The Point Winter 2018 by Marist High School Chicago

THE

Winter 2018

Where the Marist Family Meets for News

#1 Team in the Country

Winter 2018 03

Advancement News

School News

14 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees

16 2018 Time & Eternity Award Honorees

Alumni News

Athletic News

On the cover: Marist girls’ volleyball captured the IHSA 4A state championship and were named the No. 1 team in the nation by multiple outlets. Read more on page 24. Photo: Steve Stemplewski, Marist parent

Marist High School 4200 West 115th Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 www.marist.net

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE COMPLETED HALF OF THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR. The early days of the school year last August

seem so far away given all that has been happening at Marist. For the third year in a row, a Marist student has achieved a 36 on the ACT. Our math team continues to dominate Catholic high school math competitions, and our theater guild produced an excellent run of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. It has been an unprecedented year for Marist athletics with girls’ volleyball team winning the state championship and our football team achieving the first-ever undefeated regular season in our 54-year history. Girls’ tennis, boys’ cross country and girls’ cross country also had remarkable seasons, too. As always, the Marist band continues to provide the pulse of school spirit in all seasons. We recently unveiled our exciting plans to convert the monastery, the former residence of the Marist Brothers, to an innovative, ten-lab science center. That project, while launched with generous donations, will need the financial support of alumni, parents of alumni, parents, and friends of Marist. It is scheduled to begin in February. At the beginning of the school year, we introduced our new logo which now adorns all our publications and our new school uniforms. The simple design is meant to emphasize the Catholic spiritual nature of what we do at Marist, for as our school motto points out, we educate our students not just for time but also for eternity. At our All Saints Day Mass in November, Father Tom Hurley ’85 encouraged everyone in our school community to be saints, not in the sense of being perfect, but in the sense of living lives that speak of integrity and give witness to St. Marcellin Champagnat’s directive “to make Jesus Christ known and loved.” This is the task of Marist High School: to prepare our students academically for the paths they choose to follow after high school, and, most importantly, to help them grow into a faith that will serve them throughout their lives. For those of you associated with Marist as alumni, alumni parents, alumni grandparents and friends, I hope the pages of The Point will be a reaffirmation of what Marist has come to mean to all of you. Be assured of our prayers and our gratitude for your presence in the life of Marist High School. We are who we are today because of all of you. God bless you and all those whom you love.

Gratefully,

Brother Hank Hammer, FMS President

Advancement News

Marist to transform monastery into science center

arist High School will embark on the Faith in the Future Campaign, an $11.5 million capital improvement plan in order to transform the monastery into a forward-thinking science wing. The project will add an astounding 20% additional learning space to the campus. The plan will bring to fruition Marist’s 21st century Catholic education philosophy that brings real-world learning, meaningful technology, and challenging curriculum to the hands, minds, and hearts of the young men and women of the South Side of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. This new space will provide hands-on, authentic learning experiences that inspire collaboration, curiosity, and leadership guided by Catholic values. “We are educating the next generation of doctors, physicists, inventors, and engineers, and we must give them the tools and experiences that prepare them for an ever-changing scientific landscape,” Principal Larry Tucker ’79 explained. School leadership has been surveying the needs of the school and creating a master campus plan that strategically lays out the continued growth of Marist for decades to come. “We come to this project from a position of strength,” President Br. Hank Hammer said. “Our planning and investing paired with the unwavering support of our donors has put Marist on a steady course for the future.” Based on meeting all fundraising goals, the facility will open for the 2019-2020 school year.

Architectural rendering  SCIENCE WING ENTRY 467 SF

ENVIRONMENTAL LAB. 1135 SF

PHYSICS LAB. 1396 SF PREP RM. 321 SF

FORENSICS LAB. 1141 SF

LOBBY 255 SF

PHYSICS LAB. 1396 SF UP

ANATOMY LAB. 1303 SF

LOBBY 342 SF N

 First floor rendering

REFRESHED ENTRANCE

Naming opportunities, along with pledge and gift opportunities are available. Visit www.marist.net to learn more about the project and how you can invest in the future of Marist.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE WING:

EXISTING SCHOOL

› Ten new labs dedicated to the branches of science including

› A collaboration center for teachers to meet and plan

› › › › ›

›

two biology labs, two chemistry labs, and one Advanced Placement laboratory An anatomy and physiology lab with a patient diagnosis area Access to outdoor space from the two physics labs for experiments Observatory dome for the expansion of astronomy studies A dedicated forensics crime lab An environmental science lab and green roof

cross-curricular lessons reflecting an integrated STEM approach to learning Mobile furniture that allows classes to change quickly from lecture to group work to lab experiments Student and teacher access to labs for independent research and experiments Walkover path from existing school hallway

› ›

Winter 2018

Advancement News

Laetare Medals presented at President’s Council Dinner

effort to create leadership, research, and internship opportunities, and challenges the teachers to provide authentic, real-world learning experiences for students so that they are career and college-ready. Tucker was humbled and grateful to receive the Laetare Medal. He credited the Brothers and teachers who helped him as a student and the colleagues he has worked with over the years. “They have made this so much more than a job —it’s been a vocation,” Tucker said. Carey, too, was recognized for his management of the coed transition. Before returning to his alma mater in 1999, Carey oversaw the coed shift at another Marist school in Massachusetts. “Families on the South Side wanted options and legacy families voiced a desire to have all their children—not just their sons— experience Marist,” Carey explained. He spearheaded the comprehensive process to change to coeducation, ensuring that everything from the facility to co-curricular offerings to the boys already in the upper grades were ready to welcome and engage with the young women who enrolled. Additionally, he has served the Brothers across the country in administrative, teaching, and coaching roles. Carey was unable to attend the event as he is currently assigned to Rome, Italy, for the Brothers. His mother, Rita, accepted the award on his behalf. “The two men we honor tonight are  Marist High School Principal Larry Tucker ’79 (center) is presented with the Laetare Medal, among the builders of Marist Chicago,” the school’s most prestigious award, by School Board Chair Brian Dolan ’75 (left) and President Br. Hank Hammer said to about 120 Br. Hank Hammer, FMS (right) at a dinner on October 19. alumni and donors of the school in attendance at the annual dinner. “We stand on their Tucker was recognized for his leadership during shoulders and we can count them alongside the very Marist’s transition to coeducation. The school early Brothers who were pioneers in building the accepted girls for the first time in 2002. Additionfoundation of our community.” ally, Tucker has illuminated a forward-thinking st This year’s recipients join 33 other esteemed Marist path in 21 century Catholic education. He has led associates who have previously received this award. a school-wide commitment to meaningful techThe president considers the advice of the school board nology, including the 1:1 iPad program to expand of Marist High School in selecting recipients. the traditional classroom. He has spearheaded the r. Hank Hammer, FMS, President of Marist High School, presented Principal Larry Tucker ’79 and Br. Rick Carey ’76, FMS, former president of Marist, with the Laetare Medal at the President’s Council dinner on Thursday, October 19 at Midlothian Country Club. The Marist Laetare Medal, meaning “to rejoice,” is the highest and most prestigious award given to an associate of Marist High School. It is presented to individuals committed to their Catholic faith and who are supportive of Marist High School. They must be individuals who are role models within their community, are devoted to their profession, and are dedicated to excellence in education.

The Point

Advancement News

Ways to Give Direct Gifts

Stock Gifts

Direct monetary gifts benefit the Marist Fund, which is the lifeblood of the school’s operating budget. Gifts to the Marist Fund ensure the mission of Marist continues for years to come. Gifts can be made by check, credit card, or money orders. Payments can be made to Marist High School. They can also be made online at www.marist.net. Gifts can be made in one lump sum or pledged over time. Direct gifts can also be put towards creating endowed scholarships. An endowed scholarship is fully funded at $50,000. They can then be named by the donor(s), and the interest from these funds is drawn annually to benefit deserving students.

Tax benefits also exist for donors who make a gift of stock or real estate. To make a gift of stock, please contact Marist High School with the name of the stock, number of shares, and the date of transfer.

Matching Gifts

In Memory or In Honor of Someone

Many companies match charitable gifts. A searchable database of participating companies is listed on www.marist.net. Donors can also obtain matching forms from their employers and include it with their gift or mark it on their online donation.

Donations in memory or in honor of someone special are accepted and are a meaningful way to commemorate a milestone or someone’s life.

Planned Gifts The Hermitage Society offers guidance to donors who wish to include Marist High School in their estate planning. The Hermitage is the original home of the Marist Brothers in France and is the foundation of the Brothers’ work throughout the world over the past 200 years. So, too, planned gifts will provide the foundation for Marist Chicago’s long-term stability.

For more information about these gift types and other ways to support Marist High School, including annuities, bequests, life insurance policies, and gifts-in-kind, contact one of our Advancement Office members. Tom Inzinga ’84 Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving inzinga.thomas@marist.net (773) 881-5379

Colleen Ward ’12 Marist Fund Coordinator

Marty Wirtz ’72 Major Gift Officer

ward.colleen@marist.net (773) 881-5334

wirtz.marty@marist.net (773) 881-5376

NEW SCHOOL LOGO INTRODUCED MARIST HIGH SCHOOL INTRODUCED a new school logo starting with the 2017-2018 school year. The M represents the Marist name and nods to our affiliation with the Marist Brothers. The cross emerges directly from the center of the M signifying our Catholic faith is at the very center of who we are as an institution. The cross also mimics the crosses that have hung on the exterior of the building since the school’s early days. Additionally, Marist has adopted a new slogan

of Faith + Family + Future. It is the school’s hope that this simple phrase communicates the Marist experience of forming young Catholics, providing a family atmosphere, and preparing students for higher education and life. Marist reserves the school crest for use by the Office of the President and Office of the Principal. The school’s long-term motto continues to be “Education for time and eternity.”

Winter 2018

Advancement News

Meet the Advancement Department Staff The Advancement Office, under the direction of Br. Hank Hammer, FMS, works to connect alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends to Marist High School in order to continue the school’s mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved in the Marist Brothers’ tradition, while preparing students for higher education and life.

 Patti

Arvesen

 Christina

Maher

Constituent Relations Coordinator

 Kerry

Mullaney

Director of Marketing

Database Manager

 Katelyn

 Colleen

Crane

Research and Stewardship Coordinator

 Tom

Inzinga ’84

Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

Ward ’12

Marist Fund Coordinator

 Marty

Wirtz ’72

Major Gift Officer

Great Shot: Endowment Classic boosts financial assistance IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY at Midlothian Country Club as

Dominic Altobelli ’05 (from left), Tom Bulow ’03, Tom Glaser ’75, and Brian Dolan ’75, school board chair, enjoyed a great day on the links while raising money for Marist’s financial assistance program, which benefits nearly one-third of the school’s families.

The Point

alumni and friends of Marist gathered for the twelfth annual Endowment Golf Classic on June 2, 2017. The outing brought in just over $40,000 for financial assistance. In the event’s history, more than $550,000 has been raised. Save the date for the 2018 Endowment Golf Classic on Monday, September 21 at 1 p.m. at Midlothian Country Club. Details and registration will be available at www.marist.net in June.

Advancement News

Br. Vito Aresto, FMS A memorial plaque honoring the late Br. Vito Aresto, FMS, was designed and installed above the doors to the guidance office. It was the idea of the department’s current staff members, many of whom had worked with Br. Vito. He is credited for developing the Marcellin Program at Marist which provides a college prep curriculum for students who have learning differences. He was also a pillar of the school’s guidance department, providing academic and personal support to students for 35 years and serving as the department chair. The installation’s content describes his hard work and humble spirit and includes his often-used phrase of “don’t fret.” Br. Vito died in 2010 after a valiant battle against cancer.

 Pictured are guidance staff members Erin Kelly (from left), Erik Christensen ’97, Patrick Hennessy, Holly Cox, Maggie Reif, Kim Myers, Patrick Ryan ’01, Margie Sweeney, and Nicole Peterson. Not pictured: Cathaleen Novak and Sharon Gainer

Al Brazen The Marist Brothers who serve at Marist presently and who have in the past dedicated a memorial wall to the late Al Brazen. Mr. Brazen worked at Marist for 35 years, serving as dean, athletic director, and coach through the years. The installation commemorates his role as a pillar of Marist Chicago and is located at The Point, where he often greeted students to make sure they were in full uniform. Mr. Brazen passed away in 2015.  Pictured are Br. Brice Byczynski ’67 (from left), Br. Richard Grenier, President Br. Hank Hammer, and Br. Sam Amos.

Winter 2018

School News — Academic Accolades

Honor society inductions MARIST RECENTLY INDUCTED 101 students into

Marist student earns top ACT score

 Marist President Br. Hank Hammer, FMS, (left) and Principal Larry Tucker ’79 pose with senior Samantha Reidy after learning she scored 36 on the ACT.

The Point

the four honor societies at the school during a combined ceremony on October 16, 2017. Thirtyeight were inducted into two or more societies. While each honor society has slightly different membership requirements regarding grade point average and course enrollment, all demand leadership, scholarship, character, and service. Membership in each requires bi-monthly meetings, volunteering to work special events sponsored by the group, community service, and working in the school’s tutoring center to help fellow students in a variety of academic subjects.

MARIST SENIOR SAMANTHA REIDY earned a top

composite score of 36 on a recent ACT exam. Reidy is the third Marist student in as many years to earn a 36 and the fifth in the past thirteen years. Rebecca Valek ’17, Jason Phelan ’16, Andrew Lynch ’10, and Peter O’Malley ’04 also garnered the rare feat. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earns the top score. Among test takers in the high school graduating class of 2016 in the United States, only 2,235 out of nearly 2.1 million graduates who took the ACT earned a composite score of 36. Reidy, a graduate of Independence Junior High, said she took the exam six or seven times with the goal of attaining a 36. While Reidy has carried a heavy Advanced Placement course load, she has balanced it with participation in National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, and the math team, which is the number one Catholic school team in the state and fifth among all high schools in Illinois. She is considering University of California at Berkeley, University of Texas at Austin, Colorado School of Mines, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She hopes to pursue a degree in chemical or biomedical engineering. Marist High School offers test preparation classes on campus for all standardized tests, along with a strong curriculum that readies students for exam content.

 Br. Hank Hammer, FMS, congratulates junior Nick Brown and hands him a certificate at the ceremony.

School News

THE ILLINOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION (ISAC) named 70 Marist High School seniors Illinois State Scholars in December 2017. This brings the total of Illinois State Scholars from Marist to 472 over the past seven years. Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors, hailing from 765 high schools across the state. Selection is based on SAT, ACT or Prairie State Achievement

Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. To be honored as a State Scholar in Illinois is an outstanding accomplishment that will be a highlight of the recipient’s academic record. “We are so proud of our Illinois State Scholars,” said Principal Larry Tucker ’79. “This is a powerful reflection of the caliber of students at our school, as well as the strong curriculum and preparation our teachers provide to help students excel.”

MARIST SENIORS VALERIE PAVILONIS AND JAKE RAHN (front, center) were named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in Evanston, Ill. An additional eight seniors were named National Merit Commended Students. There are only approximately 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists in the United States who emerge from a pool of nearly 1.6 million PSAT examinees. Pavilonis has been active with Marist’s math and academic teams, book club, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and art club. She’s painted multiple murals at the school. She is considering Yale University, Northwestern University,

and St. Louis University. She hopes to double major in physics and philosophy with a concentration in art. Rahn is a member of the math and academic teams, the band, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and serves as a student ambassador. He is looking at the University of Illinois at Champaign, Purdue University, and the University of Chicago for college next fall. He hopes to pursue a math-related field. Additionally, Marist seniors Jack Anderson, Martha Kowalski, Michelle Lenz, Emily Radz, Samantha Reidy, Ben Rickey, Daniel Stanecki, and Elise Viz were named National Merit Commended Students.

Winter 2018

School News

In the footsteps of Marcellin: Marist employees travel to Brothers’ earliest sites

hirteen Marist adults gathered in mid-July at Notre Dame de L’Hermitage near Lyon, France, for a pilgrimage to the Brothers’ earliest and most sacred sites. Representing Chicago were President Br. Hank Hammer and Principal Larry Tucker ’79, along with Patti Arvesen; director of communications, Erin Kelly; accommodations program director, Deacon Andy Neu ’78; chaplain, and Sarah Rakauskas; religion teacher.

“

Our Marist spirituality is more deeply rooted in the soil of my soul and I feel a heightened passion and obligation for inviting others to transformation.” — Br. John Kachinsky ’80, Marist Chicago graduate and now a Brother working at Central Catholic, a Marist high school in Lawrence, Mass., who attended the pilgrimage to France

The group visited the childhood home of St. Marcellin Champagnat, where a portion of the original house still stands to welcome visitors. A small chapel was built next door in 1999 when he was canonized. “It was surreal to visit Marcellin’s childhood home,” Arvesen explained. “Hearing about these sites is one thing but to experience them takes your understanding to a new level. You realize you are literally standing in the footsteps of a saint and he was a real person.” Also on the itinerary were visits to sites integral to St. Marcellin and the formation of the Brothers. First, they stopped where John Baptiste Montagne lived. Montagne, only a young boy, was dying when Marcellin came to pray for him. It was during their exchange he realized that Montagne had never received an education— religious or otherwise. The experience moved Marcellin, who had also struggled academically, to start the Brothers and provide education and faith formation. The next stop was the now-crumbling home of the Donnets, a humble farming family. Marcellin and Br. Stanislaus became stranded in the woods during a blizzard in January 1823. Desperate and near death, they prayed to the Virgin Mary. Soon after, in the distance, they could see the lantern lit outside the Donnet house. This experience is considered one of Marcellin’s miracles. The group also stopped at the very first home of the Brothers and sat at the table they built. Those young Brothers shared meals and were formed in their ministry around that table and it was powerful for the group of modern Marists to touch. From there, they hiked several miles along the Gier River, following the path Marcellin often took.

Thirteen Marist Brothers and lay people from the United States sit at the table built by the very first Brothers. It still sits in the first seminary home the Brothers inhabited in LaValla, France.

The Point

School News

Exchange programs expand classroom, make Marist world smaller

 Br. Hank Hammer, FMS (left) and Marist Chicago religion teacher Sarah Rakauskas talk about the Brothers’ early days as they explore the childhood home of one of the earliest Brothers, Francois.

Throughout the seven-day trip there were visits to churches, museums, and historical sites. Right in L’Hermitage itself was a Marist museum and the actual bedroom of St. Marcellin, where he worked and died. The group sat quietly in his room listening to the waters of the Gier swirling outside the window. Each morning and evening included prayer and reflection, with the group members sharing how the experiences affected them and how they were going to bring that home to the States. “The thought that keeps coming to me is that the pilgrimage gave me the opportunity to reflect that it is not enough to know the story; we must be the story so that there will be a story to be told and lived into the future,” Br. Hank Hammer said. The trip concluded with one day in Paris. The travelers, now all friends with a shared Marist spirituality, took in the historical sites, including the Louvre, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, and more. The Marist Brothers hope to sponsor the pilgrimage for faculty and staff members every other year.

MARIST HIGH SCHOOL has been sponsoring international travel opportunities and exchanges for more than a decade, but in the last few years, meaningful partnerships with Marist schools from around the world have offered students the chance to experience new cultures within a shared Marist family. This past October, Marist Chicago welcomed fourteen students from Colegio Marista La Inmaculada in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Just two weeks later, nine students from the Marist school l’Istituto Champagnat in Genova, Italy, arrived with their chaperones, including the school’s president, Br. Massimo Banaudi. While in Chicago, the students attended classes and stayed with Marist families. They also explored the city, visiting museums and other cultural sites. Together, the Chicago students and visitors shared social experiences by competing in soccer games, attending a Chicago Bulls game, participating in scavenger hunts, and more. All the students were able to test their language skills and talk about their shared Marist identity. The students became fast friends as seen in the hugs and tears when the visitors departed. “These exchanges enrich the learning experiences of all the students,” explained Erica Nathan-Gamauf, curriculum coor dinator for the World Language Department. “Language learning is more than memorization of vocabulary. Cultural awareness and appreciation is a key component of the curriculum.” Marist also manages an exchange program with fellow Marist schools Sainte-Marie Lyon in France, San Leone Magno in Rome, Italy, and Colegi Maristes in Barcelona, Spain. Marist Chicago students travel to these sites in the spring. There is also a summer program with Centro Mundo Lengua in Seville, Spain.

 Marist Chicago students and their new friends from Buenos Aires pose for a picture before the Argentinian Marists depart.

Winter 2018

School News — School Snapshots

 BACK TO SCHOOL: Principal Larry Tucker ’79 addresses the class of 2021 during freshman orientation. The 430 new students were eager to make their way through the halls to their classes. During the day they also attended sessions on topics to help them tran

 MARIST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RAISED more than $6,000

sition to high school life.

to benefit those affected by recent hurricanes. Proceeds will benefit the Marist Brothers’ schools and ministries in Puerto

BR. HANK HAMMER AND LARRY TUCKER ’79 PRESENTED the 2017

Rico and the St. Bernard Project, a non-profit that works in

Champagnat Educator Award

to help with the continued recovery will take place in January

to science teacher Jerry

2018 and one to Florida will take place in February.

areas devastated by natural disasters. The efforts were led by Marist Youth, the school’s service group. A mission trip to Texas

Sullivan (from left), school chaplain Deacon Andy Neu ’78, and science teacher Theresa Coy during the end of the school year Mass in May 2017. The award recognizes those who embody the spirit

of the Marist Brothers’ founder, St. Marcellin, and see their work much more as a vocation than an occupation.

 SENIORS Abram Camarena (from left),

 DRUM MAJORS Ashley Kikos ’18 (left) and Andreina Treto

Morgan Johnson, and

’19 speak live on-air with WCIU’s The Jam morning show

Maddie Curtin brought

reporter Jon Hansen during a rally held starting at 6 a.m.

the age-old topics of life,

on Friday, November 3 at school. More than 500 students

love, and death to the

attended despite the early start. The band, cheerleaders, and

stage with their fellow

poms performed. Representatives from band, cheer, poms,

castmates and crew

football, volleyball, swimming, the fall play, and boys’ and

members during the fall

girls’ cross country were able to share their accomplishments

production of Our Town.

on television.

Faculty Highlight World Language Coordinator of Curriculum Ms. Nathan-Gamauf was selected to serve as the director for region III for the Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) for the next three years starting in January 2018. She will direct and help the SNHS moderators in 17 states in the Midwest and will have an active role on the national SNHS Advisory Board. She will also attend the Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese summer conference for the next three years, including the 100th anniversary conference in Salamanca, Spain, in 2018. Nathan-Gamauf was selected based on her professional merits along with the great success the Marist SNHS chapter has had in obtaining student language scholarships, fundraising efforts, and artistic talent.

The Point

School News

Faith formation at the heart of Marist life

t’s the mission of Marist to make Jesus known and loved among young people. That’s done in big and small ways formally and informally. There are monthly all-school masses, prayer services, community service opportunities, sacraments, and other events and programming. The retreat program at Marist is a critical component of the faith formation opportunities for students and adults. All freshmen attended a retreat during the first semester. This off-site program helps students discover a personal relationship with God and to make new friends in their class. The sophomore retreat, held nearly every Thursday, gives students the chance to travel as a homeroom to a Catholic Charities facility where they learn about food insecurity and prepare meal packs for the elderly. Annually, Marist sophomores fill nearly 14,000 monthly food boxes. Juniors have the option to take part in a retreat designed just for them. Those who attend focus on experiences with decision-making, overcoming workload-induced stress, as well as finding support from family, friends, and God. The Kairos retreat program offers seniors three-and-a-half days of talks, discussion, prayer, sacraments, and reflection. Students develop greater trust in themselves and others and build a stronger relationship with God. Many students also get to connect with the greater Marist world by attending retreat programs at the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus, N.Y. There, students from across the country, participate in activities to grow as faith-filled servant leaders. Equally important, the faculty have a need to renew their faith. Since they are role models for students, they need time for spiritual formation and renewal. Each year, Marist holds a day-long retreat for faculty and staff. On November 6, 2017, they gathered at the Portiuncula Center for Prayer in Frankfort, Ill. Chris Sullivan, the president of Central Catholic High School, a Marist school in Lawrence, Mass., was the keynote speaker. After his talk, adults chose activities ranging from

meditation to contemplative hiking and interfaith dialogues to spiritual direction meetings with nuns. It was an enjoyable day for all. There are facultycentered events held throughout the year, including Lenten lunches and group reflections. Additionally, a 12-week formation program, “Come Home to the Hermitage,” was offered to faculty and staff with regular evening meetings and a curriculum to help them better understand Marist spirituality. The program is offered at all Marist schools. Br. Sam Amos and Br. Brice Byczynski ’67 facilitated the Chicago program for ten teachers and administrators. Sophomore students work collaboratively to assemble food packs for the elderly at Catholic Charities.

 Jalon Jones ’19 (from left), Amanda Rizzo ’18, and Taylor Moore ’19 represented Chicago at the Encounter retreat in New York with students from other Marist schools.

 Several Marist teachers and staff members begin a meditative hike during their retreat in November. The group stopped along the path to reflect on questions regarding their faith life.

Winter 2018

2018

Hall of Fame Inductees 14 MARIST HIGH SCHOOL INVITES ALUMNI, family, and friends to the Alumni Reunion & Awards Dinner on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Marist High School. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with the awards presentation for the Hall of Fame inductees and Time & Eternity Award recipients. Following the ceremony, the night will celebrate the Classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, and 2003. Details and registration are available at www.marist.net/alumni. Marist High School’s Hall of Fame recognizes graduates who made a profound impact on Marist athletics. He or she must be at least seven years removed from high school graduation and during his or her time as a Marist athlete would have displayed exceptional talent and ability, incredible work ethic, dedication to the team, and exemplary leadership and sportsmanship.

The Point

Patrick Dunne ’98 says he set out to instill two main components in the Marist football program: hard work and a constant positive environment. It paid off. Dunne served as the program’s head coach for nine seasons, posting a 71-31 (.696) record while guiding the RedHawks to eight state playoff appearances. Under his leadership, Marist made four quarterfinal and three semifinal appearances and finished as state runner-up in both 2009 and 2015. On three occasions, Dunne helped Marist to at least a share of the East Suburban Catholic Conference (ESCC) title, and he was named the conference’s coach of the year in 2011 and 2016. “I was humbled and grateful for the opportunity that Larry [Tucker] and Brother Pat [McNamara] provided me,” Dunne said. “To have the opportunity to work with the best kids from such strong families and at the most premier school in the city of Chicago inspired me every day.” Dunne left Marist in 2017 to pursue a new career with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services.

2018 Hall of Fame Inductees

1978

• CHAMPIONS •

Tom Malloy ’73 remembers watching Marist baseball games when he was just in grade school and knowing that he wanted to play for the school someday. That he did, and with unparalleled success. A standout short stop, he helped the Marist baseball team win its first conference title his senior year. They were also division champs. The winter season meant he’d be found on the basketball court helping the Marist squad as a guard. He credits Coach Ed Molitor for teaching him the value of hard work and the dedication it takes to become a better player. Malloy said it applies to any sport and helped him during his own 37-year high school baseball-coaching career. He spent 34 of those years coaching baseball at Hinsdale South, where he taught social studies and also helped in the basketball and cross country programs. “Marist was a wondering academic place also for me,” Malloy said. “It made you work harder. It prepared me for college and for teaching. It was a stepping stone in right direction.”

1978 Baseball Team Having advanced to the supersectional in 1977, Coach Don Kuehner knew he had a solid baseball squad returning for the 1978 season. The team went 38-4 and completed the season in the state championship against Richwoods High School from Peoria. Marist brought home the hardware and the state championship banner still hangs in the gym. Kuehner notes that a major key to the team’s success was a squeeze offense. Realizing teams rarely work on bunt defense, Marist went on the attack. It meant many players had to sacrifice their hitting glory to advance runners, but that was merely one way the team showed its selfless ways. Kuehner credits the seniors for being self-starters and natural leaders who put the team first and led by example. “What we took away from that magical season is our great memories and friendships that continue today,” said team member Jim Nelson ’78. “It was great winning the first state championship in the school’s history, but it even made it better knowing how far we came along as teammates and baseball players from freshman year to senior year.”

Read full biographies on the Hall of Fame and Time & Eternity honorees at www.marist.net.

Winter 2018

2018

Time & Eternity Award Honorees 16 THE TIME & ETERNITY AWARD is given to an alum who exemplifies the Marist tradition of excellence either professionally or in service. Professionally, the recipient should be viewed as a role model by his or her peers and have achieved the highest status within his or her professional community. In service, the recipient should emulate the charism and spirit of St. Marcellin Champagnat. The President of Marist High School, on the contributory advice of the Marist School Board, names these individuals.

The Point

Richard Byrne, MD ’83, realizing his calling to pursue a career in medicine, made the tough decision to drop wrestling his junior year at Marist. The team went on to win the state championship in 1983 – leaving Richard feeling as though he never reached his full potential on the mat. He recalls the support he received from Coach Stevenson in making that decision. “Twenty-five years later, I would operate on one of [Coach’s] close friends, curing him of his tumor and his seizures,” Byrne said. “A thank-you letter from Coach Stevenson remains one of my prized Marist possessions.” After high school, Richard completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and received his medical doctorate at Northwestern University Medical School. He graduated from the neurosurgical residency-training program at Rush University Medical Center in 1997 and joined the faculty at Rush. A board-certified neurosurgeon, Richard specializes in surgical treatment for epilepsy and brain tumor surgery. He is actively involved in epilepsy and brain tumor research — authoring more than 100 manuscripts, book chapters, and two textbooks on these subjects.

Kevin Dolehide, DO ’78 said the decision to attend Marist came easily. “My brother [Brian ’77] was there ahead of me, so it just seemed natural that I would follow him,” Kevin said. Kevin ran cross country and track for a season and played two years of football. While he may not have excelled on the field, he shined in the science department. Taking after his dad and uncle – both physicians – Kevin loved science and especially enjoyed Brother Robert Conley’s chemistry class. A gastroenterologist at MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island, Kevin still lives in the neighborhood with his wife Mary and their three children Kate ’13, Ellie ’15, and Kevin ’19. When he’s not taking care of his patients or spending time with family, Kevin enjoys playing golf and doesn’t miss the Marist Endowment Classic. He serves on the advisory board of Catholic Charities, is a member of Opus Dei, and is the president of Port Ministries, which offers free services and resources to south side Chicago residents in need. “I am humbled to receive the Time and Eternity Award,” Kevin said. “Marist means a lot to me and my family. It’s like a second home, a family tradition.”

2018 Time & Eternity Award Honorees

Captain Dennis Haines ’73, United States Navy (retired)

Although his parents chose Marist for him, Dennis is thankful they did as it provided a solid foundation for his military career. A career that may not have come to fruition but for the intercession of Marist baseball coach Russ DeBruin, who counseled him through his uncertainty. “That conversation was indicative of how much the faculty and staff cared about you as a person, as well as a student,” Dennis said. “Marist cared about you and your future.” Dennis went on to attend the Naval Academy and the nuclear submarine program where he served on four fast-attack submarines — eventually taking command of the USS Topeka (SSN-754). Dennis became a deep submersible pilot and worked in various intelligence programs associated with the Office of Naval Intelligence. He worked in the Pentagon and was a professor of naval science at Duke, University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State University. Dennis lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, Carol, and their daughters Julia and Allison. A decorated military retiree, Dennis is now an account manager for Battelle Memorial Institute.

Jack Kennedy ’68 grew up in Oak Lawn, the oldest of five siblings who all attended St. Linus. According to Jack, “the quality of education and dedication offered by the Marist Brothers, with some firmness added for good measure, was a perfect fit for a southwest side Catholic who was a little on the shy side.” After graduating from DePaul University, he joined the work world. “After working in many different fields, I discovered real estate and never looked back,” Jack said. In 1982, Jack formed the ChrisKen Group, a comp rehensive and fully integrated multifamily real estate company. The firm then and now specializes in acquiring multifamily properties around the country, upgrading them as well as managing them. While it’s faced the ups and downs of the economy, it’s still alive 35 years later. Jack and his wife Maryanne live in Wilmette, Ill., and have two children, Kelsi and John. “Like most everyone from the class of 1968, Maryanne and I are finally empty nesters,” Jack said. “We’re looking forward to figuring out what is next.”

† Michael Martin ’78 “I think Mike always knew he was getting the best education at Marist,” his wife, Karen, said. “He always felt comfortable there, like a second home.” An athlete and scholar, Marist laid the foundation for Mike’s future accomplishments — graduating with honors from the University of Notre Dame and, later, earning a juris doctorate from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. According to Karen, Mike felt strongly about giving back, especially to those less fortunate. “His honesty, loyalty, and love for his family is what people remember most about him,” she said. “Knowing what Marist meant to Mike, we are grateful and proud that Marist has chosen to recognize Mike for his achievements and character.” Karen and Mike had three sons: Kevin, James, and John. Mike passed away in 2011 after a valiant battle against cancer. In 2013, Mike’s parents, Ken and Jane, commissioned a statue of the Blessed Mother in their son’s honor. Known as the Our Lady of the Way prayer space, the statue offers Marist students a place to have conversations with our Good Mother.

† Deceased

Winter 2018

Alumni News

1960s

1980s

Ron Hale ’68 is the vice president for cyber training, development, and policy at DarkMatter LLC. He and his wife moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in the fall of 2017 for the position.

Bob Klinger ’80 is the vice-president of Jones Lang Lasalle, a commercial real estate services firm for corporations and investors in and around Chicago. He often works with architects to prepare corporate space for new tenants in buildings his company manages.

1970s Brian Dolan ’75, Marist School Board Chair, was recognized by Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS), Inc. for his outstanding leadership, unwavering service, commitment to the community, and long-standing support of HAS at the organization’s tenth annual golf outing. Jack Kelly ’76 opened Kelly’s Tap at 10910 S. Western Ave., the former site of Mrs. O’Leary’s Dubliner, in September.

Al Reszel ’76 completed a nine-state, 1,700+ mile solo bicycle ride from St. Paul, Minn., to the New York headquarters of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. He and his wife, Terry, who battled breast cancer, started the non-profit Pink Pedals 4 A Cure to raise funds to find a cure.

Chuck McLaughlin ’80 serves as a docent for historical tours, including at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. Former teacher Larry Malito and his wife, Sharon, went on his tour in June 2017. Steve Broniarczyk ’81 deployed to Puerto Rico with FEMA to assist in planning response and recovery operations after hurricanes devastated the island. Jesse Ruiz ’83, a Chicago attorney, is one of four individuals seeking the Democratic nomination in the Illinois attorney general race. The incumbent Democrat, Lisa Madigan, announced in September that she will not be seeking a fifth term as attorney general.

The Point

ALUMNI

Thomas Lang ’71 Stephen Wroblewski ’72 James Ashe ’74 Joe Collins ’76 James Kendrick ’76 William Stachnik ’76 Jack Bannon ’78 Michael V. Murphy ’78 Ken Myers ’84 Simone McKay ’09 Thomas Wiencek ’11

Kevin Slanicky ’95 completed the Wisconsin Iron Man on September 10, 2017, as a part of a team effort to raise funds for cystic fibrosis.

1990s Andy Chlebana ’93 recently competed in the Best Baker in America on Food Network. In 2015, Andy won the network’s first season of Spring Baking Championship.

 Bill Callaghan ’70, co-owner of Henry Brothers, and Mike Kelly ’89, general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, received the Rerum Novarum Award from St. Joseph College Seminary. Rerum Novarum, meaning “of new things,” is the encyclical of Pope Leo XIII in 1891 – the first modern encyclical to focus on the dignity of the worker and the rights and duties of capital and labor. Bill and Mike were honored for their witness to the principles of the encyclical through their work and ministry to the Catholic Church. On hand to celebrate the award recipients were Br. Paul Forgues (from left), Bill Callaghan ’70, Br. Hank Hammer, Seamus Kelly ’21, Mike Kelly ’89, Fr. Tom Hurley ’85, and Billy Callaghan ’06.

In Memoriam

 Ryan Egan ’96 is the assistant director

of facilities at Wrigley Field. As a Chicago Cubs employee, Ryan received an official World Series ring during a ceremony for staff members. He’s pictured with the Commissioner’s Trophy. Scott Farley ’96 currently resides in Lemont, Ill., with his wife and two daughters and works for Northern Trust Bank.  Erik Swanberg ’93 manages two private aircraft for Presidio Aircraft Leasing in Gary, Ind. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Yorkville with their son Ian and daughter Mackenzie. Erik provided an aerial shot of Marist from a recent flight.

Michael Sorich ’96 was recently named a partner at Cavanagh Law Group in Chicago. He represents individuals injured in trucking, automobile, wrongful death, and medical malpractice matters.

Alumni News

BIRTHS 1991

Jason ’91 and Kelly Wicuch welcomed Finn

1996  Fr. Joseph Baker (from left) baptized his niece, Winnie Kay Cuculich, the daughter of Justin ’96 and Molly, in the Marist Brothers’ chapel. Godparents Jennifer and John Hamilton were excited to be part of the special day.

Justin ’96 and Molly Cuculich welcomed Winnie Bryan ’96 and Teresa Reidy welcomed Delia

1997

Joe ’97 and Lauren Enright welcomed Patrick

2000

Scott ’00 and Shannon (Everett) ’06 Mikkelsen welcomed Brennan

2003  Class of 1992 friends gathered on home coming night at Marist on September 29. Pat Malloy ’92 (from left), Tom Crowe ’92 (who came in from Minnesota), Sean McClowry ’92 (who came in from Australia), Br. Hank Hammer, Dave Forst ’92, Matt Radgowski ’92, Matt Rafferty ’92, Chris Rawson ’92, and Marc McDonald ’92 were happy to be back in the halls of Marist.

Alan Weber ’97 recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame executive MBA program and was ranked first in his class. Alan is employed by Peoples Energy. He and his wife and their three children reside in Palos Park, Ill.

2000s Bill Hennigan ’01 joined the staff of TIME to cover national security in October 2017. Before that he worked for the Los Angeles Times where he covered war, counter-terrorism, nuclear arms, and the lives of American service members.

Matt ’03 and Stephanie Renderman welcomed Cory  The Rendermans love to show off their Marist pride. Proud dad Matt ’03 is pictured with his kids Riley (from left), Cory, and Kasie in their Marist swag.

Colin Quinn ’01 recently received his Ph.D. in archeology from the University of Michigan and is an assistant professor of archeology at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. His research has taken him to Jordan, Ireland, and Romania. He previously received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his master’s degree from Washington State University. Patrick Ryan ’01, a guidance counselor at Marist, received the 2017 Redbird Proud Young Alumni Award from Illinois State University for living by the University’s student affairs department values—integrity, compassion, creativity, diversity, and relationships.

2004

Andrew ’04 and Julie Creagh welcomed Evelyn

2005

Kevin ’05 and Meghan Geary welcomed Grace

2006

Melissa (Downes) ’06 and Matt Doherty welcomed Owen Kate (Grunauer) ’06 and Mike Ferguson welcomed Daniel

2007

Tom ’07 and Gina Walsh welcomed Thomas Nick ’07 and Emily Hebein welcomed Andrew

Winter 2018

Alumni News

Joe Siska ’02, a Chicago police officer, and his partner Alfredo Martinez helped a man who broke his hip finish the Chicago Marathon on October 8, assisting him for the final two miles. Siska is a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and serves in the 22nd District. Adam Wouk ’03 started working at Roosevelt University in August 2017 as the director of academic success, overseeing services for students with disabilities. Adam lives in Lemont with his wife, Jackie. Katie Hunt ’06 was named Nurse Leader of the Year by Little Company of Mary Hospital in June. Katie is the manager of the stroke unit and the stroke program coordinator.

20 Lukasz Bokun ’07 graduated from the University of Chicago in 2011 with a double-major in economics and public policy. Since then, he has been working in the investment banking industry.

Photo Credit: Bravo - Tommy Garcia

Charles Salvatore ’01 acted in a movie called Landline with stars such as Tom Arnold, Jim O’Heir, Betsy Brandt, Matthew Aaron, Nick Searcy, and Ryne Sandberg.

 Joseph Flamm ’04 was among 15 contestants that began competing on Bravo’s Top Chef in December 2017. Reflecting on his time of the show he said, “It was an incredible experience. There is nothing like it. There is nothing that prepares you for it. It is incredibly hard. But the people you get to meet, and the places you get to go are all so unreal. It provides so many opportunities that you would just never get otherwise,” he said. Flamm is the chef at Spiaggia and Café Spiaggia in Chicago.

In 2016, Lukasz was awarded an Officer Commission in the U.S. Air Force, and in August 2017 Lukasz earned his wings to become a U.S. Air Force Pilot. After additional training, he plans to return to Chicago in late 2018 to fly C-130s for the Illinois Air National Guard while also further developing his finance career.

Sara Lindemann ’08, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at Lurie Children’s Hospital, was named one of WGN TVs Early Morning Heroes in September. Beginning work at sunset and working through until sunrise, Lindemann enters each long shift with a positive attitude to help every patient.

Maggie McEldowney ’07 joined the Chicago Bar Foundation as its director of development in November 2017.

Teagan White ’08 is a freelance illustrator. Her clients have included Target, Papyrus, American Greetings, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Disney Hyperion, Nike, Honda, Ford, Wired Magazine, and the Washington Post, with projects ranging from advertising and editorial to children’s books, greeting cards, and textiles.

Marykatherine Woodson ’07 accepted a position as assistant director of residence life at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY starting with the 20172018 school year.

JP Abercrumbie ’09 was named assistant athletic director for life skills and community engagement at Mississippi State University in June 2017.

 2007 classmates Shannon Evoy and Kevin Collins filled the Marist Brothers’ chapel with family and friends last May.

The Point

 Andrew Gardner ’07 (right) and Claudia Cuskelly were married in Grant Park’s Rose Garden by Judge Jack Callahan ’81.

Anna Gannon ’09 works as a construction project engineer at Epstein Architecture, Engineering and Construction. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Alumni News

2010s Edward Oldfield ’10 won Roosevelt University’s College of Pharmacy’s 2017 Enlightenment Award, for, among other things, saving lives and moving fellow healthcare professionals to action while he was a student pharmacist at the CGH Medical Center in Sterling, Ill.

Kathleen Giblin ’11 graduated from Lewis University with two master’s degrees; a Master’s of Business Administration / Aviation and a Master’s of Science in Project Management. She works for United Airlines in Chicago’s flight operations management division.

Rachel Dalton ’13 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for her commitment to campus-wide health, wellness, and nutrition through a number of education initiatives, events, and programming.

Dana Martin ’11 received her juris doctorate from Northwestern University in May 2017.

Catherine Dillon ’13 received her nursing degree from Bradley University and started her career with Banner University Medical Center Phoenix.

Jacqueline Gallapo ’12 started working at Marist High School as the financial assistance coordinator. Gina Qualter ’12 graduated cum laude from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) with her B.S./M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. She was awarded the Pritzker Fellowship to pursue her M.D./PhD in Biomedical Engineering at IIT.

 2008 graduates Nikki Pavesic and Paul Mikolajczak stopped by Marist on their wedding day.

Cody Bohanek ’13 was drafted by the Houston Astros in the MLB draft. Cody plays shortstop and second base.

Adam Gonzalez ’13 is the junior class chaplain at St. Ignatius College Prep. He began the role at the start of the 2017-18 school year. TreJon House ’13 graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in November 2017. After four internships, including one with Jackbox Game, owned by Mike Bilder ’94, TreJon accepted a position with Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS) as a full-time member of their mobile applications team. He also started a blog called “Coding with Casa.” Justin Lapinskas ’13 graduated from the police academy and is working as a full-time police officer in the City of Tempe, Ariz. Claire Oosterbaan ’13 is a clinical research associate at University of Chicago Medicine.

 Lantern Theatre, Marist’s alumni theatre group, delighted audiences for a seventh summer with a production in July of The Drowsy Chaperone. This year’s cast and crew included Jo Pieczynski ’12, Jessie Rescigno ’13, Ben Barry ’16, Aubrey Malito, Brian Canchola ’15, Katelyn Peters ’09, Connor Mish ’15, Meg Gill ’11, Abram Camarena ’18, Fiona Clair ’15, Maddie Curtin ’18, Phil Duda ’18, Matt Jones ’15, Liam Kelly ’18, Jake Listowski ’17, Bridget McDermott ’16, Adam Patla ’12, Natalie Russo ’13, Bridget Ryan ’17, Emily Salzman ’13, and Elizabeth Travnik ’17.

 Tom Dehlin and Kellie James, both from the class of 2008, took a rest on their wedding day at Marist’s campus.

Winter 2018

Alumni News

Austin Gannon ’14 started the charity Big Wish, an apparel line from which 50% of all sales are donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities. He made his first donation in May 2017.

Madeline Kelly ’15 completed an eightmonth internship with Robert W. Baird accounting firm in Milwaukee, Wisc. She is an accounting major at Marquette University and an Evans Scholar.

Bridget Krasowski ’14 was named Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference player of the week In October 2017.

Frances Pennix ’15 is a specialist in the U.S. Army currently stationed in Monterey, Calif., where she is learning Arabic. She recently married fellow specialist Kaleb Barnes.

Annemarie Leonard ’14, a senior at the University of Notre Dame, co-authored a paper about ovarian cancer and is the primary author of a chapter in an upcoming book. She plans on becoming a doctor.

 Brennan Mikkelson, the son of Scott ’00 and Shannon (Everett) ’06, shows off his new Marist RedHawk gear.

Email maher.christina@marist.net if you are an alum who needs some Marist gear for a new baby.

Monte Proffit ’14 was elected vicepresident of campus activities at Northern Illinois University, which sponsors cultural, social, educational, and entertainment programs for the student body.

Colleen Reilly ’15 was named Female Student-Athlete of the Year in June by Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, where she is a member of the women’s Division I volleyball team. Anna Senteno ’15 was named a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois. The program provides undergraduate tuition assistance to future teachers.

Nic Weishar ’14 scored his first touchdown for the Fighting Irish on September 2.

 Patrick Sweeney ’15, pictured, was named pilot number 23 for the Purdue University’s Reamer Club. The spirit group supports Purdue athletics and pilots drive the Boilermaker Special, the official mascot of the school, which is a Victorian-era locomotive.

Brooke Wilson ’15 was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu at Loyola University Chicago, where she plays softball.  Marist’s second annual Disability Defenders Day was held on July 15. The event was designed to raise awareness about the needs of people with disabilities. Games, food, story-telling, face painting (pictured), and other activities were available for participants and their families. “If there was ever an example of faith in action, the Disability Defenders Day is it,” Br. Hank Hammer said. This year’s planning and production team consisted of Marist alums and students. Alex Lyons and Elizabeth Seip, both 2016 graduates, founded this event. They were assisted by Tara Carson ’16, Julia Linares ’16, Anne Tracy ’18, Daisy DiDomizio ’18, Bob Skudnig ’21, Alex Cipriani ’17, Kate Shroba ’18, Morgan McDonald ’18, Grace Murphy ’19, Steve Larkin ’18, Liam Carson ’18, Ivana Peralta ’18, Mary Ann Kuffell ’18, Clare Murphy ’21, Eliza Shroba ’20, Ellie Marino ’17, and Angelina Marino ’20.

The Point

John Carmody ’16 and Zach Sefcik ’16 helped their North Central College baseball team advance to the Division III World Series. Carmody cracked the game-winning homerun in game one.

Alumni News

WEDDINGS DO YOU HAVE NEWS or updates for Marist High School? Share it with us www.marist.net/ alumni/the-point or email maher.christina@marist.net.

MARCH 31, 2017

John Griffin ’03 and Maureen Mulchrone ’08 APRIL 2017

Jennifer Sullivan ’06 and Tom Corbett MAY 20, 2017

Kevin Collins ’07 and Shannon Evoy ’07 JUNE 24, 2017

Tom Dehlin ’08 and Kellie James ’08 Solomon Davis ’16 studies journalism at the University of Missouri and writes technology opinion pieces for the school paper The Maneater. He is a senator in the Missouri Students Association and was also appointed to the Chancellor’s Standing Committee for Parking and Transportation. Kara Keating ’16 attends Michigan State University and majors in journalism with a focus in sports. She works for the newspaper on campus, The State News, focusing on women’s volleyball and men’s ice hockey. During the summer of 2017 Kara was a media relations intern for the professional softball team the Chicago Bandits, writing game recaps, feature stories, and helping run the team Instagram account. Liam Keffer ’16 was selected as one of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Football Players of the Week on October 17. Paige Solcani ’16 is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at ChampaignUrbana and studied in Australia during the fall semester. Maura Smith ’16 traveled with her Grand Valley State University volleyball team to Italy for a 10-day trip that included matches and touring.

Micah Awodiran ’17 garnered a championship ring after helping his Yale University football team clinch the Ivy League title. Liam Duignan ’17 a recipient of the Alliance Francaise McCormick Award, studied at the Université de la Sorbonne in Paris in July. Duignan, who placed among the top seven students in Chicagoland on the National French Contest took French language and civilization courses at the Sorbonne. Duignan now studies at University College Dublin in Ireland and is a double major in French and linguistics. He hopes to become a translator, linguist, or foreign language teacher.

AUGUST 11, 2017

Liz Wade ’07 and Don Gavin SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

Frances Pennix ’15 and Kaleb Barnes SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Kurtis ’00 and Davi Kraehmer SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Abby Nelson ’07 and Greg Noha

OCTOBER 7, 2017

Paul Mikolajczak ’08 and Nikki Pavesic ’08 OCTOBER 7, 2017

Tom Sullivan ’05 and Rachael Skerrett ’11 NOVEMBER 22, 2017

Andrew Gardner ’07 and Claudia Cuskelly

Kevin O’Finn ’17 is working with manufac turer Hoora to bring light-up earbuds called Headphones+ to market. The idea was born during his time as a student in Marist’s entrepreneurial course, IDEA. He is a freshman at Marquette University. Robert Topps ’17 was named October’s Academic All-Star at the University of Kansas.

 Frances Pennix ’15 and Kaleb Barnes felt the love on their wedding day. Both currently serve in the U.S. Army.

Winter 2018

Other Volleyball Honors

Athletic News

Daily Southtown All-Area

Girls’ volleyball claims first state title

arist High School’s girls’ volleyball program clinched its first IHSA 4A state title in a thrilling match against Minooka High School (22-25, 25-22, 25-15) on Saturday, November 11. Marist defeated Crystal Lake Central High School in two games in Friday night’s semifinal. The team was also ranked first in the nation by FloVolleyball. Marist dropped the first set of the match and the second was a challenge. “We knew we were in for a battle against a very physically imposing Minooka team,” Coach Jordan Vidovic, who was named East Suburban Catholic Conference (ESCC) Coach of the Year, explained. “Our goal was to stick with our strengths even in tough situations and we kept a very even demeanor even when things were tight in the second set. We went with some of our go-to plays and let our defense win it for us in the end.” It was the second time Marist and Minooka met during the season, with the first match in the opening week of play also extending to three games and ending in the RedHawks’ favor. Marist sealed their ticket to state with a win over Mother McAuley (25-21, 25-16) on Friday, November 3 in the supersectional match. Before that, the RedHawks defeated Bloom High School and Lemont High School to win the regional. They went on to defeat LincolnWay East High School and Marian Catholic High School to capture the sectional title. They won three national tournaments during the season and captured the ESCC title. Varsity ended its season with a 41-1 record. During the season, the team faced three-set matches 11 times and won all of them.

 Senior Molly Murrihy serves against Minooka in the state championship. The Cook County Board honored her and her teammates on Tuesday, December 12. Several other honors and recog nition events took place following the championship or were being planned as of print time.

The Point

Molly Murrihy ’18—Player of the Year Savannah Thompson ’18, Maggie Meyer ’18, Grace Green ’18—1st Team Camryn Hannah ’20—Honorable Mention

Illinois Preps Volleyball All-State Savannah Thompson ’18—1st Team Molly Murrihy ’18—2nd Team Grace Green ’18, Maggie Meyer ’18—4th team

Sports Town Chicago Illinois High School All-Star Game Seniors Molly Murrihy, Grace Green, and Savannah Thompson

 The RedHawk Rowdies storm the court after the team’s supersectional win over McAuley on November 3 in front of a sold-out crowd. The victory punched Marist’s ticket to state.

“I think we knew pretty early on that this team not only had the talent but also had some of the intangibles it takes to make a run for a state championship,” Vidovic said. He pointed to senior leadership, mental toughness, and team chemistry as integral team characteristics. During a welcome home celebration at the school on Sunday, November 12, Vidovic also extended thanks to his coaching staff, the program parents, and school administrators. The future is bright for Marist girls’ volleyball. Both the freshman and sophomore teams captured the conference title, and the sophomores went undefeated for the second season. The state title is the third first place IHSA state trophy for a Marist girls’ team with softball capturing the top prize in 2012 and 2015. Additionally, cheerleading won state through the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association before it was an IHSA sport. Volleyball, basketball, softball, and cheerleading have also garnered third and fourth place state trophies in previous seasons.

Athletic News

New AD steps into stellar season with ease ERIC SIMPSON JOINED Marist’s staff as athletic director July 1 and started his tenure off during a wildly successful fall season. “It has been an exciting first few months for me at Marist,” Simpson said. “I am extremely proud of our dedicated athletes and coaches, and I am grateful to support students that work so hard to excel in the classroom and in the athletic environment.” Simpson came to Marist from Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago where he served as the athletic director. Prior to that he worked as the assistant athletic director at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and spent four years as athletic director at Marquette High School in Michigan City, Ind. Simpson was the head women’s basketball coach at Loyola University for four years and the assistant coach at University of Illinois at Chicago for three seasons. He attended Northwestern University for four years on a basketball scholarship. “Eric delivers the whole package for Marist: administrative experience, coaching experience, and first-hand knowledge of Catholic education,” Tucker said. “We feel confident he can lead our successful program to the next level.” Simpson oversees 26 athletic programs that serve Marist’s 1,650 students, and a campus that includes a turf stadium lined for football, soccer, and lacrosse, grass soccer field, track, varsity and lower level fields for softball and baseball, tennis courts, three gym nasiums, and a 4,000-square-foot fitness center. Simpson said he was attracted to Marist’s Catholic values and tradition of academic and athletic excellence. “I look forward to working with a terrific coaching staff to support student development through competition in athletics,” Simpson said. “I also understand the unique role athletics can play in generating excitement, enhancing school spirit, and connecting alumni to Marist. As athletic director, I will work to integrate the athletic programs into Marist’s core values and important mission.”

New coaches join staff Ryan Doidge ’09—Girls’ Golf Coach Doidge represented the RedHawks himself as a high school golfer and is eager to help build a strong program that boasts teamwork and consistency.

Jon Gordon—Boys’ Cross Country & Track Coach Gordon is a seasoned cross country and track coach at the high school and collegiate level. Drawn to Marist’s young, promising team and the school’s commitment to its athletics programs that complement a strong academic culture, he is con fident the two teams will find increased success.

25 Jordan Miller—Cheerleading Coach Miller stepped up from assistant coach at Marist to running the team. In his ninth IHSA coaching season, he is looking forward to helping continue Marist’s strong program and making state runs.

Willis Griffin—Hockey Coach Griffin is in his nineteenth season coaching. He is a product of Canadian junior and minor league hockey. He looks forward to helping restore Marist as a hockey power.

Nicole Selvaggio ’11— Girls’ Tennis Coach Selvaggio is proud to be back at her alma mater. After playing and coaching at the college level, she is excited to bring her firm but fair coaching style to Marist and grow the program.

Winter 2018

Athletic News

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS FALL SEASON

ESCC ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS Boys’ Cross Country

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY: The boys made history by qualifying for the

Thomas Leonard ’20, Most Valuable Athlete

state race as a team for the first time in 19 years, where they finished

Lucas Pennix ’19

in the top 25. Team members set personal records week after week. They finished fourth in conference, third in the state regional, and fifth in the state sectional. With only one senior graduating, the future is bright with many young runners returning. GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY: In just her freshman year, Cecilia Light advanced to the state final where she cut 27 seconds off her time and set a personal record of 17:47. The team took home top finishes in multiple meets. They finished third in conference and captured the regional championship. FOOTBALL: It was a historic season as the team was Marist’s first undefeated regular-season squad. A win over rival Br. Rice kicked off the season, and they went on to outscore their regular season opponents 392-123. They advanced to the state quarterfinals and finished with an 11-1 record.

BOYS’ GOLF: George Paetow ’20 advanced to the state final after shooting a 78 at Balmoral Woods in Crete, Ill. in the sectional. Cormac Lee ’18, Rob Staszewski ’18, Max Smith ’18, Grey Ramirez ’19,

Girls’ Cross Country Jill Borza ’19 Cecilia Light ’21 Amanda Tracy ’20 Football Ron Dawczak ’93, Coach of the Year Tommy Greene ’18, Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Delonte Harrell ’18, Most Valuable Offensive Player Gavin McCabe ’18, Most Valuable Defensive Player Elijah Teague ’18, Most Valuable Defensive Lineman George Fanelli ’19 TJ Ivy ’18 Charlie Laurencell ’18 Michael Lawlor ’18 Michael Markett ’19 Danny Meehan ’18 Billy Skalitzky ’19 Jadon Thompson ’20

and Matt Delisi ’19 qualified for the regional. The team had solid

Boys’ Golf

outings throughout the season.

George Paetow ’20

GIRLS’ GOLF: With both conference and non-conference wins, the team

Girls’ Golf

had a great season. Hunter Guest ’20, Courtney Dahl ’18, Tyler Murray

Hunter Guest ’20

’20, and Colleen O’Finn ’19 advanced to the state sectional.

Tyler Murray ’20

BOYS’ SOCCER: The team retained the Pulaski Cup for a second year with a 3-0 win over Br. Rice. The team had a winning record with strong tournament play. They finished the season in the state regional series. SWIMMING: Practice makes perfect. For the swimmers practice meant more and more time shaved off and many personal and relay records being set. Maggie Guidici ’18, Molly Sullivan ’19, Emma Shea ’20, Nora McKeough ’19, Rachel Stevens ’20, Alyssa Wesselhoff ’19, Micaela Gniech ’19, Abby McLaughlin ’19, Sara Rooney ’21, Hannah Cleveland ’20, Emma Ortega ’21, Ivette Ibarra ’19, and Kristen Kolp ’19 advanced to the state sectional.

Boys’ Soccer Victor Trevino, Assistant Coach of Year Rick Cave ’18, Defensive Player of Year Patrick Clancy ’19 Brian Garza ’19 Girls’ Tennis Nicole Selvaggio ’11, Coach of the Year Caitlyn Foggie ’18, Doubles Player of the Year Bella Rabianski ’20, Doubles Player of the Year Girls’ Volleyball Jordan Vidovic, Coach of the Year

GIRLS’ TENNIS: The team finished second in conference—Marist’s best

Grace Green ’18

finish ever. They beat Carmel Catholic High School for the first time

Camryn Hannah ’20

in program history and finished in the top two at several invites. The

Maggie Meyer ’18

doubles team of Caitlyn Foggie ’18 and Bella Rabianski ’20 and singles

Molly Murrihy ’18

player Nicole Micklin ’20 advanced to state.

Savannah Thompson ’18

The Point

Kicker Headers

Champagnat Day is April 18 MARIST HIGH SCHOOL WILL HOST

its first ever Champagnat Day on Wednesday, April 18. The 24-hour event commemorates the canonization of Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, and celebrates the spirit and tradition of Marist High School. Appropriately, our goal is to inspire 1,800 donors to give $18 to the Marist Fund so that we may continue to give students the advantage of an exceptional, faithbased education. Although the day is designed to encourage giving, its more powerful message lies in the origins and vision

of St. Marcellin – to make Jesus Christ known and loved. On Champagnat Day, we’ll be asking you to tell the world why #MaristMatters. You can celebrate Champagnat Day by: • Wearing your red and white. • Sharing a picture or selfie along with the many reasons why you love Marist on social media using #MaristMatters. • Emailing and texting fellow RedHawks to wish them a Happy Champagnat Day and getting together to reminisce about your time at Marist.

• Seeking out opportunities to help others – even small acts of kindness have a big impact. • Remembering to be one of the 1,800 donors to help us reach our donor goal. Every gift, no matter the size, will count toward the 1,800 donor goal. Let’s come together on Champagnat Day to show our love and support for Marist High School. Let’s prepare our students for higher education and life. And, let’s inspire each other and the world to support St. Marcellin’s vision to make Jesus Christ known and loved. Winter 2018

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Rescigno’s Marketing Connections

4200 West 115th Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 www.marist.net

Upcoming Events Monday, January 29, 2018

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Class of 1968 – 50th Reunion Year

Career Night

All-School Liturgy 9:30 a.m. to noon Main Gymnasium

7 p.m. Marist High School Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Champagnat Day Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Be one of 1,800 donors to give $18!

Young Alumni College Panel 7 p.m. Marist High School Sunday, March 4, 2018

Junior Ring Mass 3 p.m. St. Terrence Church Friday, March 9, 2018

Reunion and Awards Dinner

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Arts in April

Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. Main Gym

7 to 10 p.m. Cafeteria

Happy Easter! He is risen!

Send your stories, pictures, and updated information to alumni@marist.net

Spring Band Concert

Thursday, March 22-24, 2018

Sunday, April 1, 2018

In our efforts to stay connected, we need you to let us know what you’re up to. In each edition of The Point, we look forward to printing Class Notes – please tell us about your latest accomplishments and life events.

Saturday, April 28-29, 2018

Saturday, May 19, 2018

7:30 p.m. each night 1:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday Baer Theatre at Morgan Park Academy

HAVE YOU MOVED? DO YOU HAVE A NEW JOB? DID YOU GET MARRIED? IS THERE A NEW ADDITION TO YOUR FAMILY?

6 to 8 p.m. Art Show 7 p.m. Choral Concert

6 to 10:30 p.m. Marist High School

School Musical: West Side Story

❱❱ Update Us!

Class of 2008 - 10-Year Reunion

“Like” us on Facebook: Official Marist High School Alumni Community Follow us on Twitter: @MaristChicago

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Graduation 7 p.m. Main Gym