DEDICATED SERVICE TO LOUGHLIN RECOGNIZING OUR RETIREES This past year was especially painful for the school and its retirees because we lost one too early and we were unable to celebrate and publicly recognize these admired Loughlin faculty and staff members. These four inspired, shaped, and supported many thousands of young lives throughout their remarkable careers, leaving an indelible print in the hearts and minds of SO many! They will all be sorely missed. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, integrity, love, and support! Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.
MR. BASIL BLISS came to Loughlin in 2004 and taught Global History. Two years later he was appointed Chair of the Theology Department and in 2011 he became the National Honor Society Moderator — a placement he was very proud of. As a master orator he prepared his students for their speeches concentrating on pronunciation, diction, projection, and delivery. A non-Catholic until his second year at Fordham University, he was “led down a different path” and converted to Catholicism. Later, he was ordained as a Deacon within the Diocese of Rockville Center. A calling that was simple for him as his nature to serve is so evident. Deacon Bliss was a devout Catholic and understood the value of service and instilled that in his students — he preached it, lived it, and exemplified it every day. Everything he did came down to service. “Students recognize and are moved, they’re touched by listening to someone preach, they know and feel that you are a religious person, and that can make all the difference!” For 29 years, he loved Bishop Loughlin — you literally couldn’t get him out of the building! He enjoyed working with Beverly Madar in the Theology Department and all the department chairs. He loved watching his students grow and develop — learning to be who they are, who they want to be, and who they were meant to be. He once said, “It’s a magnificent thing!” Deacon Bliss was the designated cook at all the Loughlin retreats he attended. Campus Ministry Director Mr. Foley says, “he took over the entire operation so everyone could get back to retreating and get the most from their time together.” He did all the shopping (clipping coupons and finding the best bargains), planning, and meal prep. He cooked, set and cleared the table, washed the dishes, and would even scrub the floors! He enjoyed and took pride in nourishing people — it was like “serving the bread of life.”
Mr. Bliss was known for his hearty laugh; his students referred to him as their very own “James Earl Jones”! He enjoyed crossword puzzles, cigars, and golfing. He was usually the first on campus, opening the gates with Mrs. Van Velson (his morning buddy), even tending to snow removal if necessary. He loved snipping and collecting anything that said “Bliss” and would hang his findings behind his desk. Unfortunately, these words are more poignant now than when they were penned. Basil was diagnosed with cancer in July, and sadly passed away on November 27. Our heartfelt sympathies go to his wife Kathy and their two sons P.J. and Jeff. We will miss you Mr. Bliss!
JOHN KLEMM ‘65 was wisely hired in 1996 as the perfect person to lead a newly formed Development Office at Loughlin by Br. James Bonilla, FSC. Brother James was delighted that an alum would be heading the development team. Mr. Klemm worked tirelessly to procure funds, with the assistance of amazing alumni contributions and donations for major/capital upgrades. He and his teams throughout the years are credited with accomplishing (just to mention a few) the renovations of our athletic facilities, the fitness center, the Lion Lancer Golf Outing, the restoration of our outdoor track, the dance studio, the Lancer Music Studio, the Cozzi-Murray Performing Arts Center, and refurbishing the auditorium. At the start of his tenure, Loughlin raised about $125,000 in annual contributions. Today, the Advancement Office raises nearly two million dollars each year, in addition to previously established endowed scholarship funds. A significant part of our overall success is participation from St. Augustine alumni and Bishop McDonnell alumnae. John established both the St. Augustine and Bishop McDonnell alumni associations. - con’t on next page
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