WINTER 2022 | THE ART OF EDUCATION | CHAMINADE NEWS | 1
CHAMINADE NEWS
WINTER 2022
Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81 President Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. ’78 Principal Chris Hanley ’80 Executive Director of Advancement Julie Pape Annual Fund Director
Welcome to your
CHAMINADE
NEWS
Featuring the artistic expression and talent of the Chaminade Family – alumni, current students, and CAPA!
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Student Art Series
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Connor Magurno ’22 Winning Big
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Big (Crimson and) Gold Brick
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Student Art Series
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Passing Down the Pencil Student Art Series
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Connor Squeri ’22
Guy LaCognata ’15 Director of Communications and Marketing
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Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59 Director Emeritus of Development and Alumni Relations Mary Naglia Creative Lead
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Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74 Joseph Caso William Clemens ’14 Heidi Hafner Peter Vanderberg Contributors Office of Advancement (516) 742-5555 ext. 444
President's Letter
Oliver Regala ’24
Deborah Kendric Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
Peter Accardi Photographer
IN THIS ISSUE
The Art of Success
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Torch Fund
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Senior Class Gift Initiative
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1930 Legacy Society
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All in the Family Tree
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The Art of Sports
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Dear Chaminade Family, I love music. My whole family does.
A Man of Faith, A Leader
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in Education
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Office of Communications and Marketing (516) 742-5555 ext. 492
community: parish celebrations, 9/11
had music playing in the house was
memorials, Memorial Day celebrations,
probably the reason for this. He and
Jimmy Regan’s run, concerts at Carn-
my mom played all kinds of music:
egie Hall, and many other events. Not
Broadway tunes, Fleetwood Mac,
only do they get to share their musical
Frank Sinatra – even the Grateful
talents, but they also support so many
Dead rocked the Cleary household!
programs with their presence and song.
And for the month of December,
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In recent years, we have developed
all we heard were Christmas tunes
an extensive film and graphics club,
throughout the house and even piped
Element Film. This club has allowed
outside on the property for all to hear.
students not only to develop and
When I sit in Darby Auditorium
build on their interests in film and
and watch a play or concert, I marvel
editing, but also serves the larger
at the talent our young men have.
Chaminade community by supporting
I love music, but I can’t sing to save
the mission of the school with the
my life (ask the Brothers!) I love the
incredible videos they produce. I am
talent these young men have and
in awe when I see one of their sports
the confidence they demonstrate to
season recaps, a video they made for
share their gifts on stage in front
Catholic Schools Week, or a short
of a live audience.
film some students wrote, edited,
We have made an intentional effort to expand the arts at Chaminade over the past few years. For an all-boys
and produced, which they entered into a film contest. This issue of the Chaminade News
school, I think this is incredibly im-
brings light to the hundreds of grad-
portant: to teach and support the arts,
uates, current students, and other
the love of music, the love of beauty,
members of the Chaminade Family
and the splendor of God’s creation.
who glorify God’s creation by devel-
Atmosphere educates. The attention
oping and sharing their own artistic
to detail that our landscaping crew,
talents, imitating the Creator of all.
PRESIDENT’S
LETTER
To all those who add to the song
sueto P’13, gives to the campus and
and beauty we live in, thank you!
its grounds is incredibly impressive.
I am so grateful that my parents
I often remind Carlo the reason why
developed in my siblings and me a
our landscaping is so important: it is
love and respect for the arts!
the first thing a visitor to our campus
Alumni Events
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Student Art Series
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Ryan Houghton ’22 ChaminadeConnect
ployed” to various events in the local
I think the fact that my dad always
under the direction of Mr. Carlo ManThe Art of Connection
at the concerts but also gets “de-
sees. It also highlights the beauty of
Fortes in Unitate,
the creation of God, the First Artist! Our bands and glee clubs have over 15% of the student body engaged in daily practices, private lessons, and
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four concerts per year. The Vocal
Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81
Chamber Ensemble not only performs
President, Chaminade High School
WINTER 2022 | THE ART OF EDUCATION | CHAMINADE NEWS | 3
CONNOR MAGURNO ’22
ART SERIES
STUDENT
"These are a few self-portraits I made over the summer in order to practice drawing in different styles. I chose to draw my own face not because I think I’m pretty, but because it’s the only face that would sit still for me every day of the summer. Regardless, I started each piece off by drawing myself with pencil on paper, using my iPhone camera as reference. Then, I took a picture of my drawing and imported it into the iPad application Procreate. From there, I re-drew my lines (if there were any) and added color, shading, contour, and backgrounds. I tried to encapsulate how I was feeling on each day that I drew, so I experimented with a few different styles."
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WINNING B G One Chaminade alumnus has put his creative skills into practice to win big at the 73rd Annual Emmy Awards. James David Redding III ’96 works as a sound editor on many current and past films and television programs. Redding
hang out with his friends and enjoy the campus that became a sort of “home away from home.” During his tenure at Chaminade, James involved himself in many activities, including art, the student-run literary publication Skylight, and wrestling. James' proudest and biggest club involvement, however, was the photography club, where he developed an appreciation for capturing the artful
important for me to explore multiple mediums of expression.” With sound editing, James had to learn more than mere narrative to incorporate the right sounds into a visual piece. Considering the cultural context, characterizations, tone, and overall vision of the director, each piece develops unique mixes of sound used to draw emotion out of the audience. “With sound, you have total
recently won the 2021 Emmy for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series for his work on the hit Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit. Red-
active life of the school. “We had a camera that we were allowed to just capture images artistically around campus, and that definitely inspired talents within me toward creative expression.” Redding got involved in sound editing in college when he interned on production for the first Matrix film. “Chaminade most definitely had a hand in my journey into the work I currently do in sound editing. It’s funny that I wanted to be a part of the television studio or the theatrical crew and, for some reason, I did not make it into either. Once I got to Ithaca College, I found my way into that world through working in radio.” James developed a love for making noise
control over a scene and the response of the viewer. I manipulate the reality of every scene I’m tasked with analyzing.” With all that he has accomplished, James won the Emmy in 2021 for his work on The Queen’s Gambit, the Netflix show which follows a girl on her journey to fame and success in competitive chess. “In sound editing, you work on one episode at a time, usually out of order. As I worked on it, I realized it was a special project. All elements - the cinematography, the acting, the sound - just clicked, and it was luckily received in a huge way from the public.” The skills he learned over the years helped Redding tackle this drama in award-winning fashion.
ding shares this award with his partner editors on the show and considers it one of the highlights of a career that spans the last 15 years. James was born and raised in Garden City. The youngest with three older sisters, all of whom went to Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, a life at Chaminade was destined from the start. Although initially reluctant and rebellious, James developed an appreciation for his time at Chaminade. James recalls staying after school most days just to
in audio production, both in television, radio, and in music. “I was a part of a few punk bands that helped foster my love for making sounds. After working on The Matrix, I definitely knew making sound was my passion.” Exploring the arts within education is vital for students in today’s world. “While I was at Chaminade, I really got into poetry,” comments Redding. “My English teacher, Frank Marenghi, inspired me to let my brain go and explore my identity through poems. It was so
Reflecting on his journey, James comments that “Chaminade taught me how to think and connect with other people. Nobody has the experience we have at Chaminade. Because I knew how to think about things, I learned how to explore the arts on my own,” which, for James, demonstrates the effectiveness of a Marianist education. James continues to work in sound editing while teaching at New York University, seeking the beautiful sounds that move people in a real way through his craft.
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A recent Chaminade graduate is beginning to leap for the stars of Hollywood acclaim making headlines as an up-andcoming movie producer. The journey from Chaminade Flyer to movie producer is quite a story! Greg Lauritano grew up in Amityville and graduated from Chaminade in 2009. He attended the University of Richmond and majored in business. During his time at Chaminade, Greg desired, just like many students, a successful career on Wall Street. As a stepping stone for that goal, Greg interned at 21st Century
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STUDENT
GOLD BRICK
Hale, Emory Cohen, and Oscar Isaac. Big Gold Brick released into theatres on February 25, 2022. Greg attributes his involvement in the film industry to the skills he learned during his time at Chaminade. Greg competed in soccer and track, and participated in many other activities. “It takes a lot of patience” to work on these films as a producer, remarks Lauritano. “I definitely learned skills to handle this career during my time at Chaminade.” Greg sees his business as a relationship game. “The most important thing I learned at Chaminade was networking, which is a big - if not the biggest - piece of what I do as a producer. Any given day, I’m meeting with directors, actors, possible donors, and everyone in between to make each project come together in a meaningful and efficient way.” Lauritano is also thrilled to learn of the development of the Element Film Club at Chaminade, where students are given the space to develop their creative skills in video production, sound editing, and photography. “It is so important for students to see that side of professional life,” remarks Lauritano. “Careers can be built on creative skills like directing, editing, and producing all kinds of projects. We had nothing like Element during my time at Chaminade, and the mindset was definitely more focused on corporate business. Having offerings like Element exposes students to these creative avenues they may not even realize exist for them to pursue. It is so exciting to see these new activities at Chaminade!” Lauritano continues to produce films and add new projects to his portfolio, with an undisclosed project featuring Ewan McGregor close on the horizon. The next time you find yourself at a theatre, look out for Crimson and Gold shining bright on the marquee!
"My art piece, Nature of the Mind, is a self-reflection on how I feel my mind works. I created my piece using a 3-D rendering software named Blender. In the center of the piece is a brain that has texture with a lot of noise on it. I made the brain by sculpting a sphere to the general outline then using a brain texture and stylizing it. The noise on the brain represents how fast my mind will move from thought to thought. In the background is a cave to represent a prison. It is very common to see people represent knowledge with Greco-Roman architecture. The use of the columns represent a prison of knowledge for the mind."
OLIVER REGALA ’24
(crimson and)
Fox – now 21st Century Studios – at their corporate office in mergers and acquisitions. During his tenure at Century, Lauritano developed many skills and insights into the business of film production. Continuing on this path, Greg moved out to Los Angeles shortly after undergrad and began working at 21st Century Studios in their finance department. After some time working in the business, Greg realized it was time for a change toward the creative side of the industry. “I felt like I was very close to the action without actually being a part of it,” considers Lauritano. So after many conversations with people in the industry and close colleagues, Greg shifted into the driving seat of movie production, with a major film now set to premiere. Greg’s film, Big Gold Brick, is an illustrious dark comedy that follows a father of two in his partnership with a young writer as he attempts to commission his own biography. The film features captivating performances by great actors such as Andy Garcia, Megan Fox, Lucy
ART SERIES
BIG
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PASSING DOWN THE
Pencil Alumnus and His Father are Still Drawing Decades After Chaminade
JOE GIELLA How did you first become interested in drawing comics and art? As a kid, I always loved drawing. We didn’t have art supplies so I used to draw on everything I could get my hands on. I remember tearing up and drawing on both sides of the paper grocery bags. Years later I attended the School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan. What were some of your early comic and artist influences?
F
rank Giella ’83 is an artist and teacher who comes from a family of those who love to draw, paint, and create. While at Chaminade,
Giella enjoyed his art classes best, even winning the top prize in the 1983 G.S.O. Student Art Contest for his painting of a battle from the film Star Wars. Frank Giella’s father, Joseph, had a lifelong career in art as an illustrator for various comic book titles, including The Flash, Green Lantern, and Batman. At the age of 93, Mr. Joe Giella is still drawing and was recently the subject of a News12 feature. We sat down with Frank and Joe to ask a few questions about their lives as artists. I loved reading The Prince Valiant and Flash Gordon newspaper comic strips. I would marvel at the beautiful artwork. Can you tell us about your first big break in the comic art world? In 1946, when I was 16, I was given an animated comic book feature to draw. It was a character called Captain Codfish (like a distant relative of Spongebob). This story helped me land a staff position with Stan Lee at Timely Comics (later named Marvel Comics). For Stan, I worked in the “bullpen,” a
great place for young artists. I did a little bit of everything, including penciling, inking, lettering, and coloring. I remember working on all the early Marvel characters, including Captain America, Human Torch, and Submariner. After a few years, I moved on to DC Comics where I spent 45 years. What are you most proud of in terms of the characters and art you have created? I’m proud that I worked on Batman during the height of “Batmania” in the 1960s. I also worked on all the major Silver Age DC titles, including Flash, Green Lantern, and Justice League. What projects are you working on now? I am currently drawing commissions and cover re-creations for fans around the world. I also enjoy appearing as a guest at comic conventions around the country. It’s great meeting people and talking to comic fans in person. FRANK GIELLA ’83 How has your father's work influenced your own career? I grew to love art and admire artists and eventually realized I had to tell people
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about this! Teaching was the perfect vehicle. I spent a career talking about art history, taking classes to Europe for art tours, teaching cartooning and animation, and allowing kids to love and appreciate art! Just today, two of my AP Art History students told me they went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art the other day. They were so excited to rattle off the pieces they saw that we had studied in class. Do you remember taking art classes at Chaminade? Yes! We had to take one art class each year. I loved these classes. I received a 100 in each class. It really helped my GPA. I also grew to love history. I had several incredible social studies and Church history teachers. It kindled a love of history. I think that led to my love of art history today.
Can you tell us how art is a legacy in your family? I guess art is the family business. My brother, Dan, is also an artist. He worked on many important ad campaigns, including the logo for one of the New York City marathons and the “COPSHOT” logo that we see on the back of the police cars. He now owns an art gallery in Tribeca. My three children, all Kellenberg graduates, are studying and working in creative fields. My son is a social media director. My oldest daughter is working
J
on her master's in architecture. And my youngest daughter is studying fashion business. What advice would you give current Chaminade students considering a career in visual arts? The computer is a great tool for creating art. Combine your knowledge of computers with your art skills, and there you go! Computer animation is the future. I have several former students working in the field.
oe Giella continues to follow his lifelong passion for illustration and inspire countless other young artists through his work. As a teacher
of art history, Frank Giella ’83 also inspires his students, as well as his own children, to pursue their artistic inspirations. Chaminade offers many avenues
Can you tell us how your time at Chaminade influenced your life and art career?
for students to explore their creative impulses. Studio Art gives students a
One of my fondest memories from Chaminade was entering their annual art contest! Twice I won top honors. To this day, nearly 40 years later, I still have the piece I painted during my senior year. It was a Star Wars piece with Darth Vader. I still have the award hanging in my studio today!
as the Art Club, Element Film Club, Drama Club, and others, provide opportu-
chance to develop basic drawing and painting skills while allowing them to bring their own unique artistic visions to life. Extracurricular activities, such nities to develop a wide range of artistic expressions. No matter where your inspiration begins to take root, the stories of both Joe and Frank Giella illustrate that through sustained effort and commitment, a career in the arts can take many paths and build a fulfilling life while inspiring others.
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CONNOR SQUERI ’22
ART SERIES
STUDENT
1
3
"The best thing about photography is being able to capture whatever you would like. When you get that perfect shot, it brings instant happiness. My goal with photography is not only to make a living for myself but to ensure the constant flow of happiness in my life."
Medium: Photography | Camera: Olympus Mll1 Photos taken in Long Beach and East Atlantic Beach
4
1 Way of the Water 2 Desolation 3 Lunch 4 Down the Line
2
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From the Piano to the Paintbrush Alumnus Continues to Flourish in the World of Visual Arts
Charles Bourke Wildbank ’66 remembers being a nine-year-old boy taking piano lessons after school and making no progress despite his efforts and his parents’ hopes. His music teacher recommended that Charles stop trying to learn piano and instead channel his energy into other forms of artistic expression. Despite the fact that he was born deaf, Charles was not upset that his days as a young music student were curtailed. “I am not just tone deaf; I was born completely deaf! Thus, it came as great relief that my music lessons were conveniently discontinued as I never felt I had any say at that age.” What may be first perceived as failure opened the door to the start of a prolific career in the visual arts that has spanned over 50 years. Among Wildbank’s most recognizable works is an eight-foot rendering of the Cartier diamond, a work that adorned Fifth Avenue in the early 1980s, and two 18-foot-high murals for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 ocean liner
in 2004. He is also well-known for his portraits, seascapes, and florals. Wildbank, who was born Charles Bourke but added “Wildbank” to his name in honor of his family’s estate on the North Shore, says that it was fate that an artist supply store opened in his small Long Island neighborhood. During his preteens he bought what he could to nourish his calling to art. “It was during my preteens,” noted Wildbank, “that I would purchase my first oil paints and brushes with any allowance money saved.” He also began experimenting with other mediums, such as pencil, charcoal, and pastels. In his teens, he was given the opportunity to take drawing classes on Saturdays under the tutelage of an elderly Japanese woman who was a portrait artist. He enjoyed the self-paced classes and found his niche in the studio. Remembering his time at that studio, Wildbank said, “Art became the norm for me that way after having
been literally non-existent in my home or school environment.” Some of his earlier works, specifically his works with pastels, can be found in the 1966 issue of the Crimson and Gold yearbook. There was no art curriculum at Chaminade during Wildbank’s years there, but there were moments that allowed for artistic expression. For example, in 1962 Chaminade held an art contest for any student who wished to participate. The theme was “interracial justice.” Wildbank entered a charcoal sketch, which he still has. “My charcoal sketch was selected as a prize winner, and I was handed a check on stage when its winner was announced.” Wildbank also remembers being recognized for exceptional work in English class, which was a source of discomfort. His teacher instructed the class to take out a blank sheet of paper and spontaneously produce an eight-line poem. Once the work had been collected, the teacher read the ones he deemed
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best. “[The teacher] selected mine first. I had felt an internal meltdown as my poem came out of the teacher’s lips, which I lip-read and recognized as mine all the while I am being stared at. I was very shy during those years.” Overall, Wildbank, in retrospect, appreciates the time he spent as a Flyer. “Those years at Chaminade were my most challenging yet formative, laying the foundation for who I am today. I am
grateful for its serious academic climate and profited from the especially intensive advanced grammar courses throughout all those four years. My only residual regret is that Chaminade did not have anything like gymnastics or martial arts, athletic activities which are taken for granted today.” When asked about the source of inspiration for his artwork, Wildbank replied, “It is through dreams. Although my vision would develop over time and gain greater clarity through my developing eye to hand photographic memory skills, I would have periods when my slate draws blank awaiting its next dream. It is
as if I am peering through a tunnel with light coming forth from its other end. Translating vision into words, the magic words I would employ to beckon inspiration are, “It would be nice if…” and filling its blanks to find sooner or later that inspiration would follow. I also take advantage of blank walls or spaces in residences or public buildings to conceive of anything to fill that void. The outcome would turn out to be extremely rewarding and self-motivating.” Additionally, his surreal work has become more reflective of his emotional state. Though he might be proudest of creating an “otherworldly visionary work of art,” he does not dismiss the other genres of art. “Of course, all those years of hyperrealism artwork are responsible for paving way for mastery of imaginative imagery hitherto unborn - how to capture the unmanifested. I would resort to dreaming for this to emerge on canvas. In essence, I began to birth something completely novel, and it is not for the faint-hearted to be so bold like that. I make most of my living instead creating portraits in between takes.” Wildbank stressed the importance of accepting where one is in life and using it as a starting point to achieve success. He described this type of acceptance as “taking ownership of existing conditions” such as his deafness, adjusting as necessary, and working towards “optimizing life and ultimately realizing self.” Without hesitation, he stated he recruited tutors when necessary but he would settle for nothing less than excelling to the best of his ability. He attributes some of his success
to the boldness and integrity that were fostered during his high school years. “All the rest, like nature, beauty, design, relationships, travel, health, and such get picked up along the way, adding richness and happiness not possible without this acquired self-discipline of earlier years. Chaminade, for me and my six younger brothers, also alumni, presented steadfastly those high standards for our matching to our fuller potential. It is for this that I am very grateful.”
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TORCH
A GIFT OF $50
FUND
Supports the cost of new sketch pads for Flyers in the Art Club.
WHY DOES ALUMNI AND PARENT PARTICIPATION MATTER? The Torch Fund provides roughly 14% of Chaminade's operating revenue. Annual giving through the Torch Fund is vital to sustaining our educational mission - for both today's students
FORWARD
and future generations. Your participation with a gift of any
TOGETHER
size is a vote of confidence in Chaminade's mission and supports the value of a Chaminade education! The Torch Fund is the
A GIFT OF $100 Supports a month of music lessons for a Flyer in the glee club, orchestra, concert band or pep band.
engine that empowers a truly transformative education.
HOW CAN I MAKE A GIFT? Chaminade has a number of ways to make a lasting impact: ONLINE
You can have an immediate impact on Chaminade High School's mission to educate young Catholic men with a gift to the Torch Fund.
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A gift of $250
Supports the cost of tools for students to design and construct the annual musical production.
BY VENMO
BY SCANNING QR CODE
WITH A RECURRING GIFT
WITH A MATCHING GIFT FROM YOUR
www.chaminade-hs.org/makeagift
BY MAIL
COMPANY OR FOUNDATION
Make checks payable to the Chaminade Development Fund and mail to 340 Jackson Ave., Mineola, NY 11501 Attn: Office of Advancement
Making a monthly recurring gift is an easy, convenient, and secure way to commit to the Chaminade mission.
www.chaminade-hs.org/support/ways-to-give
WINTER 2022 | THE ART OF EDUCATION | CHAMINADE NEWS | 15
The Senior Class Gift Initiative was established to provide members of the graduating class and their families an opportunity to leave a lasting footprint of the young men who always will be Chaminade Flyers. Support of the senior class gift provides a legacy for your son and keeps the campus a place where future Flyers can thrive. All funds raised through the 2022 Senior Class Gift Initiative will support the renovation of the 50-year-old faculty lounge (photos below), a project designed to thank the Chaminade faculty and staff who are tireless in their dedication to providing your sons the best high school experience possible.
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S NOW
REIMAGINED
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
WAYS TO GIVE
F O R E V E R F LY E R S • Online: https://fortes.chaminade-hs.org • By scanning the QR code • Venmo (@ChaminadeHighSchool) • By mail or phone (Fill out the enclosed return envelope and mail to the Office of Advancement. Make checks payable to the Chaminade Development Fund. To make your gift over the phone, call (516) 742-5555 ext. 444)
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FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
FA I T H FA M I LY
F O R E V E R F LY E R S
KEEP THE
TORCH BURNING
Eternally
Remember Chaminade with a planned gift to the
1930 1930
SENIOR CLASS GIFT INITIATIVE
FA I T H FA M I LY
LEGACY SOCIETY
A planned gift has the potential to provide impactful financial support to Chaminade along with membership in the 1930 Legacy Society. The society is designed to help you meet your financial and charitable goals and also create a legacy of opportunity for thousands of current and future Flyer students.
1930 LEGACY SOCIETY PLANNED GIVING OPTIONS: Bequests — The most common way to remember Chaminade in your estate plan is by leaving a gift in your will and naming Chaminade High School as a beneficiary. Charitable Gift Annuities — A charitable gift annuity allows you to receive fixed payments for the rest of your life while simultaneously making a gift to the school. Life Insurance — Name Chaminade as a beneficiary of a policy or transfer ownership of a whole life policy to the school. If the policy has cash value, you can receive a charitable deduction equal to the cash value at the time of the gift. Retirement Assets — The easiest way to leave the balance of a retirement account to your school after your lifetime is to list Chaminade High School on your beneficiary form, provided by your plan administrator. Please consult your tax professional/financial advisor for assistance in determining the ideal planned gift for your financial situation. For more information about establishing a legacy gift at Chaminade, please contact Executive Director of Advancement Chris Hanley ’80 at (516) 742-5555 ext. 509 or email chanley@chaminade-hs.org.
WINTER 2022 | THE ART OF EDUCATION | CHAMINADE NEWS | 17
All in the
TREE
FAMILY
Chaminade Students and Their Faculty/Staff Parents
“I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting culmination of 25 years of rowing at Chaminade than having my son Michael compete during his senior year in The Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. My sincere thanks to Michael’s teachers, coaches, and moderators for all they have done for him over the past four years.” John Callinan ’84, Assistant Principal of Athletics and Campus Activities
“I’m just excited that Charlie will have the same opportunity to carve out his own path at Chaminade as I did. I know he’s making the most of his time here and exploring all that the school has to offer both in and out of the classroom." Michael Bruno ’90, English Teacher, Guidance
"I am confident that my son will be instilled with the drive and values of a Chaminade man." Dr. Melinda Viscusi, Science Teacher
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"I consider myself very fortunate that I have had a frontrow seat to both Brendan's and Sean's Chaminade experiences." Brian Anselmo ’89, Social Studies Department Chair
"Having worked with our Chaminade alumni over the past 10 years, I truly appreciate and understand the caring and committed brotherhood of our alumni network. I couldn't wait for the day when my son would be part of that. Now that his time at Chaminade is coming to an end, I am grateful to his teachers and moderators for the support and guidance they provided Anthony both in and outside the classroom, especially on the Darby stage. I know that all of the valuable lessons Anthony learned will benefit him greatly in his next journey. More importantly, I know that he will pay his Chaminade experience forward to all those future Flyers that will grace these amazing halls!" Deborah Kendric, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
“What a great joy and privilege it has been watching Dylan grow from a young boy to a Chaminade man.” Richard Grismer, Physical Education
"It is incredible having Griffin at Chaminade with me. Not only was I thrilled my son followed in the footsteps of countless family members before him – his father, grandfather, five uncles, and 11 cousins – but I consider myself blessed to have been able to teach and coach my only son and be able to watch him grow into the remarkable young man he is today. I consider Chaminade a family that strives to provide students with roots to come home to and wings to take flight. It has been a privilege to be part of this process with Griffin. Whether it was during PE class, on the lacrosse fields, in the wrestling room, in Sodality, during lunch, or at special Flyer events, I looked forward every day to seeing Griffin. I will miss Griffin as the new school year starts and he spreads his wings and soars into life at Williams College pursuing his academics and playing lacrosse. To say that I am proud of Griffin and grateful for the additional time with my son is an understatement! Go Flyers!" Scott Cole ’95, Physical Education
"It has been great seeing my boys grow up to become young men. They enjoy the camaraderie of their peers here." Peter Warner, Science Teacher
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The Art of Athletics
The Art of CONNECTION Flyers Nearly 50 Years Apart Become Friends
Do you remember
DAVE DeBUSSCHERE? Forty-eight years after he played his last game, Dave DeBusschere's name can once again be seen on basketball courts. Named one of the 50 best players in NBA history, Dave DeBusschere played for the New York Knicks from 1968 to 1974 and later went on to coach professional basketball and then pursue a successful career in the business world. His grandsons, David '23 and Peter '24, are both members of the basketball program at Chaminade. David has just completed his second season starting on the Varsity Team as a Junior. He is currently the team's leading scorer and top shooter. He is one of the best high school shooters on Long Island. Peter just completed his JV season starting for the team and is also a high-level lacrosse player at Chaminade. "Both boys have an outstanding work ethic both in the classroom and regarding athletics," said Varsity Basketball Head Coach Dan Feeney. "It is an honor to coach and mentor two great young men who are following in the footsteps of their grandfather."
Decades on the Field....
LACROSSE COACHES HONORED On November 13, 2021, the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association honored Coach Jack Moran P'97, '99 for his many personal and professional achievements in the game of lacrosse, including 42 years of coaching at Chaminade. Coach Moran has undoubtedly touched the lives of thousands of Chaminade athletes both on and off the field. On February 5, 2021, Coach Bob Pomponio was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation and received the Whitey Hendrickson Lifetime Achievement Award. “Coach Pomps” was honored for his tireless dedication to the game of lacrosse for the students of Chaminade High School for 43 years. Congratulations to both! Go Flyers!
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Service. Honor. Brotherhood. These are more than words to the servicemen and women of the United States Naval Academy and West Point. In sports, these words are tossed around as clichés, but to these soldiers and sailors, it’s the backbone of a life dedicated to one’s country and fellow soldier. Every year sports and service come together at the annual Army-Navy football game. This year’s game, played December 11 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, had an indelible connection to Chaminade as well. Senior Luke DeBono ’22 knows and appreciates this rich tradition and call to service. When he heard that Bob Weiden ’67 had an extra ticket to a game at West Point earlier in the season, DeBono knew that this was an opportunity too good to pass up. Bob Weiden's father, Joe, was a 1st Sergeant in the Army and was part of the D-Day invasion, earning a Bronze Star for his service. For him, the game carries extra significance. One of his earliest memories is the heartbreaking loss Army suffered in the 1963 classic. He has been a season ticket holder since 1997. Thanks to the work of
Mr. Matthew Kaplan ’97 and Director of Alumni and Parents Relations Mrs. Deborah Kendric, Weiden got connected to DeBono, who was seriously considering attending West Point. After the game in October, Weiden and DeBono were able to meet up again at the Army-Navy game in December. This time, Weiden’s 1967 classmates Dr. Kevin Loughlin and Danny Malandro were able to attend the game, along with current seniors Matthew and Thomas Steuber. Loughlin remarked about how much fun he had connecting with the younger Flyers, five decades their junior. Their shared experiences formed a bond between two very different generations of Chaminade men. They also met and shook hands with Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, who happened to be at the game that day. Of that special bond, Thomas Steuber remarked, “As special as the game was, my favorite memory of that day is the time we spent speaking about our time at Chaminade. Dr. Loughlin and Mr. Weiden were telling us all about their favorite memories from Chaminade. From them organizing events, such as a concert, to different pranks that they (may)
have been a part of, we were reminded about what makes Chaminade so special. Luke, Matt, and I were also telling them about our own special moments, jokes, and memories that we have made at Chaminade. As we were laughing, I realized how much of a brotherhood it is here, and how many memories we will have with those we graduate with.” Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this experience is the bond between alumni. When you enter Chaminade as a freshman, you are welcomed into the family. When you graduate, you join a fraternity that forever connects you with all of your brothers that came before you and those that will follow you. “Being part of the Chaminade brotherhood and experiencing how deep that brotherhood runs through the generations of Chaminade alumni brings with it a camaraderie that is unparalleled,” Steuber said. Perhaps Matthew Steuber summed it up best when he said, “The Chaminade Family is something special. We are all bonded by our experiences here regardless of what year we graduate.”
FORTES IN UNITATE!
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A Man of Faith, A Leader in Education Chaminade Mourns the Loss of Fr. Philip Eichner, S.M. (1935 – 2022) The Chaminade Family lost one of its founding fathers this year. Fr. Philip Karl Eichner, S.M. ’53, president of Chaminade High School from 1967 to 1992, passed away on January 1, 2022. He leaves behind a legacy whose impact is impossible to overestimate. During his tenure as president, Chaminade experienced tremendous growth in its physical plant, its student enrollment, and its reputation. Under his leadership, the Marianist Province of Meribah was established, Kellenberg Memorial High School was founded, and vocations to the Society of Mary flourished. As Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81, Chaminade’s current president, said, “So much of what Chaminade is today owes its existence to Fr. Philip’s vision as a leader in Catholic education and his passion for excellence in every aspect of our school’s mission.” Born in 1935 to Karl and Anna Eichner, young Philip Eichner grew up in Floral Park and New Hyde Park. After graduating from Chaminade in 1953, he entered the Novitiate of the Society of Mary at Marcy, New York, and professed his first vows on September 8, 1954. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and was then assigned to teach at St. Joseph’s High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Fr. Philip studied at the Marianist International Seminary in Fribourg, Switzerland, and was ordained a priest in 1966. In 1967,
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he became superior of the Marianist Community in Mineola and president of Chaminade High School, a position he held for 25 years. Immediately, Fr. Philp went to work shoring up Chaminade’s four-year, college-preparatory academic program and expanding the school’s facilities to accommodate a growing student body
and the growing expectations of its clientele. He paved the way for an increasingly rigorous academic curriculum and implemented a system of trimester and comprehensive examinations – the bane of Chaminade students during their four years of high school but a regimen they soon came to value as a boon to their preparation for both college and career. In addition, Fr. Philip implemented a four-year curriculum in each of the major disciplines, thus establishing Chaminade as a paradigm of a liberal-arts education. Not only was Fr. Philip the architect of Chaminade’s curriculum in the 1970s and 80s; he was also the builder of buildings. In fact, he was a literal builder of buildings. Architect’s plans in hand, he would doff his cassock and Roman collar and don work clothes and work boots, serving as the foreman of the rather formidable Marianist labor force during projects that expanded Chaminade’s physical plant dramatically. Under Fr. Philip’s leadership, the Marianists added 12 new classrooms, six offices, and a faculty area in what had once been an enclosed courtyard between the gymnasium and the audito-
rium. In 1977, Eichner Construction Company broke ground on the STAR Project, which included an indoor swimming pool, an all-weather track, and 16 additional bedrooms for the growing Marianist Community at Chaminade. Several years later, Fr. Philip and his band of Brothers took up their construction tools again to add seven additional classrooms above Darby Auditorium. Perhaps Fr. Philip’s most beloved project was the renovation of a large but rather run-down home on the North Shore of Long Island into a retreat facility for the students of Chaminade High School. The Meribah Retreat House, over time, would host thousands of young men for retreats and workshops, providing a place for their spiritual refreshment and growth in their Catholic faith. Meribah would also become the name of the Marianist Province that Fr. Philip founded. The 1960s and 70s were challenging times in the Church and in society as a whole. Structures were breaking down, and religious life and education were being shaken at the roots. Following Blessed Chaminade’s method of reading the signs of the time, Fr. Philip confront-
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ed these challenges with courage and vision. “The existence of the Province of Meribah is a testimony to his prophetic skills,” Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M. ’73, assistant provincial for the Province of Meribah, said during his homily at the fu-
neral Mass. “Discerning what to preserve and what to change was a real challenge of the day. Community life and worship, common religious dress, the educational apostolate, religious formation – navigating these issues required courage,
prudence, wisdom, and a rich understanding of Church history and ecclesiology.” Along with Fr. Francis Keenan, S.M. ’50, Fr. Philip was the founder of the Province of Meribah in August of 1976. He served as provincial from 1984 to 1992 and in various leadership roles in the province from 1976 until 2008. In 1987, the Marianists of the Province of Meribah were asked by Bishop John R. McGann of the Diocese of Rockville Centre to save a failing Catholic high school in Uniondale, New York, a few miles south of Chaminade. Fr. Philip embraced the challenge; together with several Marianists from the Chaminade Community, he founded Kellenberg Memorial High School. Fr. Philip dedicated the rest of his life to the development of Kellenberg, creating an “atmosphere that educates” both mind and heart. As he did at Chaminade in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Fr. Philip set about revamping the school’s curriculum and improving the school’s physical plant. During his tenure as Kellenberg Memorial’s president, Fr. Philip added a junior high school to the campus – the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School, for students in grades 6 - 8. In addition, in 2004, Fr. Philip and the Meribah Province expanded their educational leadership to St. Martin de Porres Marianist School, also in Uniondale. Once hemorrhaging money and students – with fewer than 100 students in June of 2004 – St. Martin de Porres is now firmly established, with an enrollment of over 400 boys and girls. And while all of this was going on, Fr. Philip found time to purchase, renovate, and dramatically expand still another retreat house – Founder’s Hollow in upstate New York’s Hudson Valley. Since its foundation in 2000, Founder’s Hollow has been a spiritual “home away from
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home” for the Marianist Communities and the students of both Chaminade and Kellenberg Memorial. Fr. Philip retired as president of Kellenberg Memorial High School in May of 2018, concluding 51 years of service and leadership in Marianist education. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a founder and administrator, but as a classroom teacher as well. During his time at Chaminade and Kellenberg
Memorial, he taught religion, English, and Latin. Fr. Philip is remembered by thousands of his former students for his commitment to academic excellence, his promotion of the intellectual life, and his witness to the Catholic faith. As Bro. Stephen Balletta, S.M. ’74, vocation director for the Province of Meribah, recalled, “I was privileged to have Fr. Philip for class twice in high school — once for sophomore Church history and, two years later, for senior apologetics. I will never forget the man, nor his classes. He modeled what he taught – intellectual curiosity, breadth and depth of knowledge, passion for his subject matter, and a personal interest in the intellectual development and spiritual well-being of each of his students. Other than my parents, Fr. Philip was the single most profound influence on my young life. Sitting in his class taught me a deep reverence for the wide and wonderful world around me. Sitting in his class prompted me to think that maybe, just maybe, I could do for future generations of Catholic students what Fr. Philip had done for me and my classmates.” Fr. Philip’s influence extended beyond Marianist education to both local and
national leadership. In 1980, he took the precedent-setting Brother Joseph C. Fox Case to the New York State Court of Appeals, insisting on the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary means of life support and forging the way for the now well-established Health Care Proxy. Fr. Philip served for many years as the chairman of the board of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights and was an active supporter of the Long Island Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency (LICADD). Steve Chassman, executive director of LICADD, called Fr. Philip “an extraordinary man of spiritual guidance, education, and compassion. He served as a guiding light for the LICADD mission for many decades and was responsible for helping so many souls in his time here on earth.” For the better part of his adult life, Fr. Philip kept a plaque in his office, emblazoned with a quotation from the American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Every successful undertaking is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it.” Fr. Philip Karl Eichner, S.M. ’53 – Few have embodied that triumph of enthusiasm better than he. May he rest in peace!
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On Sunday, January 30, over 30 alumni attended our annual Day of Recollection at the Meribah Retreat House in Muttontown. Special thanks to guest speaker Rev. Patrick S. Flanagan, C.M., Ph.D.
Our first-ever scotch tasting took place on Thursday, February 10, at The Muttontown Club, hosted by the LI Businessmen and Wall Street Associations.
On February 19, we visited our Southwest Florida Chapter at TPC Prestancia Golf & Social Club in Sarasota. On February 20, we crossed over to the east coast to visit the Southeast Florida Chapter at the Canopy Hotel in West Palm Beach. On February 21, we headed to South Florida to visit our alumni currently studying at the University of Miami. Lastly, on February 23, we wrapped up our state tour with a stop in Jacksonville, where a great number of alumni have made their home.
Our annual Baseball Reunion was held on Wednesday, February 16, at Stout in NYC.
MODERN PLACEMENT "Modern Placement is a still life drawn from observation in Conté crayons. While creating this piece, I wanted to create something that seemed like a stereotypical still life initially, but prompted the viewer to take a second look. I included traditional items such as fruits and books but also challenged the formality of the subject matter by including items like a black disposable lighter and a bright ceramic mug. The warm and traditional hues of the books and the clementines are juxtaposed next to the cold darkness of the lighter and the whitewashed mug."
CHAMINADE FAMILY PERSONAL NOTES We have moved Chaminade personal notes to our website. You can find them at www.chaminade-hs.org/personalnotes.
If you have any special news of your own, be sure to let us know! To submit a personal note, please visit www.chaminade-hs.org/personalnotes, email us at alumni@chaminade-hs.org, or call us at (516) 742-5555 ext. 444. You may also fax us at (516) 742-1989 or send us a hard copy to the mailing address below: CHAMINADE HIGH SCHOOL Attn: Office of Advancement 340 Jackson Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501
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RYAN HOUGHTON ’22
On November 24, our college-age alumni were invited back to catch up with faculty, staff, and classmates at the Thanksgiving Luncheon.
On Thursday, February 17, the Architects/Engineers/Construction Association held an event at the Dolan Family Science, Technology, and Research Center. Panelists included Joseph Tinari ’02 of Sciame Construction LLC, Thomas Ruggiero ’05 of the AKF Group, John Bennardo ’88 of Legacy Builders, and Joseph Yatco ’06 of Hart Howerton.
ART SERIES
Last November, we visited our Northern and Southern California Chapters. On November 12, Josie and Chris Donnelly ’95 hosted an event at their San Diego home. On November 13, Southern California Chapter President Stephen Gallagher ’07 and his wife, Victoria, hosted the Los Angeles section of the chapter at their home. We then headed to San Francisco on November 14, where Northern California Chapter President Frederick Seguritan ’96, and his wife, Demi, hosted our Flyers at The Battery.
The Lawyers Association hosted a networking and educational event for attorneys on November 18 at the offices of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Patrick M. Connors ’81, Professor of Law at Albany Law School, conducted the class.
STUDENT
This past fall our Alumni Service Association completed three visits to the Ronald McDonald House to cook lunch for residents staying there. Additionally, the Alumni Service Association partnered with the students from the Emmaus Apostolic Program at Homecoming Farms on Saturday, November 6.
LIFE'S LAYERS "Life's Layers is a papercut self-portrait. This sculpture represents the layers and complexity that can be found within someone’s life. From afar, the distinction between the layers isn’t so clear, but as you approach the details, the differences between the layers become more apparent."
CHAMINADECONNECT
We are celebrating the first anniversary of ChaminadeConnect, the ultimate online platform established for our alumni to stay connected and engaged to the school and each other.
Over 4,900 alumni registered on the platform.
JOIN TODAY!
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CHAMINADE NEWS
WINTER 2022
3 4 0 J AC K S O N AV E N U E , M I N E O L A , N Y 1 1 5 0 1
Shop the school store at store.chaminade-hs.org
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