Kurt D. Engelhardt ’78 Named Alumnus of the Year

Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt ‘78 was recently selected to be the 2023 Alumnus of the Year. Judge Engelhardt is a Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The celebration kicked off with the Ladies Lunch at Ralph’s on the Park where Ann Engelhardt, Kurt’s wife, was honored and welcomed by the wives of past recipients. Saturday began with the Gentlemen’s Breakfast at the Southern Yacht Club. Later, Fr. Andrew Sanchez ’03 celebrated the Mass in the James B. Branton Chapel.

Sunday, Kurt was officially presented with the award at a luncheon at the Audubon Tea Room. Brother Martin Board of Directors Chairman David Gallo ’77, President Greg Rando ’77, Principal Ryan Gallagher ’00, and 2022 Alumnus of the Year Recipient Kriag de Lanzac ’86 presented the award. After an introduction of Kurt, Mr. Rando pleasantly surprised him by having members of the Brother Martin Crusader Band process in as they played Mardi Gras music and the Brother Martin fight song. Kurt, a former Drum Major and active supporter of the band, was amazed and overwhelmed.

During his acceptance speech, Kurt thanked his family, his mentors and teachers, and his friends and colleagues. He beamed with pride and stated how proud he was to be a Brother Martin Crusader. His speech was emotional and motivational. He stated, “We need Brother Martin High School now more than ever.” His joy and enthusiasm lifted the spirit of the entire room.

Kurt was joined by his wife Ann, his mother, brother Dr. Tod Engelhardt ’76, friends, extended family, and classmates.

classmates

In his student address, 45 Years after his graduation, Judge Engelhardt stated, “We need

Brother Martin High School

Alumnus of the Year Recipients

1972 - George F. Reinecke, Ph.D. ’40

1973 - Gregory R. Choppin, Ph.D. ’44

1974 - Monsignor Henry C. Bezou ’29

1975 - Thomas M. Gilmore ’40

1976 - Bishop Stanley J. Ott ’44

1977 - Elmo J. Cerise, M.D. ’37

1978 - Joseph A. Gemelli, Jr. ’33

1979 - Buford F. Jones ’43

1980 - Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. ’49

1981 - Herman J. Prager, Jr. ’42

1982 - Albert E. Briede III ’40

1983 - Jerome J. Reso, Jr. ’55

1984 - Judge Philip C. Ciaccio ’43

1985 - Francis J. Demarest, Jr. ’47

1986 - Tom M. Benson, Jr. ’44

1987 - Larry D. Delpit ’48

1988 - Thomas F. Ridgley ’51

1989 - William R. Hogan, Jr. ’37

1990 - Ronald S. Paulin ’58 CJ

1991 - Judge Robert J. Burns, Sr. ’62 SA

1992 - Sidney J. Reso ’52

1993 - August R. Gallo, Jr. ’53

1994 - Judge Terry Q. Alarcon ’66 SA

1995 - Sidney F. Lambert, Jr. ’64 CJ

1996 - Gary B. Froeba ’71

1997 - G. Thomas Porteous, Jr. ’64 CJ

1998 - Robert C. Clark, Ph.D., J.D. ’62 CJ

1999 - Charles P. O’Brien, M.D., Ph.D. ’58 SA

2000 - John J. Gelpi, Jr. ’52

2001 - Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond ’67 CJ

2002 - Roland H. Meyer ’45

2003 - A. E. “Ed” Holmes ’52

2004 - Joseph N. Macaluso, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. ’71

2005 - David T. Branton ’76

2006 - David D. Dunlap ’79

2007 - William E. Engel ’66 SA

2008 - Brian M. Barkemeyer, M.D. ’79

2009 - David M. Glaviano ’73

2010 - David R. Gallo ’77

2011 - Charles P. Stall ’76

2012 - Terence R. Flotte, M.D. ’79

2013 - Michael J. Kimble ’81

2014 - Joseph S. Exnicios ’73

2015 - Henry L. Eiserloh III, M.D. ’84

2016 - Roderick K. West ’86

2017 - David G. Trepagnier, Sr. ’83

2018 - Joseph J. Caruso, Jr. ’79

2019 - Milton M. Dureau, Jr. 69 CJ

2020 - J. Donald Garvey ’50

2021 - Lawrence C. Gibbs ’65 CJ

2022 - Kraig S. de Lanzac, M.D., FASA ’86

The Brother Martin community gathered for Homecoming festivities in early October. Alumni participated in tailgating and alumni activities, watched the crowning of our 2022 Homecoming Queen, and cheered the Crusader Football Team to victory as they defeated the Jesuit Blue Jays.

The Tailgate featured jambalaya prepared and served by our Culinary Crusaders under the direction of Donnie Midkiff ’03 and Tina LaBeaud. Alumni, families, and friends enjoyed Coca-Cola refreshments while dining on a large variety of selections. Pat Barbaro ’85 provided music, and Chris Alley ’08 served as emcee.

Before heading into the stadium, the Homecoming Court was introduced with their student escorts, and our Cheerleaders, NJROTC Rifle Team, Crusader Band, and Alumni Band entertained guests with special performances.

Serving as honorary captains for the game were the 1972 football team captains Darryl Brue ’73, Henry Nuss, Jr. ’73, and Marc Robert ’73. The Alumni Band played the Brother Martin Fight Song as the crowd showed appreciation.

During halftime, Miss Ava Delahoussaye was crowned the 2022 Homecoming Queen, and Alumni Board President Milton Dureau ’69 CJ presented her crown. Scott Delahoussaye ’89, Kip Fay ’92, Arturo Garcia ’21, Scott Pays ’93, David Trepagnier, Jr. ’14, Trent Kropog ’08, and Billy Davis ’88 served as alumni escorts. After the Crusader victory, alumni and guests continued the celebration at the annual Lettermen Reunion at Francesca’s by Katie’s.