LIONS ROAR
“
LIONS ROAR
“You are Loved”
08.
The Legacy | Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
Remembering Fr. Jerry, a devoted Jesuit and the heart of Bellarmine’s community.
14.
A Jesuit Reflection | By Cindy Davis
Our principal, Cindy Davis, honors the Jesuits that shape Bellarmine through reconciliation, justice, collaboration and education.
22. Celebrating 60 Years | Fr. Fred Mayovsky, S.J.
Sitting down with Fr. Fred to explore the life and influence of the Jesuit who is always one phone call away.
28. Jesuit Education | 450 Years of Tradition
Reflecting on 450 years of Jesuit education and tradition, including its impact on our Bellarmine community.
32. On the Rise | Called to Lead
Global engagement, hands-on impact, and career connections – exploring the experiences of Bellarmine students.
36. Alumni Spotlight | G Alvarado B’20
With a wide range of talents and a steadfast dedication to lifelong learning, G Alvarado is an alum to celebrate and admire.
40. 2025 Bellarmine Prep | Advancement & Community Engagement
Looking back at 2024 - 2025 to see impact and involvement within our community.
A Letter from the President
Dear Friends of Bellarmine,
I hope this message finds you well as we embrace the transition to the fall season and the excitement of a new school year, filled with fresh opportunities for discovery and community. It is with great excitement that we introduce the inaugural edition of Lions Roar—a publication dedicated to keeping you closely connected to the heart of Bellarmine. This is not a replacement for our beloved Bellarmine Magazine, which continues to be published biennially, but rather a renewed way to spotlight the moments, milestones and mission that shape our vibrant community.
This past school year was filled with unforgettable memories and meaningful strides forward. Our mission, rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition since 1928, continues to thrive and inspire. Perhaps the greatest testament to this enduring legacy is found in the lives of our alumni—men and women for others, living the Bellarmine mission in impactful ways. As we approach our centennial, we proudly honor our rich history while boldly embracing the future. This year, we are especially privileged to celebrate the Jesuits whose vision and vocation laid the foundation for Bellarmine. Their stories are marked by service, sacrifice and spiritual depth that continues to guide us.
A defining milestone in our history occurred 50 years ago with the decision to become a coeducational school through the intentional consolidation of
Aquinas Academy and St. Leo High School, relocating to Bellarmine’s campus. Guided by a deep commitment to Catholic education and a spirit of collaboration, these three schools responded to the signs of the times by joining together as one. This unification brought together the Dominican Sisters, Franciscan Sisters, and Jesuit priests and brothers in a shared mission: fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
In this edition of Lions Roar, we celebrate a remarkable year of growth and achievement in student academics and co-curriculars. We honor the accomplishments of our alumni who continue to live out Jesuit values, including this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame inductees. We pay special tribute to the Jesuit priests whose lives of faith and service remain at the core of our identity. Principal Cindy Davis reflects on the privilege of serving alongside the Jesuits at Bellarmine, offering insight into their enduring impact. We also proudly recognize the Class of 1975 and commemorate 50 years of Catholic coeducation in the South Sound—a transformative chapter that shaped Bellarmine into the mission-driven community it is today.
From student accomplishments to stories of leadership and service, this edition captures the spirit that makes Bellarmine a beacon of faith and formation. Thank you for staying connected and for your generous support. We are honored to share in this legacy with you, and to celebrate the many moments that make Bellarmine the “bright light on The Hill.” As I humbly lead and learn from students, families, benefactors, partners and alums, I am reminded of the courage and grace it takes to keep the Jesuit mission roaring. Whether you are near or far, this Lions Roar is for you!
AMDG,
Dr. Kelly Goodsell, President
BELLARMINE,
as a Catholic college preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition, through dedication to academic excellence and development of the whole person, graduates young men and women of competence, compassion and conscience, who are committed to leadership and service.
School Leadership
Jack Connelly Chair, Board of Directors
Dr. Kelly Goodsell President
Fr. Greg Celio, S.J. Jesuit Superior
Cindy Davis Principal
C.W. Herchold B’96
Vice President of
Institutional Advancement & Community Engagement
Executive Editor
Craig Coovert
Communications Director
Editorial Staff
Maddy Freeberg B’07
Executive Assistant
Kate DeWeese B’93
Design
Mindi Morin MORIN Designs
Contributors
Regan Laughlin B’21 Writer
Haley Parks-Pavolka Advancement Officer
Anne Gintz Director of Alumni & Donor Relations
Farewell to Faculty and Staff | Retirements
This year, four pillars of the Bellarmine community announced their departures. Collectively serving the Bellarmine community for over 100 years, Cari Harrison, Mark Modarelli B’87, Tom Gross and Sally Wood are starting their next adventures in life. Bellarmine would like to share our overwhelming gratitude for their dedicated work on “The Hill.” Their unwavering commitment to education and the Jesuit way has left a lasting impact on the Bellarmine community. They truly embody what it means to be a Bellarmine Lion.
farewell congratulations
&
LEGACY
“ You are Loved.
-
Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Service
In March of 2025, the Bellarmine community said goodbye to one of its most beloved figures—Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J. While our hearts are heavy, we are comforted by the profound legacy he left behind, one built on love, faith and service.
For nearly four decades, Fr. Jerry was more than a Jesuit priest on campus— he was the heart of Bellarmine. From the moment he arrived in 1986, he shaped lives with his kindness, humor and unwavering dedication. His presence was magnetic, his counsel was steady, his message was always clear: “You are Loved.”
Though his first year at Bellarmine was difficult—and he even considered leaving—he was called to stay. That decision would go on to bless generations. Fr. Jerry gave his life to our school and our greater Tacoma community. He became, as many say, an “instant icon.”
He served in countless roles: coach, counselor, teacher, mentor, friend and spiritual guide. His office was never just a room. It was a sanctuary. Students gathered there during lunch or after class, not just for advice, but to be seen, heard and accepted. Fr. Jerry had a gift for making
“You are Loved” | Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
people feel like they belonged. “I just listen with an open heart,” he once said. And that was enough.
Whether officiating weddings, celebrating baptisms, comforting those in grief, or quietly praying in the chapel, Fr. Jerry lived his priesthood as a ministry of presence. He showed up for people, not just when it was convenient, but when it mattered most.
Fr. Jerry truly had a passion for athletics. He helped form leaders on and off the field and court, reminding athletes that their faith and effort should reflect integrity. His impact reached far beyond campus. He stayed in touch with former students, calling them during college and reminding them to thank God for what they had. He kept them grounded. He kept them loved.
Fr. Aaron Engebretson, S.J., deeply influenced by his relationship with Fr. Jerry, asked him to receive his final vows instead of the Father General at a Bellarmine All-School Mass at the beginning of 2025. “Fr. Jerry is the model of what I hope to be as a Jesuit working in secondary education,” Fr. Engebretson said.
His sharp wit, humility and quiet wisdom brought faith to life in a way that felt accessible. He made it okay to have doubts, to pray awkwardly, and to believe deeply. He showed generations of young people that faith wasn’t something to hide. It was something to lean into, especially during life’s hardest moments.
For so many families, he became a spiritual anchor. “He deepened our faith,” said Steph Leverett B’85. “He taught us to count our blessings and to love out loud.”
Today, as we continue to mourn his loss, we hold tightly to the truths he spent his life proclaiming: “God is good. Count your blessings. And above all, you are loved.”
Fr. Jerry’s legacy will live on in every student he encouraged, every Mass he celebrated, and every life he touched. He leaves behind a community formed in love, grounded in faith and strengthened by his witness.
And when he reached the gates of heaven, we can only imagine the words he heard: “Well done, good and faithful servant… come into the place I have prepared for you.” - Vern Harkins B’67
Rest in peace, Fr. Jerry. You are loved and will always be in our hearts. We will never forget you.
“
Fr. Jerry spoke with pride about ‘his’ endowment and its significance in helping students.
-Fr.
Greg Celio, S.J., Jesuit Superior
Thank you for considering a gift to the Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J. Scholarship Endowment, in loving memory of Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
If you would like to make a gift in honor of Fr. Jerry, please visit: www.bellarmineprep.org/FJ-endowment or scan the QR code.
Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J. SCHOLARSHIP
“You are Loved” | Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.
A Life of Service: Timeline
Fr. Gerard “Jerry” Chapdelaine, S.J.
May 27, 1935 | Born in Saint Gérard, Quebec, Canada. Raised in Yakima, Washington.
1953 (Age 18) | Entered into the Society of Jesus.
1966 (Age 31) | Ordained a Jesuit priest and was assigned to the Loyola Renewal Center in Portland, Oregon.
Late 1960s–1980s | Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane, Washington.
1986 | Began his longest and final mission at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma.
1986–2025 | Served at Bellarmine for nearly four decades, in roles such as: teacher, chaplain, coach, mentor, and Jesuit Superior of the Jesuit community. He was known for officiating weddings and baptisms and for walking with students, families and alumni on their spiritual journeys.
2010 | Honored with the Fr. Jerry court in the newly constructed Booster Gym.
April 2022 | Established the Fr. Jerry, Scholarship Endowment to provide tuition assistance.
March 23, 2025 | Passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by love and his Jesuit brother, Fr. Aaron Engebretson, S.J. He was a Jesuit for nearly 72 years and a priest for almost 59 years.
Impact of the Jesuits
Bellarmine was founded as a boys’ high school independent of St. Leo’s Parish by Fr. David McAstocker, S.J., with an enrollment of 150 students.
1930 - The Jesuit residence was created on campus.
1954 - President Fr. Frank Toner, S.J., raised funds and directed the construction of the original Student Center and the addition of three classrooms on either side of the existing gymnasium, now McAstocker Theater (completed in 1957).
1957 - Fr. Jack Sneeringer, S.J., was appointed to serve as finance director.
1958 - Frs. John and David McAstocker, S.J., passed away within six months of each other.
Jesuit Schools | Milestones
1963 - Orton Hall was remodeled and enlarged to provide housing, including a kitchen and dining room, for the growing numbers of Jesuits.
1969 - Fr. Sneeringer and friends began BASH (Building a Scholastic Heritage), which grew into a very successful citywide fundraiser.
1970 - Fr. L. Patrick Carroll, S.J., as president, embarked on the “Forward Now” campaign to raise $800,000 to construct Snyder Hall (a science building) and enlarge the library and Student Center.
1974
Bellarmine became one of the first Jesuit schools in the nation to go coeducational. In that year, St. Leo High School and Aquinas Academy, both girls’ schools, merged with Bellarmine.
1976 - Fr. Daniel Weber, S.J., was named as Bellarmine’s 11th president.
1980 - Fr. Sneeringer passed away after several years of illness.
1985 - Fr. Fred Mayovsky, S.J., came to Bellarmine, joining the math faculty.
1986 - Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J., was appointed to Bellarmine as a counselor and a coach.
2005 - Fr. Weber, Bellarmine’s last Jesuit president, passed away in Spokane, Washington.
2015 - The Jesuit residence in Orton Hall was remodeled from funds raised at the Bellarmine Gala.
2022 - Former President Fr. Carroll passed away in December of 2022.
2025
Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J., beloved priest, coach, mentor, teacher and chaplain, passed away in Tacoma.
JESUIT INFLUENCE
The Jesuit influence in Tacoma and across our region began in 1928. Fr. David McAstocker, S.J., opened the doors of Bellarmine Preparatory School to 150 boys. St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus, inspired Fr. McAstocker’s passion for education. Nearly 100 years later, Bellarmine proudly serves approximately 900 students who come to our campus from more than 70 zip codes.
Bellarmine mirrors the demographics of Tacoma-Pierce County. Bellarmine is coeducational and dedicated to the mission of providing a Catholic, Jesuit education to all who desire to be formed by these values. While I can only imagine what St. Ignatius and Fr. McAstocker might say about the education we provide today, I believe they would be proud that their early work provided Jesuits and lay people the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to deliver Jesuit education.
As a Catholic, Jesuit school, we are committed to preparing students to lead and serve around the world. Bellarmine has and continues to be shaped by Jesuits around the world. Whether on campus or serving in a broader role within the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits have provided a roadmap for leaders in Jesuit schools. The most significant influencer was the world’s first Jesuit pope, Pope Francis. Pope Francis called us to align our decisions, practice Ignatian values and foster a culture of encounter. His influence prompted other Jesuit leaders to reflect and respond to his vision. Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General, another important leader in the Society of Jesus today, recently challenged Jesuit educators to instill the importance of discernment in students. Fr. Sosa asked us to consider an innovative approach to education and to do so through collaboration. He believes that if we remain focused on these principles, we will experience a world where reconciliation and justice are honored.
Bellarmine has been blessed by the Jesuits on our campus. Throughout the years, our Jesuit community modeled for others the importance of commitment to faith, service and education.
In 1984, I met Fr. Dan Weber, S.J., who was serving as president of Bellarmine at the time. Fr. Weber was a true pioneer in Jesuit education. He became president shortly after the merger of Aquinas, St. Leo’s and Bellarmine, creating one of the first co-ed Jesuit schools in the nation and one of the largest private schools in Washington. Fr. Weber guided the school
through challenging times with vision and courage. His deep commitment to Bellarmine, and his willingness to move beyond what was comfortable or expected, embodied the Jesuit value of Magis — “the call to strive for more” in the service of others. We are a stronger school today because of his leadership and unwavering belief in the mission.
Fr. John Fuchs, S.J. B’60, and Fr. Pete Henriot, S.J. B’57, are both alumni of Bellarmine. They served their Jesuit work and returned to their alma mater. Serving out their Jesuit values in transformative ways.
Fr. Pete was the director of the Center of Concern in Washington, D.C. His work focused on the study of and advocacy for social issues. Fr. Pete is a published author. Much of his focus was on socio-economic development and the church’s social teaching. His dedication to social justice is unparalleled. His early motivation came from his roots at Bellarmine. When he returned to Bellarmine, he shared his experiences from his work with our students. It was a very powerful experience to witness this beautiful and humble man model for us the importance of the Jesuit value Agents of Change.
Fr. John continually models for our community the Jesuit value “Men and Women for Others.” Fr. John is a selfless man who humbly serves his community. Whether leading an individual in the Spiritual Exercises or a retreat, his thoughtful approach to prayer and Ignatian Spirituality pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.
Fr. Fred Mayovsky, S.J., has served in the classroom, campus ministry, and has supported the Advancement team in recent years. Fr. Fred’s name is well known in our community. Many of our alumni recall receiving a phone call from Fr. Fred asking them if they had questions about the assigned homework. Both Fr. Fred and the student knew his real purpose of the phone call was a personal connection and some assurance that the students would prioritize their geometry homework. Many of those same families received a phone call from Fr. Fred thanking them for supporting Bellarmine. Fr. Fred wants nothing more than for our students to reach their full potential. His work is a wonderful example of the Jesuit value of “Development of the Whole Person.”
Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J., manifested the Jesuit value of “Cura Personalis” in his daily work with our students and families. Fr. Jerry met students where they were. Then, he thoughtfully engaged and inspired them to rise above adversity and accept themselves for who God intended them to be. His greatest impact was with our student athletes. However, students who never competed at Bellarmine would grace his office for spiritual conversations and the inspiration to move beyond their challenges in the moment.
A Jesuit Reflection | Cindy Davis
Our Jesuit community today looks different from it did in the early 1980s.
Our current Jesuit Superior, Fr. Greg Celio, S.J., leads our Adult Formation program. This program is essential for Bellarmine as we see fewer Jesuits on our campus. Our community across Tacoma and Pierce County has relied on the stability the Jesuits offer. We all desire a deeper understanding of Ignatian Spirituality, so we discern with an open heart and mind. I believe St. Ignatius and Fr. McAstocker would be proud of how the Jesuits have shown our community to search for and find God in all things.
&A Q
The journey of a Jesuit Novice
The personal journey and vocation of Kevin Lee, S.J.
Kevin Lee, S.J., is from Virginia, but has called five states home. After he graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physics, Kevin joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving as the youth minister at Dolores Mission Parish in Los Angeles. Kevin enjoys board games, video games and turning whatever he can find into a percussion instrument. He completed his First Studies at Fordham University. Currently, he is performing his regency as a physics teacher at Bellarmine.
Journey of a Jesuit Novice | Kevin Lee, S.J.
Can you tell us a little about your journey to becoming a Jesuit? What drew you to this vocation? Was there a particular moment when you knew you were called to religious life?
I started to notice God’s gentle nudge on my heart towards religious life in college. I was not always sure that I would even practice my faith. But in my first year of college, I felt something was missing. There was a gap in my heart. This led me to attend church and engage with the Catholic Student Ministry, which helped me understand the Catholic faith and connect with Jesus Christ. The thought of joining religious life would occasionally pop up throughout college, but I often brushed it aside. I was scared of the unknown path that it would lead me down. However, God persisted. He continued to invite me deeper into a relationship with him.
In my third year of college, I went on a mission trip to Honduras for one week and visited some rural villages in the mountains with a group called the Missioners of Christ. The Missioners of Christ talked to the village youth about the importance of taking ownership of their Catholic faith. I could see a fire lit in their young eyes. The hope the Catholic faith brought to these villages also lit a fire in my heart. That was when I knew God was inviting me to religious life. It still took time to let that realization settle within me.
I knew two loves within my heart were given to me by God. First, I love to study God’s creation through math and physics. And second, I love to serve God’s people. As I looked around and continued to discern God’s invitation to religious life, these two loves led me to join the Jesuits.
What has the journey of becoming a Jesuit been like for you?
I have been a Jesuit for six years now. And this journey has been wonderful for me! One of the things that has surprised me most about my formation process is how many amazing people, Jesuits and non-Jesuits, I have met along the way. God has really established a home for me everywhere I have gone. From New York City to Guadalajara to Los Angeles to Tacoma, I feel that I have found close friends everywhere, for which I give thanks to God constantly.
What classes or activities are you involved with at our school?
I have been active in algebra 1, geometry, pre-calculus and physics classrooms, as well as in the ACE. Also, I tutor just about every math and physics class. This year, I was the chair of the Justice Summit about artificial intelligence. I enjoy accompanying students through the beautiful yet challenging world of mathematics, physics and technology. I believe that math and physics are the study of God’s creation. I do my best to convey the sacred nature of our studies to the students.
What do you enjoy most about working with high school students?
High school students bring a lot of energy and are full of so much potential. What I love about working with high school students is accompanying them in realizing their potential. Watching students become more confident in who they are and what they can do is wonderful.
How do you nurture your own spiritual life? What spiritual practice or Jesuit tradition has been most meaningful for you?
Nurturing my spiritual life is not that different from nurturing my relationship with other people. I show up.
Every night, I go to the Jesuit community chapel and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. As I sit there, thoughts of the students, faculty and staff I engaged with that day go through my mind. Often, I feel the love that God has for them. As I think about them, I offer a prayer for them to God. This process is part of my Examen at the end of the day, which is essential to deepening my relationship with Jesus and my vocation as a Jesuit. I review how I can be a better Jesuit, teacher and person with Christ. Some nights it is easier to pray and be with the Lord. And some nights it is hard to stay focused. But I show up.
Deepening our spiritual life does not require long, extended hours in focused prayer. All it requires is showing up and doing our best to be present. God will take care of the rest.
What do you hope students take away from their time at a Jesuit school? How can students live out the Jesuit values in their everyday lives?
I hope that, if nothing else, a student at a Jesuit school takes away the understanding that they are unconditionally loved. Each student is valuable as they are. From this security of love, one can begin safely and confidently challenging themselves to grow. That is what Jesuit spirituality is all about. God loves us more than we can imagine and always will.
The love of God brings us together in one community. We are all striving together to be the best versions of ourselves.
What are your hopes for the future, both personally and as a Jesuit?
Right now, I hope to be a good teacher. I hope to never stop learning different ways of seeing the world to better understand, communicate with and teach my students.
What advice would you give a young person exploring their faith or considering a religious vocation?
Talk to someone you trust about it. Spiritual life is extremely personal, but it is very tricky to navigate alone. Every religious vocation has what is called a spiritual director. This is someone with whom you can explore your relationship with God. Talking about your prayer life with someone else can be very illuminating. Even people who do not plan to enter religious life would benefit from a spiritual director. However, whether you find a formal spiritual director, talking to someone you trust and feel comfortable with is crucial.
During Fr. Fred’s Mass celebrating his 60th anniversary as a Jesuit, he used hula hoops as a creative symbol of his Jesuit journey through the years.
60 YEARS AS A JESUIT
The journey and Jesuit vocation of Fr. Fred Mayovsky,
S.J.
What inspired you to become a Jesuit 60 years ago?
I wanted to serve God by serving the Church. I had an uncle who became a priest in Seattle. Everyone admired and respected him and his efforts. I wanted that type of admiration and respect. I wanted to work in the world. The Jesuits did that. I wanted to work in Alaska. The Jesuits did that. I had sights and goals outside of the Seattle area.
What were the biggest influences on your decision to enter the Society of Jesus?
A longtime friend of my parents, Bill Armstrong. My mom and dad married, but young Bill joined the Jesuits. When I was about 13, my family met the now Fr. Bill Armstrong, S.J., at a wedding he performed. My parents invited him into our home of four kids. I had heard the Holy Names Sisters at the
Celebrating 60 Years | Fr. Fred Mayovsky, S.J.
Immaculate Conception School in Seattle speak of the Jesuits. Now, I had met my first Jesuit priest! A real live legend! That was a growing influence on me as I went through high school at O’Dea.
Where did your Jesuit journey take you before arriving at Bellarmine?
My Jesuit journey took me to so many places before ending up here. I spent two years being a Jesuit novitiate and four years studying at Gonzaga University before spending my two-year regency in Zambia. Then, I came back to study theology in Berkeley and be ordained as a priest. I was missioned again in Zambia for nine more years before coming to Bellarmine.
Are there any particular experiences or communities from those early years that left a lasting impression on you?
The teaching and parish work I did in Zambia set my heart for the work I have been doing here at Bellarmine. I taught the same math there as I taught here. The people skills and parish skills I developed returned to the United States with me. My love for the people of God is a universal experience.
What first brought you to Bellarmine, and what were your initial impressions of the school?
I was really drawn to the computer work of Cam Brown (former Bellarmine faculty member). I loved how open the administration was to my teaching style, and I was so well supported by the parents. They loved that I would leave no student in the dust and call the students in the evening. The students got along with my sense of humor and repetition.
How have you seen Bellarmine grow or change over the years—academically, spiritually or culturally?
During my 40 years at Bellarmine, I have seen a significant change. We have grown from being merely interested in the academic/educational side of all at Bellarmine to emphasizing the spiritual growth of all here – students, faculty and staff. All the employees really care about each other and what is happening in the classroom. Safety is not merely a legal obligation, but a heartfelt experience for the whole person and the entire campus.
What gives you hope for the future of Bellarmine and Jesuit schools more broadly?
My hope for the future of Bellarmine is a continued growth in the spirituality of our students, regardless of their professed religious beliefs. As the beliefs of Bellarmine are instilled in them, their families of today or tomorrow will hold the same values. With these values, they will be making our world a better place.
After 60 years, what continues to bring you joy and purpose in your life as a Jesuit?
Seeing the growth (academic and spiritual) that I have imparted on the people of Bellarmine has made my life and my efforts worthwhile. My advice to all of Bellarmine is to follow your heart and do what you know to be true and just.
This summer, Fr. Fred, is visiting Sacred Heart Jesuit Center (SHJC) to receive care after a medical procedure. In the hills of Los Gatos, SHJC provides a spiritual healing and recovery space for injured, sick and retired Jesuits. The center’s mission is rooted in service and community. Fr. Fred’s impact on the Bellarmine community is indescribable and we are grateful he will receive the best care possible. We wish Fr. Fred all the best in his recovery!
Visit bellarmineprep.org/lions-roar-magazine to view the full story or scan the QR code.
Celebrating 100 Years | Road to the Centennial
CENTENNIAL BELLARMINE’S ROAD TO THE
Road to the Centennial
Bellarmine Preparatory School has officially begun its Road to the Centennial, leading up to our 100 year celebration in 2028. As we reflect on nearly a century of Jesuit education in the South Sound, we’re gathering the stories, memories and milestones that have shaped who we are.
We invite our alumni, families and community members to help us honor this legacy by sharing historical memorabilia, personal stories, or information about important figures in Bellarmine’s history. Whether it’s a treasured photograph, a memorable moment, or a name we shouldn’t forget—your contributions matter!
If you have something to share, please email us at centennial@bellarmineprep.org.
Together, let’s celebrate the people, place and faith that have defined Bellarmine for the past 100 years—and carry that spirit into the next century!
“ Doing God’s will, even when it isn’t what you want, is more important than anything else.
- Fr. John Fuchs, S.J., B’60
Years as a
JESUIT
Fr. John Fuchs, S.J.,B’60, was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington — just three blocks away from St. Patrick Catholic Church. Schooled by the Dominican Sisters and confirmed as an altar server in the fifth grade, he later attended Bellarmine and graduated in 1960. His Jesuit formation began immediately afterward, entering the novitiate and ultimately shaping a life dedicated to faith and service.
Ordained in 1975, Fr. John first served at St. Ignatius Church in Portland, Oregon. He then returned to Jesuit formation as Assistant Novice Director. Later he earned a counseling degree from Boston College. He went on to serve as Novice Director for seven years before becoming the pastor of St. Leo’s Church in Tacoma for nearly a decade. He held leadership roles as Spiritual Formation Director at the Palisades Retreat Center and Superior of the Jesuit community at Bellarmine for nine years.
Today, Fr. Fuchs continues to support Bellarmine and the broader Archdiocese of Seattle through spiritual direction, faculty and staff formation, and ministry. In 2016, he was honored with the St. Robert Bellarmine Award, recognizing his distinguished service to the Church and community in the spirit of Bellarmine’s Jesuit mission.
Fr. John Fuchs, S.J., B’60
How Jesuit Schools Form
People for Others
Not all students are the same. Some thrive on the thrill of sports, others excel in academics, and many bring the world to life through art, leadership or faith. Most embody a unique blend of these gifts, making it nearly impossible to find two identical students. How, then, can a school educate every type of student while helping them discover their place in the world?
For more than 450 years, the Jesuit school model has sought to answer that question. Jesuit schools guide students intellectually, socially, morally and spiritually, with the goal of forming “people for others”—individuals committed to service, learning and faith. At the heart of this model is reflection, always grounded in the context of the world around us.
This approach has grown into the Jesuit Schools Network—the largest network of schools in the world. Across continents and cultures, Jesuit schools share a common mission: to cultivate values that are timeless— openness to growth, intellectual competence, love, commitment to justice, and religious faith. Generations of graduates have carried these values forward into the world. Tradition & Transformation:
A Jesuit Education | 450 years of tradition
In today’s digital age, when distractions are constant and the world is always within reach, Jesuit schools help students reframe modern struggles through a faith-centered lens. They provide the tools to navigate life with clarity, conviction and compassion.
When tradition meets new challenges, friction can arise. The Jesuit schooling model addresses this through the Sponsorship Review—a process of renewal that takes place every six years. Guided by five core domains—Catholic mission and identity, leadership, spiritual formation, educational excellence and commitment to justice—schools engage in honest self-reflection. With the support of educators and Jesuits from their province, each school celebrates strengths, identifies growth areas and deepens its commitment to lifelong learning.
Just as every student is unique, so is every school. Yet Jesuit schools are united by a 450-year tradition—and the strength of the world’s largest educational network—forming students to live as “people for others,” carrying faith, service and justice into the wider world.
Honoring Years 50
Courage, Change and Community
In 1974, Bellarmine Preparatory School stepped boldly into a new era, becoming a coeducational institution through a thoughtful and visionary merger with Aquinas Academy and St. Leo High School - two all-girls Catholic schools in Tacoma. This historic decision followed months of discernment and collaboration among the Jesuits, Dominican Sisters and Franciscan Sisters, who came together with a shared mission: to strengthen Catholic secondary education in the region. Ultimately, Bellarmine’s expansive campus was chosen as the home for this new unified school, launching a vibrant, co-ed learning community deeply rooted in Catholic values. At the heart of this transformation was the Class of 1975—the first coeducational graduating class in Bellarmine’s history.
Change is never clear-cut, but the Class of 1975 persevered through the chaos. Erin Wilson B’75 notes, “We had a unique perspective to observe students, faculty and staff come from different schools and mesh into the new Bellarmine Prep. It was chaotic at times and a lot of fun. Too bad our class had only one year together.”
Ed Ploof B’75 fondly remembers the student body navigating change with resilience and grace, helping forge a spirit of unity during a time of transition and possibility. He reflects, “The decision to merge the three schools was difficult for all three student bodies to hear towards the end of their junior year - especially for the girls, whose schools were actually closing, and their entire educational environment was going to change. It would have been easy for everyone to focus on the disappointment as we entered the school year, but we all moved forward, created new traditions, and made new friends. There were certainly some bumps in the road, but we had a great senior year, and our willingness to move forward really set the stage for Bellarmine’s coeducational future.”
Today, the legacy of the Class of 1975 continues to shape the Bellarmine experience. Their story is one of collaboration, inclusion and a deep commitment to forming young people to lead lives of faith, purpose and service. We joyfully mark their 50th reunion this year and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bellarmine becoming co-ed!
Spotlight | Class of 1975
Class of 1975
The members of the Class of 1975 were trailblazers.
ALUMNI spotlight
Bellarmine’s alumni are the heartbeat of our school, and we couldn’t accomplish all that we do without their incredible support.
This past school year, we proudly spotlighted numerous alumni and will continue highlighting how our graduates are pursing their passions and shaping the world.
To explore our Alumni Spotlights, visit bellarmineprep.org/alumni.
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, and to spend myself without reserve, as I endeavor to do your will.
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
As we reflect on the past year at Bellarmine, we celebrate a community energized by growth, purpose, and a deep commitment to excellence.
Guided by our Jesuit mission to form students as men and women for and with others, this year has shined with exploration, meaningful, service and dynamic co-curricular engagement. Whether on the field, on the stage, or out in the community, our students have shown what it means to lead with heart and live with purpose.
On the Rise, Called to
Service & Global Engagement
• Students led and participated in service projects, including the Lions vs. Hunger Food Drive, a partnership with L’Arche, and the cultivation and donation of produce to local food banks—supported by a tribal grant.
• Students traveled on service trips with Courts for Kids to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, and on cultural immersion and language trips to Colombia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
Athletics
• Celebrated strong athletic seasons with multiple teams placing Top 10 at the state level, including:
Boys Basketball
Boys Golf
Girls Golf
Girls Tennis
• Strong first year in the newly formed Puget Sound League.
• 17 teams competed at the statetournament level. Clinched three West Central District championships.
• Earned two League Champion titles. Student Spotlight | On the Rise. Called to Lead.
LIONS LEAD
The Arts
• The Drama Department hosted three productions: a fall play, spring musical, and DramaFest, featuring one-act, student-created plays.
• The Art Department held the Spring Art Show.
• Bellarmine was represented at the WIAA State Solo and Ensemble competition and at the 2025 All-State Orchestra event.
• The student jazz combo recorded at a KNKX School of Jazz studio session.
• Bellarmine Jazz 1 took second place in their division at the annual Commencement Bay Jazz Festival at Fife High School.
Student Enrichment and Recognition
• Robotics Team competed at Worlds, representing Bellarmine on a global stage.
• Model UN Team earned awards at regional and national competitions, including earning a record eight awards at the Chicago conference.
• Model UN Program hosted the 2025 annual BellarMUN Conference for nearly 100 middle school students.
• Knowledge Bowl finished in 2nd place in the 3A Division at their year-end tournament.
Prepared for College, Career and Life
Bellarmine blends the best of a liberal arts education with real-world experiences, global awareness and Ignatian values.
This spring, Bellarmine piloted the IDEA Student Internship program rooted in Jesuit values and our mission to form students of competence, conscience and compassion. Juniors stepped off campus and into the working world, gaining real-world experience, professional skills and greater insight into their future goals.
Students interned in diverse fields—from healthcare and law to design and engineering—and 100% reported gaining valuable insight into their future
paths. Some confirmed career goals, while others discovered new directions through honest reflection. One student shared, “I realized dentistry wasn’t my path, but I found passion in healthcare systems and ethics.”
Employers praised the students for their curiosity and professionalism. In turn, students returned to campus with a deeper sense of purpose—more confident in who they are, more equipped with real-world skills and more inspired to pursue meaningful futures. Energized by the success of this pilot program, Bellarmine is excited to expand internship opportunities next year, continuing to connect classroom learning with the call to lead and serve in the world.
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
— Frederick Buechner
Tuition Assistance Saturday, February 28, 2026
For sponsorship and donations opportunities, contact
G Alvarado
G Alvarado B’20 is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans writing, poetry, animation, filmmaking, music and photography. Of Sicilian and Colombian descent, G says his multicultural background—along with early influences like jazz, classic films and baseball—helped shape his distinctive creative voice.
At Bellarmine, G was deeply involved in student life. He served as Eucharistic minister, Student Senate ASB member, and retreat leader for Pilgrimage, Encounter, and Sophomore Retreats. He also contributed to events like the Gala and Open House, participated in diversity and leadership conferences and supported incoming students through Link Crew. He was honored with the 2018 110% award, 2019 Grad at Grad Committed to Doing Justice, the Mr. Bellarmine award and class speaker upon graduation.
Today, G continues building a dynamic and imaginative portfolio, using his many talents to tell stories that resonate across cultures and mediums. We’re proud to highlight his journey, in his words, in this month’s Alumni Spotlight.
Introduction
Like many things in life, there is no uniform, straightforward path. Through every journey, it is important to remember the core pillars of your heart, mind, spirit and life that help support and ground you through the good and the bad.
Alumni Spotlight
Our Jesuit education teaches us that this care for the whole self is vital, not only in high school but as a way of life. We never stop learning and pushing ourselves, even in things we may not understand. You will never know until you try; the only way to do that is simply to begin. This can sometimes be the hardest step. Yet, many Lions need to remember that the community we are a part of supports those starting steps in many ways – ways I am very grateful for.
I highly encourage current Lions to embrace and reflect on their lives beyond the classroom today. Question and apply what you have learned to push yourselves to grow and help make the world better. Below, I have shared a few of the avenues I have explored in doing so. I hope to be a light towards creating the world we want to see for the greater glory of God.
Writing, Film, and Animation
At a very young age, I began writing poetry and teaching myself traditional 2D animation with my cartoons “Red and Blue.” By the time I was in my freshman year at Bellarmine, I had won poetry competitions and had begun animating my first short film based on one of my children’s books, “Mr. Happ-E.” Every day after class and baseball, I would hand-draw traditional animation, edit scripts and compose music. My teachers started seeing some of the gifts I am grateful for and blessed to receive. They began helping me refine them.
As a student receiving assistance, I wasn’t sure about Bellarmine at first. However, what transpired next was pivotal—my teachers immediately saw what I could become. They not only cared deeply about me and my education, but also recognized my desire to use my gifts to help others. A notion we carry in our AMDG that resonated deeply with me. I was invited to help create the Bellarmine Gala video and help others like me receive this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend our school. With great pride, our fundraising video did well, and I am always so happy to see fellow Lions showing up and supporting our community.
Then, I began wrapping up my film production of “Mr. Happ-E,” which received recognition in film festivals worldwide upon my graduation. This came just in time for a global pandemic in 2020. The world was showing us again that it never stops changing.
I began innovating new rotoscoping techniques to allow myself to perform alongside jazz legend Nat King Cole. Growing up in a diverse household with great influence from Sicilian and Colombian cultures, I was pushed to learn not only our culture but also American culture. This led to baseball on the radio and jazz legends on the record player, which helped me learn English. I wanted to pay my respects to them. I have continued innovating and developing this effect in my most recent production, utilizing advanced tracking, called “Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, & G Alvarado The Oldest Established.”
Currently, I have a few special projects in the pipeline, including a written piece celebrating our very own FJ (Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, S.J.). I would share test animations with him in his office. He was always encouraging, no matter how small they were. On deck, I am working on some standalone animations based on my other children’s stories with original musical scores.
Performances
While not animating cartoons for the silver screen, I have also had the great opportunity to perform on stage for audiences! While growing up learning English from jazz legends, I would also learn to dance from classic movies. My family would do this so I could establish quick feet, both for my competitive baseball and getting out of their way in the kitchen. They soon got me on stage performing tap dance, doing sleight of hand magic, playing saxophone and singing jazz numbers. At Bellarmine, I performed in gigs around the Sound while playing baseball.
I’ve also performed in theatrical productions, including leads at Tacoma Musical Playhouse in “Singin’ in the Rain” (Cosmo) and “Mary Poppins” (Bert).
I strongly encourage fellow Lions to cultivated the arts, athletics and academics, as each enriches and strengthens the others.
Visit bellarmineprep.org/lions-roar-magazine to view the full story or scan the QR code.
2025HALL of FAME
September 25, 2025
Booster Gym, St. Ignatius Loyola Center
SNEERINGER AWARD
Chuck Johnston
COACHES
Mark Bender | Girls Golf
Jan Oleja | Girls Tennis
Jan Theissen | Girls Tennis
Joe Waters | Soccer
TEAMS
1977 - 1978 | Football
1989 - 1992 | Girls Tennis
2003 - 2005 | Girls Golf
2004 | Boys Soccer
ATHLETES - MEN
Casey Calvary B’97 | Basketball
Tom Larsen B’74 | Football, Track
Mike Miller B’94 | Football, Basketball
Bob O’Connor B’79 | Football
Kevin O’Connor B’83 | Football, Track
ATHLETES - WOMEN
Kim Butler B’01 | Soccer, Basketball, Track
Mindy Cordry B’83 | Volleyball, Softball
Bri Felnagle B’05 | Cross Country, Track
Susan Lenth B’85 | Swimming (Foss)
Megan Spriestersbach B’99 | Soccer, Basketball
For more details and to register scan the QR code.
GROWING with
God and Others
1. Homecoming Football Game 2. Bellarmine’s Women of Impact panel
Ignatian Community Evening
Festival of Trees, Tinsel on the Town
Booster Crab Feed
Catholic Woman’s Club
Bellarmine visit to Gonzaga University
Fulcrum Celebration of Light
Seattle Alumni City Visit
10. Seattle Nativity School Luncheon 11. Bellarmine Gala 12. Tim Pavolka B’76, 2025 St. Robert Bellarmine Award Recipient
JVC NW Benefit Dinner
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Rotary Club meeting hosted at Bellarmine
Tacoma Athletic Commission Golf Tournament 17. Michelle Kokich, De Thomas Volunteer of the Year award recipient
BEST OFTacoma
In 2024, Bellarmine was honored as Best Private School in the Tacoma News Tribune’s Best of Pierce County contest and as Best School in Showcase Magazine’s Best of Edition.
In 2025, Bellarmine once again received recognition as Best School from Showcase Magazine and was named Best Private School in South Sound Magazine’s Best of the South Sound contest.
We are grateful to our community for their continued support and for voting Bellarmine among the very best.
Greer Unruh Todhunter B’07 and Bridget Nuno B’03 at Showcase Magazine’s “Best of” Event.
Bellarmine Preparatory School
2300 S. Washington Street Tacoma, WA 98404-1304
