Chaminade News Fall 2022

Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. ’78 Principal

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

One graduate shared with me his utmost praise and thanks for a particular coach who “saved” him and made sure he stayed at Chaminade. He was holding back a few tears as he recounted his rough family life and how this coach gave him a sense that he “belonged” and was truly part of this place called Chaminade. He said he owed everything that came in his life to that coach who made the difference.

Another shared with me how the four years at Chaminade were some of the best of his life. His closest friends today are from his class. He met his wife in the Main Gym at a sock hop after a football game, and as he started his career, it was the Chaminade network that guided and mentored him.

Dear Chaminade Family,

Hard to imagine that Christmas is right around the corner! Three months of school under our belt, and first trimester exams are looming in the horizon. It is so wonderful to be back to a normal school year!

We recently had the Class of 1972 back on campus for their 50th reunion. It is a four-day, multi-event get together - a real walk down memory lane with a full dose of today’s Chaminade experience.

It is a lot of work for Mrs. Deborah Kendric P’22 and the Alumni Relations staff to coordinate several events, dinners, golf, Mass, and a football game for the “boys from ’72,” and it was all worth it. I accompany them for most of their activities over the four days, and it takes a lot of my time. But I love it!

To be able to get to know these returning alumni, listen as they reflect on their experience at Chaminade High School 50 years ago, learn about their families and their careers, and share with them how Chaminade has grown and stretched over the years is one of the highlights of the year for me.

All reunions, but I think more so the 50th reunion, are a true homecoming, a return to the roots of those extraordinarily formative years of high school. Homecoming. Coming home.

During the reunion weekend, I had several conversations with the alumni. It is humbling for me to hear their gratitude, their indebtedness, their appreciation for the four years when they were in high school and for the friendships and relationships that have endured to this day. They were not only thankful for the institution that served them and that welcomed them home that weekend, but they praised the many teachers and coaches who guided and nurtured them, and for some, even changed their lives.

We also celebrated the combined class reunions on Saturday, October 15, for classes ending in 2 or 7. It was a wonderful evening under the tents on Faerber Field with a live band and delicious food trucks (read more about that on Pages 6 and 7). Of course, a shout out to my classmate John Liegey ’81, whose business Greenport Harbor Brewing Company generously donated all the beer. Catching up that evening with so many alums whom I taught was fantastic. I walk away from these reunions thinking, “They do grow up!” It is humbling to be involved in the work of education that we are privileged to carry out here at Chaminade!

Honestly, my favorite part of the reunions is all the stories I get to hear. They are heartfelt, sincere, and often very humorous. (There were a few fun stories that I can’t share here in-print!)

A few years ago, we had our Middle States accreditation visit. At the conclusion of his report to the school, the chairman of the accreditation team ended with these words,

“What’s clear to all of us who have spent the past three days with you and this wonderful school community is that your students feel known and loved."

That is what we want for every student and alumnus. This place at 340 Jackson Avenue is more than a school building or a collection of buildings on a school campus. It is home.

Coming home. I close almost every one of my letters in the Chaminade News with this line, “If you are in the area, please stop in… that’s what families do.”

I mean that. You don’t need a reunion weekend to come home. Go Flyers!

Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

On September 29, the 50th reunion of the Class of 1972 began with the Gold Star Mass. Members from the class gathered with the student body, honored guests, and members of the military to honor our brothers who have given their lives in service to our country. It was a fitting beginning to the weekend-long series of events celebrating the Class of 1972 that had been in the planning stages since March. Every month, the 50th reunion committee, led by co-chairs, Anthony Battista, Craig Tigh, and Paul Callahan, met to build the weekend into a series of events that would be memorable for all.

When asked about their dedication to the planning process, committee member Garrett Verdone said, “I joined the reunion committee to try to reconnect with classmates and remember the great times we had together.” Craig Tigh added, “...to reconnect and not only relive our four years at Chaminade but more so to understand where life’s travels have taken us.” The committee’s efforts certainly had an effect on their classmates as this reunion gathered over 30% of the graduating class back to Mineola to celebrate.

After the Gold Star Mass, attendees enjoyed a round of golf at Garden City Country Club, followed by dinner. The following day was dedicated to current life at Chaminade, and it was clear to all that their alma mater had come a long way. A tour of the campus brought back memories but also highlighted how classes have evolved with new technology and teaching styles. But many found that the spirit of the school was still very much what they remembered.

Although some of the reunion events have been enjoyed by other classes in past years, the class found ways to make their reunion unique. On Friday evening, Monsignor Thomas Harold ’72 hosted a

“guy’s night” of dinner and Chaminade trivia at St. Anne’s Ministry Center. The Flyers tested their knowledge of Chaminade lore and had many laughs while doing so. On Saturday night, the dinner party at Chaminade’s Dolan Family Science, Technology, and Research Center (STRC) included committee member Kevin McGaley’s sons who turned up the nostalgia by spinning vinyl hits from the 1970s, and everyone in the STRC felt like teenagers again. The next morning, the Flyers showed up for Sunday Mass in the chapel.

After Mass, the reunion culminated in the Varsity Football game against Cardinal Hayes. Before the game, the Class of 1972 was called out to the center Ott Field to be recognized, and Craig Tigh (pictured on the cover) had the honor of tossing the game-opening coin.

Many of the reunion attendees came from far and wide to participate in the weekend, traveling from places as distant as

Colorado, Florida, and Hawaii. When asked what motivated them to make the trip out for the 50th reunion, registrants shared memories of the fun they had as students, the amazing teachers from whom they learned, and the faith life that was strengthened at Chaminade. John Gennaro shared a fond memory of his days in the chapel “at lunchtime where you could receive Communion. The rest of the day could be hectic and stressful, but those few minutes were very peaceful and centering.” Mike Wesnofske offered, “My favorite memory is the dedication of the faculty and staff to give us such a high-quality education and overall high school experience.”

As a gesture of gratitude for all Chaminade has given them, the Class of 1972 presented a gift to the Torch Fund (pictured above left), ensuring that future generations of Flyers can come to Chaminade and build lasting memories and friendships.

Classroom visits, Gold Star Mass, Saturday night spinning vinyl, and Sunday's football game

WE’RE GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

The Combined Reunion - with a new format - proves to be a hit for all

On Saturday, October 12, Chaminade held the Combined Reunion for graduating classes ending in 2 and 7. With former Flyers from the Class of 1952 to the Class of 2017, Chaminade welcomed home graduates from every age and place for a weekend of unique festivities that had something for everyone.

Matt Gonyon from the Class of 2011 and his business partner Tom Turner (KMHS '11), owners of Cathy’s Cafes, helped provide food for the event. “Cathy’s Cafes is a community-based, small-format coffee company that operates out of zero-emission carts, trucks, and re-purposed micro-real estate locations. We just launched our first permanent location, a pizza truck we transformed into a fully functioning café,” remarked Gonyon.

Being an integral part of the combined reunions seemed like a natural fit for Gonyon. “In July of 2021, we pitched our business idea at Chaminade’s Tarmac Tank. We were still a long way from closing on our first permanent location and were seeking out events to help grow our brand a little. After our pitch, Deborah Kendric pitched us on her own vision for a new format reunion centered around food trucks. It’s been great to come back to the school and see a bunch of familiar faces. We have two reunions under our belt now, and we are looking forward to next year!” said Gonyon.

In addition to the fare provided by Cathy’s Cafes, alumni were treated to live music and drinks. John Liegey ’81, founder of Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, provided all of the drinks for the evening. “When Deb Kendric reached out to me with the new outdoor Combined Reunion idea and asked whether we could bring our beer trailer, it was a no brainer. And to top it off, the inaugural outdoor event in 2021 had both my class year and my son’s, 2016. We didn't actually have it figured out for the first year and wondered if we would be stuck serving the beer for the entire day, but all of the classes seemed to get the hang of pouring their own beer pretty quickly,” Liegey said.

During the pandemic, Martin Hettrich and his classmates couldn't get together to celebrate their 30th reunion. Hettrich, along with fellow 1990 alums Chris Merlo and Rob Findlay, put

together a virtual concert get-together. “The following year, I was contacted by Deborah Kendric, who wanted to know if we could put together a band for the first of hopefully many combined reunions. This past year was our second concert, and we all had a blast,” remarked Hettrich. Roly Boyon ’88 and Andy Toulas ’91 also joined in the band at the event.

Sean Maleady is a graduate of the Class of 2017, the youngest class at the Combined Reunion. An investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs, Maleady welcomed the opportunity to come home. “I stay in touch with many friends; however, the reunion was a great opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. Overall, the Chaminade alumni network has helped me get to where I am today, and I in turn have tried to help younger alumni pursue their goals. Friends in the city and at work are constantly impressed by how many Chaminade alumni I interact with and come across,” said Maleady.

Perhaps Liegey summed up the Combined Reunion best when he remarked, “I really think the newest evolution of the event is pretty unbeatable. The live music and food trucks allow you to hang around with your own class in an informal setting, as well as meet students from other classes while waiting on line for food or listening to the band. It has been a tremendous experience.” As Hettrich summed up, “Getting alumni from a multitude of graduating classes is a great way to reconnect, share stories, and make new friends. I hope they continue this tradition for years to come.”

"The Chaminade alumni network has helped me get to where I am today."

TORCH FUND

Why does participation matter?

HOW CAN I MAKE A GIFT?

Chaminade has a number of ways to make a lasting impact

BY VENMO

WITH A MATCHING GIFT

from your company or foundation

@ChaminadeHighSchool

www.chaminade-hs.org/support/ ways-to-give

The Torch Fund is the engine that powers a truly transformative education.

The Torch Fund provides roughly 15% of Chaminade's operating revenue. Annual giving through the Torch Fund is vital to sustaining our educational mission - for both today's students and future generations. Your participation with a gift of any size is a vote of confidence in Chaminade's mission and supports the value of a Chaminade education!

BY MAIL

ONLINE

Make checks payable to the Chaminade Development Fund and mail to 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola, NY 11501 Attn: Office of Advancement

BY SCANNING QR BELOW

www.chaminade-hs.org/ makeagift

WITH A RECURRING GIFT

Making a monthly recurring gift is an easy, convenient, and secure way to commit to the Chaminade mission.

PLANNED GIFTS AT WORK

Q- Bill, you’ve been a great supporter of Chaminade since the Torch Fund’s inception in 1987. Why is it important to you to give to the school?

A- I remember the start of the Torch Fund well as I was asked to spearhead the efforts with Lou Gerstner ’59 and Bob Wright ’61 over 35 years ago. It’s amazing to see the growth of the fund and support of the school over the last four decades. One of the defining elements of a Catholic education is the reinforcement of a strong moral compass. Chaminade certainly did that for me, and it carried on at college and has stayed with me throughout my life. Dedication to faith, family, and academic excellence are the cornerstones for a purposeful life. We need more schools like Chaminade is this world.

Q- When you talk to others about Chaminade, how do you describe your experience?

A- It was one of the great experiences of my life, and at 85, that’s saying a lot! I played on the basketball team, and the camaraderie I experienced was truly special. My education off the court was also exceptional as my teachers taught me how to critically think and, more importantly, communicate.

Q- What spurred you to consider making a planned gift to Chaminade?

A- I’ve got a wonderful family that doesn’t need my wife’s and my financial support. We asked ourselves, “What’s important to us?” We decided on six organizations that were instrumental in our lives, and they will be the recipients of a large portion of our estate. Chaminade is one of those impactful organizations.

Q- What is your fondest memory of Chaminade?

A- I was a junior and trying out for the basketball team. We had a really strong team, and I wasn’t sure if I’d make it. One of our

players got a green slip and had to serve detention. It afforded me the opportunity to travel with the team to Mt. St. Michael’s for an exhibition game, and I led the team in scoring for that game and made the team…very serendipitous! My participation in basketball led me to the College of Holy Cross for the next great chapter of my life.

Q- Whom did you contact to work out a planned gift?

A- It was very simple. I went to our estate planning attorney, and he put the documents together that were necessary to execute our plan. Being in the financial services business, I knew enough about planned giving to provide him with the necessary information.

For more information about establishing a legacy gift at Chaminade, please contact Executive Director of Advancement Mr. Chris Hanley ’80 at (516) 742-5555 ext. 509 or email chanley@chaminade-hs.org.

Executive Director of Advancement Chris Hanley ’80 recently met with Bill Maloney '55, president of Osprey Holdings Ltd., to discuss his recent bequest and hear his thoughts on the importance of supporting Chaminade through planned giving.

On October 15, Chaminade celebrated its annual Combined Reunion for the alumni whose class years ended with a 2 or a 7. Any alumnus who has already passed his 50th reunion was also invited to attend the Golden Flyer Luncheon earlier in the day and to view the game from the open-air balcony of the Dolan Family Science, Technology, and Research Center.

This year, two alumni, John Hughes and David Kenney, celebrated the 70th reunion of the Class of 1952! Both agreed to participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the Flyer victory over Christ the King High School. Hughes and Kenney were part of the last graduating classes that actually had the opportunity to graduate in either December or January.

After graduating from Chaminade in 1952, John Hughes, a native resident of Floral Park, would attend Fordham University, majoring in sociology while simultaneously serving his country in the U.S. Army’s ROTC program. He would eventually pursue his Master's

Degree in Human Resources. More importantly, while attending Fordham, John would meet Winefred, a student at Mt. St. Vincent College. She would go on to become his wife of over 64 years! Together they have had eight children and 23 grandchildren. When asked why he still comes back to events at Chaminade, John admits, “I didn’t want to go to Chaminade. My father made me attend. I was very much a reluctant freshman. Now I am so proud of the school and how it is still going strong after all these years.” He has volunteered his services throughout the years at “phoneathons” and at other events such as golf outings. Still living in Floral Park, John tries to attend as many Chaminade events as possible.

David Kenney, on the other hand, has a different story. After, as he describes it, “bouncing around a few colleges,” David ultimately graduated from St. John’s University in 1961 with over 300 credits to his name. He worked for several years with his father, who owned a wholesale fish business, before ultimately becoming a computer programmer for IBM. He and his wife Antonia would have five children (and 17 grandchildren). David was always a fine athlete and an avid badminton player for much of his 20s and 30s. By the time he reached 40, cycling caught his attention, and at the age of 58, he actually rode from East Moriches to Ontario, Canada.

David was not done then, not by a longshot. He began running at the age of 60, completed his first marathon at 65, and by the time he was 74, David had run 31 full marathons and competed in over 1,000 races. He still runs and cycles today but now devotes a considerable more amount of time to cooking. Although David lives in East Moriches, he tries to attend alumni events whenever possible.

These Flyers of the Class of 1952 share the common bond of what brings so many graduates back every year. They still believe in the school and the Marianist mission. Although their lives have certainly gone in different directions, Dave and John will certainly continue on a path that Chaminade played a major role in paving.

David Kenney '52 John Hughes '52

Classmates John Hughes and David Kenney kick off their 70th reunion on the 50-yard line of Ott Field.

"I am so proud of the school and how it is still going strong after all these years."

TO WHEREVER THEY

BRINGING HOME BUILDING UPON A SOLID FOUNDATION

The trophy case in the lobby of Darby Auditorium prominently displays several of the ceremonial tools that commemorated various groundbreaking ceremonies at the AAC, the STRC, and even the main building of Chaminade High School. One can only wonder if our founder, Bro. Alexander Ott, when he first broke ground in an empty field in Mineola, could have ever imagined that graduates from this school would gather at events across the country to celebrate the foundation of that same Marianist mission.

During Chaminade’s early years of development, most alumni would eventually settle down, if not on Long Island or New York City, at least in the greater New York area. That would not be the case, however, for very long, and soon the need was recognized to create alumni chapters in states like Florida and cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The school’s graduates wanted to gather together and share the common experience of Chaminade, but life’s circumstances dictated that traveling back to Mineola was not feasible. Today, Chaminade proudly boasts nine regional alumni chapters that span across the United States.

Throughout the country, Flyers communities are formed. Chaminade graduates can now come together and share stories of their high school years, even with fellow alumni that were not in the building for their particular enrollment years. More importantly, Flyers now have the opportunity to cultivate both personal and professional relationships with one another.

On the weekend of October 21, a gathering was held at Larry Grassini ’63 and his wife’s winery in Santa Ynez, California. That event perfectly encapsulates the Chaminade alumni chapter experience. The couple hosted graduates spanning the Classes of 1963 to 2018, served several samples of their vintage along with gourmet hors d’evours. The couple offered tours of their winery. The only issue was that graduates did not seem to want to leave, and the event ran several hours late! The Southern California Chapter is presented with several logistical challenges as Chaminade has significant populations in both Los Angeles and San Diego. Although the cities are relatively close to one another, anyone who has spent time in southern California traffic can testify how long the trip might actually take. Yet, through the efforts of many, the events always manage to proceed in one of the cities.

ARE:

"We all seem to have a Chaminade connection that binds us together, and it doesn't matter when you graduated."

Southern California Chapter President Steve Gallagher ’07 commented, “A real fraternity has been built out here. We all seem to have a Chaminade connection that binds us together, and it doesn’t matter when you graduated. We all have common stories, jokes, and shared experiences. When I first came out to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry, one of the first things I did was to find out what fellow Flyers were out here. This city can be a pretty daunting place, and it was a comfort to know that I wasn’t alone.”

Not all events are celebratory in nature. Each year, the Washington-Baltimore Chapter holds its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Deborah Kendric P ’22 commented, “This event is one of the most important traditions we uphold because we must appreciate and honor all those who have served our country.”

This year, representatives from Chaminade first attended Mass, celebrated by Fr. Vincent DeRosa ’99, at the Old Post Chapel and proceeded to the ceremony. Fr. Vincent praised those Chaminade alumni who translated the school’s unofficial motto of “doing the right thing at the right time, for the right reason, regardless of who is watching” into future military service. Bro. Thomas Cleary ’81, Dick Kearns ’68, Tom Russo ’68, and Michael Hearon ’03, an active-duty Navy pilot, then served as the traditional wreath layers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later that evening, a reception was held at Patton Hall with over 50 alumni present.

Upon further reflection, maybe Bro. Ott knew exactly what he was doing and recognized that if he laid a solid foundation of Marianist education, the effects of this endeavor would eventually expand far beyond the walls of Chaminade.

FREQUENT FLYER ALWAYS MANAGES TO FIND THE TARMAC AT REUNION TIME

Kevin Regan ’72 continues his tradition of returning home

One Class of 1972 alumnus has been keeping his ties to Chaminade strong since graduation. He has attended his reunion every five years, and when it was time for his 50th, Kevin Regan was not going to let anything stand in his way from making the trip back to Mineola - not even a natural disaster.

As Hurricane Ian approached the coast of Florida where Regan lives, he began to consider how he would be able to travel safely. He was determined to see his plans through and managed to drive from his home in Debary to Orlando, where he could get a flight out to New York just in time. When asked about his favorite memories from his time at Chaminade, Regan spoke of everything from the lasting friendships he made in homeroom to the student body Masses. Regan recalled helping to build the school itself by “volunteering to help build the library, renovate the ‘cave,’ and thefirst air- conditioned classrooms.”

For people like Kevin Regan, a class reunion is an ideal chance to connect with Flyers and recall shared remembrances. A graduate from 1972 might not, seemingly, have anything in common with a graduate of the Class of 1992, but they indeed both sat in Darby Auditorium, awed at the faces of the Gold Star alumni during the Gold Star Mass, cheered for the football team, and wore the white tuxedo to receive the Chaminade diploma after four years. That is why people like Regan return every reunion, in spite of what is going on in their busy lives.

When people speak of the Chaminade brotherhood that continues after graduation, Regan knows how powerful this can be from first-hand experience. “By chance, at the end of a job interview after graduating from Hofstra, my interviewer asked what high school I attended. When I responded ‘Chaminade,’ he sat back in his chair, looked me in the eyes and responded: ‘Kevin, you are going to love it here!’ That was Jimmy Kenny from the Class of 1945. Jim was my first boss at Burroughs Corporation, where I very much enjoyed selling and managing sales teams for the next 30 years.” Regan brought his passion for all things Chaminade and the love of his classmates to the 50th reunion. His classmates who celebrated with him were inspired by his energy.