The Collegiate: Summer 2015 by Kate LaBrake

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collegiate MAGAZINE OF ST. JOE’S

SUMMER 2015

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CLASS OF 2015 | ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE | 43NORTH

SUMMER 2015

the path to success.

MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT Earlier this Spring, the Class of 2019 gathered for the first time as one group for an orientation welcoming them to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. On this night, I always watch the faces of parents about to entrust their sons to our care. I see their excitement, but also some apprehension. At Commencement, I again look at the faces of our parents. But on this night, I see only joy, pride in the young man that their son has become, along with an extraordinary amount of hope for what the future holds. I truly do see a celebration of these young men, and who we – St. Joe’s – are as a community.

From Canisius College to Yale University, the Class of 2015 is heading to the best colleges and universities across the United States. But when I spoke to the graduating class, I reminded them that Commencement is not really about any individual, or any one award, or accolade; it is a celebration of our entire community. We are St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute: a place that welcomes young boys from every background, from every neighborhood, from every race and religion, then wins their hearts and shapes their minds, ultimately producing the 190 fine young men who graduated this spring. Our mission is possible because of the parents, guardians, and grandparents who invest in the future of their sons, our exceptional faculty and staff who work every day to provide our students with the best human and Christian education possible, our Board of Trustees, which offers vision and the expertise necessary in our complex world and, most certainly, all of our loyal alumni and generous benefactors – represented at Commencement by the Class of 1965 – who ensure that our school remains accessible and affordable to the next generation of students.

At Commencement, I told each of our graduates that they are stepping toward great adventures of building families, careers and, hopefully, lives of service. But I reminded them that while they are moving forward, they are not walking away from anything. They are not walking away from St. Joe’s because the lessons and values of this community are already inside their hearts. All our graduates continue to carry this community and our common brotherhood with them at their happiest moment and their darkest hour. They are never alone; they carry us and – most importantly – the Holy Presence of God with them each and every single day.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

At St. Joe’s, we achieve outstanding academic outcomes for each individual student – the 100% college acceptance rate and the $33 million in academic awards earned by the Class of 2015 demonstrate that. But we do more: we produce gentlemen of integrity, young men of character imbued with values nurtured at St. Joe’s, who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

This year, I could not have been prouder to see the faces of our parents at Commencement – and I can’t wait to see the same happiness on the faces of the parents of the young men of the Class of 2019.

IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 15 ISSUE 3

4-5 Congrats, Graduates! 6 The Path 7 2015 by the Numbers 8 College Signings 9 Lasallian Gala 2016 Tribute to Mrs. Koller

10-11 Alums lead 43North 12 Soccer: A Winning Tradition

13 Golden Jubilee 14-15 Alumni News & Notes Jazz Ensemble

St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (716) 874-4024 www.sjci.com President Robert T. Scott, AFSC Editor & Vice President of Advancement Patrick D. McNally ’01

Live Jesus in Our Hearts … Forever!

Photography James McCoy

Robert T. Scott, AFSC President

Contributing Writers Patrick D. McNally ’01 Alexander J. Eadie ’07

A ST. JOE’S MAN At the 2015 Baccalaureate Liturgy, Andrew Siaw-Asamoah ’15 was recognized as the Class of 1931 Outstanding Senior of the Year – an award given to the graduating student who best represents his classmates and the entire St. Joe’s community.

But Andrew’s experience at St. Joe’s almost didn’t happen; he almost never became a Marauder.

As an 8th grader at Transit Middle School, Andrew had a choice. Most of his friends were continuing on to Williamsville East. Andrew was leaning towards joining them even though there was some “family pressure” to join the St. Joe’s community, especially from his older brother, Patrick ’13, then a sophomore. But despite his big brother’s many attempts, it was clear that this would be Andrew’s call. It looked like it was going the other way – until the St. Joe’s Open House. Andrew still remembers that he arrived that night “super late.” “It was just me and my Dad,” he said, “and all the other tours were done. But my tour guide acted as if it was his first tour of the day. He talked about how the school had such a positive effect on his life, and that left a big impression on me. When I went home that night, I said, ‘yes, I’m going to St. Joe’s.’” Looking back now, Andrew says that this choice “made me the man I am today.” “Everyone here talks about being welcomed, challenged, and inspired, and, at first, I thought that was just marketing,” he said. “But Freshman

year was the definition of welcome. At the beginning of the year, everyone identifies with what middle school they went to. By the end of the year, we all said, ‘I go to St. Joe’s.’” Although Andrew has always been an outstanding student, he was “definitely challenged” by the unique course offerings at St. Joe’s, including the opportunity to take AP classes as a sophomore. “With all the academic opportunities available, you just needed to reach out for them and work hard.” And he was inspired by the leadership and friendship of the upper classmen in his brother’s class – “who I still look up to today” – and the St. Joe’s faculty. He said, “I felt like I could walk up to science teachers and talk to them about religion. Or talk to my religion teachers about science. I felt that each and every faculty member really cared about me as an individual and helped me find my own definition of success.”

Four years later, Andrew had another decision to make; now, it was between attending Harvard or Yale. Once again, his brother Patrick was involved – this time as a sophomore at Harvard. But Patrick’s advice was different. “Listen,” he told his younger brother, “you’re not going to find a school that’s the same as St. Joe’s. The best you can do is find something close.” Andrew ultimately did, deciding on Yale, where he will major in biomedical engineering. He plans to attend medical school to “be on the problem-solving side of medicine,” with a particular focus on research to prevent cancer. He is motivated by the loving memory of his grandmother, Ms. Gladys Komle Tawiah, who passed away from ovarian cancer. In her honor, Andrew’s family

founded Hope for Sisi’s Kids (or HOSIKIDS), a foundation that supports the development of Bawaleshie Elementary and Middle School, located in a rural community near Accra, Ghana. (To learn more about HOSIKIDS, visit www.hosikids.org). Solidifying his career goals, Andrew’s Biology and AP Biology teacher, Mr. James Roland ’69, encouraged him to participate in the St. Joe’s Science Internship Program, where he spent a summer working alongside oncologists at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. This experience helped Andrew “understand what it meant to be an oncologist working with both researchers and physicians providing patient care” and convinced him this field is where he belongs. Ultimately, Andrew says that St. Joe’s shaped him most not “in the moments of greatest success.” Real men, he says, “are made in the small moments – the small decisions that will set precedents for our character for the rest of our lives. Real men are made at 1 a.m. doing homework after a late soccer practice – when there is a choice between giving up or continuing on ... It’s when principles are tested, values are created, and trials overcome that we truly distinguish ourselves as a product of this school.” There is no question that Andrew is a real St. Joe’s man, and that our school – and the entire St. Joe’s community – could not be prouder of his choice. SJ

SUMMER 2015

There is no doubt that Andrew is an outstanding young man: out of 1.4 million students nationwide, he was among the 0.005% to win a National Merit Scholarship. At St. Joe’s, he was a member of student government and the National Honor Society, played two years of soccer, and was voted by his senior classmates as “Most Likely to Become President.” But more than anything else, he is known to his classmates and teachers as a man of character, kindness, and faith.

Congratulations, Class of 2015!

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

Eesaa Abdur-Rahman David Archer Christian Arena Thomas Arnone Austin Ballard Joseph Balthasar Michael Barcomb Nathan Barrett Christopher Barth Edward Becker Matthew Becker Ryan Beiter Joseph Bennett Theodore Benz Anthony Berardi John Berger Joshua Biltekoff

SJ 4

William Boerema Gavin Borkowski Michael Botticello Jason Brick Edward Brown Jr. Stephen Brown Nicholas Bucello Steven Bunce David Burgio Alexander Cambria Joshua Canavan Dominic Caruso Nicholas Chun Christopher Clark John Collins Brandon Costolnick Justin Crawford

S. Tucker Curtin Jr. Marcus D’Aguiar Tyler Daly Marcell Davis Evan DeGlopper Anthony DellaValle Matthew Dempsey Jacob Denzak Joshua Deveso Timothy Deyell Matthew DiPasquale John DiStasio Jacob Donn Patrick Donnelly Bryce Donovan Paul Doxbeck Peter Duff

Adam Duke Andrew Dyet Luke Eberhard William Erdman III Peter Evancho Vincent Farruggia Anthony Federico Bryan Feeney Bennett Ferguson Dennis Fitzgibbon Devon Florczak Robert Flynn Patrick Forrestel Nicholas Fraass Matthew Fritz Henry Frome William Gajewski

“I don't think I can truly put the meaning of this school into words. I have a different philosophy: I believe that St. Joe's is a feeling. It's the feeling you get when Cam Rosenecker goes up for his solo during Mass, and silence and stillness come over the gym, while the hairs on the back of your neck stand up; it's the feeling you get when you put your heart and soul into something and you don't succeed, but a classmate or teacher is there to pick you up in your time of need; it's the feeling you get when you walk down the hall and see a buddy walking towards you with a big smile on his face. St. Joe's is so much more than a school...it's a rock, a constant guiding force in each of its students’ lives.” PATRICK L. FORRESTEL ’15, VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

Ian Gallagher Jamison Garvey Daniel Gaulin Filippo Gentile Joseph Ginnane Nicholas Gioia Andrew Gloss Drew Goss Timothy Greco Joseph Greene Jakai Harrison Jack Hawkins John Hazelet Peter Hector Bradley Hejmanowski Robert Helbringer Andrew Herr

Ryan Kress Thomas Kress James Krolewski Trevor Krzemien Salvatore LaTorre Matthew Lawrence Colton Machelor Jacob MacKinnon Landon MacKinnon David Maher Andrew Manna Canio Marasco III Girard Marotto Gabriele Marrone Philip Martin Peter Masters Edward Mathias Luke McConnaghy

Connor McKenna Jonathon McMahon Michael Meyer Wesley Michael Joseph Michaels Benjamin Mileham Andrew Monahan Thomas Morog Antonio Morreale Christopher Multerer Zachary Myers Timothy Noonan Jr. Nicholas Oakes Charles Oakley Nicholas Occhino Ryan Olear Jonathan O’Rourke Cordell Owens

Charles Paglione Alexander Pazik Michael Pearl Derek Penman Alex Peperone Dominic Perna Jonathan Plaza Anthony Pontello Lucas Przybyla Alexander Quinn Zachary Rice Jonathan Rinaldo Cameron Rosenecker Matthew Ruggiero Jeremy Sawyer John Scaglione Elliott Schulefand Martin Shilen

Abdal Aziz Shittu Zachary Sia Andrew SiawAsamoah Robert Simon William Sitzman Anthony Spina Jr. Mitchell Spring Daniel Starner Edward Tabone Jr. Jonathon Tabor Ethan Taylor Dominick Teoli Gunnar Tordoff Tyler Trammell Christopher Ulm Jonathan Utech John Verdi

Christopher Vu Hunter Walsh Patrick Wells Myles White Kevin Whittington Thomas Whittington Hezekiah Williams Joseph Wittmann Chauncey Woods Cedric Wrobel Myles Young Kevin Zachau Vito Zagarrio Lucas Zelasko Michael Zellner Christopher Zenger Nicholas Zulia

“But the purpose of life is far more than being happy – it’s bringing happiness to others that gives us a true sense of fulfillment. Guys, we’ve been given a gift these past four years. It is the gift of a quality education, the gift of spiritual guidance, the gift of brotherhood, and it’s time for us to give it back. We are men of intelligence, men of integrity, men of faith. We are stronger than our adversities, we are stronger because of them, we are on a mission, together, to bring happiness to all the world. We are St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute’s Class of 2015, and we may be graduating tonight, but we’re not done yet.” WILLIAM T. ERDMAN III ’15, SALUTATORY ADDRESS

SUMMER 2015

Thomas Heyden Benjamin Higgins Tyler Howard Connor Hudson Kilian Humpartzoomian Brendan Hurley Joshua Jackson Marquel Jeffries Joshua Johnson Richard Jones Patrick Judge Anthony Kershner Michael Klein Peter Klopp Kevin Klute Joseph Koszelak Leonard Krawczyk III

THE PATH

Patrick L. Forrestel ’15

Benjamin D. Higgins ’15 Cameron T. Rosenecker ’15 Anthony P. Spina, Jr. ’15

What led you to St. Joe’s?

Both of my brothers went to Sweet Home High School, so it seemed that I would do the same. It was at this point that I believe God intervened and showed me that I needed to be here. While at Mass one day, I asked for a sign, and everywhere I looked I saw people wearing maroon. When I left Mass, I grabbed a bulletin, and above the stack was a poster saying, “Be Welcomed, Be Challenged, Be Inspired.” It was then that I knew needed to be here, and I believe it was the greatest decision of my life.

I am constantly reminded of the first words my dad said as he held his first boy:

I knew in fourth grade when I got my first St. Joe’s sweatshirt that I was going to go here. All of my friends called me crazy for not even weighing my options, but how could I pass up on a place that was so loved by so many in my family as well as others I met who told me that going to St. Joe’s was the best decision they had ever made? After four years, I feel the same way.

The path to St. Joe’s was already paved long before my high school career began. My family has a big tradition here; my father, uncles and cousins, and my brother are all alumni of St. Joe’s. However, I wasn't forced to attend St. Joe’s; it was all on me. This was not difficult, because I always knew this school was the place for me to help start to turn my dream into a reality.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

What’s next?

At St. Joe’s, there are many paths to success. The Collegiate caught up with the four seniors who were also nominated by their classmates for the Class of ’31 Outstanding Senior Award. We asked them about their own path to St. Joe’s – and what the future holds.

Next year I will attend the University of Rochester to study chemistry. From there, I will likely attend some form of graduate school, but patent law and business from the chemistry perspective are also options. Regardless of what I do and where I end up, I hope to have a wife and children. I also plan to always keep St. Joe’s close to my heart.

“I have a boy to send to Joe’s.”

My path started the day I was born. I started kindergarten at St. John the Baptist in Kenmore, with the colors maroon and white always in my mind.

What’s next? I will be attending Xavier University in the fall of 2015. I am going to study pre-medicine to pursue my dream of becoming a medical examiner. Along with my studies, I will continue to play hockey for Xavier. I feel prepared, I’ve never been more comfortable being myself, and couldn’t be more excited to take this next step in my life.

What’s next? I am attending Canisius College on full scholarship to study Business Entrepreneurship/Management and will probably enter Canisius’ five-year MBA program. I am planning on working my way up in business and hopefully saving enough money to eventually start my own business. It’s nice to know that I won’t have any college debt, so I plan to start saving money now for starting my own business after college.

What’s next? I'm first heading to Ithaca College to study broadcast journalism, and then on my way to bigger and better things. I wouldn’t be on this journey’s path if it wasn’t for this institution. I have goals that are extremely difficult to achieve and require a tremendous amount of work. However, St. Joe’s has taught me that I can be anything I want to be by being myself first. I know one day I’ll say, “I made it.”

the class of 2015 ...by the numbers

Graduates

100%

College Acceptance Rate

$33 Million in scholarships and academic awards

ONE right fit for every student

Graduates from the Class of 2015 were accepted into the most competitive national universities in the country, including Boston College, Colgate, Harvard, Notre Dame, Princeton, the University of Rochester, Stanford, and Yale. For some Marauders, these schools are the best fit for their academic and personal goals.

Other members of the Class of 2015 chose to attend the outstanding institutions right here in Western New York, especially Canisius College and the University at Buffalo – often with substantial scholarships and academic awards. At St. Joe’s, our Guidance Department

focuses on helping our students find the school that is the best fit for their aspirations, interests, and goals. The college admissions process is a family decision – and one that we prepare our students for the minute they step inside the building. As a Lasallian school, we strive to give our students the best human and Christian education possible, so that our graduates can excel academically and personally in college and beyond.

Our Community of Excellence is focused on helping all our students become the best versions of themselves. And there is no question that the Class of 2015 is well on their way! SJ

a message of integrity. Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, the Fourteenth Bishop of Buffalo, delivered the Commencement Address to the Class of 2015. He urged graduates to remember the lessons of St. Joe’s and strive always SJ message struck a familto be “good people.” This iar chord with our seniors, who first heard Brother Christopher Belleman, FSC, extoll them to become gentlemen of integrity at their Freshman Orientation. Four years later, it is clear that this is a lesson that will always remain with the Class of 2015.

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SIGNED. At St. Joe’s, athletics are about the brotherhood that exists between teammates and always striving to do your best. Every year, many of our young men continue their athletic careers in college – and 2014-15 was no different. Here is a sampling of the Marauders who will be putting on a new jersey as college freshmen next year. (Players listed left to right)

A BASEBALL

Tyler Howard (Niagara University) Dominic Teoli (Corning Community College) Matthew Ruggiero (Gannon University) Bryce Donovan (Pace University) Derek Penman ( John Carroll University)

B LACROSSE

Kevin Zachau (Baldwin Wallace University) Bradley Hejmanowski (Alfred University) Dominic Perna (Mercyhurst University) Myles Young (Mercyhurst University) Tyler Trammell (Hobart College) Peter Masters (Lynn University) Nicholas Bucello ( John Carroll University) Edward Mathias ( John Carroll University) Lucas Zelasko (Aurora University)

C WRESTLING

Jonathon Tabor (Alfred State College) Richard Jones (Ohio Northern University) Eesaa Abdur-Rahman (SUNY College at Brockport)

D VOLLEYBALL

Joseph Koszelak (St. Francis University)

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

E HOCKEY

Dennis Gilbert ’14 (University of Notre Dame)

F TRACK AND CROSS COUNTRY Philip Martin (St. John Fisher College)

G / H SOCCER

William Boerema (East Stroudsburg University) Henry Frome (Claremont McKenna College)

DON’T MISS THE SCORE: Follow @SJCI on Twitter and Facebook!

Announcing Lasallian Gala 2016! SJ

Save the date! It will be a “Buffalo Bash” St. Joe’s style for the Lasallian 2016 Gala Dinner & Auction! With our roots in Buffalo for over 150 years, it is time for St. Joe’s to celebrate this city and our integral part in its history – and its ongoing resurgence.

The Lasallian 2016 “Buffalo Bash” Gala & Dinner Auction will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at St. Joe’s. Chair couple Mike ’86 & Amy Gilbert and their Buffaloloving committee of fellow parents and alumni plan a fantastic, fun-filled evening celebrating everything Buffalo while generating funds for our students as its future leaders, innovators, and community servants!

Gift Gathering Kick-Off at Food Truck Tent Party & Picnic: What says Buffalo more than its diverse, fabulous food? To kick things off, we’re lining up a select group of outstanding food trucks starting with the new (716) Club House truck to have a giant kick-off tent party and picnic on Friday, September 18, overlooking the Robert T. Scott, AFSC Athletic Field Complex on campus. For a nominal fee and the contribution of a gift for Lasallian, attendees will enjoy their choice of outrageously delicious foods to meet all tastes, as well as dessert and music by the St. Joe’s Jazz Lab Band. Additional information and registration to follow in late August. SJ

A TRUE LASALLIAN EDUCATOR

thanking Mrs. Koller for her years of service

We know that Mrs. Koller will always be a part of the St. Joe’s family. Before she steps out from behind her desk for the last time, The Collegiate caught up with a few inside sources on what Mrs. Koller means to our entire community. Robert T. Scott, AFSC, President Throughout her years at St. Joe’s, Mrs. Koller has been the first person to welcome students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends into our school and has been the first person to invite each person she encounters to become a member of our community. While she is efficient and skilled in all she does, more than that, she is a friend to everyone and offers consistent personal witness to the Lasallian characteristic of “touching hearts.” James Williams, Social Studies Teacher

Sue is the embodiment of the idea that you do not need to be a teacher to be a true Lasallian educator. She helps us hide our own imperfections. No matter what was happening elsewhere, Sue’s presence in the office was always reassurance. Mary Dirrigl, Parent, Former Lasallian Gala Co-Chair and President Couple of the Parents’ Guild

We see the words “be welcomed” all around St. Joe’s, but I think parents are grateful to have seen it in person at Mrs. Koller’s desk. I’ll never know all the administrative things

she does everyday to keep things running smoothly, or the many quiet ways she helps our sons through their time at St. Joe’s, but I do know she’s always been warm, welcoming and ready to help. She’s someone who has the answer before you ask the question … and always gives it with a smile. Laura Seiferth, Main Office Administrative Assistant

Although there are so many wonderful things I could say, what really stands out for me is her compassion, empathy and support towards the students at St. Joe’s. When a student visits the Main Office, they are always greeted with a smile and a friendly hello. Sue always speaks with each student in a sincere, caring and respectful manner. It is so genuine, that even our recent alumni who return to visit make a point of saying hello and catching up with Mrs. Koller before heading off to see their former teachers. I think that alone speaks volumes of her impact on current and former students. Linda Measer, Vice President of Finance

Sue is smart, competent, generous and always has a positive attitude. She has genuine compassion for the students and is always willing to help anyone in the building. Whether it is spontaneously breaking into song or dancing across the room, her sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself make everyone around her feel comfortable. Sue has a strong spirit and lives daily the Lasallian mission. She will be greatly missed. SJ

SUMMER 2015

At Founder’s Day Mass, Mrs. Susan Koller was honored as the 2014-15 Lasallian Educator of the Year. A true Lasallian, Mrs. Koller has brightened days and warmed hearts in the Main Office since 2004. She retires this summer, and plans to hit the open road with her husband, Jim, and spend more time with their children, Jessica and Christopher ’06.

{ step off the curb } TWO ST. JOE’S ALUMS TALK REVITALIZATION,

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND LEADING THE CHARGE TOWARD BUFFALO’S BRIGHT FUTURE

Renaissance. Rebirth. Revitalization. If you have been in Western New York lately, you have heard these words. After years of population loss and economic decline, our City of Buffalo is coming back. It is no surprise that St. Joe’s alums – like John T. Gavigan ’89 and Daniel P. Greene ’00 – are at the forefront of this progress. John is Executive Director of 43North, the world’s largest business idea competition, and Dan is its Director of Operations. In late March, 43North kicked off the second round of the annual competition, in which entrepreneurs around the globe submit business ideas to compete for $5 million in prizes, including a $1 million grand prize. Winners must then relocate to Buffalo, bringing new businesses, talent and ideas into Western New York.

The Collegiate sat down with John and Dan at the 43North headquarters to get their takes on Buffalo’s new direction and the influence of St. Joe’s on their own paths.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

We agree that there is a different feeling in Buffalo right now. Why is that?

John: The community has coalesced. It’s learned from past mistakes and past experiences. We’re ushering in a new generation of people who ask “What can I do for you?” as opposed to “What can you do for me?” The collisions between people are more organic and real, with no outcome in mind. It’s not just about the leadership of the community, it’s about the 12th man and random acts of pride that we see every day.

Dan: Two things stick out in my mind: one is the collaborative nature of problem solving, and the other thing is the attitude. It used to be that sitting around a table, one negative comment would be followed by a couple more, and the pessimism snowball would start to roll. Now you hear one negative comment, and it’s followed by nine positive comments. It’s a total attitude change when you think that anything is pos-

sible, and it leads to a lot of people who want to work here and start their businesses. How did you arrive at 43North? Dan: John and I both came to 43North for the same reason. During our first conversation together, we con-nected on the same idea: What can we provide to Buf-falo so that John’s kids never want to leave because there is an abundance of job opportunities and an abundance of culture surrounding them? When I have a family, I want the exact same thing for Buffalo.

John: That is my motivation, and I can say that my process of getting here culminated in a step off the curb, actually making a choice – a risky decision. I celebrate people who take a chance because you don’t know if your choice is going to land you in something more fulfilling or not. I grew up in family business, had an unbelievable education starting at St. Joe’s, and had a number of start-ups opof my own doing. When we sold our last business, this op portunity came up. This might have been exactly what these other businesses led me to. But this wasn’t about money or fame, it was about the opportunity to have an impact on other people’s lives. That doesn’t happen without the willingness to take a chance.

Dan: For me, the step off the curb was coming out of law school and going into child abuse law and representing kids in New York City Family Court while everyone else was going into law firms. The bravest of underdogs were my clients – these little kids who have been neglected or abused. Looking back, I thought what was it about that job that was so fulfilling? When I was ready to see what there was out there beyond law, I realized that Buffalo is a fantastic underdog, too. In the business world, who is given a slimmer chance than

start-ups? This job has a great connection between Buffalo and the start-up communities; these are the underdogs I want to see succeed. How did St. Joe’s prepare you for your career path? John: The changes that are happening in Buffalo now have been in my head and in all our heads for a long time. For me, this journey started in high school, where we were ingrained in a doctrine of doing things for other people. I don’t want to be parochial about it, but it is a very spiritual effort. We are helping other people become successful. The foundation of a St. Joe’s education promotes that. You realize that not all people have those blessings. Part of what drives us at 43North is to extend more opportunities to sectors of our community that are underserved and under-optimized. Dan: I feel like St. Joe’s also made me gritty – it made me tougher. I feel like I have more endurance from my time there. Being surrounded by guys who aren’t going to cut me a break, teachers who are going to expect the homework to be done regardless,

and coaches who demand the most out of me. That’s where I started laying a foundation to be able to get through challenges that come later on. Entrepreneurs see op-portunities where othothers do not. What does St. Joe’s offer that’s different from everyone else? Dan: Aaron Graves, a classmate of mine, sadly passed away due to cancer our senior year. Myself and three other friends of Aaron started a three-on-three basketball tournament to honor his memory and get the whole school involved. Two weeks ago, I tournawas back at St. Joe’s, where they are still running the tourna ment. They still come out to play every spring, raising money for his scholarship, and honoring his memory. It’s the shared values that exist at the St. Joe’s – it’s that invisible current that runs through all the students and inhabits that school. John: For me, it’s definitely a feeling. A friend of mine, who graduated from Sacred Heart, recently told me that “I want my boys to grow up to be like the people I knew at St. groJoe’s.” That family dynamic extends to every time at a gro cery store that you see a kid with a St. Joe’s sweatshirt on. It extends to all generations, races, backgrounds, Southtowns, Northtowns, City, it makes no difference. The culture of our school is the biggest thing that separates it from any other environment that I’ve been a part of. St. Joe’s has a funny way conof taking Lasallian tradition and values and having them con nect inside a human being who ultimately goes to extend his full capabilities into the community. SJ

Commencement has come and gone, and a new group of young men have joined the ranks of over 10,000 St. Joe’s alumni. If you can name a college around the country, there has most likely been a St. Joe’s grad who attended it. Our Marauders’ paths have taken them across the United States and around the world. But there is no distance too far to stay connected to 845 Kenmore Avenue.

Monthly, and all the latest news about St. Joe’s. This way, you will be the first to know when St. Joe’s is coming to your city.

One of the easiest ways to stay connected is to update your mailing and email addresses at our website’s “Tell Us About Yourself” page at www.sjci.com/alumni. We’ll make sure you receive our online alumni newsletter, the St. Joe’s

To update your information or for any questions, contact Alumni Relations Coordinator Alexander J. Eadie ’07, at aeadie@sjci.com or 716-270-4142.

In 2014-15, we held alumni receptions in Rochester, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Diego. This fall, we’ll be back in New York, Boston, and visiting Washington, D.C. for Buffalo Nite 2015. We hope to see you there!

SUMMER 2015

ALL PATHS LEAD TO ST. JOE’S

EYES ON THE GOAL

soccer program is a winning tradition

Head. Heart. Hustle. Those are the core principles of the St. Joe’s soccer program – the building blocks for what has become the most successful high school soccer program in Western New York. In the 2014 season, the Marauders went 20-1-1, winning both the regular season and playoff championships in the Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association – and beating Canisius High School four times in the process.

Founded in 1978, the soccer program is relatively new, but this success is not. Over its 37 years, Varsity soccer has an astounding 465-137-43 record, 21 regular season titles, and 20 appearances at the Catholic State Championships.

But talk to parents, former players, and even opponents around Western New York, and they will tell you that the real story of St. Joe’s soccer is not its outstanding performance on the field, it is how the program prepares young men for success in college and beyond. It starts with the coaches.

St. Joe’s Guidance Counselor Mr. Michael Thoin was an all-conference player in high school, played at SUNY Geneseo, and became a “soccer dad” the moment his oldest son, Bryon Thoin ’02, was born. Mr. Thoin took over the Varsity squad in 2001, has racked up 200 wins, and was named 2011 NYS Section VI and Monsignor Martin Coach of Year. Six years ago, he was joined by Mr. Michael Folts ’98, who played on the Varsity team as a student, coached JV for several years, and has been involved in the program since he returned to St. Joe’s as a Social Studies teacher in 2002.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

As Mr. Folts put it, he and Mr. Thoin are wired the same way. “We want our players to be good citizens on and off the field,” he said. “We want them to be better people when they are done with our program.”

The emphasis on character permeates every aspect of the program. As Dr. Keith Frome, a member of the St. Joe’s Board of Trustees and parent of two Varsity soccer players (Henry ’15 and Spencer, Class of 2018) said, “I think what makes the Joe’s soccer program unique is that it is both athletically rigorous and at the same time dedicated to developing the boy as a whole person who has an academic life, a

community life, a family life and a spiritual life.”

This is an easy goal to have – but much harder to accomplish. Mr. Thoin says it starts with high expectations for their players. “We expect to win,” he said, “but we teach them to take care of each other and that everyone thing they do” – on or off the field – “reflects on us and the program.” The challenge is to keep the focus on what’s truly important. “Family, school, and religion come before soccer,” Mr. Folts said. “If you miss practice for extra help for your school work, that’s a good reason. Detention is not a good reason. ” Teaching young men to excel athletically, academically, and personally “is a very difficult balancing act,” Dr. Frome said, “but the coaches are exemplary in achieving this crucial synthesis through a combination of thoughtful and precise organization, personal counseling and coaching and clear communication to and with the parents.”

It ends with success. In last six years, the team has won three regular season titles, four playoff titles, and four trips to the state championships. Even more impressively in that same time, the program has never had less than a 90% G.P.A. for all three teams. On average, three to four graduates go on to play soccer at the college level every year.

This year, the tradition continues with, at minimum, Henry Frome ’15 heading to Claremont McKenna College, Marcus D’Aguiar ’15 to the Rochester Institute of Technology, William Boerema ’15 to East Stroudsburg University, and Hunter Walsh ’15 to the University at Buffalo to continue their academic and soccer careers. Ultimately, Mr. Thoin and Mr. Folts teach our young men SJ to put their team before themselves. Again and again, this lesson leads their players to be their best in all areas of their lives – and there is simply nothing more St. Joe’s than that. SJ

Alumni gatherings continued during Alumni Weekend, held this year from June 12-14. The weekend began with the annual All-Alumni Golf Tournament at The Links at Ivy Ridge in Akron, NY, where 144 alumni from all different class years joined together to golf (or at least pretend to!), share a meal, and reconnect with old friends. On Saturday, the soccer program had its annual alumni pick-up game, followed by lunch and fellowship at Curry’s.

RETURNING HOME alums reconnect after fifty years On May 14, the Class of 2015 celebrated their graduation from St. Joe’s. However, it was not the only celebration of the evening, as the Golden Jubilee Class of 1965 came together to celebrate the occasion of their 50th reunion. Arriving at Kleinhans from as far as California, Wisconsin and Florida, 33 Jubilarians and their spouses gathered for an incredible three days of festivities.

Beginning on Wednesday, May 13, classmates were invited to reconnect over some of Buffalo’s finest Irish brews at the Shannon Pub, owned by fellow alumnus Kevin Townsell ’74. On Thursday, the day began with a bus tour of the city highlighting the new developments, given by Alumni Association board member and Explore Buffalo Tours master docent Thomas Mudra ’69, along with James O’Donnell ’69 and Paul Coppola ’69. For those who had not been back to Buffalo in 50 years, the tour was an eye-opening introduction to the development that has taken place in recent years. In the evening, the Class of 1965 joined their wives in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans for dinner, listened to remarks from President Robert T.

Finally, on Friday morning the members of the Class of 1965 returned to the school for Mass, breakfast, and a tour before they continued on to a picnic to round out the activities. Of the Golden Jubilee celebration, Mike Vogel ’65 remarked, “The major shock was realizing that at our graduation [in 1965], the Golden Jubilarians were from the Class of 1915. That’s before America entered World War I. That says something amazing about the continuity of the SJCI brotherhood tradition. My wife and I were also deeply impressed by the graduation ceremony and the graduating class – probably more impressed than they were with us! That too made me proud of the tradition. I am so glad I was able to be part of it.”

If you are a member of the Class of 1966, or a member of a class year ending in 6 or 1, your reunion is next year! Contact Alexander J. Eadie ’07 at aeadie@sjci.com or 716-270-4142 if you would like to help plan your reunion. Committees will convene in fall. SJ

SUMMER 2015

Scott, AFSC, and heard about today’s St. Joe’s students from August Cudeck, Class of 2016. At the conclusion of dinner, the men were recognized during the Commencement ceremony by crossing the stage once again. The special moment connected the legacy of St. Joe’s with the promise of its future.

The main event of the weekend took place on Saturday night, when members of the classes of 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 descended on establishments around Buffalo to celebrate individual class reunions. Alumni Weekend concluded on Sunday, June 14, with the All-Alumni Family Mass and Breakfast.

ALUMNI NEWS & notes

1970s

IN MEMORIAM

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

Frank M. Abbarno ’50 Martin Attea Antonio C. Barone ’57 Michael Barszcz Jr. Samuel L. Bevilacqua Charles M. Bonasera ’55 Andrew Cerza Madelyn D. Conran Thomas A. Constantine ’56 Daniel N. Csizmar John A. Fagley ’60 Joan D. Fischer Paul V. Glauber ’43 Robert J. Hellerer ’40 Terrence C. Heverin ’60 Patricia M. Larkin Philip H. Magner Jr. ’44 John J. Malicki J. Kenneth McInerney ’51 Peter M. Mellen ’89 Richard D. Moses ’55 Gloria Nasca Louis V. Santercole ’44 Daniel J. Schmauss ’52 Susan D. Schneider Donald M. Stiglmeier ’45 Patrick J. Ucci ’62 Robert H. Webster ’40 Richard A. Wiktorowski ’57 Thomas F. Wolfe ’52

Dr. Frank T. Schreck ’71 traveled to Guatemala in February 2014 and February 2015 with the Christian medical mission organization Faith in Practice to serve the poor in rural, remote villages. Dr. Schreck is in his 31st year of private practice at Orchard Park Pediatrics.

1980s Paul J. Casseri ’82 was named Superintendent of the Lewiston-Porter Central School District as of July 1, 2015. He has most recently served as principal of Lew-Port High School for the last 10 years. Casseri began his career in public education in 1987 as a teacher in the Buffalo public schools. Eugene P. O’Connor Jr. ’82 was designated as a Certified Financial Planner by the Certified Financial Planning Board. He is a senior wealth manager at WNY Asset Management in Williamsville, New York. Paul Terranova ’84 was hired by The Evans Agency in Hamburg as a commercial lines account executive. He specializes in insurance for contractors, machine shops, oil marketers, and manufacturing companies. Peter J. Donnelly ’85 was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Buffalo by Bishop Richard J. Malone on May 23, 2014 at St. Joseph

Cathedral. Deacon Donnelly is a veteran of the United States Navy. He will serve his home parish of St. Gregory the Great in Williamsville. James A. Pernick Jr. ’86, along with two business partners, opened All In Sports Complex in Cheektowaga. The complex is a baseball training center. Pernick is a member of the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. John T. Gavigan ’89 was named Executive Director of 43North, the world’s largest business idea competition, by New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

1990s Anton A. Wopperer ’90 and his wife Lisa have opened Chill Buffalo Frozen Yogurt, located at 2860 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst. Chill is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop offering a large variety of yogurt flavors and toppings. Christopher A. Schenk ’91 was promoted from corporate counsel to Chief Legal Officer at Curbell, Inc. in Orchard Park, New York. John F. O’Donnell ’92 was named a partner at Bolton St. Johns, one of New York’s leading government relations and public affairs firms. Jack leads Bolton St. Johns newly opened Buffalo office while offering solutions for clients in Albany and New York City as well. A former senior staffer

ALUMNI: Do your parents still receive your copy of The Collegiate? PARENTS: Do YOU still get your son's copy, many years after his graduation? If so, please update your information for our records! Visit the "Tell us About Yourself" page at the Alumni Section of sjci.com, or email aeadie@sjci.com today!

Alexander J. Eadie ’07 married Danielle Donner on April 25. Steven Koniarczyk married Elizabeth Thompson on May 30.

to US Senator Charles Schumer, Jack also manages BSJ’s federal affairs practice.

2000s Daniel P. Greene ’00 was named Director of Operations at 43North, the world’s largest business idea competition. Jared R. Rawlings, PhD ’00 successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, “The effect of middle school music ensemble participation on perceived school connectedness, self-reported bullying behaviors and peer victimization.” He joins the Stetson University faculty as an Assistant Professor & Director of Music Education, beginning with the fall semester of 2015.

John F. O’Donnell ’92 and his wife Marina, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Thomas John O’Donnell, born April 17 in New York City. Daniel J. Regan ’95 and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their son, Quinn Michael (SJCI Class of 2032), on February 2. Major Kevin A. Kirchgraber ’97 and his wife, Laura, welcomed their third child, Brendan Michael. Brendan joins big brother Colin and big sister Kara. Kevin was recently promoted to the rank of Major, United States Army and is stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. Corey T. Burzynski ’02 and his wife, Kim, are excited to announce the birth of their daughter Addie Elizabeth, on April 18. Addie joins big brother Brayden.

Michael W. Chown ’05 graduated this spring from the Sam Walton Executive MBA program at the University of Arkansas. He is one of 9 students who achieved a 4.0 GPA and was chosen by Arkansas University MBA professors as the outstanding MBA student. Michael is employed by Kraft Foods as a Customer Category Manager. Matthew J. Rung ’06 is the 1st Assistant Coach for the University of Washington Huskies Men’s Crew team. This season, he helped coach the team to its fifth consecutive national championship, where they swept the event by winning each of the men’s heavyweight races. Ryan M. Mura ’07, a 2014 graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School, passed the

NYS Bar Exam and was named an associate at the firm Mura & Storm. James C. Pernick ’08 completed his Masters degree in sales and marketing at St. Bonaventure University and is currently working at Caplugs in Buffalo, NY. He is also a baseball hitting instructor at All In Sports.

2010s Connor J. Rehbaum ’11, a senior at Hobart College, was named to the All-East District Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Rehbaum, who earlier this year scored his 1000th career point, led the Statesmen in nearly every statistical category and was a unanimous first team All Liberty League selection.

STAY CONNECTED. Share your professional, academic or personal updates and stay connected to alumni around the world! Contact Alumni Relations Coordinator Alex Eadie ’07 at aeadie@sjci.com to be included in the next issue of The Collegiate! The Alumni News & Notes section is a compilation of information reported to us. St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute is not responsible for its accuracy or content.

Jazz Lab Band on the Road Between our alumni traveling home for reunions to our student groups competing and performing across the country, St. Joe’s is always on the road. This spring, the Jazz Lab Band played in Essentially Ellington, a festival in Greenwich, CT, that features exceptional high school programs from across the soloNortheast. Alexander Pazik ’15 (pictured at left) received an outstanding solo ist award for his trumpet performance of “Echoes of Harlem,” the classic Duke Ellington arrangement from 1936.

SUMMER 2015

Daniel J. Fahey ’05 married Gina Bonitatibus on February 28.

births

weddings

Dcn. Mark A. C. Hoeplinger, MD ’81 announces the birth of his grandson, Joss Atticus, to son Stephen Hoeplinger ’01 and his wife Stephanie. Stephen is an attorney at Goodwin Proctor LLP in Boston, MA.

Christopher J. Zanghi ’95 married Jill Zeh on May 23.

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Open House 2015

Sunday, Sept. 27: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28: 5 - 7:30 p.m.

OUR MISSION

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute (SJCI) is a Catholic, independent college-preparatory high school educating young men of diverse backgrounds in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, SJCI guides the development of each student's unique talents, fostering a commitment to academic excellence, service and leadership in 16the global community.

Experience our Community of Excellence as a current student guides your family on a private tour. Meet our teachers, staff, and coaches while you explore our modern campus. Families with boys in grades 5, 6, 7 & 8 are all welcome! No reservations necessary.