look like? My job requires me to be constantly learning so I find myself studying various aspects of technology, history, entrepreneurship and finance. I meet entrepreneurs every day who are teaching me about new products and markets and why they believe they are building the category-defining companies of the future. My job is to have a prepared mind for these conversations, so I spend a lot of time reading and meeting people. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully I will have proven myself to be a successful technology investor and a thought leader in the industry.
Mark Valdez '01 is a Stanford graduate and Partner at Playground Global, a venture capital firm that he co-founded in Palo Alto, California. He met with students on their San Francisco trip to learn about the tech industry.
What book would you most How do you cope with stress? I believe that recommend? Shoe Dog by Phil the more often you are in stressful situations the Knight. A first-person narrative on the early years better equipped you are to handle it. My four years of building Nike from its inception to IPO, it’s an at SLUH were some of the most stressful in my life, incredible story of entrepreneurship and the but they prepared me for future challenges. For trials and tribulations one goes through to build myself, knowing I did everything I could to prepare a successful company. Phil showed an amazing myself puts my mind at ease for whatever the amount of grit to build such a successful company. outcome might be. Also, a long run or a visit to the “I believe that the more often you are in stressful situations, gym also helps me clear my head and the better equipped you are to handle it.” - MARK VALDEZ '01 focus on the task at hand. What skill do you think was most important for your current success? Grit. There will always be someone naturally faster, smarter and more articulate, but what separates good from great are those with the determination and focus to practice and prepare to succeed. What do you see as your greatest triumph or success? I consider having an amazing wife and two beautiful girls who love me for who I am to be a huge success. Otherwise, there are two instances when I had to knuckle down, sacrifice, and prepare for months to be successful: one was physical (running two miles in well under 12 minutes for soccer, I finished fourth as an incoming freshmen at Duke) and one was mental (passing all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst exam).
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be? Every once in a while, try to savor the moment and live in the now. My four years at SLUH were some of the hardest but also some of the best years of my life, and they go by quickly. Questions by Jordan Nazemi '18, a member of the SLUH Model UN and Rock Climbing Club, and a technician for the iPad Help Desk. Nazemi is planning to major in Computer Science and one day hopes to be a developer within the Silicon Valley community.
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ALUMNI PROFILES
BICENTENNIAL SPECIAL:
TRADITION NEVER GRADUATES
Bionic Man
Years ago theology teacher and Athletic Director emeritus Dick Wehner introduced the phrase, “Tradition Never Graduates.” Les Hohl '52, a sports legend who Wehner refers to as one of the top athletes in school history, started a threegeneration tradition of excellence when he came to SLUH. But there’s much more to his story. Combing through Les’ myriad sports accomplishments, illustrated in a thick binder filled with old photos and newspaper clippings in his office, is a feat in and of itself. At SLUH he lettered in football (All-State, District Championship), basketball (All-State, State Championship) and baseball. He played basketball and baseball on an athletic scholarship at Saint Louis University, where he was a baseball player-coach as a senior. “Les was one of the most celebrated high school athletes in St. Louis in the early Fifties,” says Wehner. In 1956, following college, Les married Patricia (they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary) and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He served for two years in Japan, where he also played amateur baseball and basketball for the U.S. Upon his return, Les worked in sales for Sylvania Electric in St. Louis. His intellectual prowess, coupled with experience he had previously earned as a construction laborer, earned him great success with the company. He left Sylvania in 1967 to lead a fledgling City Lighting, where he still works today as the company’s president. Under Hohl’s leadership, City Lighting has expanded from a small, onelocation operation to six cities in the U.S. and Canada with 75 employees. He takes pride in his work, products and the way he treats his employees. But City Lighting is not the only place Les is leaving his mark. Just visit a SLUH ice hockey, football or baseball game, and you’ll hear the name “Hohl.” Matthew Hohl '18 plays competitive hockey year-round and was on SLUH’s state runner-up teams from 2015-17. His older brother, Michael '12, is a UX (user-experience) researcher and designer who played tennis and was involved in Campus Ministry at SLUH.
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“Work hard, play hard and say your prayers.”
- LES HOHL '52
“Our grandpa likes to brag that he was the first Hohl to win a state championship,” says Matthew, who earned All-Metro Second Team honors as a junior. “I’m striving to join him as a state champ.” Cade Hohl '20, whose father Mike graduated from SLUH in 1989, made the varsity baseball team this spring—as a freshman. He also plays football. Cade has big shoes to fill, and not just those of his grandpa. Mike played football at Indiana University after starring for three years on SLUH’s varsity football team. “He was a rugged linebacker destined for many postseason awards like his father, but a devastating knee injury greatly hampered his ability in both football and basketball,” says Wehner. “My dad always demanded our best effort,” says Mike. “If
U. HIGHLIGHTS
he didn’t talk to you on the ride home, you knew you had a bad game.”
Les, “and he said don’t worry about it. So I went to both SLUH and SLU for essentially nothing.”
Grateful for his experience at SLUH, Les insisted his two sons attend a Jesuit high school. Mike chose SLUH, and Tim picked DeSmet (he was an excellent basketball player in high school and a walk-on punter at Mizzou).
Appreciation for his Jesuit education inspires Les’s generosity to his alma mater. In addition to being a consistent annual donor and helping with multiple campaigns at SLUH, he and Pat funded the Patricia and Lester Hohl Family Scholarship to benefit qualified students unable to afford tuition.
“The curriculum at SLUH was tough, and it compelled students to have a stick-with-it attitude,” says Les. “That
“Les is more than a sports legend and smart guy who was at the top of our class,” says Ralph Houlihan, S.J. '52, who formerly served as SLUH Principal and President at Regis Jesuit High School. “He’s the real deal, a true ‘man for others’ who is genuinely concerned about the needs of others.” If Les was known for tenacity and aggressiveness years ago in athletics, today he could be a model for endurance. He remains active physically and at work. His mind is exceedingly lucid, his outlook optimistic. “Our grandpa refers to himself as the bionic man because he’s had so many surgeries,” says Matthew. “But that doesn’t keep him down. He still does a lot. He’s very encouraging and comes to lots of our games.” The “bionic man” still has high expectations for his family and employees, and he still insists to his grandkids that academics come first, before athletics. Ultimately, his tradition speaks on levels that balance and even outweigh touchdowns and championships. Perhaps it could be best summed up by his timeless advice: “Work hard, play hard and say your prayers.”
'89 '18
'12 '52
Mud Bowl (Thanksgiving Day, 1951): Les Hohl '52 (second from left) celebrates with teammates after throwing the game-winning extra point to Tom Sullivan '52 to defeat Southwest 13-12 for the District Championship.
'20
sense of determination has translated well beyond school to the professional world.” He recalls his high school days with great fondness. “When I graduated there were 37 Jesuits, including guys like Francis Coomes, S.J. and Michael Hindelang, S.J. One of them, Walt Halloran, S.J. was involved in a real-life exorcism. He was a renegade Jesuit who became an Army Ranger at 42 years old.” When Les was seven years old, his parents divorced. He then lived with his father and grandmother. “My father went to SLUH’s president and said he couldn’t afford tuition,” recalls
Les and Patricia Hohl (center) with their entire family, including two sons and one daughter with spouses, and nine grandchildren. The Jr. Bills are identified with their class years.
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ADVANCEMENT
Servant Leader
to be Remembered in Perpetuity
“LORD, TEACH US TO GIVE AND NOT TO COUNT THE COST.” – ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Long before Dr. Mike Feder '81 became an emergency room physician, father of three children, soccer coach and budding philanthropist, his SLUH classmates knew he was special and destined for something larger than himself. “Right away, most of us could see he was different,” says Ray Gruender '81 about meeting Feder at freshman football tryouts. “Not because of his skills on the field, but his skills with people. Unlike so many of us, especially at that age, he seldom spoke about himself. He was so interested in us and supporting and helping us.”
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A few years later, the Class of '81 elected Feder, who they affectionately referred to as “Feds,” as their President. After SLUH, Feder completed a six-year medical program at— and played soccer for—the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He became an emergency care physician and began a family in suburban Kansas City with his wife Joyce. In 2007, Feder heard a talk at his parish church given by Fr. Simon Peter Kyambadde, a priest from Uganda. Fr. Kyambadde spoke of the abject poverty in his home country, but also of his and his parishoners’ hope for their future. The Feder family decided to help. They began by hosting small events and fundraisers to benefit St. Joan of Arc parish and school in Mawuuki, Uganda. As support grew—neighborhood
U. HIGHLIGHTS
garage sales became community-wide events raising tens of thousands of dollars—the Feders incorporated as a charity called Gotta Have Hope. The charity (www. gottahavehope.org) provides education, medical assistance and opportunities for a better life to the people of rural Uganda. In addition to his demanding medical career, busy family life and volunteering as an assistant soccer coach at a local Catholic high school, Dr. Feder and Joyce were running a substantial charity, a task that included visiting Uganda to deliver supplies and help with medical needs. But in 2011, Dr. Feder started experiencing bad headaches and slurring his words. He had brain cancer, and his time was short. “Mike had a lot of options,” wrote Mark Vittert in a St. Louis Business Journal article. “He could travel the world with his family, spend time with his wife on a tropical beach or go see and do things he’d always dreamed of. A quiet man by nature, his answer would say more about him than any words. He returned to Mawuuki, Uganda, with his family, carrying hope and medical supplies. He was also offering the greatest of gifts to his children—the example of true charity and humility engraved in their minds and eyes that they would never forget.” Feds died in 2012. In 2016, Class of '81 alumni reminisced at their reunion about Feder and how he inspired them. Afterward, classmates Dan Coughlin, Jeff Hutchison and John Murphy led an effort to honor and memorialize Feds with an endowed scholarship. They were soon joined by 16 classmates—and Dan Feder '83, Mike’s younger brother—to form a fundraising committee. Their goal is to fully endow the Michael J. Feder '81 Memorial Scholarship before their 40th reunion in 2021. “It’s an audacious goal,” says Hutchison of the $300,000 target for an endowed scholarship. “But I know that our class has the capacity and generosity to meet this goal in the next four years.” Early results indicate that Hutchison is right. In just two months, they have raised $50,000. As the Class of '81 continues with their initiative, Feds’ legacy flourishes in Uganda, where hundreds of poor villagers now have hope through improved health care, more opportunity, greater potential and better education. “Feds was a ‘servant leader’ who put the needs of others ahead of his own,” says Hutchison. “We all had such great respect for him.”
Show your support to SLUH and make a gift today.
www.sluh.org/giving
For Michael J. Feder '81 Memorial Scholarship information, visit: www.sluh.org/giving/online-giving/ class-of-81-giving
GENEROSITY AT WORK William Jefferson '17 received the Sarah & Arteria King Memorial Scholarship at the Loyola Academy graduation on June 8, 2017. This scholarship was established by Dr. Jason Purnell '95 to benefit graduates of SLUH and Loyola who display academic promise, servant leadership and a compassionate concern for others. It helps to offset their college tuition and/or related expenses. Jefferson is attending the University of MissouriColumbia in the fall. Dr. Purnell is an assistant professor at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work and project director of For the Sake of All, a multi-disciplinary project on the health and well-being of African Americans in St. Louis. Last year he was awarded the Dr. Corinne Walentik Leadership in Health Award from the Missouri Foundation for Health. This honor came with a $25,000 award, which he directed to the Sarah & Arteria King Memorial Scholarship.
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ALUMNI
NOTEWORTHY The following is a sample of alumni activity and achievement in 2017. For an extensive list of class notes, visit alumconnect.sluh.org. Rockhurst High School in Kansas City for the 2017-18 school year, before SLUH President David Laughlin assumes the position in July 2018.
On May 19, several robotics students joined Tom McTigue '55 (center) at a presentation recognizing his generosity through the Thomas V. and Carol A. McTigue, Jr. '55 Irish Heritage Scholarship for Robotics. A scholarship plaque now hangs in front of the robotics workshop.
Dr. Rollo Dilworth '87, Chair and Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy, Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, received the school’s prestigious Faculty Award for Creative Achievement.
Ian Mulligan '02 will serve as the next Principal at Vianney High School in St. Louis. Mulligan has been an assistant principal and science teacher at high schools in the Denver area, including a recent six-year stint at Regis Jesuit High School. John Schneier '10, a graduate of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis on May 27. After leading TCU to its fourth consecutive College World Series (eventually finishing fourth in the nation), ace pitcher Brian Howard '13 was drafted in Major League Baseball’s 8th round to the Oakland A’s.
Don Boyce '61 and his wife Ann Geis Boyce were recognized by Maryville University with the honorary title of Volunteer of the Year. Dr. Joseph F. Shea '74 received the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s Gold Medal Award at the Society’s Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony.
Writer and Director James Gunn '84 launched Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, a sequel to the phenomenally successful blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy, in theaters across the nation. His brother Sean '92 made appearances in both films. Executive Producer Michael Beugg '81 earned a record seven Golden Globe nominations for the original Hollywood musical film La La Land. Fr. William Sheahan, S.J. '85 will serve as the interim president for
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Justin Woodard '98, President of Woodard Cleaning & Restoration, was named in the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes rising professional stars in the area.
SLUH has an impressive collection of paintings by Missouri artists as well as cultural and historical artifacts, thanks in large part to the generosity of Tim '68 and Jeanne Drone. Check out our art collection, which is now accessible online: www.sluh.org/arts/gallery The History of Transportation in St. Louis by Frank Nuderscher (18891959) is just one of many paintings donated by the Drones.
U. HIGHLIGHTS
REQUIESCAT IN PACE Since 2016, SLUH has learned of the deaths of the following alumni. Eternal rest grant unto them, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. List compiled 1/1/16-5/24/17
Frank Demmer '27 Owen J. Eisele '32 Henry I. Crider '33 Tobin C. Carlin '34 Edward R. Schallom '36 Patrick J. Pomphrey '37 Robert W. Temm '37 Charles W. Klasek '38 Robert V. Guignon '39 William I. Tierney '39 James P. Tlapek '39 Harry J. Hormberg '41 John J. Stochl '41 Lawrence R. Tucci '41 Irving R. Ohlsen '42 Lester W. Schaefer '42 Robert F. Weiss '42 James R. Felling '44 Robert C. Gross '44 Joseph J. Hromadka '44 Edmund A. Luning '44 Edward W. Warner '44 Charles L. Hudson '45 Fred L. Linkul '45 Joseph H. Llewellyn '45 Edward C. Oberreither '45 Richard J. Beck '46 Nicholas B. Fehrenbach '46 Francis D. Grothe '46 John A. Gunn '46 Gregory V. Menke '46 Richard J. Moxley '46 Roger E. Schaefer '46 Thomas F. Sears '46 Robert G. Surkamp '46 Richard C. Tappella '46 Jerre M. Waddock '46 John J. Weber '46 Robert T. Costello '47 John R. Daly '47 Jack T. Davenport '47 Edgar T. Farmer '47
Albert G. Hannibal '47 Frank C. Kane '47 Edward A. Medler '47 Richard P. Nangle '47 Jerome K. O'Brien '47 Frank L. Scheithauer '47 Robert F. Schulz '47 Burke M. Shea '47 John D. Whelan '47 David P. Bakunas '48 Lawrence W. Miriani '48 A. Michael Sullivan '48 Joseph A. Lawton '49 Louis J. Liebermann '49 Ernest J. Winkelmann '49 Jerome A. Daues '50 Harold J. Erbs '50 Arthur V. Gormley '50 Henry H. Lindley '50 Robert P. Meder '50 Robert L. Mulholland '50 David S. Thomas '50 Paul H. Vize '50 Robert M. Wohlschlaeger '50 Thomas J. Bannister '51 Richard R. Boedeker '51 William H. Evans '51 Donald W. Reck '51 Warren J. Schulte '51 Joseph G. Watz '51 Donald F. Androlewicz '52 Arthur G. Demmas '52 Hugh F. Kelly '52 Carl J. Heumann '53 Fred J. Mueller '53 Loren R. Pruitt '53 David D. Wilson '53 John J. Bergin '54 Harold J. Fischer '54 Lawrence W. Hamtil '54 Thomas D. Lutkewitte '54 Terry R. Lynch '54 Francis R. Roeder '54 Aderton P. Samuel '54 F. Joseph Schulte '54 James R. Babka '55 Donald W. Charpentier '55 F. Roger Clark '55 Edmond A. Schatzman '55 Daniel J. Scott '55 Richard K. Ausbrook '56 Michael G. Concannon '56 David J. Goldman '56 Richard F. Hezel '56 John F. Lane '56
Robert E. Cochran '57 Robert J. Endler '57 John M. Hamm '57 James H. Hemmersmeier '57 Robert T. Roeder '57 Charles H. Stein '57 Robert E. Green '58 Edwin C. Mulcahy '58 John G. Boggiano '59 Alan L. Clements '59 N. Patrick Hough '59 Robert T. Jenneman '59 John Lucido '60 Charles V. Zurfluh '60 George R. Campbell '61 Frederick J. Dana '61 Daniel J. Leahy '61 John L. Maher '61 Kenneth E. Martin '61 Michael A. Richter '61 Fred Saxe '61 Dennis M. Beaver '62 F. Terrell Eckert '62 Peter Palumbo '62 James J. Simon '62 R. Thomas Spurr '62 Victor G. Clever '63 James J. Spies '63 David R. Zinzer '63 Mark J. Catanzaro '64 William P. Voskamp '64 Glennon E. Greenway '65 John C. Clark '66 John P. Hess '66 Thomas F. Jasorka '66 Kevin L. Moran '66 James P. Sweney '66 Thomas J. Capelli '67 Gary S. Gravagna '67 David E. Overkamp '67 Gregory J. Lakebrink '68 Terry K. Perl '68 Charles D. Mills '70 Charles J. Noll '70 Michael J. O’Malley '71 James M. Shortal '71 Mark A. Curran '72 Robert L. DeVoto '72 John V. Moran '72 S. Francis Baldwin '73 Michael F. Gowen '73 Richard L. Mersinger '73 Timothy J. Finnegan '74 Mark E. Cody '76 Robert H. Usselman '76
Peter F. Herbig '77 Kenneth M. Fuller '81 Michael J. Will '81 Timothy M. McElroy '85 James K. McAuley '88 Daniel M. Arns '92 Christopher D. Finn '94 Nathaniel C. Pentland '99 James P. Jacobsmeyer '01 Lee M. Berra '02 Charles N. Deubner '02 Kevin T. Roche '03 Timothy A. Hunt '08 Kurt M. Eisele '10
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IGNATIAN REFLECTION
By Dan Finucane '06, SLUH teacher and minister who is joining the Jesuits this summer
Once a semester, I get together with a mentor and friend who is a Franciscan friar and we have an evening of conversation over dinner. I remember one particular evening a couple years ago, when we were talking about vocation. I was beginning to consider the Jesuits more seriously, but still had some reservations. My friend said something that I have not forgotten since: “When I was younger, I watched my brothers get married to wonderful women, have kids and live these full, beautiful lives. I was quite envious. But over the past few years, as I have grown older, I have come to truly appreciate the freedom I have… to visit my fellow friars in Southeast Asia or Germany or Africa; to respond with generosity to God’s call, wherever or to whomever, it might lead. I feel so free! It is incredible! Now, I wouldn’t change my choice to be a friar at all.” I remember thinking: “Yes! That is what I want! That kind of freedom.” It wasn’t freedom from responsibility or commitment. It was exactly the opposite. His commitment to be a friar had led him to greater freedom, greater generosity of heart, and joy. The question became: “how do I get there?” For me, I have discovered, through my discernment of the Jesuits, that growing in freedom follows from growing in attentiveness to my interior life and by choosing to place my relationship with God at the center of my life. The end of Fr. David Fleming’s contemporary reading of the First Principle and Foundation puts it well: “Our only desire and our one
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choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me.” This has framed everything for me: What in my experience deepens God’s life in me? To put it another way: what are my deepest, most authentic desires? And then, what is preventing me from more freely responding to this invitation with generosity? When I began to consider these questions for myself, I discovered desires: to be sent out on mission into the world to announce the Gospel; to live in community with others; to live simply and conscientiously; to deepen my relationship with Jesus; to be like so many Jesuits I know who are deeply spiritual and Christ-like people. These were not abstract ideas. Rather, I discovered these desires in the midst of my experience: my education and formation at three Jesuit institutions over ten years (SLUH, SLU, and BC), living and working in community in Zambia, and working at St. Louis U. High as a teacher and minister. Naming these desires, with the help of companions along the way and prayer, pointed toward the Jesuits as a way of saying yes to deepening God’s life in me. Finally, I discovered that it was fear—of giving up family and kids, of making the wrong decision, of loneliness and isolation, of the unknown—that had been preventing me from responding to the call to consider the Jesuits, before that dinner with my friend. Yet when I saw his joy, I knew then that I wanted to trust God and choose to be led. I haven’t regretted it since.
UPCOMING EVENTS | 2017
Visit www.sluh.org/calendar for more details and a complete list of events and activities.
ALUMNI REUNIONS
Monday, July 31 Feast of St. Ignatius Mass 7:30 a.m., SLUH Chapel
1947 1952 1957 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012
Saturday, August 5 SLUH Alumni Cross-Country Race & BBQ 11:00 a.m., SLUH Track Monday, August 14 Fathers Club Beer & Brats Opening Meeting 6:00 p.m., Si Commons Wednesday, August 16 Mothers Club Opening Meeting 7:00 p.m., Si Commons Sunday, September 10 Family Mass & Breakfast 9:30-11:30 a.m. in SLUH Chapel, Si Commons Saturday, September 23 Bicentennial Mass with Saint Louis University 5:30 p.m. on Arch Grounds downtown Thursday, September 28 Scholarship Golf Classic 11:00 a.m. lunch, 12:15 p.m. shotgun start, Bogey Club Sunday, October 15 Mothers Club Card Party 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Si Commons
CLASS DATE Luncheon reunion on Friday, October 20 Luncheon reunion on Friday, October 20 September 29 - October 1 September 29 - October 1 October 6-8 September 29 - October 1 September 29 - October 1 September 29 - October 1 September 29 - October 1 September 29 - October 1 September 29 - October 1 Friday, November 24 Friday, November 24 Friday, November 24
Introducing AMDG: Ignatian Spirituality for Parents (alumni and faculty/staff welcome) Thursday, August 31 5:30 p.m., North American Martyrs Chapel at SLUH Thursday, November 16 5:30 p.m., North American Martyrs Chapel at SLUH Visit www.sluh.org/amdg to learn more.
Friday, October 20 All-School Service Day to mark Bicentennial Sunday, October 29 Mother/Son Mass & Brunch 9:30 a.m.-Noon, Si Commons/ Danis Field House Saturday, November 18 Alumni Mass of Remembrance 4:00-7:00 p.m., SLUH Chapel Sunday, November 19 SLUHtique 11:00 a.m., Si Commons
VISIT SLUH ONLINE www.sluh.org facebook.com/sluhigh @sluh @sluhjrbills
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www.sluh.org/bicentennial
Two Centuries. Doubly Blessed.