Marian A N e wsl e tter
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Matters
M a ria n C ath oli c A lu mni , P a rents a nd F riend s ... B ecause M a ria n C ath oli c R ea lly D oe s M atte r SPRING 2016
Berg, Goldrick honored as first Athletic ‘Legends’ On January 23, 2016, we honored two of Marian Catholic High School’s pioneers in men’s basketball and legends in many facets of the school and Athletic Program. A pair of Marian’s men’s basketball coaches in the early years, both men were heavily involved with developing new sports in the formative years for the Spartans. As a tribute to their many years of dedication, a recognition will always appear in Casey Court. First, let’s look at Don Berg, who migrated to Marian Catholic from rival Joliet Catholic High School in the early 1960s. Don had involvement as a head coach in baseball and golf, while also contributing his talents to the Marian football staff. Most importantly, he served
as the school’s Athletic Director from 1962 to 1973 when many of the Spartan sports were in their infancy. A fixture on Ashland Avenue, Don and his late wife Jackie sent five children through Marian Catholic, many of the boys starring on the hardcourt for the Spartans. In roundball, Don led the Marian boys program from 1962 through 1977, the longest tenure in Marian basketball history. His 183 career wins ranked first among Marian men’s coaches until last year.
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Recipients Mike Goldrick (left) and Don Berg (right) stand with Dave Mattio ’66 as they are honored as part of ‘Legends Night’ at half-time of the varsity basketball contest.
2016 HALL OF FAME AWARDS The Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame celebration for the achievements of six remarkable awardees was held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Olympia Fields Country Club. It truly was a beautiful night that offered a time to gather with friends and classmates along with warming words from the five inductees. The 2016 Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame Awards include: FRONT ROW: Fine Arts Distinguished Achievement, Nancy Mirocha and Spirit of Marian, Val Middleton BACK ROW: Alumnus of the Year Tom Zarlengo ’80; Athlete of the Year, Blase Pignoti ’71; Spirit of Marian, Drew Middleton; and Spirit of Marian Ron Centanni
Marian Catholic Leadership BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sister Judine Hilbing Susan Przybylo Sister Megan Farrelly, O.P. Eileen (Gallagher) Daw ’78 Dr. Michelle (Feldner) Lancaster ’77 Brenda O’Shea Jane Peabody Holly Griffin Nancy Rita Kaz Dr. Joseph Hamann ’79 Rickey Williams Jeffrey Johnson Karl Volkman ’78 Vince Krydynski ’81 Pat Healy ’79 Deacon Edward Szymanski ’78 John Stibich James Clarke Patrick Addyman James Dee ’80 Steve Tortorello ’04 Donald Murday Michael Olszak Dr. Steven Potts ’77
MEMBER BOARD OF DOMINICANS OF SPRINGFIELD Sister Rebecca Anne Gemma, O.P. Sister Barbara Blesse, O.P. Sister Kathleen Mulcahy, O.P. Sister Kathleen Gallagher, O.P. ’65 Sister Kathleen Cour, O.P.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS Sister Karen Kvidera, O.P. Linda Savick Justin Thirstrup ’08 Cindy Sedor Greg Bimm Bob Rodey Sister Kathleen Mulcahy, O.P.
FIRST ROW: Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P., Linda Savick, Justin Thirstrup ’08, Cindy Sedor, Susan Przybylo,
Sister Karen Kvidera, O.P., Sister Megan Farrelly, O.P., Eileen (Gallagher) Daw ’78, Sister Rebecca Anne Gemma, O.P., Dr. Michelle (Feldner) Lancaster ’77; SECOND ROW: Sister Barbara Blesse, O.P., Brenda O’Shea, Jane Peabody, Sister Kathleen Mulcahy, O.P., Holly Griffin, Sister Theodora Sremlau, O.P., Sister Kathleen Cour, O.P.; THIRD ROW: Nancy Rita Kaz, Dr. Joseph Hamann ’79, Rickey Williams, Greg Bimm, James Dee ’80, Steve Tortorello ’04, Donald Murday, Sister Kathleen Gallagher, O.P. ’65; FOURTH ROW: Jeffrey Johnson, Karl Volkman ’78, Bob Rodey, Vince Krydynski ’81, Pat Healy ’79, Deacon Edward Szymanski ’78, John Stibich, James Clarke, Patrick Addyman (Not pictured: Michael Olszak and Dr. Steven Potts ’77)
WELCOME DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Mike Mesterharm ’05 Mike Mesterharm ’05 has joined the Marian Catholic Advancement office as the Director of Development. He is glad to be back on campus, saying, “There are so many great things happening here at Marian, and I don’t think everyone in our community has had the chance to see that. It’s electric being back in the building, and I’m eager to help build on that excitement.” Mike graduated from Marian Catholic in 2005 before attending the University of Notre Dame where he majored in economics and English. After college he taught high school social studies and English in Montgomery, AL through Notre Dame’s Alliance
for Catholic Education. He earned a master’s degree in education before returning to Notre Dame to work in the undergraduate admissions office. After two years in admissions and working part time for ACE during his summers, Mike returned to the Chicago area where he lives with his wife, Jennie, in Ukrainian village. He spent time at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls running the after school tutoring program for the Hay Boys’ Campus and he is coming to Marian Catholic from Saint Ignatius College Prep where he directed the young alumni fundraising and communications strategy. This summer he will conclude a master’s degree in nonprofit administration
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from Notre Dame where he is a program fellow. His field work focused on scaling internal corporate communications and IT strategies for increased efficiency and improved analytic capability in small to mid-size nonprofits. Starting in the fall, he’ll be beginning a Ph.D. at Loyola Chicago, studying in the program for Cultural and Educational Policy Studies. While at Marian, Mike hopes to give donors the opportunity to reconnect with and support the activities and programs that made Marian so important to them. If you want to talk about your experience at Marian, ask a question, or come back for a tour, give Mike a call!
MARIAN CATHOLIC HOSTS
COLLEGE DAY College Day encounters one of the best turnouts!
The Marian Catholic Alumni Association, along with the Marian Catholic Guidance Department, were happy to welcome more than 75 young alums back to Marian catholic campus on January 4, 2016. The amount of attendees for this year’s event had a significant increase from previous year’s and a wonderful experience for all. The young alums came from colleges and universities across the entire Midwest and even some further destinations who had a little extra time before heading back to school. The University of Notre Dame, Loyola University, Indiana University and University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign were just a handful of the local schools that were represented by recent Marian Catholic alums. The Naval Academy, Howard University, Bucknell University, and the University of Missouri campus insiders were represented by recent Marian graduates.
Carla Bennett ’15, Deja Brewer ’15, Kathleen Blakemore ’15, and Robin Wilson ’15
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“It’s always a great experience coming back to school and seeing everybody,” said Christopher Autin ’15, Howard University. “Hopefully we were able to give some insight to the students here at Marian who are preparing for their future.”
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Marian Catholic Sophomore Ring Mass Marian Catholic Sophomore Jenna Vondrak, class of 2018, received her new class ring at the annual Sophomore Family Mass and Ring Ceremony on Saturday February 27, 2016. The night entailed nearly 100 family and friends of current sophomore students at Marian Catholic. Along with their honorary class rings, students also received a blessed medal and commemorative card with their class oath printed on it. The class ring is a sign and a badge of honor reminding the students of their academic goals towards graduation.
ABOVE: Ashley Sypole ’08
The class rings, shown off by members of the 2018 class, are a representation of their pride in Marian Catholic, along with honor and achievement.
and John Kozojed present Jenna Vondrak ’18 with her Sophomore class ring.
ANSWERING THE CALL! Phonathon 2016 was another huge success! Once again this event benefited the Marian Annual Fund raising money to augment the school’s operations. Funds are used for specific initiatives, emergency tuition assistance, and campus improvements. With the help of the entire Advancement Team, and veteran alumni parent volunteers, the otherwise quiet and studious MCHS Library is transformed into a bustling, noisy stage for the Phonathon, where thousands of alumni, current parents and parents of alumni are
called by hundreds of parent and student volunteers who were able to bring in over $25,000 in pledges. The event was chaired by alumni parents Walter and Connie Lolli and current parents Chuck and Cherie Taylor. The event could not have taken place without the efforts of the parents and student volunteers, the assistance was greatly appreciated! Each time a pledge is received, callers shout out dollar amounts, ring their bells, and the library erupts with “Thank You’s!” and clapping. “The annual MCHS Phonathon is fun and full of energy,” said Phil Faso ’16. “Gifts are celebrated with bells ringing, horns blasting, and volunteers cheering. Every gift from $25 to $5,000 receives an ovation.” Gifts over $100 warrant ringing “The Big Bell” loudly. “This year’s Phonathon was another success, due to all those who helped,” stated Lisa Belzeski ’10 Special Events Coordinator. “Thank you to all of our parent and student volunteers for donating their time and talents and thank you to all who answered the call and continue to support Marian Catholic.” Those we were unable to reach, and those not available when your phonathoners called, still have an opportunity to participate. Your gift is fully tax deductible, and can be charged to your credit card. Online pledges/gifts are also an option at www.marianchs.com
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to dialing for dollars during the Phonathon, sometimes callers hear stories of illness, loss of employment, or other hardships among the Marian family. Special consideration is given to these individuals, and the Dominican Sisters. Those intentions and prayers will be remembered at Mass on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:05 in the Student Chapel. Walter Lolli gives some assistance to parent volunteers during the parent phonathon.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION
Greg Bimm, Band Director
Congratulations to Marian Catholic Band Director, Greg Bimm, who was recently named as an “Educator who has made a difference,” by the Music for All, which is a national music education organization in support of active music making. Under the direction of Greg Bimm the Marian Catholic Band has accomplished more goals and honors than one can count. Year in and year out the members of the Spartan Band continue to grow. Greg receives this award after recently completing his 40th year of education. Greg Bimm
has touched the lives of many musicians and students throughout his time as an educator. Since Bimm has taken over the reins, the Marian Catholic band has grown from 70 members to over 280 and is recognized as one of the premiere band in the country. Bimm is also a member of the Music for All’s Bands of America Hall of Fame, Illinois State University College Fine Arts Hall of Fame, and is a Lowell Mason Fellow of the National Association for Music Education.
A very special thank you to our Phonathon Volunteers!
CHAIRS
Walter and Connie Lolli Chuck and Cherie Taylor
PHONATHON CALLERS AND VOLUNTEERS Students
Aidan Anderson Alex Gutter Alexis Hester Andrea Nowakowski Arielle Hernandez Lyons Ariua Johnson Ashley Donald Blake Bonaparte Brooke Davis Casey Comke Chase Adams Chris Sanchez Christiana Moraga Cierra Fletcher Courtney Walker Dana Cox Daniel Gutierrez Danielle Irions DeAndre Brown Dearen Covington Diego Mendenhall Dorothy Hodson Emani Figaro Emily Rodimel Evadne Bowlin Evan Wieringa Grayson Mader Haley Taylor
Jalen West-Beard Jasmine Jacson Joey Piunti Jon Michalski Kasia Kulchawik Katie Serba Kayln Bond Kelly Li Kevin Noble Krista Bozacki Kyle Elam Kyle Walker Kyle Williams Kylie Kreis Larry Li Emma Zhou Liam Quinn Luis Unzueta Lyra Hernandez Lyons Mark DiLuia Matt Clary Matt Mulhearn Matthew Tabor McKayla Brzesckiewicz Megan Schilling Melissa Molitsky Michael Adeleke Michael Donald Mitchell Taylor Molly Roe Morgan Myers Myles Howard Nick Bledsoe Nick Petersen Noah Goncher Nora Brown
Petra Ibarra Phil Faso Ryan Napue Sarah Lisak Sarah McGrady Sean Gallagher Steven Ross Jr Sydney Turner Temi Onayemi Toria Rogers William Gou William Moreland Wyell Woods Zach Spence
Parents
Debra Armitage Kimberly Bell Gina Boersma Cheryl Bozacki Angela Branch Eileen Breslin Jack Bruno Kathy Brzeszkiewicz Dan Brzeszkiewicz Vanessa Cannon-Figaro Patricia Carson Benesa Chavez Joann Cortez Eileen Curtis Debbie Davis Colleen Domke Karen Ell Dave Fagan Shannon Fetzer Karen Gallagher ’85 5
Laura Godinez Armando Godinez Gordon- Chris Grand Pre Jennifer Gray Vander Green Sr. Carolina Ibarra Michelle Irions Jessica Jackson Lisa Jarzombek Laura Javorka Pete Javorka Charice Jones Pamela Jones Dawn Kaderabek Charlotte Kelly Christine Kinast Barbara Kopczyk Lisa Krawczyk Audra Kreger Denis Kresal Linda Kubiak Tim Kubiak Susan Labovic Judy Lambert Patti Lavin Scott Lavin Carmen Leon Flores Barbara Lessentine Jessica Lolli Julianna Lolli Nancy Mays Carmen Meagher Anne Melone Khadijah Miah Crystal Mitchell Tara Moore
Phil Faso ’16 handles ‘The Big Board’ as he tracks all donations throughout the night while students make calls.
Sharon Moore Sherri Napue Leslie Newhuis Vicki Nieto Jane Nowakowski Colleen O’Brien Janet Okedara Cathy Perino Crystal Pittman Carla Piunti Teresa Powell Yiriz Prato Jackie Robinson John Roe Megan Roe Judy Rogala Connie Ryczek Mary Senick Linda Sharkey Jeannine Shubert Terry Shubert Robin Sims-Powell Eric Sledge
Julie Smevoll ’86 Monica Smith Diane Sobie Ralph Sobie Stefanie Sobie Sarena Spears Raine Spott Yvonne Stodulski Cheryl Stokes Cheryl Strus Mike Strus Denise Thomas Brenda Thunherst Traci Tyson Tom Vondrak Lin Vondrak Joan Whitfield Antonio Wise Taunya Woods Maureen Wozniak Sherri Young
MCHS ATHLETICS WRESTLING
Wrestling places 3 individual State Champs; finishes 2nd in team competition The Men’s Wrestling program wrapped up one of the most historic seasons in Marian Catholic history. After three Spartans were crowned champions on an individual level, the Spartans as a team captured second place in the 2A IHSA State Championship. For the sixth time in school history, and the first time since the 2007-08 Wrestling season, Marian Catholic won the IHSA Regional championship. Wrestling at Oak Forest High School, the Spartans placed 11 individuals in the competition and qualified that same amount for the Class 2A Individual Sectional tournament. The Spartans were paced by a flurry of falls in the championship matches, as well as three individuals wrestling their way back to third place. After dominating the Lemont Sectional, the Spartans were on their way to Champaign for the IHSA State Team Finals. In its first-ever Elite Eight appearance, Marian Catholic (18-5) topped Springfield, 47-21, and Crystal Lake Central, 43-32, Saturday in Bloomington before falling to Washington, 46-22, to capture second place at the IHSA 2A team state tournament. All of this team success came after the Spartans recorded three individual IHSA State Champions, to go along with a third place finish by (Donnell Washington - 120) and (Carlos Champagne - 126) and a fourth place finish (Josh Jones - 132). The individual IHSA State Champions came from (Travis Ford-Melton – 106), (Jose Champagne -160), and (Kordell Norfleet - 170). The last individual State champion was won in 2012.
ABOVE: Travis Ford-Melton ’19 completes
an undefeated season at 106 lbs to win the IHSA Individual State Championship (43-0). LEFT: Jose Champage ’16 caps off his high school career with a perfect season at (31-0), and claimed the IHSA State Individual Championship at 160 lbs. BELOW: Kordell Norfleet ’17 stands atop the podium as he is crowned IHSA State Individual Champion at 170 lbs. He too managed to have a stellar and undefeated season (34-0).
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“ The kids worked so hard to get where they are, they are very deserving of both the individual and team accomplishments,” said Dan Jordan, Head Wrestling Coach. The future is bright for the young Spartans who will only be graduating two seniors from the team.
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BASKETBALL
ESCC Co-Champions There was no question the Spartans got some bumps and bruises in the 2015-2016 Mens’ basketball season and a good amount of learning for the young Spartans. That season was a great benefit to the Spartans who were back to their usual form winning over twenty games and advancing to the IHSA Sectional Semi-Finals this past season. Marian Catholic traded punches with #1 Simeon in every area in the Bloom Township IHSA 4A Sectional semifinals. But top-ranked Simeon rebounded from a seven-point deficit with a 26-16 margin in the fourth quarter to end the Spartans’ campaign with a 62-57 decision. The Spartans were crowned co-champions of the ESCC with the class 4A State Runner-Up Benet Academy. Sophomore guard Brandon Hurt and Senior Center Myles Howard were both named to the East Suburban Catholic All-Conference team.
FRONT ROW: Ethan Kelly ’16, Ethan Fennell ’16, Austin Richie ’17, Steven Ross ’17,
Malik Tidwell ’19, Josh Smith ’18, T.J. Smith ’17
BACK ROW: Sean Taylor ’17, Joe Stith ’17, Brandon Hurt ’18, Warren Allen ’17,
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Chase Adams ’18, Chris White ’19, Jesiah Jones ’17, Myles Howard ’16, and TeeAron Powell ’17
East Suburban Catholic Conference All Conference member, Myles Howard ’16
The third winningest season in school history saw the Spartans fall for just the second time since the start of 2016. Similar to the Wrestling program, there are only three seniors who will be graduating. Members of the 2017-2018 basketball team will look to build off of their previous success as they build for the future.
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“We are excited about where our program is and the direction we are going and will return a very experienced team next year that has very high expectations. The quality of our student/athletes is a point of pride for our Marian Catholic Community.” -Mike Taylor, Men’s Head Basketball Coach
MCHS FINE ARTS BAND Illinois Music Educators All-State Convention Eight Marian Catholic Band students were selected to represent the region at the Illinois Music Educators All-State Convention at Peoria in late January. Students had the opportunity to work with university band and orchestra directors and perform with the best band, orchestra and choir students from each region across the state.
Sarah Lisak ’16, Dorothy Hodson ’16, Doug Nunes ’16, John LaVelle ’16, Amir Ghazaleh ’17, Emmanuel Ogunlana ’17, Chrishon Campbell ’16, and Haley Henning ’16
Annual State of the Art Catholic Band Competition Marian Catholic hosted the 36th Annual State of the Art Catholic Band Competition which is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. All three Marian Catholic Bands performed in the competition which featured a total of 20 bands from 12 Chicago Area Catholic Schools. The Spartans Symphonic Band was named Grand Champions which makes them undefeated among Catholic Bands since the competitions inception in 1981. The band was also awarded best percussion, brass, and woodwinds in their class.
BAND OFFICERS LEFT TO RIGHT: Chrishon Campbell ’16, Dorothy Hodson ’16,
Ryan Hanrahan ’16, Doug Nunes ’16, Sarah Lisak ’16 (Band President)
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SPEECH IHSA State Championship Jocelyn Billheimer (Special Occasion Speaking) and the Marian Catholic Performance in the Round won IHSA State championships on Saturday, February 20th, at the Peoria Civic Center. Billheimer’s crown was her second in two years and the PIR’s performance of We Band of Brothers followed up a sectional title.
ABOVE: Jocelyn Billheimer ’17
puts on her IHSA State Championship performance. RIGHT: Members of ‘Performance in the Round’ show off their hardware.
IHSA Sectional Championships Marian Catholic’s Group Interpretation and “The Color of Water” captured a IHSA Sectional Championship on March 19, at TF South, qualifying for the IHSA State Meet on April 1-2 in Springfield where the Spartans were crowned IHSA State Runner-Up. Marian’s Maranda Brink, Jarrin Comer and Sylvester Bracey also earned IHSA All-State Cast recognition.
CHOIR Visit to Springfield Marian Catholic choir members had a wonderful experience visiting Springfield, IL over spring break. While in Springfield choir members performed at Sacred Heart Convent, State Capitol Building (pictured), Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, and the Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.
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Berg, Goldrick honored as first Athletic ‘Legends’ Continued from Cover
Leading the Spartans to three conference titles in the Catholic Metro and Chicagoland Prep leagues, Don’s career was highlighted by the 1976 squad that won 19 games and sent two athletes on to play at Western Michigan University. Don returned from 1990 to 1992 to lead the women’s basketball program to a 37-18 mark and a regional championship. His 220 combined career victories still ranks first in Marian Catholic history on the hardcourt. Next, we honored a man who is the lone individual to devote more than a half century of his expertise to Marian Catholic
High School. For decades, Mike Goldrick was known to thousands of students as an outstanding English teacher, Dean of Students, a fixture in the Athletic Department, or simply the guy driving his Volkswagen Beetle to scout a basketball game. A contributor to young programs in football, golf and cross country, Mike was also head baseball coach at Marian on two occasions. After serving as a longtime assistant to Don Berg in men’s basketball, Mike headed up the Spartan basketball program from 1977 to 1982, leading Marian to regional championship contests in his final three seasons.
ABOVE: The proud Berg Family gathers around honoree Don Berg. RIGHT: Mike Goldrick stands with family members at half-court on January 23 as he is honored as a ‘Legend at Marian’.
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While continuing on Marian’s staff during the day, Mike also continued his basketball coaching for a handful of years at St. Xavier University. For decades, wife Katie and his six children have watched longtime Chicago Cubs fan Mike work as a primary ticket steward at Chicago Stadium, the United Center and Chicago’s baseball parks. While continuing to be a familiar face at Chicago sporting events, Mike finally retired from Marian Catholic in 2014. A member of Marian Catholic’s Hall of Fame and perhaps the most long-term face of Spartan nation, and also known as “the Bear.”
JOIN US!
for the 10th Annual Metro Chicago Alumni & Friends Gathering Come meet the new Marian Catholic President, Vince Krydynski ’81 and join us for a complimentary Happy Hour with a networking opportunity among other Marian Catholic Alumni and Friends.
THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 5:00 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO 65 W. JACKSON BLVD., CHICAGO, IL
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Leading the Way…
Please join us as The Marian Catholic Community honors
Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P. has impacted the lives of so many within the Marian Catholic Community over the past eight years. As Sister Judine looks to pass the torch on, we all know how much she has meant to Marian Catholic and facilitated the process of making continuous strides towards a successfully future for this institution. 2008 was an exciting beginning for Sister Judine as she would help celebrate 50 years of Marian Catholic and also right in the middle of “The Courage to Lead” capital campaign. Not a stride was broken, as she continued to bring success and leadership to Marian Catholic. “Sister Judine has served the Marian Catholic Community with incredible grace and poise. Her focus on the Dominican sense of collaboration and unity have helped build a strong leadership team at Marian, and her focus on justice has made a Marian education attainable for many wonderful families. I am grateful for her service and wish her all the best as she moves on to her next chapter,” said principal, Steve Tortorello ’04. Sister Judine continues to show her true dedication to Catholic education as she begins a new chapter. Family, friends, colleagues, and alumni cannot be more thankful and appreciative for the efforts and devotion Sister Judine has shown to Marian Catholic High School.
SISTER JUDINE HILBING, O.P. as she completes her years of service as President Sunday, May 15, 2016
Eucharistic Celebration 11:00 A.M. MARIAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL
followed by a
Gathering with Refreshments THE MARIAN CATHOLIC LIBRARY
DOMINICAN SISTERS The Dominican Sisters of Springfield Illinois have provided a strong legacy of quality Catholic Education and support at Marian Catholic High School since its founding in 1958. Within the last year the Dominican Sisters have initiated an Office of Mission Advancement to invite others to share in their Mission and support the works of the sisters. The administration of Marian Catholic and the Dominican Leadership Team want to inform you of this new endeavor and welcome your participation. If you wish to learn more about the works of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and how you can support them, contact Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, Director of Mission Advancement, at missionadv@spdom.org or 217-787-0481 Ext. 6024.
Mission S
Called by God into right relationship with all creation and graced by Dominican life and mission, we compassionately preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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2016 REUNIONS Celebrate the Class of 1966
50 YEAR REUNION
It seems like your high school graduation was yesterday, but Class of 1966, your 50 year reunion has come! What a great time to collaborate and celebrate with old classmates and friends. The formal reunion will consist of a gathering on Friday, October 21, 2016 in the Marian Catholic Library and the Marc Altman ’66 Courtyard. Mass will be Saturday, October 22, 2016 in the Marian Catholic Chapel followed by a gathering at Olympia Fields Country Club.
REUNIONS Save the Date FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 7:30 p.m. - Marian Catholic vs. Benet Academy Immediately following the game Alumni Homecoming Gathering Class of:
2011 - 5 Years SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2016 Classes of:
1971 - 45 Years 1976 - 40 Years 1981 - 35 Years 1986 - 30 Years 1991 - 25 Years 1996 - 20 Years FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21-22, 2016 Class of:
1966 - 50 Years SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS LEFT TO RIGHT: Dave Mattio, vice-president; Linda Peppers, treasurer;
Jeannine Bangs, secretary; and Nick Lobue, president
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ALUMNI NOTES Take a few minutes and let everyone in the Marian Catholic family know how you’re doing by updating your information on the MCHS website or email cswanson@marianchs.com.
Rita (Stanfa) Rohn ’69 and Martha DeHaven ’69
“Opened Our Hearts” by Julienne (Mascitti) Lentz ’73
LEFT TO RIGHT: John Brown ’76, Nick Brown (John’s son), John Cunningham ’76, Sam Del Rio ’98, Sammy Del Rio (Class of 2031), Andy DeRosa ’77, and George Del Rio ’76
David and Sofia Storino, children of Nick and Stephanie (Grubisic) Storino ’02
Reagan Donna McKillip, daughter of Collin ’04 and Jackie (Stillman) McKillip ’06
Peggy (Walsh) Dull ’81 was recently named Infant Jesus of Prague’s outstanding alumna. Peggy has served on numerous IJP committee’s and an executive board member here at Marian Catholic.
Rita (Stanfa) Rohn ’69 and Martha DeHaven ’69 have been friends for over 50 years! They met their freshman year at Marian Catholic High School. FRIENDS MATTER AND MARIAN MATTERS!
Christine Lemon ’02 has been accepted into the Educational and Policy Leadership PhD program at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the fall of 2016.
Archbishop Blase J. Cupich announced the appointment of Mary Jane Doerr ’70 as the Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth. Doerr joins the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
David Storino, pictured with his sister Sofia (20 months), recently celebrated his 3rd birthday. Sofia and David are the beautiful children of Nick and Stephanie (Grubisic) Storino ’02.
Recently Julienne (Mascitti) Lentz ’73 published “Opened Our Hearts,” a book which is a memoir about a couple, whose choices impact the lives of hundreds of families, as well as their own. You can visit www.OpenedOurHearts.com for more details on her book.
Collin ’04 and Jackie (Stillman) McKillip ’06 welcomed Reagan Donna McKillip a baby girl into the world January 18. Joe Johnson ’10 started his own company in 2013 and will soon be opening a franchise fitness studio called iLoveKickboxing. The grand opening will take place in Orland Park at the end of April. Joe has also completed development and manufacturing of a product called the Total Comfort knee pad.
George Del Rio ’76 attends a Blackhawks game with family and friends of Marian Catholic.
ALUMNI EXCELLENCE Joey Cifelli ’15, Diving
For somebody who specializes in diving into depths, Class of 2015 member Joey Cifelli has certainly been reaching toward some lofty heights. After ripping through competition in both the Big Ten Conference and non-conference competition, Cifelli found himself in great position to make a splash at the Big Ten Championships. Winning three of four springboard diving events in his first weekend
of collegiate competition and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors were just the start of a successful first campaign at Purdue University. The 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials invitee made a splash at the highest level, capturing sixth place in the 3-Meter consolation at the NCAA Division I Championships in Atlanta. Cifelli qualified for the NCAA Nationals after second-place
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finishes in both the 1M and 3M events at NCAA Regionals. The Big Ten “rookie” also wasted no time in dominating at the conference level, earning a second place in the 1M and fifth place in the 3M at the Big Ten championships. With a great future ahead at Purdue, Cifelli will also hope to represent his alma mater and country at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
In Memory Of...
January 1, 2016 through April 14, 2016
May these souls and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Thomas Angellotti Ida Arrivo Charles Aubuchon ’69 David Badalt Walter Barry ’71 David A. Bell Timothy Benker ’90 Jay Berganini Glen Bernard John Blazek Bernice Bock Chris Boi John Boler Patricia Ann Born Sr. M. Dominica Brennan, O.P. Mary Buccino Gary Bunger, DMD Mary Ellen Burns Anita Butkiewicz Mary Louise Caffarini Salvatore Camilleri Paul Canalia Michael Capuano Kathleen Carlin Ray Chambers Bruna Christopher Alex Cipolla Brenda Jo Clanton Aimee Coath Thomas Cole Mary Conroyd
Dorothy Cour Richard Cronin Ann Marie Keenan Crook ’63 Kevin Czubak Joseph Dee Perry DiGiovanni Don Dohring Tim Dunlavy Eileen Edmisten Frank J. Enright Celia Faso Arthur Fayta Connor Fierce Reno Fimoianti James Fitzgerald Colleen Flaherty Margaret Franzman John J. Gallagher Lorenzo Garcia Rosa Garcia Joseph Geidmer George Gentile Gene Glandon Jerome Glowacki Sr. Regina Graham, O.P. Mother Paula Hannah O. Cist Evelyn Helsel Gary Henn Virginia Holtz Rick Hopkins Sam Howard
Marjorie E. Hudzik Donna Ippolito Lenny Iwanus Guy Jacobucci ’83 Michael Jacobucci Jeff Jehlik Joshua P. Kasnicka Anna Kazmark George Kline Mary Ellen Krydynski Janice Kudra Ruth Kumicih Marian Leatzow Dorothy Lerner Ray Lewandowski Edward Lileikis ’65 Mary Beth Llorca ’70 Anthony Lostroscio Margaret Machay Angelo Magnavite Shirley Maloney Vera Maloni Vicki Marino Americo Mattio Michael P. McArdle Dr. Leo McLaughlin Sr. Mary Lucille Mertes, O.P. Charles David Mills Mary Mitchell Lucy Monico Juan Morales
Advancement Office Internship Opportunity
William Moss, Jr. Kevin Moynihan ’64 Edith Murphy Dominic Nappi Linda Natchske Mary Neitzel Yoland Newhuis Rena Jean Newquist Anne E. Novak ’08 Benny Novelli Joseph Max Nutley Theresa O’Brien David Oblon Mary Padula Pat Paliga Dennis Palmer Janice Payne Monserrate Perez Dennis Petrowsky Marion Pigg Eugene Pope James Prendergast Donald Prior Marie Quinlan Doris E. Qunell Sr. Ann Catherine Radosevic, O.P. Isabel Rapacz Ron Redini Stanley Reindl ’82 Johnny Ricondo Arlene Rogel Donald Ross
Raymond Rossi Ed Ryan John Sabotnik Anne Santoro Joseph Schifferdecker Bruno Scodro Joseph Shaughnessy Robert Slobig Michael R. Somin Leon Sondgeroth Judith Spiarz Michael Spisak ’02 Barbara Stabile Bill Starzyk Richard Studzinski John Szado Mary Ann Szafaczyk The Skiscim Family Thomas J. Tolan Sam Tranchina Carmen Vasquez Gerald Vellender, Sr. Dr. Joseph Walsh Peggy Wareham Donald Wasz Eva Wilczynski Grace Wood Nancy Woolley Thomas Young James Zagotta Chester Zdunek
“I really enjoyed being back on campus. One of the reasons I was excited to start the internship was I knew I would be comfortable returning to Marian Catholic,” stated Lisa Belzeski ’10.
Marian Catholic High School recently started an unpaid internship program in the Advancement Department. “We thought this would be an excellent opportunity to give recent Marian Catholic graduates the ability to acquire some crucial experience and build a resume while assisting us.” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Vince Krydynski ’81. Two were ultimately selected from a pool of applicants. When the program first started in 2014, Emily Longo ’11 and Lisa Belzeski ’10 both jumped at the chance to intern with the Advancement Department.
After her internship, Lisa has been hired full time as Marian Catholic’s Special Events Coordinator. The unpaid internship was roughly an 8-10 week program introducing the ins and outs of a number of different responsibilities. Those tasks consisted of Public Relations, Marketing, Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations. Most recently Kathleen DeCarlo and Matt Lamb ’12 worked as an interns at Marian Catholic before landing jobs in their field of study. If you know of any alumni looking for an internship opportunity this summer please contact Vince Krydynski ’81 at vkrydynski@marianchs.com.
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Office for Institutional Advancement Marian Catholic High School
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MCHS UPCOMING EVENTS For information on alumni events contact Carol Burke Swanson ’81 (708) 756-9775 or cswanson@marianchs.com. ALUMNI HOMECOMING GATHERING Friday, September 30, 2016 7:30 p.m. - Marian vs. Benet Academy Immediately following game Alumni Homecoming Gathering CLASS OF 2011 FIVE YEAR REUNION Informal Class Reunion - Friday, September 30, 2016 Doors Open at 8:30 p.m. Sister M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. Leadership Center Complimentary Pizza, pop, and beer courtesy of the MCHS Alumni Association. 2016 CLASS REUNIONS Saturday, October 15, 2016 Class Mass - Marian Catholic Chapel Reunion Celebration - Olympia Fields Country Club 1971 - 45 Years 1986 - 30 Years 1976 - 40 Years 1991 - 25 Years 1981 - 35 Years 1996 - 20 Years CLASS OF 1966 FIFTY YEAR REUNION WEEKEND Friday, October 21, 2016 6:00 p.m. - Reunion Kick-off at Marian Catholic Saturday, October 22, 2016 5:00 p.m. - Class Mass at Marian Catholic Chapel 6:30 p.m. - Reunion Celebration at Olympia Fields Country Club CLASS OF 2006 Reunion TBD If you are interested in helping with reunion planning, contact Jackie (Stillman) McKillip ’06 at coljacmckillip@gmail.com.
Help MCHS go green and keep costs down! If you would like to receive Marian Matters electronically via email instead of being mailed a paper copy, please call (708) 755-6579.
10TH ANNUAL Chicago Alumni & Friends Gathering UNION LEAGUE CLUB THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016 • 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. For more information or to RSVP contact Carol Burke Swanson ’81 (708) 756-9775 or cswanson@marianchs.com
27TH ANNUAL ENDOWMENT GOLF CLASSIC MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 FLOSSMOOR COUNTRY CLUB AND IDEWILD COUNTRY CLUB For more information call Lisa Belzeski ’10 (708) 756-9441 or lbelszeski@marianchs.com
Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school within the Dominican tradition of study, prayer, community, and preaching. Marian Catholic students seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents, and demonstrate ethical leadership and Christian service.