A Jesuit College Preparatory School • Founded 1818
Summer 2009
Coming Home 2
St. Louis University High School
2009 Alumni Reunions Dates
4970 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 Telephone: (314) 531-0330 Facsimile: (314) 531-8446 www.sluh.org
Listed below are the dates for Alumni class reunions for 2009. Planning committees are in the process of finalizing the details. Invitations are generally mailed
Mr. David J. Laughlin President
6-8 weeks before the event. Complete details will also be posted on the reunion portion of the SLUH website as
Dr. John J. Moran Principal
they become available: www.sluh.org/alumni/reunions
Mr.Thomas Becvar Assistant Principal – Administrative and Technology Services
Class of 1944 Tuesday, September 15 (lunch)
Mr. Brock Kesterson Assistant Principal – Student Affairs
Class of 1949 Fri-Sat, September 11-12 Class of 1954 Fri-Sat, October 2-3
Ms. Robyn L. Pilliod Assoc. Vice President for Advancement
Class of 1959 Fri-Sat, October 16-17
Mr. D. Michael Leary Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Class of 1964 Fri-Sat, October 23-24
Mr. R. Mark Michalski ‘84 Assistant Principal – Academics, Curriculum and Instruction
Class of 1974 Fri-Sat, September 25-26
SLUH NEWS
Class of 1984 Fri-Sat, September 18-19
is a publication for alumni, family and friends of St. Louis University High.
Class of 1989 Fri-Sat, November 20-21
Questions and comments should be addressed to:
Class of 1994 Fri-Sat, November 6-7
Class of 1969 Fri-Sat, October 9-10
Class of 1979 Fri-Sat, October 9-10
Class of 1999 Fri-Sat, November 27-28
Joe Patke, Director of Data and Communications St. Louis University High E-mail: patke@sluh.org Photography courtesy of Mr. Matt Sciuto ‘70 and the SLUH Photography Club.
Class of 2004 Saturday, December 26
On the Cover The photo on the cover is by Senior Zac Boesch, the recipient of the 2009 Ed Hawk Award. This image is one of a series of photos that Boesch created to adorn the main wall of the Pastoral Office, portraying the spiritual life of our school. Visitors to SLUH are encouraged to stop by the Pastoral Office to see the full set of photographs. Editor’s Note: For the past three years, Zac has taken thousands of photos capturing the spirit and essence of SLUH. We have used many of Zac’s photos in this magazine, and we are very grateful to him. On behalf of the SLUH NEWS, our thanks to Zac and best wishes as he enters college in the Fall.
Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, As we continue to pursue excellence at St. Louis U. High, it is important to confirm that we are on the right path by examining some quantifiable measures of success. We can take an objective look at our academic success in test scores, grade point averages and tremendous college admissions. Outside the classroom, we can see success in our co-curriculars by excellent performances, championships and recognitions. In this issue of the SLUH NEWS, we examine and celebrate many of these successes. We have been blessed with great young men, supportive families, wonderful faculty and loyal benefactors who together make our work possible. We are thankful for our good fortune – especially in a very difficult economic year.
In his most recent book, What is Ignatian Spirituality?, Fr. David Fleming, S. J. ’52, writes that Ignatian Spirituality is a matter of the heart. The Spiritual Exercises do not have the goal of intellectual development, writes Fr. Fleming, SJ. “The goal is a response….Ignatius is after a response of the heart.” A Jesuit education is not complete without this instruction in matters of both mind and body. To find God in all things, “we must cultivate life-affirming virtues, lively imaginations, critical minds, and compassionate hearts.” To achieve complete success, a Jesuit education must address the total student and trigger that ‘response of the heart’ that Fr. Fleming, S.J. describes.
As much as any statistic I have studied this year, I felt a tremendous confirmation of our mission as I met with Jesuit education is well known for its high standard of the Geometry students from classes taught by Frank intellectual success throughout the world and over Corley ’77. The classes were divided into small groups many generations. A spirituality which ‘finds God in all to offer suggestions for the new student commons area, things’ will inevitably pursue this excellence of the mind currently occupied by the Backer Gymnasium. Using and the body. We can gather the data which demongeometric theories, they designed their ideas and made strates our success in these areas, but specific suggestions. And, as predictable young men, our mission goes beyond that. Exemthey had ideas that were terrific, and others that might plary test scores, superb artistic pernever see the light of day! (After all, a fully-equipped formances and athletic championships video arcade does not really fit into the mission of do not fulfill our mission on their own. a Jesuit, college-prep high school!) However, within EACH of about a dozen groups, a quiet, reflective space Recently, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, Supefor personal study, prayer and intimate discussion was rior General of the Society of Jesus, considered essential. Yes, current Geometry students visited the United States. In helped me realize that in addition to the academic, an interview with the media, activities and athletic success, the matters of the heart he stated the following: “… were on balance with the matters of the head as a prithere is a lack of space ority for our young men. for silence, for calm, for peaceful relating….the As we end another school year, we do so – Ad Mahealing power of calm jorem Dei Gloriam. In gratitude, we dedicate all of our and peace is trementhoughts, words and actions in matters of the mind, dous and we are losing body and heart to the ‘Greater Glory of God’. this…..We need time to recuperate for the heart to develop. We Christ’s peace, also need to challenge the overwhelming importance given to thought over feeling.” David J. Laughlin President
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Bequest from Melvin Giles ’38 Creates 4
In 2008, the SLUH family lost a wonderful supporter with the death of Melvin Giles ’38. He was a volunteer, reunion organizer and benefactor to our school. His support of the school continues on, even after his death. Mr. Giles made provisions for SLUH in his estate plans, and the school has received gifts totaling
$1,000,000 from his estate. The funds have been placed in the school’s endowment fund, and the investment earnings will provide scholarships for deserving SLUH students for generations to come. Giles attended SLUH from 1934 until 1938. He was a successful student and
1938 yearbook picture of Melvin Giles.
Dr. McConaghy Retires After 30 Years Editor’s Note: The following piece is based on an article written by Sophomore Nick Fandos for the May 1, 2009, edition of the Prep News. Nick’s article is available on-line at http://student.sluh.org/prepnews/pdfs/73/ vol73-28.pdf Dr. McConaghy at Awards Day Ceremony
Dr. Mary Lee McConaghy is retiring as a full time teacher at the end of the current school year. McConaghy has taught Latin and Greek at SLUH for 30 years. She will continue in a part-time role for the indefinite future, teaching one course in Greek. As one of the first full-time female teachers at SLUH, McConaghy was considered a pioneer. “Not only was she a pioneer in terms of her gender, but nearly all the SLUH Latin teachers prior to her were Jesuit priests…so she was a pioneer in that regard as well,” noted fellow Latin teacher Fr. Ralph Houlihan, S.J. If there were any qualms about whether a woman could succeed in the Latin program at SLUH, McConaghy quickly dispelled them. She is highly regarded by both students and colleagues, and her enthusiasm for the classics and for teaching is infectious.
McConaghy noted that “if you have enthusiasm for something, it can carry you through very challenging situations and keep you optimistic ... and also inspire you to go into areas you haven’t considered before.” A supply of stickers with the word optime (Latin for “excellent”) is always close at hand for McConaghy, as a reward for students who perform well. These small rewards are treasured by students, and worn with pride. Affectionately known to two generations of SLUH classics scholars as “Magistra” (Latin for “teacher”), McConaghy taught both Latin and Greek. She also coached the Certamen teams, which compete against other schools in contests testing the students’ knowledge of the Latin language and Roman culture.
Scholarship Fund 5
graduated with honors. Involved in many activities, he was a standout infielder and leading hitter on the baseball team. He was a captain on the basketball team, and he was a member of the city championship football team. He cherished his time at SLUH and cited his Jesuit education as a keystone of his success in life.
The Great Depression, and the challenges it presented, shaped the time that Giles attended SLUH. Now, more than 70 years later, we are feeling the strains of another era of economic hardship. Thanks to the generosity of Melvin Giles, SLUH is better prepared to meet the challenges of these difficult times. Each year, the income from his endowed scholarship will provide financial support to several
SLUH students, keeping the Jesuit education he cherished within reach for more young men. If you would like information about making an estate gift to SLUH, please visit our planned giving website at www.sluh.org/ alumni/waystogive/ or call our Tom Auffenberg at (314) 531-0330 ext 112.
Michalski Named Principal of Central Catholic Editor’s Note: The following piece is based on an article written by Junior Matt Bettonville for the May 1, 2009, edition of the Prep News. Matt’s article is available on-line at http://student.sluh.org/prepnews/pdfs/73/vol73-28.pdf
Academic Assistant Principal Mark Michalski ’84 will leave St. Louis U. High to become principal at Central Catholic St. Nicholas School and Academy, a school with about 230 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. “I’m at a time in my career when I’ve had my eyes out for a principal’s job,” said Michalski of his decision to leave. He said that he had worked in urban diocesan grade schools in Denver and Kansas City, so Cen tral Catholic St. Nicholas, a largely African American school located in North city, appealed to him. “I’ve loved my eleven years here at SLUH,” said Michalski. “I’ve loved every minute of my time, but I’m excited to face new challenges at Central Catholic St. Nicholas.”
Mark Michalski and Senior Alex Brooks
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A Silver Screen Salute To CASHBAH 2009
Pictured left to right, Cashbah Co-Chairs, Nancy Guilfoy and Kate Hagan Pictured left to right, Alumni Chair, Mike Brand ‘73, President David Laughlin and Parent Chair Dan Barrett.
Top-to-bottom: Jack Erbs, Drew Morris, Adam Twist, Joe Stratton, Connor Hagan, David Martin, and Chris Sokolowski.
The chairs of the Cashbah Dinner-Auction looked to Hollywood for their theme this year, and presented “A Silver Screen Salute to CASHBAH.” The event, held on Saturday, April 4, was by all measures a huge hit…a blockbuster. Guests made their way past the popping flashbulbs of the paparazzi as they walked the red carpet into CASHBAH. The Backer Gymnasium had been transformed…decorated in a glamorous cinematic theme that gave the event the atmosphere of a Hollywood Oscar-night party. Nancy Guilfoy and Kate Nolan Hagan, auction co-chairs, were delighted with the
camaraderie and overall success of the sold-out event. “The night was a success on many levels,” said Hagan. “We raised a lot of money for the scholarship program at SLUH, which in these economic times is crucial. But it was also a great party and we had a lot of fun. It is a great community-building event for the SLUH family.” More than 800 guests attended the 40th annual CASHBAH. Auction items ranged in scope from stunning vacation and sports packages to exquisite jewelry and distinctive furniture. In spite of an unfavorable economic climate, CASHBAH 2009 netted approximately $560,000.
Mark your calendars now for CASHBAH 2010 on Saturday, March 20.
Merriott Receives Jesuit Partner Award At the annual Faculty Appreciation Dinner in May, the Jesuit Partner Award was presented to longtime Spanish teacher Mr. Charley Merriott. In 2000, the Board of Trustees established an Endowed Fund to create an annual opportunity to recognize and reward a member of the SLUH faculty for their outstanding support of Catholic, Jesuit education. In creating the award, the Board requested that the academic administration annually select a faculty member who has demonstrated the ideals expressed in the mission statement of the school. The teacher selected will have shown great dedication, both in and out of the classroom, to the ideals of Jesuit education. The award includes recognition on a plaque placed prominently in the school, and an honorarium generated by the endowment fund. Charley Merriott has been a Spanish teacher for over 40 years, with 18 of those years at SLUH. In 1994, then-Principal Paul Owens asked Merriott to accompany 6 seniors on their Senior Project to the Centro San Yves in Yoro, Honduras. The Centro San Yves is a residential nutrition center for malnourished children. Merriott accepted this challenge and the rest is SLUH history. For the next 15 years, Merriott would lead a Senior Project group to Honduras. He became so committed to the nutrition center, and the children there, that he began going back again during the summer, spending weeks of his vacation time working in Honduras.
Eventually, he took on the project of building a new facility to house the nutrition center and its children. He worked tirelessly raising money for supplies and negotiating with vendors and contractors in Honduras. He became a fixture outside the SLUH cafeteria, staffing a candy sale table to raise money for “his babies.” Many in the SLUH family were inspired by his efforts, and before long he had raised over $40,000…enough to build a new facility for the Centro San Yves. As the new facility was built, Merriott made several trips to Honduras to personally oversee construction work.
events. He works the gate at football games, supervises students at Cashbah, leads student trips to Spain, has moderated the yearbook, leads retreats, and this Spring he has taken on the role of assistant track coach. He has devoted the last 18 years of his life to the boys at SLUH and to his babies in Honduras.” “Charley Merriott is an embodiment of the Ignatian spirit of education,” continued Keeline. “For this we recognize him with the 2009 Jesuit Partner Award.”
Ten years ago, Merriott was asked to oversee an exchange program with a Jesuit high school in Columbia, South America. Every year, two Colombian students come to SLUH to study for a semester while living with their host families. Merriott serves as their advisor and mentor. Recently, Merriott received accolades from TV station KSDK. In a series of special Mr. Merriott with students Mark Kissel (left) and Brendan Giljum. reports called “Making A Difference,” the station highlighted inspiring people in St. Louis. Merriott’s piece aired in mid May, and can still be viewed on the station’s website (enter the word “Merriott” in the search field of the station’s website to find it). At the award ceremony, Tom Keeline ’68, the Chair of SLUH’s Board of Trustees, noted that “Charley is a fixture at SLUH
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Spring Sports 8
Round-Up
Water Polo Takes Fourth Straight Title. Head Coach: Paul Baudenstel ’90 Assistant Coaches: John Penilla ’99 and Mike Petersen ’02 Overall Record: 30-1
The SLUH Varsity water polo team earned its fourth consecutive state championship in May, defeating second-seeded DeSmet 9-4. The Jr. Bills wrapped up a 30-1 season, suffering their only loss of the past three years (yes, the past three years!) to Belen Jesuit High School of Miami, Florida. “They earned it,” coach Paul Baudendistel told the Prep News. “This championship was the product of the
seniors’ work over the past three months, and in the cases of several players, over the past six years. There were many early mornings, long days, and late nights, but I think they would agree that it was all worth it. Talent plus dedication is a wonderful combination.” “This year’s Senior class is among the most talented ever in the water polo program, and also among the hardest working,” added Assistant Coach John Penilla. The SLUH water polo team has now earned 14 state championships in its history, the most ever for any school in the area. Several Jr. Bills were recognized with post-season honors by area coaches. Seniors Trent Going and John Savio were All-District Honorable Mention, and Seniors John Heafner, Matt Hohenberger, Michael O’Neill, and William Page were All-District First Team. No school had placed as many as four players on the All-District First Team since 1994, when the feat was accomplished by SLUH. In addition, John Heafner was selected as the Missouri District Offensive Player of the Year, while Michael O’Neill was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year for the second season in a row. John Heafner is the third Heafner brother to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award, following Jim ’07 and Tim ’05.
Tennis Head coach: Patrick Zarrick ’78 Assistant Coaches: Dennis Dougan and Clark Taylor Record: 12-5 in duel meets MCC Record: 4-0 Highlights: First place in the MCC tournament. First place in the district tournament, and second place in sectionals, thus making the state’s “Elite Eight.” Senior John Edwards and Sophomore Greg Marifian qualified for individual competition in the State Tournament. Marifian went deep in the tournament, finishing in 6th place overall in the state.
Senior Jack Berger
It was a tremendous Spring for the Junior Billikens. The water polo team won an unprecedented 4th consecutive state title. The track squad placed third in the state. The Jr. Billiken baseball team went deep into the playoffs, making the state’s “Elite Eight.” The volleyball team made the final four, losing to eventual-champions DeSmet. Strong showings in tennis and golf rounded out an outstanding season for the Junior Bills.
Track Team Takes Third in State Head Coach: Jim Linhares Assistant Coaches: John Diffley, Tom Flanagan, Brian Gilmore ‘02, Karl Guenther ‘01, Charley Merriott, Joe Porter, Barrett Taylor Record & Highlights: Coach Jim Linhares led the 2009 Jr. Bills to a third place finish in the state. This was the third time in the past five years the Jr. Bills have finished in the top 3 at State, including the State Championship in 2006. Season highlights included championships in the MCC Relays, the University City Invitational, and the Clayton Invitational. The Jr. Bills were the MCC champions at all levels… Varsity, JV and Freshman.
Individual All-State performances included: * Double State Champ Ronnie Wingo; the 100m in 10.59 and the 200m in 21.44 (21.39 in a prelim). * 4 x 800 Relay State Champs, the first for this event in SLUH history. Austin Cookson, David Kuciejczyk-Kernan, Caleb Ford, and Nick Seckfort won the final with a time of 7:51.49, a new SLUH record. * Austin Cookson placed second in the 1600m with a time of 4:16.03 and won additional points by placing 11th in 3200m. * Nick Seckfort placed second in the 800m and set a new school record of 1:53.74. * Caleb Ford contributed points by placing 9th in the 1600m and 14th in the 3200m.
Sophomore Edwin Young
* Kevin Graves added to the team total with a 13th place finish in discus with a throw of 149’02”.
Golf Coach: Greg Bantle Record: Fourth place (out of 11 teams) in the District Tournament. Highlights: Senior Jeremy Schob qualified for state play, and finished 40th overall.
Senior Jeremy Schob
Continued on Page 10
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Winter & Spring Sports Round-Up Continued from Page 9 10
Baseball Finishes in “Elite Eight” Head Coach: Steve Nicollerat Assistant Coach: Tom Zinselmeyer ’99 Record: 19-9 Second place finish in the MCC Highlights: The Jr. Bills hosted the “Jesuit Classic” in April, and posted wins against Loyola of Chicago, Rockhurst and DeSmet. Their only loss at the classic was to nationally-ranked Creighton Prep. After finishing second in the MCC, the Jr. Bills went on to win their district and qualify for the state tournament. From there they made it to the “Elite Eight” before falling to eventual state finalist Ft. Zumwalt South. The team finished the season in the top 10 of the Post-Dispatch rankings. Individually, Coach Nicollerat commended Seniors Pat Roy (outfield) and Jeff Brand (first base) for their outstanding seasons. Unfortunately, Mike Bucchino sat out his Senior season with an injury, after making the varsity team as a Freshman, Sophomore and Junior. He had arm surgery in the Spring, and hopes to be ready for college baseball by next year, although he is undecided about his college destination. Coach
Nicollerat reports that the future looks bright for the Jr. Bills, as Sophomore Sasha Kuebel posted a record of 9-1 as a starting pitcher and was also one of the team’s top hitters. “We had a total of five Freshman make Varsity this year…and we made it all the way to the ‘Elite Eight’ with a team that regularly started two Freshman and a Sophomore,” said Nicollerat.
Volleyball Team Reaches Semi-Finals Head coach: Dan Becvar ’02 Assistant Coach: Paul Scovill Overall Record: 25-5 MCC Record: 5-3 Highlights: The Jr. Bills won the Parkway Central Tournament in April. In May the team had a great run in the State Tournament, reaching the semifinals before being eliminated by the eventual champions, the DeSmet Spartans. Individual honors had not yet been announced at press time.
College Acceptances for the Class of 2009 Members of the St. Louis University High Class of ’09 were accepted at the following colleges and universities. Alabama A&M University Alabama State University The University of Alabama American University Amherst College Arizona State University University of Arkansas Auburn University Avila University Babson College Ball State University Bellarmine University Belmont University Beloit College Benedict College Benedictine College Benedictine University Bentley University Boston College Boston University Bradley University Brown University Butler University University of California at Los Angeles Carleton College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University The Catholic University of America Central College University of Central Missouri Chapman University College of Charleston University of Chicago University of Cincinnati Claflin University Clark University Clemson University Coe College University of Colorado at Boulder University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Columbia University Creighton University University of Dallas Dartmouth College Davidson College University of Dayton University of Delaware Denison University
University of Denver DePaul University DePauw University Drake University Drexel University Drury University Duke University Eastern Illinois University Eckerd College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - FL Emerson College Emory University University of Evansville Florida A&M University Fordham University Franciscan University of Steubenville George Mason University The George Washington University Georgetown University Grinnell College Hampton University Harvard University Harvey Mudd College College of the Holy Cross Howard University University of Idaho University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana University at Bloomington Iowa State University The University of Iowa Ithaca College John Carroll University Johns Hopkins University Kalamazoo College Kansas State University University of Kansas Kentucky State University University of Kentucky Kenyon College Kettering University Knox College Lake Forest College Lewis University Lindenwood University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University University of Louisville Loyola College in Maryland
Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans Lyon College Macalester College University of Maine Marquette University Maryville University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mercyhurst College Miami University, Oxford University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan Middle Tennessee State University Millikin University University of Mississippi Missouri State University Missouri University of Science and Technology University of Missouri Columbia University of Missouri, Kansas City University of Missouri, St. Louis Montana State University, Bozeman The University of Montana, Missoula Morehouse College Morgan State University Murray State University University of Nebraska at Lincoln University of New Hampshire New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology New York University The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Northwestern University University of Notre Dame Ohio University University of Oklahoma Ottawa University Otterbein College Oxford College of Emory University Pennsylvania State University, University Park Princeton University Providence College Purdue University Quincy University Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College University of Richmond
Rockhurst University Saint Anselm College Saint Joseph’s University Saint Louis University University of San Diego Santa Clara University Seattle University Seton Hall University Skidmore College South Carolina State University Southeast Missouri State University University of Southern California Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville Southern Methodist University Spring Hill College St. John’s University - Queens Campus St. Louis College of Pharmacy St. Louis Community College at Meramec St. Olaf College Stanford University Stillman College Syracuse University Temple University University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Tennessee, Martin Texas Christian University The University of Texas, Austin Transylvania University Trinity University Truman State University Tulane University University of Tulsa Tuskegee University United States Military Academy University of Utah Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Villanova University University of Virginia Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Webster University University of West Florida University of Wisconsin, Madison The College of Wooster Xavier University Yale University
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C
Notes
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Editor’s Note: Our thanks once again to Ms. Margarite Shewman, retired SLUH librarian. When she is not on a cruise or visiting friends and relatives across the country, Ms. Shewman graciously takes the time to scan St. Louis publications for news about SLUH alumni and forwards the information to Class Notes.
1961
To submit an item to Class Notes, send an e-mail to alumni@sluh.org
Dennis Drabelle’s new book, Mile-High Fever: Silver Mining, Boom Towns and High Living on the Comstock Lode will be published by St. Martin’s Press in July. Look for it at all major bookstores.
1950
Tom Ruoff saw the need for a crossing guard to help children get to his parish school, Little Flower in Richmond Heights, after the Highway 40 closure led to increased traffic in front of the school. Ruoff volunteered, but after a few months on the job he suffered a heart attack. While hospitalized, he received an outpouring of support from the children at the school, and the story was featured in Bill McClellan’s column in the PostDispatch in March. Ruoff has recovered and plans to resume his crossing guard duties in the fall.
1956
Fr.Tom Cummings, S.J., will return to St. Louis University High for the ’09-’10 school year. Fr. Cummings will serve in a pastoral and sacramental role, including duties as the Alumni Chaplain.
James Etling has recently retired as the President and CEO of Etling Printing Company.
1968
The Missouri Growth Association honored St. Louis County Economic Council President and CEO Denny Coleman with their 2009 “Individual Community Betterment Award” in March. Coleman has been the President of the St. Louis Economic Council for nearly 20 years. The Council leads the county government’s efforts to create long-term growth and employment opportunities in St. Louis.
1970
Charles Lawton was one of 30 players from across the nation invited to compete in the 2009 US Chess Championships held in St. Louis in May. Lawton is a local chess legend, known for mentoring young players. He told the PostDispatch that he developed his love of chess at St. Louis U. High, when classmates Jim McLaughlin and Doug McClintock taught him the game.
1971
Joe Kortum is the CEO of the Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. Mr. Kortum sent an interesting article from The Columbian newspaper about a strange figurine unearthed during an archeological dig in Washington. Scholars were excavating the site of Fort Vancouver, which was founded in the 1850s and is the first permanent settlement in the Pacific Northwest. The archeologists uncovered a glass figurine of a chubby, seated figure with a contented smile on his face. They were puzzled, but eventually their research revealed that the strange figure was a Billiken.
1976
Stephen Bourneuf was nominated in two categories for the Kevin Kline Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in professional theater in the St. Louis area. Bourneuf was nominated for Outstanding Director of a Musical and also for Outstanding Choreography for his work on the Stages St. Louis production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
1977
Joe Eckelkamp continues to expand and grow his businesses. He founded his accounting firm, Eckelkamp & Associates, in 1996. Since then, he has branched out to
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consulting services with the firms of E & A Management Partners and E & A Financial Partners. His latest venture is in property management, specializing in elite condominium associations with his new firm called E & A Business Partners.
1978
The publication Who’s Who in Black St. Louis celebrates high-achieving African Americans in the St. Louis community. The most recent edition featured attorney Richard Banks on the cover, as well as an extensive feature article. Banks graduated from Howard University with a business degree, and then went on to the Thurgood Marshall Law School at the University of Texas. He is the founder and principal of Banks & Associates, a litigation firm in St. Louis. Also featured in the publication were Dan Isom ‘85, St. Louis Chief of Police, and SLUH’s Assistant Principal for Diversity, Robert Evans.
Clooney and Jason Bateman. Much of the movie was shot in St. Louis during March and April. Watch for Up In The Air in theaters later in 2009.
The American Management Association recently published The Management 500, a book by Dan Coughlin. This is Coughlin’s third book on management and motivation. His previous book, Accelerate, reached #4 on Barnes & Noble best seller list for business titles. Another of his books, Corporate Catalysts, was recently translated for sale in India and China.
Everyday Catholic, a monthly publication from St. Anthony Messenger Press, featured a profile of Michael Rabbitt in the August 2008, edition. The article was about Rabbitt’s efforts to combat racism and social injustices. Rabbitt works extensively with the Archdiocese of Chicago for the Workshop on Racism and Ethnic Sensitivity and also for Catholics United for Racial Justice. He also chairs his parish’s Ministry on Racial and Social Justice.
1983
1981
David Anderson teaches English at the University of Louisville, where he is an Associate Professor. Anderson teaches African American Literature, and is the Director of the English Honors Program at Louisville.
Michael Beugg returned to St. Louis in March, and brought some Hollywood stars with him. Beugg is the Executive Producer of the movie Up In The Air, starring George
in a Post-Dispatch story in April about the zoo’s efforts to save endangered lemur populations in war-torn Madagascar.
1982
Joe Knobbe is the manager in charge of primates at the St. Louis Zoo. Knobbe was featured
The year has been one of awards and recognition for Richard Bradley, who is in charge of Planning and Engineering for the St. Louis Lambert Airport. On “Scout Sunday” in January at the Cathedral Basillica, Bishop Herman presented Bradley with the Boy Scouts’ Emblem of St. George Medal for his service to youth. In February, he was honored by the Missouri Society of Professional EngineersSt. Louis Chapter as the 2009 Outstanding Professional Engineer in Government. In April 2009, he was inducted into the Missouri Science & Technology Academy of Civil Engineers.
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Around the Halls 14
SLUH Students Continue Their
Mastery of the ACT Exam Three SLUH students achieved the highest possible score of 36 on the ACT exam this year. Over the past five years, 13 Junior Billikens have “aced” the ACT. Juniors Ben Minden-Birkenmaier and Frank Schumacher, and Senior Mark Waterman have earned top ACT scores this school year. The most recent top-scorers are MindenBirkenmaier and Schumacher. Each learned in April that they had achieved composite scores of 36. For Schumacher, it was the third time he had taken the ACT. He had achieved scores just short of 36 on previous exams, but motivated in part by a sibling rivalry, he decided to take the test again. “My older brother (Stephen Schumacher ’08) had aced the ACT, and I really wanted to match his score,” Schumacher told the Prep News. Minden-Birkenmaier felt that his success stemmed from the six-week prep course that SLUH mathematics teacher Craig Hannick teaches after school. “It was very helpful,” said MindenBirkenmaier. “At the very least, it gave me a lot of confidence. It’s all about the psychological aspect.” The college plans for these two Juniors are not yet finalized. Minden-Birkenmaier is interested in studying science, specifically bio-engineering, and also music. Schumacher is looking at Vanderbilt, Duke and Washington Universities, but told the Prep News that his plans are definitely subject to change. Senior Mark Waterman was notified of his top score earlier in the school year. Waterman’s top score came in the December ACT exam. Months before, Waterman had achieved a near-perfect score of 35 on a previous ACT exam. He decided to take the test again to see if he could achieve a 36. Remarkably, when he took the December ACT exam he had already been admitted to his first-
choice college—Georgetown University—making this second ACT exam even less important. But two of his classmates had achieved top scores, and Waterman wanted to add his name to that list. As reported in the Fall 2008 SLUH NEWS, Seniors Jack Berger and Keven Wright had achieved perfect ACT scores previously. “Once Kevin and Jack got their perfect scores, I was motivated to try again because I had a little something to prove to myself and I had come so close before that I would have been disappointed to not try it at least once more,” Waterman told the Prep News.
Three From Rifle Team Invited to Jr. Olympic Training Three members from the SLUH rifle squad received invitations from USA Shooting to compete in the Junior Olympics this spring. Dan Hermsmeier ‘10, Mitchel Jones ‘10 and Jason Nienhaus ‘09 qualified for the Junior Olympics after an impressive showing at the Missouri State Qualifier. Nienhaus won the Air Rifle competition at the Missouri State Qualifier, which was held in January in Kansas City, and Hermsmeier placed third. In addition to competing in Air Rifle at the Jr. Olympics, Hermsmeier has also qualified to compete in SmallBore .22. Because of their success at the state competition, the three were invited to spend a week in April living and training at the national Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
SLUH Wins Black History Knowledge Bowl St. Louis University High won the sixth annual St. Louis Metropolitan Black History Knowledge Bowl in February. This achievement marks the third time the Jr. Billikens have won the event in the past four years. SLUH’s team, led by Social Studies teacher Tom Zinselmeyer ’99, consisted of David Blount ‘09, Malik Brown ‘09, Mahdi Grady ‘11, David Jones ‘09, Etefia Umana ‘11, Jeff Uriarte ‘10, Marcus Wright ‘10 and Joey Zanaboni ‘09. The Black History Knowledge Bowl is an event held each year on the third Friday in February, which is Black History Month. The event, held at Harris-Stowe State College, seeks to bring schools together in an effort to encourage friendly and scholarly competition in the field of Black History.
Coach “T” Named
15
Assistant Coach of the Year The St. Louis Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) selected Mark Tychonievich as the “Assistant Coach of the Year.” Tychonievich, known by his players and colleagues as “Coach T,” was honored with the award at the NFF’s 17th Annual Awards Banquet at Washington University on May 3rd. “We are extremely excited for Coach T,” said SLUH Head Football Coach Gary Kornfeld. “He is a man who has always put others first, so it is fitting that he is being recognized for his excellence and selflessness. This is a well-deserved honor for a wonderful man.” Tychonievich has been coaching football and teaching Latin at SLUH since 1990. He received the 2007-08 Teacher of the Year Award, which is annually voted on by the senior class and presented in gratitude to a teacher at SLUH for all of their efforts toward the growth of their students, for excellence in the classroom as well as contributions outside the classroom.
Twelve Jr. Billiken Athletes Sign Letters of Intent Twelve athletes from the Class of ’09 signed National Letters of Intent to play their sport at the college level. The following students signed during the ’08-’09 year: Jack Berger (Princeton University, ice hockey) Rudy Brynac (Lewis College, volleyball) Mike Bucchino (University of Arkansas, baseball) Morgan Cole (West Point, football) Nick Maglasang (Saint Louis University, soccer) John Merlo (Rockhurst University, soccer)
Daniel Miller (Stanford University, swimming) William Page (Mercyhurst, water polo) Nikko Sansone (University of San Diego, football) Brian Schultz (DePaul University, soccer) Matt Storey (Butler University, football) Ronnie Wingo (University of Arkansas, football) “The SLUH athletic department is proud of these students and their accomplishments and wishes them success as they compete at the college level,” says Dick Wehner, SLUH Athletic Director. Continued on Page 18
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Danis Field House Nears Completion The newest edition to the SLUH campus - the Danis Field House - is nearly complete. It will be ready for use at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. “The exterior structure is complete,” said Director of Facilities Joe Rankin ’83. “All that remains is the interior finish work.” The Danis Field House will contain multiple gym spaces. One is the competition gym which will become the new home for the Junior Billiken basketball and volleyball teams. This space has seating for 1,200 fans, state of the art scoreboards and clocks, and plenty of amenities. Behind the competition gym, there is an additional gym floor for practice and recreational use. When the bleachers are retracted,
the gym flooring can be configured into five full-sized basketball courts. There is also a 3,200 square foot room that will serve as the practice space for the wrestling team during the winter season. During the fall and spring seasons, this room will be available as a multi-purpose space for other uses, both athletic and academic. “We’re thilled with this new facility. All three of our basketball teams will be able to practice simultaneously,” said Athletic Director Dick Wehner. “In the past, with the constraints of only one gym, some of our athletes had to wait until five or six o’clock to begin practice. We’d have boys here until eight o’clock every night.”
SLUH Caps Off Basketball Era with Victory The Backer Gymnasium opened in 1955, and for 54 years was the home of Junior Billiken basketball. The era came to a close on February 17, 2009, as SLUH hosted their final basketball game in the Backer Gym, finishing with an exciting overtime victory over MICDS. In the fall of 2009, SLUH will open the Danis Field House, and a new era of Jr. Billiken basketball will begin. To mark the closing, SLUH invited all former varsity basketball players and coaches to return for the final game. Former coaches and players were recognized by SLUH Athletic Director Dick Wehner during breaks in the game and at halftime. Among those in attendance were coaches Hank Raymonds ’42, Emmet Hanick and Don Maurer as well as standout player Ed Macauley ’45, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Most of the players from the state championship teams of 1958 and 1961 were in attendance, some coming from as far away as Florida for this special night. During a post-game reception hosted by SLUH, the teams enthusiastically posed for group photos with Coach Hanick. Pictured Coach Hanick, Coach Raymonds, Coach Maurer
The Danis Field House will also be the home for a new Billiken. Joan and Mark Milburn ’70 are donating a 3-foot-tall statue of the Billiken which will be placed on a pedastal and installed in a place of honor. “This is a fun addition to facility,” said SLUH President David Laughlin. “Joan and Mark did a similar statue for St. Louis University, which now sits outside their new arena. We’ll have a ‘Junior’ Billiken version here, welcoming our fans and guests.” You can track the progress of the construction on line at www.sluh.org. Click on the button on the front page marked “Live Construction Feed” to see up-to-date images of the Danis Field House.
17
Around the Halls
Continued from Page 15
Senior Performs in National Poetry Finals 18
Senior Pete Winfrey finished in the top twelve in the country at the national Poetry Out Loud competition held in Washington, D.C. in April. The month before, Winfrey had won the Missouri state competition in Jefferson City to earn his spot on the national stage. As a result of his Missouri state victory, the Poetry Out Loud organization paid travel expenses for Winfrey and his coach, SLUH English teacher Chuck Hussung, to travel to Washington for the national contest. On Sunday, April 26, after performing in the matinee of the Dauphin Players production of All in the Timing, Winfrey rushed to the airport to catch his flight to Washington, D.C. The Poetry Out Loud competition began the next morning. In Washington, he met up with his coach, Mr. Hussung. The national contestants were divided into three regional groups. “From each of the three regional groups they chose four people to go to the finals. There were 12 finalists,” explained Winfrey to the Prep News. Winfrey’s group had 18 contestants.
Linhares R
eceives
Jim Linhares, track and cross country coach at St. Louis University High, has been recognized by his coaching peers in the region for his significant contributions to the interscholastic sports program. The National Federation Coaches Association (NFCA) has selected Linhares as a Sectional Award recipient. Linhares, who joined the SLUH faculty in 1983 and currently serves as a theology teacher, has been the cross country coach throughout his tenure. His teams have earned two state
Each contestant recited two poems and were scored by a panel of judges. The top 8 scores in the group were then called back to recite a third poem. From among the 8 regional finalists, the top 4 were then chosen to represent the region in the National Finals. Winfrey’s three poems were Mingus at the Showplace by William Matthews, Detroit,Tomorrow by Philip Levine, and La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats. His scores qualified him among the top four in his region, earning him a place in the National Finals later in the week. While Winfrey did not win the National Title, he was honored to be among the top twelve. In addition to winning a trip to Washington, Winfrey won state and national prize money totaling $1,500. He was also one of five students selected by Charles Osgood of CBS News to be interviewed for a feature on Osgood’s show CBS News Sunday Morning. A broadcast date for the show had not been determined at press time.
Regional Coaching Award
titles and many top-10 finishes in cross country. In addition, he is also the Jr. Billikens’ track coach and led that program to a state championship in 2006.
Coaching peers from North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri selected Linhares for the award. In a written statement, the NFCA and the Missouri High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) said of Linhares, “Your contributions to the sport and our education based high school sports have set you apart from the rank and file as a leader in your sport… Through your leadership and role modeling you have affected the lives of so many young people. Your positive modeling has truly helped mold the lives of these young people.”
Latin Scholars Nearly Sweep State Competition Congratulations to the Latin students who
(David Ball, Brian Campbell, Aaron Dripps, Peter
competed in the Certamen Competition at the
Harris, Alex Placke, Alex Seidel, George Staley, Matt
Missouri Junior Classical League Convention in
Tryniecki, and Alex Whalen) earned second place.
Columbia, Missouri in April. Both the Freshman
The team was coached by Latin teachers Dr. Mary
(Michael Baldetti, Sam Body, Sam Bufe, Peter
Lee McConaghy and Mr. Mark Tychonievich.
Derdeyn, Phil Yoffie, and Joshua Zink-Duda) and Sophomore (Andy Eilers, Dan Hoefel, Sam Purcell, John Sachs, and Maxwell Waters) teams earned the title of state champions. The varsity team
Jr. Bills Represent Region in
National WorldQuest Quiz Competition SLUH’s Academic WorldQuest team defeated nearly 60 teams from the St. Louis area in November 2008 to earn a spot in the national Academic WorldQuest competition on April 4th at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The Jr. Billikens, represented by Luke Chellis ‘10, Brendan Ross ‘09, Joseph Schulte ‘09 and Mark Waterman ‘09, finished 11th out of 41 teams from across the country. Their coach and moderator was SLUH Social Studies teacher Dr. Paul Michaelson. WorldQuest is an annual competition organized by the World Affairs Council involv ing high schools from across the country. The categories for the 2009 Academic WorldQuest Competition included: Water, Alternative Fuels, Biotechnology and Genetics, Connectivity, Globalization, Transnational Crime, Great Decisions 2008, Current Events, and Germany.
The team went into the competition unsure of whether they had prepared enough. Many of the teams prepare all year long, with some schools even making the event a course in their social studies department. For the team from SLUH, it is something they do on their own time. “When we left for Washington, we weren’t sure we would be very competitive,” recalled Senior Brendan Ross. “But then we had some flight delays. A long layover between flights gave us time for last-minute studying that improved our confidence.” SLUH’s team correctly answered 73 out of 100 very difficult questions at the event. The winning team from a high school in Cincinnati scored 83 out of 100. “The SLUH team was amazing and really earned my respect for their efforts and for their wonderful representation of us in the nation’s capital,” Dr. Michaelson told the Prep News after the event.
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Backer Award presented posthumously to Fr. Heithaus ’16 and to Hutchison ’68 20
This article is based in part on a piece written by senior Chris Brennan for the May 1, 2009 edition of the Prep News. You can see Chris’ article at http://student.sluh. org/prepnews/pdfs/73/vol73-28.pdf
At an assembly of students on Friday, April 28, 2009, SLUH conferred its highest honor, the Backer Award, on graduates Stephen E. Hutchison ’68 and Rev. Claude B. Heithaus, S.J. ’16. Named for SLUH patrons and benefactors George and Anna Backer, the Backer Award is given to SLUH graduates who have (according to the award’s inscription) “Achieved outstanding success in service to family, Church, and mankind; contributions to his profession; leadership in civic and social work; or promotion of intellectual, religious or cultural pursuits.”
The two men, though representing different eras and professions, share the common theme of dedicating their lives to the service of the disadvantaged and oppressed. Fr. Claude Heithaus, S.J. ’16 SLUH posthumously granted the 45th Backer Award to Rev. Claude B. Heithaus, who died in 1976. Heithaus was born in 1898 and graduated from Loyola Hall, a branch campus of SLUH, in 1916. After high school, he joined the Jesuits. Later, he was sent abroad to study classical anthropology at the University of London before being assigned as a professor at Saint Louis University. In February 1944, Heithaus delivered a passionate sermon
denouncing racism and encouraging the integration of SLU. An account of the sermon was published in The University News leading to even wider media coverage, which generated considerable controversy. At the time of his sermon, the issue of racial integration was being discussed and debated by church leaders, but these deliberations had remained a private, internal matter. Heithaus’ sermon was viewed by some as an act of disobedience to his Archbishop and to his Jesuit Provincial, who had, up to this point, refused to integrate the university. As a result of the controversy, he was removed from SLU, spending time in Kansas City and then at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
However, at the start of the following semester in September of 1944, SLU admitted five AfricanAmerican students. The school became the first university in a former slave state to integrate, in large part because of Fr. Heithaus. After the controversy had subsided, Heithaus was allowed to return to the SLU faculty in the late 1940s. He continued to write about the issue of integration and racial justice, publishing several essays in America, the weekly national Jesuit publication. In 1950, Time magazine reported on Fr. Heithaus and his call for integration of Catholic schools across the country. In his later years, he received honors and citations from Jesuit Superior General Pedro
Arrupe, the French government, and, posthumously, the United States Congress for his work in racial integration. “What he did was prophetic … One of the things that I found especially inspiring was that it was the early 1940s, fifteen or twenty years before the rest of the country was really grappling with this (issue of integration),” said SLUH President David Laughlin. “Speaking and writing about this issue in the 1940s caused great conflict in his life, and required considerable courage.” Ralph Houlihan S.J., ’52 took several classes taught by Heithaus in the 1950s at SLU. “He was
a brilliant scholar of classical languages,” recalled Houlihan. “His knowledge of Mediterranean culture was astounding.” In presenting the 45th Backer Award to Fr. Heithaus, Laughlin said, “He was an accomplished student, priest and scholar who gave witness to his faith by fighting for justice for the oppressed.” Stephen E. Hutchison ’68 The 46th Backer Award was conferred upon Steve Hutchison, ’68. After graduating from SLUH, Hutchison attended the University of Notre Dame, and later received a graduate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is an electrical engineer who currently holds several patents. Continued on Page 24
Fr. Claude Heithaus, S.J. ‘16
Steve Hutchison ‘68
21
Class Notes 22
Continued from Page 13
Eric Clark, the Principal of the Loyola Academy in mid-town St. Louis, has been named one of the 2009 Educators of the Year by the St. Louis American newspaper. Clark will be honored in a banquet in the fall, when he will officially receive the award.
1984
James Gunn continues his creative career. He recently created a short comedy piece for the Xbox 360 gaming platform called “Humanzee.” He later appeared on the VH-1 reality show “Scream Queens” as a judge. The show gathered 10 unknown actresses to compete for a role in an upcoming horror movie.
1985
The law firm of Lewis, Rice and Fingersh appointed Tom Berra to the firm’s Management Committee in 2008.
1994
Frank Kovarik has published two feature articles in St. Louis Magazine in the past year and continues to teach English at SLUH. His local interest features can be viewed online by visiting the website www. stlmag.com and entering “Frank Kovarik” in the search field.
During a campaign stop in St. Louis last fall, Barack Obama had a chance to try the pizza from a restaurant in the Delmar Loop called “Pi,” owned by Chris Sommers. Obama liked it so much, he invited Sommers and his staff to the White House to cater a pizza party for the Obama family on a Friday night in March. Sommers flew to Washington (at his own expense…no tax money was used) with all his ingredients and set up shop in the White House kitchen for the night, serving the Obama family and their guests.
2005
Matt Herzberg II graduated with distinction from the United States Air Force Academy in May with a Bachelor of Science in foreign studies and a minor in Russian language. Upon graduation, Matt was commisioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Eric Durban has been globehopping for the past year. Durban is a student in the Mizzou journalism school, but spent six months studying at the Danish School of Journalism in Arhus, Denmark last year. He interrupted these studies last August when he was selected as one of 50 journalism students chosen by the Olympic News Service to cover the Beijing Olympics. Durban spent two months in China working for the service, before returning “home” to Denmark to
complete his studies there...after a stop-over in Reeykjavik, Iceland, where he celebrated his 21st birthday.
2006
The NCAA Men’s Volleyball Final Four event turned in to a reunion of sorts for two Junior Billiken volleyball players. Kevin Heine ‘07 is a starter for the Ohio State squad that qualified as the number four seed. They lost in the semifinals to eventual champions UC-Irvine. On the other side of the bracket, Murphy Troy ‘06 was a starter and standout for the thirdseeded USC Trojans. USC won its semifinal over Penn State, but lost in the championship match to UCIrvine.
To submit an item to Class Notes, send an e-mail to alumni@sluh.org
23
Friday, July 10, 2009 An event for both golfers and non-golfers! Fr. Marty Hagan, S.J. taught at SLUH for 54 years... longer than any other Jesuit in the school’s history. Last summer, following his passing, SLUH alumni celebrated his life with a dinner and “smoker” in the pool hall, which he supervised for so many years. It was a tremendous success, and nearly 200 alumni gathered in the Fr. Hagan Rec Room to enjoy dinner, cigars, billiards and memories of “Uncle Marty.” Many suggested that this should be an annual event. The Alumni Board decided to host this event again and have it in conjunction with the annual Alumni Golf Tournament. As in the past, the golf tournament will feature a dinner and an awards presentation. But this year, that dinner will be held in the Fr. Hagan Rec Room at SLUH (instead of at the golf course clubhouse). Non-golfers are invited to join the event for the evening on the SLUH campus.
For the Golfers...
For the non-Golfers...
Format: Four-man scramble. Both Regular and Senior (over 50) flights. Time: Noon check-in and lunch. 1:00 p.m. Shotgun start. Place: Norman Probstein Golf Course (Forest Park). Cost: $150 per person ($600 per team) Includes lunch, golf, on-course beverages and post-tournament dinner and cocktail party at SLUH. Please note: The locker rooms at SLUH will be open for any who want to shower and change.
Come join us for the Fr. Hagan Memorial “Smoker” Time: Friday evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. Place: Fr. Hagan Rec Room on SLUH campus. Features: Buffet supper Open Bar Our now-famous “Billiken Cigars” Unlimited billiards, snooker, shuffle board and foosball. Reminiscing about “Uncle Marty” and the time you spent hanging out in the “Senior Smoker” Cost: $30 per person Additionally, donations to the Fr. Hagan Memorial Scholarship Fund will be accepted that night.
NEW THIS YEAR: Special hole sponsorship rates for the golf tournament. Become a hole sponsor for only $50. Promote your business, show your support, or say whatever you want (within the bounds of good taste and SLUH’s Catholic mission, of course!) Brag about your past championships, taunt your fellow golfers... have fun and liven up the atmosphere on the course for just $50. To register for the event and/or buy a hole sponsorship, visit the alumni page of the SLUH website at www.sluh.org/alumni.
Backer Award presented to Hutchison ’68, and posthumously to Heithaus ’16 Continued from Page 21
24
Hutchison’s professional life has included work with Boeing’s aerospace and satellite divisions and encryption technology for Motorola’s communications division. In 1985, he co-founded the company called Systems Integrators, Inc. and served as the company’s president until 2001. But Hutchison was honored with the Backer Award more for his volunteer work than for his professional accomplishments. In spite of the extensive time and energy required to run his company, Hutchison devoted considerable effort to his work in the North St. Louis neighborhood known as The Ville. St. Matthew’s parish, Pictured from left to right, David Laughlin, Gloria Hutchison, Steve Hutchison ’68 staffed by the Jesuits, is in The Ville, and multi-faceted effort to improve the economic, spiritual Hutchison is a long-time parishioner. He and social well-being of the people of the parish. works tirelessly for the parish and the North-side Hutchison was one of the leaders of the effort, and neighborhood that surrounds it. He designed a through his leadership, many other SLUH alumni land-use plan with SLU, and launched several youth became involved. programs in the area. As an officer of the SLUH Alumni Board in the mid 1990s, he inspired many of “I serve on the Alumni Board with Steve, and he his fellow Jr. Bills to become active with the works of the parish. The Alumni Board recognized these efforts encouraged me to get involved with St. Matt’s more by presenting Hutchison with the John J. Divine Alumni than 10 years ago,” said alumnus John Weller ’70. “I began by working on service projects there with my Service Award in 2000. Hutchison continues to serve sons, who were students at SLUH at the time. Today, on the Alumni Board, which is where SLUH President I’m a member of the parish and I continue to be David Laughlin first met him. involved alongside Steve.” “He certainly has touched a lot of lives with the During his acceptance speech, Hutchison talked of service he’s done at St. Matthew’s Parish,” said the difficulty and the value of service. He spoke of his Laughlin. “He is also very accomplished in his work on the North Side as “an absolute necessity of profession as an electrical engineer. He is a fantastic his Catholic faith.” example to our students of an alumnus who is successful professionally and intellectually, while at the “This work is the inevitable result of my faith. Why same time living a life of service and faith.” do I spend so much of my time engaged in service? If I truly believe the gospels, I cannot do otherwise,” During the 1990s, St. Matthew’s parish launched a Hutchison told the students. long-range campaign called Revitalization 2000. More than a fund raising campaign, Revitalization 2000 was a
Priestly Vocations Continue Among SLUH Students and Alumni As of May 2009, there are 19 SLUH alumni at some stage of formal studies and preparation for the priesthood. And there are likely to be more very soon, as three members of the just-graduated Class of 2009 are exploring and praying about a possible priestly vocation. Currently there are 12 SLUH grads enrolled in Kenrick-Glennon seminary, which is run by the St. Louis Archdiocese. There are also six SLUH alumni in formation to be Jesuit priests, including Brian Christopher, S.J. ’93 who is being ordained this June. Also among the 19 is Scott Wallisch ’96, who is enrolled in a seminary in Kansas City, Kansas. “I can’t recall any time in the past 20 years when we’ve had this many of our graduates answering God’s call to the priesthood,” said SLUH Theology teacher Fr. Jim Knapp, S.J. ’69. “It’s very encouraging…very hopeful.”
Are you being called to the priesthood? Listed below are some resources and contact information for SLUH alumni who would like to explore the idea of a priestly vocation:
For information about becoming a Jesuit, visit www.beajesuit.org and click on the “vocations” button. For further information, contact Fr. Lou McCabe, S.J. at vocation@jesuits-mis.org For information about becoming a priest in the St. Louis Archdiocese, visit www.archstl.org/ vocations/
25
Around the Halls 26
Continued from Page 19
Junior Bills Win First State Lacrosse SLUH overcame a solid Rockhurst squad to take home the Division I lacrosse title in May, the first in school history. The Jr. Billikens trailed the Hawklets for much of the game, but came from behind to win 11-10 in overtime for a breathtaking win at the St. Louis Soccer Park. Down 9-6 with 9:16 left in the fourth quarter, the Jr. Billikens made a stunning comeback to send the game into overtime. Robbie Fonke ‘09 scored on a pass from Andrew Howe ‘09 to cement the overtime victory. SLUH goalie Chris Saville ‘09 protected the net with 15 saves and was recognized as the game’s most valuable player. The Jr. Billikens finished the season with a 14-2 record.
Racquetball Team Wins Fourth National Title The SLUH racquetball squad has won the 2009 USRA High School National Tournament which was held February 27-March 1. In its storied racquetball history, the Jr. Bills have now earned four National Championships and 11 State Championships.
According to Coach Joe Koestner, “Losing the national tournament last year by so few points was an inspiration to these boys who set their sights on winning this year and never looked back. The work of coaches Matt Stewart ‘98, Robert Hoffmann and Scott Ziegler ‘99 was instrumental to our success.”
The Gold Level finalists on the racquetball team included: • Seed 1 Gold Doubles Semifinals Spencer Rusch ‘09/ Kevin Kissel ‘09 (Designated All-American) • Seed 4 Andrew Connor ‘09 2nd place • Seed 5 John Duchardt ‘09 National Champion • Seed 6 Mark Kissel ‘10 National Champion • Seed 6 Matt Nahlik ‘09 - 2nd place
Hockey Team Advances to Challenge Cup Final
The St. Louis University High ice hockey team advanced to the championship game in the 2009 Challenge Cup Series, Missouri’s high school hockey championship. The Jr. Bills defeated Francis Howell Central in the semifinals to advance to the final game at Scottrade Center on Wednesday, March 4th at 8:00 p.m. against CBC. “To play in the Challenge Cup finals for the first time after having been in the league since its inception in 1971 is something we have always tried to achieve,” says coach Charlie Busenhart. “This year we have a group of young men who have put in many hours developing their hockey skills and it has obviously paid off.” In front of 5,000 fans at the Scottrade center in a game televised on Fox Sports Midwest, the Jr. Bills fell 4-2 to a heavily-favored CBC squad. SLUH controlled the play for much of the first two periods, and led in the second period. SLUH stars Jack Berger and Kevin Corby (both Seniors) played an outstanding game, and nearly pulled off the upset. But CBC’s depth was too much to overcome, and the Cadets went ahead in the third period and refused to relinquish the lead.
27
Calendar Of Events July 28
10
F r. Hagan Alumni Golf Tournament – Forest Park
Fr. Hagan Memorial “Smoker” - SLUH
August 27
Classes begin
31 Mothers’ Club Opening Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
(see page 23)
September 8 Fathers’ Club Opening Meeting – 6 p.m. 13 Family Mass – 9:30 a.m. 15 Alumni Mothers’ Club Meeting 18 Class of ’84 Reunion 25 Class of ’74 Reunion 25 Danis Field House Dedication
October 2 Class of ’54 Reunion 2-4 Dauphin Players Production 9 Class of ’69 and ’79 Reunions 11 Mothers’ Club Card Party 16 Class of ’59 Reunion 23 Class of ’64 Reunion 25 Grandparents’ Mass - 9:30 a.m.
Top row: Photos of Mr. Charley Merriott’s project in Honduras.
Bottom row: Images from the ceremonies marking the final game in the Backer Gym.
Announcing The Tenth Annual
SLUH ALUMNI XC RACE & BARBECUE Who: When: Where: Awards:
All SLUH Alums All alumni are welcome. Grads who were Jr. Bill XC runners are especially encouraged to attend. Saturday, August 11th, 2009 9:30 a.m. Forest Park Central Fields Barbecue and awards to follow at SLUH after the race. Top 10 Finishers in the Alumni Division All alums receive a hip XC T-Shirt with entry.
Please send this form, along with a check made out to SLUH for $15.00, to: Coach Jim Linhares St. Louis University High School 4970 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110
Name: ______________________________________ Class Year: _______
(Please return this form by July 22nd. For questions, please call SLUH at 314-531-0330, Ext. 289, or send Jim Linhares an e-mail at linhares@sluh.org.)
29
Senior Awards for the Class of 2009 30
Each year the seniors, faculty and administration recognize individual accomplishments with a series of awards that also honor former students and faculty in whose names the awards are presented.
Archbishop May Service Award – Benjamin Merrill Chosen by the Director of SLUH’s Community Service Program (CSP), this award is given to the Senior “who is an outstanding example of rendering Christian service within his community and school.”
Dunn-Martel Award – Jack Berger This award was established in 1987 to honor soccer coach Ebbie Dunn and football coach Paul Martel for their long and successful careers at SLUH. Chosen by the faculty, this award is presented to “the Senior who maintains a high level of scholarship as well as the discipline and commitment of athletic participation that earn for him the selection as the Scholar Athlete of St. Louis University High.”
Jesuit Secondary Education Award – Louis Hotop The JSEA award is presented at each of the Jesuit high schools in the United States. It is presented by the Jesuit Community to the student or students who best exemplify the Jesuit goal of shaping each student to become “a well rounded person who is intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in the generous service to the people of God.”
Back row: Zac Boesch, Rick Shipley, Kevin Casey and Ben Merrill. Middle row: C. David Jones and Chris Brennan. Front row: John Haefner, Jack Berger, Steve Hutchison, Louis Hotop and Mark Holzum.
Hinck-Hereford Award – John Heafner
Ed Hawk Award Zac Boesch
This award was established to honor two SLUH alumni who were killed in action during WWII. The award is conferred upon the Senior “who has excelled in leadership, scholarship, and athletics and who, in the opinion of the Senior class, is judged most deserving of this award.”
Ed Hawk ’71 died in the summer of 1970, just prior to his Senior year. He was the victim of an attempted robbery. The Class of ’71 created the award in his name to honor “a Senior, who through his love and dedication to St. Louis University High and through his example of working and giving, was most able to influence his class toward success by cooperation and unity.”
Principal’s Leadership Award – Kevin Casey, Mark Holzum, and C. David Jones Given annually to seniors who, in the opinion of the faculty and the Principal, have demonstrated the ability to combine academic excellence and exemplary leadership roles in school and community activities.
Mac Boland Award – Rick Shipley On March 13, 1960, William McReary Boland of the SLUH class of ‘58 died of leukemia. His classmates established this award in his memory. Each year, the faculty of SLUH choose the Senior who best reflects the personal qualities of Boland, described by his classmates as “the otherwise unheralded Senior, who through his dedication and determination has most influenced his fellow students in the spirit which is St. Louis University High.”
Faculty Appreciation Award – Mrs. Kate Hochmuth The teacher voted upon by the Senior class to whom they feel the greatest debt of gratitude for his or her service to them during their four years at St. Louis University High.
The F. Joseph Schulte Dauphin Players Award – Andrew Frank and Mark Holzum Awarded to the student(s) who best demonstrated superior talent and ability in the performing arts program at St. Louis University High School.
The Raterman Award – Chris Brennan Given annually by the faculty of the English Department in honor of James Raterman, a great teacher and beloved colleague, to an exemplary senior who reads attentively, speaks from the heart, writes with conviction, and devotes himself to learning.
Kate Hochmuth at the podium accepting her award. She is a member of the Math Department
31
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A Jesuit College Preparatory School • Founded 1818
Backer Memorial 4970 Oakland St. Louis, MO 63110-1402
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There’s Still Time To Make A Difference
Have you remembered SLUH in your estate plans?
There is still time to make your gift to SLUH this fiscal year. All gifts received by June 30, 2009 will be recognized in our President’s Report published in the fall. So much of what our young men achieve is made possible by the generosity of our alumni. Annual gifts to SLUH provide resources for each of our students to reach his potential. With your help, we are providing our young men with a strong foundation to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Since 1936, when Anna Backer created the Backer Endowment Fund, hundreds of benefactors have left a legacy to SLUH in their estate plans. These gifts ensure that SLUH preserves its excellence and remains affordable. Learn why you do not have to be wealthy to make a significant gift to SLUH, and how you can make a gift that does not affect your cash flow during your lifetime by visiting www.sluh.org/ alumni/waystogive. Then click on Creative Ways of Giving for additional information.
Whatever the motivation for giving – gratitude to SLUH, gratitude for the SLUH experience, the need to give something for the benefit of others or some other reason – each gift to the Alumni Annual Fund plays an important role in fulfilling the SLUH mission. The Annual Fund provides alumni with the opportunity to be directly involved with the success of our students. In order to be included in the next President’s Report, gifts must be received by June 30, 2009. Gifts can be mailed to: SLUH Advancement Office, 4970 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Gifts can also be charged to a credit card online by visiting www.sluh.org. Click on the alumni tab and select “Contribute to SLUH online.”
Stained glass window in the North American Martyrs Chapel