The Dumb Ox Fall/Winter 22 Edition

Welcome to another edition of The Dumb Ox. We are so excited to see this wonderful magazine for our community grow In writing each of the pieces you find on the pages of The Dumb Ox many hours are spent digging into the history of Aquinas and its graduates. This time spent continues to amaze us with some of the interesting history and heartwarming stories that make Aquinas what it is today. As this magazine evolves our hope is that the thousands of Aquinas alumni reach out to share their stories and contribute in any way they find possible We want this to be an outlet to highlight the storied history of Aquinas' past, the groundbreaking happenings of today, and the seemingly unimaginable future that is in store.

We have many new develpoments on the Aquinas campus that we are so excitied to fully utilize and see come to completion. As we all know the Janice Lemann for Visual Art and The Steinmann Family Center for Innovation will open this summer in time for the new school year, however, there are some other smaller projects we also have to look forward to. The Rezek Beach Volleyball Stadium will soon be completed in time for the spring season as well as the remodel of the "D" building classrooms through the Preserving the Legacy Campaign. This classroom remodel will join the recently remodeled Rezek Student Center to see a completely renovated "D" building. We encourage anyone who hasn't been to N. Sterling lately to stop by and take a look at all the amazing things that we have happening.

St.

Thomas Aquinas...Pray for Us!

Dr. Chris Barrows President

Aquinas High School

A GOLDEN REUNION

The Class of 1972, the first co-ed class, met for a fun-filled 50th reunion on Oct. 15, 2022 at Avila's in Riverside. Twenty-five from the Class of ‘71 (St. Bernardines & Aquinas) joined, as they were prevented from celebrating their 50th last year due to the pandemic. Many siblings, spouses, and friends attended and witnessed the presentation of Golden Diplomas that were provided by the school.

Thanks to MaryAnn Forget Enstad who searched for classmates for nearly a year, 123 people attended, some traveling from as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, and the East coast. (For comparison: 120 graduated from the class in 1972). Mary Van Wyk McGuire, Vicki Armstrong Handgis, and Sally Street Jenkins booked the historic venue and created memorabilia and decorations. The exciting weekend of events included a kickoff boat ride and toast at Lake Arrowhead, a Friday night tour of the school and football game, plus a Sunday morning brunch at Riverside’s El Torito Restaurant After the reunion on Saturday night, many people gathered at the Mission Inn to continue the party. See photos from all the events at #aquinasstbs50threunion.

We invite those who may be interested to join and share relevant information at the Aquinas St Bernardines class of 72 plus friends and family Facebook group: https://www facebook com/groups/144182149012879

For other classes that are interested in planning a reunion, contact the alumni relations office at Aquinas High School

2022 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

AthleticsOn October 8th, Falcons gathered to celebrate the athletic achievements of some of our alumni during the 8th Annual Aquinas High School Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner Each year inductees are selected based on their athletic accomplishments during and after their time at Aquinas. This year the 2022 inductees were: Mrs. Erin Texeira, class of 1987, for her achievements in Track & Field; Dr. John Steinmann, class of 1978, for his athletic accomplishments in Football; and the 1998 CIF Championship boys soccer team. These honorees were added to the growing list of Aquinas Athletics Hall of Famers

This was truly a special evening. For the first time a father and his two sons were honored in the same night. Dr. John Steinmann was honored for his accomplishments on the football field in 1978 while his two sons, Michael '98 and John '00, were recognized as part of the soccer team that brought a CIF championship to the school for the first time in that sport 20 years after their father's accomplishments

In addition, the CIF soccer team was able to celebrate this evening together. Although this is not unusual for them. This group of men have built a bond and friendship that has kept them connected for over 20 years. This was a great evening to get together and reminisce about a truly magical season all while sharing old stories together with their coach, mentor, and friend, Mark Hunter.

Perhaps Erin Texeira, who hadn't been back on the campus since graduation, summed it up best saying, "it was truly a highlight of 2022 for me to return to Aquinas for the Hall of Fame dinner. My children are now in high school, so it was especially touching to reflect on my high school years and remember the stellar teachers and coaches who gave me a strong intellectual and athletic foundation. What a treat to see the stunning new athletic facilities! Above all, I was inspired to meet Dr Barrows and other school leaders who are committed to supporting and educating students who lack the resources for a top-notch education. I’m proud to be an AHS alum Thank you again for this honor!" we look forward to next year.

Erin Texeira seeing her image in the Hall of Champions for the first time

Dr John Steinmann 1998 CIF Championship Soccer team

Coach Mark Hunter

Michael and John Steinmann with sisters, Christina and Monica

Guests enjoying Dinner

ATHLETIC SIGNING DAY

Congratulations to our seven student athletes who signed their National Letter of Intent (NLI) on November 9th.

ALL FORE ALL FORE THE KIDS THE KIDS

In the fall season, there are a few things we all look forward to: Friday night lights, pumpkin spice lattes, and the Annual Aquinas Golf tournament.

This year was no exception, as a full field of golfers, made up alumni, parents, and friends of Aquinas all came out for a great cause; the students! This year's tournament ended with a profit of 45,000 all to support vital programs for the students. Be sure to join us next fall. More details will be provided at a later date

Changing Changing Changing the Game the Game the Game

Jonathan Keck has leveled up his U.S. and World History classes through gamification

When you think of gaming, if you’re like me you might imagine sitting in front of your TV and game console playing video games for hours on end Or sitting at your computer or tablet working hard in some fantasy land to achieve an objective What you probably aren’t imagining is sitting in your US or World History class where the entire curriculum has been gamified.

However, for the students of Aquinas High School, that is exactly what they encountered when they stepped into Mr. Keck’s U.S. and World History class this fall. Jonathan Keck has worked at Aquinas for 12 years and serves in various roles from teaching several different sections of history, department chair for Social Sciences, and is the Director of Educational Technology In that role, he is responsible for researching and developing educational practices paired with new and old techniques and tools to bolster student learning. He and his team train teachers and encourage innovation in the classroom.

It was through this innovation that Mr. Keck came up his year-long game (gamification) called “Timeline”. He had noticed a lot of energy in applying these ideas to the learning environment lately and after coming across a community of teachers doing this sort of work on Twitter and at a few education conferences in the last few years, he decided to implement this process in his classroom. “With the increased interest in engagement in the post-covid learning environment coupled with the popularity of fantasy and Dungeons and Dragons right now and the rate of technological innovation, gamification is poised to be a major educational movement in the next decade” said Keck.

What is gamification exactly? Well according to Keck this a huge question to answer. “So there are two key definitions to consider: Game-Based Learning and Gamification. The first is easy to describe This method leverages existing or newly created games (the mechanics of a game) and encourages student learning. This is not new. Game theory is used by the military and game-based learning is leveraged for training— think war games, paintball, etc. Those games develop and hone a skill that is trying to be taught Similarly, Game-Based Learning in any other context is the attempt to play a game and, through it, learn something about the content or review existing knowledge. An example of this might be Trivial Pursuit or Charades. These games help review and reinforce existing knowledge. Finding and developing games that teach the content is a harder thing to find and develop. These games can look very different depending on the content. Escape Rooms are a common type of game that became popular a few years ago and can help students learn. Our culture loves games and there is no shortage of examples, from board games to TV show games. Gamification, however, is a different beast.

This approach has also become rather popular today, especially among businesses Gamifying an experience, business, or classroom environment is about leveraging game mechanics to produce desired behavioral outcomes. The most common example of this today might be from Starbucks with their Stars program. Each time someone buys a coffee, they achieve stars that build toward a free drink (or free swag if you have enough) Weekly challenges appear, offering bonus stars if you have a five-day streak or purchase 4 lattes in the next week. Similarly, Apple also unlocks badges the more you move or exercise via the Apple Watch, encouraging the participant's behavior through the mechanics or positive reinforcement via badges. Now, for my class context, and really the way many educators are moving in this direction The answer is multifaceted, but at the end of the day, I have gamified (gamifying really since I am still building) to encourage student learning and the desired outcomes I have articulated (turning in the work and doing so in a quality manner). I do believe that Game-Based Learning and Immersion is a fun and engaging method of learning, perhaps the best overall but it requires a tremendous amount of time, creativity, and finances. Gamification is easier to do since it overlays the entire course and is a system of encouraging behaviors through game mechanics and our own human response to stimulation via positive reinforcement ” Ultimately though, Keck’s goal is to encourage and engage today's students in a way that will be fun and meaningful.

So you might still be wondering what does this look like in the classroom environment? “The students start the year with a story: They are a class of students on a field trip to an innovative company. They get separated from their tour and end up in the R&D area where they are experimenting with opening folds in space to transport cargo instantly. The classic “wrong place wrong time” accident occurs and the students are thrown back in time. Stranded in the past, students have to find a way back to the present I created a trailer to introduce the story and we have been working on the narrative interwoven through the content. Storytelling plays a large role in D&D and RPGs, which is the source material and inspiration for a lot of what I am doing. Students create characters, character names, and classes: Warrior, Ranger, etc. and join a team or guild. Students then earn KP (Knowledge Points) based on their work. These points contribute to their character “leveling up” and growing, increasing in skill, health, etc. Student teams are in competition with each other, they earn equipment and item cards, badges, and all sorts of other things as they achieve in the content in the class Exams are “Boss Battles,” and assignments are “quests” that students accomplish and unlock certain perks. Students design characters, and we 3D printed their characters to use on a battle map when they explore sidequest “dungeon crawls.” Battles function like a mix of a test and a game. The enemy asks historical questions. If the student gets the question wrong, the boss strikes the student’s character and they lose health. If they get it right, they have earned their turn and can attack the boss by rolling for damage or using an item card. Students collect gems and coins to use for different functions in the class as the “loot” for completing dungeons and extra tasks. I am currently building an app for our game/class to better track their points and have students submit extra credit content for the game. As far as Game-

Based Learning, it might be an escape room where the answer to escape is buried in the answers to questions, or treasure hunting in a cave mining for "gems" in a historical text. Really any way you can bring story, competition, and fun within our overall game in the everyday history learning tasks we would normally do” explained Keck.With the first semester concluded, the new curriculum has shown to be very positively received. “Students who were already familiar with dungeons and dragons and RPGs recognized what I had built (building) and were excited. But those with no experience in this culture approached it with curiosity and, eventually, excitement. Playing games is a massive part of our culture, especially among young people. This approach is culturally responsive to these students and sees themselves in their characters and the storytelling we are undertaking through our teaching” said Keck.

This new method of teaching also showed improvement in overall student learning. Students were observed to be excited and engaged in unprecedented levels as compared to previous years Students reported being excited to come to class and wanted to participate in the learning activities. One student wrote, “I love earning the badge at the end of the module or when my character increases a level. I know it doesn’t do much, but it is satisfying seeing the badge when I complete the assignments.” In addition, there has been an 85% reduction in late and missing work due to using game mechanics Furthermore, 30% of students regularly complete optional work that is not worth any grades. The purpose of these assignments, known as “side quests” is to read primary sources, conduct analysis and write short essays. While it is completely optional, students earn extra experience points for their character and earn gold coins and game currency to buy things at the game store called “Tavern Day.”

With the success that Keck has seen in his gamified history classes, he would love to expand to his other sections. However, the one major challenge has been the time and money put into getting this curriculum off the ground Thankfully, there have been some great donors to support the development but this project has been incredibly expensive The cost to date hitting thousands of dollars and still a lot more is needed. This on top of the hundreds and hundreds of hours creating the concept and all the materials In the end though, there has been tremendous success and engagement in learning in just a year. Truly Jonathan Keck and Aquinas are helping to change the game in education!

To view the class trailer,scan the QR code

Aquinas students participate in Junior University's production of"

Christmas Carol"

Members of the AHS cheer team participate in the Pearl Harbor Day Parade in Hawaii

Students demonstrate their talents during the Visual and Performing Arts Winter Showcase

The Aquinas community celebrates Mass

Students participated in a variety of activities in celebration of Native American Heritage Month

Construction is underway for two new buildings: the Janice Lemann Center for the Visual Arts and the Steinmann Family Innovation Center

Aquinas students celebrate grandparents for Grandparents day with Mass 9 The new foyer/ entry way to the Chapel through the generous donation of Knights of Columbus 10 The Aquinas community gathers together to celebrate veterans during a Veterans Day prayer service

Students donate their time to serve Mary's Mercy Center during the holidays

Another campus improvement with the complete renovation of the Rezek Center through the generous donation of Ron Rezek '77

HONORING TEACHERS AND COACHES WHO "MADE A DIFFERENCE"

No doubt you had a teacher or coach that had an impact on you, one that made difference Us old guys (1959 - 1969) had one at Aquinas - Father Earl LaRiviere We commissioned a statue in his honor. He was an amazing, dynamic teacher, who impacted many lives.

So now it’s your turn. Honor your teacher or coach that has inspired you! Nominate your Teacher for the “TEACHERS’ HALL OF FAME”.  Include your story, how they influenced you! They do not have to be teachers at Aquinas, but any teacher, high school, grade school, college, coach, drill sergeant, employer, grandparent, etc

Send us their names (info@larivieresociety.com) and your story and we’ll be in touch.  We will honor them with a certificate of recognition and will become a permanent part of our website, along with your name, your unique story, and the impact they had.

Again, it can be any teacher or coach that made a difference - living or deceased, grade school, high school, or college. Someone, somewhere has made a difference in your life.  Now is the time to recognize them on the LaRiviere Teacher Hall of Fame.  It is not a requirement to make a donation in that teacher’s name for them to be recognized.  But please consider a donation to the LaRiviere Endowment Fund, as a “pay it forward” gift so we can award student scholarships in perpetuity.

A THANKFUL A THANKFUL A THANKFUL COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Honoring those who serve

Veterans Day is a day to remember. A day to remember all those service men and women who so bravely served our country Aquinas believes in the importance of remembering and honoring them so they do not take the day off and instead celebrate veterans as a community by holding a prayer service. This gives the students a chance to reflect on what the day is about. We take the time to appreciate the sacrifices made by others to protect our freedoms, to know them, not as faceless strangers, but to truly see them and thank them. To that end, here are just a few Aquinas veteran alumni sharing their thoughts about the importance of service and how they celebrate Veteran’s Day.

Name Tony (Anthony) Kedzior Graduation Year

1967

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Army- 91G20 Social Work/Psychology Specialist E-5

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

I learned Prayer & Discipline by having (Jesuit Priest) for teachers. How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

I go to the Cemetery, eat at different restaurants, and spend time at Vets Hall.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Being a counselor for soldiers going and coming from war.

Name Ted Alejandre Graduation Year 1982

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving

Air Force- Retired as Lt Col in 2019 What do you wish people knew about Military service?

It is an excellent career opportunity for high school students to consider, especially the United States Air Force Academy

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Aquinas provided me with an excellent academic foundation, coupled with the ability to interact effectively with others and build collaborative and positive relationships

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

Enjoy time with my family and pray about the safety of veterans, especially those who continue to serve.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and my 20 years of deployments to support 7th Air Force in South Korea I was also activated during Operation Desert Storm and deployed to Japan where I supported operations in that theater including traveling to Iwa Jima.

Name Jorge Ramirez Graduation Year 1963

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Navy

What do you wish people knew about Military service? It has changed

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

My time at Aquinas taught me tenacity. When times are tough, keep it together

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

With my fellow vets at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post. What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Serving on an aircraft carrier and cruising around the world. Making the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Bernard Rothermel

Graduation Year

1959

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Army- GCA Radar Repairman in Germany

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

Although such service is often necessary, working in a government setting is not necessarily professionally fulfilling. How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Continuing the need for meeting and getting along with a variety of people. How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

Quietly

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

It gave me the opportunity to live in a foreign country, travel widely, and live and work with a large range of people from all over the USA

Name

Col Bob Gericke J.D.

Graduation Year 1963

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving

Army- After Vietnam I knew I liked the military, but didn’t want to move all over so I decided to spend another 18 years in a reserve component to get a retirement. After 36 years and 40 days I got the boot due to hitting the mandatory retirement age

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

The military is a reflection of the best of America.

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

The values and expectations are the same Lux et veritas. Respect, diligence, risk taking and preparedness are the stuff of good soldiers, sailors and airmen. I especially urge women to consider the military as they are making great strides in the services that affect the views of the nation and the world

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

By communicating with military friends all over the country. What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Early on: being called out of the welcome briefing in Vietnam by a captain in a funny uniform. I thought I was in trouble. In reality he wanted to recruit me for a position in his Ranger company even though I wasn’t a school trained Ranger I said yes and the rest is history Mid career: My two commands (company and battalion) were awesome experiences where I was blessed to have some of the finest soldiers I could ever hope to meet.

End of career: I was in a quiet, low profile position waiting to retire when the second Gulf war, the GWOT (global war on terrorism) began. I suddenly found myself as the executive officer of the biggest command and control unit for reserve medical assets in the Western United States. It was a challenge, but very rewarding

Jim Duffy

Graduation Year 1966

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Marine Corps- 3rd Battalion 12 Regiment Field Artillery,3rd Marine Division Headquarters

Battery Fire direction control, Vietnam 1968/69

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

A million dollar experience you wouldn't pay a nickel for. It certainly didn't hurt me one bit though.

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

I was able to do really well in testing in basic training. That helped me attend artillery school and finish first in my class

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

Spend time with my family. What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

When the plane took off from DaNang and the stewardess told us to say goodbye to Vietnam. I was so lucky and blessed to make it home

Name

LCDR (Dr.) N. Glenn Ohaeri Sr.

Graduation Year 2002

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving

Navy

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

Military service allows for the opportunity for people to understand what true patriotism is and how people from all over the country and world make sacrifices that provide us our simple freedoms.

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

The structure and discipline through sports and interactions with my peers prepared me for all dynamics I experience in the military The healthy competition for academic and athletic excellence at Aquinas prepared me well!

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

I celebrate by making sure I reach out to military personnel who have come before and paved the way for people to serve.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

I am still active in my career, but to date working with SEALS, being stationed on an Aircraft Carrier (USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN), and traveling the world have been notable. But above all, the resiliency shown by my wife and children adapting to different environments and schools is most notable for me, their sacrifice is unparalleled from my vantage point.

Name C Steven Figueroa Graduation Year 1963

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving

Army-I served for almost 2 years in the US Army as a draftee. I was at the 45th Surgical Hospital (yes, a MASH unit, but not like Corp. Klinger), from Aug '68 to Aug '69, as a surgery technician Upon my return I was honorably discharged and returned to civilian life. What do you wish people knew about Military service?

Nowadays, without the draft, it is strictly all volunteers I wish the draft was still utilized as it would grant those without any plans for their life, an option to explore careers available. Draftees only served for 2 years, whereas volunteers served for no less than 4 years and in most cases at least 6 years. How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Aquinas at my time was all male, so you had to deal with many types of personalities. Furthermore, with one exception, our teachers were all male, priests actually. The principal was Fr Sullivan for my first 2 years at AHS, so after 4 years at AHS, I felt I could survive anything.

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

For the most part, I don't because I was in for such a short time in comparison to others who chose to make military service a career For the most part, I put out a flag to honor the vets What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

My year in the war zone of Vietnam has lasted me a life time. The surgery tech field was very active due to the fact that we had to get the wounded to surgery and then out as quickly as possible to give the wounded the best shot at recovery. The folks I worked with were great and very much team oriented. Luckily, due to social media I still maintain contact with some of them after so many years have passed.

Name Col. USAFR Bill Canavan

Graduation Year

1963

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Air Force-Initially in 1969 I enlisted in the US Navy Flight Training Program. I was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1972 after the Vietnam War concluded. In 1974 I thought I would try one year in the Washington Air National Guard, a component of the Air Force Reserve. Here I began my career in computer, Communications Network systems management. Until 1986 I remained a a weekend warrior and worked in the private sector in sales and marketing. In 1986 I chose to work full-time for the Air National Guard at several Us locations and deployments in about 10 different countries, most for three or four weeks at a time.

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

It's not always fun but the rewards are great. It's adventurous, both physically and academically challenging and be prepared for the unexpected. Young and uncertain about what you might want to do professionally? This calling could be the most interesting place you can imagine to explore opportunities.

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

My time at Aquinas instilled in me tenacity and I deep sense of faith both qualities carried me a long way both in trouble times and opportunities of personal choice.

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

I attended a well-produced but brief veteran celebration and enjoy dinner with a few of my friends who also served in the military. What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

There were many unexpected situations that I found myself in that were either boring or moments of Stark Terror. Towards the end of my career

I played a part in the construction of the first permanent combined air operations center in Saudi Arabia. Some believed this might be the most important project of the year 1999 but who knows.

Name Msgt Jerry Sullivan

Graduation Year

1960

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Air Force- Joined the Air Force the day after graduating Aquinas and spent the next 20 years 3 months and 18 days touring the world at Gov expense. AF is the only branch for families!

Name

Dr Kevin O’Malley Ph D

Graduation Year 1981

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Navy- I continue to serve the Navy as a DoD civilian scientist, assigned to Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific What do you wish people knew about Military service?

Military service offers tremendous opportunities to be part of something bigger than yourself All of us should seek challenges to benefit the greater good, and the military offers that in spades.

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Aquinas prepared me to pursue a life of transformational leadership, in which we encourage ourselves and encourage others to seek a higher moral purpose. Go Falcons!

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

At a tribute or ceremony at my children’s schools. Also, reflecting on family and friends who served with me What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

1 Liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.

2 Enforcing the United Nations No-Fly Zone over Iraq after the first Gulf War. 3. Surviving almost 300 aircraft carrier arrested landings. Go Navy!

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

I entered St. Thomas Aquinas HS in 1970, it was an all boys school at the time, and was fairly rigid with discipline. The more structured style of Aquinas between 1970-1974 was a beneficial foundation for me prior going to college at USC when I joined AFROTC and beyond

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

Remembering my colleagues who are no longer with us.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Tues Sept 11, 2001 is a day I'll never forget. I was on active duty and at Peterson AFB clinic in Colorado Springs C) and by the end of that day I was informed that our country would be going to war. The next day I assembled all my flight and told them, I don't know where, or who we'll be fighting, but we are going to war and some in that room will go That was a tough set of days, because the unexpected became real.

Name Dr William Abraham MD Graduation Year

1974

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving

Air Force- Entered USAF in 1979, retired after 27 years in USAF Medical Corps in 2005 What do you wish people knew about Military service?

After the draft ended in 1973, service in the US Military was voluntary. Service in the military is a great unknown, a totally different life, in the military you "do what you must and not what you want". Some go into the Military as a legacy, for adventure, as a patriot, to find guidance and order in a dis-ordered life, to help pay for school or just to wear a uniform and take guidance from some other authority

Name Col Daniel “Mel" Penny Jr Graduation Year 1966

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Air Force- Served 29 years with Air Force Special Operations Command. Combat missions in Viet Nam and Panama

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

Military service is very rewarding to the individual who wants to work hard. Entering with a Bachelor's degree an individual can earn Master's degrees and a doctorate degree How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Most of the priests had worked hard to achieve their positions within the church and offered their minds to us as we studied in a "college preparatory" school environment Discipline, responsibility and accountability were expected of Aquinas students between 1962-1966.

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

I try to be with other Veterans exchanging stories and helping those who need a helping hand I include my family if at all possible....all generations to make them understand that in many cases "Freedom is not Free."

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

The memories of the men I served with in combat and throughout my career Listening to a U S Army soldier saying to me, "Thanks That is the first good night's sleep I've had in weeks," as I flew above him and his company for six hours that night.

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

The services offer experiences I never would have imagined, and the experiences led to a life filled will with adventure and wonder. Best of all, the friendships you make last a lifetime How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Aquinas provided me with the tools needed to succeed emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually in a world in which change is constant, danger is real, and preparation is a must I learned self -discipline which guided me throughout my career

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

In quiet remembrance of all who have served our nation. I think of the men and women with whom I served and am thankful to God for who they were and still are I celebrate the Veterans in my life every day, and try to avoid public displays that isolate their honor to one day a year.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Being sworn in June 1968 - retiring June 2005 (and every day in between) "From Arctic zones to Aztec shores to Europe and Far East "

Name RADM James Underwood

Graduation Year

1968

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Coast Guard- Graduated USCG Academy 1972. Served 33 years on Active Duty. Retired as Rear Admiral (RADM)

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

It’s a chance to support our great nation and become a part of a fraternity that is with you forever. Opportunities are many - college tuition, Leadership, Travel, and become part of a group (veteran) that is with you forever. By seeing many parts of the world we understand the Freedoms we are fortunate to have How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

learning to speak Loudly, Clearly, and Distinctly (Father Earl LaRiviere's classes). Our values were formed at Aquinas, including integrity and discipline

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

at Fort Sam National Cemetery; also belong to Military Ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Selma, Texas. We provide services at funeral mass for other veterans in our parish

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Serving at DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, 1969 through 1970. Attaining the highest enlisted grade (E-9, Chief Master Sergeant). Being a First Sergeant, my last job was First Sergeant for the 18th Maintenance Squadron, where I was responsible for 986 Enlisted.

Name Joe Wehrle

Graduation Year

1966

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Air Force- Retired as a 3-star general in 2003 as the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

It's a great opportunity to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself. The bonds of friendship developed over the years last a lifetime. A sense of patriotism and service to the American people.

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

The study habits that were drilled into me were critical to any successes I had at West Point and throughout my military career.

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

By remembering those that I served with that are no longer with us.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

130 F-4 combat missions in Vietnam. Commander of 3rd Air Force in Europe. Responsible for the safety and welfare of 57 thousand men, women and children. Commander of Joint Task Force Atlas Response...providing humanitarian relief for the flood-ravaged people of Mozambique in 2000.

Name Charles Lemann Jr. Graduation Year

1966

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Coast Guard- rank CWO3

What do you wish people knew about Military service?

Builds character

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

FR. Earl prepared all of us

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

I attend a Veterans Day celebration in church with school children.

Name David C Gomez

Graduation Year

1966

Branch of the Military that you served or are serving Army- Vietnam Veteran. Vietnam in-country: 1970-1971. A WWII Gold Star Family. Out my dad’s family, 6 out of 6 eligible for military service ( 5 men - 1 woman ) did so In addition, their stepfather also served !! One of my uncles , the youngest sibling, was KIA ( Killed In Action ). What do you wish people knew about Military service?

In the Gómez family, military service is an honor, privilege and a public service

How did your time at Aquinas prepare you for your military service?

Faith. No soldier, airman or seaman goes to a combat zone without asking the Lord to give him/her the faith that their soul needs to live another day You pray for your protection & for those that are around you no matter what your MOS is. In a country deemed a combat zone, all bets are off.

How do you celebrate Veterans Day?

With other war veterans. Our Four Seasons community dedicated our Veterans Park by honoring Vietnam Veterans. All Vietnam Veterans were honored & appreciated I finally heard and felt the WELCOME HOME we didn’t receive upon our return.

What were some of your most notable moments of your military career?

Sadly, the most notable moments came at the end of my service when arriving home in Northern California: sneers, rude, sick comments & ‘finger salutes’ !!

SAYING GOODBYE

Mr. John Shea 1926-2022

In the late 1980's Mr. Shea discovered his true calling: support for inner-city Catholic Schools, and scholarships for disadvantaged students. Over the last 35 years, Mr Shea and his wife Dorothy have provided tens of thousands of scholarships and funded more than 1,000 school renovations on more than five hundred different campuses in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and across the United States.

In 2005 Aquinas began a relationship with Mr. and Mrs Shea that would transform the modest campus into what we see today. This began with an upgrade to the safety and landscaping around the campus. This was to be the first in numerous projects which has included the Matich Science Center remodel, The San Manuel Performing Arts Center/Lemman Leadership Center project, and the current Steinmann Family Innovation Center/Janice Lemann Center for Visual Arts project

Mr Shea's belief in Catholic Education is unmatched and his gernrous and faithful presence will be missed.

Mr. Shea is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Dorothy Babbitt Shea, eight children, thirty-one grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by his first wife Susan Hitchcock, who died in 1967, his brother Gilbert Shea, his sister Susie Shea Hanrahan, and his granddaughter Maura Davison.

Mrs. Bernice Gogo

1926-2022

Bernice was a woman of faith A devout Catholic, she attended Mass regularly at various parishes in San Bernardino Over the years, she developed dear friendships with many nuns and priests. Bernice was a benefactor of many Catholic parishes and charities, including the Newman Center at USC.

Together with her husband, Bernice was proud to support the USC Football Scholarship Fund, the Swim with Mike Foundation, which supports physically challenged student-athletes in the United States, and the Aquinas High School Scholarship Fund. She was also a longtime volunteer at St. Bernardine Hospital Auxiliary where she made many friends and positively touched even more lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Gogo's generous support of Aquinas over the years has aided in well over 50 students being able to obtain an Aquinas education, as well as contributing to the general scholarship fund In 2016 the Aquinas gym was officially renamed the Aquinas-Gogo Gymnasium due to the Gogo's generous support of the gym's renovation and addition of the Jack Henley Hall of Champions.

Bernice is survived by her devoted family: daughter, Lisa (David) Brooks of Lake Havasu, AZ; grandchildren Alexandra, Chelsea, and Stephan; and four greatgrandchildren, Emily, Jace, Marley, and Gunnar

A HEART A HEART FOR GIVING FOR GIVING

Aquinas Alumni give of their time and talents for those most in need

The holiday season is often filled with the hustle and bustle that the season brings. However, for many it is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and a time to give back. Giving back is an ideal that has been instilled in Falcons since the school opened and is one of the core values that many alumni carry with them throughout their lives. So in this holiday season, we wanted to introduce you to a couple alumni and their philanthropic work that demonstrate that spirit of giving

Amber Mejia class of 2005

My name is Amber Mejia, and I am an Aquinas High School alumna, class of 2005. I was born and raised in Southern California where I attended Our Lady of the Assumption and Aquinas While attending Aquinas, I participated in a various activities including cheerleading, student government, yearbook, and mayor’s youth council. After graduating from Aquinas, I completed my undergraduate degree at California State University, San Bernardino, where I received my bachelor’s degree in nursing. For the past 12 years, I have worked as a registered nurse. I became a certified emergency nurse, and I have been fortunate to receive numerous educational opportunities and invaluable training experiences while working in emergency departments (ED) in California and Illinois.

In 2019, I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in a medical mission to Iraq with a nonprofit organization founded by one of the ED physicians that I work with. A group of medical professionals traveled to internal displacement camps to provide medical services to patients that do not have adequate access to medical treatment on a regular basis. This experience changed my practice as a healthcare provider and inspired me to apply for graduate school to obtain my master’s degree in nursing. After this medical mission, I knew that mission work was something that I was very passionate about, and I felt that an advanced education would provide me with the skills I need to provide the best care for underserved populations all over the world

In March of 2020, I participated in my second medical mission with Health-e-Charity. On this trip, we traveled to India and held an educational symposium for the physicians and nurses in rural hospitals We held lectures and skills labs with a goal of providing their medical team with new skills and evidence-based practice guidelines that they can use in their patient care activities. While in India, COVID-19 struck the world in a way that no one was prepared for, making travel, and getting home quite a challenge. Our mission was shortened due to the increasing severity of the pandemic, and we made our way home to battle the pandemic in America. Most of our mission team is made of emergency and trauma physicians and nurses, and so we returned home to work the front lines with our coworkers and friends.

Being an ED nursing during a pandemic proved to be some of the most challenging months of my career It really brought to light how fragile and precious life is, and how often we take so many

things that are readily available to us in America for granted. I often found myself thinking about all the people I met in India, and how grateful I am that we were given the opportunity to teach them skills that hopefully helped them to save lives while also battling COVID-19. I continued to work full time in the ED while finishing my master’s degree. Finding clinical placement during a pandemic also proved to be a challenge, but despite the challenges of 2020, I graduated with my master’s degree in nursing in 2021. I am now working as a certified family nurse practitioner in the emergency department at Loma Linda University Health.

I am beyond grateful for the educational opportunities that I have been given throughout my career. I know that my success is attributed to the strong foundation that was set forth by attending schools in my formative years that stressed the importance of continued education while providing a Christian environment that fostered growth and opportunities to make a positive impact on this world.

In February of 2023, I will be traveling to the Philippines for my first medical mission since the pandemic and since becoming a nurse practitioner. I am looking forward to returning to mission work and sharing this experience with you all.

Lindsay Barto class of 2003

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Lindsay Barto graduated from Aquinas in 2003. During his time there he participated in numerous community service projects all of which taught him a great deal about spending time helping others.

In 2014, Lindsay and his fellow Sigma Nu Fraternity brother, Chris Healy, co-founded the Longhairs, selling Hair ties for Guys. By 2018, Lindsay and Chris appeared on Shark Tank where they secured a deal and Mark Cuban as an investor It was obvious that the Longhairs had launched a very successful business. However, not just wanting to be a successful business, Lindsay and Chris immediately put in a charitable component, an outreach program called Longhairs Do Care

Furthermore, the duo did not want the biggest accomplishment of the business to just be a successful appearance on Shark Tank So they decided to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most hair donated to charity in a 24 hour period and came up with the Great Cut event in 2019. They proved to be successful in the venture, breaking the world record with 339 14 lbs of hair donated In addition, the event raised 50k for Children with Hair Loss.

The business donates 1% of their top line revenue to an organization, Children with Hair Loss, whose mission is to provide human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss. Currently, they provide a customized human hair replacement and care kits to over 600 children a year

The Longhairs are heavily involved with the organization and have established a true partnership. They attend the annual charity ball in Michigan and emceed the event this past year. “I've meet hundreds of kids over the last 8 years suffering from all kinds of ailments ranging from cancer to alopecia. Seeing the confidence and joy it gives one of these children to have a real hair prosthetic is a powerful thing. We do everything we can at The Longhairs to support the great charity Children With Hair Loss and their mission to serve as many of this children across the country” said Lindsay

This was a huge event, a record setting event and the group is preparing to do it again in 2024. To learn more about the Great Cut 2024, visit their page: https://thegreatcut.us

CLASS NOTES

Bernard Rothermel-Retired in 2020 and met his first grandchild, Rowan Soto, in June 2022

1965

John Hawley-recently retired as emeritus professor at Santa Clara University and moved to Palm Springs

1978

Brennan O'Malley- moved from 17 years on Maui to Marin County. Trading big waves, warm water and coconut palms for big waves, cold water and redwood trees

1981

Lenny Berz-Will become a grandpa December 2022. Is set to Climb Kilimanjaro in Jan 2023 at 60 yrs old. Moved to Palm Desert, CA. Son graduated from Ranger School and promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Is also celebrating 33 years of marriage

1959 1982

Daniel Frymire-Recently retired after starting a career in banking followed by ultimately retiring from the County of San Bernardino as a Deputy Chief Probation Officer.

1993

Mandy Moyer- Became 1st time grandmother. Her daughter Vivian, class of 2021, had her son Kayson on Valentine’s Day 2022

2005

Jordan and Stephanie Brusigwelcomed their 4th child, Copelan John Brusig in August.

2010

Alana Harp- will graduate from residency in June as Chief Resident at Stanford Emergency Medicine and will be starting her position as the Medical Education Fellow and a Clinical Instructor at Loma Linda Emergency Department in July

Nicholas ParamoWelcomed a new baby, Mason Andrew Paramo

CLASS NOTES

2011 IN MEMORIUM

Khiarra Estrella-

married on November 19, 2022

Alex Sibille- Alex has been promoted to a Community Manager, Seller Forums for Amazon. She manages both internal and external communication strategies for the US and International forums seller market and teams, as well as US Handmade Sellers. She now lives in San Diego, CA near Amazon HQ in La Jolla.

2020

Maya Gonzalez- was recognized as an academic all- district athlete while playing womens soccer

Ifyouhaveupdatesorknowofanyalumniwho havepassedon,pleaseletusknowbyfillingoutan alumniupdate.Gotowww.aquinashs.netandclick thealumnitab!

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

Joe Ruiz class of 1968

Bobby was a leader. At first he seemed to be an angry leader, but I soon discovered that it wasn’t anger but a strong desire for the team to achieve perfection.” He went on to give an example, “On the day or two before the championship game, I cancelled practice. Bobby was beside himself. He thought that the team needed more practice.”Matt finally convinced Bobby that the day off was needed. They went on to win the game.

In closing, Matt talked about a team play that they had nicknamed the “Donk” Bobby would come off of a screen, receive a pass and lay the ball up for two Towards the end of a critical game, Bobby called for the Donk It worked as planned In our conversation Matt said, “After Bobby scored on the lay up, he looked over at me and we both smiled.” I could “hear” Matt’s smile in the tone of his voice You could also hear the pride of having been part of a team who remembers it great victory and, who today, mourns the loss of a man who as a boy led that team to victory

Words from Steve Szymczak and Matt Hoar

Bobby Romeo class of 1973 Kelly Uminski class of 1983

The Aquinas community lost a beloved member of our falcon family. Kelly Uminski lost her battle with cancer and we lost a very special Aquinas alumni, alumni parent, faculty member, and friend. She will forever be remembered for her tireless dedication and commitment to our community and her infectious smile and laugh

TOGETHER WE CAN CAMPAIGN

Last year our “Together We Can” campaign raised nearly $65,000 to enable us to replace the hallway doors and windows in several of our older buildings on campus. These updated windows and doors provided much improved safety as well energy efficiency.

This year our campaign will once again focus on our student’s safety. The 202223 “Together We Can” campaign will raise funds to increase the number of security cameras around the campus and the upgraded infrastrucure requirements needed to run what will be on the most state-of-the-art security systems available.

Visit our website: aquinashs.net/advancement to learn more about this very important campaign and to make a gift today!

quinas Preserving the Legacy

high school

The goal of the of the Preserving the Legacy campaign is a simple one, to make sure Aquinas is equipped to serve students for generations to come. Many of Aquinas' classrooms were built during its first 20 years. Since then some classrooms have been updated, but many have not. At this point in time these classrooms are in need of a much needed update in order to guarantee current and future Falcons are able to learn in the most innovative and technologically advanced classrooms possible. Please click the link to see how you can be a part of this wonderful opportunity.