Night of the Lion Recap A Record Year for Student Scholarships
Assignment of a Lifetime From Saint Viator to the White House
Making Art Work
Alumni Return for Fine Arts Week Panel
A LION FOR LIFE Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary Alumni Magazine
A Leap of Faith
How a Sacred Heart of Mary Alumnus Answered a Call to Serve Pg. 8
SPRING 2021
A LION FOR LIFE | Staff Listing SPRING 2021
A Lion for Life Magazine is a publication of the Saint Viator High School Office of Institutional Advancement Vice President of Development Mr. Thomas Ramsden Director of Development Mrs. Kristen Daniels Alumni Relations Manager Ms. Krystal Harris ’15 Data and Stewardship Manager Mrs. Mary Kruse Communications Specialist Mr. Jim Mitchell ’77 Communications Manager Ms. Elizabeth Schuetz ’08 Director of Enrollment Mrs. Christine Bremner Assistant Director of Enrollment Ms. Maggie Wiener Advancement Assistant Mrs. Jennifer Bonifacic Anderson ’89 Director of Development Emeritus Mr. Patrick Mahoney Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus Mrs. Judith Wampach Amberg Printing NPN 360 - Mr. John Fox ’71
Saint Viator High School 1213 East Oakton Street Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004 (847) 392-4050 www.saintviator.com Please email alumni@saintviator.com if you have any questions, if you would like to submit story ideas and photos, or to update your contact information.
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IN THIS ISSUE Letter from the President...................................................................3 Alumni Spotlight.................................................................................4 From the Heart - Sacred Heart of Mary Feature.................................6 Alumnae Feature................................................................................7 Alumni News.......................................................................................9 Leadership Update............................................................................11 Night of the Lion: At Home Edition Recap........................................12 Class Notes.......................................................................................16 Alumni News.....................................................................................18 In Memoriam....................................................................................19
ALION FOR LIFE | Letter from the President
Dear Alumni, In just a few weeks, 216 seniors will graduate from Saint Viator High School, and become a part of your Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary Alumni Association. I hope you will welcome them and are prepared to support them through the next few years of their lives as they move on to college and careers. Providing guidance with career choices, serving as mentors, assisting with job searches, and providing an example of how to contribute to their communities are some of the roles that they will look to you to fulfill for them. They leave Saint Viator having been through an experience that none of us could have ever imagined. The COVID pandemic has certainly robbed them of some of the most unique, formative, and meaningful experiences that most of us cherish from our high school years. They will need additional support, but in having observed them navigate the past year, I believe there will also be things we can learn from them about resilience and determination. In reflecting on their experience, I could not help but think of what many of you encountered in your teenage years. Our first classes in the ’60’s faced the prospect of draft cards arriving in the mail on their 18th birthday, and a decade later, students here were part of an educational experiment within our walls, and massive social and political upheaval in our world. In the ’80’s, there was a new economic environment that was changing careers for our graduates, and in the latter part of that decade, our community moved into a new era becoming a co-ed institution. Rapid developments in technology faced the next generation of Lions, forever changing education, communications, and careers. As we moved into a new century filled with promise, students were forever changed by what took place on a September morning in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. In recent years, a social awakening is being driven by young people who demand social responsibility by their employers and are breaking barriers based on color, religion, and gender. All of this has led me to understand that every generation faces new challenges, yet blazes new trails. An organization like the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary Alumni Association owns a lot of responsibility to share knowledge, opportunity, and support across generations. In my personal life, I, too, am facing significant change, as in December, I informed Provincial Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, that the 2020-21 school year would be my last at Saint Viator. As I consider what opportunities and challenges may lie ahead for my family and me, it is also humbling to look back at what we have accomplished in my five years as steward of your institution. With your support, and in unison with the staff and faculty, and the Viatorian community, we have completed Strategic and Facilities Master Plans to provide a roadmap to improve all aspects of our school, introduced the Entrepreneurship Curriculum and the Klues Family Innovation Center to begin our evolution to the classroom of the future, expanded and renovated our Counseling Center and Murphy Wellness Center to address the physical, social, and emotional needs of students, expanded the Tuition Assistance program which allows us to make a Saint Viator education accessible to all who seek it, and recently began a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion process. I hope I have served you well and I will forever be grateful for your acceptance and cooperation through challenging times. In fall, a new class of freshmen will begin school with Fr. Dan Lydon, CSV, as president of Saint Viator. We can’t begin to imagine what they will encounter in their four years here and during the college years that follow. Let us pray that we can all join together to transform our world by upholding the Viatorian Mission. God Bless and Stay Well,
Brian J. Liedlich President
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AALION Update LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Student Alumni Spotlight
Politics, Soccer, and Ethics How Natasha Korecki ’92 Went From Starting the Girls Soccer Team to the White House
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he day after the inauguration, Natasha Korecki ’92 drew the assignment of a lifetime: The veteran reporter
was named White House correspondent for POLITICO. Her new beat came after nearly 25 years in the business, including spending seven years writing for the Daily Herald and another 12 with the Chicago Sun-Times where she was chief political writer. Korecki joined POLITICO in 2015 and was named national correspondent in 2018, before covering the Biden campaign in 2020. “I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to cover the White House,” Korecki says. “There is so much at stake in this moment, given the crises our nation is facing.”
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She describes her transition as grueling. “It’s been intense and nonstop since Election Day,” Korecki says. “The election itself went on and on, then the Capitol riot erupted, then Biden’s Inauguration and, well, I’m still drinking from a firehose.” As a correspondent for POLITICO, she works with a robust policy team of reporters that she thinks helps distinguish them from other news organizations. That and their attempt to be fair and unbiased. “Our mission is to be right down the middle at a time when the country—and the media—have become deeply polarized,” Korecki says. “We do have a mix of daily stories, analytical pieces, and longform writing in POLITICO Magazine.”
As White House correspondent, she does take her seat in the briefing room, but not every day. Like most organizations, many journalists and even staffers work remotely. Still, she rotates in with other members of POLITICO’s White House team, into their assigned seat. Even then, she has to take a COVID test before entering the grounds. Her assignments include writing about the politics of the Biden White House, how President Biden is handling competing forces within his own party, and what he’s doing to cajole Republicans to move his agenda through Congress. “I covered the 2020 presidential campaign and was specifically assigned to Biden so this is a natural transition,” Korecki says. “I’m also writing a lot about his efforts to contain the virus, the vaccine rollout, the fight over school reopenings, and some of the other bigger aspects of his agenda.”
Korecki prepping with Gabriel Debenedetti, a New York Magazine correspondent, before an MSNBC panel in February 2020.
“It’s been intense and nonstop since Election Day. The election itself went on and on, then the Capitol riot erupted, then Biden’s Inauguration and, well, I’m still drinking from a firehose.” But it turns out, her high-profile new gig is not her only claim to fame in the annals of Saint Viator. In reflecting back to her years there—she was in the second co-ed class to start as a freshman—she points to her role in helping to circulate a petition to start the first girls’ soccer team at the school. “Soccer was my passion,” Korecki says. “It has been amazing to think back to the fledgling group we put together back then only to see Saint Viator girls’ soccer transform into a regional force.” Korecki headed to the University of Illinois after graduation and it was in Champaign where she developed her second passion: journalism. She cut her teeth writing for the Daily Illini and has risen up the ranks of the industry ever since then. In looking back to her high school years, she points to her former religion teacher, the late Jim Wimbiscus, as having a profound effect on her and someone who served as her mentor after she graduated. Korecki also appreciated the kindness and care she received from the late Robert Artman, the
Robert Artman
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former athletic director, who helped her recover from a major injury she sustained playing soccer. She recalls that he devised drills and exercises for her to do in the gym and pool. She also kept in touch with Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV. He was president of Saint Viator while she was a student and when she lived in Chicago, she attended St. Viator Parish. In fact, Fr. Bolser baptized her youngest child. “It was kind of neat,” Fr. Bolser says. “I handed her a diploma one year and a few years later I’m baptizing her baby.” In thinking about any advice she would give to current students aspiring to become journalists, Korecki sums it up in one word: ethics. “Spend a lot of time learning the ethics of journalism, what traps to avoid, how to protect yourself and your work—by recording everything,” she says. “All of this was hammered home in my college education but I often feel is missing in today’s media environment.” n
ALION FOR LIFE | From the Heart
FROM THE HEART: Melissa Miller Ruth ’87 And back to work she went. Melissa was pulled out of retirement about a year and a half ago to work at TouchPros, a small company located in Barrington that provides digital interactive Hall of Fames for high schools and universities all around the US. “A friend thought she had the perfect job for my skill-set; it didn’t take long for me to jump onboard. Talk about the power of networking! I help with purchasing, billing, product development, sales, and general office operations. We are a small company so I wear many hats!” Much to her surprise, after starting at TouchPros, Melissa realized that Saint Viator had one of their touchscreens which recognizes leadership and military involvement. She was instrumental in getting a second screen that is dedicated to athletics and alumni relations.
When Melissa Miller Ruth ’87 decided where to attend high school, she was in between a public high school in the area and Sacred Heart of Mary. Coming from St. Hubert’s grade school in Hoffman Estates, she was immediately drawn to the small size of Sacred Heart, the sincere attention that was given to her success as a student, and the underlying focus on faith. “My fondest memories are of the strong school spirit we had (think spirit week complete with costumes, talent shows, pep rallies, fashion shows, musicals), teachers that were enthusiastic about teaching, and the endless opportunities for involvement. I was able to participate and play in sports and hold leadership positions that may not have been available to me elsewhere. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Sacred Heart of Mary also played a big role in my faith formation with the school masses and retreats that were so unique and special.” Saint Viator has been a part of Melissa’s life since she started high school. “I think most of us thought more of Saint Viator as just the ‘boys campus’ of Sacred Heart of Mary. We piled in cars for pep rallies at Saint Viator within the first few weeks of the school year and quickly learned the fight song. We shared sports and of course the musical which EVERYONE wanted to be a part of because rehearsals were held at Saint Viator.” With an accounting degree from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and an MBA from University of Chicago, Melissa went on to have a successful career at McDonald’s Corporation. While she loved the challenges that came with her job, she decided to focus full-time on being a mom after her third son was born.
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“I enjoyed every minute as a stay-at-home mom as I became the greatest cook, cleaning lady, cheerleader, Uber driver, lunch lady, and multi-tasker around. If there was a committee to be led, I was usually the first in line. As the boys got older and became more self-sufficient, however, I started to think about going back to work.”
Another product Melissa manages is the design of wall wraps and enclosures that go around the screens and help to enhance the area surrounding the screens and encourage people to interact with them. “My husband and I had been looking for an opportunity to give back to the Saint Viator community and when the chance arose to design and donate a wrap for the athletic TouchWall, we jumped on it. I was happy that I was able to share my talents with the school and provide a product for all to enjoy.” Like many of Melissa’s classmates, there are things Melissa misses the most about Sacred Heart of Mary. “Because of the size of the school, the teachers became involved in our personal lives as well. They knew what was going on at home, where you were working, asked about siblings and vacations. I know I’m not the only alumnus that still remembers small details about Fran Harwas, Dorothy Jurs, Madame Kerr, Ms. Sawin, or Mr. Jones, the quirky chem teacher!” “I miss the simplicity of it all. Back then we didn’t have cell phones, iPads, and computers. Before school or during our lunch hour, we were engaged in conversations with our friends and not worried about much else. We had the added bonus of being at an all-girls high school; I loved being able to focus on school and look forward to after school activities with the boys from Saint Viator.” Melissa and her husband John were very lucky to settle in Inverness because they then had the opportunity to consider Saint Viator for their children. “We couldn’t pass up the chance to enroll our three boys in Saint Viator where they would be able to have an experience similar to mine. Two of my boys have since graduated and my youngest is a current senior. Even though I am a graduate of Sacred Heart of Mary, I consider myself a Saint Viator alumnus. There’s something to be said when you still feel such school pride and spirit more than 30 years after you have graduated—Saint Viator is that special.” n Access both interactive alumni displays online: saintviator. touchpros.com and saintviatorathletics.touchpros.com.
ALION FOR LIFE | Alumnae Feature
Celebrating a SHM Grad’s Lifelong Committment to Service and Caring As a member of the Sacred Heart of Mary Class of 1966, the second graduating class of the school, Patricia Schell Miely has plenty of memories, as well as her class ring, yearbook, and booklet from the school’s dedication. What she doesn’t have is the jumper she wore every day, but she does recall kneeling in gym class to show that the jumper reached the floor to signify it was the appropriate length. One of seven siblings, Patti lived on the 800 block of North Beverly, just down the street from Saint Viator. Other than a one-year stint for a brother, she was the only one of her siblings to attend either of the schools. She sold copies of “The New World” to help pay for her tuition, which she recalls as having been around $250 per year. During her years at Sacred Heart of Mary, she was influenced by several of the nuns and lay faculty, as well as the friends she made along the way. Among the most influential to her was her advanced biology teacher who helped Patti learn about how the human body functions, leading to a long and successful career in nursing. “At the time, nursing and teaching were some of the popular options available to women. I always loved working with people, so it seemed like a good fit for me,” Patti said. She became a candy striper at Holy Family Hospital in Des Plaines and was working in the pathology lab before she was 16. The religious formation and focus on ethics at Sacred Heart of Mary influenced her career as a nurse, a case manager, a hospice nurse, and even now as the President of the Valley View Hospital Foundation in Colorado. “We are a community hospital. ‘People Care’ is one of our mottos, and I believe an independent, community hospital can provide more personal care.” It was her affinity for that type of care that led her to begin working in hospice. “In hospice, you become an advocate for that patient and their family; sometimes you become a part of the family.” She notes that doing this type of work comes from the heart and it is clear that some of that comes from the Sacred Heart of Mary experience.
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Patti often reads the weekly messages she receives from the Viatorian community, often connecting their message with her life-long commitment to service and caring. In addition to her years helping patients and families peacefully and comfortably accept end-of-life scenarios, fighting to keep a community hospital independent and strong, or taking phone calls from from family and friends—and their family and friends—when someone needs to ask for medical advice, Patti has also served on and chaired the Ethics Committee at the hospital. “It is important for students to be exposed to faith and ethics.” Family and acquaintances have shaped Patti’s life. “Everyone we meet has left a mark somewhere within us.” With the volunteer activities, she keeps busy, but also enjoys traveling, skiing, swimming, hiking, and so much more. While she has been happily transplanted to living in Colorado with her spouse of over 50 years, she does miss connections with those from her era at Sacred Heart of Mary. “We haven’t had a reunion in a long while and I would like to connect and hear where everyone is and about their lives.” She shared her email address (riece48@comcast.net) and encouraged classmates to reach out. And in addition to the artifacts she has kept from Sacred Heart of Mary, she also has a Saint Viator item—a varsity letter from her old boyfriend. “I gave him back the sweater but I still have one of the big white letter V’s.” So whether you are a current Saint Viator student interested in a career in nursing, a former classmate looking to connect, or an old beau with a blue sweater devoid of that varsity letter, a few minutes spent with Patti Schell Miely can be very enlightening. n
ALION FOR LIFE | Alumnae Faith Feature
As seen on the cover, Mother Maria Christine (far right) and other Little Sisters of the Poor, outside the Supreme Court in 2016 after suing the U.S. government over the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate.
In 1980, for her final year of formation, Mother Christine moved to the motherhouse in Brittany, France, where the order’s foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, served the elderly poor over the final years of her life. “All Little Sisters spend their final year of formation in France,” Mother Christine says. “It’s a chance to learn the language and experience life as Jeanne Jugan did.”
From Sacred Heart of Mary to the Little Sisters of the Poor Mother Maria Christine laughs even as she says it: “I’ve only ever had one job.” The former Peggy Lynch, who graduated from Sacred Heart of Mary High School in 1973, reflected on her 47 years with the Little Sisters of the Poor after a Mass of Thanksgiving in March. The community gathered at St. Theresa Parish in Palatine, Mother Christine’s home parish. They gave thanks for her leadership as provincial over the Chicago Province over the last 13 years, and wished her well on her next assignment as the local superior of the Little Sisters who serve in Indianapolis. It was back in high school, Mother Christine says, when she first felt the calling to join the Little Sisters. Her mother had helped to start a women’s auxiliary when St. Joseph’s Home opened in 1966 in Palatine. Mother Christine and her siblings often accompanied their mother to the home, and when she turned 16 and looked for a job, she looked no further than St. Joseph’s Home, where she began as a nurse’s assistant. “I just fell in love with the elderly,” she says. “They were just a magnet to me.” After graduating from high school, Mother Christine left for Marquette University intending to pursue a degree in nursing, but she came home after one semester. She missed the Little Sisters and their residents too much. “I can’t say it was a discernment,” she says. “It was a leap of faith, but I just really wanted to be a Little Sister.” Within months of returning, Mother Christine entered the community and began her years of formation. She took temporary vows in 1976, while taking classes at Marywood University in Scranton, PA.
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Mother Christine made her perpetual vows in 1981 at the motherhouse in France, with her parents and brother traveling there to celebrate with her. Soon after she returned to this country, she headed back to Marywood University in Scranton to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Ultimately, she would add a degree in nursing administration as well. One of her first assignments was to serve as assistant superior at a mission home in Gallup, New Mexico. The new facility, now called Villa Guadalupe, serves the elderly poor from the nearby Navajo Reservation. “Those were very happy years,” Mother Christine says. “It’s the poorest diocese in the country, but they are beautiful people. We became really close.” Over the next 20 years, Mother Christine would serve as superior of the Little Sisters in Lincoln Park, at St. Mary’s Home, where Cardinal Joseph Bernardin’s mother lived, in San Francisco, through the tragedies of 9/11, and in Baltimore. Just one year after arriving in Baltimore, Mother Christine was named provincial of the Baltimore Province—which takes in nine nursing facilities across the country—before she was named provincial of the Chicago Province and its nine homes and 90 Little Sisters in 2008. This last assignment—which was renewed three times— brought her back to her native Palatine, where it all began. She is upbeat about taking on a new role and moving to Indianapolis, however, saying it is the Lord who leads her. “He’s the God of surprises, as Pope Francis says,” Mother Christine contends. It reminds her of her years in high school, when she was taught by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. “Those were challenging times for religious, in the late ’60s and early ’70s, but I learned from them to be open to new opportunities,” she says, “to be open-minded and open to the call.” That openness has served her well throughout her years as a Little Sister and in leadership. “You have to be able to adapt, to change, and embrace new things,” Mother Christine says, “and have a willingness to try.”
ALION FOR LIFE | Alumni News
Making Art Work: Alumni Return for Fine Arts Week Panel Saint Viator’s annual Fine Arts Week looked different this year, but was nonetheless jam-packed. More than 80 percent of our students participate in extracurricular activities, giving them the chance to grace the stage, pick up a paint brush, and put their creativity to work every day. The school recognized Fine Arts Week from March 9-12. The week consisted of virtual performances by our theatre, choral, and band students, as well as an alumni panel exploring careers in the fine arts. Alumni featured throughout the week and on the panel included: • Paige Ehlman ’92 - Paige Model & Talent Agency • Ryan Wolfe ’14 - Opera Singer • Diane Vadnal ’07 - Director of Marketing at Warner Music Group / Arts Music and Ghostlight Records • Fiona Dolce ’16 - 6-8th grade theatre and drama teacher • Karen Mason ’69 - Theatre actress and singer
Congratulations to all those involved in the 55th annual Saint Viator musical this spring, “Into the Woods,” including the following legacy students: • Henry Jochaniewicz ’23 (Alexander Jochaniewicz ’92) • Paige Klostermann ’21 (Sheila Culm ’86 Klostermann) • Maeve Martin ’23 (Maureen Henning ’92 Martin) • Chris Rapala ’22 (Bryan Rapala ’79) • Gwen Starr ’23 (Dominic ’91 and Caroline Avell ’91 Starr) • Rory ’22 and Jack ’24 Whetstone (Kerry Whetstone ’91)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Saint Viator During this school year, Saint Viator High School initiated a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) review. This DEI initiative comes out of our mission, vision, and values. We are making sure that we are who we have said we are through the Catholic and Viatorian lens. There are many aspects to diversity, including race, economic opportunities, social acceptance, and educational access. There is a far greater diversity in our immediate and surrounding communities than is represented in our student body and the make-up of our administration, faculty, and staff. By creating a sense of belonging for all, we believe we both honor the diversity that God has created in our world, and we strengthen and enrich our community to better prepare our students for the world they will encounter after graduation. Our values of community and service call for an environment of kindness for all to feel welcomed, included, and involved. The vision statement calls for all Saint Viator family community members to discern who God wants them to be, discover what the world needs, and transform the communities they encounter. Our mission, vision, and values should drive our diversity, equity, and inclusion plans, rather than having DEI or any other outside forces influence
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our mission, vision and values. Doing so reinforces who we are as a community and provides a path for growth in the future. The process began during this past summer as we engaged Brave Dialogue to lead the formation of our plan. In conjunction with their experienced staff, we conducted a DEI survey with the Saint Viator community, receiving almost 500 responses, and 83 people participated in three focus groups. Our next steps will be to provide a report to the Board of Trustees who will then take action to provide updates to our strategic plan and implement improved practices to lead the effort to be more inclusive for the betterment of our community and the world we serve.
ALION FOR LIFE | Alumni Former News Faculty News
Where Are They Now? BR. ROB ROBERTSON, CSV
FAVORITE SAINT VIATOR MEMORY:
Years at Saint Viator: 1989 - 2015
The many Kairos retreats and Religion Teacher students hanging Campus Minister in my office in Counselor counseling just chilling out. I was there from the beginning on Kairos #1 and I believe it changed the school. I have seen so many miracles happen on Kairos while we were on “God’s Time.” I also always remember the excitement every year around the time of the annual school musical. The entire school was buzzing with excitement as Saint Viator put on another incredible performance to packed houses with casts of hundreds. And finally, I will remember the incredible days surrounding Br. Robert Ruhl’s funeral when students lined the halls as his casket was brought in the building for the final time. The scene reminded me of the power that one great educator could have on young people as I saw the pain in their eyes on that and the following days. I have so many happy and rewarding memories of a place I spent nearly a third of my life.
IMPACT TEACHING AT SAINT VIATOR HAD ON YOU: My years at Saint Viator were some of the most influential of my life. I made lifelong friends among faculty and students. I grew spiritually and emotionally. Most of all, I learned what a great community can do when people are focused on the same mission.
WHAT MADE SAINT VIATOR UNIQUE: The community that became like family and stayed in touch many years later.
FORMER COLLEAGUES YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH: So many—Eileen Manno, Eileen Cairo, Rosie Conway, Betsy Fons, Mary Lou Smith, Pat Grandziel, Bill Faltinoski, just to name a few. And many who are still on the staff.
TOWN YOU CURRENTLY RESIDE IN: Las Vegas
WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW: I am currently the school counselor at Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in Las Vegas. CRSV is the newest Viatorian high school. We serve students from families of limited means who could not normally attend a college prep high school. Our students fund their education by working one day a week to pay their own tuition at a corporate sponsor who pays most of their tuition. Most of our students have never had the opportunity to experience the academic rigor of a school like this so we are working hard to give them the tools they need to be successful. Our goal is to get all of them not only admitted into the college of their choice but to walk with them through graduation. It is quite a bit different than the experience of Saint Viator High School. Our students work hard and really have to overcome some obstacles to achieve success. We are in year two with a freshman and sophomore class and could not be more proud or excited.
MESSAGE FOR FORMER COLLEAGUES AND STUDENTS: Don’t ever forget the value taught at Saint Viator. Reach out to those of little importance in the world and always make a positive difference in people’s lives. Connect with Br. Rob by email at rrobertson@crsvlv.org.
Planning for Your Future—Securing the Future of Saint Viator Throughout Saint Viator High School’s 60 year history, many generous families have made the important decision to leave a lasting legacy with a planned gift. Planned gifts represent a special dedication to Saint Viator and ensure our continued success long into the future. By setting aside a small niche in all your future giving, planned giving enables you to honor the impact Saint Viator has made in your life. Whether you are a parent, alumnus, faculty member, or friend of the school, you can share a priceless gift with future generations—the gift of a Viatorian education. Please visit our planned giving website at saintviator. plannedgiving.org to learn simple ways that will allow you to plan for your future, and to secure the future of Saint Viator.
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ALION FOR LIFE | Leadership Update
It’s Not Goodbye But See You Later to Departing President and VP As the school year winds down, transition will be a prominent story at Saint Viator High School. As announced in December, this school year will be the last under the direction of President Brian Liedlich. Also departing will be Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission, Br. John Eustice, CSV. As we prepare to celebrate this fall the 60th anniversary of Saint Viator opening, we will assuredly recall the names and faces of people who significantly influenced our community. Both Brian and Br. John will be central to that discussion. While he is recognized as the first lay president in the history of Saint Viator, Brian Liedlich has had a long and important prior history with our school. He served as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, building the foundation for donor relations, fundraising, and alumni relations behaviors that exist and flourish today. He later served as a member of the Board of Trustees before taking on the role of President of Saint Viator.
aid us in navigating the uncharted waters of COVID-19 • The increased presence of Viatorian Lay Associates in Saint Viator High School to continue our grounding in the Viatorian charism and commitment to our Viatorian and Catholic identity and traditions As a Lay Associate himself, we know that Brian will continue to be an active member of the Viatorian community. For Br. John, coming and going from Saint Viator in between serving elsewhere has become familiar. Since 2001, Br. John has served our community as a Pre-Novice/campus ministry intern, a campus minister, Co-Director of Campus Ministry, and in his latest stay, Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission. His impact will be felt well into the future in multiple areas including: •
His achievements in the five years he served in that capacity are significant and have helped transform the school and set it on a course for the future. Among his most notable accomplishments were:
•
•
•
• • • • • •
The completion of a Strategic Plan which has provided a road map for needed improvement and creation of aligned goals to provide for a brighter future The establishment of the school’s new Mission, Vision, and Values which continue to serve as the foundation of all experiences—academically, spiritually, athletically, and artistically The completion of a Facilities Master Plan to identify and prioritize capital improvements required to keep Saint Viator High School relevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace The successful recruitment of eight new high-caliber, professional members of our twelve-person Administrative Team The addition of the Entrepreneurship Curriculum and the creation of the Klues Family Innovation Center as the home for that program, and other technology-dependent offerings The expansion and renovation of the school’s Counseling Department, and the corresponding improvement of how we address the social and emotional needs of our students The addition of a full-time highly qualified school nurse to
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• •
The enhancement of the role Campus Ministry plays in our school community The broadening of opportunities to celebrate the Eucharist, particularly in making celebrations available to all via social media platforms His leadership role in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, bringing our Mission, Vision, and Values to life by moving toward the creation of a more inclusive community of students, faculty, staff, and families Providing opportunities for alumni and parents to pursue adult faith formation opportunities Leading our administration, staff, and faculty efforts to ensure that the Viatorian Charism is incorporated into our curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Br. John will begin the next step of his faith journey as he begins his coursework toward ordination at the Chicago Theological Union. The entire Saint Viator community is indebted to Brian and Br. John for their leadership and commitment to the Viatorian mission, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. n
ALION FOR LIFE | Event Recap
A Record Year for Student Scholarships Saint Viator High School hosts Night of the Lion each year with three primary goals—to support the Tuition Assistance Program, to recognize the successes of our students and faculty, and to build camaraderie within the Lion community. And while we could not gather on campus as we traditionally have, the impact of our 2021 Night of the Lion: At Home Edition was no less incredible. Together, albeit virtually, we celebrated a record year for Night of the Lion and student scholarships—raising more than $270,000. By staying home, we protected the open doors of Saint Viator High School, and the nearly 850 students we serve each day. With the partnership of our Saint Viator community, more than $270,000 was raised through a virtual paddle raise ($141,000), corporate sponsorship ($59,500), robust electronic auction ($39,461), SV Restaurant Week - Dine and Donate ($3,359), and the inaugural Grand Prize Tuition Raffle ($28,000)! Most notably in 2021, we were able to highlight pillars of the Saint Viator High School experience through student storytelling videos, capturing where Lions feel most at home—in academics, athletics, fine arts, faith, counseling, the Scanlan Center, the Klues Innovation Center, and even through their families, as so many Legacy Lions exist in the school’s storied history. Night of the Lion: At Home Edition also provided an opportunity to honor those people, who, themselves, have made generations of Lions feel at home at Saint Viator. Please join us in congratulating Dean Deb Scerbicke, Mrs. Judy Amberg, Mr. Patrick Mahoney, and Fr. Charlie Bolser, CSV, for their tremendous role in welcoming families to Saint Viator over the past several decades. The strength and spirit of our Saint Viator community was showcased brightly through Night of the Lion 2021, and we are so thankful for the continued support. Even though we couldn’t be together in person, the Saint Viator family shared generously and celebrated joyously, and in doing so, created opportunities for more young men and women to become Lions for Life. We are humbled and most grateful for the ongoing support from our alumni, current families, past parents, friends, and fans of Saint Viator High School. Special thanks also to our Night of the Lion volunteer leadership committee and the Parents Club, who helped bring the reimagined virtual Night of the Lion to life! Please plan on joining us next year for Night of the Lion on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
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Thank You to our Night of the Lion Committee Dr. Cathy Fitzpatrick Danielle Kenney Annmarie Lichner Cassandra McKenna Judi Schuch Mary Sneed
Jen Towsey Lisa Warren Meggan Waltuck Christie Wolf Bridget Liszka ’91 Ziebka Parents Club Board
Thank You to our Sponsors
Jack and Beth Klues Cashman Stahler Group Brian and Maria Liedlich NPN 360 - John Fox ’71 Capital Point Financial Group - Dave Hogaboom Platania Financial Inc. Hoffman Orthodontics Dr. Cathy and Mr. Brian Fitzpatrick Nicholas and Associates Aeroshield C Starr Properties All About Kids Dentistry Selden Fox Anthony and Rebecca Helmer ’89 Jacob Katy Augustine ’75 and Victor ’75 Lamantia Gregory ’92 and Cassandra McKenna
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ALION FOR LIFE | Event Recap
Thank You to ou Addie’s Angels Not for Profit Apple Inc. Arlington Beer Company Kelly and Joel Barbel Maria and Joseph Barisas Scott Beaugureau ’84 Maria and Robert Beck Judy and Robert Benkendorf Bentley’s Pet Supplies of Arlington Heights Kate and Zach Bollard Amy and Shane Boyle Bricton Group Hotel Management Dasha and Michael Bukhalo Libby and Brad ’90 Bullock Nora and Michael Burns Cathy and Doug Calhoun Laura and William Carpenter Rita and Paul Carrillo-Mora Mary Rose and Angelo Chiovari Lisa and James Chu Edyta and Warren Clarke CoCo & Blu Colony Brands Inc. Jennifer and Mike ’90 Covey Melissa and Richard Craig Crystal Lake Country Club Kimberly and Edward Dahlin Angela and Chad Dauphin
April and John DeJulio Linda and Michael DeLarco Margaret and John Denk Dogtopia of Arlington Heights Sue and Ed Doherty Kathie Beckman ’87 and Corey Dossett Caitlin Hubick ’05 Drolet Kathy and Kevin Duffy Lucy and Michael Fecko Fellini’s Restaurant Anne and Howard Firestone Julie Nagle and David Flood Sarah and Steve Foutch Jodi and Jeffrey Franzen Tracy and Peter ’86 Freund Joanne and Terry Gallagher Elizabeth and Julio Gama Roz and Robert Gamble Lynne and Arthur ’85 Gasey Gianna Cinefro ’94 and Gian Giuliani Urszula and Adrian Glodz Violetta and Voytek Gorny Shelly and Mark Grossman The Grove Country Club Emily and Sean Hargadon Laurie Harris Mary Jo and Jeffrey Hart
Marge and Michael Hartigan Joan Schoessling ’86 and Tom ’86 Hegberg Leah and Patrick Heneghan Valerie and Michael Hessling Hogan Irish Dance Academy Fr. Terry Keehan ’74 of Holy Family Church Kristin and Troy Horbach Joanne and Ariel Ignacio Inspyr Studios Isabel Pierri and Kevin Isabelle Sue Johlie Gail and Christopher Jones Nicole and Kevin Karlstedt Katie’s Kitchen The Kautz Family Erin and Dennis Kellar Robin and Andy ’86 Kelleher Amy and Sean Kelly Danielle and John ’83 Kenney Klein Tools Beth and Jack Klues Heather and Mike Knieling Brigid and Mark Kochera Landex Research, Inc. Annmarie and Kirk Lichner Maria and Brian Liedlich Linda Z’s Sewing Center
Thank You to our Din
our Auction Donors Cheryl and Scott Longstreet Rochelle Russo ’95 and Ross Lund Fr. Dan Lydon ’73 Janet and Michael Lynch Donna Lyon (Van Swol) Kathleen Egan ’83 and Frank Madaras Judy and David Manning Kathy and Dean Marousis Tiffany Scurto ’97 and Adam Marshall Mary Kay Cosmetics Erin and Paul ’89 McAndrews Lucille and Richard McKenna Cassandra and Gregory ’92 McKenna Debbie and Jason McLaughlin Matt Miklius ’02 Jamie and Matthew Miller Barb and David Mittel Luisa Fournier and Conrado Montesinos The Murder Mystery Co. JoAnn and Dan Murphy Nancy and Myles Naughton Meghan and Tom Newell Janine and Michael Nicolas Lisa and Michael Nix Kathy and Todd Nuelle
Irene and Christopher O’Brien Tina and John O’Donnell Kimberly and Randy Olczyk Old Orchard Country Club Toni and Gregory Palese Anne and Randy Peterson Michelle and Jason Raclaw Stephanie and Douglas Rascher Tina Serpico - Red Apple Ink RedTail Golf Club Dolores Reyna Ryan Ritt ’96 Rolling Green Country Club Rooney Landscape, Inc. Jean Saelens Karina Chavez and Pedro Salinas Mary and Giuseppe Saso Kendall and Edward Schafer Margaret and Stephen Schumacher Nancy and Patrick Sexton Maureen and Daniel Sloan Mary Pat Reilly and Michael ’84 Smoron Mary and Bill Sneed Traci and Tom Spalding Mary and Daniel Spelina Janet and Michael Starr Beth and Joseph Stauder
ine & Dash Restaurants
Kathie and Dave Streck Sweet T’s Bakery AnnMarie and John Swiderski Alli and Ryan Swingruber Lynette and Mario Tenuta The Think Tank Lynne and John Toomey Top Fleet Limo Nicole and Jeff Towle Nerissa and Thomas Townsend Jen and Doug Towsey U.S. Bank Jen and Josh Vernoski VIP Photo Studio Meggan and Jeffrey Waltuck Lisa and Scott Warren Joan Romeo ’69 and Michael ’66 Weidner Sarah and Michael Whelan Patti and Daniel White Christie and Orrin ’85 Wolf Maria Cinefro ’92 and Andrew ’92 Yonkus Maura and Norm Yustin Ewelina and Krzysztof Zacharewicz Linda Zachman Bridget Liszka ’91 and Jason Ziebka Beth and Mark Zimmerman
A LION FOR LIFE | Class Notes
Class Notes
Class of 2005
Class of 1966 ▶ After a long career as a registered nurse, certified case manager, and hospice nursing, Patricia Schell Miely is doing volunteer work at Valley View Hospital, participating on the hospital Ethics Committee and staying involved as the Hospital Foundation President in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Read more about Patricia on page 7.
Class of 1999 Leslie Carey, a DePaul University alumnus, currently lives in Los Angeles and works as the executive chef for a motion picture, tv, and event catering company.
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When Kathleen Corrigan Lynde, Saint Viator’s McKenna Marketplace and development manager, was right out of college, her aunt asked her to coach her cousin, Tommy Grundtvig’s ’16, sixth grade volleyball team at St. James School in Arlington Heights. Kathleen volunteered along with Jenna Fricano ’05. Ryan McMahon ’16 and Patrick Lifka were both on the team, and for the next three years, she used her limited volleyball knowledge to coach “these crazy junior high boys.” Now nearly ten years later, the three of them are all working at Saint Viator. Ryan is a pre-novice with the Viatorians working in Campus Ministry and the Scanlan Center and Patrick teaches in the English department.
Class of 2006 ▶ Sara Kronon works as an ecommerce sales and strategy expert for Moet Hennessy in London, UK. She also runs a virtual wine tasting business on the side called In Pour Taste which does wine tastings for groups, organizations, and corporations across a range of themes, price points, and wine regions. Reach out for a fun event via DoYouHavePourTaste@gmail.com.
Class of 2001 ▶
Class of 2013
Annie Envall-Latowski married Dan Latowski on January 21. Annie and her family of five reside in South Bend, IN, where she continues to work at the Notre Dame Alumni Association overseeing their community service and Grotto prayer programs.
Emma Hogaboom married Colten Wolf on February 27.
Class of 2015 ▶
Now Considering Hall of Fame Nominations
Garrett Hill ’15 joined the Glenbrook North boys basketball staff alongside alumnus and former Saint Viator head basketball coach Quin Hayes ’95.
Classes of 2016 & 2020 Denzel Downing ’16, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, and Athan Huelskamp ’20, a freshman at Abilene Christian University, reunited at their Track and Field conference meet in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Hall of Fame Committee is now considering nominations for the 2022 Class of Inductees. Based upon achievements during the nominee’s time at Saint Viator or Sacred Heart of Mary, nominations from the following areas will be accepted: athlete, coach, administrator, team, friend, and clergy. Nominations are due June 1, 2021. Please contact Athletic Director Jason Kuffel ’99 at jkuffel@saintviator. com or Alumni Relations Manager Krystal Harris ’15 at kharris@ saintviator.com with any questions. Submit your nominations at saintviator.com/hof.
Class Reunions Rescheduled to Fall
Classes of 2018, 2019, & 2020 ▶ Jack Mahoney ’20, a baseball player for the University of South Carolina, reunited with Bryce Hellgeth ’19, a baseball player for the University of Dayton, and Daniel Isufi ’18, Dayton’s baseball manager of operations in February when their two teams played each other.
In light of current health concerns, the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart 2020 class reunions have been postponed until the fall of 2021. We appreciate all of the planning that has been done by the committees thus far. If you are interested in joining your class reunion committee, email Krystal Harris ’15 at kharris@saintviator.com. We look forward to celebrating this fall!
Submit a Class Note! Share what’s going on in your life with the Saint Viator community by submitting a class note and photo via email to alumni@ saintviator.com. Your submission will appear in edited form in the print and online versions of the A Lion for Life Magazine.
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AALION Listing LIONFOR FORLIFE LIFE| Staff Alumni News
A Return to Retreats For the first time in over a year, Saint Viator students had the opportunity to learn what it means to “Live the Fourth.” One of the most treasured experiences of alumni, the four-day Kairos retreat, was held in March. While the event was held at Saint Viator and students went home once the day’s activities wrapped up instead of spending the night at Cabrini Retreat Center, they enjoyed all of the same talks, reflections, and activities as a usual Kairos, including free time spent outside in the fields and in our gyms. Instead of student leaders, all seven small groups were led by adults, including six Saint Viator alumni on staff: Kurt Paprocki ’00, Chris Paolelli ’02, Elyse Slezak ’09, Megan O’Neill ’12, Krystal Harris ’15, and Sarah Miklius ’15. Retreatants were also able to hear from young alumni in prerecorded witness talks throughout the four days.
Get to Know Your Alumni Association Board Jennifer Bonifacic Anderson Graduating Class: 1989 Currently Resides: Arlington Heights Profession: Administrative Assistant in Saint Viator’s Development Office Years Involved with the Alumni Association Board: 6 Reason for Joining the Board: It was a nice way to get involved in the community and start reconnecting with the school I was so passionate about. Favorite Alumni Event: Homecoming Favorite High School Memory: Performing in the musicals Most Influential Faculty Member: Diane Lolli, my freshman year religion teacher Classmates I’m Still Close With: Emily Quinn Creonte and Megan Quinn Buscone ’83. I met Emily freshman year at Sacred Heart. However, Emily and her family moved out east after our sophomore year. To this day, Emily and her sister Megan have been an influential part of my life. Why Should Alumni Get Involved? Alumni should get involved because it is an awesome way to give back to the community, and when you’re a lion, you’re a lion for life!
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Above: Jennifer (second from left) pictured at Homecoming 2019 with Kathleen Corrigan Lynde ’05, Jim Bristol ’73, and Rhonda Starr ’87.
ALION FOR LIFE | In Memoriam
In Memoriam
FAMILY Carol A. Birong, February 19, 2021. Wife of the late Thomas Birong; mother of Timothy Birong ’74, Kathryn O’Connell, Diane Kay, William Birong, and Mary Topolinski.
God, grant eternal rest to these members of the Saint Viator and Sacred Heart of Mary community.
Dolores T. Bosworth, April 2, 2021. Wife of the late Ward Bosworth; mother of Kenneth Bosworth ’67, Karen Bosworth McCoy ’71, the late Ellen, and the late James.
ALUMNI Michael P. Brawley ’73, April 6, 2021. Son of the late Nora and the late Robert Brawley; husband of the late Marybeth; father of Anne ’08, Tricia, and Kevin Brawley; brother of Jack Brawley ’69, Kathleen Cavanagh, Mark Brawley ’80, Ann Hoglund, and the late Robert Brawley.
Barbara Dorothy Cukierski, February 12, 2021. Wife of Gerry; mother of Mike ’99 and Nick ’06. Jim Lopez De Leon, M.D., Dec. 24, 2020. Husband of Nola; father of Debbie ’78 and John ’86. Maryann M. Falkowski, March 1, 2021 and John M. Falkowski, March 25, 2021. Parents of Lori Falkowski Coffey ’77 and Margi Kelly.
Michael G. Enzenbacher ’71, March 28, 2021. Son of the late Helene and the late LeRoy Enzenbacher; husband of Sheila Enzenbacher; father of Tiffany and Brandon Enzenbacher; brother of Monica Enzenbacher Thulin ’69, Janis Enzenbacher ’73, Elizabeth Van Schaick, and the late Thomas Enzenbacher.
Elizabeth Anne Foley-Rowland, February 17, 2021. Daughter of the late J. Brendan Foley and the late Gertrude Anne; sister of Brendan J. Foley ’88. Warren Arthur Goldberg, October 31, 2020. Husband of Kathy Rogozinski Goldberg ’86; brother-in-law of Pat Rogozinski Cohen ’69, Diane Rogozinski Thornburg ’71, Ed Rogozinski ’75 (Mary Schlickman Rogozinski ’75), Paul Rogozinski ’78 (Sarah Burke Rogozinski ’79), and Connie Rogozinski Riefke ’87.
David William Erbach ’66, February 15, 2021. Son of the late Angeline and the late Theodore Erbach; husband of Carol; father of Jessica, Nathan, and Matthew; brother of Edward ’67 and Gerald Erbach. David, a former Viatorian, worked at Saint Viator High School from 1971 to 1978, serving as Associate Dean of Students, American Government teacher, and football and basketball coach.
Mary E. Guth, February 12, 2021. Wife of the late Robert Guth; mother of Bob, Glenn (Kathleen), Jim, Debbie Tomlin, and Meg Pawelski; grandma of Patrick ’07, Kristen ’08, and Brian ’12.
Gregory (Gregg) Hanner ’78, February 18, 2021. Son of Emil and the late Barbara Hanner; husband of Amy; brother of Jerry (Patty) Hanner ’75.
Jack Edward Hausen Jr., January 16, 2021. Husband of Sarah Ventrella Hausen ’76; father of Micaela; son of Sophia and the late Jack Hausen Sr.; brother of George and Karen.
Louise Horton ’86, January 25, 2021. Daughter of the late Helen and the late John Horton. Donna Klein Murphy ’67, June 26, 2020. Daughter of Herb and the late Ita; mother of Jess, Brendan, and the late Colin Murphy; sister of Liz ’71, Jack ’80, Ed ’88, Peggy, David, Carrie, and the late Herb ’69.
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Jacqueline “Jackie” Kapolnek, December 3, 2020. Wife of Robert; mother of Michael ’78, Robert ’79, Thomas ’81, David ’83, Jerry, Julie Hamann, and Amy Mathias. Aloysius A. Karmik, January 7, 2021. Husband of Joanne; father of Rosalie Karmik Johnson ’76, Joseph Karmik ’79, and Thom Karmik ’83. Kathleen M. Koehl, March 22, 2021. Wife of the late John Koehl; mother of Karen Koehl Butzen ’69 (Jeff Butzen’70), Linda Koehl Dietrich ’72, Mary Ann Koehl and Jeffery Koehl. Kathleen was J. J. Stamm’s “right-hand gal” for the 17 musicals he directed at Saint Viator High School. Elizabeth “Betty” Kunzweiler, March 31, 2021. Wife of the late Dick Kunzweiler; mother of Steve ’68, Diane Kunzweiler Ruklic ’71, David ’74, Kevin, and Kent. Joan M. Maestranzi, January 23, 2021. Wife of Costanzo Maestranzi; mother of John ’77, Mary Jo, Julie, Monica, Claudia, Madonna, and Michael. Robert J. Muench, M.D., January 12, 2021. Husband of the late Florence and the late Cecelia; father of Janice Muench Knecht ’68, Gregory Muench ’72, and the late Robert C. ’81 and the late Dean ’67 Muench. Karen Mullen, February 28, 2021. Wife of Tom Mullen; mother of Justine ’03, Rory ’09, Kyle, and Kaitlyn. Daniel J. Murphy, March 12, 2021. Husband of the late Nancy; father of Daniel (JoAnn - former Board of Trustees member) Murphy, Mary Ellen Young, Donna Pelletier, Katie Wagner; grandfather of Dan ’04 and Jim ’08 Murphy.
Helen Horton, March 14, 2021. Wife of the late John Horton; mother of the late Louise Horton ’86.
Martin Quinn, January 23, 2021. Husband of Cheryl Quinn, Saint Viator Librarian from 1989 - 2016; father of Jonathan Quinn ’90, Jennifer Quinn Vasovic ’92, and Kathleen Quinn ’96.
John Janowski, March 22, 2021. Husband of Josephine; father of Susan ’84 and Robert.
Margaret Rogers, February 15, 2021. Wife of the late Robert Rogers; mother of Kathleen Rogers
Henderson ’70, Debra Rogers Bolash ’72 (John Bolash ’72), Linda Rogers Voirin ’73, and Diane ’75, Kevin ’76, David ’78, Lawrence ’80, Mark ’81, Steven ’84, Jeffrey ’86, and Jennifer ’90 Rogers. Patrick Eugene Rooney, January 29, 2021. Husband of Joanne Rooney and the late Mary Kay Rooney; father of Patrick ’75, Daniel ’78, David ’82, Michael ’83, Jeanne ’87, and the late Kathleen ’77; grandfather of Colleen ’05, Maggie ’07, Kevin ’12, Daniel ’13, Cathryn ’14, and Shannon ’17. Anna H. Schmid, January 12, 2021. Wife of the late Max; mother of Marla Schmid Gunn ’70, William Schmid and the late Deanna Dubs; grandmother of Christopher Gunn ’03. Mary Ann Snarski, January 26, 2021. Wife of the late John F. Snarski; mother of John Snarski ’70, Mary Carol Snarski Simms ’71, and Paul Snarski ’74.
FACULTY Irene Gawron, February 7, 2021. Wife of the late Richard Gawron; mother of Patricia Grandziel, former Saint Viator Administrative Assistant to the Principal from 1998 to 2014 and front desk receptionist from 2014 - 2019, and Bonita Launer. Robin Dale Gruenfeld, March 14, 2021. Former wife of Michael Gruenfeld; mother of Matt Gruenfeld, Saint Viator Visual Arts teacher since 2004.
May they go on living in their family and friends, in our hearts and minds, our courage and our conscience. “So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.”
Saint Viator High School 1213 East Oakton Street Arlington Heights, IL 60004 www.saintviator.com (847) 392-4050
Recipient of the 2008 and 2014 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Awards
Please email alumni@saintviator.com with new addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, photos and updates. Stay connected to us on social media. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
