The Inaugural
St. Peter’s Prep Hall of Fame Awards
Liberty House Restaurant Liberty State Park, Jersey City May 4, 2006
Pride & Glory
It is our pride and our glory, Old in song and in story; And we cherish your name And we love your fair fame For the days of long ago. And we your sons will be loyal To St. Peter’s so royal. May your banners still guide us Wherever we go!
It is a story of gladness, With no shadow of sadness; Our years spent with you, St. Peter’s so true. And you hold our heart’s love yet. And through the years we will treasure With a joy beyond measure— The gifts you have given We shall never forget.
SAINT PETER’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL Presents
The Inaugural Hall of Fame Awards Honoring: For Professional Achievement Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., ‘62 Philip M. Bosco, ‘48 Thomas J. Fleming, ‘45 Robert E. Hurley, Sr., ‘65 Donald W. Landry, M.D., ‘72
For Distinguished Service The Brother Paul Harrison, S.J., Award (Service to the Alma Mater)
Jonathan J. Hammer, ‘68 John E. Savage, ‘57 The Young Alumnus Award (Service to the Alma Mater)
T.J. Sullivan, ‘93 The Ernie Baker, ‘38 Award (Service to the Community)
William A. Macchi, ‘55 The Friend of Prep Award (Non-alumnus Support of the Prep)
Helen Argyelan, P’68,’71,’76
Program Master of Ceremonies Lou Castelli, ‘66 President, Prep Alumni Board x INVOCATION AND WELCOME Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J. President x SPECIAL INTRODUCTIONS Jim Horan, ‘70 Vice President for External Affairs x DINNER & PRESENTATION OF HONOREES Professional Achievement Awards
Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., ‘62 Presented by Jack Caulfield, ‘71 Philip M. Bosco, ‘48 Presented by Joe Giglio, ‘87 Thomas J. Fleming, ‘45 Presented by Steve Hudik, ‘85
Robert E. Hurley, Sr., ‘65 Presented by Tim Naples, ‘65 Donald W. Landry, M.D., ‘72 Presented by Jim Horan, ‘70 x INTERLUDE x PRESENTATION OF HONOREES Distinguished Service Awards The Brother Paul Harrison, S.J., Award
Jonathan J. Hammer, ‘68 Presented by John Feeney, ‘80 John E. Savage, ‘57 Presented by Fr. Joe Novak, S.J. The Young Alumnus Award
T.J. Sullivan, ‘93 Presented by Chris Andreadis, ‘93 The Ernie Baker, ‘38 Award
William A. Macchi, ‘55 Presented by Ray Aumack, ‘55 The Friend of Prep Award
Helen Argyelan, P’68,’71,’76 Presented by Paul Schaetzle, ‘71 x “PRIDE AND GLORY”
Professional Achievement Awards Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., ‘62 Larry Babbio has enjoyed a remarkable career: From cleaning medicine bottles as a ten-year-old in his uncle’s pharmacy a few blocks from Grand & Warren, to serving as vice chairman and president of one of the world’s largest communications providers, this Greenville native represents a textbook case of professional growth and leadership. Larry was a member of the Prep science academy, earning several honor pins and an excellence medal. He earned a B.E. in electrical engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from NYU, and then began his communications career in 1966 with New Jersey Bell Telephone. He later served as vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of Bell Atlantic Corporation, sharing oversight of, and responsibility for, all of the corporation’s business operations and the merger with GTE. He also served as chairman of the company’s Global Wireless Group, one of the largest wireless operations worldwide, and was in charge of developing Bell Atlantic’s domestic and international wireless communications strategy. Currently, Larry is vice chairman and president of Verizon, with responsibilities ranging from domestic wireless business and long distance to technology research, and he is making industry-changing decisions that literally are changing the way we communicate. A major benefactor of the Prep scholarship endowment, he currently serves on the board of directors of Hewlett Packard, Aramark, The New York Botanical Gardens and The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and he is chairman of the board of trustees of Stevens Institute of Technology.
Philip M. Bosco, ‘48 The British theatre has its royalty—the princes of the stage. America has Philip Bosco. Widely acclaimed as “an actor’s actor,” his resume speaks for itself: six Tony Award nominations since 1961, with a win in 1989 for “Lend Me a Tenor”; well over a hundred roles on the Broadway stage; and numerous Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. Times theatre critic Mel Gussow wrote: “Philip Bosco, as a kind of one-man repertory company, has proven that an actor can have a full, gratifying career on the New York stage.” Phil’s is a familiar face, courtesy of guest appearances on virtually every New York-based television drama and roles in 37 films, including “Working Girl” and “Children of a Lesser God.” But his credentials are underscored by his stage work, including, most recently, noteworthy reviews for featured performances in “Copenhagen” and “Twelve Angry Men.” Critics have hailed him as this country’s greatest Shavian actor (one who acts in plays by George Bernard Shaw), but he has also been described by former Times theatre critic Frank Rich as “one of the best comic actors we have.” A native of Jersey City, Phil refers to Mr. James Marr, Prep’s drama coach in the 1940’s, as “my greatest influence,” and to this day he also credits Prep’s classical Jesuit education for grooming him for a life on the stage. Despite his induction into the Theatre Hall of Fame, with trademark humility he often refers to himself as “a father and husband who happens to be an actor.” Thomas J. Fleming, ‘45 At Prep, students are encouraged to acquire “a sense of history” in order to provide a context for understanding current events. In the 1940s, Tom Fleming took that suggestion to heart, embarking on a career that would combine academic scholarship with a gift for storytelling that currently ranks him among the nation’s leading historians. Born in Jersey City, Tom recently examined the experience of growing up in an Irish family during the Depression in his deeply personal memoir, “Mysteries of My Father.” He published his first book, on the battle of Bunker Hill, in 1960, and since then has produced more than 40 works of non-fiction, and more than 20 historical novels. A regular on the Times Best Sellers List in both the fiction and non-fiction categories, his works enjoy both popular and critical acclaim on topics ranging from the American Revolution through World War II. His groundbreaking work, “Liberty! The American Revolution,” traced the story of our nation’s struggle in a conflict that was much in doubt, and it was the literary companion volume to the award-winning PBS series on the subject. Tom is a frequent commentator on central moments in our nation’s history for PBS, CSPAN and The History Channel, among others. True to his Jesuit roots, he is a frequent guest at the Prep, helping to instill a new generation of graduates with a love of history that has served him, and his many fans, so well over the decades.
Robert Hurley, Sr., ’65 Bob Hurley’s love for basketball was born in the playgrounds of Jersey City, where toughness and intensity are integral parts of the game. He played for Prep “Legend” Jerry Halligan, and then at St. Peter’s College in the late ‘60s. Soon thereafter, at St. Anthony High School, he transformed a tiny school without its own gym into a national powerhouse. His achievements over the past 33 years are astounding: a record of 872-100; 22 N.J. Parochial titles, including a national record of nine straight championships from 1983 through 1991; four undefeated seasons (1974, 1989, 1996 & 2004); and winning 20 or more games in 32 seasons. In 1989, he was instrumental in creating the New Jersey Tournament of Champions and, fittingly, his Friars have won nine of the tournament’s titles. He has sent more than 100 players to college on scholarship, and five – including his son Bobby – have gone on to the NBA. In the Jesuit spirit of being a man for others, Bob has been an unwavering presence in the lives of his players and in the halls of St. Anthony’s. His iconic stature as a coach reaches far beyond the streets of Jersey City, as he is now widely regarded as the best high school basketball coach in the nation. But tonight’s award acknowledges the role he has played in turning his players into men who will remember their coach’s lessons for the rest of their lives. Donald W. Landry, M.D., ‘72 At Prep, Don Landry had two passions—running and chemistry— and earned a reputation for being one of the fastest, and smartest, guys in the school. Today he ranks among the most accomplished medical researchers in Prep’s history. As a chemistry major at Lafayette College, Don graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa—in three years. He earned a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship and a spot at Harvard, where he was accepted into a Nobel laureate’s research group while earning his Ph.D. Then, in medical school at Columbia University, he was again at the top of his class, followed by a residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, completing the three-year program in two years. In 1991, Don established a laboratory at Columbia to investigate the use of artificial enzymes to solve intractable medical problems. He created the first artificial enzyme to degrade cocaine, and his report in Science was voted one of the 25 most important chemistry papers in the world for 1993. In 1998 he founded the Division of Experimental Therapeutics at Columbia, specializing in the care of shock and kidney failure. He holds a dozen U.S. patents, and his presentation before the President’s Council on Bioethics on the issues surrounding human embryonic stem cell research attracted international attention. Don is always quick to credit the Prep, and particularly Fr. Tom O’Connor, S.J., with helping to form his love for science and his desire to help others.
Distinguished Service Awards Jonathan J. Hammer, ‘68 The Brother Paul Harrison, S.J., Award (Service to the Alma Mater)
When Jon Hammer first entered the “new” Prep cafeteria as a student in the mid-1960s, little did he know the role that this facility would play in his life for the next 40 years—or vice versa. Literally thousands of alumni, parents, and other guests have attended social functions at Prep, and the cafeteria’s transformation from a daily lunch room for hundreds of teenage boys to an elegant setting for a reception has been due to Jon’s creativity and deft touch. Although most know him as “that tall, very pleasant gentleman behind the bar” at these events, few realize his depth of service to his alma mater. It started by chance: While attending St. Peter’s College in 1970, Jon joined Prep’s facilities’ staff as part of the College’s work/study program. Not surprisingly, given his attention to detail and knack for creating welcoming physical environments, he soon was named Prep’s Special Events Coordinator. In his “day job” as a teacher, Jon has established a similar reputation for dedication and excellence, mostly in the Weehawken school system’s program for gifted and talented students. Along the way he has received numerous teaching awards, and one of his proudest accomplishments was his role in the 1980s in the design of Weehawken’s innovative video news program for 6th and 7th graders called Kid Witness News, which the Panasonic Corporation used as a model for their own international program.
John E. Savage, ‘57 The Brother Paul Harrison, S.J., Award (Service to the Alma Mater)
It is difficult to imagine a Prep Phonathon, Alumni Board meeting, Development Committee meeting or capital campaign without Jack Savage playing a key role. For decades, if a program has been important to Prep, it has been important to Jack, and his dedication and leadership continue to provide a backbone of support. This service is just an extension of his approach to life: set worthy goals, and create a focused plan of action to achieve those goals. And in true Jesuit tradition, the ideal of “giving back” has permeated virtually every endeavor. It is a philosophy that has served him well throughout his life, beginning with Prep and continuing through the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the Georgetown U. School of Foreign Service and NYU. Professionally, Jack made his mark as a respected senior manager with the Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J., followed by roles as assistant to the president and adjunct professor at Saint Peter’s College. As someone to whom leadership comes naturally, he remains an exemplary chairman for his Class of ‘57, ensuring that classmates remain in touch and never forget their Prep roots. As past president and active member of the Prep Alumni Board, and in his role on the Development Committee, he lobbies passionately for Prep to continue engaging the younger alumni to ensure that the Prep alumni network of support continues with future generations—as always, leading by example. T.J. Sullivan, ‘93 The Young Alumnus Award (Service to the Alma Mater)
Even as a freshman, T.J. Sullivan was one of our most effective ambassadors, taking part in visits to out-of-county grammar schools and extolling Prep’s virtues through his boundless enthusiasm. A resident of North Caldwell, he was living proof that commuting distance was no barrier to thriving at Prep, and as a solid student who served as captain of both the cross-country and wrestling teams as an upperclassman, he embodied the ideal of the student-athlete, while also participating in the student council and the Big Brother program. His connection with Prep never wavered during his years at the U. of Scranton, and during the past decade he has been an active member of the Development Committee and the Prep Alumni Board. Recently, he played important roles in both the Keys to the Future and the Carpe Diem capital campaigns, and he has made presentations to Prep seniors about the importance of “giving back” to the alma mater following graduation. Those who know him well are never surprised by his dedication; after all, his dad, Tom, ’53, a former chairman of Prep’s board of trustees, was named a Prep “Legend” in 1999, and uncles include Fr. Jim Sullivan, ’50 and Tom Meloro, ’54. Currently, T.J. is a senior advertising account executive for CBS. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the St. Elizabeth’s Cornerstone Retreat Team, and is a Knight of Columbus 2nd Degree.
William A. Macchi ’55 The Ernie Baker, ’38 Award (Service to the Community)
A description of Bill Macchi’s activities would create a work as large as a presidential memoir, and it borders on understatement to say that he has made a lasting mark on his beloved Jersey City. It begins with stints as deputy mayor, acting mayor, candidate for mayor, and chief operating officer of the greatest political reform movement in the city’s history, and it extends to roles as director, executive director, and board member of countless municipal agencies. And then there are his achievements as athlete, entrepreneur, college professor, writer, CCD instructor and Eucharistic Minister. He created a program that continues as a Department of Justice model for delinquency prevention and treatment; enhanced the dignity of senior citizens through recreation and service programs; created youth recreation and sports programs, and women’s sports programs; and helped direct hundreds of millions of dollars to Jersey City for essential services. A most loyal son of Prep, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree at Holy Cross, and as a voracious reader and a student of social systems, he has never been afraid to raise his voice, or his pen, to address injustice. A father of two Prep grads, among his greatest compliments is the oft-quoted remark that “Bill has restored honor and dignity to local politics.” True to his Jesuit roots, he exemplifies the philosophy that the act of service is its own reward. Helen Argyelan, P’68,’71,’76 The Friend of Prep Award (Non-alumnus Support of the Prep)
A visit to the Principal’s Office in most schools is an intimidating experience. However, for a period of 19 years, that was not the case at Grand & Warren, thanks to a very special presence in that office. As secretary to five principals from 1973 through 1991, Helen Argyelan was the surrogate mother to Prep students, as well as mentor and friend to Jesuit and lay faculty and administration. Not content to confine herself to traditional secretarial tasks, she would jump head-first into any project with tireless energy. These were the pre-computer days, when a simple letter to the parents would require hours of typing stencils, running off copies on the mimeograph machine and manually sorting addresses. Schedules, grades, admissions, transcripts, personnel matters, even summer school would land on Helen’s desk—and with her ever-present smile and never-say-no attitude, she handled them all. The “Argyelan Era” actually started for Helen in the mid-1960s as a Prep mom, and at one point in 1971, she was president of the Mother’s Club, husband Lou was president of the Father’s Club, and son Bob, ’71, was vice president of the Student Council. The Argyelan home on Warner Avenue in the Greenville section of Jersey City seemed to be an extension of Prep, often filled with students, parents and Jesuits working on a Prep activity. In these and so many other ways, she will always be the epitome of the “Friend of Prep.”
Acknowledgments The Saint Peter’s Prep External Affairs Team played a major role in ensuring the success of this evening’s event. In particular, we thank the following:
For their leadership support: Fr. Jim Keenan, S.J. Jim Horan, ‘70 Anthony Verdi, ‘95 President Vice President Director of for External Affairs Alumni Relations For their ongoing logistical support: Dave Bailey, ‘95, Jan Butrym, ‘01, Nancy Cunningham, P’99,‘01, Lani Franco, John Irvine, ‘83, Francesca Lanning, Maryphyllis Locricchio, P’95,’96, Ginny Needham-Doyle, P’07 & Liz Walsh x Also, special thanks to Joe Massarelli, ‘80 for his assistance with the computer graphics x Program Design: Mary Massaro Printing: CD Graphics (Joe Villanella, ‘79)
This event was conceived by the Saint Peter’s Prep Alumni Board and nurtured by its Special Events Committee. For their extraordinary leadership we offer special thanks to the following: Lou Castelli, ‘66 President Prep Alumni Board
Joe Guarino, ‘86 Chairman, Special Events Committee Prep Alumni Board x
We also acknowledge the individual and collective efforts of the Alumni Board membership: John Feeney, ‘80 Vice President Markis Abraham, ‘97 Ray Aumack, ‘55 John Bergin, ‘50 Gene Boyle, ‘56 Joe Casazza, ‘95 Jack Caulfield, ‘71 Lou Cella, ‘50 Nick Chiaravalloti, ‘90 Bob Colacurcio, ‘73 Tom Crowley, ‘65 Len De Pinto, ‘76
Steve Hudik, ‘85 Secretary Sam DiFeo, ‘66 Ralph Diverio, ‘46 Dave Donnelly, ‘88 Gabe Doria, ‘81 Dave Finn, ‘82 John Gibney, ‘81 Joe Giglio, ‘87 Rich Hamilton, ‘90 Jim Hardiman, ‘47 Jim Horan, ‘70 Jim Keenan, S.J. Jerry Lally, ‘56
Ed Marley, ‘44 Joe Massarelli, ‘80 Phil McGovern, ‘76 Bob McNamara, ‘51 Jim Ryan, ‘66 Jack Savage, ‘57 Paul Schaetzle, ‘71 Charles Sciarra, ‘87 T.J. Sullivan, ‘93 Jim Supple, ‘65 Anthony Verdi, ‘95
Sponsors & Donors We are grateful for this evening’s sponsors, who have given so generously. Their donations will support the Hall of Fame Scholarship Endowment. In honor of Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., ‘62 Lucent Technologies (Frank D’Amelio, ‘75) has helped to sponsor tonight’s event at the Arrupe’s Sentries level In honor of Ernest J. Baker, ‘38 Ernest J. Baker, ‘67 has helped to sponsor tonight’s event at the Paulus Hook Circle level ____ The following have helped to sponsor tonight’s event at the Sons and Daughters of St. Peter level: William Connolly, ‘65 In honor of Robert E. Hurley, Sr., ‘65: Thomas Leane, ‘65; In honor of Thomas J. Fleming, ‘45: Mr. and Mrs. James McQuade In honor of Helen Argyelan: Paul Schaetzle, ‘71; In honor of William A. Macchi, ‘55: Frederick Tomkins, ‘63 We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals for supporting this event through gifts to the Hall of Fame Scholarship Endowment or by sponsoring a Jesuit or Special Guest: Joseph Artusio, ‘35 James Brady, ‘54 Edward Brinski, ‘37 Raymond Bucko, S.J., ‘72 Joseph Carr, ‘61 Helen Clohosey Jim Conneen
Seamus Cunningham Patrick Downes, ‘57 Frank Fallon, P’02,’05 Kenneth Kunzman, ‘54 Richard Lugo, ‘85 Edward Macchi, ‘82 Vincent Milazzo, ‘77 Donald Moriarty, ‘48
Russell Piccoli, ‘68 Richard Presby, ‘61 John Savage, ‘57 Robert Schwarze, ‘54 Strulowitz & Gargiulo Edward Reidlinger, ‘67 James Ryan, ‘66
In honor of Helen Argyelan, P’68,’71,’76 Fr. Thomas Scirghi, S.J. In honor of Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr.,‘62 Joseph Silva, ‘62 In memory of Fr. John Browning, S.J. Mark Morchel, ‘72 In honor of Thomas J. Fleming, ‘45 William Bailey Ernest Butler
In honor of Jonathan J. Hammer, ‘68 Maurice Piergrossi, ‘68 Prep’s External Affairs Team In honor of William A. Macchi, ‘55 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cosgrove Frank Mangravite William Monahan, ‘55 In honor of Lisa O’Reilly Brian O’Reilly, ‘05
In honor of Alice Sarkasian Ralph Sarkasian, ‘73 In honor of John E. Savage, ‘57 John McHale, ‘58 John Verdon, ‘57 In memory of Fr. Francis J. Shalloe, S.J. Richard Reeves, ‘43 In honor of T.J. Sullivan, ‘93 Ancient Order of Hibernians Thomas Giblin, P’89,’93 Jim Gormley Frances McCarthy
Pride & Glory It is our pride and our glory, Old in song and in story; And we cherish your name And we love your fair fame For the days of long ago. And we your sons will be loyal To St. Peter’s so royal. May your banners still guide us Wherever we go!
It is a story of gladness, With no shadow of sadness; Our years spent with you, St. Peter’s so true. And you hold our heart’s love yet. And through the years we will treasure With a joy beyond measure – The gifts you have given We shall never forget.