THE PHILANTHROPY ISSUE 2022-2023
VOLUME 14 WINTER 2023 CRESPI.ORG
The Crespi Advantage
INSIDE
THE MAGAZINE TEAM
EDITORS Gregoria Leoni Brendan Forray
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JUST THE FACTS
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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BY THE NUMBERS / The Class of 2023
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WHY EDUCATE THE CRESPI WAY?
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VISITING NEAR AND FAR
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BASEBALL CHAMPS AGAIN!
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HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
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POWER SOCCER
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VISIONARIES IN TECH & TALK
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AQUATICS CENTER BECOMES A NEW HOME
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PROFILES / CRESPI’S DEDICATED EDUCATORS
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MAPPING FUTURE CELTS
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MEET BRAD VONNAHME
CONTRIBUTORS Bryan Bennett ’10 Justin Ibarra ’10 Chris Knabenshue Nan Lehnert Ashley Luderer Debbie McGaughey
DESIGN + LAYOUT Deeann J. Hoff Red Horse Design Studio
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! The Office of Advancement (818) 654-1321
CELTS
The Crespi Advantage COVER PHOTO SHOOT: KARIM SAAFIR PHOTOGRAPHY
CRESPI.ORG
Breathtaking sites of France & Four Corners of the Southwest
What makes this student-athlete and sport unique is a power wheelchair, soccer and the first competitive sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users.
THE PHILANTHROPY ISSUE 2022-2023
VOLUME 14 WINTER 2023 CRESPI.ORG
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An excerpt showcasing Crespi’s practice of the Gurian theory
With 10, 15 & 20+ years of service, meet the remarkable members of the team who inspire daily.
Crespi’s new Varsity Football coach and new member of the family
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THINGS ABOUT COACH V
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MOONSTRUCK MOMENTS
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MENTORING BRINGS OUT THE BEST
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QUICK TAKES
Sharon Stone (and Crespi mom) served as guest auctioneer for CAPER’s record-breaking gala.
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A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
Career Day gathered alumni, parents, and representatives from over two dozen occupations.
Former Laker becomes Crespi’s basketball coach and shout-outs to the math team, scholarship recipients … and more.
An awe-inspiring six decades of Crespi men return for a reunion to reminisce.
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YEAR IN REVIEW Are you a sports fan? Catch up with the year in sports.
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KEEPING TRACK Weddings, BBQs, Power Lists & Awards. Our alumni have been very busy.
1963
CLASS REUNION
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ABOUT US
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SAVE THE DATES! What’s on this year’s calendar and what’s planned for 2024.
PHILANTHROPY SPECIAL SECTION
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WITH GRATITUDE Meet our Donors
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IN MEMORIAM
48 VOLUNTEERS 50
TIM GRAY SCHOLARSHIP
Senior Edson Nunez is the recipient of the 2023-2024 scholarship provided by the Tim Gray Foundation.
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LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
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FUNDRAISING
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OUR MISSION
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 3
Just the Facts
FACULTY
31
Full-Time Teachers
SCHEDULE
180
280
4,960
of instruction
of average instruction
independent
TOTAL DAYS
MINUTES PER DAY
MINUTES OF STUDY TIME
39
Instructors
(including administrators & staff who teach)
82%
18
Average class size
19
Median class size
16
CLASSES
Mode class size
27 Classrooms 83 Courses 16 AP 14 Honors 179 Class Sections
Apple-Certified Teachers
64
Degrees Collectively
40
Bachelors Degrees
20
Masters Degrees
12:1
5 4 1 62
S
Student-to-Teacher Ratio
10:1
Including Counselors
1 SECTION
of Celt Intensive Student support class designed to aid students who face academic challenges.
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SUPPORT
Academic Counselors Grade-Level Counselors College Counselor X-Periods
X-Period is considered academic time and is very similar to college office hours. Students are encouraged to use this time to see teachers for additional guidance and tutoring, use the Commons or TRC services, and seek enrichment opportunities through study groups and peer tutoring.
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Doctorate Degrees
323 YEARS OF CRESPI EXPERIENCE!
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT Dear Crespi Family, It brings me great pleasure to present you with a copy of the Crespi Carmelite High School Annual Report on Philanthropy for the year 2022-2023. Within the pages of this publication, we not only celebrate the achievements of the past year, but also shine a spotlight on the remarkable events currently taking place at Crespi. Truly, it is a momentous time to be a Celt. Over the course of the past three years, we have borne witness to a steady increase in freshman enrollment, which has seen a significant surge of over 35% since the 2020-2021 school year. The past year has been marked by numerous outstanding achievements by Crespi and our Crespi Men: FALL: Building upon a legacy that began nearly two decades ago when Crespi became the first Gurian Model School, we proudly joined hands with Michael Gurian to establish The Gurian Institute Center for Educational Excellence (GICFEE), a partnership that holds the promise of strengthening our mission and vision. This collaboration and ongoing professional development enable us to stay at the cutting edge of single-gender, all-boy education. WINTER: The mathematics team, led by our dedicated faculty member, Sahiv Lopez, continued their remarkable journey by securing a three-peat as Math National Champions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. SPRING: Our baseball team, under the guidance of the esteemed Coach of the Year and Crespi Alumnus, Mike Glendenning ’94, emerged victorious in the CIF-SS Championship in Baseball, marking our first baseball championship since 2009. Last year’s success and the bright prospects of the 2023-2024 academic year would not have been attainable without your unwavering support and the generosity of the entire Crespi community. On behalf of the faculty, administration, staff, Board of Directors, the Carmelites, and our remarkable students, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing commitment and financial support as we continue our mission to form Crespi Men. May Our Lady of Mount Carmel continue to pray for us all! With Gratitude,
Dr. Kenneth A. Foersch, President
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 5
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CRESPI.ORG CRESPI.ORG
By the Numbers 132
100%
Attending College
CLASS OF 2023 GRADUATES
86
Outstanding Academic Excellence Awardees (3.5+ cumulative GPA)
SPECIAL AWARDS
59
National Honor Society Members
36
California Scholarship Federation Life Members
DEPT. AWARDS
50
Total AP Scholars
10 with Honors & 7 with Distinction
$16 MILLION
Awarded in Merit & Athletic Scholarship Aid
LEGACY CELTS Class of ’23 & Fathers
18%
CRESPI MEN!
60%
Attending In-State Colleges
40%
Attending Out-of-State Colleges
ENGLISH Alexander Pascu MATHEMATICS Luke Jones WORLD LANGUAGE Daniel Guerrero SOCIAL STUDIES Holden Gering SCIENCE Harrison Roderick TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING Dylan Giffen THEOLOGY Logan Platzer VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS Ehoise Egbase PHYSICAL EDUCATION Nicholas Prevas
Ryan Cassidy ’92 Luis De Vivero ’87 Colin Giffen ’82 Doug Kougher Art Tresierras ’91 Anthony Russo Phillip Scuderi ’85
Jack Cassidy ’23 Gabriel De Vivero ’23 Dylan Giffen ’23 Nicholas Kougher ’23 Ryland Myers ’23 Ryan Russo ’23 Brandon Scuderi ’23
2023 US News & World Report’s Top 62 National Universities
Attending UC schools covering all 9 UC schools
100%
VALEDICTORIAN Luke Jones SALUTATORIAN Ryan Russo COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Holden Gering MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD Luke Jones CRESPI CARMELITE SPIRIT AWARD Ryan Coronado & Liam Forrester CRESPI MAN AWARD Aaron Shinbrot REV. TIERNEY CAHILL, O. CARM. AWARD Victor Caceres Najarro PEG O’CONNOR COMMITMENT AWARD Owen Kennelly PAUL MUFF COMMITMENT AWARD Holden Gering
ACCEPTANCES
Northwestern University #10, University of Notre Dame #18, UC Berkeley & UCLA tied at #20, Carnegie Mellon University & Emory University tied at #22, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor & University of Southern California tied at #25, University of Florida #29, UC Santa Barbara #32, UC Irvine & UC San Diego tied at #34, Boston College #36, UC Davis, University of Texas at Austin, & University of Wisconsin-Madison tied #38, Boston University, William & Mary, & University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign tied at #41, Brandeis University & Case Western Reserve University tied at #44, Ohio State University #49, Purdue University #51, Pepperdine University, Santa Clara University, University of Miami & University of Washington tied at #55, George Washington University, Syracuse University, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities & University of Pittsburgh tied at #62, and Williams College #1 Liberal Arts University
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 7
WHY EDUCATE BOYS THE CRESPI WAY?
TEACHING INNOVATIONS
IN LAST YEAR’S ANNUAL REPORT, we announced that Crespi was named the Gurian Institute Center for Educational Excellence. Last spring, Dr. Michael Gurian and the Institute Team observed teachers and classrooms in action over several days. Their findings were summarized in a white paper supporting Crespi’s commitment to students and their families. The 38-page white paper, titled “Why Educate Them the Crespi Way? Independent Analysis of Crespi’s Holistic Approach to Boys”, can be found in its entirety on the Crespi website. The following is an excerpt that showcases how Crespi puts Gurian theory into practice.
or Crespi to work, its classrooms
F
Many of the Crespi classrooms used this
caudate nucleus in the brain’s crucial
keeps a lot of brains out of the rest state —
need to be run by teachers who
strategy during our observation times.
reward areas. Many classrooms in our
it keeps them engaged — and allows the
observations used competition and game
brain to access hidden information that
receive respect from the students, and
Students are allowed to move around as needed so that the student’s
strategies effectively.
would not come up if the student is just
innovate during class time to engage the boys in learning. Our Gurian
cerebellum will remain active during
institute team observed Crespi class-
learning and schoolwork. Without this
Use of spatial objects such as ball toss review or hacky sack. When
Brain breaks every 20-30 minutes.
rooms multiple times to see where
cerebellum (the “doing” center of the
giving a verbal quiz, the speaker is thrown
Standing up to do something together as
innovations did or did not occur.
brain) active during learning, the brain
the hacky sack ball. This allows for gray
a group like jumping jacks, “thumb wars”,
Some of the brain friendly innovations
may go to a blank rest state. All the class-
matter areas, where memories and
march around the room for a minute,
we looked for and found will resonate
rooms we visited did allow some move-
knowledge are stored, to actively engage
re-engages the cerebellum, and, thus, the
with the male-brain learning needs we
ment and many teachers encouraged it.
in the lesson. As an example, in Honors
rest of the brain.
are dynamic, bond well with the boys,
discussed earlier in this study.
Teachers moving around, not sitting stationary, so that students see
sitting and listening to a teacher talking.
Grammar/Comp 1, Mr. Parlato tossed
Competitive games, game theory, natural competition to motivate learn-
hacky sacks to students one at a time. Once they caught it, he asked questions
Group lessons, movement embedded, everyone participates.
ing and trigger increases in testosterone
about the content they were reading.
As classrooms become communities,
an object moving through space. This
and, thus, dopamine that further activate
As the brains watched the object move
every student can find his own level and
helps with right side brain activation
learning. By competing together, male
through space, they went on alert and
island of competence and be respected
and overall brain activation among boys.
biochemistry activated the striatum and
answers shined. This simple strategy
for who he is. Much of this happens in
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group work. In most classrooms, we
spatial strategies were used, students felt
found that kind of community.
respected and needed for conversation.
Bulletin boards and walls displaying student work. Many
development to create an artistic representation of learning.
classrooms have “decoration,” usually
Every student is called on at some point so every student must engage
Use of graphic organizers and other visuals. The male brain is visual-reliant
inspirational posters, and in appropriate
in the lesson, rather than only a few
in many ways. At any given moment, it
assignments are well displayed. For
Hallways and classrooms allow community development through healthy male bonding, aggression
students dominating classroom conver-
can need more visual than verbal
example, English teacher Mrs. Lehnert
nurturance, and hierarchy development.
sation. This is important as research has
stimulation because visuals increase
posted Blackout poetry by the students
In this kind of environment, boys feel
clarified: students who are not called
verbal acuity and can assist with orga-
on the walls. Students drew a picture
respected as boys and best understand
on often drift away. As an example, Mr.
nization. As an example, Dr. Bengford in
that reflected the theme, mood, tone,
correct limits and boundaries for behav-
DeLeo in American Government walked
Junior Composition II asked the students
or imagery of an excerpt from a story
ior. We found boy-friendly innovations
around the room discussing elements of
to “draw a symbol for what this paragraph
or poem. The poetry was printed on
in pedagogy and culture in nearly every
representative government and asking
means.” He then read the paragraph ex-
top of the picture, then certain words
classroom and hallway in some way.
questions then requesting that each
pressively and gave students time to create
were blacked out so that the remaining
The high percentage of strategies-use
student elaborate his answer. Mr. DeLeo’s
a symbol before asking, “What’s Melville
words formed a sentence that conveyed
indicates staff buy-in to boy-friendly
movement around the class kept attention
saying?” The use of the visual-graphic
a message related to the literature. This
education, which is good for the students
focused; several times he threw a ball to
stimulant led to deeper discussion of a
assignment encouraged students to
but also, even more subtle, one of the
students during the question-and-answer.
text especially for boys who were more
combine visual with verbal skills and
reasons Crespi’s staff reports “this school
As each student was called on, helpful
visual or auditory learners.
included emotional intelligence
is like our family.” l
classes, student projects and writing
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 9
Un Beau Voyage By Tim Selby DURING SPRING BREAK OF 2023, Crespi partnered with Jump Street to organize an unforgettable trip to France for 21 students. Accompanied by three Crespi faculty members, students embarked on an incredible adventure through
BRITTANY LOIRE VALLEY NORMANDY PARIS
Brittany, Normandy, the Loire Valley, and Paris. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all involved. The trip began with a visit to a local fromagerie, where our students had the opportunity to witness the cheese-making process. Surprisingly, not all French cheeses satisfied the palates of our young Celts. Next, we explored the Corsair city of Saint-Malo, delving into its privateering history and connection to great explorers like Jacques Cartier. In Normandy, our students admired Romanesque architecture and took in the breathtaking panoramic view of Mont Saint-Michel. The grandeur and majesty of this historic site left us all in awe. We also paid our respects at Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery, honoring the brave heroes who fought and fell on D-Day. It was a humbling and educational experience for everyone. Moving through the Loire Valley to Paris, the group stopped at the Château du Clos Lucé in the Loire Valley, the last residency of Leonardo da Vinci. Finishing the trip with three days in Paris, the Celts had the opportunity to visit and explore several culturally rich locations. From shopping on the Champs Elysees to admiring the imposing Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, our students immersed themselves in French culture and history. They even had the chance to participate in a rousing tournament of pétanque, a form of lawn bowling, and learn how to make macarons at l’Atelier des Gâteaux. An evening stroll through Montmartre and a visit to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur allowed them to make new friends and create lasting memories. l
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Cresting the Colorado Plateau By Brian Bilek ’98 & Kristen Riggs THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES and Outdoor Leadership group spent seven days and six nights last spring exploring the beauty and complexity of the Colorado Plateau. The Plateau is centered on the four corners of the Southwest and includes much of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The ESOL team began their adventure in ARIZONA COLORADO NEW MEXICO UTAH
Moab, Utah, where they hiked, mountain biked, river rafted the Colorado River, and watched the sunset at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. The Celts passed through Monument Valley on their way to Page, Arizona, where they hiked to Horseshoe Bend, boated down Glen
Canyon, and kayaked on Lake Powell. The team spent an afternoon exploring the South Kaibab Trail of the Grand Canyon to Ooh Aah Point before heading to Kanab, Utah. While in Kanab, the Celts sand boarded the dunes of Pink Coral Sand Dunes, hiked down to Bryce Canyon on the Queens Garden Trail, and climbed to Scout Lookout in Zion National Park. During the six-day adventure, ESOL observed the geology of the Colorado Plateau, interacted with the indigenous cultures that have lived in the area for thousands of years, and learned about the Colorado River Compact and the drought currently affecting the Southwestern United States. Stay tuned to find out where ESOL’s next exciting adventure will be! l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 11
A WINNING SEASON 12
CRESPI.ORG
By Jack Westin ’24
LAST MAY, IT WAS A PICTURE-PERFECT DAY
players. They told us over and over ‘let’s pull the rope
at Long Beach State’s Blair Field for the CIF SS
together and go try to win this thing.’”
Division II Championship battle between the Crespi
The Mission League season started with the Chaminade
Celts and the South Hills Huskies. As senior Chris Arce
series, and Crespi continued their solid play. Beginning
strode through home plate, scoring the winning run,
the season undefeated, the Celts completed a competitive
the field flooded with coaches, players, and staff as the
series with Sierra Canyon where they were handed their
Celts completed their 4-run rally in the bottom of the
first loss. Although confident, the Celts were set for their
7th, leaving South Hills High School stunned. Entirely
biggest opponent yet — the #1 nationally ranked Notre
on display was the fighting spirit of the Celts, which
Dame Knights. With the sense that the odds were stacked
had been a mainstay of the season and a key compo-
against them due to rain in the forecast, the Crespi team
nent to securing the CIF Championship.
was informed that every game would be played at Notre
Since 2005, the Easton SoCal Showdown has marked
Dame due to the pending storm. Nonetheless, the Celts
the start of the Celts’ high school baseball season. It was
persevered. They faced high-level pitching and some very
a fresh start for the team, but the letdown of the season
tough outs, showing they could compete against one of
One of the main reasons we became closer as a team this year was because of the leadership of the seniors.
prior, stemming from feelings of underachievement,
the best teams in the country. For much of the season,
— TEAMMATE LUKE LEVY ’24
loomed over everyone’s heads like a dark cloud. The
Crespi’s star pitcher, Isaiah Magdaleno ’23, was unavail-
experience of losing fueled a burning motivation for the
able, but his presence was clearly felt when he returned
returning players. The seniors had to rise and lead the
to the mound. He went on to dethrone the Knights and
team, which is precisely what Joshua Rodriguez and his
give Crespi a win, carrying with them added inspiration
fellow seniors did. With solid defense and timely hitting,
into the second half of the season. Following the win, the
Rodriguez got off to a blazing start at the SoCal Show-
Celts were able to clinch their spot in the playoffs against
down. Hitting a grand slam in the tournament semifinals
St. Francis, shifting their attention towards preparing for a
and a clutch triple in the championship, he led the Celts
playoff run and eventual Championship.
over Birmingham High School, securing the title for the Celts for the first time in over a decade.
With the Celts heading full speed into the CIF-Southern Section Playoffs, the team had a different look than the
The seniors set the tone for the season and helped
2022 squad. They set the tone immediately by no-hitting
bring the team together on and off the field. The Celts
Grace Brethren in their first Southern Section game and
knew they could win. “Winning the Easton tournament
taking the victory by a wide margin. They then beat Simi
was a wakeup call that we could actually go all the way
Valley and Santiago in back-to-back games before facing
and win this!” recalled pitcher Brayden Briscoe ’24.
their greatest challenge yet. The Celts traveled over two
Teammate Luke Levy ’24 added, “One of the main rea-
hours from campus to face Aquinas High School and their
sons we became closer as a team this year was because
highly touted prospects, including Eric Bitonti, who was
of the leadership of the seniors. They were welcoming to the new players, the transfer players, and the returning
BASEBALL CHAMPS CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 >
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 13
drafted by the MLB in the early rounds. The Celts
single. Then, the rally began. Freshman Isais Tirado
took an early lead and quickly knocked Aquinas’
reached base, and sophomore Diego Velazquez
starter out of the game. Bitonti pitched in relief for
brought Rodriguez in on a single. Two runners
Aquinas’ starter, throwing 95 mph fastballs and
remained on base, but after a walk and a pop-out,
looking seemingly unhittable. The tide turned, and
the bases were loaded for senior centerfielder Ethan
Aquinas began to crawl back, tying the game in the
Kodama. Kodama had risen to similar occasions
6th inning. In the 7th inning, sophomore Nate Lopez
throughout the season and once again delivered.
responded with an RBI double, and Crespi rallied
The Celts tied the game on a 2-run single, and two
to take the lead, while sophomore Tyler Walton was
men remained on the bases. With the score locked at
able to finish the job on the mound and bring Crespi
5-5, junior Sean Sapp stepped to the plate as a pinch
to the finals for the first time since 2008.
hitter in the most crucial at-bats of the season. Sean
South Hills vs. Crespi took place at Long Beach
remained poised and completed the comeback with
State at 1 p.m. The nerves lingered but didn’t over-
a game-winning hit down the third base line. The
whelm the Crespi team. They established a game
dugouts emptied as the Crespi players stormed the
plan, but it initially did not go their way. South Hills
plate. The large Crespi crowd erupted in cheers and
brought out pitcher Sterling Patick (later drafted
tears as the coaches jumped up and down joyfully.
by the Dodgers), who quickly silenced the Celts,
Coach Nick Santoro and Coach Glendenning took
scattering a couple of hits and allowing only a pair
a moment before bombarding the team with hand-
of runs against Crespi. In return, South Hills put
shakes and hugs. Crespi had done the unthinkable.
up four runs on ace Isaiah Magdaleno in the first
The legacy of longtime Crespi coach Scott Muckey
inning and a run later charged to Niko Kougher. The
continues to live on through the coaching staff, its
5-2 deficit was demoralizing, but manageable. The
players, and the Crespi baseball program.
coaching staff echoed the entire year in one mes-
Reflecting on the winning season, head coach
sage, “Pull the Rope.” The team had been prepped
Mike Glendenning said “The 2023 baseball team
on how to handle adversity. Tyler Walton was once
was special in so many ways. Not just winning
again called upon in relief and put on a dominant
the CIF title made the team special. It started with
performance, pitching 2 ⅔ inning of no run ball. The
the eleven seniors. Their mission was to not only
score remained 5-2. Reaching his pitch limit, Patick
restore the program back to the powerhouse it
was replaced. Coach Mike Glendenning knew the
once was, but to also leave a legacy for future Celts
key to this game was getting to their bullpen; the
to uphold. In a sport you fail in more than you
Celts had finally reached it.
succeed, the Celts found a way through their blood,
The season had come full circle in the bottom of
sweat, tears and determination to handle adversity
the 7th as Joshua Rodriguez ’23 stepped up to the
when it stared us in the face. We call this pulling
plate in the “Never Say Die” fashion, slapping a
the rope together.” l
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The Broadcasting Team CELT BASEBALL FANS ENJOYED AN EXCITING enhancement to the game last season with live broadcasting by students providing insightful play-by-play, color commentary, and post-game interviews. Jack Westin ’24 and Micah Funk ’24, who started their careers by running the scoreboard and public address system in their sophomore year, took the initiative to propose live broadcasting during the games via YouTube. Two more Celts, Adrian Bongco ’24 and Reef Mordente ’24, were recruited to round out the broadcasting and technical teams. Avid baseball fans with solid baseball knowledge, the goal was to enhance the experience for the Celt fans, both those attending the games and those unable to be there in person, by providing engaging content. Said Westin, “We wanted to put on the best podcast for the fans unable to make the games, but also provide interesting commentary for the spectators in attendance.” When asked about their impact on the season, Assistant Baseball Coach Nick Santoro ’04 responded, “The Crespi Broadcasting Club brought with them a breath of fresh air to Hartunian Field, not only by reestablishing student announcers at our home games but also adding color and commentary to our video livestreams! And who can forget the post-game interviews? Something that started as just a passion for sports and the willingness and determination to get on the air and make it happen transformed a few after-school meetings between friends into a channel, brand, and identity. They deserve all the credit for their exponential and rapid growth as commentators, and their commitment and contributions to Crespi. The baseball team and fans watching from home thoroughly enjoyed their playby-play and company. Jack, Reef, Micah, and Adrian were a part of our team. On behalf of the Crespi Baseball program, thanks fellas!” Now, they have ambitious plans to expand their broadcasting efforts to cover football and basketball games. “It’s a positive development to see students taking the initiative and adding value to Crespi’s sporting events,” said Athletic Director Brian Bilek ’98. “The broadcasters help keep our community across the country connected with our athletic department and school.” l
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Last February, the 2023 Hall of Fame class was inducted adding to the rich history of sports achievement at Crespi. Trevor Plouffe ’04
Division 1 Lacrosse at Wagner College in Staton Island,
and the Nation). This team currently holds six of Crespi’s
Plouffe led the Celts to their first section baseball
where he earned All-NEC honors and ranked first overall
ten Track & Field records.
championship in 2003, playing pitcher and shortstop.
in ground balls as a Long Stick Middie for the Seahawks.
Plouffe was named a 2004 Collegiate Baseball News
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English, he
Jess Garner
High School All-American the following year. After his
played professionally for LXM Pro. Doty is currently a
Over the past 23 years, Jess Garner has served as a
successful career at Crespi, Plouffe was drafted 20th
talent manager at Stride Management, where he runs the
teacher, assistant football coach, head track & field coach,
overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2004 Major League
comedy department.
head athletic trainer, strength & conditioning coach, and
Baseball Draft. After working his way up in the minor
P.E. Department Chair. In 2001, Jess introduced the first
leagues, Plouffe began his MLB career in 2010 with the
2008 CIF Championship Track & Field Team
strength & conditioning class into the school curriculum,
Minnesota Twins, where he spent six years. He then
The 2008 Track & Field Team of Cameron Bivens ’09,
which has expanded to nine different strength &
played for the Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, and
Buddy Fishman ’08, Mikio Island ’09, LJ Jones ’08,
conditioning classes today, serving more than 200
the Philadelphia Phillies before retiring in 2018. Plouffe
Jeremiah McKibbins ’09, Austin Shanks ’08, and Mark
student-athletes each year. In 2003, Coach Garner took
is a co-host and analyst for several podcasts including a
Watley ’08 was inducted into the Hall of Fame for their
over as Crespi’s Head Track & Field coach. His teams
daily baseball show with former MLB Network personali-
outstanding achievements that led to a Division 3 CIF
set numerous school records, and more than a dozen
ty Chris Rose called “Baseball Today.”
championship title, along with their coaches Jess Garner,
Celts were awarded individual CIF champions under his
Tim Selby, and Kenneth Mitchell. That season, the ’08
mentorship. Garner coached three CIF runners-up teams
Dustin Doty ’09
team shattered school records, including a 28-year record
in ’04, ’06, & ’07, a CIF championship team in ’08, and led
A four-year varsity player at Crespi, Doty was a two-time
in the 4x100 relay, a 32-year record in the 4x400 relay, and
the Celts to six straight appearances at the CIF Track &
First-Team All-Mission League recipient and All-Ameri-
a 42-year old record in the 4x200 relay. The team
Field State Championships. Across ten years as a
can award-winner in 2009. The Celt garnered recognition
beat their own records in the 4x100 with a 41.60 (#2 in
member of the football coaching staff, Crespi won two
as Crespi’s MVP his senior year. After Crespi, he played
the State) and the 4x400 with a 3:14.24 (#2 in the State
CIF championships and a Pac-5 CIF Runner Up. l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 15
POWER SOCCER AND A POWERFUL STORY LAST SPRING, JUNIOR ALEX LLAURO introduced
precision. What makes this student-athlete and sport
school. DMD is a genetic childhood disorder affecting
the student body to a new sport. A diligent student
unique is that Alex plays in a power wheelchair, and
approximately 1 out of 5,000 boys yearly. It is character-
and an assistant for the football and basketball teams,
power soccer is the first competitive sport designed and
ized by progressive muscle deterioration and weakness,
Alex is a two-time back-to-back conference champion
developed specifically for power wheelchair users.
and over time impacts the heart and lungs. It has no
in U.S. Power Soccer. A technically challenging sport
Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
cure. In 2014, Alex's parents, Jorge and Valerie, started
to play, power soccer requires speed, ball control, and
(DMD), Alex has been a wheelchair user since middle
a charitable foundation called Walking Strong to raise
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awareness, money for scientific research, and assistance
with a special demonstration. The lights were dimmed in
for families with DMD worldwide. Since its inception,
the packed Crespi gymnasium, and all eyes focused on a
Walking Strong has raised $1.5 million and dramatically
video (recorded just months before Kobe passed away) of
changed the Duchenne families' lives.
Bryant addressing Alex and his teammates before a
Recalls Valerie, "When we first received the devas-
power soccer match, giving them a "locker room" pep
tating diagnosis for our son when he was five years
talk. After the video, "pump up" music began play-
old, our dreams of him sharing the love of sports and
ing, and four power soccer athletes were individually
playing competitively seemed shattered. However,
introduced to the thunderous applause of the crowd. The
seven years later, in 2018, everything changed when we
cheering was deafening, however, as the last competi-
discovered U.S. Power Soccer — a sport we had never
tor's name was announced: their own Celt brother Alex.
heard of before. Alex immediately took to it."
Four eager faculty members were enlisted to compete
Many organizations have acknowledged and shared
against the L.A. Club. Given only a few minutes to learn
Alex's inspirational story, including the USC Football
the entire student body to celebrate his achievement. As
how to operate and maneuver the power sports chair, the
Program, Los Angeles Lakers, People Magazine, and
a close-knit community of students, most Celts knew
faculty team quickly learned the basics. Players use their
Access Hollywood. But his biggest cheerleader was
Alex, but did they know of his athletic prowess? A plan
power chairs with metal foot guards attached to the front
Laker great Kobe Bryant. When Kobe learned about
was hatched by Dr. Joyce, Alex's parents, and Alex's
to move around the basketball court, propelling the ball
Alex, he invited the then-ten-year-old to spend time
team, the two-time conference championship L.A. Power
when passing and tackling other players defensively to
with and learn more about him. They became fast
Soccer Club, to surprise the students, faculty, and staff
score goals. Using a joystick to control the movement of
friends, and Kobe was committed to helping the cause.
the chair, players "spin" to generate power, striking the
Kobe invited Alex to play a game of hoops even though
ball with the side of the guard for the most potent hits
Alex had now graduated into a motorized scooter.
and using the front bars for more accurate impact.
"He put me on his shoulders in the gym, and we played some basketball games," said Alex. "I dunked on him. He told me to scream when I dunked. I was like aaaaahhhh!" Throughout their friendship, Kobe inspired Alex to become captain of his grade school's flag football team, helped with the Walking Strong Foundation, and recorded inspirational videos for Alex and his power soccer team when he could not attend competitions. Said Alex, "I never thought I could play a sport until I met Kobe. He told me I could do anything, and Power Soccer makes me feel powerful and free."
Although the Crespi faculty gave it their all, they
I never thought I could play a sport until I met Kobe (Bryant). He told me I could do anything, and Power Soccer makes me feel powerful and free. — ALEX LLAURO
were no match for the fan-favorite L.A. Soccer Club. "It made me feel pumped up to play in front of my school, classmates, and such a big crowd," said Alex. Remarked a fellow teammate, "This is the loudest and most enthusiastic crowd we've ever played in front of!" "As Principal, it has been incredible to see how active Alex has been in our community," reflected Dr. Joyce. "At the start of this freshman year, I was nervous about how he would transition from a small middle school environment to a larger high school, but I am so
When Crespi Principal Dr. Liam Joyce learned of
impressed with his resiliency and the brotherhood that
Alex's passion for and success in the sport, he wanted
has supported Alex through his high school career." l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 17
Visionaries in Nanotechnology EVERY YEAR, the National Science Teachers Association and Toshiba Corporation host the ExploraVision National Science Competition. Hundreds of thousands of students across the United States and Canada compete to win the attention of science experts with their scientific proposals. ExploraVision is a North American science competition that goes beyond the typical student science competition, and delves into what it takes to bring ideas to reality. Students are challenged to research a current technology and then envision what that technology might look like in 20 years. They then describe the development of the technology in steps, the pros & cons of the product, and obstacles towards enabling and achieving the proposed technology. In short, students are challenged to become visionaries and offer futuristic, viable, and practical advancements to current technologies. Projects are judged across six regions in North America. Last semester, sophomores Ivan Alavez, Ashan Sheikh, and Dylan Shinbrot were awarded Honorable Mention in this prestigious competition for their Honors Chemistry project titled: “Nanotechnology in Chemotherapy.” Commenting on the students’ achievement, Dr. Sherry Brahim, Crespi STEM Chair
French Program Recognized as Exemplary with Distinction THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION of Teachers of French conferred its award
said, “The killing of healthy cells along with the cancer cells during chemotherapy
of Exemplary with Distinction to Crespi last March. This prestigious award
has a detrimental
recognizes the outstanding quality of the school’s French program. Crespi is
effect on a patient’s
one of ten high schools nationwide to receive the award in 2023. Thanks to
body. Our students
its excellent program, Crespi has increased its enrollment in French through-
proposed a highly
out the past three years. The program uses innovative and creative teaching
targeted technology
methods, gives standards-based assessments, and offers numerous cultural
whereby the chemo-
activities beyond the classroom. The school participates in the AATF
therapeutics can be
National French Contest and inducts students into the National French
delivered via nanobots
Honor Society, with many honorees annually. Faculty are also recognized for
made from novel poly-
exhibiting excellent preparation and enthusiastic dedication to their work.
meric nanoparticles.
The American Association of Teachers of French, founded in 1927, is
Such delivery has the
the largest association of French teachers in the world, with close to 8,000
potential to tremen-
members. It offers enrichment and support to teachers and recognizes high
dously minimize the side effects caused by the drug as well as improve the quality
achievement in teachers and students.
and quantity of life for many people.” Go Celts! l
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Felicitation pour un travail bien fait! l
CRESPI NEW HOME TO CATHOLIC SWIM LEAGUE The San Fernando Valley Catholic Swim League is thrilled to be welcomed by Crespi at their amazing Robinson Family Aquatics Center. Over the 55 years of the league's history, we have been at many pools. The Crespi pool has proven to be the best environment for our over two dozen parishes and parochial schools for the fall competitions. We consider Crespi a gracious host and a wonderful home. — STACY SMITH, PRESIDENT / SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CATHOLIC SWIM LEAGUE
There is still time to “catch the wave” and put your name on the beautiful donor tile wall! Scan the QR code to purchase a tile.
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 19
20+
years
15+
years
Jess Garner
10+
Director of Strength & Student Wellness,
years
Assistant Track Coach MILESTONES
I love the small, close-knit community. I appreciate the autonomy I have to teach and coach how I see fit within the boundaries of the Crespi Man.
TRUE DEDICATION FACULTY AND STAFF RETENTION at the
Every day at Crespi, I look forward to the opportunity to impact the students and help them make changes to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Even if I'm just planting the seed for now, knowing that someday these things will matter more and they will make the right choices on their own. I love teaching toughness and grit, which many young men need to improve. It's incredible to gradually push the students out of their comfort zone and watch them thrive in that environment.
secondary school level is critical to building student success and well-being.
Rob Kodama Director of Admissions & International Programming,
Crespi is fortunate to have dedicated faculty and
Certified Master Gurian Trainer
staff members who are the institution's backbone,
Crespi has been an extension of my family, and so many people have
leaving an indelible mark on countless Celts.
become an important part of my life. People like Jeff Thornton, Kate Cerruti, and John King were very influential in my early teaching days. I've remained
With 10, 15 & 20+ years of service to Crespi,
here because, as educators, we get an opportunity to mentor young men in many ways. As a
these remarkable educators and staff members
coach, it was always essential to set a good example for the boys and challenge them to improve.
have an unwavering commitment and passion
Getting to know young Celts and watching them evolve is special. To influence them in a small
to shape young minds and build a legacy of
way is a great satisfaction. When young men come back to say hello and thank you, it is unique
inspiration and knowledge.
and makes the struggle worth it!
Learn a little more about our dedicated educators and how they answered … Why do I stay at Crespi? What’s a favorite memory? What do I love about the community?
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Donna Long Director of Student Activities
The secret to my longevity here is laughter and cryogenics! I have too many great memories to single out just one, but I've been happy since I was hired and every day since then.
Brett Louis
Jose Perez
Dean of Faculty & Social Studies Department Chair
Assistant to the Head of Facilities
My favorite memories at this school are when students
My favorite memories are all the lessons I learned from
accomplish something they believed they could not. This is
Don McGee! I like it here because I learn something new
true in the classroom, the athletic field, and any other facet of
every day.
Crespi's life. Every day at Crespi, I look forward to spending quality time with the students and my colleagues as part of a true community.
Jeff Thornton Vice Principal of Campus Development
My favorite moment every year is watching the boys graduate and move on. I've enjoyed my many years here because it gives me a sense of purpose, helping boys become good Crespi Men.
Brian Bilek Director of Athletics, Architecture Teacher & ESOL Moderator
The reason for my longevity is easy: it's the people. Every day at Crespi, I look forward to the conversations and interactions I have with both the members of the faculty and staff and the students on campus.
Dr. Sherryline Brahim
Debbie Watson
STEM Department Chair, Honors, AP Chemistry teacher, STEM Cohort Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Crespi cultivates a nurturing environment for faculty and
I have too many beautiful memories to only mention one, so
invests in developing a holistic nature – body, soul, and spirit.
here goes: taking 12 luxury buses filled with students and
Also, promoting and championing environmental awareness
faculty to watch Crespi basketball win the CIF Champion-
and good stewardship of our resources is a priority at Crespi. Every day, I
ship game at the Pyramid Stadium in Long Beach; watching
look forward to new opportunities to invest in molding the leaders and
Kenny Stenhouse get caught on camera dancing down the hallway and doing a
thinkers of tomorrow.
flip kick to close his locker; having the students do an 85 formation on the field to surprise Ms. O'Connor for her 85th birthday; watching Blake Stanton throw the winning basket at the buzzer to beat Notre Dame; watching Mike Mike run all over the football field for a win against Notre Dame in the last seconds of the game; witnessing the COVID graduating Class of ’20 make the best of a bad situation by decorating their cars and cheering at their "drive-thru" graduation ceremony; all of the 50+ Kairos I've attended; recently watching the baseball team win the CIF Championship game in the bottom of the 7th inning!
Chris Knabenshue Director of Campus Ministry
I have so many great memories here, but the "profound" ones are the ones that shed light on the extraordinary community and family that Crespi is. Moments like the Celts singing the MILESTONES CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 21
National Anthem with Harrison Knight when his mic cut out drowning out
Dr. Alan Swaney
the opposing team’s jeering, to the communal sadness and solidarity we
Vice Principal of Academics
experienced when Peg O'Connor died. The hallway was filled with flowers and
We keep getting better together, and it's exhilarating to be
students. These moments shed light on Crespi's true gift for me: community and
a witness to the mission of Crespi Carmelite High School. I
family in both the darkness and the light. It fuels the meaning and purpose of all
remember one brisk Friday morning when Ultimate Frisbee
the other unforgettable memories, especially the ones I have with the students
fever swept over the campus, and we had a 6:00 a.m. game
on IMPACT and Kairos, where they then share that gift of community, family,
of faculty versus students on the field. As everyone warmed up, unprompted
and solidarity with each other and the world.
by faculty, one senior walked to the fifty-yard line and called everyone together for a prayer before the game. The game that morning was spirited and fun, and
Jonathan Mihara Social Studies Teacher, Social Studies Department Head, Head Tennis Coach
At Crespi, we have the most exceptional type of students. We have young men who are both gifted academically yet maintain a substantial degree of humility. This combination of qualities is rare in students, and it is a joy to teach them. Every day, I look forward to the camaraderie with my fellow faculty members and the daily conversations with my students. In all the years I've worked here, every day has included at least one good laugh — and usually more!
the whole experience stands out as a testament to the unique experiences that shape the Crespi community.
Tim Selby Dean of Students & Math Teacher
My favorite memories are from the 2010 track & field season. The brotherhood and support demonstrated by the athletes always bring a smile to my face. Every day at Crespi, I look forward to the laughs shared with coworkers and students.
Sean Florin Finance Associate
Aaron Robinson
My reason for being here for over ten years is purpose.
Communications Manager & Head Swimming Coach
Not just a job. Purpose. I am contributing to the betterment
What originally was a stepping stone turned out to be a
of THE WORLD.
career, as I believe in the mission of this school. I enjoy coming to work and being surrounded and supported by a wealth of hard-working faculty, staff, and coaches, but I enjoy the connections between myself and the swimmers. I love that I'm going into my 20th season. I still connect with many of the guys I coached when I first came to Crespi. This place truly fosters an environment of alums who are happy to come back.
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Gina Hayward Tuition & Accounts Receivable
I believe in what we do for our students.
Nan Lehnert
Ashley Luderer
English Department Chair, AP English Literature, Senior English Literature & Composition teacher.
Events Director
My favorite memory is of Mr. King's last day of teaching
when we surprised her as the students made an 85 on the field
when all the faculty, staff, and students surprised him
in celebration of her birthday. I genuinely love what I do and
outside Room 1 to salute him and give a roaring Crespi
enjoy the people I work with.
My favorite memory was the look on Mrs. O'Connor's face
send-off. I was lucky to be positioned outside his door and to have caught his smile and that wonderful sparkle in his eye. Mr. King was genuinely emotionally overcome and appeared humbled to see this well-deserved outpouring of love and appreciation. He was an exceptional man and mentor to so many, including myself.
Debbie McGaughey Advancement Events Coordinator
My two favorite memories are my sons' graduations, Trevor ’09 and Terry ’12. I believe in the Crespi way and the development of boys to men. It worked for my sons!
Gregoria Leoni Executive Director of Advancement
I love the energy at Crespi. It's a daily gift to witness
Blaine O'Brien
young men who want to learn and experience all the
Taiko Teacher
school has to offer being taught and mentored by a
I love that alumni from multiple generations of the Crespi Taiko
faculty and staff committed to their education and
program have found new homes in collegiate taiko groups.
well-being. I've seen firsthand how this place changes lives.
Every day at Crespi, I look forward to giving students the gift of meaningful identity by inspiring them to earn a place in the
Brock Livingston Head Lacrosse Coach, Admissions Associate & Summer Camp Director
I love the community at Crespi and, specifically, all the
program with a challenging goal requiring them to learn something unfamiliar.
Eugene Sullivan
lacrosse families I have had contact and relationships
Assistant Athletic Director, Head Track & Field Coach, P.E. Instructor
with over the past 13 years. Having alumni come back
There is not a better community to be involved with than at
for our games or send messages whenever we have good games always
Crespi. It is a pleasure to show up to "work" each day and
makes me want to work harder for them so they can be proud of being a
be with colleagues I consider close friends, and to make an
Crespi lacrosse alum.
impact on the youth of our society. l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 23
We Love LA and the many middle schools around our vast and diverse city thatMIDDLE send usSCHOOLS soon-to-be Crespi Men! WE LOVE L.A. AND THE MANY AROUND OUR WeAND acknowledge theTHAT following partner schools thatMEN! send VAST DIVERSE CITY SEND US SOON-TO-BE CRESPI usschools the most We acknowledge the following partner that send students. us the most students. GUARDIAN ANGEL
ST. ROSE CHAMINADE
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN
ST. JOHN EUDES NOBEL
ST. PASCHAL
VALLEY SCHOOL ST. BERNARDINE
ST. JUDE
LAUREL HALL
MILLIKAN WESTMARK OUR LADY OF GRACE WALTER REED ST. MEL ST. CYRIL HESBY OAKS PORTOLA ST. CHARLES ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
KEY ADMISSION DATES: November 3, 2023 November 5, 2023 December 27 -29, 2023 January 2, 2024 January 15, 2024 January 27, 2024
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Step-Up Day Open House HSPT Prep Course HSPT Exam Application Deadline The Crespi Experience
ST. PAUL ST. TIMOTHY For more information about the admissions process contact Chris Malcolm, Executive Director of Enrollment at cmalcolm@crespi.org or Rob Kodama, Director of Admissions at rkodama@crespi.org.
BRAD VONNAHME Meet Crespi’s new varsity football head coach.
13
THINGS ABOUT COACH V
1. FAMILY
He and his wife Ashley have three boys under the age of seven.
2. HIGH SHOOL
Coach Vonnahme attended Mount Michael Benedictine High School, an all-boys Catholic high school in Elk Horn, Nebraska.
3. COLLEGE Coach V attended the University of Nebraska, received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Utah State, and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Management from Wayne State College.
4. COACHING PHILOSOPHY
As a football coach, I believe I have the responsibility of utilizing the game to teach lessons to young men that will assist in helping them reach their full potential in every area of their lives - academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually. To maximize individual potential, we must take a relationship-based approach that builds trust and establishes a strong sense of accountability to the team and our standards.
5. MOST MEMORABLE COACHING MOMENT Building confidence in players and helping them succeed are the best moments. During my time at Fresno State, I was fortunate to be part of a team that went from 1-11 to 10-4, and then 12-2 over a span of two years. Playing a role in the transformation of a program like that was a unique and very educational experience.
6. FAVORITE SPORT TO PLAY (other than football) Golf, on a rare occasion!
7. MOST INFLUENTIAL COACHING MENTOR I have two: Kevin Clune, the current defensive coordinator at Northern Arizona University, and Jeff Tedford, current head coach at Fresno State.
8. PASS OR THROW?
Whatever our team does best, but probably running the ball because it places a premium on playing physical and being tough.
9. BRING PRESSURE OR COVERAGE?
Whatever the situation calls for, but generally pressure. Force the issue & make them earn it.
10. DO YOU PREFER WATCHING COLLEGE GAME DAY OR MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL?
Monday Night Football
11. FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY You can’t miss with Greco’s in Tarzana.
12. FAVORITE THING ABOUT CRESPI SO FAR Unity in school leadership and the sense of community. 13. SPECIAL TALENT OR SKILL PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU It’s not necessarily a talent, but I’ve always loved history, especially primary sources — understanding the mindsets and environments of people over different periods of time is very intriguing to me. l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 25
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MOONSTRUCK SHINED BRIGHT Lots of dazzle and glam set the stage for record-breaking generosity THE GALA LIT UP THE NIGHT on April 29th with a
event set a new record with a staggering $106,000!
theme that perfectly matched its Hollywood setting
Adding to this, another $100,000 was raised through a
— MOONSTRUCK. Held at the iconic CBS Radford
paddle raise to support Crespi's financial aid program,
Studios on the New York Street lot, the event was
CAPER
which plays a crucial role in providing opportunities for
more than just a glamorous soirée. It was a night of
students. Alumnus Jim Morris ’76, a long-time scholarship
record-breaking fundraising, dazzling entertainment,
donor, shared the story of why he established the Morris
and heartfelt gratitude. Chaired by board member and alumni mom Michele
Family Scholarship. One of four Morris boys to attend Crespi, his father passed away when his youngest brother was in high
Sjolander (Joey ’18), with current parent Cynthia Montoya
school. Crespi allowed the younger Morris to attend at no cost and
serving as Under Chair, MOONSTRUCK was transformed into a
graduate with his Celt brothers. This experience profoundly impacted
Hollywood wonderland as the guests walked the red carpet and
Jim, motivating him to give back to the school.
strolled down New York Street where countless iconic television
The emotional highlight of the evening came when Ricky
scenes have been filmed. During the cocktail portion of the evening,
Ortiz ’21, a beneficiary of the Morris Family Scholarship, expressed
attendees were treated to live music by the Crespi Jazz Men led by
his gratitude to Mr. Morris for sponsoring him during his time at
teacher Nick La France, shopped the silent auction, and had personal
Crespi. Ricky lost his father in his freshman year. With the Morris
caricatures drawn by a professional sketch artist.
Family Scholarship, he could remain at Crespi where he thrived
An astounding live auction set the tone for the night's record-
and ultimately received the prestigious QuestBridge Scholarship
breaking generosity. Guest auctioneer and Crespi mom Sharon Stone
to attend the University of Notre Dame. Ricky's story served as a
began the live portion by emphasizing the significance of a Crespi
powerful example of how scholarships and financial aid can make
education in her sons' lives. She also highlighted the importance
a significant difference in the lives of students facing difficult
of educating boys in general, underscoring the school's role in
circumstances, and it touched the hearts of those in attendance.
shaping young men. She then got the bidding started with two
The crescendo of the evening, a dueling piano performance,
crowd favorites: an exotic bulldog puppy and two highly sought-after
brought everyone to their feet, making the night even more
tickets to a live taping of Saturday Night Live. When the bidding war
memorable.
reached a feverish pitch, two more tickets were produced, courtesy
The success of the evening would not have been possible without
of Crespi mom and SNL alum Molly Shannon. The excitement and
the unwavering support of all who attended. Their generosity and
competition in the room during the bidding were electrifying.
commitment to the school's mission are invaluable, and Crespi is
At the end of the 9-item auction with several items doubling, the
deeply grateful for their support. l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 27
1963 CLASS REUNION
THE CRESPI MEN:
Celebrating 60 Years of Brotherhood By Dr. Kenneth Foersch and Coach Harry Welch
ON A BALMY MID-JUNE AFTERNOON amidst the sun-soaked setting of Coto de Caza, the beautiful home of Cindee, Harry, and Murphy Welch played host to a remarkable gathering — a reunion of Crespi Carmelite High School’s very first graduating class, commemorating an awe-inspiring six decades of brotherhood. The occasion saw nearly 20 cherished alumni, some traveling great distances, coming together to reminisce, rekindle old connections, and pay homage to a legacy that has stood the test of time.
DENNIS BELLI
Brought smiles to everyone’s faces, inspiring fond recollections of times that go back six decades.
STEVE BUCKNAM
Founder and CEO of Bucknam & Associates, a prominent civil engineering firm, captivated the crowd with his modesty and inspiring tales of success.
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CRESPI.ORG CRESPI.ORG
DAVE CAMPBELL
With nearly three decades of service in Submarine Warfare Command, made the trek from Arkansas be part of this momentous event.
JOHN CARTER
Adding to the sense of nostalgia, the class of ’63 was graced by to the presence the former teacher who undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the lives of his students.
RICHARD “DICK” CERNIGLIA
Not only represented the esteemed Crespi Cerniglia clan, but also played a pivotal role in setting up and dismantling the reunion event. His presence embodied the true essence of a Crespi Celt — a man of character, unwavering in his commitment to the cause.
DR. ROBERT CLEYMAET
Once played a pivotal role in shaping Reaganomics, journeyed from Camarillo to South Orange County to join the celebration.
JIM ESTERLE
Found love while working on the remarkable Foundation for the Junior Blind, shared stories of his life’s journey.
SAM HERR
A seasoned restaurateur and bon vivant, ventured from Carpinteria to join in the celebration, sharing stories and reliving cherished moments.
FRANK MADDOCKS
WILLIAM “BILL” CORMIER Captivated everyone with tales of his decades-long Bruin pride and his invaluable legal counsel to UCLA.
A successful entrepreneur, temporarily paused his Hawaiian vacation to jet back to California for the reunion, only to catch a red-eye flight back to the Aloha State.
JIM KAISERSKI
A familiar voice from decades of East Coast TV announcing, journeyed all the way from Florida to reunite with his classmates.
WINTER WINTER ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT 2023 2023 l l 29 29
DR. DON SMITH
JERRY MOLLNER
Renowned business systems analyst, journeyed from Escondido to grace the gathering with his class and dignity.
Once contributed to NASA’s historic moon landing mission and later served as a school superintendent in the South Pacific, regaled his fellow Celts with his extraordinary experiences.
DON MCGEE
Spent his career wearing various hats, including roles as an Operating Engineer, co-owner of a Harley Davidson shop in Glendale with fellow Celt and brother-in-law Pat Feenan, and, notably, dedicating his final two decades of work to Crespi as the head of facilities.
BOB SOLLIMA
Credited with saving over 300 lives in the unforgiving terrain of the Sierra Nevada Mountains — both in summer and winter. His story is now the subject of a book and an upcoming documentary celebrating the “Mad Chef of the Mountains.”
DR. GREG POLITO Renowned urological surgeon in Southern California. Not only contributed his medical expertise but also shared his vintner’s knowledge, having flown in from the heart of Texas.
HARRY WELCH
The reunion’s host and co-author of this article, holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s most decorated high school football coaches. His illustrious coaching career has seen victories at every turn, and he recently received the prestigious honor of being named part of the inaugural California High School Football Hall of Fame class, set to be enshrined in 2024. It is worth noting that Welch was Crespi’s very first graduate to return to work at the school.
These were the Crespi Men long before the term “Crespi Man” was coined. Spending a few precious hours in their company, celebrating the enduring bond of brotherhood, and listening to the wisdom of living history was an incredible privilege. It was, undeniably, a day to be proud to call oneself a Celt. l 30
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Mentoring Our Celts
We thank the following who gave of their time and talent to mentor our Celts: Anthony Banovac ’97, Senior Account Director, Salesforce
CAREER DAY RETURNED THIS YEAR in person thanks to the joint effort of the alumni office and counseling department after a two-year pause due to COVID restrictions. First presented in the nineties, Career Day gathers alumni, parents, and representatives from over two dozen occupations. Crespi students select two presentations to attend, and virtually every classroom at the school is used. It's one of the most popular programs among the students, and many presenters return year after year. l
Stephen Barron, Firefighter, Long Beach Fire Department Matt Berg ’03, Wildland Firefighter for Pacific Gas & Electric Anthony Bonenfant ’74, CPA, Anthony Bonenfant & Co. Jordan Bridges ’10, Realtor, Compass Real Estate David DiTomaso ’74, Business Owner & Entrepreneur Kevin Dorsey, Movie & Music Professional John Duffy, Attorney, Gray & Duffy, LLP Tarek Fattal, Sports Writer, SB Live Sports Kurt Feddersen ’76, CPA, Feddersen & Company Evan Funke ’97, Chef & Restaurant Owner, Felix Trattoria & Funke Craig Gering, Agent, Creative Artists Agency Eric Hammerschmitt ’95, Officer & Medal of Valor Recipient, Los Angeles Police Dept. Dr. Delano Hankins, DDS, HD Dental Studios Mike Lang ’83, CEO, Pixel United Sergio Ledezma, Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation Heather McDonald, Comedian, Author & Podcaster Chris McGee ’89, Sports Broadcaster & Announcer, Spectrum SportsNet’s Lakers Host Robert Moffat, Senior Lead Artist, Activision Eric Nelson ’98, Captain, LAFD FireFighter Training Facility Chris Noji ’18, Clinical Counselor Joe Pica, Architect, Pica & Sullivan Jon Platt, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Peter Promen ’09, E5 Petty Officer 2nd Class, United States Navy Cole Stotts ’13, Stuntman
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT, Chef Evan Funke '97, Comedian Heather McDonald, Sony Music’s Jon Platt, Mike Lang '83 and the 2023 Presenters
If you would like to be a part of Career Day in February 2024, contact the Alumni Relations Office’s Bryan Bennett at bbennett@crespi.org.
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 31
Math Three-peats! … Regents Scholarship Named … Former Laker Becomes a Coach … All-American Athletes Recognized … The Enrollment Department Gets a Director … Final Vows Celebrated
QUICK TAKES
Math Champs Again! The Crespi Math Team was
scores, 88.5 and 82.5 out of 150, on the AMC 12 in early
proclaimed National Champions in the Arete Labs Math
November. These scores earned them an invitation to
Madness Challenge for the third consecutive year. Led
the American Invitational Mathematics Examination the
by team captains Luke Jones ’23, Defang Shen ’23, Kevin
following February.
Liu ’26, and Wilson Xu ’26, the mathletes competed in the
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online, team-based tournament-style competition every
Senior Luke Jones received the prestigious Regents
week. They maintained an average score of 27 (out of
Scholarship upon acceptance to UCLA. Only 0.1% of appli-
40). As individuals, Jones and Shen also achieved high
cants are awarded this scholarship. Taking math classes at
various institutions of higher learning, Jones
Basketball. During his 5-season career at UCLA, Stong
four-year experience at Crespi and proudly graduates
graduated not only with his high school diploma but
played in 37 games, making one start, and was named
a Crespi Man. “This is an exciting opportunity for
with an AA degree in mathematics.
to the Pac-12 Conference’s Winter Academic Honor for
me to contribute to the growth of the Crespi family.
four consecutive seasons. The Celt alumnus graduated
As an alumnus, current parent, and former board
Crespi welcomes five-time NBA champion Derek
this year with mechanical engineering and business
member, my passion for Crespi has continued to
Fisher as head varsity basketball coach. Coach Fisher
economics degrees. Celt Pride!
grow over the years. I look forward to this chapter
played professionally for 18 seasons, spending most
of my Celt journey!”, remarked Malcolm.
of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has
Edson Nunez ’24 was named an Academic
coached in the NBA and WNBA and is a television
All-American in Lacrosse. This honor is awarded
Congratulations to Br. Roberto Reyes, O. Carm.,
sports analyst. Asked about his impression of the
to the student-athlete who is a high achiever in the
who taught at Crespi from 2020-2022. Br. Roberto
school, Coach Fisher responded, “Crespi truly is a
classroom and on the field.
celebrated his Solemn Profession of Final Vows in
family experience. I look forward to becoming more
August at the National Shrine at Crypt Church at Chris Malcolm ’91 has been named the Executive
Catholic University. Crespi President Dr. Foersch
Director of Enrollment Management. Working with
was a surprise guest at the ceremony, and on behalf
Alumnus Russell Stong IV ’18 was honored as
Director of Admissions Rob Kodama, Mr. Malcolm’s
of the Crespi Family, presented Br. Roberto with his
the 2023 UCLA Scholar Athlete of the Year for Men’s
role is to ensure that every student maximizes their
very own Celt soccer jersey. l
connected with the community and the brotherhood.”
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 33
YEAR IN REVIEW
CRESPI ATHLETICS WAY TO GO!
FOOTBALL Under the direction of new head Coach Brad Vonnahme, the Celts are on their way to moving the program in the right direction. The team is focused on maximizing every opportunity to reach their full potential, week by week, game by game. Senior Holden Gering was named to the 1st Team All-Angelus League, and is
BASEBALL
for the altitude. Despite the rough wildfire
This year’s team was crowned CIF
season and rain in the weeks prior, the
SS Div II CHAMPS! Feature on page 12.
BASKETBALL The Celts enjoyed a highly productive season, beginning with a West Valley Tournament Championship in November. Two players, Joe Sterling ’26 and Peyton White ’25, earned All Mission League honors in what many believe to be the most competitive basketball league in the nation. With new head coach Derek Fisher at the helm, the future looks bright, with all five starters returning to an experienced core of talent.
CROSS COUNTRY In 2019, Coach Diaz stepped in as
group enjoyed a wonderful week of training
playing for Williams College this fall.
GOLF The varsity golf team is looking to
and bonding. Guzman and Maddox had
build off a strong season which saw the
stellar performances with season personal
team qualify for the Division 4 CIF playoffs.
records of 16:35 and 16:40, respectively.
The Celts return four varsity golfers, led by
After four great seasons, Coach Lopez is
sophomores Grant Leary and Peter Jen. A
now stepping in to fill Coach Diaz’s shoes
strong incoming freshman class will help
as head of the program. The now-gradu-
round out the starting seven, and the JV
ated seniors are headed to many top-level
Celts continue to improve.
universities, but their hard work, determination, and charisma left a strong foundation
LACROSSE
for this year’s team. We thank them all for
The Lacrosse team went 13-7 and
their commitment to creating a competitive
ended their season in an exciting but
running culture at Crespi.
heartbreaking overtime loss in the playoffs. Crespi had three players commit to play at
ESPORTS With the addition of new titles
the next level: Cam Gayer at Rollins College, Parker Provencher at Aroura University, and Josh Scott at Amherst. The Lacrosse team
head coach of the Cross Country program,
such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and
and with him, four young Celts joined as
Valorant, the Esports Program continued its
well: Dylan Giffen ’23, Jacob Gonzales
dominance in the 2022-2023 school year.
’23, Isaac Guzman ’23, and James
The Valorant team took 3rd place overall,
Maddox ’23. After working together for
and the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team
four years and meeting and training with
won another State Championship in the
other student-athletes, Coach Diaz took the
Fall. These performances qualified Super
Crespi XC team to Mammoth for the first
Smash Bros. Ultimate and Valorant team
time. With four returning seniors, the team
members to compete in the EGFH National
matches that brought viewers to the edge
started training early in June to prepare
Champixnship in June.
of their seats. Week after week, the Celts
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also had its first Academic All-American in Edson Nunez ’24, who was recognized for his success on the field and in the classroom. With six returning starters, the 2024 season looks to be a great one!
SOCCER The season was filled with exciting
represented with honor and pride in
hood of Crespi athletics is all about. With
Celts are also excited to return seniors
nail-biting matches, while showcasing a
many prospective new swimmers joining
Brandon Cueva, NJ Davtyan, and Owen
unique and competitive style of play for
Crespi this coming season, we are looking
Coleman, and look to rising sophomores
our league. Turning the heads of many
to a bright future of team building and
George Bergstrom, William Burke, and
veteran title-winning coaches in the Mission
continuing the traditions of Celts past.
Adrian Farvili to bring additional talent
League, they applauded, respected, and complimented the program's style and growth. The Celts remained in every match throughout the season. At home, the team earned big league wins against St. Francis and Sierra Canyon and an incredible draw against Mission League elite Loyola. Most importantly, the Celts' soccer culture evolved and grew stronger as a team.
and experience to an already established
TENNIS The tennis team's campaign was highlighted by significant wins
group. Celt volleyball will work hard throughout the fall to prepare for the spring Competition.
over Saugus, St. Francis, and Sierra Canyon. Max Nagler ’23 completed his
WATER POLO
Crespi tennis career with over 50 singles
We finished the 2022 season
wins in the Mission League as a two-time
with a strong performance in the CIF
team MVP.
Quarterfinals. The brotherhood, dedication, and hard work were evident,
TRACK & FIELD
bringing us one step closer to our goal.
The season featured a lot of
This achievement sets the foundation for
CIF-SS Division II for the 22-23 season
newcomers with 82% of the track and
an even more successful journey this year.
upon the departure of sprint superstar
field roster as multi-sport athletes from
With the new season on the horizon, we
Lenny Raybukh ’22, who now competes
football, basketball, wrestling, cross
can push ourselves further and reach the
at the collegiate level for Pomona-Pitzer
country, water polo and soccer. Highlights
CIF Division 2 Playoffs finals. The team’s
College. Returning and excelling in the
of the season included Eric Glover ’23
goal is to return to the playoffs and
sprints was Baha Musabekov ’23, who
finishing 5th in Div 4 in Shot Put; Kellan
showcase the incredible talent and
qualified for the CIF Division II champion-
Roussel ’23 finishing 5th in Div 4 in
teamwork we possess.
ship in Riverside in his signature events,
the 300m Hurdles; and Will Shifflett ’25
the 50 and 100 Freestyle. Up-and-coming
finishing 5th in Div 4 in the 110m Hurdles.
sophomores Enzo D’Este and Maksim
Twelve seniors graduated in 2023, but a
The team finished the year in
Krishtall rounded out our relays, with
solid nucleus in track and field events is
3rd in the Mission League overall, with
returning junior Aidan Whitney playing a
returning in 23-24.
nine Mission League Place winners:
SWIM The team competed in
Mission League Champion Harrison
crucial role in the 200 Freestyle and 200 Medley sprint relays. The team qualified
WRESTLING
VOLLEYBALL
Roderick ’23 at 152lb, eleven CIF
as the first alternate at CIF but was not
The team finished a great 2023
Qualifiersand three CIF place winners:
called to the blocks to compete. Over-
season with contributions from a solid
Harrison Roderick ’23 in 3rd, Christian
all, the season was successful in that
graduating senior class. It boasts a
Cruz ’23 in 7th, and Samuel Lee ’25
freshmen bonded with veteran swimmers,
promising upcoming season as junior
in 5th. Roderick and Lee qualified for the
and seniors Ryan Bass, Isaac Landa, and
all-conference selection Greyson Bradford
Masters Tournament. Crespi finished
Baha Musabekov provided the leadership
returns, contributing a powerful offensive
16th out of 52 teams in the CIF Divisional
to show the youngsters what the brother-
attack and tremendous all-around play.
Championship. l
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 35
1
2
3
4
1. Jon Bacon ’07 weds Brooke Carpenter LvHS ’09
CELT TRACKS
2. Michael Leoni ’12 celebrates his wedding festivities with fellow Celts from the classes of 2012 & 2013. Back row, from left: Patrick Harrigan, Danny Burns, Brendan Guiney, Michael Leoni, Alex Safady, John Rumer, Connor Doyle. Front row: William Lynch, Vincent Leoni, Alec Parezo
5
3. Congratulations to Adam Verdugo ’02 for making NYC TV’s “40 Under 40” List, which celebrates visionaries in the TV industry. Adam, left, on his CBS Evening News set with Dr. Foersch.
6
4. Annual Legacy BBQ celebrating alums and their current Crespi sons. 5. Dr. Jonathan Schild ’94 has been named Director of The Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 6. Congratulations to Nick Schirripa ’04 for making the Forbes Magazine list of “Americans Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors.” 7. Celts & Royals from the Class of 2008 reuniting at a wedding. Celts from left to right: Kyle Cerniglia, Eli Zamora, Jake Dahlstrum, Michael Cerniglia 7
8
8. Brandon Ibarra ’07 weds Maja in Cancun
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PHILANTHROPY SPECIAL SECTION
WITH GRATITUDE
Crespi Carmelite High School gratefully acknowledges our many supporters that have generously contributed to our community. WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 37
THE ANNUAL REPORT REFLECTS DONATIONS FROM JUNE 1, 2022 TO MAY 31, 2023. THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT DOES ITS BEST TO ENSURE ALL DONORS ARE RECOGNIZED.
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
2022-2023 CUMULATIVE GIVING Trinity Society $100,000 +
Benefactor Society $9,999 - $5,000
Beatriz & Alex Calfo ’82 Julie & Joseph Carrabino Jr. ’80 Rosemarie & Don Steiner ’83 Windsong Trust
Anonymous Linda & Michael Beugg Jane & Alan Brue ’80 Yan & Gene Campbell ’84 Amy & James Childress Tom Conley ’78/State Farm Insurance Co. Sharon & Murphy Cox Trish & Dennis Drew ’71 Kathy & Bill Edmonds ’64 Robin & Dr. Kenneth Foersch Luana & Colin Giffen ’82 John Hinton Denise & Dr. Liam Joyce Kristy & Mike Kenney ’81 Lewis A. Kingsley Foundation Nicole & Jeff Lang ’90 Gregoria & Vince Leoni Marla & Dave Lloyd ’88 Ellen & Desmond Lynch Elsa & Gagik Megerdichian Greg Naylor Bridget & Joshua Nelson ’95 Olympic Insurance Agency, Don Barberie II ’83 & Bob Barberie ’86 Dana & Gregory Pesce Melissa & Jonathan Schild ’94 Michele & Alan Sjolander The Help Som-Child Foundation/ Childress Family Nancy & Tom Yaeger
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society $99,999 - $25,000 Kathryne Beynon Foundation Order of Carmelites Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Louisville High School Carmen Recker & James G. Morris ’76 Jane & Scott Robinson
Padre Juan Crespi Society $24,999 - $15,000 Peter Arbogast ’78 John & Hilda Arnold Foundation Christina & Carl Briganti Dolores & Joe Casey & The Casey Foundation Jane & Owen Frost The George Link Charitable Trust Cathleen & Vincent Pantess Daniella & Derek Stark ’85 Lorraine & Roger Welling ’79
Crespi Carmelite Society $14,999 - $10,000 Anonymous Melanie & Jack Briscoe Jane & Craig Gering Laura & Mike Lang ’83 Kelley & Dan Lashley Angie & Jon Platt Ellen Mercier & Joe Schirripa The Silent Foundation for the Arts
38
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Leadership Society $4,999 - $2,500 Anonymous Jean & Justin Anderson ’91 Christi & Gerald Anderson ’82
Amanda & Chad Beck Nancy Banks & Andrew Buckley Liliana & George Buza Nancy Jo & John Cappetta ’79 & Cappetta Family Foundation Jana & Dan Carroll ’88 Kenneth Cerniglia ’89 Susan & Victor Cosentino Kathy & Mike Costigan ’81 Evan Driedger ’99 Erica & Zac Fields Diane & Cary Hara Heidi & Joel Howard Lisa & Mark Jackson Cindy Watts & Andy Jen Christine & Samuel Koh ’87 Shoko & Matthew Malkan Claudine & Terry Melican ’82 Tina & William Miller Anna & Gavin Milner Cara & Rob Moffat Cynthia & Benjamin Montoya Matt Muller ’84 & Muller Family Foundation Megan & Jon Mut Christin & Dennis O’Brien ’87 Robert Platania Kirdis Postelle Sulema & Edgardo Quintanilla Noel & Anthony Russo Nadia & Parasko Saroukos Gail & Kenneth Schild Steven Selcer Molly Shannon Marla & Jim Shontere ’65 Christine & Shawn Simmons Fiona & Constantin von Siemens Jamie & Rich Werner ’63
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Jan & Ellie Winnerkrans
President’s Society $2,499 - $1,000 Cintia & Mark Alonso Amazon Smile Ashot Oganesyan Insurance Pat Baker Tania & Chris Benedict Terri & Ante Bilaver Steve Bixler Richelle & Brandt Blanken Jaime Boyce Elizabeth & Michael Brady Jordan Bridges ’10 Claudia & Christopher Buchanan Sonia & Jose Caceres Bettina & Mauro Camoroda Mahana & Rizal Coleman Lori & Tom Condon ’78 Lupita & Jose Cornejo Karen & Ted Coyne Evelyn and Ron Crimins MC ’59 Jessie & Marc Dibie ’81 David DiTomaso ’74 Estelle Funk Foundation Tammie & Quinn Fauria ’89 Miranda & Dan Fitzgerald Stacie & Loren Funk Thomas Gallagher Teresa & Gordon Gibson Reverend Leopold Glueckert, O. Carm. Kristen & Todd Goldman Hroniss Grasu ’10 Kim & Howard Greenberg Beverly & Felix Grossman Lynn & Eric Gruzen Eugenia & Manuel Guzman Carrie & Max Haber Joy Han Park Kathleen & David Harte Mary & Joe Heffernan Caroline & Michael Hick
Kathleen & Ronald Holert Bonnie & Boris Horvat Rene & Roy Houlette Mary & Gerald Hughes ’84 James Hurley ’83 Terry & Frank Ibarra Friends of Golf, Inc Ana & Trent Johnson Jessica Khoury Tara Klein Janice & Andrew Kuo Lynda & John Kurzeka ’76 Laura Lazar Deb & Greg Lefevre ’65 Nan & Steve Lehnert Shelly & Brian Leinbach Karla & Matthew Levy Carina & David Lins ’95 Zikang Liu ’25 Susan & Marshall Lloyd Catherine & Thomas Long Penny & Joseph Manisco ’74 Marine Mankikian Nat & Kevin Martin Monica & Geoffrey Matthews Thomas Matthews Marian & Terence McCorry Debbie & Sean McGaughey Trevor McGaughey ’09 Danielle & Tim McGinnis ’80 Maria & Peter McGoldrick Kristine Miles Kristin & Shawn Nelson Jonathan Noori Jamie Lynne & Bryan Nuesca ’86 Leith & Jason O’Leary Jeff Otto ’74 Siobhan & Bradley Palmer Anna & John Parezo Travis Parker ’94 Pam & Greg Polito ’63 Jennifer & Thomas Powledge Angelica & James Pugliese
Edgardo Quintanilla & Quintanilla Law Firm, ALC Michael Rahimzadeh ’10 Kimberly & Darin Rivetti ’84 Richard Roderick Bill Scott ’78 Margaret & Phil Scuderi ’85 Elaine & Dan Scully Steven Selcer Pauline & Reuven Sison Ariana & Eric Smeraldo Debra & Brian Spaulding ’78 Liz & Brett Svatek Eveline & Joseph Sykora The Daniel & Susan Gottlieb Foundation Richard Werner ’63 Martial & Justin Thirsk Jim Treinen ’81 Linda & Steve Tully ’74 Sherry & Dan Turner Timothy van der Valk Heather & Nick Verdugo Bert Vigil Lara & Michael Weiss Vanda & Jeremy Westin Amy & Brian Whitney Jennifer & Arthur Windus Weilin & Zhiming Xu Beth & Jim Zapp ’64
Brown & White Society $999 - $500 Stacey & Matthew Alexander Anonymous Karen & Thomas Antczak Yuki & Tim Armstrong Joleen & Chris Arroyo Kathleen & Joseph Atencio ’77 Marian & J. David Aylmer Karen & Paul Aylmer ’78 Teri & Bruce Bailey Jacque & Bob Barberie ’86 Jennifer & Don Barberie II ’83
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 39
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Barbara and Jim Barrett ’66 Kay Barzon David Berrio ’95 Alison & Dave Beveridge Janice & Stephen Boggs Michelle & Philip Bonoli James Bononi ’82 Pamela & Shawn Burke Century West BMW Craig Chally ’90 Christine & Frank Chiorazzi ’79 Valeria Christiansen Carolyn Cioffi Catherine & Don Coluzzi ’64 Carolyn & John Conrad Wendy & Randy Corr ’64 Anahid & Daniel Crecelius Kim & Eric Damer Melody & Luis De Vivero ’87 Carenia & Joel Deutsch Debbie & Tim DiTomaso ’75 Nicole & Eric Dudley Suzanne & John Duffy Tim Dunn ’80 Olga & Gary Fash ’66 Sue & Rich Ferraro ’82 Laura & Brian Flynn Lisbet & Daniel Franc Doug and Kristen Gayer Thida & Thomas Gebken ’79 Annmarie & Pete Gil Rohn Grazer ’74 Margaret & Howard Haffner Susan & James Helgager Kathleen & Walt Hickey ’71 Kimberly Hinton Adriana & Michael Horn Sandra & Stephen Jackson Jenny Kahvedijan Mihwa & Young Kim Chris Knabenshue Cami & Rob Kodama Ronald Kolodkin
40
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Susan & Stephen Kroopnick Melissa Krupa Waisze & John Kwan Cristin & Jim Laccabue ’79 Aksana & Vlad Len Michael Leoni ’12 Vincent Leoni ’13 Linda & Stephen Lepire ’88 Susie & Greg Lew Yvonne & Joseph Lombino ’74 Gia Crecelius & James Maddox Sharon & Paul Martin MC ’57 Dagan Massey ’95 Amy & Scott McCarthy ’89 Patricia McIntyre Lynne Merrill Andrew Moore ’01 Allison Moore Ginna & Ted Nagy Ryan Nassif ’14 Jill & Charles Nefkens ’88 Allison Noori Hilary & John O’Keefe ’90 Zuzana & Scott Olofson Colby and Amanda Plath Kathleen Poetz Carol & Larry Poindexter Helen & Paul Polito ’65 Lori & Robert Ponec ’78 Kelly Kline & Michael Prockiw Michael Rappaport Trish & Robert Rasmussen, Jr. Rachel Mass & Aaron Resnik Anita & Tom Rezzo ’72 Leslie & Patrick Rigney Sandra Roderick Kathy & Bill Roe ’74 Sue & William Roen August Roth Kimberly Roussel Seth Santoro Nick Schirripa ’04 Brent Schwebel
Catreese & Kirk Scott Carole & Robert Scuderi Timothy Selby Debra & Bob Shedd ’77 Rebecca & Jasan Sherman Ermanno Signorelli Tiziana & Andrew Simpson Irene & Anand Singh Kim & Mark Sorrentino ’83 Gina D’Este & Fred Stahl Gina & Clark Stevens Adrienne Stone Sheila Stotts Jennifer & Sean Taylor Liane & Tony Tomich Ashley & Brad Vonnahme Nicole & David Wagg Lisa & Craig Wagner Rosemarie Johnstone & Benjamin Weinstein Shilo Whinery Amy & Edgar Whitmore III Nermine & Wael Yacoub Monica & Robin Yanes
Celt Society $499 - $1 Christina & Christopher Aber Mihran Abrahamian Stacy & Jay Ackerman Mike Adams Bill Adler ’77 Edna Renderos & Jesus Oliva Aguirre Angelica & Manuel Alavez Mari Cabral & George Aldrich Lisa & Kris Alesna Albina Allen Clyde Allen Stacy Allen Ruby Alteri Shauna & Michael Altieri Jennifer & Alvaro Alvarez Kathy & Mark Amstock ’77
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Ana Salazar Rochelle & Kirk Anderson Janet & John Anderson John Anderson Cynthia & Mark Anderson ’67 Alexis Anderson Bruce Anderson Gretchen Anderson Karen Anderson Davis Debbie & Peter Andrews Kim Angotta Anita & Alfred Aghajanian James Antonucci Stephanie & Albert Aragon ’82 Lisa & Arturo Arce Heidi & Matthew Ardine Tami & Weston Armitage Colin Armstrong ’23 Katherine & Dana Ashton Lita Aubry Fernando Avalos Marco Baca Greg Badovinac ’80 Reza Bahador Elizabeth Bailey Faraz Bakhtiari Janeth & Darrin Ball Alex Balsin Kathy & Tim Balzer Dara Banaie ’22 Susan & Catherine Bander Nancy & Jose Barajas Pam & Mark Barrios Maritza Barrios Monica & Steve Barron Jenni & Jesse Bartlett Michael Bates Angela Bates Diane Bates Reverend Thomas Batsis, O. Carm. Cindy & John Bauman Holly Baxter Stephanie Bayer
Elizabeth Beagle Brian Belknap Jennifer & Brian Benbow Richard Benbow Byron Benbow ’24 Timothy Bengford Bryan Bennett ’10 Tish & Bill Bergstrom Suzanne & Cedric Bernescut ’81 William Berry Teri Bibb Jennifer & Ronald Biernat Miro Bilaver Laura & Brian Bilek ’98 Nancy Bilek Ronnie Biondo Blanca & Sean Porter ’80 Nickie Bryar & Glenn Block Wayne Boehle Paula Duarte & John Boger Toni & Roy Bollinger Jr. Cecelia Boskin Michelle & Christopher Bottarini Christine & Jason Botting ’91 Suzanne & Ben Bowler ’73 Josie Boyce Catt & Kyle Boyd Rhina & Ken Boyle Bob Brace ’68 Jennifer Bradford Sara & Lee Bradford, Jr. Sherryline & Sean Brahim Jonathan Brahim ’20 Veronica & Jose Luis Breton Janet & Charles Brockett Lana Brody Alicia & Nick Brooks Amy & Kevin Brophy Omar Brown Julie Brown Daunne & Claude Bruni Carol & Dan Brunton ’74 Javon Bryant ’26
Julie Bugli Cheri & John Burke Jean Butt Victor Caceres ’23 Michelle & Salvatore Calderone Tony Calfo ’88 Karen & Doug Campbell ’65 Mario Campuzano Evelyn Campuzano Laura & Mike Carroll ’83 Donna Carter Ann Marie & Don Carter ’72 Dana Caruso Carolyn & Ryan Cassidy ’92 Lucy & Mauricio Castillo Jen Castro Irene Scoseria & Giancarlo Cavallini Patty & Rudy Cedillos ’89 Edna & Rodolfo Cedillos Randall Cedillos ’00 Rafael Cedillos ’91 Tina Chadwick Johnathon Chadwick Nolan Charlap ’15 Val & Jeff Charles ’91 Brian Charles Christine Charles James Chavis Jorge Chediak ’83 Ryan Cheng Kenny Chiang Raylene Chiarozzio Sharon Chichester Jennifer Ching-fang Jade & Albert Chu Dawn Chuchian Kareen Cilloniz Dominique Cindric Jamila & Gabriel Cioffi Lara Clark Jill Clymer Jodie Coady Andrea & Dennis Cogbill
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 41
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Ashley & Donny Cohen Leslie Cohen Lorraine & Arthur Collins III ’92 Aimee & Carmine Competelli Lynn & Ramon Conde Stephen Connolly ’82 Dayna & Chris Coronado Ryan Coronado ’23 Grettel & Efrain Cortes Alma & Jess Cortez Rosanne & John Costello ’73 Janet & Ken Costello Paul Coughlan Dianne & Gordon Coulsell Barbara & Kurt Courtland Stacey Cousineau Kristie & Tom Covaleski Kathleen & Tom Cowles Lucy & Lloyd Cox Jess Cox Annette & Ed Crawford Karin & John Crilley ’81 Courtney Criscci Natalie & Steven Cueva Julie & John Cummings ’77 Mary Ann & Al Cummins Channon Dade Laura & Rev. Brian Daly ’82 Darrell Daniel Christiana & Ayodele Da Silva Pamela Daves Angela Daves-Haley Melissa & Russell Davis Soraya & Gregg Davis Nathaniel Davis Tina & Robert Day Kendra Day Hayden Day ’13 Virginia & Gonzalo De Vivero Geoffrey DeHaven ’87 Pam & Ed DeJoy Nick Deleo Alexis Delgado
42
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Lumen Young & Joel Delpay Patricia Deluna Unique Demiranda Lisa Jo Miller-Diaz & Patrick Diaz ’73 Diana Dibie Kori & Michael Dixon Leann & Brent Doi Rebecca & Victor Dominguez Allison & Chris Donovan Caroline & Paul Dooley ’76 Valerie & David D’Ordine Jennifer & Ryan Dornbush Alejandra Tokoph & Tomer Doron Lontrice Dorton Christine & Jeremiah Doryon Alexis & John Downey ’66 Christine & Mike Doyle ’67 Jennifer Dozier Julie & Mark Driscoll ’67 Barry Dubin Mona Ducharme Quiana & Mirtis Ducksworth ’98 Thomas Duffield Jr. ’69 G. Alan Dugard MC ’50 Alexsys & Philip Duke Terry & Dan Dunn Amanda Dupont Baca Jesus Duran Jeff Edge Edward Efron Jill Einhorn Taryn Eisenberg Kori & Thomas Eisenhauer Julie & John Elginer Marie Ely Cindy & John Engle Leslie LaPage & Steven Epstein Mike Erlinger ’87 Rosemary & John Erlinger Robert Ervais Marco Esquivel Karen & Edward Essa Elizabeth & Michael Essington
Kamila Evans Brian Evans Carol Fahmi Abbey & Zahi Faranesh Perla & Omid Farvili Shervin Farvili Roger Fath Yelena Fayngold Marie and Roger Feeley Susan & Mark Felton ’75 Shuai Feng ’15 Donna & Mark Ferraro ’76 Yolanda Ferraro Anthony Ferrero Barbara Ficklin Darren Ficklin Danielle Reed & Robyn Fishman James Fitzgerald Luisa & Jamie Fitz-Gerald J. Timothy Fives ’68 Scott Flanegin Judy Flanegin Molly Flanegin Owen Flannery Rich Fleishman Maria Flessas Stephanie Floor Sean Florin Patricia & John Forray Brendan Forray Lisa & Joseph Frakes Marisa & Nicholas Franchino Irene Franklin Robyn & Jim Franklin ’66 Juliet & Kenneth Franklin ’76 Diane Freeman Arik Freeman Grace Fritzinger Gwen & George Fritzinger III Patricia & Mark Fuglevand ’95 Brett Furie Pamela & Joe Furnish Emily & Daniel Fuster
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Peter Fuster ’06 Nancy & Glen Futterman Sara & Ezra Gabay Janice Gaines Molly & Mark Gaines ’77 Jose Garcia Rosita & Jose Garcia Jose Garcia Karen & Jess Garner George Garner Jack Garnett Wendy & Dimitri Gatsiounis Shanah & Matthew Gavia Lynn & Dan Gaytan ’80 Cassie Gebicke Thomas Gebicke Norman Gering Sandra Gering Amy Gibbons Montana Giffen ’14 Michelle & Robert Gillenwater Pam and Neil Gillis ’69 Pamela & Larry Gillis ’66 Deirdre Glascott Jennifre & Michael Glazer Elizabeth & William Glover Ronnese Glover Diana & Alex Godelman Kevin Goetz Timothy Gold Lisa & David Gomer ’77 Paula & Richard Gonda Daniel Gonzales ’70 Michelle Gonzales Lori & Raul Gonzales Greg Gonzalez Raul Gonzalez Carla Goree Preston Gould Deanne & David Grajeda Nico Grasu ’07 Daniela & Greg Greene Kate & Andrews Greenleaf
John Greenleaf Jazz Gregoire Deanna & Jeffrey Grenn Cheryl & Christopher Grimley Jahae Grimley Robert Grimley Glenn Groves Rosy Guerrero Shelly Guiley Suaad Gulaid Karen Guthrie Camille Guthrie Liam Guthrie ’23 Hortensia Guzman Kelli & Kelwin Hagen Kai Hagen Stacy Halbach Maria & Thomas Hall Yiota & Gary Hall Yiota Hall Kelleen & Mark Hamermesh Bob Hammer ’82 Glenn Hancock Sr. Donna Hansen, SSL Anne Hanson Mary Hanson Andrew Hara ’25 DJ Harder Stacey Harman Susanna & Joe Harrigan ’73 Gayle & Tom Harrington ’72 Lisa Harris Maxine & Shane Harris Tana Harris Tomoko Harris Mary Harris Mary & Mike Hart Moira & Greg Hathcock Moira Hathcock Kim Hawkins Terry & Jim Hawley Gina Hayward Heather Ruesga
Bob Heber ’73 Sally & Jim Helin Freda Hendricks Patti & Wayne Henrichson Sandy & Nick Henrichson ’96 Susan & Bob Herbert Edna & Arthur Hermosura Alexa Hernandez Melissa Herndon Delia & Jeff Herrera Rebecca Herrington Lotis & Felipe Hervias Courtney Hill Valarie Hinds Damon Hirschensohn ’93 Nora & Jose Hizon Joseph Hizon Rose Marie Hizon Alvert Taylor Hoang Cory & Chris Hoffman Mary Hoffman Kerry & Lou Holtz ’88 Jordan Hook Kathryn Hopfensperger Kristina & Tom Hough ’72 Cyndey Stewart & David Hovda Ashley & Benjamin Howard Susan Howard Byron Howell Lori & Jeff Hubbard Andy Hubch Georgia Huebsch Linda & Peter Hulne Roxanne & Dan Hunt ’90 Debi Huntamer Holly Huntamer Shelley Hurwitz Yole & Rick Huston Debbie Huyette Ken Hwang Renee Iaia Justin Ibarra ’10 Brandon Ibarra ’07
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 43
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Star Illingworth Leslie & Mike Ineman ’73 Jennifer & James Irwin Charlie Irwin ’23 Lisa & Mark Jackson Michelle & Jonathan Jacobs Jett Jacobsen ’23 Michelle & Michael Jacobson Joanna & Chad Jacobson Julie & Michael James ’82 Susan & James Helgager Real Estate Olivia Jaramillo Daniel Jasek Chris Jefferis Pat Jeffries ’94 Kevin Johnson Cheryl Johnson Linda & Mike Jonckheere ’65 Jenny & Ken Jones Harold Jones Susan Jones Collin Jones ’22 Diana Jovel Collen Joyce Sean Joyce Adam Kaiserman Carolyn & Emil Kalil ’65 Sean Kamifuji ’22 Susan & Jeff Kantner ’64 Colleen Karis Patricia & Peter Karlin Vik Kasparian Jeffrey Kearin Teresa Keeler Stacy & Andy Keeter Sue Keh Bennett Kristi & Brian Kennelly Erin & Blaine Kennison Thomas Khammar Patti Killcullen Dionah & Steve Killgore Bridget Kilroy Julia Kim
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Kim Rutt Nakomi Kirby Cheryl & John Kisob Mindy Klinkhammer Amy & Eric Klosterman ’67 Paul Klumb Franca & Michael Koeller ’64 Fiona Koppenhaver Ms. Nickie Kost Mihail Koulakis John Koulakis Lauren Kreppel Kroger Edward Krug Katy & CJ Kruska Ryan Kruzel ’07 Irina & Fuad Kuliyev Kristin Kumamoto Lucille LaBarbera Brande & Randy LaHaye Anne Laire Christian Laire Brittney Lamendola Rhonda & Chris Lamia ’85 Shadi Lang Ella Lankin Victoria & Dmitry Lankin Henry Lankin Michael Lanning Natalie & Jeff Laufenberg ’73 Donna & Al Laurey ’64 Marguerite & Bob Laver ’77 Carrie & Scott Law Ron Lawler Patrick Leach Karen & John Leary Roxanne Lecrivain Katherine Lefevre Elena Leizer Madelyn Lemantovich Eileen & Pearse Leonard Julie & Ron Lerner ’84 S Kym Les
Mary Jo & Michael Leste Mandy Levin Teal & Chuck LeVine ’87 Mark Lewis Lorelei & Wade Lewis Erin & Mark Lewis Chuck Lichter Kristopher Lindley Julie Good & Brock Livingston Valerie & Jorge Llauro Lori & Robert LoCurto ’77 Liz & Joe Loll ’66 Kate London Jessica & Hampton Long Mary & Chris Long ’71 Catey Long Sahiv Lopez Borja Verenice & Fernando Lopez Claudia & Gustavo Lopez Vanesa & Michael Lopez Justine & Eliazer Lopez Bella & Ralph Lopez Jr. Oralia Lopez Los Angeles Conservation Corps Robert Loud Kathy & Brett Louis Joe Love Dana Love Mandy Lovelace Steven Loyola Mark Loyola Fernanda Lucero Ashley & Matt Luderer ’90 Charlene & Mark Lydon ’81 Rita Lynes Melissa MacClean Scott Madrid ’10 Wayne Madura ’69 Gloria & Arthur Magdaleno Mirna & Anthony Magdaleno Verena Mahin Luis Malave Stephanie & Chris Malcolm ’91
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Nicole Boyce & Johnny Mallaley Kathleen & Robert Mallano MC ’56 Tracey Mallett Fay & Harold Manansala Brooke & Maurizio Manetti Monica Manzoni Julia Marchant Javier Marimon Henrik Markarian Chris Markos Nicole Marostica Nico Martinez ’13 Helen Maslach Barbara Mass Zannah Mass Donna Mastalski Andre San Mateo ’21 Matteo Marostica ’23 Lisa & Jonas Matz Anita & Kevin Mauch ’65 Dave Maya Michelle Maye Desiree & Geoffrey Maye Jacqueline & Mike McAndrews ’86 Julia & Mark McArdle ’67 Cecilia & Steve McArdle ’71 Brian McCaffree Kristy & Finn McClafferty Kelly McCorry Jane & Patrick McDade John P. McGlynn Cynthia & Kenneth McGuire JD McGuire ’26 Erin & Bret Mchatton Tom McInerney Lisa & Josh McLaglen Kathleen & Dan McMann ’63 Lia & Mark McNairy Dawn McNairy Sean McSherry ’74 Edward McSweeney ’79 Qianna Medellin Larissa Medellin
Mariana Mellor Linda & Marc Mendez Edward Mendez Michael Mendez Ralph Mendez Karen & Ben Menicucci MC ’58 Aleksander Menshikov Jonathan Mihara Mary & Paul Milkovich Kurtis Miller Nathalie & Scott Miller Edward Milligan Lashana Milligan Natalie Milligan-Sackey Tasha Mills Glenn Mills Duncan Milner Graham Miner Lisa Minich Glenda & Michael Miretsky Luci Miro Lisa & Jack Misraje Voilet Molchenov Jeanne & John Monaghan Mireya Noris & Luis Montesinos Silvia Montoya Cheryl & Todd Moore ’82 William Morales Catherine & Alan Morales Margie & Ed Moreno Claudia & Mario Moreno Mary & John Morris ’81 Jean & Kevin Morrissey ’82 Judith Morrissey Alison Moses Bill Moylan Jr. ’74 Steve Mummolo Eura & Tony Mun Elva & Ceferino Munoz Samuel Munoz Chris Munoz ’01 Rachel & Michael Murphy ’85 Judy & Mike Musgrave
Virginia Musich Nico Musselman Caitlin Myers Mikaela & Todd Nagler Francisco Najarro Roger Najarro Patricia Naziri Tatiana & Scott Nell Jude Nell ’26 Rebecca & Michael Nelson Margaret & Roger Nelson ’65 Cooper Nelson ’24 Marsha Nelson Carmel Nichols Kirsten & Michael Nielsen Thomas Nikolopoulos Nisei Week Foundation Sumiyo & Michael Nishi Mashu Nishi ’21 Marian & Conrad Nobleza Kimberly & Brett Nordyke ’94 Michelle & Brian Norman Victoria & Robert Norswing Jr. ’72 Peggy & Barney Nownes ’65 Terry Nuccio Mike Nuesca Abigail & Fredy Nunez Kelly & Ron Oard ’79 Blaine O’Brien Jennifer & Jonathan O’Brien Dillon O’Brien ’23 David Ocanas Virginie & Esteban Oconitrillo Mari Oconitrillo Andrea Oconitrillo Carlos Oconitrillo Tami & Chris O’Connor ’84 Charlene & Michael O’Dell Kathy O’Donnell Mary & Albert Ohanyan Adams Ohl Kara O’Keefe Mary Jane O’Keefe
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 45
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Nancy & Wayne Okerman Lois & Michael Olson ’68 Rodney Olson Randy Opperman Angela & Samuel Oregel Eileen & Greg Orfalea ’67 Irene Oropeza Veronica & Martin Orozco ’83 Kathleen O’Toole Martha Palacios Cesar Palacios Alex Palacios Mia Palacios Paul Palkovic ’76 John Papadopoulos Denise & Elias Pappas ’91 Dylan Park ’26 Camelia & Eugen Pascu Ethan Pattni ’23 Danny Paulson ’07 Edwin Paz John Pedicini Jexabel Perez Lauren Perez Cindy & Dino Perris Cheri & Al Pesce ’66 Douglas Pfendler Jack Phelan Stacey Philipsen Molly & Pitch Piccirilli Rich Pickett Cheyenne Pierce Thomas Pinard MC ’57 Sabina & Vadim Pinsky Melissa Piro Rosemary & Ron Plue Pow & Imaerb Poomiratana Pow Poomiratana Nancy & Brian Porter ’66 Matia & Michael Prevas Beth & David Price ’81 Adreanna & Timothy Provencher Lisa & Steve Pursley ’81
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Lynn & Curtis Quillin Caprice Rachal Ankica Radalj Marc Rajesh ’26 Sujatha & Marc Rajesh Prasad Raja Manuel Pilar & Juan Ramirez Alexander Ramirez ’21 John Ransier Evie & Orie Raphael Stephen Rappaport Paul Rasidakis David Rasmussen ’76 Chris Ray ’88 Shannon & Tom Ray Julie & Austin Reading Terese Reckley Gracy & Steve Reid ’80 William Reid ’20 Kiani Reis Betsy Rettig Chris Reynolds Vicki & John Rezzo ’77 Kathleen & Joseph Rezzo ’69 Larissa Richards Shawn Richards Kimiko Richardson Laura Riggs Yulie & Gabriel Rincon Suzanne & Robert Riordan Matthew Riordan ’25 Arthur Riss Suzanne Riss Karin & Tony Rivetti ’85 Margie & Frank Rivoli Erica Robbins Adrienne & Enoch Robbins Amanda Robertson Anna Robinson William Rochester Linda Rock Tyna & Anthony Rodriguez Joleen Rodriguez
Vanessa & Miguel Rodriguez Norma Rodriquez Bill Roen Stacey Roen Chris Romero ’89 Precious Romero Cindy & Ed Romero Michelle Rosete Mya & Michael Rosett Romina & Shane Ross Claudia & Noel Ross ’68 Connie Rosso Suzanne Roth Esther & Al Roth MC ’49 Kim Rozanski Patty & Mike Rozema Mary Jean & Bob Rumer Ryan Russo ’23 Patrick Ryan Whitney & Mike Salerno ’83 Frank Salerno, Jr. ’80 Cherrie Salero Brenda Salguero Salz Family Von San Luis Barbara & Bruce Sandzimier ’73 Elana & Anthony Santana ’91 Johanna & Joseph Santi Nick Santoro ’04 Kristen Patlian & Steven Sapp Ty Sardinha Marina Saroukos Nikki Sas Amara Savikul Siriporn Savikul Lana Saykali Bonnie & William Schallert Jr. ’65 J. J. & Jerry Schenkelberg ’85 Monique & Michael Schiff Janice Schmidt Jason Schroeder Lisa Schroeppel Emmanuelle Schwartman
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
Rasheedah & Don Scott Elizabeth & Greg Scuderi ’88 Maximus Segura Yvette & Dave Sehnem ’68 Sandra Selcer Amanda & John Serino Elizabeth Shapiro Sue Shaw Suzanne & Azeem Sheikh ’91 Dannine & Scott Sheridan Sue Sherman Susan & Jeffrey Shinbrot Michael Shirley ’21 Carolina & Steve Shirzadi Mila & Ed Shkolnikov Jonna & Jeff Short Kathy & Richard Short Julie & Moe Shulman Andy Shumway Lauren Shvetsov Elizabeth & Greg Siegel Karen & Edward Siegler ’67 Debbie & Tom Sievers Nicole Simons Gerry Sims ’71 Tiffany Singer Marina Skegin-Sipes & David Sipes Constance & Don Smith ’63 Delia Smith Wade Smith ’76
IN MEMORIAM
Nathalie & Jeff Snyder ’81 Kathy Solowitz Cynthia Gullen and Peter Somogyi Lauretta & Dante Sorianello ’82 Julianne Sorice Rose Sosa George Sosa Sonia Sosa Paddy Spence Bunnam Sreprechit Seksan Sreprechit Fred Stahl Debba Stant Scott Stelzer Joanne & John Stephens ’84 Katherine & Darren Stewart Stormy Stokes Ronald Street Lizette & Jeffrey Strom Margarete Stueven Laura Sueoka Nancy & John Sullivan ’72 Sandy Supple John Surdo ’72 Susan & Timothy McDermott Mike Sutyak Dr. Alan Swaney Mary Szegedy Shelia Taberdo Priscilla Talhouk Angelica & Joseph Tarpley
Amy Taylor The Quirk Family Kristen & Patrik Thelander Dolly & Brennan Thicke Susan Tellem & Marshall Thompson Oliver Thornton Scott Tiano Kathy Tilson Shannon & Rafael Tobar Irene Toh Hanako Williams & Liam Toohey Veronica Topp Monica Torres Silvia & Juan Tovar James Townsend ’18 Michelle Toy Mercedes Contreras & Juan Tirado Castellanos Thomas Trainer Samantha & Tom Trainor Anthony Trejo ’98 Mark Tronstein Jen Tsai Palencia Turner Charley Turner Kathy Tyburski Jennifer & Steve Tynan ’85 Tanya Ustynova Ryan Van Aken Gerard Van Hoven MC ’50
Don Haney PA ’12 Daniel Bramberg ’63 Barbara Caron PA ’83 Chris Nassif PA ’11, ’14 Richard Carpenter ’81 Alejandro “Gonzo” Gonzalez ’10
Jerry Vande Sande Darren Van Velzer Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Georgina Verdon Adam Verdugo ’02 Valerie Vespe Vincent Vespe Barbara & JP Victoria Susan Vigo Kevin Vollmer ’04 Anne & Steve Vollmer Matthew Wabby ’06 Greg Ward Audrey Wasilewski Marty Waters Blanche Watson Chad Webber Jody Weinberg Phyllis Weinstein-Siebold Hana Weisman Anneace & Al Weiss Piper & Tom Welch Scott Weldon ’81 Kristal White Vicky White Tara & Russell White Christy & Blake Whitney ’76 Reagan Whitney Karen Whitney Aidan Whitney
Bart Miles PA’ 21 , ’ 22 Richard Gallo PA ’13 Luke Gossett ’16 John Tribulato ’78 Robert Ernestus ’65 Richard Cassidy PA ’92 & GP ’24
Anna & Bruce Whitten ’84 Apalla & Brian Whitten ’84 Dave Wild Most Rev. Gerald Wilkerson, D.D., V.G. Joe Willging ’74 William Walsh Attorney at Law Alicia & Luis Williams Robin Williams Mary & Michael Wilson Kim & Lance Wisdom Carole Wisdom Dymphna Wohl Melanie Swartz & Russell Wolkoff Woodland Hills Country Club Womens Golf Association Heather Woods Kobi Wu Vilma & Robert Yacoob Zain Yacoob ’23 Jessica Yataco Helen & Rohan Young Kokeb & Jason Young Steve Zabilski ’75 Anna Zafar Nadia & Sam Zaman Robert Zaret Robinson Zeladita Svetlana & Vadim Zitser Hanna & Matt Zuravel
Denise Ciccel PA ’12 PA’13 Maria Ascension Medina PA ’82 Lillian “Huggin Lil” McGee PA ’84, ’89 Sidney Malcolm PA ‘84, ‘87, ‘91, GP ‘24
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 47
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
OUR THANKS! The following parent and alumni volunteers have unselfishly given their time and talents. Christina Aber Stacey Alexander Desiree Allen-Maye Karin Alvarado Jennifer Alvarez Margaret Ambrose Erin Anderson Kirk Anderson Rochelle Anderson Elizabeth Arce Chris Arroyo Elizabeth Bailey Janeth Ball Irina Baram Justice Barrios Stephanie Barrios Monica Barron Jennifer Bartlett Josiah Bartlett Michael Bates Stephanie Bayer Amanda Beck Chad Beck Keyon Bell Cedric Bell Brian Benbow Jennifer Benbow Chris Benedict Tania Benedict Kori Bernards Ante Bilaver Glenn Block Paula Boger
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Eve Bohanan Roy Bollinger Michelle Bonoli Phillip Bonoli MaryAnn Bowser Nicole Boyce Stacey Braden Lee Bradford Sara Bradford Griffin Branstetter Christina Briganti Melanie Briscoe Alicia Brooks Nickie Bryar Julie Bugli Pam Burke Liliana Buza Nicole Cabaccang Jose Caceres Sonia Caceres Michelle Calderone Bettina Camoroda Mauro Camoroda Erick Campuzano Mariah Campuzano Cameron Casey Lucy Castillo Giancarlo Cavallini Claudia Cedillos Rudy Cedillos Val Charles Amy Childress James Childress
Carolyn Cioffi Jamila Cioffi Andrea Cogbill Dennis Cogbill Mahana Coleman Aimee Competelli Carmine Competelli Ramon Conde Dayna Coronado Grettel Cortes Barbara Courtland Kurt Courtland Kristie Covaleski Tom Covaleski Dan Crocker Jill Crocker Natalie Cueva Vielka Cummings Rose Cunningham Eric Damer Kimberly Damer Melissa Davis Tina Day Linda Lima Decker Joel Delpay Unique DeMiranda Luis DeVivero Leann Doi Rebecca Dominguez Victor Dominguez Allison Donovan Kevin Dorsey Yosepha Dorsey
Debora Doryon Eric Dudley Alexsys Duke Kameron Duplessie Vanesa Duplessie Tom Eisenhauer Julie Elginer Cindy Engle John Engle Ed Essa Elizabeth Essington Michael Essington Amy Estrada Omid Farvili Perla Farvili Tammie Fauria
Terri Fidone Erica Fields Zac Fields Luisa Fitzgerald Craig Flexo Stephanie Floor Vanda Freesman Gwen Fritzinger Noleen Frobose Yutong Fu Loren Funk Stacie Funk Missy Galanida Wendy Gatsiounis Dimitri Gatsiounis Matthew Gavia
Jenn Genis Craig Gering Jane Gering Alex Gharagozlow Art Ghazarian Colin Giffen Luana Giffen Michelle Gillenwater Ingrid Ginoti Laura Giovannini Liz Glover Johnny Goetz Todd Goldman Daniela Greene Andrews Greenleaf Cheryl Grimley
Chris Grimley Lynn Gruzen Adrianna Gurrola Karen Guthrie Manny Guzman Eugenia Guzman Kelli Hagen Kelwin Hagen Diane Hara Mary Hart David Harte James Helgager Delia Herrera Lotis Hervias Michael Hick John Hinton
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. – WINSTON CHURCHILL
Kimberly Hinton Traviss Hodge Chris Hoffman Cory Hoffman Michael Horn Ashley Howard Linda Hulne Peter Hulne Jennifer Irwin Jonathan Jacobs Olivia Jaramillo Shane Jatho Harold Jones Jennifer Jones Ken Jones Irina Kagan Carlos Martinez Barbara Kelsey BK Kennelly Bridget Kilroy Young Kim
Doug Kougher Alla Krishtall Fuad Kuliyev Janice Kuo Taylor Kwan Brande LaHaye Randy LaHaye Waisze Lam Brittney Lamendola Jacob Lang Jeffrey Lang Nicole Lang Vladimir Lang Victoria Lankin Leslie LaPage Kelley Lashley Laura Lazar John Leary Karen Leary Cynthia Lee Mia Lee
Simon Lee Bettina Levesque Karla Levy Lorelei Lewis Mark Lewis David Ligorner Mary Limb Jorge Llauro Valerie Llauro Soley Van Lokeren Libia Londono Bella Lopez Claudia Lopez Eliazer Lopez Justine Lopez Michael Lopez Susan Lopez Vanesa Lopez Fanny Luissi Marisol Luna Mirna Magdaleno Jonathan Mallaley Fay Manansala Harold Manansala Maurizio Manetti Marine Mankikian Cristina Marchant Alberto Martinez Denise Martinez Rachel Mass Marian McCorry Terrence McCorry Maria McGoldrick Andrew McGregor Cynthia Mcguire Bret McHatton Erin McHatton Nicole McNeil Elsa Megerdichian Gagik Megerdichian Mariana Mellor Linda Mendez Marc Mendez
Alejandro Mijangos Luis Mijangos Paige Millenbaugh Scott Millenbaugh John Miller Kami Miller Tina Miller Anna Milner Lucinda Miro Cara Moffat Robert Moffat Yadira Mojorovich Ana Montealegre Luis Montesinos Mireya Noris Benjamin Montoya Cynthia Montoya Jennifer Morales Claudia Moreno Eura Mun Tony Mun Judy Musgrave Michael Musgrave Megan Mut Jessica Nader Tatiana Nell Bridget Nelson Joshua Nelson Kristin Nelson Michael Nelson Rebecca Nelson Kirsten Nielsen Bryan Nuesca Jamie Nuesca Abigail Nunez Edson Nunez Uche Nwude Jennifer O’Brien Jon O’Brien Jennifer O’Dell Esteban Oconitrillo Virginie Oconitrillo Kara O’Keefe
Angela Oregel Veronica Orozco Nancy Otworth Cathy Pantess Maria Paredes David Park Camelia Pascu Ian Penney Bernardine Perez London Perrantes Sr. Cindy Perris Dino Perris Cheyenne Pierce Melissa Piro Amanda Plath Colby Plath Mark Platzer Chito Pono Noah Postelle Tiani Potts Marc Rajesh Prasad Matia Prevas Michael Prockiw Adreanna Provencher Angelica Pugliese Edgardo Quintanilla Pilar Ramirez Aaron Resnik Tom Rezzo Amanda Riggs Leslie Rigney Patrick Rigney Karen Rivetti Kimberly Rivetti Tony Rivetti Erica Robbins Harrison Roderick Anthony Rodriguez Elaine Rodriguez Joseph Rodriguez Miguel Rodriguez Tyna Rodriguez Vanessa Rodriguez
Shane Ross Errol Roussel Mindy Rumph Noel Russo Tony Russo Marjorie Sahatjian Linda Salamone Ana Salazar John Salistean Steven Sapp Nadia Saroukos Bow Savikul Monique Schiff Cole Schwebel Irene Scoseria Elizabeth Scuderi Greg Scuderi Sandra Selcer Azeem Sheikh Suzanne Sheikh Jasan Sherman Rebecca Sherman Bobbi Shiflett Owen Shiflett Suzanne Showers Julie Shulman Jennifer Silver Shawn Simon Nicole Simons Tiziana Simpson David Sipes Marina Skegin-Sipes Tanya Sklyar Jennifer Sosa Irene Lavretsky Brad Sterling Clark Stevens Gina Stevens Sharon Stone Jeff Strom Lizette Strom Angelica Tarpley Joe Tarpley
Jennifer Taylor Sean Taylor Kristen Thelander Isaias Tirado Irene Toh Alejandra Tokoph Nicolette Tomeu Liane Cox Tomich Tony Tomich Charlie Trainor Sam Trainor Tom Trainor Anthony Valenzuela Claudia Vargas Rocio Velazquez Darren Van Velzer Veronica Venegas Barbara Victoria Elizabeth Villanueva Paul Volpe Roxanna Volpe Fiona von Siemens Nicole Wagg Jodi Walton Lisanne Watson Julie Wershow Shilo Whinery Kristal White Russell White Tara White Amy Whitmore Kathleen Wilhoite Kim Wisdom Heather Woods Arline Worcester Vilma Yacoob Lumen Young Rohan Young Soraya Zeladita Hanna Zuravel Matt Zuravel Elena Zyalyukova
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 49
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
HONORING TIM GRAY THE TIM GRAY SCHOLARSHIP was established by his parents, Doug and Arlene. Gray was a graduate of the class of 1981. During his four years at Crespi, Tim pursued college preparatory courses and played basketball and football. Throughout his life, Tim was an avid supporter of all Crespi activities and maintained lifetime Celt friendships. Tim would be thrilled that the Tim Gray Scholarship Fund has been established. If you wish to contribute, please visit crespi.org/timgray. Crespi Carmelite High School and the Gray family thank the following donors for their generosity to the scholarship fund:
TIM GRAY SCHOLARSHIP DONORS (June 1, 2022- May 31, 2023) Elizabeth Beagle
Cyndey Stewart & David Hovda
Patrick Ryan
Wayne Boehle
Ronald Kolodkin
Janice Schmidt
Lana Brody
Chuck Lichter
Nathalie & Jeff Snyder ’81
California Medical Caregiver Service
Susan & Marshall Lloyd
Adrienne Stone
Ryan Cheng
Charlene & Mark Lydon ’81
Martial & Justin Thirsk
Dominique Cindric
Donna Mastalski
Timothy van der Valk
Donna & Mark Ferraro ’76
Thomas Matthews
Scott Weldon ’81
Sue & Rich Ferraro ’82
John P. McGlynn
David Wild
Yolanda Ferraro
Terry Nuccio
William Walsh Attorney at Law
James Fitzgerald
Kathleen Poetz
Womens Golf Assoc. — Woodland
Thomas Gallagher
Terese Reckley
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Hills Country Club
2024 TIM GRAY SCHOLAR RECIPIENT Senior Edson Nunez is the recipient of the 2023-2024 scholarship provided by the Tim Gray Foundation. Edson is an outstanding student, and last spring, he was named an Academic All-American in Lacrosse. A student must maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA to receive this distinction. This semester, he is taking AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Macroeconomics, AP English Literature, Comparative Religion, Advanced Art, and Government. Edson is also an outstanding goalie on the lacrosse team. CONGRATULATIONS EDSON!!!
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1959, Crespi Carmelite High School has been dedicated to providing a dynamic learning community for its students, and preparing them for success in all facets of life. With over six decades of tradition, Crespi owes a portion of its financial health to Planned Giving. As we look forward to another 60 years and beyond, Crespi is looking to alumni, supporters, philanthropists, and friends to consider a Planned Gift to our institution. Planned Giving is a great way to leave your legacy within the Crespi Community. Planned gifts are one of
Bequest, Qualified Retirement Plan, Life Insurance Policy, and Gift Annuity. Bequest is the most traditional way to provide for the future work of Crespi. With a donation through your will or living trust, you retain full use of your gift during your life and pass the earmarked contribution onto Crespi thereafter. Typical forms of bequests: General Bequest – specifies that Crespi will receive a designated amount
the major pillars involved in building the Crespi Man
Percentage Bequest – provides that a predetermined
Fund (CMF). The CMF supports all aspects of the
percentage of your estate will go to Crespi. For
student experience, provides tuition assistance to
example: by leaving 10% of your estate to Crespi
deserving Celts who would otherwise not be able to
Carmelite High School, your estate is not obligated
afford a Crespi education, allows for the recruitment,
to make the charitable bequest in the event of
retention, and development of first-class faculty and
catastrophic estate losses.
staff, and gives Crespi the flexibility to address areas of greatest need. Future challenges are inevitable. Planned gifts to the CMF allow the school to navigate such challenges without compromising its mission, programs, faculty, or the Crespi experience as a whole There are several ways to make a Planned Gift to Crespi Carmelite High School, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization:
otherwise bear the taxes. You can reduce potential estate and income tax by naming Crespi a beneficiary of your retirement plan with a specific dollar amount or percentage designation. Some Crespi friends are naming the school as a secondary beneficiary of their retirement plan after their surviving spouse’s passing.
Life Insurance Policy donation is quite common in planned giving. Life Insurance, under proper planning, can provide a benefit that costs cents on the dollar for an organization of your choice. Naming Crespi Carmelite High School as the beneficiary of the policy creates an end-of-life Legacy Gift to help Crespi continue to thrive and grow. Life Insurance Strategy and Planning can have significant benefits for the owner and beneficiaries.
Residuary Bequest – directs that everything remaining in your estate after all general bequests,
Gift Annuity comes in many forms, and we
specific bequests, and costs, will go to Crespi.
recommend reaching out to your financial professional for additional information. A Planned
Qualified Retirement Plan places Crespi as a
Gift will ensure that Crespi Carmelite High School
beneficiary, leaving the account to a “non-taxable”
continues its mission of educating young men in the
entity rather than a relative or loved one who may
Carmelite tradition. l
If you are considering a gift to Crespi Carmelite High School, or already have a gift written into your will or estate plan, please let us know. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AND WELCOME YOU INTO OUR LEGACY SOCIETY.
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 51
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
S C H O O L O P E R AT I O N S & F U N D R A I S I N G REVENUE
$1,426,158
EXPENSES
Raised for School Operations Technology
1%
Fundraising Net
7%
Student Activities
1%
6% Admin.
7%
Admin
Instruction & Supplies
8%
93%
Tuition & Fees
Utilities & Maintenance
11%
Sports Activities
49%
Faculty
Financial Aid & Scholarships
16%
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OUR ANNUAL REPORT REFLECTS DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM JUNE 1, 2022 - MAY 31, 2023 THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT DOES ITS BEST TO ENSURE ALL DONORS ARE RECOGNIZED.
W I T H G R AT I T U D E
OUR MISSION We are here to help!
CONTACT US
All who study and work here at Crespi Carmelite High School are grateful for your continued support. If you have questions about making a gift to Crespi, would like more information about upcoming events, or would like to receive emails about reunions, happenings on campus, and important news, please contact us.
CRESPI CARMELITE HIGH SCHOOL 5031 Alonzo Avenue Encino, CA 91316 crespi.org
Thank you for considering a gift to Crespi Carmelite High School! Not receiving our digital newlsetter? Please send updated email to mmaye@crespi.org
DR. KENNETH A. FOERSCH
GREGORIA LEONI
JUSTIN IBARRA ’10
ASHLEY DILL-LUDERER
BRYAN BENNETT ’10
MICHELLE MAYE
DEBBIE MCGAUGHEY
KENDRA DAY
DAUNNE BRUNI
President
Executive Director of Advancement
Marketing Director
Events Director
Alumni Relations Officer
Donor Database Manager
Events Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
(818) 654-1306
(818) 654-1321
(818) 654-1304
(818) 654-1333
(818) 654-1331
(818) 654-1324
(818) 654-1328
(818) 654-1328
(818) 654-1313
O U R A N N U A L R E P O R T R E F L E C T S D O N AT I O N S R E C E I V E D F R O M J U N E 1 , 2 0 2 2 - M AY 3 1 , 2 0 2 3 . / T H E O F F I C E O F A D VA N C E M E N T D O E S I T S B E S T T O E N S U R E A L L D O N O R S A R E R E C O G N I Z E D.
WINTER ANNUAL REPORT 2023 l 53
W I T H G R AT I T U D E BOARD OF MEMBERS
Very Rev. Carl J. Markelz, O. Carm. Chairman Prior Provincial Rev. David McEvoy, O. Carm. Vice Prior Provincial Rev. Nepomuk Willemsen, O. Carm. First Councilor Rev. Luis Jesús Paz Acosta, O. Carm. Second Councilor Rev. Jorge Monterroso Mérida, O. Carm. Third Councilor Rev. Samuel Citero, O. Carm. Fourth Councilor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Pat Baker
Dr. Kenneth A. Foersch
Mr. Julio Murcia
Mr. Robert Barberie ’86
President
Executive Director of Student Services & College Counseling
Rev. Thomas Batsis, O. Carm. Mr. Michael Beugg Mr. Jordan Bridges ’10
Dr. Liam Joyce Principal
Mrs. Jane Carroll Brue
Mr. Robert Kodama
Mr. David DiTomaso ’74, Chair
Director of Admissions
Mr. Kevin Dorsey Dr. Kenneth Foersch
Mrs. Gregoria Leoni
Mr. Chris Knabenshue Director of Campus Ministry
Mrs. Donna Long Director of Student Activities
Executive Director of Advancement
Mr. Brian Bilek ’98
Dr. Liam Joyce
Mr. Christopher Malcolm ’91
Mr. Brett Louis
Mr. Michael Lang ’83
Executive Director of Enrollment Management
Dean of Faculty
Rev. Leopold Glueckert, O. Carm. Rev. Gregory Houck, O. Carm.
Mrs. Mary Beth Lutz Ms. Allison Moore Mr. Michael Rahimzadeh ’10 Mr. Craig Russell ’76 Mr. Brent Schirripa ’04 Mrs. Michele Sjolander Mr. Rob Slingerland Mr. Joe Sykora Most Rev. Gerald Wilkerson, D.D., V.G.
54 CRESPI.ORG CRESPI.ORG 54
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Alan Swaney Vice Principal of Academics
Mr. Jeff Thornton Vice Principal of Campus Development
Director of Athletics
Mr. Tim Selby Dean of Men
SAVE THE DATES!
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON, FASHION SHOW & BOUTIQUE Hyatt Regency Westlake
12.3.23 EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP DINNER Honoring Tom Conley ’78 & Don Steiner ’83
2.10.24
#CRESPIGI
2.13.24
INGDAY
CAPER GALA & AUCTION The Garland Hotel
4.27.24
CRESPI MAN FUND (CMF) FALL APPEAL Show your support at crespicmf.com
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The Philanthropy Issue Winter 2023 5031 Alonzo Avenue, Encino, CA 91316 crespi.org
Parents of Alumni If your son no longer resides at this address, please email the alumni office and provide an updated email and physical address. Phone: (818) 654-1331 Email: bbennett@crespi.org
LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 3137