46th ANNUAL
Saluting
Thank You to the Sponsors of Our 100 Years of Father Ryan Celebration
1925 SPONSOR
IRISH SPONSORS
BISHOP SMITH SPONSORS
Dear Legacy Gala Guests,
Welcome to a celebration of 100 Years of our Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service; 100 Years of Catholic Education; and 100 Years of Father Ryan High School. It is with great respect and honor for those who came before us that we celebrate 100 years of our strong legacy.
Whether you are joining us tonight as a Father Ryan graduate, a parent, a grandparent, a faculty or staff member, a community member, or a friend of Father Ryan— welcome home. We are here to celebrate you and the impact of every member of the Father Ryan High School community over the last century.
Tonight, we honor those who had the strength and courage to make the right and just decisions throughout Father Ryan’s history to ensure we would still be here 100 years after our founding. It is my hope that future generations will be able to celebrate the next 100 years of our history because of the impact of the people here tonight.
Because of you, Father Ryan continues to live out our mission to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential every day.
With my deepest gratitude to the volunteers, the Advancement Team, and the Legacy Gala co-chairs for their outstanding work, and to all of you who are here to celebrate a story that started 100 years ago in 1925, I welcome you to our 46th Annual Legacy Gala. We are honored to celebrate 100 Years of Father Ryan High School and look forward to building upon this foundation for the next 100 years.
Sincerely,
Paul Davis ’81 President
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
1925 SPONSOR
Athens Distributing Company of Tennessee
IRISH SPONSORS
Choate ConstructionHunt Brothers Pizza
BISHOP SMITH SPONSORS
Chief Rental
Compass Real Estate- Brittney (Testerman) Griffith ’03
Diocese of Nashville
First Horizon Foundation
Star Physical Therapy / Nashville Knee and Shoulder tpmbLAW
LEADERSHIP SPONSORS
Western Express
LSI-Landscape Services, Inc.NOVATECH
PURPLE SPONSOR
CMS Nashville Linda and David ’66 Bohan
WHITE SPONSORS
413 Solution
BancCard
Benchmark Realty - Patricia (Bumpus) Vance ’82
The Bumpus Family
Burgundy Group Advertising
Carter Group General Contractors
Christ the King Catholic Church and School Hiller
Holy Family Catholic Church
Holy Rosary Parish and Academy
Howington Construction
Kalix Marketing Group LBMC
McCullough Electric Company
MPM - Murfreesboro Pure Milk
Paw Pals, Inc.
Saint Bernard Academy
Saint Henry Catholic Church and School
Saint Joseph Catholic Church and School
Saint Matthew Catholic Church and School
SFM
Debbie (Connor) ’85 and Tom Sloan
Sally and Ed Stack
Tim Morales Inc.
Williams Restoration & Waterproofing, Inc.
Technology Sponsor
Leverage Corporation
Welcome to the Legacy Gala.
Tonight is a special night for this outstanding school. For 100 years, Father Ryan has strengthened our community by living its mission…to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential…and nothing makes us prouder.
With appreciation and love for our husbands, Marty and Bubba, and with gratitude to the Father Ryan Leadership Team, the wonderful and spirited group in the Advancement Office, and the volunteers, sponsors, and guests who make this event a success, we welcome you to another moment of celebration in the rich legacy of this school.
Thank you for joining us in the love we share for Father Ryan, and Go Irish!
Lucy (Davis) Blair ’78
Co-Chair,
2025 Legacy Gala
Chris (McCann) Donnelly
Co-Chair,
2025 Legacy Gala
Saluting
Thank You to Our Generous Honor and Faculty Patrons*
John Brunner ’82
Darren Buba ’93
Kim Coakley
Rachel (Hunkler) ’09 and Ricardo De Los Rios
Dr. Tracey Doering
Patty and Bill ’65 Farmer
Flynn O’Hara Uniforms
Sue and Bob ’65 Forrester
GradPro of TN, LLC
Rev. Patrick Kibby ’73
Paul Kuhn ’61
Fetle Balite-Panelo and Dr. Arnel Panelo
Harriet and Larry Stewart
Melanie and Rob ’83 Terry
Priscilla and Pat ’69 Watson
*As of February 4, 2025
Thank You to Our Volunteers
Father Ryan High School appreciates the dedication and assistance of the many volunteers who helped make tonight's Gala possible.
100 Years of Father Ryan Committee
Putting together as broad and as significant a celebration as the 100 Years of Father Ryan takes a community, and that has been on display throughout the planning and execution of the events. Working with the Advancement Team, the 100th Committee members have helped make the 100 Years of Father Ryan truly special. Our thanks to all of them.
Karen (Williams) Bunch ’71
Richard Chambers
Jinx Cockerham
Tom Connor ’60
Philip Davis ’08
Jessica Diaz ’16
Chris Donnelly
Hannah (Harris) Donnelly ’09
Amy (Johnston) Eubanks ’93
Joan (Garr) Hamrick ’80
Mark Harrington ’89
Paula Harris
Eddie Krenson ’72
Randy Lancaster ’83
Nancy Langdon
Dylan Lynch ’03
Stephanie McDaniel
Pat Nolan ’69
Juan Jose Rodriguez ’15
Debbie (Connor) Sloan ’85
Frederick Strobel ’70
Ann (McRedmond) Waddey ’76
Father Luke Wilgenbusch ’11
Silent Auction Information and Rules
1. Values of auction items are donor retail price estimates. These values are not warranted by Father Ryan High School for tax purposes or general value. The amount of the purchase price in excess of the value is tax-deductible.
2. Purchasers are bound by the precise restrictions specified by donors. Terms are non-negotiable. Please read specifications and limitations carefully. Dates and times are to be arranged between donor and buyer, unless noted otherwise. To avoid disappointment, please make all vacation reservations well in advance.
3. Unless specified, props such as easels, frames, and stands are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale of the item.
4. ALL AUCTION ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED from the Music City Center on Saturday, Febuary 8, 2025. Father Ryan High School is not responsible for items left after Saturday, Febuary 8, 2025.
5. ALL SALES ARE FINAL! THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. All items are “as is.”
Live Auction Information and Rules
Thank you for your kind attendance and generous support! Proceeds from your contributions tonight will go directly to support Father Ryan High School. We strongly encourage bidding with PASSION and PURPOSE!
1. To bid in the live auction, simply raise the back of your program, which has your bid number on it, until acknowledged by the auctioneer. We encourage you to bid frequently and generously.
2. A bid constitutes a legal contract to buy. You are required to pay for the item for which you were the successful bidder. All sales are final. Items are transferable but cannot be exchanged. We are here to have fun and raise funds for our school. Should an issue arise, remain calm, and it will be addressed.
3. If an item has an expiration date, it is the responsibility of the winning bidder to comply with the expiration date and to finalize transactions within the time frame specified on the item certificate. All taxes, applicable fees, or reservations are the responsibility of the successful bidder.
4. All items must be paid for and removed from the premises by the end of the evening by the successful bidder.
5. While every reasonable effort has been made to describe each item correctly, all items and services are sold “as is.” Values listed, if any, of items offered for auction are donors’ estimates and are not warranted by Father Ryan High School and/or Tom Riles, Auctioneer.
6. We reserve the right to withdraw any property before or during a sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal. We reserve the right to reject any bid. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, or in the event of doubt on our part as to the validity of any bid, the auctioneer will have the final discretion either to determine the successful bidder or to re-offer and resell the article in dispute. If a dispute arises after the sale, our sale record is conclusive.
7. Total liability of Father Ryan High School shall be limited to monies paid at auction. In addition, Father Ryan High School and such persons shall not be liable for any cause or event beyond their control.
8. Auction services provided by Tom Riles.
The 46th Annual Legacy Gala
Saturday, Febuary 8, 2025
Cocktails
Silent Auction
Sections Begin Closing at 9:45pm
Welcome, Invocation, Father Ryan Prayer, Champagne Toast
Dinner • Live Auction
Celebrating 100 Years of Father Ryan
Dancing to Top Tier Band
Dinner Menu
Salad
NATIVE GREENS SALAD
Seasonal Winter Greens, Watermelon Radish, Sunflower Seeds, Puffed Sorghum, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Craisins, Parmesan Cheese Pinwheel
Fine Green Herb French-style Vinaigrette
Entrée
LEIPER'S FORK® WHISKEY BRAISED SHORT RIBS AND SPINACH & MUSHROOM STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST DUO
Au Gratin Potato Cake, Southern-style Green Beans, Blistered Yellow Pepper, Roasted Cherry Tomato
Leiper's Fork® Whiskey Demi-Sauce
Dessert
ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE
Lemon Coulis, Whipped Thyme-Honey
PEAR-CHOCOLATE MASCARPONE CAKE
Frangelico-Vanilla, Seasonal Berries
Wine and spirits provided by
The Legacy Gala Turns 46
A tradition of generosity and celebration highlights 100 Years of Father Ryan. It began with two promoters deciding to put on a show.
Just like in the old Mickey Rooney movies of their childhood, Father Ryan alumnus Jerry Glaser ’50 was sharing high school experiences with his good friend, Father Ryan parent, and acclaimed Nashville musician, Danny Davis, and wondering how they could help the school. It did not take long for these two to strike the right note.
A Gala!
That was the recommendation back in the spring of 1980, and the Legacy Gala was born. For 46 editions now, this annual event has honored distinguished and acclaimed alumni, faculty, and friends of Father Ryan, raised significant funds to continue the school’s mission, and served as a gathering moment for our community, across the generations.
From its first honoree – and how could that not have been Mrs. Alice Gentry – to today’s celebration of 100 Years of Father Ryan, the Legacy Gala has showcased this school’s Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service through a litany of outstanding honorees.
Priests like Bishop Francis Shea, Bishop James Niedergeses ’37, the Breen brothers, Fathers Joe Pat ’54 and Philip ’57, and Father Charles Strobel ’61. Alumni like John Seigenthaler ’45, Jim Carell ’54, and the Langdon brothers, James ’54 and Pat ’58. Teachers such as C.A. Williams, Robin Dieterich ’73, and Jeff Schletzer. Each of them an experience of the living Gospel. It did not matter the venue. Whether it was Opryland Hotel, the General Jackson Steamboat, or the Father Ryan campus, the community gathered each year, reminding each other and our neighbors of the continued impact of this historic school. A legacy that we celebrate again tonight. Thank you, Jerry and Danny, for showing us how to put on a show!
Father Ryan Legacy Gala Honorees
1980 Alice Gentry
1981 John Cunningham
1982 Msgr. Joe Siener
1983 Msgr. Dan Richardson ’29 and Msgr. George Rohling ’31
1984 Bill Dunigan and Pat McRedmond ’31
1985 Bishop James Niedergeses ’37
1986 Bishop Francis Shea and Msgr. James Hitchcock ’39
1987 Ed Gore and Ed McVoy
1988 Rev. Bill Fleming ’49 and Danny Davis
1989 Father Ryan High School
1990 Msgr. Pat Connor ’53
1991 John L. Seigenthaler ’45
1992 Father Ryan High School
1993 Father Ryan High School
1994 Special guests: Phil Ponder, Joe Drennan ’57, Mayor Phil Bredesen
1995 Harry and Alice Hosey
1996 Father Ryan High School
1997 Father Ryan High School
1998 James F. “Boots” Donnelly ’61
1999 Father Ryan High School
2000 Rev. Edward C. Arnold and Rev. William S. Bevington ’42
2001 Bishop Edward U. Kmiec
2002 Judy and Tom ’60 Connor
2003 Rita and Skipper Donnelly (honored posthumously)
2004 Rev. Joe McMahon
2005 Rev. Joe Pat Breen ’54 and Rev. Philip Breen ’57
2006 Msgr. Mike Johnston ’63 and Ed Johnston
2007 Father Ryan Students
2008 Rev. Charley Giacosa (honored posthumously)
2009 Jim ’54 and Jan Carell
2010 Bishop David Choby ’65 and Diocesan Alumni Priests
2011 40 Years of Women and Jinx Cockerham
2012 Jeff Schletzer and the Marching Band
2013 Pat Simpson ’74 and Father Ryan Wrestling
2014 Jim ’54 and Pat ’58 Langdon
2015 90-Year Legacy of Father Ryan
2016 C.A. Williams and Robert Kent ’74
2017 Robin Dieterich ’73 and the Father Ryan Soccer Program
2018 90 Years of the Performing Arts
2019 Lucy (Davis) ’78 and Marty Blair
2020 Chris (McCann) and Bubba ’69 Donnelly
2021 Health Care Heroes (Virtual)
2022 Rev. Charles Strobel ’61
2023 Tracey and Sean Henry
2024 Linda and David ’66 Bohan
2025 100 Years of Father Ryan
Mrs. G. Was Always #1
For every Father Ryan student who entered through its oaken doors from 1946 until 1981, one face was a constant – that of Mrs. Alice Gentry.
In a 35-year career on Elliston Place that encompassed roles from Assistant to the Principal to Registrar and Office Manager, Mrs. Gentry was the person who knew Father Ryan High School.
She knew every student – boy and girl - and who their families were. She knew where everything was, knew what you were supposed to do, and knew when you did not do it. She could fuss when you were not following instructions, and her voice could be intimidating if you were not being respectful of the school and its people, but you never doubted that she was your staunchest ally and most dedicated cheerleader. That commitment was there for each student because she knew that Father Ryan High School was there for each student. That approach earned her the respect of the students, and her dedication earned the love and appreciation of her colleagues.
So it was no surprise when she was announced as the first Legacy Gala honoree, and she relished that May evening. She was proud to have her hair done just right, to don her new dress, and to attach a special corsage just to be with the people who made her the happiest. She may have never taught a course, but she had an impact on the education of every single student she met. We remember her still.
An Outstanding Year Continues
One of the ways our students and community are celebrating 100 Years of Father Ryan is by continuing to extend our Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service, across the campus and in the nation. Here is a list of some of the many accomplishments of our campus community during this school year.
• Four Father Ryan Students received 2024 National Merit recognition.
• Our student-led Relay For Life raised $142,692.16 for cancer research, taking the total raised by Father Ryan to more than $2 million.
• Our Purple Masque Players performed Our Town to sold-out crowds at each of three performances.
• The Father Ryan Dance Team finished 3rd in the nation in Jazz and 5th in the nation in Hip-Hop at the UDA National competition in Florida.
• Twenty-six students participated in the national March for Life in Washington, D.C.
• Girls and Boys Rugby 7’s captured State Championships.
To learn more about these achievements and others, visit fatherryan.org/fall24.
When a Basketball Tournament Is More Than a Tournament.
Father Ryan’s legacy of service is extensive. From the Father Ryan Marching Band spreading joy and cheer to Hurricane Sandy victims at Far Rockaway, NY, in 2012 when they were in town for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the service students and families provide to homeless men during Room In The Inn every Christmas Eve, Father Ryan students are committed to our Tradition of Service.
That was on display in the hills of western North Carolina, when our Girls Basketball team embarked on a memorable trip to Asheville to participate in the Holiday at the High Christmas Classic at Asheville High School. While they were unbeaten on the court at the classic, their most important work was in collaboration with the Appalachian Hurricane Helene Community Relief at the Black Mountain distribution center. There the girls assisted in organizing clothes and essential items for victims of Hurricane Helene, ensuring families could access much-needed resources for the winter season.
In Coach Tony McLeod’s words, “The trip to Asheville was about more than basketball; it was a chance for the team to grow together, serve others, and celebrate the holiday season in meaningful ways,” he said. “From their success on the court to their acts of service and shared experiences, the team created lasting memories and strengthened their bonds, both as players and as individuals.”
Show Off Your Purple…Tonight!
The celebration of 100 Years of Father Ryan has been on vivid display across the campus, in various publications, and in multiple media stories already this year. But its most exciting presence is on the merchandise worn by students, faculty and staff, and Irish fans across the community.
If you do not have your 100th merchandise already, or you need just a little bit more, you can change that tonight. Our Pop-Up Shop is open here at the Legacy Gala, with clothing, bags, and unique Father Ryan items. Stop by the store in the Reception area and show your purple pride.
Remembering the Past to Inspire the Future
Father Ryan’s legacy of social justice is long and significant. In 1954, Father Ryan High School made history by becoming the first school in the South to integrate classrooms, just four months after the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education ended school segregation. Nine years later, in 1963, Father Ryan made history again by becoming the first school in Tennessee to integrate athletics.
To honor that legacy and celebrate the 60th anniversary of “The Game That Changed the South” — the basketball game between Pearl High and Father Ryan at Municipal Auditorium in 1965, the first integrated athletic contest in the city’s history - we welcomed Dr. Russell Wigginton, Jr. ’84 and a panel of guests on January 8 to help us remember and continue our school’s legacy of doing what is right and just.
Dr. Wigginton, the President of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, toured our campus with our Multi-Cultural Student Union members and Mr. Paul Davis ’81 before joining our guest panelists in the Center for the Arts. Speaking to the entire campus community in two sessions, they discussed social justice, the Civil Rights Museum, and the ongoing significance of the Pearl vs. Ryan game.
The Father Ryan Prayer
To enhance the ongoing celebration of 100 Years of Father Ryan and to add to our rich Tradition of Faith, Father Luke Wilgenbusch ’11 created this prayer. Endorsed by the Diocese of Nashville, it has begun numerous on-campus meetings, events, and other gatherings since it was said for the first time by Father Wilgenbusch at the September 14 Community Celebration Mass. We invite you to join us in praying it tonight.
Heavenly Father, we gather as Your loving children, thankful for the many blessings and relationships forged in these 100 years of Father Ryan High School. Grant us always the grace to nurture faith, to pursue knowledge, and to serve others with charity.
May Your light continue to inspire and guide the entire Father Ryan community in this time of honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking to the foundation for the future with hope.
Amen.
With Ecclesiastical Approval
Live Auction
1500: Dinner with Two Beloved Bishops
Experience an unforgettable evening of faith and fellowship with two highly esteemed bishops, Bishop Mark Spalding from the Diocese of Nashville and Bishop Mark Beckman from the Diocese of Knoxville. Join them for a delicious and memorable meal prepared by TomKats Catering. The dinner will be on Sunday, March 30, at 6:30pm at Bishop Spalding's home. This exclusive opportunity offers a unique chance to engage with two pillars of faith within the Father Ryan community. Don’t miss this rare and extraordinary experience! Only 30 seats available.
Donated by Bishop Mark Spalding, Bishop Mark Beckman, TomKats Catering, Athens Distributing, and Chief Rental
1501:
Hunt Brothers NASCAR Experience with Joey Logano
Experience life in the fast lane up close with this trip to any NASCAR series race. Includes two VIP Credentials with Hunt Brothers Pizza sponsor-level access to Pit Road, Hauler Row, The Pit Box, Victory Lane, and more. Includes airfare up to $1,500 and hotel up to $1,000. All travel arrangements are provided by Hunt Brothers Pizza. Participants must be 18 or older, races subject to availability.
Donated by Patricia and Scott ’78 Hunt
1502: Old Forester Distillery Tour & Tasting
Experience a truly unique opportunity at Old Forester Distillery! Enjoy a behindthe-scenes tour and participate in an intimate bourbon tasting of one of the most prestigious bourbons on The Bourbon Trail. This exclusive experience is available for four people and includes a one-night stay at Omni Hotel in Louisville, KY, on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Donated by: Old Forester Distillery Tour & Tasting and Athens Distributing
BID OFTEN AND BID HIGH AT THE SILENT AUCTION
The Silent Auction Sections begin CLOSING at 9:45pm
Live Auction
1503: Nashville Predators Watch Party
Eight guests are invited to cheer on the Preds as they take on the Dallas Stars on April 3, 2025, at 7:00pm at the home of Tracey and Sean Henry. Guests will arrive at 6:00pm and enjoy power play bites, slapshot sips, and fun-themed games. Winners will also receive a Preds Prize Pack. This event is co-hosted by Tracey and Sean Henry, Lisa (Rodgers) ’91 and Alex Fisch, Teresa (Sharp) ’81 and Paul Davis ’81, Frank Espinosa, Sheila and Terry Crisp, Claudia and Pete Weber, and Mikki and Bill Wickett.
Donated by: The Henry Family, the Fisch Family, and the Wickett Family
1504: An Exclusive Boat Cruise with Dinner at the Cedar Creek Yacht Club
Set sail on a memorable evening! This exclusive package invites up to three couples to enjoy a luxurious cruise on Old Hickory Lake aboard the Varallos’ stunning 60-foot boat. Enjoy the sparkling waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Your adventure doesn’t end there! Following the appetizers on the pre-dinner cruise, watch the sunset over the lake and then enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Cedar Creek Yacht Club.
Weekdays only, Monday-Thursday. The date will be determined by all parties involved. The expiration date is April 1, 2026.
Donated by Deb and Jim ’71 Varallo
BID
The Silent Auction Sections begin CLOSING at 9:45pm
Premier Silent Auction Items
1000: Leiper’s Fork Distillery Tour & Tasting for Six
• VIP Tour of Leiper’s Fork Distillery
• Single Barrel Tasting
• Lunch with Master Distiller and Owner Lee Kennedy
1001: Nashville Predators Suite vs. New Jersey Devils
• Sixteen-person Suite at the Nashville Predators vs. New Jersey Devils game on February 23, 2025, at 5:00pm
• Two parking passes to the 6th Avenue garage
• Water, soft drinks, and dry snacks
1002: Cody Johnson Concert Tickets in the California Closets Studio
• Four tickets in the California Closets Studio for the Cody Johnson Concert on February 14, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena
1003: Titans VIP Experience
• Two Club Level seats to the Titans home game vs the LA Chargers, date and time to be determined
• Two pregame field passes
• Autographed Jeffery Simmons football
1004: Morgan Wallen - “I'm the Problem Tour 2025” Tickets
• Four tickets to Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem Tour 2025” to any location
• Tickets are premier best seats located in Morgan Wallen’s family section
1005: Old Dominion Concert Tickets
• Two tickets plus meet and greet passes to any location for an Old Dominion concert
• Old Dominion swag
1006: Whiskey Bent Saloon VIP Loft Party
• Whiskey Bent VIP Loft Party for 20 people
• Includes one drink per person and small hors d'oeuvres buffet
1007: A Night to Remember with the Nashville Predators
• Four tickets with Lexus Lounge access to a mutually agreed-upon game
• Photo with Gnash
• Steven Stamkos and Juuse Saros home jerseys
• Plush Gnash
• Nashville Predators swag
GIVING TREE
Make a gift at the Giving Tree tonight. You will be providing important resources from our teachers' wish list, all to enhance the classroom experience for our students. Thank you.
1925 Day Brings Out the Irish
Ninety-six boys from 11 different schools in the Nashville area enrolled in Nashville Catholic High School for the 1925-1926 school year, and a century later, Father Ryan students, alumni, and community came together to celebrate the founding year of the school with 1925 Day on Jan 9, 2025.
To mark this momentous date, Irish community members celebrated by wearing their favorite Irish gear and showing their purple flair throughout the day at school, work, and abroad. They gathered with fellow Father Ryan alums in Nashville, dined at Irish-owned restaurants to reminisce, and cheered on Irish Wrestling at their home meet against Brentwood Academy. In addition, many in the Irish family donated $100 to the Annual Fund in honor of 100 Years.
The celebration continues through 2025 and 2026! Stay tuned for ways to remember and honor our 100 years by visiting our events page at fatherryan.org/100
Celebrating A Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service
From the first planning sessions more than two years ago through the Community Celebration on September 14, 2024, to tonight’s historic Legacy Gala, the Father Ryan community has looked to the past with pride and to the future with confidence as we celebrate 100 Years of Father Ryan.
The vision of Bishop Thomas Byrne and Bishop Alphonse J, Smith made this school a reality a century ago, but it was the many families, trusting in the value of a Catholic education experience in Nashville in 1925 and ever since, who invigorated Father Ryan and established the Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service that we celebrate today.
No matter the era, no matter the uniform, no matter the activity, we can see that tradition and the love for the school in the eyes and the energy of the people in these photos. It is a tradition we will continue to tell throughout our celebration, all the way through the graduation of our 100th Class –the Class of 2026 – in May 2026. In addition, it is an impact that we will continue to have for many years to come, thanks to all of you.
Enjoy the celebration and the journey. Go Irish!
Our mission is to be an experience of the living Gospel while challenging students to reach their spiritual, academic, and personal potential.
And in many a holy hour, Alleluia! As the twilight folds the flow’r, Alleluia! We shall fold thy name in prayer: Alleluia! (from "A Blessing," the Father Ryan hymn.)
Father Ryan’s History Is at Your Fingertips.
Have you found your school composite picture online? Connected with your fellow alums at a Father Ryan basketball game and reviewed pictures from the Elliston Place campus?
If you have not visited yet, we hope you will stop by the Neuhoff Library or the Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse soon to peruse, reminisce, and go deep into Father Ryan history with our two new touchscreens. Each touchscreen provides access to a database of information, with content ranging from State Championships to recipients of specific scholarships. New data is added weekly to provide access to the most current Irish lore, so we encourage you to visit often to see the new details that are added.
Knowing that we have not captured everything from the last 100 years, we also encourage you to contribute content for consideration. Items can include digital copies of pictures or memorabilia as well as memories or recollections from years past. Simply send items to Brooke Reusch at reuschb@fatherryan.org.
Not able to visit campus to see the touchscreens? Experience them online at fatherryan.touchpros.com
100 Masses Celebrate 100 Years of Faith
From now through May 2026, we are celebrating 100 Years of Father Ryan and its Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service. Highlighting our Tradition of Faith, and honoring our Catholic identity and its role in shaping our students, 100 Masses are being said throughout the diocese, in other parts of the country, and in other parts of the world. To date, 28 Masses have been said, beginning with Bishop Spalding’s Mass at our September 14 Community Celebration. Other Masses have been said at the University of Notre Dame, at Holy Family Church, at the Catholic schools in the diocese, and, in a special moment, in Rome. In that beautiful city, a special Mass was said at Basilica dei Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti in October 2024. During this unique Mass, which was attended by many Father Ryan alumni and families, Father Luke Wilgenbusch ’11 served as the main celebrant and President Paul Davis ’81 served as lector.
We have many more Masses scheduled to honor our 100 Years of Father Ryan, so we hope you will join us whenever you can. Look for information on the dates, times, and locations at fatherryan.org/100masses.
CONGRATULATIONS
Father Ryan High School for providing 100 years of Catholic education
SALLY & ED STACK FAMILY
HEATHER 1989
PHILIP 1998
JUSTIN 1993
ELIZABETH GWINN 1995
MEGAN 1999
BRIAN EMERSON 1995
HANNAH KATE 2027
Congratulations Father Ryan High School on
100 incredible years!
The Connor-Sloan family, spanning three proud generations of graduates, is honored to be part of this rich legacy
Debbie (Connor) ’85 & Tom Sloan
Celebrating Our Priests
To further our connection to our past and Father Ryan’s legacy of faith, we are blessed to have 15 chalices in our special display in the Front Office, including ones from Bishop Mark Beckman, Msgr. James Hitchcock ’39, and Father Charles Strobel ’61. The newest chalice in the display was presented in November 2024 by Jim Hofstetter ’67 (below) and other members of the Hofstetter family, many of whom are alumni, in honor of their uncle, Class Valedictorian, and former faculty member, Rev. Msgr. Robert Hofstetter ’46. These chalices are used regularly in Masses at Father Ryan and other churches in the diocese to honor these priests and to keep their impact alive for all our community.
It’s Moina Day!
For close to a century, Father Ryan students have been among the best chroniclers of campus life, current events, and important issues, all through the pages of The Moina. Now, as part of the 100 Years of Father Ryan celebration, there is a special edition of this Irish standard.
Mr. Matt Puryear, moderator of The Moina, assembled a special anniversary issue with clips from across the decades and personal reflections from past editors of the paper. It is a keepsake record of the news, in and out of Father Ryan, and that issue is available tonight for our guests. You can pick up your copy when you leave. In addition, it is available online at fatherryan.org/100.
It is Moina Day again!
Congratulations and thank you for educating, knowing, and loving students for 100 years!
The Bumpus Family
Striking up the Band
The music in the Reception area tonight has a certain Irish sound to it, thanks to the talents of this Jazz Band from the Father Ryan family. Bob Chandler, Father Ryan Band Director 1994-1999; multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Cruz Contreras ’95; guitarist, composer, and educator Steve Kovalcheck ’96; and jazz musician Brent Lazenby ’95 have been brought together for this special Legacy Gala by the man who taught the Irish to play – our own Jeff Schletzer, Band Director 1981-2023. We are honored to have their talents filling the room.
