Irish Ayes Summer 2011

Summer 2011 Volume XXXVIII Number 3

Alumni make international impact FEATURE STORIES

Macy’s Surprises Marching Band New Fitness Center Takes Shape Class of 2011 Graduates w w w. f a t h e r r y a n . o r g

®

Board of trustees

Executive Committee

Patrick J. Nolan III ‘69, Chair Judy Komisky Orr ‘75, Vice-Chair James Sochovka, Finance Committee Chair Rev. Ed Steiner, Secretary-Treasurer Betty Lou Burnett, Membership Committee Chair

Committee Chairs Brett Wesnofske ‘88, Facilities Committee Chair Philip M. Mattingly, Sr. ‘69, Advancement Committee Chair

Ex-Officio Members Most Rev. David R. Choby ‘65 Rev. Dexter Brewer, V.G. Rev. David Perkin, V.G. James A. McIntyre Dr. Therese Williams

Board Members

AF

Annual Fund

Thank you, your generosity set new records last year—help us reach new heights this year and make a gift to the 2011 - 2012 Annual Fund!

No matter the amount, every gift matters in the lives of our students.

Visit www.fatherryan.org/donate to give today.

www.fatherryan.org ®

Antoine Agassi Rev. Mark Beckman David Bohan ‘66 Tommy Bradley ‘81 Mary Brennan Lori Copeland Chamberlain Warner C. Hassell Judith E. Hoover Steven Janicak Rev. Patrick J. Kibby ‘73 Dr. Robert Labadie Robert J. Mendes Rick Olszewski Ralph J. Schulz, Jr. John Siedlecki

Life Trustees W. Irvin Berry ‘46 Thomas G. Connor, Sr. ‘60 John J. Cunningham, Sr. William H. Farmer ‘65 Edward B. Gore J. Terry Hunter Vincent T. Phillips John C. Shea ‘51 William F. Smith Edward A. Stack

Administration Jim McIntyre, President Paul Davis ’81, Principal Sara Hayes, Academic Dean Carolyn Evans, Dean of Students Tim Forbes ’93, Dean of Campus Ministry and Student Life Pat Lawson ’93, Athletic Director Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial Officer

CONTENTS

Summer 2011

Summer 2011 Volume XXXVIII Number 3

Feature

Table of Contents

2 } In the News

Civil Rights Panel, journalism conference, finalist in singing con test, CMA Fest, new Advancement Director and more.

6 } Macy’s 2012 Parade

Father Ryan’s band receives mega surprise from New York.

8 } Titans Make Father Ryan National News

NFL players hold unofficial mini camp at Giacosa Stadium.

10 } Athletics

Two state championships and two more college athletes.

12 } New Fitness Center Is on the Horizon

Father Ryan breaks ground again for new athletic facilities.

14 } Cover Story

Alumni fight against modern day slavery, find courage and launch careers across the ocean.

22 } Class of 2011 Waves Goodbye

The newest graduates receive a piece of Irish history and leave behind a powerful message.

24 } Theology Speaker Series: Raising Children with Disabilities

Alumna addresses her personal experience with Down syndrome.

25 } Father Ryan Celebrates the Leaders of Co-Education

Looking back on a year-long celebration of 40 Years of Women, including Legacy Gala, and the people who made it possible.

26 } Classmates Reunite for an Eventful Weekend 27 } Class Notes 30 } Weddings & Births 31 } In Memoriam

In The News

Summer 2011

(Above) Pat Nolan ‘69, Corey Phillips ‘00, Dr. Russell Wiggington ‘84, Fr. Phillip Breen ‘57, Bill Derrick ‘48, and Judge Adolpho Birch. (Opposite Page) Hugh Breen, Pat Nolan and Ed Johnston.

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Students Modernize Civil Rights Movement Father Ryan celebrates 57 years of integration this year.

The milestone is one that earned state-wide attention in 1954, the year that Father Ryan became the first school in Tennessee to integrate. Today, the school is still making strides in multi-cultural education.

The Multi-Cultural Student Union marked this year’s Black History Month by leading a Civil Rights panel discussion on campus. The panel included prominent Nashvillians and alumni, such as Pat Nolan ’69, Corey Phillips ‘00, Russell Wigginton ‘84, Father Phillip Breen ‘57, Bill Derrick ‘48 and Judge Adolpho A. Birch who each discussed with the student audience his experiences during the Civil Rights Movement and the school’s subsequent transition.

Since the fall of 1954, Father Ryan has set the precedent for race relations in Nashville—the Irish played the city’s first integrated athletics

game against Pearl High in 1965. Only two years earlier, Father Ryan became the city’s first school to include black athletes on its teams.

The lessons of those days extend to today’s classroom, where history class has taken on a more local flavor. Civil Rights & Beyond: Nashville, the South and Social Justice has been introduced to the curriculum this year and will give students a taste of the ongoing dynamics between civil rights and human dignity. The course will conclude with the Sojourn Project, a non-profit organization that leads students on a ten-day trip that follows the Civil Rights Movement through five states.

Student Wins Prize in Race Relations “Our country was built on diversity,” says 2011 graduate Herasanna Richards. For her leadership in civil rights education, Princeton University awarded her their Princeton Prize in Race Relations, a scholarship given to high schoolers in 24 cities.

Herasanna has been a member of the MultiCultural Student Union for four years, two of those as president. Rob Nasatir, PhD, faculty moderator of the Multi-Cultural Student Union, nominated her for the Race Relations award.

“The more we have discussion that teaches about different cultures and things that have happened and mistakes that we’ve made, I think the more we have those experiences, the better that we’ll be.” Herasanna attends Michigan State University where she plans to major in music and mass communication.

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Vandy Awards Psych Internship

In The News

Summer 2011

Paulino “PJ” Jarquin, a junior, earned a summer internship at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital assisting with research on childhood obesity. He was introduced to Dr. Chris Ciarleglio from Vanderbilt’s Brain Institute earlier in the year when Dr. Ciarleglio spoke to his science class. recent grads attend university math contest Teacher Marian Pickney and 2011 graduates Bo Wen Yang and Bo Ya Yang attended the Cumberland University Math Contest where Bo Wen placed first in the 11th and 12th grade competition and received a $1,000 scholarship.

Art Teacher Partners with skateboarding foundation Art teacher Jason Erwin ‘87 has teamed up with skateboarding legend Bill Danforth and the A.skate Foundation to create a limited edition print of Danforth to raise money for the foundation. Based in Birmingham, A.skate gives children with autism a social outlet through skateboarding.

Journalism Club Travels to California The 2011 yearbook editors, Katherine Tudor, Hallie Jarrell, Mary Armbruster, Sophia Foreman and teachers Dina Tate and Paige Stillwell attended the National High School Journalism Convention in Anaheim, California, where they met journalists and keynote speakers Lisa Ling and Laura Ling. Laura, a correspondent for Current TV, was detained in North Korea in 2009 for filming Korean refugees. Her sister Lisa is a special correspondent for CNN, host of National Geographic Explorer and former host of The View. The students learned effective techniques from writing to designing as well as career advice from top journalism professionals.

Predators, Make-A-Wish recognize student Marshall Billingsley, a senior recovering from a rare form of cancer, was named Ambassador to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and was invited by the Nashville Predators to drop the puck for their game against the Colorado Avalanche. The Make-A-Wish Foundation also honored Marshall by sponsoring his “man cave” room renovation, complete with new furniture and a big screen television.

Students take on professional building project Contest Seniors Stephen Brennan and Nicole Masso participated in the 2011 ACE Mentor Program that introduces students to the fields of architecture, construction and engineering. The year-long program challenges students with a building project.

Stephen earned first runner-up for his team’s “Green School” project.

Radio Contest Finalist Senior Caitlyn Porayko was named a Top Ten Finalist for Mix 92.9’s Singing Star Contest, which selects the best singers, grades 7-12, in Nashville. Finalists were selected from video auditions by celebrity judges Bo Bice, Jo Dee Messina and Richie McDonald. Caitlyn was also accepted to the competitive Broadway Theatre Project at the University of South Florida for three weeks of musical theatre training.

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Band Director performs at CMA fest Band director and Father Ryan alumnus Dustin Schletzer ‘00 performed with country band Sugarland at the 2011 CMA Festival in Nashville. Dustin was asked to play drums for the duo (pictured left). He has also played with American Idol contestant Jordin Sparks and Christian music singer Natalie Grant at the Dove Awards.

Director of Advancement Announced

Band member earns first in state Band member Jake Lane competed in the All-State Honor Weekend at Opryland Hotel and received first place, making him the top baritone saxophone player in the state this year.

VFW Awards students in Essay Contest Each year, English teacher Randy Lancaster ‘83 submits at least six entries to the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ National Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. For the first time, two students received honors in the Post-1970 category. Senior Emma Thoni received Second-Prize in West Nashville and Third-Prize in the Middle Tennessee district. Senior Dominic Canonico took home First-Prize in West Nashville and FirstPrize district honors, winning a combined $400. This is the sixth year in a row that a Father Ryan student has won First-Prize in the Post-1970 category of the contest.

Athlete receives courage award The Nashville Sports Council awarded 2011 graduate Kelsey Towns with the 2011 Kaia Jergenson Courage Award. The honor is given to an athlete whose courage and conviction transcend sports. Kelsey was diagnosed with cancer last year, sidelining her for the last volleyball season, although she actively supported her team from the bench.

Dance Team earns honors at university camp The Father Ryan Dance Team earned third place and a superior trophy at the University of Tennessee’s dance camp, where they took classes from Universal Dance Association.

Sarah Plantz and Maddy Walters were named AllAmericans and Coach Casey Jones was rewarded with the Coaches Leadership Award by fellow coaches. Other members of the team who participated were Courtney Tipps, Kristen Hobbs, Kelsey Barrett, Amanda Rains, Claire Lumm, Caitlyn Porayko, Jessica Brennan and Mackenzie Chalifoux.

Father Ryan has announced the promotion of Brooke Reusch as the Director of Advancement.

Brooke has served as the Annual Fund and Constituent Relations Manager since coming to Father Ryan in June 2009. In that time the school has set records for Annual Fund performance, both in terms of dollars and participation.

Reusch’s experience with non-profit organizations spans nearly nine years. With a specialty in fund development, she has worked with Nashville organizations All About Women, Inc., Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Frist Center for the Visual Arts as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Reusch is active in the Nashville community as a member of Junior League of Nashville, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), National Planned Giving Council (NPGC) and Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee Advisory Board.

She was part of the Nashville Emerging Leaders (NEL) Class of 2010, and in 2005, Business TN Magazine named her a “Top Thirty Under Thirty” honoree.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Reusch graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1998 and earned her masters in history from William and Mary University in 2001. She and her husband, Jason, have two children.

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When the Irish Go Marching In

It is incredible tounder believe that for such a secret was kept wraps nearly two weeks. Just a few people knew what the “big announcement” really was that early morning in May as the student body, faculty and staff filtered into the fieldhouse. The cover was that band

The closely guarded secret was finally unveiled by Bill Schermerhorn, Macy’s parade director—Father Ryan’s marching band had been selected to perform in the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Upon hearing the news, the room erupted with cheers and confetti littered the air. Jeff Schletzer kept the announcement secret from fellow band directors Derek Schletzer ‘95, Dustin Schletzer ‘00 and Jereme Frey, but the moment was one he had strived for his entire career.

Father Ryan had been selected as one of 11 ensembles to perform among 150 applicants nationwide. The best of the best are chosen each year for their

superior marching and musical abilities, but most importantly, the energy and excitement they display in their performances. This was the first year Father Ryan had applied. Because the Macy’s Parade requires more than a year to plan, bands are chosen 18 months in advance so they have plenty of time to prepare for the big day.

Until then, the Father Ryan Marching Band will rehearse more than ever to bring that energy our community knows and loves to an audience of more than 50 million. On November 22, 2012, the Irish will take to the streets of Manhattan and into history.

(Clockwise from top): Students await surprise announcement; confetti rains down on the marching band; band directors Jereme Frey, Dustin, Jeff and Derek Schletzer with Bill Schermerhorn of Macy’s (center).

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Titans Make Father Ryan National News When you watch the Tennessee Titans on the field this season you just might see a little Father Ryan clothing on them, thanks to an exciting summer on the campus.

In addition to disheartening fans throughout the country, the NFL lockout made it hard for players to prepare for the upcoming season. But for many of the Tennessee Titans, the problem was solved early—practice at Father Ryan.

The connection was formed in typical Father Ryan fashion— through a student, Kelsey Towns ’11 (see sidebar at right).

Her friendship with Titans Pro Bowl defensive back Cortland Finnegan, formed during her recuperation from cancer surgery, opened the door for the Titans to practice in the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex this spring. Each week, 1012 Titans made regular visits to the field to keep in shape for the hoped-for start of the 2011 season.

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As the summer neared, Finnegan heard from more Titans who wanted to gather as a team, and working with Father Ryan’s A.D. Pat Lawson ’93, Stuart Magness ’95, Corey Phillips ’00 and others from the staff, Father Ryan welcomed 50+ Titans (plus a few other NFLers like Golden Tate and Derrick Mason) to the campus for a two-day mini camp. The roster included Finnegan, Chris Johnson and newest Titan, #1 draft pick and quarterback Jake Locker. The event got the attention of the NFL world as ESPN and NFL Network flew crews into town to capture the activities, where they joined all of the Nashville media for the coverage. Father Ryan’s coaches ran the practices for the Titans players, many of the students helped with equipment needs, and every one of the players

Student’s attitude connects Pro Athlete and Father Ryan She’ll tell you she was just being herself.

In the midst of recuperation from cancer surgery for a rare sarcoma on her leg, Kelsey Towns was walking through the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital when she ran into the Titans’ Cortland Finnegan and Ryan Mouton, who were there to visit sick children. Cortland will tell you that he was having a down day and was struggling a bit with his attitude, that he wasn’t prepared to meet a cancer survivor who would pick up his spirits. Kelsey smiled and brought her infectious, upbeat attitude to the meeting.

(Left to right): New QB Jake Locker; Cornerback Cortland Finnegan; running backs Jevon Ringer and Chris Johnson. wore a Father Ryan shirt for the workouts. The result was an abundance of exposure for the school (check out our website for clips) and high praise from the players and the media for Father Ryan’s people and facilities.

“They’ve been great to work with, our kids have enjoyed having them here, and the response from alumni to seeing the Father Ryan name on ESPN has been awesome,” Lawson said. “And to know that it all began because a Father Ryan student recovering from cancer brightened the day of Cortland Finnegan—when he was trying to brighten hers—is a further testament to the spirit of welcome and grace that permeates everyone on this campus. It was a great two days for everyone to be Irish.”

That day began a relationship that has spanned over a year and sparked a friendship between these two athletes and their families. Kelsey talks about how Cortland volunteered to push her the entire 5K route of the Nashville Boulevard Bolt on Thanksgiving Day so she wouldn’t miss the annual family event. How he provided her tickets to the Titans home games, giving her inspiration to make it through another round of chemotherapy so she could make the game. How he came to Father Ryan’s Homecoming to see her announced as queen. He’ll tell you that all of that pales in comparison to how Kelsey inspired him and how her friendship with him, his wife and now young daughter continues to enrich them all. So much so that the newest Finnegan’s middle name is Kelsey. Maybe most of all, the whole experience continues to change and motivate. Kelsey is attending Western Kentucky in the fall to begin nursing studies, a pursuit she chose based on the nursing care she received at Vanderbilt.

The telling of this story and how it connected Kelsey, her family, Cortland, the Titans and Father Ryan is a rich one…one that garnered special attention during the recent Titans camp at Father Ryan and was picked up by NFL News among others.

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Athletics Summer 2011

State Titles Claimed

by Soccer and Rugby Two team state titles and three individual state champions. Two teams in the final four. Post season honors in every sport. Whether it was on the water or ice, on the turf or the mat, on the diamond or the lanes, the 2011 sports performances at Father Ryan ranked among the school’s best. Here’s a recap on the sterling achievements by the Irish and their coaches in what has been a very busy year.

Within only a few weeks of each other the boys soccer team captured Father Ryan’s fourth boys state title in the sport and the Rugby Club claimed its third straight state championship, capping an undefeated season.

The soccer team achieved its lofty 142-3 record on the backs of a vaunted defense, which shut down opposing teams again and again. None of the team’s final eight opponents was able to net a single goal, and as Coach Robin Dieterich ’73 says, “all of our guys start their play with defense, and it’s a surety that when the other team doesn’t score, you’ve got a good chance to win.”

Junior Alex Renner kept the net clean and seniors Ben Dobson, Andre Agassi and Robert Forster anchored the team’s 9

performance, capped by a 1-0 victory over Christian Brothers, the defending state champs, on a header by Dobson off a set play corner kick.

Rugby established itself early and delivered often in its undefeated season, its third straight spotless record.

Defense led the way for the Irish as they outscored the opposition by double digits in virtually every game.

They topped their three tournament opponents—Ravenwood in both the regionals and the state semis and Farragut in the finals—by a combined 66-15. And the future looks strong as the JV team also went undefeated, topping Brentwood to claim the state title. Congratulations to both our state title holders.

Individual Champions in Wrestling and Swimming

Three Irish athletes walked away from the state championships this year with a title in their hands. Sara Menke (above right) captured the crown in the 500M girls swimming championship.

And continuing the Irish’s

College Letters of Intent Two more student-athletes signed their Letters of Intent in late spring to play sports in college. Oskar Kane (top photo) signed on to play football at DePauw and Michael Walker (bottom photo) will play baseball at Sewanee.

standing as the premier wrestling program in the state, Chris Agnew (above left) and T.J. Holmes (above middle) claimed state titles in the individual state championships in February. An Irish salute to these exceptional athletes.

OTHER SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Baseball capped a 12-14 record with a strong finish, beating MBA, Brentwood Academy and BGA in the final weeks of the season…. Basketball brought cheers and exciting finishes to the fieldhouse for both boys and girls. The boys went 16-6 and the girls 14-9 with big wins for the former over BA and MBA and the latter over Harpeth Hall and a very strong Ensworth team…. Bowling produced a solid 6-4 season for the boys, with Louis Dunn progressing to the finals, while Hockey went to the Frozen Four in the Predators Cup competition, finishing third to top an 11-10 season for the very young team. The visit by the Dauphin Clippers from Manitoba and All-Star selections for six Irish skaters added to the memories….

Lacrosse saw improvement for both teams with the boys earning a big win over Ensworth (Griffin Young and Greg Cheij were named to All-Region, 2nd Team) and the girls topping Independence and Centennial as part of a 4-3 season….Softball’s 6-12 record was deceiving—five of the six wins came at the end of the year as the team found its swing, a very promising message

for next year….Swimming had its most successful season—the team finished 10th among 106 teams in the state as every swimmer swam a personal best; the boys finished 10th, the girls 11th. Ten swimmers earned All-American honors and Coach Rob Philbin was named Male Swim Team Coach of the Year…. Tennis competed well this year with the boys finishing 6th in the region following a come-frombehind victory against JPII. The girls also defeated JPII with another big victory against St. Cecilia. Mathew Kordowski and Erin Ferguson were named MVPs….Track’s Erin James earned fourth at the Girls’ Middle Region Championship, qualifying for state, where she set records in the triple jump and long jump….Wrestling may not have won the state, but its third place finish in the duals and its performance in the individuals were strong.

In addition to the two state titlists, Cole Moseley and Mark Marchetti finished second and Ricky Fisher finished third in their respective weight classes.

Follow the irish this fall at Giacosa Stadium in the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex.

All home games begin at 7 p.m.

2011 Football Schedule Aug. 20 AWAY Overton Aug. 26 HOME Cane Ridge Sept. 2 HOME Baylor Sept. 9 HOME Hillwood Homecoming Sept. 16 AWAY McCallie Sept. 30 HOME MBA Oct. 7 AWAY Pope John Paul II Oct. 14 HOME Brentwood Academy parochial night

Oct. 21 AWAY BGA Oct. 28 HOME Ensworth

SENIOR NIGHT

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Amanda Bowlds; Joe Selikoff; student volunteers at the Special Olympics.

Campus Opens for Special Olympics On Easter Monday, hundreds of athletes swarmed the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex to compete in the 37th annual Special Olympics track and field games. Over 300 students gave up their holiday to volunteer and kick off events with a pep rally. In the past few years, Father Ryan students have supported Special Olympics Tennessee by participating in the Polar Bear Plunge. Typically held in February, the event invites participants to raise a minimum of $50 to jump into the chilly waters at Percy Priest Lake.

The Tennessee chapter of Special Olympics was founded in 1974 and today serves more than 12,000 athletes.

New Fitness Center is on the horizon Father Ryan has announced that it is adding a new fitness complex to the campus and renovating the Chapel as part of a multimillion dollar project to serve its students and the community.

Stepping forward again to support Catholic education, Father Ryan alumnus Jim Carell of the class of 1954 is leading the funding for the center with a $3.5 million gift. The lead gift includes a challenge component to raise the additional funds for the overall project.

McIntyre said that several additional families have stepped forward with contributions to fund the project and that he is continuing to seek donors to participate in this major campus initiative.

The renovations to the St. James Chapel, the central symbol of the school’s mission, include roof repair to protect the interior, new lighting to showcase the building at night and interior enhancements.

The new fitness facility will be named the Jim Carell Fitness Center. Carell is president of Achiever Development Corporation, chairman of CareAll Home Care Services and president of CareAll Management,

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The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fitness Center took place on August 26, just prior to the school’s opening home football game.

Inc. He was the lead donor for the Jim Carell Alumni Athletic Complex at Father Ryan and has led the recent major enhancements at Christ the King School and Pope John Paul II High School.

The new Fitness Center will be located alongside and connected to the existing Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse, named for renowned coaches Louis Catignani ’44 and Joe Drennan ‘57. It will include over 15,400 square feet of new space as well as renovation to 12,000 square feet of existing space, including: • • • • • •

upgraded and enhanced locker rooms for use by both young men and women a new weight training facility for use by all students an expanded wrestling center that will provide for spectator seating an expanded sports medicine area new coaches offices and a team meeting room a display area for showcasing the school’s athletic achievements

The renovations to the St. James Chapel, named in honor of Bishop James Niedergeses ’37, are planned to begin this fall and are expected to be completed by early January 2012. The school expects to have the Fitness Center ready for use by the fall of 2012.

“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Carell for this generous gift, another example of his commitment to Catholic education for this community. We are also grateful for all our donors and for the support of Bishop David Choby ‘65 in this exciting and challenging endeavor,” McIntyre said.

“Our Catholic faith is the reason for our very existence, and this work reflects that. The renovation of the Chapel makes complete the most important building at Father Ryan and communicates to all our students and families its central role in our mission. In addition, the physical health and the ability to compete in athletics provide important lessons for our young people about dedication, loyalty, commitment, faith, family and teamwork. The new Fitness Center will enhance our mission to provide for the total education and formation of the child, providing us with a facility that will benefit all of our students and our community.”

(Above) Mockup of fitness center; rendering of renovated St. James Chapel.

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Cover Story Summer 2011

Father Ryan Grad Fighting to End Modern Day Slavery

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Revolving headlines of international terrorist plots, human trafficking and economic shakedowns have overshadowed those romantic scenes of midnight strolls by the Seine and jungle safaris.

What has supplanted those Hollywood-built dreams is a reality in which many choose to immerse themselves.

Perhaps following a career path, a semester abroad or, more simply, a cultural adventure. The allure of a world unknown remains—is the grass really greener on the other side?

“Living in foreign cultures is humbling,” says Shawn Kohl ‘93. Among the dozens of alumni who travel and live abroad each year, Shawn provides a seasoned view of the international experience.

He has spent most of his adult life fulfilling a call to service overseas. His first foray into a foreign country came when he joined the Peace Corps after college. The two-year stay in Africa was “transformative”—but by his own admission, not for everyone. “Many people concentrate on the lack of running water, no electricity and living in a mud hut,” he says. “I thought about learning a new culture, traveling the world, learning a new language, helping people. For me, the advantages the experience offered far outweighed the inconveniences.”

Several years later, he answered the call again.

This time, he left behind a burgeoning career as a Nashville attorney to travel half way across the globe with his wife and four young daughters.

His new home is approximately 9,000 miles from Nashville—and roughly an 18 hour flight—in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Since 2009, Shawn has served as the deputy director of the International Justice Mission (IJM) in Cambodia. While the overall mission of IJM is to secure justice against human rights violators, Shawn specifically targets the commercial sex

industry and its many underage victims. It’s the result of modern day slavery—an international epidemic—that affects a shocking 30,000 in Cambodia alone. “There are more people that are on the fringes of society, left out of the global economy…who are tricked into paying off nominal debts their entire lives,” he explains. Some of them sell their children who are then exploited as slaves.

Today, there are more slaves in the world than at any time in history, with the average price of a slave at its lowest.

The issue has become a hot button topic in the media as awareness of its prevalence in the United States has grown. In Southeast Asia, however, the problem has been compounded by an inefficient justice system and seemingly corrupt government officials. Much of what IJM does is gather evidence of human rights violations and present it to local authorities in hopes that they take action, although that’s not always the case.

According to Shawn, the apathy among the police force and many Cambodian leaders is the biggest road block to justice. He also cites the lack of resources—computers in police stations and money to fill the gas tanks of police motorcycles—as other challenges.

The stories of child abuse are a daily reality at IJM. Many of the rescued victims of human trafficking are so overwhelmed by shame that they are unable to look anyone in the face for as long as a year.

Shawn recalls a particularly compelling story of a girl rescued from a brothel. When offered an opportunity to attend school, she felt so ashamed that she did not consider herself worthy. After a year and a half, she began vocational training and has spoken about her ordeal on behalf of IJM. “She looked at me and humbly said, we all have a part to play in building up of God’s kingdom,” Shawn remembers. “When she said that, tears welled in my eyes knowing the horror she had endured.”

Despite the daily challenges of his job, Shawn and his family have adapted well to life in Cambodia.

Involvement with their parish helps them maintain a sense of normalcy and familiarity, especially in a country where Christians represent less than five percent of the population. The faith-based mission of IJM has also provided crucial stability. Each staff member is asked to pray and reflect for 30 minutes each day and attend prayer retreats. “My faith is absolutely necessary to work in situations where children are abused in the commercial sex industry,” he says.

Faith has always been at the center of Shawn’s life since his days at Father Ryan. In many ways, his experience at Father Ryan prepared him for life as a human rights lawyer. He was active in Model 14

Cover Story Summer 2011

Graduates on a Mission Several Father Ryan graduates traveled to a small village in Honduras this summer for what would be an eyeopening and heartwarming experience for everyone. Holy Family parishioners Matthew Forster ‘09 and Robert Forster ‘11, Julie Brennan ‘10 and Patrick Pickney ‘11 took part in the 10-day mission trip to help with the construction of a bilingual high school in Juticalpa. They also delivered muchneeded supplies, including clothing— some of which were Father Ryan shirts.

Students Get a Taste for the International Experience

Continued from page 14

Over the summer, the international language department was busy as were some of its students. Spanish teacher and chair of the department Rob Nasatir accompanied four students— Jessica Zic, Liz Haynes, Erica Bastida, E.J. Bell (above)—to Salamanca, Spain where they spent three weeks living with Spanish families and studying the language and culture at Estudio Sampere. Chinese teacher Sabrina ChinShefi also took some of her students on an international trip to China. Jackson Warrick, Wesley Pantoja, Henry Garrett and Collin McNally (below) traveled to the Forbidden City in Beijing for a closer glimpse of Chinese history.

United Nations and the SEARCH retreats, and as a Latin Club member, traveled to Italy and Germany with Mr. Huddleston. “I really enjoyed Father Ryan and it had a formative affect upon my Christian development and what is most important in life,” he says. During his annual trip back to the states last year, he visited his alma mater and spoke about his IJM role at Ryan Connections, a quarterly networking event.

Inspired by his parents, siblings and wife, his road to serving others has taken him to some of the most remote, and oftentimes, forgotten places of the world. He is a leader among modern-day abolitionists, and his message is a proactive one—educate yourself in global issues and be an advocate for the millions who have no voice. “[We have] significant influence in all areas of the world.

If the eradication of global slavery became a priority, it could become a reality for millions of people in slavery today.”

For now, the Kohl family is in Cambodia living among other expatriates from around the world and soaking in a true multicultural experience. Shawn has decided to extend his original 18 months at IJM, saying, “As long as God continues to lead us to serve with IJM, we will be here.”

Follow the Kohl family online at http://kohlsincambodia.blogspot.com/ and learn more about the International Justice Mission at www.ijm.org.

(Above) Shawn Kohl and his family in Cambodia; (right) the Kohl family visits the Cao Dai Holy See.

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Cover Story Summer 2011

Inspiring Confidence in a Post-Communist World “I was pretty much thrown head first into the cultural experience with a family of no English speakers who wanted nothing more than to make me gain some weight and find me a local boyfriend.”

Jessica Gilles’ ‘05 experience is neither typical nor atypical, but life as the only American in a small Ukrainian town has given her a confidence she never knew she had. She teaches English 16 hours per week and organizes summer camps as a Peace Corps volunteer. “When I envisioned the Peace Corps, I imagined something that I was neither strong enough nor gutsy enough to try,” she says. “It was a mystery organization that had all of my respect but seemed way out of my league.”

Nevertheless, Jessica applied. At first, she told none of her family and few of her friends. She would be lucky to get in, and telling anyone might jinx it, she thought. Soon enough she was accepted, and with everyone’s support, moved to Ukraine for 27 months.

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She is quick to point out that Ukraine is more developed than many might think. “Ukraine, while it’s certainly not as economically stable as America, is not a third world country,” she explains. Every one of her students has a cell phone. What came most shockingly to her, however, was her own role in the classroom. “Teaching them English is not necessary for their survival,” she says. “At first, this was hard to rationalize. I felt like I wasn’t needed.”

Upon further reflection, she realized her importance lay primarily among the teachers. “They are more confident, more open to change and simply better teachers because I’ve worked hard to help them find engaging ways to teach English,” she says. Because Ukraine has been independent from Russia only 20 years, the school system still retains some Soviet methods. As Jessica explains it, the thought of working in groups or using creative thinking is foreign to many teachers. In fact, failing students is illegal, and if students receive bad grades, they are not a reflection of the student’s work, but of the teacher’s insufficient skills.

“My fellow teachers tell me themselves, this only produces students who can’t think for themselves, who literally don’t know how to accomplish a task without someone telling them how to do it. And what does that do for the country,” she asks. “Encouraging creativity is probably the greatest legacy

(Left to right) Jessica Gilles in Ukraine; Jessica and her students on the first day of school; church in Chernihiv near Jessica’s host village.

I can leave behind, and most of what I do involves trying to give the women I work with the materials and confidence with which they can encourage this creativity on their own.”

The confidence she has inspired in others has also helped her own confidence in coping with challenges. Challenges like language. Because she lives in Eastern Ukraine, the majority of the population speaks Russian, for which she received 10 weeks of training. But if she travels outside of the area, she faces people who only speak Ukrainian. That language barrier can also yield an even bigger obstacle—loneliness.

“No question about it,” she says. “I have never spent this much time alone in my entire life.” Even though she is surrounded by people every day, she knows only four English speakers in town, and the nearest American is three hours away. “My job here isn’t to be with Americans,” she says, but concedes it isn’t easy living solely with Ukrainians.

In spite of the language and cultural barriers, she finds solace in communicating with friends and family via email and Skype. The isolation also has an unexpected benefit: “I know myself pretty well now, and it has sparked a confidence that I didn’t have before. I feel like I could…do just about anything.”

Learning to adapt has been crucial to her living abroad experience. From her days at Father Ryan, she had also developed essential skills like self-discipline and project management, which has helped her reap success in the classroom. Last year, she received a Partnership Grant for new English textbooks for 9-11th grades by raising $2,000 with the help of her students, family and friends. For classes that had no books, Jessica’s initiative ensured a more effective curriculum for students.

In November, Jessica will return to the states and plans to attend graduate school for a Masters of Public Administration degree. Although she is excited to return home, she is thankful for the invaluable lessons she gained from her experience. “I believe strongly that you cannot really appreciate America until you leave it for a while,” she says. It’s that appreciation that has encouraged her to pursue career opportunities in international non-profit and nongovernmental organizations. And of all the benefits from her international experience, Jessica can credit a new-found belief in herself—the most essential gift—for taking her anywhere she wants to go.

To learn more about supporting Peace Corps projects and volunteers like Jessica, visit www.peacecorps.gov.

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Cover Story Summer 2011

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Following an International Career A self-starter by nature, Katherine Breuss ‘91 is the founder of three businesses, all of which she operates from her home in Singapore. How she got there is a fascinating blend of multinational networks—she arrived by way of London with her Australian husband, who works for a French bank as an oil broker supporting Asia. But the multiplicity of cultures is what has always attracted her to the international hustle and bustle.

Since 2004, the Breuss family has lived in Singapore, but Katherine actually began her career in the UK. After graduating from Belmont in 2000, she was on the first plane to London “to experience the world” and never looked back. There she took a job as a temp for Goldman Sachs and eventually worked her way up the corporate ladder to a permanent position.

As part of the management team, she helped her department quadruple in size within a year.

Upon moving to Singapore, Katherine knew she did not want to work for a bank in Asia—“the working hours are horrendous”—so she decided to pursue her dream of creating her own business. Her background in communications and equity research has enabled her to build a thriving consulting firm plus develop two child-centered companies. Breuss Consulting, Breuss Books and Breuss 4 Kids each build on her personal and professional philosophy to live life to the fullest. Whether that means improving business skills or unlocking a child’s learning potential, she says, “It’s all about believing in ourselves no matter what is happening on the outside, that true self-love and confidence.”

Because Singapore and America are fairly similar, adapting to her new country was relatively easy for Katherine and her family. The primary language is English (or “Singlish” for its own unique slang), and there is a large population of westerners. “The country is very respectful of different cultures and beliefs,” she explains, citing its many Chinese, Malay and Indian residents. With its menagerie of cultures, Singapore also recognizes Hindu, Chinese, Christian

and Muslim holidays. Surprisingly, Christmas is one of the country’s biggest celebrations. As she describes it, “I’ve never seen a city as decorated [for Christmas] as Singapore.”

Ironically, the only obstacles she has encountered have been the differences in English vocabulary between the US and Commonwealth countries. “I ran into some very funny situations because I did not know there were different meanings across the world,” she says. Those situations, though, have made her appreciate cultural diversities even more.

Her love for Father Ryan also comes from an appreciation of differences. She had begged her family to attend the school where she identified most with its students and teachers, and she came to treasure the varying backgrounds of her classmates. Her time at Father Ryan, she says, may be her inspiration for seeking a multicultural experience.

Traveling around the world has been life-changing for Katherine. She strongly encourages everyone to travel and experience other cultures, whether it is a semester abroad or backpacking after college. “[Traveling] is an experience that school can never teach and it is invaluable,” she says.

Her taste for adventure has given her the strength to take charge of her life and be a capable business woman, wife and mother to her three sons. No matter the next road she takes, she promises to live it to the fullest. “There is a fantastic world out there where I have only scratched the surface, but what a ride it’s been so far,” she says. “It has shaped me into who I am today.”

(Left) Katherine Breuss, her husband and sons; (above) Merlion Park, a popular tourist destination in Singapore.

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Class of 2011 Waves Goodbye

“I am a beloved son of a living God, I am a servant to the world, I am a Father Ryan graduate, I am Catholic.”

Valedictorian Luke Wilgenbusch addressed Father Ryan’s 85th graduating class with this simple message, as his personal answer to the pervasive question, who am I? The answer for each student is unique, but on graduation day, the Class of 2011 stood together as Father Ryan graduates, ready and eager to become anyone they want. They had already amassed four National Merit recognitions, six perfect scores on ACT or SAT subjects, $15 million in college scholarships and acceptances to some of the most prestigious schools in the country like Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Boston College and Virginia.

Representing the accomplished and well-rounded nature of this year’s graduating class were Luke, valedictorian, and 21 19

Graham Englert, salutatorian. These two students have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Father Ryan’s motto—faith, knowledge and service.

Luke not only earned top academic honors, but he achieved a perfect score in Math and in Reading on the ACT (two years in a row) and is a National Merit Commended Student. Even with the demands of his academic schedule, faith and service were also a high priority. He was a middle school leader for Fraternus and a daily communicant at Mass.

Graham also illustrated a balance of academics and service.

He earned National Merit Finalist standing, a perfect score in Math on the SAT, a perfect Math II subject score and a

historic MeDal Casts memories in the Minds of Graduates Since the first day of school, that Catholic tradition is woven into the daily lives of every student, so it goes without saying that faith stood center at the graduation celebrations.

As a tribute to one of its most beloved alumni, each graduate was given a medal of the Blessed Virgin at Baccalaureate Mass. Bill Donlon, a 1931 graduate, had received a similar medal from Bishop Alphonse Smith while he was at Father Ryan.

Sometime during his WWII service in the Philippines, he lost it, only to find it again some 1,200 miles away.

Someone had posted it on an army bulletin board. From then on, he wore the medal daily until he passed away at age 96. His daughter, Mary Lee Bunch, presented the medal replicas to each graduate.

The gift begins a new tradition connecting each graduating class to the early history of its school and the power of Catholic education.

(Clockwise from left) Graduates toss up their mortarboards at the end of graduation; valedictorian Luke Wilgenbusch addresses his classmates; Amanda Bowlds smiles after receiving her diploma; Class of 2011 listens to ceremony speakers. perfect English score on the ACT. Throughout his high school career, he served the Catholic community through LifeTeen, CYO and Catholic Heart Work Camp, St. Vincent DePaul Service Society and received Father Ryan’s top religious honor, the Alphonse J. Smith Award. Both he and Luke will continue the Irish (and Catholic) tradition this year at the University of Notre Dame.

So who are the members of Father Ryan’s Class of 2011? They are artists and entrepreneurs. They are engineers and scientists. They are volunteers. The number of answers is endless, but they all share the same quality education—one built on the values of faith, knowledge and service. These values will propel and guide them to follow their dreams and find success no matter the path.

Mary Lee Bunch distributes the Blessed Virgin medals to seniors at Baccalaureate Mass.

Visit Father Ryan’s media gallery at www.fatherryan.org to watch the graduation speeches.

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Theology Speaker Series: Raising Children with Disabilities Courtney McMillen-Elbert has dedicated her life to educating others about human dignity, which is why Father Ryan invited her to speak at its Theology Speaker Series last spring. Courtney is a 1993 alumna whose son, Sam, has Down syndrome. The experience of raising a child with a disability has empowered her to speak out about the gift of life and the graces she received from every struggle and triumph.

Her son Sam has given her a new perspective on life, one that challenges her to be more patient, more inclusive and more compassionate. Choosing life has opened her heart and her eyes in a society where one in five Americans lives with disabilities. In fact, nine out of 10 women choose to abort children with Down syndrome. “I have seen glimpses of heaven and hell in the way society treats my little boy with an extra chromosome,” she says. She urges people to “open your eyes, hearts, minds and doors to people with disabilities and cherish the unique dignity and gifts they offer.”

Despite the bleak numbers, there are many people like Courtney whose eyes are open to the grace-filled life of a child with disabilities—there is a 200-person waiting list to adopt a child with Down syndrome in the U.S. The support for life is also evident during January when thousands descend upon Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. Students from Father Ryan have attended the event for the last few years.

“There’s profound richness in cherishing all people as fully human, and seeing all people worthy of life, love and respect,” she says. Since Sam was born, she has been spreading this message throughout her community. For the past three years, Courtney has served as Vice-Chairperson of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky and Chairperson of the Education Committee. In her parish, she founded and is chairperson of St. Leo SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education). She is also a Title I tutor for children, as well as a featured blogger for Lexington Herald Leader’s BluegrassMoms website.

For her profound impact as a pro-life activist, Courtney and her family were featured in the 2009 edition of Exceptional Family KY. The Tennessean also featured her in their Op-Ed section last January.

Alumna Partners With Music Star to Expand School

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Kate Riley ’94 is opening doors for families seeking a more Christ-centered education.

As head of school for West Nashville’s Holy Trinity Montessori School, Kate has seen enrollment grow from 27 kids to a 40-deep wait list in just two years. It was Kate’s idea to open the school in 2009 when she realized the strong need for a more affordable and Christcentered Montessori option.

The campaign has already made significant headway with the help of country music singer Jo Dee Messina. She is donating proceeds from the sale of her new song “Carry Me” to the campaign. Every person who donates to the campaign receives a free download of her song.

Her performance on The Today Show in June has helped the campaign reach a nationwide audience.

This year, she kicked off A Million Doors Campaign to raise $2.3 million to expand the three-room school to a 6,000 sq. ft. facility, enabling admission to expand to children ages 18 months to 10 years (it offers up to 6 years old now).

The success of the newly-launched campaign has been a dream-come-true for Kate. Her 13 years of teaching experience have allowed her to give back to a cause that is close to her heart. Watch the video about the campaign and donate at www.amilliondoors.com.

Father Ryan Celebrates the Leaders of Co-Education The 2010-2011 year has been rife with events celebrating all that women have contributed to Father Ryan—Homecoming, Elliston Luncheon, Lady Irish Celebration and finally culminating with the Legacy Gala. A celebration to its coeducational beginnings, Father Ryan’s 40th Anniversary of Women honored its female alumni and the influential people who helped them succeed.

their support, particularly her family who was in attendance.

Several alumnae whom she coached in volleyball also came out to support her. Steve Mullins, a 1975 alumnus and father to four girls coached by Jinx, introduced a tribute video to her that featured alumni, students and faculty describing the influences of women like Jinx in their personal and professional lives.

Legacy Gala honoree Jinx Cockerham was recognized for 40 years at Father Ryan and her incredible inspiration to the women she has taught and coached. She holds the longest tenure of any female faculty member in the school’s history.

During Gala, she thanked her students and fellow teachers for

Over 500 guests attended the Legacy Gala at the Embassy Suites Cool Springs and helped raise nearly $90,000 towards tuition assistance. To watch the History of 40 Years of Women and the Jinx Cockerham Tribute videos, visit www.fatherryan.org/gala.

Former Principal Made Impact in Coeducation As the 40th anniversary of Father Ryan’s coeducation comes to end, we remember the man who helped lead the school through this historic change. Jim Sullins, former principal and alumnus, passed away February 19, 2011 at age 75. He was an instrumental figure in the school’s transition to coeducation, building the foundation for some of the strongest women’s programs at Father Ryan.

His connection with Father Ryan began half a century ago as a member of the Class of 1953. He graduated class valedictorian, and he continued his Catholic education at St. Ambrose and Catholic University, where he earned his master’s degree. His first teaching job was at Father Ryan in 1961 teaching Latin and religion, and in 1969, he became principal.

When news that Cathedral High School intended to close its doors in 1970, Bishop Durick approached Sullins about opening enrollment to female students. Sullins agreed, and the momentous decision introduced a new chapter in Father Ryan’s history. Some of the most impactful female teachers were hired by him, including Jinx Cockerham and C.A. Williams, who are both still teaching to this day. He would serve as principal until 1972, but his commitment to education remained with him throughout the rest of his life.

He worked with Metro Nashville schools for 30 years until he retired in 2003.

Jim Sullins has always been a supporter of Father Ryan. He attended the Lady Irish Athletics Celebration last spring to honor the school’s female athletes. His two daughters—Kelley Elliott ’89 and Christie Woods ’92—are alumni. He also kept up with his former colleagues and students and was close with his 1953 classmates. Throughout his life, he served his community graciously in every capacity and assisted Father Ryan in one of its best traditions—coeducation.

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Classmates reunite for an eventful weekend

(Clockwise from top) Class of 1961 is inducted into the Golden Grad Society; Class of 1991 celebrates its 20th reunion; Star Physical Therapy team wins golf tournament.

AF

Father Ryan Exceeds Annual Fund Goal, Breaks Records

A record number of alumni and parent donors highlighted another exceptional year for the 2010-11 Annual Fund as the school raised $459,259 in unrestricted giving, surpassing its $425,000 goal.

Annual Fund

Alumni giving reached 9.36%, a significant jump from the 6.1% from last year; and the alumni donor list topped 1,000 for the first time ever as 1,202 alumni contributed to the campaign, a 28% increase over last year.

In addition, parent giving topped 40% for the first time ever and 100% of the faculty and staff, the board of Trustees and the Alumni Board participated in the campaign. The Senior Class of 2011 continued the support started by the Class of 2010 last year by donating their class gift to the Fund. According to Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement, giving increased across all 25

Music, food and golf. What could make for a better weekend for the hundreds of alumni who attended the 2011 Reunion Weekend? Friday kicked off the events with the Alumni Reception, followed by Saturday morning’s Lou Graham Alumni Golf Tournament. The STAR Physical Therapy team—Jim Hubbuch ’82, Marty Blair, Sid Thomas ‘79, and John Gromos—took home the trophy after a hot day out on the course. That night, classes celebrated with their class reunion parties, and on Sunday, the Class of 1961 was inducted into the Golden Grad Society. What a fantastic weekend it was for all who came!

categories both in terms of participation and in dollars. “A big part of that success is the commitment of a group of volunteers serving as Class Reps,” she said. “Their classes saw participation rates of 17.76%, double the overall average and higher than the national average for Catholic schools. We are grateful for this generous spirit and what it enables this school to do every day.”

President Jim McIntyre echoed that gratitude, saying, “I am grateful to this generous, widespread and growing support of our mission and our students. The Annual Fund is truly a living endowment, providing the same assistance as the return from an $8 million+ endowment fund. This flexibility to respond is critical. In recent years the Annual Fund has assisted with the science labs, teacher development, technology, flood relief and tuition assistance.

It enables us to provide for everything from the basic to the extraordinary, depending on the need.”

Class Notes Summer 2011

1950 John Burns, MD and his wife are retired and live in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He attended Ryan from ‘49 to ‘50, living at Ryan Hall, the boarding home behind the Cathedral. John was a student manager for Coach Leo Long and enjoyed Ryan sports. He went to St Louis University for undergraduate and medical schools, then took specialty training through the University of Minnesota. After 13 years of practice, he was recruited to be the VP/health management for Honeywell in Minneapolis.

1954 Bill Hosey and his wife, Ann, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ann retired after teaching 34 years at Holy Rosary Academy and Bill retired as Vice President of Old Hickory Manufacturing. He is an interpreter at The Hermitage.

Bill and Ann raised four children, Ann Hosey, Mary Wagner ‘83, Harry Hosey ‘85 and Steve Hosey ‘88.

1967 At February’s Annual Engineers Banquet in Nashville, J. Michael (Mickey) Sullivan, P.E. was named the 2011 Outstanding Engineer of the Year by the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers. Mickey is Regional Vice President of Gresham, Smith and Partners - an architectural and engineering firm operating in 14 locations across the South and Midwest.

1969 Classmates Terry Shelton and Lindsey Draper judged a Project Citizen competition of middle school youth in Washington, D.C. Terry is the Outreach Director for La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Lindsey is a Disproportionate Minority Coordinator for the State of Wisconsin’s Office of Justice Assistance.

1970 Major General James Myles retired from the Army where he spent 36 years in uniform, most recently as commander of Redstone Arsenal and the Aviation Missile Command in Huntsville, AL since July 2007. Jim and his wife, Alice, plan to stay in the Huntsville area to be near grandchildren and family.

1973 Jim Murphy III was named a 2011 Honoree of the Nashville Business Journal’s Best of the Bar which recognizes Middle Tennessee’s leading lawyers. He is an attorney with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in Nashville.

1976 Shelly (Walker) Dill and her husband, Larry, have been blessed with their first and only grandbaby, Kaylin.

Shelly describes her as, “A healthy, beautiful girl who has brought so much joy into our lives.” Their children, Chance and Kelly, are both attending college.

1976 Cindy (Young) Reisz was named a 2011 Honoree of the Nashville Business Journal’s Best of the Bar which recognizes Middle Tennessee’s leading lawyers. She is a member with Bass, Berry & Sims PLC in Nashville.

1983 The film Embraceable by Nashville producerdirector Jon Kent made its world premier this spring at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival in Greece. The film highlights a group of young adults born with a rare genetic condition called Williams syndrome (sometimes called Cocktail Party syndrome). People with Williams syndrome are extremely outgoing and gregarious, but have trouble moving beyond small talk. Jon is an award winning commercial director and works on short projects for nonprofit organizations.

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Class Notes Summer 2011

1984 Jimmy Hiller’s company Hiller Plumbing Heating & Cooling was named a 2011 Best in Business Award winner by the Nashville Business Journal. The company recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and has locations in Nashville, Clarksville, Mufreesboro, Knoxville and Bowling Green, KY. 1984 Dr. Russell T. Wigginton, Jr., vice president for college relations at Rhodes College is one of “50 Men of Excellence” honored by the Tri-State Defender. The mission of the Tri-State Defender’s Men of Excellence is to acknowledge African American men who personify the exemplary qualities of respect, responsibility, passion, brotherhood and leadership.

1985 Brian Vogel and his wife, Marissa, were at the University of Notre Dame in April to compete in the semifinals at Gigot Center for Entrepreneurial Studies’ Notre Dame’s McCloskey Business Plan Competition. The business plan for the organization they together started in June 2009, Little Helping Hands, was selected as one of the 12 semifinalists out of 100+ entries from across the nation.

Little Helping Hands is 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to creating meaningful and fun volunteer opportunities for young children so they can experience the value of community service (littlehelpinghands.org). Currently operating in Austin, TX, the organization is capacity building to expand its model nationwide.

1986 David Pritchett (top left) was unfortunately unable to attend his 25 year reunion. He was busy calling balls and strikes for the NCAA Division II National Championship in Cary, NC. He wishes everyone well and hopes to see them at the 30th.

1988 John W. Myers II was named an honoree of the Nashville Business Journal’s Best of the Bar 2011. He is also a partner with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Nashville.

1990 Stacy Eaton-Carter has been named Heart Gala director at American Heart Association in Nashville. Previously, Stacy was director of annual giving at Nashville Symphony.

1991 Jason McNeely tells us that he is happily married to Jennifer Lander McNeely. They live in Chattanooga, TN with their son Lander P. McNeely.

1991 Dr. Tonnie Ray recently opened a new veterinary practice. The Avian & Exotics Center of Nashville is a full service veterinary facility promoting the health and wellness of all exotic species of birds, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, amphibians, reptiles and fish. It is the only veterinary medical facility in Middle Tennessee serving an exclusively avian and exotic clientele, working in partnership with other veterinary clinics in the area by providing a place to refer clients in need. Please visit www.avianandexoticscenter.com.

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1991 Lance Wise sells dental implants and components as well as biologics to oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, general dentists and dental laboratories in Tennessee, Northern Alabama, Northern Mississippi, West Arkansas and Southern Kentucky.

1999 Davis Wimberly graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s Degree in Education and Human Development. Davis recently became Admissions Officer at Berklee College of Music in Boston where he travels nationally and internationally auditioning, recruiting, and counseling high school students interested in a Berklee education. Davis received his undergrad degree in Music Therapy at Berklee. Davis was active in the Father Ryan band program from 1995-1999.

2001 In August 2010, Brandon Artiles accepted a job in Jackson, MS, anchoring the morning news for the NBC affiliate, WLBT News. His wife, Heather, just completed graduate school in December and is now a nurse anesthetist at University of Mississippi Medical Center. Their son, Joey, is 3-years-old, and they live in Ridgeland, MS. 2001 Melissa (Sharp) Goin and her husband Duane, of live in Knoxville, TN with their daughter Christine “Chrissy” who turns one in October. Melissa is a marketing and implant coordinator for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Specialists.

2001 Natalie Gualy is earning a Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Real Estate Development from the University of Washington in Seattle. Her design thesis is based in Havana, Cuba which is where she will spend six weeks over the summer. Natalie will graduate with both degrees in June 2012.

2001 Will Hamblen ‘01, John Hamblen ‘79, Chris Hamblen ‘99 and Trey Holt (top middle) bowled a state record of 2,996 three game total at Hermitage Lanes in early January. The scores were bowled in the Monday Night Legends League, a league that the team won last year.

2001 Paul Schlacter, graphic designer with Google Creative Lab, served on a panel in April hosted by the College Board for leaders in government and the not-for-profit arts to discuss “Impact of Arts Education on College and Career Readiness.” He shared with the committee his experience at Father Ryan where he was able to learn about the arts in classes and perform in the marching band. At Google’s Creative Labs, Paul is one of more than 50 people from a wide range of places bringing together their knowledge and skills in music, video, design and new media. Schlacter explained that engineers and technologists bring all the data and the artists make it possible for Google to make that data usable by everyone in the world.

2003 The website HSWrestling.com published a list of the Top 50 Wrestlers in Tennessee History. Raymond Dunning was listed as #26 and cited as a three-time state champion, four-time medalist (2-1-1-1), a four-time McCallie champ and NCAA D-II All-American at Adams State.

2004 Noel Strianse has been named junior account coordinator at Bohan Advertising & Marketing in Nashville.

2005 Elizabeth DuBois, daughter of Lori and Randy DuBois ‘69, graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in December 2010 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is employed by the State of Tennessee as a probation and parole officer in Hamilton County.

2005 Whitt Dunning was ranked #41 in HSWrestling.com’s list of the Top 50 Wrestlers in Tennessee History. He is a three-time state champion, a four-time medalist (6-1-1-1) and wrestled for West Point Academy.

2005 Matthew Morales was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army on December 9, 2010.

Matt is in flight school at Fort Rucker in Enterprise, AL. He will be a pilot in the Army’s Medevac Unit. He was the Battalion Leader of the Rocky Top Battalion while attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Matt has been honored by his commanding officers on numerous occasions for his leadership and physical abilities and was honored with a standing ovation at his December 10 graduation ceremony.

2006 Edward “Teddy” Dinker (top right) is an Account Executive for Robins Insurance Agency, Inc. in Nashville where he is responsible for client service, sales and support. Previously, he was a sales representative with Aflac in Charleston, SC while pursuing his B.A. and B.S. degrees in Business Administration and History from the College of Charleston. He was also involved in the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization.

2007 Dan Forsythe finished his college career as a member of the NC State Wolfpack Swim Team by setting two new records for the school at the ACC Championship in March. There he added a new school record and hit a “B” cut with a 54.37 in the 100-yard breaststroke, beating both his own and the previous school record of 54.97. The following day he set yet another school record with a 1:59.17 in the 200-yard breaststroke.

2007 Erin Mankin completed the Country Music Marathon first in her division with a time of 3:26. She placed 149 out of 4,082 runners and was the 27th female out of 1,833. Her former Cross Country coach, Robert Kent ‘74 walked the same marathon, completing his eleventh marathon.

2008 Alijandra Keith is studying Religion and Italian at Vassar College and will be graduating next year. She has been involved with student theater since her freshmen year including Little Shop of Horrors, The Full Monty, and Jesus Christ Superstar. She sings in the Women’s Chorus as an alto and has been traveling around the northeast to perform the “Vassar Voices” progress in honor of the school’s sesquicentennial this semester. Next spring the choir hopes to tour in England for ten days. She studied abroad in Bologna, Italy in the fall of 2010. Her a cappella group, Matthew’s Minstrels, is recording a CD this year after competing in the International Championship of A Cappella, and winning best vocal percussion. They hope to go on tour next spring!

2010 Anthony Simpson helped lead Bryan College to a 7th place finish at the NAIA Cross-Country National Championships in Vancouver, WA in November 2010. Anthony placed 142nd overall and 5th on his team. Anthony also made the All-Freshman team in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

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Births Summer 2011

Sarah Lauren to Jessica (Wolfe) ‘97 and John Burns ‘97 born on March 31, 2011.

Cecelia Angelique (row 1: photo 1) to Laura CampbellGreer ‘95 and Johannes Greer ‘93 born on May 24, 2011. The family lives in Old Hickory, TN. Stephen Hayes to Katherine (Timmons) ‘97 and Robert Duck born on November 11, 2010. Hayes joins his sister, McLean Elizabeth, and is the tenth grandchild for Karen (Curran) ‘72 and Steve Timmons ‘69.

Olivia Claire to Stephanie and Blake Emerson ‘99 born on January 16, 2011. Big sister, Bailey, loves poking at little “Ia.” Josie Marie (row 1: photo 2) to Will and Carolyn Evans (Staff) born on January 27, 2011.

Nathan Patrick (row 1: photo 3) to Dave and Stacey (Groover) Flaherty ‘94 born on October 10, 2010. He joins big brother, Matthew, in the growing Flaherty family.

Joya Marette to Rachel (Derrick) ‘99 and Charles Jones born on October 7, 2010. She joins her big sister, Corlin (4).

Isabella Rutherford (Ella Ford) to Bethany (Workman) and Robert J. Philbin ‘95 (FRHS Swim Coach) on June 10, 2011. Ella Ford has a big sister, Elizabeth McKinnon (Lily) who is 7. Ella Ford and Lily are the granddaughters of Michael J. Philbin ‘64 and Coach Shannon Philbin.

Alice Bolling (row 2: photo 3) to Margaret and Mason Poe ‘95 born on February 23, 2011.

Caroline Michelle (row 2: photo 4) to Michelle and Matt Puryear (Faculty) born on April 14, 2011. Big sister, Claire, is loving life as big sis.

Kendall Hawkins to Reggie and Markeisha HawkinsRucker (Faculty) born on February 25, 2011.

David Louis (row 2: photo 5) to Jenny and Louis Seele ‘96 born on December 22, 2010.

Macie (row 3: photo 1) to Lauren (Lewis) Sexton ‘02 and Robert Sexton born on May 19, 2011.

Lauren Kennedy to Christine (Turner) ‘98 and Nick Lowry ‘97 born November 29, 2010.

Laura Elizabeth to Wendy and Tom Shumate IV ‘91 born on June 9, 2011.

Miles Jeffrey (row 1: photo 4) to Ashley (Wolfe) ‘99 and Michael McBride ‘99, born February 6, 2011.

Laura Grace to Katie and Jim Steinbrecher ‘86 of Bartlett, TN born on July 11, 2011. She joins her big sister Anna (5), her big brother Nick (7), and their loyal dog Willow (9).

Ashlyn Rose (row 1: photo 5) to Rebecca (Wieck) ‘02 and Bobby McDaniel born on July 11, 2010 in Lexington, KY. Elianna Therese (row 2: photo 1) to Theresa and Jeff Mesch (Staff). Brothers Joseph and Dominic are excited about their new baby sister.

Patrick Gallagher to Minje and Michael Mulloy ‘01 born on April 2, 2011.

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Cruz Michael (row 2: photo 2) to Sean and Lisa (Pratt) Neeley ‘00 born on January 21, 2011. Cruz is the fourth grandchild of Mike ‘74 and Lynne (Einstman) Neeley ‘74.

Celia Marie (row 3: photo 2) to Elma (Concepcion) ‘01 and David Talbott born on March 17, 2011.

Trenton White (row 3: photo 3) to Gabriella (Dinkins) ‘02 and Matt White born on December 9, 2010.

Georgeanna Elizabeth (row 4: middle) to Amy and Robert Wingo, Jr. ‘90 born on March 18, 2011. She is also welcomed by big sister, Clara Grace.

Cecelia Angelique

Josie Marie

Elianna Therese

Cruz Michael

Macie

Celia Marie

Miles Jeffrey

Ashlyn Rose

Alice Bolling

Caroline Michelle

David Louis

Trenton White

Georgeanna Elizabeth

Nathan Patrick

Share Your Latest News & Stay in Touch with the Father Ryan Family Please share updates on your college experience, jobs and promotions, marriages, births and other personal highlights at alumni@fatherryan.org.

Parents of Alumni If your son or daughter no longer maintains an address at your home, please notify the Father Ryan Alumni Office of his or her new address by calling (615) 269-7926 or e-mailing Angela Mills ‘85 at millsa@fatherryan.org.

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Weddings

In Memoriam Summer 2011

Summer 2011

CHARLES “MIKE” ADAMS ‘59 - Brother of Frank ‘57 (deceased) and Chris Adams, Barbara Goodrich and Sherry Roney.

JANICE D. ALEXANDER - Daughter of Charles Donnelly ‘46 and mother of Brian Moore ‘90.

THOMAS “WAYNE” BAGGOTT - Son of Terry Baggott ‘59.

MARGARET MAY C. BALTZ - Mother of Louis J. Baltz, Jr. ‘53 (deceased), Barbara Wehby, Regina Charlton, Sr. Mary Louis Baltz O.P., Angela Singer, Judy Seigenthaler, Steve ‘64, Philip ‘67 and Eleanor Baltz.

Will Beavin ‘03 and Katie Griffith ‘03 were married June 18, 2011 at Christ the King Church in Nashville, TN. Jennifer Devine ‘98 and Flint Adam (top left) were married October 16, 2010 in Franklin, TN. Jennifer is a sales executive with SimplexGrinnell LP. Flint works at WZTV Fox 17.

Linsie Wiesman ‘08 and Tanner Fernlund were married on July 30, 2011. The couple lives in Clarksville, TN where Tanner is stationed at Ft. Campbell.

TERESA M. BICKEL ‘76 - Sister of Steve Bickel ‘70.

ROSEMARY R. BLACK - Mother of Fr. James A. Black ‘64 (deceased), Margaret Ann Smith, Donald Black ‘67 and Dennis Black ‘58.

MONICA L. BLACKWELL ‘80 - Sister of Tom Blackwell, Jr. ’78.

Jessica Elizabeth Donnelly and Whitney Rhys Gorham ‘02 were married at the Church of Assumption in Nashville on September 25, 2010.

JESSIE E. BRADLEY - Wife of James B. Bradley ‘42 (deceased) and mother of Mike, Patrick ‘72 and Tim Bradley.

Stephanie Michelle Lewis ‘02 and Justin Alan Hayden ‘02 were married on June 18, 2011.

MARY M. BATEY BRADSHAW ‘76 - Sister of Al Batey, III ‘73, Kay Batey ‘74, Claire Manley and Teresa Abernathy.

Sam Huttcheson and Ashley Weiland ‘01 were married in Nashville on May 7, 2011 at Tulip Street UMC and had an outdoor Reception at Union Station.

Both Sam and Ashley work for healthcare companies in Brentwood and live in Green Hills.

MARY FRANCES BROWN - Mother of David ‘64, Gerald ‘66 (deceased), Patricia and Thomas Brown ‘79.

Lyda Rogers ‘09 and David Lee were married on May 14, 2011.

Vanessa Velera Torres and Christopher Ryan Nolte ‘01 were married on September 18, 2010 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic. The couple lives in Coral Gables, FL where Chris is employed by Molnlycke Health Care.

Emily Rose Baker ‘02 and Matthew Paul Schutz (top right)were married in St. George Island, FL on September 5, 2010. The couple are residents of Mount Juliet, TN. Lauren Wise ‘04 and Matt Wallace were married on May 7, 2010 at St. Henry’s Church.

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MARGARET “RANDY” CURLEY BERRY - Mother of Bernadette Curley (deceased), Johnny Curley, III ‘77, JoAnn Warren, Kay Laurenzi, Beck Fowler, Karen Berry and Butch Berry.

JAMES M. “JIM” BYRD ‘50 - Father of Marty Byrd ‘73 and Ellen Butrum ‘77.

DOMINGO CARLETELLO, JR. - Father of Tony ‘89 and Michael ‘93 Carletello.

EUGENE E. CHILDS, SR. - Father of Eugene ‘84, Cody ‘86 and Susan Childs ‘87.

ALMA T. CROCKETT - Mother of George D. Crockett III (deceased), Mary Jo Mitchell, Rose Diamond, Julie Galbreth, Nancy Donlon, Elaine Hansom, Steve Crockett ‘80, Mike Crockett, Jennifer Burns ‘83 and Barbara Conrose ‘84.

JOSEPH A. CROW - Father of Chris Crow and Stephanie Reese ‘83.

MARGARET DELVIN - Mother of Barbara Mullins, Mary Tune, Hank Delvin ‘65, Mike Delvin ‘71, Debbie Dickmeyer ‘74, Don Delvin ‘78 and Delores Delvin ‘80.

JOAN DURAND - Mother of John Durand (Faculty).

JAMES “DAN” MURPHY ‘48 - Brother of Paul Murphy ‘47.

KATHLEEN M. EMERSON - Mother of Kara Glover, Brian ‘95 and Michael Emerson ‘95.

CANDACE HALE PAGE ‘82 - Wife of Kurt Page ‘81 and sister of Tad and William Hale ‘87.

EDWARD J. FULTON ‘60 - Father of Jackie F. Hamilton ‘86.

PATRICIA J. PETRONE - Mother of Jeanine Thompson ‘87, Mary Helen Lawrence and Victor Peatrone.

Mildred “Millie” A. Clancey - Mother of Lauren Francel ‘91, Margaret Ward, Jeanne Johnson and Michael Clancey.

CYNTHIA H. PETTY ‘75 - Mother of Michael Petty ‘10.

PATRICIA FOLEY GRAY - Mother of Shawn Gray ‘88.

JAMES “MIKE” PUCKETT ‘63 - Brother of Lisa Steffey, Tommy ‘65 and Lee Puckett.

SARAH “DIMPLES” GRIFFITH - Mother of Tommy Griffith ‘52, Joe Griffith ‘53, Puddin Scheffer, Charlie Griffith ‘62, Bill Griffith ‘71, Kathleen Herb and Jim Griffith ‘72.

PETER J. REALE ‘62 - Husband of Debbie (Derrick) Reale ‘72 and father of Stephanie Jacobs ‘86 (deceased), Tony Reale, Lacie Smithson, Chris Reale and Leslie Reale.

DOROTHY A. HARTNETT - Mother of Bill Hartnett, Jr. ‘59, Michael Hartnett ‘60, Mary Clare Lawrence and Diane Brady.

MICHAEL R. ROSA, SR. - Father of Michael Rosa, Jr., Regina Rubin, Lisa Sargent and Marianne Whitaker ‘87.

CLAUDE J. “JOE” HERRING - Father of Jon, Brad, Tony ‘00 and Julie Herring ‘01.

JANET J. SANTRY - Mother of Richard Santry, Maureen Hughes, James Santry and Mary Beth Griffin ‘83.

Theresa Hogan – Mother of Maureen Schlacter (Staff).

BERNARD J. SBUTTONI ‘53 - Brother of Joseph P. Sbuttoni, Sr. ‘39.

ISABELLA A. HUHLEIN - Mother of Gil ‘77, Mike ‘79, Doug ‘83 and Brad ‘89 Huhlein.

DONALD E. JACKSON, SR. - Father of Debra Jackson ‘73, Karen Jackson ‘76, Donna Jackson-Moreland ‘78, Donald Jackson, Jr. ‘78 and LaTrice Jackson-Sherrell ‘82.

ROBERT L. KENDALL - Father of Richard Kendall ‘67, Linda Martinez, Joe ‘77, John ‘78, Dan Kendall and Mary Beth Kendall ‘82.

NICHOLAS “NICK” P. STRIANSE - Son of Laura and Peter Strianse ‘73 and brother of Noel ‘04 and Anabel Strianse.

JOSEPH B. SULLIVAN, JR. ‘50 - Father of JoAnn Sullivan, Frank Sullivan ‘75, Elaine S. Walker ‘76, Joe B. Sullivan, III ‘85, Cathy S. Compton ‘87 and Susan S. Williams ‘88.

CARLOS “SEAN” TERRELL ‘91.

PAUL J. KERRIGAN, JR. ‘92 - Son of Paul J. Kerrigan (deceased) ‘58 and sister of Pamela Russell ‘87.

DELPHIA H. WALSH - Father of Joann Aquino, Bob Walsh ‘64, Linda Work, Tom “Yogi” Walsh ‘67, Jim Walsh ‘71, Nancy Nolan and Debbie Weber.

MARIE GLASGOW STEVENS LANGFORD - Mother of Raymond ‘78 and Thomas Stevens, Paula Head and Stephanie Conley. Sister of Clayton, Jr. ‘47 (deceased), John ‘50, George ‘54 and Frank Glasgow ‘60.

CHARLES B. “POPEYE” WARNER ‘52 - Brother of James ‘49, Lawrence, Billy ‘54 and Ed ‘55 Warner (deceased).

HARDEY “JACK” LAVENDER, SR. - Father of Hardy Lavender III ‘69, Tim Lavender ‘72, Donna Hudgens ‘73, Pam McDonald ‘77, Corrine Lavender (deceased) and Jeff Lavender.

CHRISTINE WENDZICKI - Mother of Tina Doss ‘82 and Greg and Mark Wendzicki.

JEANNE L. MAIHAFER - Mother of Douglas Maihafer ‘79 (deceased), Veronica M. Barnes, Mary M. Thompson and Peggy Maihafer.

DOROTHY M. MCPHAIL - Mother of Thomas McPhail (Faculty).

STEPHEN MCREDMOND ‘69 - Brother of Louis McRedmond ‘68, Mary Vogel, Anita Sheridan, Linda Orsagh, Ellen Kade, Stephanie Keller, Delores, Theresa and Julie McRedmond.

THOMAS F. MOGAN, M.D. ‘46 - Father of Thomas Mogan, Jr. ‘76 (deceased), Patty Mogan ‘72, Susan Bozeman ‘74, Kevin ‘78, Joseph and Melissa Mogan. Brother of Ed ‘43 (deceased), Joe ‘42 (deceased), John ‘54, Katie Childs (deceased), Sr. Thomasetta Mogan R.S.M. and Sr. MarisStella Mogan R.S.M.

DAVID T. WEBER ‘66 - Brother to Judy Rowe, Pam Rauber, Michael ‘65, Joe ‘71 and Tim Weber ‘73.

CECELIA EVANS WILK - Mother of Frank Wilk, Jr. ‘58, Toni Hall, Pam Crichton and Thomas Wilk. Brother of Tom Evans ‘41.

BEVERLY WILSON - Sister of C.A. Williams (Faculty).

RUDOLPH WOODBERRY - Father of Dr. Kerri Woodberry ‘81, Brian Woodberry ‘83, Dr. Pamela Manning, Rudolph Woodberry, Jr, Karen Rufus and Dr. Rudyea Woodberry.

JOSEPH E. WOOTTEN - Father of Dr. Michael Wootten ‘77; Step-father of Michael Jarrell (deceased), Kathy Daye, Phillip Jarrell ‘81 and Margaret VanDame.

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PAID

NASHVILLE, TN Permit No. 22

700 Norwood Drive Nashville, TN 37204 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

2011 Open House

Catignani-Drennan Fieldhouse Sunday, October 16, 2011 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where does your *Tuesday, October 18, 2011 - 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. path begin?

*An event for those unable to attend the 10/16 Open House

700 Norwood Drive • Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 383-4200 • www.fatherryan.org