Brebeuf Jesuit Bylines - Fall 2017 - Portrait of a Graduate

BYLINES T H E M A G A Z I N E OF BR E BE U F J E S U I T P R E PA R ATORY S C H O OL , I N D I A N A P OL I S | FA L L 2 0 1 7

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In the summer of 2017, Josh Lebherz interviewed 21 Brebeuf graduates—learning about their careers, recording their high school memories and discovering the impact that Brebeuf had on their lives.

Traveling across the country, he had something in common with the bullpen catcher for the Yankees, the Marianist Sister in Dayton, the NASA engineer in Houston, the R&B musician in LA and all the others. As a 1993 graduate, Josh also lived the Brebeuf experience.

Now an Indianapolis-based photographer, producer, and location scout, Josh reconnected with Brebeuf in 2013 when asked by the producers of NBC’s Parks and Recreation for an establishing shot of students going to a high school sporting event. Thinking of his alma mater, he got permission from the school to shoot the footage, and he has been telling the stories of Brebeuf Jesuit ever since.

“We’ve done things that are meaningful, that cause an emotional reaction, and that’s not something I typically do in my work as a location scout or production supervisor. Here, I get to do projects that touch people personally, and that means a lot to me.”

For Josh and all those connected with Brebeuf since 1962, the meaning reflected in these pages—the Portrait of a Graduate—is of shared experience and pride in community. While the paths leading from Brebeuf fan out in many directions, there are common threads in the foundation that is men and women for others.

Josh Lebherz Photographer, Producer, Location Scout Class of 1993

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HOPE IN “GOD’S COUNTRY” “I went on a mission trip to Haiti after the earthquake, and that was it. God changed everything. My heart was broken, but in a way that opened me up to the country. I knew then that I wanted the ‘every day of what I do’ to have a bigger impact.”

With a degree in industrial engineering, Jiesha Perkins has spent the past four years using her technical skills to administer procurement, purchasing and fleet management for World Vision International’s four offices in Haiti. The global Christian humanitarian organization helps children, families and communities reach their full potential by addressing poverty and injustice.

“My favorite part is being surrounded by beauty. From the images on TV, a lot of people will say to me, ‘What are you talking about? There’s poverty, destruction and trash everywhere,’ but the natural beauty of Haiti – the mountains and the ocean – will just sweep you away. I never knew what the phrase ‘God’s country’ meant until now.”

Jiesha Perkins Head of Supply Chain World Vision International, Haiti Class of 2000

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NO REGRETS “What’s most rewarding is that we’ve been able to maintain a family business, grow it into a significant corporation, and with that comes responsibility for 135 families. We made the decision that we’re not for sale – and that’s not just because my son and daughter joined the company –it’s for the other 133 people who’ve also made the commitment.”

After serving two tours in the United States Air Force during the war in Southeast Asia, Wally Brant was just weeks away from discharge when he got a call from his dad. He’d received an offer on the family business and wanted to know if Wally had any interest.

“I was in Guam – halfway around the world – and flew home.

After three days talking with my dad, taking over for him seemed like something I really wanted to do, and I’ve never regretted that decision.”

Wally Brant CEO, Indiana Oxygen Class of 1967

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HEAD OF THE CLASS “I never thought about opening a school. That was a crazy idea to me. But I didn’t see a school on the far east side of Indianapolis that was defining what’s possible for kids.”

While working with Teach for America, Megan Murphy was introduced to Building Excellent Schools, a non-profit fellowship that recruits leaders to start high-performing charter schools in urban areas. Intrigued and inspired, she spent a year traveling the country, looking “under the hood” of successful charter schools. In 2017, she opened Circle City Prep, a college-preparatory school for inner-city children.

“When I started teaching, I became grounded in the power of quality education and what it can do to change the lives of children and families. I’ll be doing this the rest of my life.”

Megan Murphy Founder and Head of School Circle City Preparatory Charter School Class of 2004

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FAMILY TIES “I describe family businesses as complex, nuanced and rich. You take all the challenges of a normal business and then you add the layer of family dynamics and relationships. Some days you want to pull your hair out and then other days you just love that there’s meaning in what you’re doing.”

Referring to his father as a “classic entrepreneur who never says ‘no,’” Stanley Chen is chief executive of the company his parents founded more than 30 years ago. Today, Telamon provides the telecommunications backbone for the mobile networks of AT&T and Verizon and also specializes in solutions for industrial assembly and business process outsourcing.

“I was planning to go to law school, but then decided to come back to Telamon and try it out, never thinking I would stay.

I ended up loving it, and after earning a degree at Stanford Business School, I came back and have been here ever since.”

Stanley Chen CEO, Telamon Corporation Class of 1998

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IN SERVICE TO COUNTRY The commitment to serve manifests itself in countless ways. Defending freedom and democracy in the U.S. military requires dedication and sacrifice shared by these three Brebeuf graduates and other alumni who have served in the armed forces.

“In addition to service, I wanted to join the Army because it’s about managing and taking care of people. There’s also a lot of responsibility as an officer, too. In charge of the lives of 40 individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life, it’s my job to ensure they have every opportunity to excel.” – Fisher “You have people that look up to you, and you can’t let them down.

The number one priority for me, and I think for all officers, is to just take care of your people and make sure whatever your team is doing is done the right way.” – Kite “Something I’ve seen at the Academy that goes along with what I learned at Brebeuf is a sense of care for the community around us. We do a lot for Annapolis, that neighbors our campus. Getting out there and helping others is important and creates really strong connections.” – Rivera

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Mark Kite Acquisitions Officer U.S. Air Force Class of 2013

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Mick Rivera Midshipman U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2015

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LIVING FOR OTHERS “There were moments I thought, ‘I think this is what I’m called to do.’ Then there were moments I wasn’t so sure. Once I started living it, exploring my questions and meeting more people, it just felt right.”

A friend at the University of Dayton introduced Gabrielle Bibeau to the Marianist Sisters, who lived just off campus.

Nudged by her strong faith, she spent time getting to know them. A couple years after graduation, still carrying a curiosity and desire to explore religious life, she returned to Dayton and the Marianist congregation. She took her first vows in May 2017.

“I don’t know if being a man or woman for others means something different to me now. I think I integrate it better into my life now. It’s a big part of my vocation. How can I be a person who really lives for other people?”

Sister Gabrielle Bibeau, FMI Graduate Assistant in Theology and Marianist Studies North American Center for Marianist Studies Class of 2007

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FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC “Wherever you move, whether it’s New York or LA, don’t lose sight of why you went there. It’s easy to do, especially if you get a good job and start doing alright, sometimes you lose focus. Don’t forget why you’re there.”

Ryan McDaniel admits he hated piano lessons as a young boy.

It wasn’t until high school when he started playing alone in the school’s music room – and drawing a crowd – that he began to love music.

“By day I go to work and do what I have to do, and by night, my focus is music; whether I’m performing or writing. You have to find time to do what you’re passionate about.”

Ryan McDaniel University Recruiter, Snapchat Recording Artist Class of 2007

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ANSWERING THE CALL “I got a degree in finance and after working in business for a couple of years realized I wasn’t happy. I decided to try and make my childhood dream come true, and I was lucky enough for it to happen.”

Ever since he can remember, Matt DeRyckere wanted to be a firefighter. Pushing the childhood fantasy aside, he went to high school and college planning for a career in business.

Today, he’s answering the call in service to the community.

“There’s the camaraderie of working together as a team and being able to help people. I wanted to wake up in the morning excited to go to work, and now I do.”

Matt DeRyckere Firefighter/EMT Carmel Fire Department Class of 2008

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BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS “The idea for my book grew out of my personal experiences getting to know people who are Muslim and learning about their religion. My thesis is how our relationship with God as Christians and as Catholics can be enriched by our dialogue with Muslims.”

Jordan Denari Duffner works to improve understanding among people of different religions and cultures and break down the stereotypes that fuel prejudice and discrimination.

Her upcoming book addresses themes she has uncovered in her research of Islamophobia and is entitled, “Finding Jesus Among Muslims: How Loving Islam Makes Me a Better Catholic.”

“One lesson I learned at Brebeuf is that our faith compels us to stand up for other people – for the marginalized. That was a thread I saw running through so much of the work students and teachers were doing, whether it was social justice causes championed by students or just the care, concern and compassion of the teachers.”

Jordan Denari Duffner Author, PhD student in Theology Georgetown University Class of 2009

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PREPARED FOR SUCCESS “The most rewarding part is hiring coaches who believe we can have a lot of success; that we have a commodity that hasn’t been polished yet; and that we’ll grow and get better. We’re going to surprise people, and we’re going to make an impact.”

After years in professional baseball as a player, scout and front office executive, Sherard Clinkscales believes success is only possible with the right mindset. He’s proving that now as a college athletic director. Showing how mindset can motivate, he’s also co-founded a group that prepares college athletes for transition to the business world. He inspires others to be prepared because he knows the benefits.

“I didn’t know how much Brebeuf helped me until I got out there and realized how prepared I was to take on the challenges I had in college and in life.”

Sherard Clinkscales Director of Athletics Indiana State University Class of 1989

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CATCHING A BIG-LEAGUE DREAM “The first person I met when I walked in to sign my contract was Derek Jeter. He could tell I was new, and he looked over at me and said, ‘Hey new guy. I’m Derek Jeter.’ And I said, ‘I’m Radley Haddad. I know who you are.’ He came over and shook my hand, and from there I was a member of the Yankee family.”

When playing baseball for standout Western Carolina University didn’t work out as he’d hoped, Radley Haddad transferred to Butler University in 2010 to focus on academics.

As a member of Butler’s baseball team, he played in every game, and major league scouts took notice. After four years in the minor leagues, he signed with the New York Yankees in 2013 and today, he’s the team’s bullpen catcher.

“My plan is to learn as much as I can and get into coaching or managing. Obviously, you don’t want to give up being in Yankee Stadium, so I’m enjoying every day and applying what I’ve learned along the way to be the best man I can be.”

Radley Haddad Bullpen Catcher New York Yankees Class of 2008

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BREAKING NEWS “My second day on the job in Washington was 9/11. I was pulling into the parking lot, listening to news radio, and they announced a plane had hit the Pentagon. I came in, and my news director said, ‘Yancy, your week of getting to know the ropes around here is over. Get in a truck with a photographer, and go to the Pentagon.’”

Reporting live that night from the Pentagon, Shawn Yancy embarked on what she describes as the most emotional week of her career.

“I love breaking news when there are no scripts, and we’re just talking. It was a horrible day, but a great moment to be a journalist.”

Shawn Yancy News Anchor WTTG-TV FOX5 DC Class of 1988

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BEYOND BOUNDARIES “I get to enable human space flight every day. Dealing with schedules and budgets all pales in comparison when you think about what we’re trying to accomplish – putting men and women in space – expanding the human frontier.”

For Scott Stokes, learning what it takes to be a flight controller on more than 25 NASA space shuttle missions started with a love of science, an interest in space and a discovery he made in high school.

“I realized that someone who likes to take things apart, put them back together and solve problems is an engineer.

It inspired me to pursue that field.”

Scott Stokes Technical Area Lead Exploration Systems Branch Spaceflight Systems Division NASA Johnson Space Center Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT, Inc.) Class of 1993

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WHAT IT TAKES “Wall Street is very competitive, but it’s also a place that rewards people who put their head down, work hard and are humble.

You’ll find people with similar backgrounds to Brebeuf fit that mold well and are successful when they come here.”

In 2004, Tripp Smith co-founded GSO Capital Partners, which today, as the global credit investment platform of Blackstone, manages nearly $100 billion in assets and is one of the largest alternative finance managers in the world.

“I think the Jesuits have an approach to education that’s unique; it truly works. You see firsthand how the approach really solidifies you for the future.”

Tripp Smith Senior Managing Director and Co-founder GSO Capital Partners Class of 1983

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THE LAW AND LIFE “The rewarding part for me is really the people I get to work with. Not just the lawyers, but the staff and our clients, everyone. That’s the thing I look forward to every day.”

Specializing in occupational safety and health law, Greg Dale is one of only a handful of lawyers nationwide practicing in the field. He’s managing editor of the American Bar Association’s treatise on Occupational Safety and Health Law, published by Bloomberg BNA. He also served as legal counsel for Brebeuf for more than 20 years.

“You’re defined, not so much by what you do for yourself or those in your circle, but by the things you do because it’s serving someone who may be dealing with a whole different set of challenges.”

Greg Dale Partner Faegre Baker Daniels Class of 1978

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CHERISHED LEGACY Spanning two generations, the Hawkins family has been a part of Brebeuf for more than three decades. And while there have been changes through the years, William Hawkins and his three children share a high school experience grounded in the values that are uniquely Brebeuf. The school is proud of its legacy families—and the bonds formed when parents and their children carry on the tradition.

“Many of the teachers that taught me have also taught my children. I rejoice in those relationships with Brebeuf ’s teachers and staff. They’re special people.” – William “What I took away from Brebeuf was the importance of just living your passion. Doing something that you really enjoy in life.” – Amber “When I first came to Brebeuf, I saw how much harder I had to work to get good grades, and I was also playing varsity basketball. Learning how to do that has taught me to make sure I’m using all my tools and resources to succeed.” – Tyler “Something that makes Brebeuf unique from other high schools are the academic advisors…they truly care about you and where you are going next after Brebeuf.”– Jade

William M. Hawkins, II (Pedo) Director, Off Highway & Hybrid Electric Drives Operations Allison Transmission Class of 1977

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Amber Lamkin Wedding Planner and Teacher Blush and Blossom Events and MSD of Washington Township Class of 2002

Tyler Hawkins Department Manager Costco Wholesale Class of 2009

Jade Hawkins Marketing Materials Coordinator SGI Class of 2011

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