MENDEL AWARD DINNER
PROUDLY HOSTED BY ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE GREGOR MENDEL AWARD 1974 - 2024
ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE
GREGOR MENDEL AWARD DINNER
REGISTRATION
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Rocco Fanini ’26, Instrumentalist
The TestosterTones, St. Augustine Prep’s a capella group
INVOCATION AND WELCOME
Rev. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D.
ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
The Board of Directors at St. Augustine Preparatory School joins the school community in celebration of 50 years of the prestigious Gregor Mendel Medal Award.
The Very Rev. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. Chair, Prior Provincial
Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D. Head of School
Mr. Cornelius J. McPeak, Jr. ’05 Vice Chair
Mr. Anthony P. Talotta P’19 ’29 Secretary
Rev. Aldo Potencio, O.S.A. Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Rose Marie Davis H’17
Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Rev. Christopher J. Drennen, O.S.A.
Mr. Daniel Falasca III ’12
Mrs. Josette Franks P’24
Mr. Raymond Giunta P’19 ’21
Mr. Robert McCormick, P’17 ’21
Dr. Bridget McLaughlin P’12
Mr. R. Douglas Smithson P’26
Mr. Robert F. Woods
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREGOR MENDEL MEDAL AWARD DINNER
The Gregor Mendel Award, established in 1974, is a cornerstone in recognizing exemplary achievements in the community and honors those who have made a positive difference for all. This year, we reflect on half a century of its impact and celebrate the evolution and success of the school through the people who have embodied the values and vision upheld by this award.
PREVIOUS MENDEL MEDAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
1974 Lawrence Pepper, Sr. †
1975 Domenick DeRossi †
1976 Judge Harry Adler †
1977 Nicholas Marchione, M.D. †
1978 Frank Guaracini †
1979 Peter Galetto †
1980 Louis Pizzo †
1981 Frank LoBiondo †
1982 Anthony DiPaola †
1983 Casimer Dallago †
1983 Victor Rone †
1984 Wilbert Pagliughi †
1985 Joseph Chinnici
1986 John B. Morello †
1987 James Bertonazzi †
1988 Walter Cherniak †
1989 Carmine Catalana †
1990 Catherine Arpino †
1991 Anthony Napoli, M.D. †
1992 Dominic Toscani, Esq. †
1993 Hon. Philip Gruccio †
1994 Chief Mario Brunetta
1995 Albert Fralinger, Jr.
1996 Americo Antonelli, Esq.
1997 John J. Pastore, M.D., P.A. †
1998 Lawrence A. Pepper, Jr. Esq. H’19
1999 Peter Galetto, Jr. ’71
2000 Dr. Joseph P. Bernardini ’64
2001 Frederick N. Angelo †
2002 Leon J. Mazzocchi †
2003 William J. Hallissey
2004 Thomas J. Merighi, Sr.
2005 Rev. Stephen J. LaRosa, O.S.A. †
2006 Frank Guaracini, Jr. †
2007 Mark D’Onofrio
2008 Agostino R. Fabietti, Jr.
2009 Daniel S. Falasca
2010 John F. Scarpa H’21
2011 Peter R. Capizola
2012 Kenneth F. Pustizzi, Sr.
2013 (Spring) Dennis Gomes †
2013 (Fall) Charles “Chalky” Ottinger †
2014 Daniel J. Hilferty ’74
2015 Anthony J. Spina
2016 Paul A. Rodio ’70
2017 Dan and Lisa Falasca
2018 Chris Gheysens ’89
2019 Rose Marie Davis H’17
2021 Sen. William L. Gormley, Esq. ’64
2022 Dana & Carmine C. Catalana IV ’76
2023 Anthony R. Fanucci ’90
Founding Chairman - Leo Cinaglia, 1924 - 2015 †
Executive Secretary - Doris DiPaola, 1932 - 2012 † † Denotes Deceased
(The 2020 Mendel Medal Award Dinner was not held due to the pandemic.)
We are proud to celebrate 50 years of the Gregor Mendel Award at St. Augustine Preparatory School
The Falasca Family
• 2009 Mendel Award Recipient, Daniel S. Falasca G’12 •
• 2017 Mendel Award Recipients, Dan & Lisa Falasca P’12 •
Memory of Carmine C. Catalana III
50 YEARS OF IMPACT:
Celebrating the Legacy of the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner at St. Augustine Prep
For half a century, the Gregor Mendel Award has served as a symbol of excellence at St. Augustine Preparatory School, recognizing individuals who live the values of our Augustinian community and who have played pivotal roles in expanding the school’s mission. Founded in 1974, the award was the brainchild of Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa, OSA, the then-president of the Prep, alongside alumni parent and financial professional Leo Cinaglia, and Mr. Lawrence Pepper, Jr., a respected attorney and now Grandfather of a 2015 graduate. Their goal was clear: to bring prominent leaders into the Prep community—not just for philanthropy, but to inspire and guide the students of the Prep by surrounding them with role models of high character and accomplishment.
The list of past award winners is a testament to the diverse, accomplished, and inspirational figures who have come to shape and transform the continued evolution of the Prep. From local leaders to distinguished alumni, these men and women represent the best of what the school has always strived to achieve. Figures like Lawrence Pepper Sr., the first award recipient in 1974, Judge Harry Adler in 1976, Peter Galetto in 1979, and Victor Rone in 1983 helped lay the foundation for what this award would become: a recognition of excellence, service, and stewardship.
The list of past award winners is a testament to the diverse, accomplished, and inspirational figures who have come to shape and transform the continued evolution of the Prep. From local leaders to distinguished alumni, these men and women represent the best of what the school has always strived to achieve.
In later years, the award grew to include not just local leaders but also influential alumni and friends of the Prep. Community giants such as Carmine Catalana P’76’78’81’82 G’07’10’13’14’17(1989), Chief Mario Brunetta (1994), Dr. Joseph Bernardini ’64 (2000), Daniel Falasca G’12 (2009), John Scarpa (2010) Peter Capizola G’21 (2011),
Ken Pustizzi Sr. P’04’07 (2012) and Daniel J. Hilferty ‘74 (2014) have carried the torch of the Mendel Award’s mission, exemplifying the values of the school and furthering its reach. Mr. Anthony Spina, founding faculty member (2015), Paul A. Rodio ’70 P’09’11G’25 (2016), legendary head coach of Hermits Basketball, Dan and Lisa Falasca P’12, ambassadors of the Keep Them in Blazers program (2017), and Chris Gheysens ’89, CEO of Wawa Inc. helped elevate the event over the past ten years. Most recently, Senator William Gormley ‘64 (2021), Carmine & Dana Catalana ‘76 P’07(2022), and Mayor Anthony Fanucci ‘90 (2023) represent the values and life service of the Gregor Mendel Award.
Perhaps, the spirit of Gregor Mendel is best reflected in the story of Rose Marie Davis H’17 (2019). Despite having no direct connection to a student at St. Augustine Prep, Rose Marie’s impact on the school has been nothing short of transformational. Her introduction to St. Augustine Prep began at a Gregor Mendel Award Dinner in 1998 to honor her attorney and friend, Larry Pepper Jr., Esq.H’19 G’15. Since then, she has become one of the school’s most passionate supporters, an active member of the Board of Directors, and recognized by many as the Prep’s special “angel.” Her generosity has led to the construction of the Louis and Josephine Buondonno Forum and the Vincent
Buondonno Center, named in honor of her parents and brother – most significantly, she has had a hand in extending the opportunity to experience a Prep education to countless students- affectionately referred to as “her boys!”. Mrs. Davis is a beloved presence at the school and a shining example of the Gregor Mendel Legacy.
The Gregor Mendel Award Dinner has been a catalyst for the evolution of St. Augustine Prep- Congratulations on 50 Years!
KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS
KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS is St. Augustine Prep’s transformational life and tuition assistance program which provides deserving students and their families resources needed when faced with unexpected adversity or need.
Thanks to the power of the KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS program, students and their families have experienced a personalized education rooted in Augustinian Values and Brotherhood.
For more information or to participate in the KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS program, please contact Chief Advancement Officer, Dr. David Gardiner by phone at (856) 697-2600 x137 or email at Dr.Gardiner@Hermits.com
Lawrence A. Pepper Jr., Esq.
1998 Gregor Mendel Award Recipient
The Augustinian Friars & Religious of St. Augustine Prep proudly celebrate the storied history of the Gregor Mendel Award and it’s profound impact on the Hermits Brotherhood.
We thank you for living the mission of St. Augustine Preparatory School and supporting Augustinian Education.
Rev. Francis X. Devlin, O.S.A., Prior, Allegrini Monastery Rev. Anthony P. Burrascano, O.S.A. Rev. Stephen M. Curry, O.S.A.
Rev. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A. Bro. Robert M. Thornton, O.S.A. Bro. David Graber, MSSCC
VINELAND TOYOTA of YOUR ROAD STARTS HERE
ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to this evening’s wonderful celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner.
In addition to our appreciation for the companies, organizations and individuals represented in this booklet, we also recognize the school community for their ongoing support of the mission of St. Augustine Preparatory School!
Whether you’re a prospective student visiting campus for the first time or simply reaffirming your interest in the school, Open House on Friday, November 8 is another step in your journey toward attending the Prep! Get an in-depth look at our sprawling campus, tour our academic and athletic facilities, get to know our talented faculty, and, best of all, meet the Hermit Brotherhood!
The Hermit Brotherhood congratulates all former winners of the Mendel Award!
