The Collegiate - Fall 2019

The fall WAMS production is Clue On Stage Friday, December 13, 7 p.m. $15 Saturday, December 14, 7 p.m. $15 Sunday, December 15, 4 p.m.

Mass, 5 p.m. Dinner Theatre, $30. Father Brian Meldrum ‘02, will say Mass.

Seating is general admission • Tickets on sale at thepilothangar.com The spring WAMS production is the musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It featuring songs by George and Ira Gershwin Dates: February 20 - 22, 2020 Warren Consolidated Performing Arts Center 12901 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

On the cover

Senior Dmitriy Klein Positions the new LED lights on the De La Salle stage. See story on WAMS on page 11.

Alumni Spotlight............................................................4

Academic News............................................................19

Advancement News........................................................6

Alumni News...............................................................27

Around De La Salle........................................................9

In Memoriam................................................................34

Class of 2019.................................................................12

Purple Prose..................................................................36

Making a Difference....................................................18

Admissions Events.......................................................38

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT • THE COLLEGIATE • FALL 2019 Statement of Frequency: Four Times Per Year Published by De La Salle Collegiate Advancement Office 14600 Common Road, Warren, MI 48088 Phone: 586-778-3356 Web: www.delasallehs.com Photos provided by Bill Roose and Kevin Fitzhenry President.............................................................................................................................................................................. John M. Knight President Emeritus...........................................................................................................................Brother Robert Carnaghi FSC, SJ ‘48 Principal............................................................................................................................................................................ Nathan Maus ‘99 Vice President Marketing and Communications........................................................................................................................ Bill Roose Major Gift Officer....................................................................................................................................................................... Greg Esler Director of Alumni Relations............................................................................................................................................Dennis Koch ‘94 Director of Alumni Relations Emeritus.........................................................................................................John C. Monigold BFSC, ‘66 Director of St. Joe’s Alumni Activities............................................................................................ Brother Patrick McNally FSC, SJ ‘55 Director of Annual Fund......................................................................................................................................................Amy Seiferlein Managing Editor The Collegiate........................................................................................................................................... Vicki Granger Director of Digital Marketing......................................................................................................................................Kevin Fitzhenry ‘03 Director of Admissions................................................................................................................................................ Steve Laudicina ‘10 Executive Assistant to Advancement.................................................................................................................................Linda Fraschetti

De La Salle Collegiate Letter from the Editor As we wrap up The Collegiate and finish placing articles, we have just completed our first Alumni Reunion Weekend. How great to see so many alumni, many of whom traveled from out of state, at the Homecoming football game, the after party at the Garden Bowl, and at Mass and dinner on Saturday at school.

When I began at De La Salle in 1982, one of the first alumni I met was Walter VandenBossche, Class of 1929.

Walter was actively involved at La Salle, and for many years chaired the annual calendar meeting. In time, he was our oldest living alumnus, a connection to the school’s roots at Connor and Glenfield, attending honors banquets and graduations, cheering on the sidelines at numerous games, and dispensing kind words to both students and teachers.

I thought of Walter a few weeks ago as I attended the Memorial Mass for Sister Hyacinth, one of my teachers at Regina High School. She was my senior homeroom teacher, as well as my English teacher.

Over the last several years, as I worked on my class reunion, and have been active with the Regina Alumnae Association, I have seen her often, and last saw her in early June at a special retirement Mass. She passed quietly in August, at age 90. A few days later, at a regular brunch with several ‘66 classmates, we talked about “Hyacinth” and recalled the different ways she had affected each of

us. And, at last, in her obituary, we had learned, for the first time, her last name!

So, too, are our faculty and staff members at De La Salle impacting the current students, young men who will be celebrating their 50th class reunions in the 2070s. One of the hallmarks of a De La Salle education is the way that teachers work to touch the hearts of their students, to establish a relationship that transcends the classroom. Teachers at La Salle don’t just teach an academic subject. They moderate clubs, coach sports, provide tutoring help, mentor seniors in the college application process. They often eat lunch with students in the cafeteria, will play IM basketball, and join in cheering at a pep rally.

The son of a close friend transferred to De La Salle this fall. I asked her how things were going, and she commented on the friendliness of the other parents, and the enthusiasm of the teachers. She called it “the De La Salle difference.”

When you stop by La Salle, say hello. Make sure we have up-to-date contact information so we can keep in touch via the monthly alumni email newsletters.

And let those teachers who impacted you know what a difference they have made in your life.

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Alumni spotlight Mike Peplowski, Class of ‘88

Peplowski preserves the past as ‘labor of love’ Mike Peplowski is the consummate Detroiter. Work hard, remember where you came from, friendships are forever, and family comes first.

Despite heavy recruitment by numerous Division 1 college basketball coaches, Peplowski attended Michigan State University. He was a second-round draft pick of the Sacramento Kings, and had stops in his three-season career with the Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets and Milwaukee Bucks.

He played in the 1991 Pan-Am games in Cuba, on the United States team, coached by Purdue’s legendary coach Gene Keady. Fidel Castro himself placed the third-place medal around Peplowski’s neck, yet Pep has no desire to ever visit Havana.

Although he runs a successful historic building renovation business, with a Spartan teammate, and could afford a Ferrari, Peplowski drives a utilitarian Ford F-350.

You can take the boy out of the east side, but you can’t take him out of Michigan.

Peplowski and his partner, Spartan teammate Matt Steigenga, created Sixty North in 2005, and aim to procure commercial historic buildings for renovation. They make use of historic tax credits, working to protect and restrict structures from demolition.

Peplowski says their efforts are a labor of love.

“I’m interested in things you can’t buy or reproduce,” he says. “The investors stay in for five years, and then Sixty North owns the building. We don’t care for buildings on the national historic register. There are so many restrictions.

But there is a myriad of choices of what you can do with a beautiful old structure.”

The majority of their projects are in Michigan, primarily East Lansing and Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids.

But Peplowski says they are at the tail end of the acquisition process, and he’s ready to spend more of his time with family.

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“I’ve been doing this for 16-17 years, and lots of times I’ve had building opportunities at the end of the year, which makes for poor holiMike addresses the Class of 2019 at the DAC. days,” he said. “We’re good now. There comes a time when it’s time to cross the finish line.”

Peplowski met his wife Tara shortly after college, and they make their home in Williamston, outside of East Lansing.

“I didn’t want to live in the city. I wanted to be in midMichigan,” he said. “I have a beautiful home and a beautiful family. Our company is set up for long-term cash flow.

I’m never going to live in any other place in Michigan. I’m never going to live in Florida. I’m not going to buy an airplane or a sports team. I like the simple things to be simple, and hard things to remain hard. I love to spend time with my girls. I love to hunt and shoot and fish.”

Even his company, named Sixty North for the Arctic Circle’s latitude, reflects his down-to-earth approach to his family and business. He has fished near the 60° latitude, in northern Ontario, and “that sounded better than 66.5!”

His daughter Allison is a full scholarship athlete on the women’s basketball team at the University of South Dakota. Younger daughter Evelyn is in her senior year of high school, and plays three musical instruments. Her college choice is undecided, but at 6-1, the MSU rowing team is interested in her, despite her lack of rowing experience.

While Peplowski is well-acquainted with MSU men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, an assistant during his college years, and enjoys tailgating at the Izzo home on football weekends, Peplowski remains connected to his De La Salle friends.

“I have friendships that have stood the test of time that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” he said.

Pep, continues on page 5

Alumni spotlight Pep, continued from page 4

He spoke in early January 2019 at the inaugural gathering of the 1926 Society at the Detroit Athletic Club, a breakfast event aimed at De La Salle seniors.

From the 1988 Yearbook

“It was an honor,” he said. “I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to speak.”

Peplowski credits his parents, Jerry and Diane, for their choice of De La Salle.

“I have told my parents multiple times thank you for sacrificing for me to go to De La Salle,” he said. “When I went to MSU I realized I was so much further ahead than most of my counterparts. School became easy.”

Peplowski earned his undergraduate degree in business administration, and an MBA in his fifth year.

Gary Buslepp, Mike’s basketball coach during his De La Salle years, notes that Mike’s parents helped keep the college recruitment process in perspective.

“That rubbed off on Mike, and he never acted like a superstar,” Buslepp said.

“He was a super kid that wanted to be like all his classmates, and wanted to have a normal high school experience. Being a 6’9” freshman automatically came with unwanted and microscopic attention.”

Michael Kenley, Mike Peplowski, Chris Snyder and Joe Smythe.

Buslepp recalled an episode from Mike’s freshman year, when several varsity football players were being recruited by Michigan’s legendary coach Bo Schembechler. On one of Bo’s visits to De La Salle, Mike happened to walk past the weight room where football coach John Maronto was speaking to Schembechler. Bo asked why Maronto hadn’t told him about Pep. When informed Pep was only a freshman, Schembechler immediately followed Mike down the hall and said, ‘Son, you’ve got to be the biggest freshman in America.’ Mike just grinned, shook his hand, and proceeded to his next class.”

The interest in Peplowski built during his sophomore through senior years, with Division 1 coaches often in attendance at De La Salle games. Seeing Jud Heathcote, Bobby Knight, Gene Keady, Rick Majerus, and Bill Frieder at games was commonplace.

“Yet despite the heavy recruitment, Peplowski remained one of the student body,” Buslepp said. “When Pope John Paul visited Detroit, Mike dressed as ‘PopePlowski’ at a pep rally, and brought the house down. That remains one of the funniest and fondest memories for many Pilots of that era.”

“Pope Pep”

Peplowski himself has fond memories of his high school days, and notes his interest in history was stirred in his freshman year by Mike Szatkowski. “I developed an appreciation for history in his class that I never thought I would,” Peplowski said.

Buslepp summed it up well. “I know Pep wouldn’t trade his De La Salle experience for anything, and looking back, no one would have traded Pep either,” he said. “I enjoyed teaching and coaching all of the De La Salle students I was fortunate to have had, but coaching “Pope Pep’ was a blessing I’ll never forget.”

Being modest.

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Advancement News De La Salle Board of Trustees The De La Salle Collegiate Board of Trustees has selected its leadership team for the 2019-20 academic year.

continuing our positive enrollment trends and enhancing the school’s fundraising efforts, especially for tuition assistance, which will ensure the school’s next century as the 100th anniversary approaches in 2026, are top priorities.”

Leading the Board as chair is Jack Brusewitz ‘77 who served as vice-chair last year.

Moving into Brusewitz’s seat is Dr. Deborah Sieradzki. Diane Peklo continues as secretary, and Russ Agosta ’64 continues as treasurer.

Joining the Board for the first time are alumni Patrick Cahill ’00 and Anthony Rubino ’01.

The immediate past chair, Greg DeMars, is continuing on the Board, finishing his second three-year term.

Jack Brusewitz

Brusewitz is pleased DeMars is staying on the board.

“Greg did an outstanding job as our Board chair, plus his commitment to De La Salle proved to be exceptional,” Brusewitz said. “His leadership and knowledge will continue to be of assistance not only to me but the entire board.”

Departing the board after serving two three-year terms are John Bernard ‘70, Tim Dryer ’87, Bill Edwards, and Marsha Hall-Jenkins.

Brusewitz says all, “were tremendous assets” and anticipates their continued involvement as the Board moves to a new policy model. “All four are dedicated and loyal supporters of De La Salle, I personally look forward to many more great contributions from this group of past board members.”

Brusewitz is beginning his fourth year on the Board, and most recently chaired its investment committee.

He says it’s an honor and a privilege to serve at the pleasure of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

“The board’s goals for the coming year are to ensure the continuation of the school’s Lasallian mission, and to continue to support President John M. Knight and his administration team,” Brusewitz said. “There are many challenges in education, maybe even more so in Catholic education, so

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Brusewitz is no stranger to Boards. The Eastern Michigan University graduate has served on the EMU Foundation Board for the last six years, as well as serving as President of the EMU Champions Advisory Board.

He is currently working with municipalities around the Midwest in the energy services and finance area with NORESCO, a division of United Technologies Corporation.

While Dr. Deborah Sieradzki takes on the role of ViceChair, she doesn’t look at her new role as that of a female breaking some ground. “I’m honored that the Board recognizes my skills,” she said.

Her background is in health care administration and organizational management, and she owns her own company, LMC Health Care, providing financial operation services. Sieradzki has also been involved in mergers and acquisitions.

Most recently, she chaired the Board’s committee on trustees, aimed at developing Board nominees. Sieradzki has served on the Board since 2014, and is the mother of alumnus Christopher Sieradzki ‘10, who is now a marketing manager for a winery in Napa, California.

Cahill attended Albion College, majoring in political science and history, followed by law school at Wayne State University. He has been practicing law since 2010, first with the Wayne County Juvenile Court, and for the last three years with a social security disability firm, Disability Attorneys of Michigan.

A four-year basketball player at De La Salle, Cahill was the BOT, continues on page 7

Advancement News Late alum gives school generous gift BOT, continued from page 6

Student Council vice president his senior year, and continued to be involved at his alma mater, playing regularly in the annual alumni basketball tournament each March. “It’s an honor to even be considered for the Board,” he said.

Cahill is a member of the Pilot Bar Association and currently lives in Detroit.

Rubino, who recently welcomed his fourth child with wife Marisa, owns the Pilot Property Group, a real estate firm in Sterling Heights.

Rubino played soccer at De La Salle, and then at Saginaw Valley, before transferring to Wayne State University and majoring in marketing. During his college years, he coached the freshman and JV soccer teams.

During college, Rubino connected with some other alumni for an internship. His interest in real estate was sparked, and he began PPG in 2007. He has grown the company slowly, adding one broker almost every year. His employees now include Jimmy Diehl ’07, and Joe Pellerito ’82, father of alumnus Mac Pellerito ‘16.

Rubino has been heavily involved with the newly-formed Pilot Business Association.He has continued to stay in touch with the school, and continues to connect with other alumni.

“The strongest impact of De La Salle on me was the relationships,” he said. “I still connect with people I went to school with, and it’s like we just graduated. I want to make sure the school grows and prospers. I want my fiveyear-old son to have the same great positive experience I had.”

Family and friends of the late Gary Karas gathered at De La Salle Collegiate in early May to celebrate the memory of the 1969 alumnus who passed in October 2018.

His classmate, Alan Rudziewicz, who handles the Karas Trust, presented De La Salle with a generous gift, in keeping with Karas’s wishes.

“Just as De La Salle impacted Gary’s life, this gift will impact the lives of our current students,” President John M. Knight said.

Gary Karas 1969 Yearbook photo

Rudziewicz said that Karas’s estate gave a sizeable donation to Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

“Gary was very fond of De La Salle,” Rudziewicz said. “He wanted to help the students of De La Salle, and thought that he would best accomplish that by leaving the school a gift in his estate planning.”

The donation is also in the name of Karas’s late father, Alex, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, in an infantry unit that traces its roots back to the U.S. Civil War. His father was very proud of his service.

“We appreciate all the work that Alan Rudziewicz did to make this gift happen,” said Greg Esler, De La Salle’s major gifts officer.

John Monigold, director emeritus of alumni relations, knew Karas as a high school freshman, and reconnected with him in later years.

“Gary loved De La Salle, and the De La Salle experience,” Monigold said.

Karas who was born in Hamtramck, worked as a logistics engineer with the U.S. Government. He worked at the TACOM location in Warren during his entire career, and received commendations for his work with the military.

Karas had three sisters who live out of state; he never married and had no children.

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Advancement News DiGiuseppe Scholarship will benefit students in need When Gary DiGiuseppe died on an Arkansas highway in June, 2016, the victim of an early morning wrong-way driver, his family was devastated.

“Five of us spent a lot of time at Gary’s house, and I remember the organ in the family’s living room,” Bentley said. “We would take our band instruments with us, and spend time playing.”

But his sister Carol DiGiuseppeZuniga and his parents Leonard and Virginia, are establishing a scholarship in his name to benefit the De La Salle Collegiate tuition assistance fund. The family hopes to aid at least three students.

Another high school friend, Mark Miller, recalled DiGiuseppe. “He was a very smart guy and was active in school, and was also very quiet,” Miller said.

Following high school, DiGiuseppe attended the University of Michigan, and later transferred to Eastern Michigan University. He began writing for various agricultural publications, becoming an on-air agricultural reporter, and lived all over the Midwest.

DiGiuseppe, a 1973 alumnus, was a reporter for Little Rock radio station, KARN when his life was cut short. He was well-known in the area for his reporting, particularly of agricultural news.

DiGiuseppe had been in Little Rock for approximately 15 years at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife Mary, now deceased, and three children.

DiGiuseppe’s brother, Joseph, died of leukemia the summer before Gary’s senior year; DiGiuseppe’s son, Andrew, was 5 when he died in a car accident.

Although DiGiuseppe had attended the Roeper School in Oakland County through eighth grade, his Gary DiGiuseppe ‘73 sister says her parents, particularly her mother, wanted Gary to attend high school at De La Salle and experience a Christian Brothers’ education.

“Gary really had his share of heartbreak,” DiGiuseppe“Gary had skipped a grade,” DiGiuseppe-Zuniga said.

“My mother had attended Dominican and believed that the structure of the all-boys’ environment and the De La Salle academic program would be good for Gary.”

During high school, he was involved with the school’s jazz and concert bands, the Wig and Mask Society in the pit orchestra as well as backstage, and the school yearbook. A talented musician, he played both piano and clarinet.

Classmate Kevin Bentley recalled spending time at the DiGiuseppe home in St. Clair Shores.

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Zuniga said.

“Gary DiGiuseppe is another alumnus who went out and made a difference,” said Greg Esler, the school’s major gifts officer. “He was well respected at the national level as a broadcaster and journalist and was an icon in the Little Rock area.”

“I hope we do some good and help kids who need financial support,” DiGiuseppe-Zuniga said.

To make a donation, contact Esler at 586.541.6254 or gesler@delasallehs.com

Around De La Salle CBA creates reflection garden After years of planning, the Christian Brothers Auxiliary has created a new Reflection Garden near the main entrance at De La Salle Collegiate.

The permanent granite monument is in the shape of a flame, the symbol of eternal life.

The wording reads: “We are the light of the world. Let your light shine before all.” (Matthew 5:16) The eternal flame recognizes those women of the past, those of the present, and those still to come.

An adjacent stone reads: Reflection Garden Honoring the Legacy of the Christian Brothers Auxiliary Founded 1926 The memorial project was installed in late August, and overseen by Brother Robert Deary. Bro. Robert devoted hours to design and installation oversight, as well as planting the annuals to help beautify the area. The CBA also plans to install permanent stone benches.

The project will be dedicated at the CBA’s October general meeting.

Leslie Cahill, a former CBA president, first proposed the project in 2012 as a way to recognize the CBA in a more visible way on the school campus. The project was put on hold for several years during upgrades to the school’s parking lot and tree plantings.

In addition to Cahill, CBA past presidents Jan Thomas and Mary Chris Chapp, championed the project.

Since the CBA’s founding, the CBA members have volunteered thousands of hours, and have raised over $2 million for the school.

The CBA is a very active organization built on traditions that date back to 1851 when the founding women met to meet the needs of the Christian Brothers who were here to educate the young men in the Detroit area. From that time, the CBA has expanded its mission to include fundraising events to support the needs of De La Salle Collegiate and its students. The CBA today is made up of many dedicated women, from new recruits and freshman moms, to the more experienced members who stay on long after their sons have graduated.

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Around De La Salle New look for De La Salle

In July, De La Salle Collegiate custom wrapped its two passenger vans with the school colors, motto, and contact information. The new wrapping is in conjunction with the school’s new rebranding efforts to coordinate and simplify messaging throughout the community.

THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER FOR YOUR 2019 TAXES

Contact the Advancement Office at 586-778-3356.

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Around De La Salle WAMS Lights it up and Paints it Black For the first time since De La Salle Collegiate moved into the former Holly Junior High in 1982, the stage in the cafeteria has had significant improvements.

Used annually by the Wig and Mask Society (WAMS), the capital improvements include new purple curtains for the stage, a new light board, and 19 new LED lights on the stage.

The ceiling and stage walls have been painted black. The cafeteria itself also has new LED lights.

The WAMS Center, located next to the cafeteria, has been redesigned with student workspaces, a whiteboard, tack-board, and a lounge with couches and a mini fridge.

“The credit really goes to the Class of 2019,” WAMS Executive Director Kevin Fitzhenry ‘03 said. “With the advent of Power Hour in the daily schedule, it provided the opportunity for the boys to work on technical aspects of theatre during normal school hours. As such, they wanted a useable workspace.”

Additional education materials and instruction books on set construction, acting exercises, and stage combat were also added.

“WAMS is one of the places that I was able to be myself and build bonds that I will never lose.,” said Damian Anonick, who graduated last spring.

“The improvements that WAMS has revived in the past year will only help new kids coming into the program express themselves in new ways and form all kinds of friendships that will last just as mine have.”

WAMS is currently preparing for the fall production of Clue On Stage, based on the cult movie and Hasbro board game. Performances are Dec. 13-15. Mass and dinner theatre will take place prior to the Dec. 15 performance. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $30 for dinner theatre.

Tickets can be purchased at ThePilotHangar.com.

This year’s spring musical is Nice Work If You Can Get It featuring songs

by George and Ira Gershwin. Performances date are Feb. 20-22 at the Warren Consolidated Performing Arts Center, located at 12901 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.

Senior Dmitriy Klein, WAMS senior stage manager, works on the stage layout in the newly designed WAMS Center.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Wisam Hani Afan Cole Joseph Agemy S Nelson Christopher Allen Tyler Joseph Allis M Damian Bishop Anonick M Shjon Stephen Anton Julius Audisho Nicholas Avouris II Eric Elias Babic Thomas Nicholas Badalamenti Devon G. Baker M Dominic Michael Balice NIS Kyle Louis Bandes M Zachary Joseph Basha Ryan Gregory Beginin QNS Bradley Andrew Beres Nicholas Jacob Binno IS Collin August Blanchard M Bennet Michael Borders David William-Augustus Bowl N M Evan Kenneth Brengman NS Nicholas Joseph Brillati QS Alexander Thomas Brooks Jacob B. Brooks Lorenzo Joseph Bruglio Dino F. Bucci III NS Marquez Robert Burns Matthew Aaron Cameron Catino Gabriel Cammarata NS

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Devin K. Campbell Andrew Joseph Carnaghi James Joseph Carucci M Nicholas Richard Castle S Cameron Dean Chrisman Christian Vincent Ciavaglia M Jacob Anthony Cichon NS Justin Robert Cieslak M Christopher John Cominos M Vincent Steven Compton I Conor Elton Condon NM Jeremy Hunter Coppola M Robert Christopher Cornwell N I M Brendan Matthew Crippen C Drew Richard Cummins C Matthew Dennis Cyr Martin G. Daman S Joseph Lee Davey S Christian Gabriel Dean NM Joshua Michael DeBerry C Andrew Kenneth Demers C Jacob Louis Dobbs S Ian Christopher Earle NIM James Anthony England M Gino Anthony Esposito C Evan Jeffrey Ferry QNS James Hunter Fish C Colton Alexander Flynn Tadeusz Michael Gabryel

Rocco Joel Galati M Joseph Alex Gangola James Anthony Gasperoni Griffin Franklin Geerts Daniel James Gierlach M Cole Thomas Giglio Anthony Paul Giordano QNS Rodrigo Alejandro Gonzalez S Colton Thomas Graham M Joseph John Grillo Mariano Pasquale Grillo M Dylan Joseph Hackney C Joseph B. Hakim Jack Phelan Henderson Nicholas Raymond Hernandez C Brendan Scott Hertel Christopher John Hettrick James Walter Huffman II NS Peter J. Hunt Justin Wiliam Huttenlocher NS Anthony Scott Iannuzzi NS Lorenzo Salvatore Izzi S Brennan Patrick Johnson NS Matthew Riley Johnson M Charlie Bashara Kafoury Dongyeon Kang QS Kevin Allen Kathawa NIS Andrew James Kekel Aaron Lee Kern NM Steven Michael Klein Eliot Carson James Koehn M Matthew Roy Komoroski C Athanase Andrew Konon QNIS Ryan Patrick Kosalski Preston Blake Koslakiewicz Robert Lawrence Krett M Jacob Bradley Kujawa IS Tommaso John Landa M Avery Anthony Langowski Nicholas Anthony Latos Maximillian Keaton Lawrence John Michael Lietzow M

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Bingze Lin NS Andrew Franklin Livingston S Nicholas Kanto Lulaj Noah Matthew Lundgren QNIM Alexander Newton Maas M Michael James Maisano QNS Thomas Joseph Mansour Anthony James Marable Jose Martinez Jr. Andrew Joseph Matt Michael Henry McGinnity C Richard Wayne McNaughton III Andrew Martin Meldrum Jacob Michael Miller Gideok Min S Jack Anthony Minnella Antonino Vincenzo Minniti NIS Daniel Christopher Mocnik C Daniel Louis Motowski C Jon Norman Novak Jr. Ryan Thomas Nowak C Jack Kelly O’Brien M Maxim Joseph O’Brien C Jack Dominic O’Donnell M Matthew John Osterhout M Ryan David Ostrowski Matthew Patrick Paglia S Ryan Daniel Pastorino Duncan Alexander Pattison M

Brendan Andrew Pelto Antonino Ingnazio Picciurro Joseph Sherwood Pierce Conner Thomas Popa Shane Michael Radden Mark Walter Rainko Domenico Gerald Ricci Michael Lorenzo Ring Richard Anthony Roraff Derek Donald Roskopp Scott Frederick Roskopp Brandon David Ross Devin James Ruiz Ryan Michael Rutkowski Reginald Race Ryder Thomas Rocco Rydzewski Jack Michael Salisbury William Christian Scalf Joseph Edmund Schaeffer Thomas David Scheper Paul Christian Schocker Nolan Anthony Schultz Anthony David Sciotti Alexander John Scopone Alexander Thomas Scotta Nicholas George Seros Ethan Jacob Severson Nicholas Michael Severyn Logan Phillip Shaheen

S NIS QNIS

NM NC C NC M NM M NS QNS QNS C C IS M NS

Joseph Yalda Shamoun Michael V. Sherman S KeShawn Rashad Simmons Joseph Paul Smigiel C Robert Arthur Smith QNS Eric Steven Sochacki C Nicholas Keith Spencer C Tyrelle Duqua Stephens Alec Robert Streberger Sam Merico Streberger NM Jack Anthony Studnicka QNIS Anthony Joseph Stull NIS Alexander Joseph Suminski-Primel Noah Steven Szymanski Daniel J. Talbot C Isaac Ramzi Toma Jacob Joseph Tousignant Evan James Vaillancourt Giuseppe Michele Vitale Simon Peter Viviano S Joshua Paul Warminski NM Dakota John Weaver Connor Michael Weir NIS Alec Timothy Westphal Nolan Paul Work Kyle Steven Zammit M William Wells Zurawski M Joseph Steven Zynda S

Q Michigan Competitive Scholarship Qualifier N National Honor Society

I International Baccalaureate Candidate

C Cum Laude

M Magna Cum Laude

S Summa Cum Laude

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Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Awards Presentation

Valedictorians Kevin Kathawa Joseph Schaeffer Business First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholas Brillati Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony Iannuzzi Drama Performance First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christian Dean Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connor Weir Technical First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mariano Grillo Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Smigiel Engineering First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mariano Grillo Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Davey English First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Schaeffer Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Kathawa Fine Arts First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conor Condon Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christian Dean Foreign Language

Chinese First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Streberger Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julius Audisho Spanish First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rodrigo Gonzalez Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Studnicka Journalism and Yearbook First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noah Szymanski Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James England

Mathematics First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Schaeffer Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Kathawa Music Instrumental First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connor Weir Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dominic Balice Vocal First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Cornwell Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Maas Science AP Biology First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Beginin Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Daman AP Chemistry First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Schaeffer AP Physics First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gideok Min Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dongyeon Kang Social Studies First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Schaeffer Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin Kathawa Theology First in Merit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Schaeffer Second in Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholas Brillati

Perfect Attendance all 4 years Dominic Balice Brennan Johnson Antonino Minniti Alec Westphal

The Class of 2019 has earned over $15 million dollars in academic scholarships.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2019

By Kevin Kathawa

Kathawa Valedictorian Speech

One of 16 seniors who were in De La Salle Collegiate’s rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Kevin Allen Kathawa gave a Valedictorian Speech at the school’s 91st commencement ceremony last spring.

Ian Earle, Athan Konon, Jacob Kujawa, Noah Lundgren, Nino Minniti, Joe Pierce, Conner Popa, Alex Scotta, Jack Studnicka, Anthony Stull, and Connor Weir. These 15 guys have worked so hard the last two years in what is a very rigorous program.

Kathawa, who is now attending the University of Detroit Mercy, was in the National Honor Society and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Although our transcripts will read 187 students in our graduating class, today and forever, we as the Class of 2019 stand 188 strong. I pray that we are all welcomed into Heaven by our Lasallian brother, Joey Gangola.

Here is his speech:

Kevin Kathawa

In the words of the great philosopher and Dunder Mifflin Paper Company Branch Manager Michael G. Scott: “Don’t ever, for any reason, do anything, to anyone, for any reason, ever, no matter what. No matter where. Or who, or who you are with, or where you are going, or... or where you’ve been...ever. For any reason whatsoever.”

That is the Michael Scott philosophy. I stand by it wholeheartedly, and I believe it is a principle that we should all adopt in our lives. It’s centered around creating respectful human relationships, which happens to be one of the goals of Lasallian education. Whether it be with teachers or fellow classmates, I hope we can all think of someone from De La Salle who has impacted our lives during our time here.

Personally, there are two groups of people, both involved with the International Baccalaureate Program, who have made a significant impact on me: the 15 other brave kids in the IB Program and Mrs. Howay -- AKA our IB mom. I want to first thank Mrs. Howay for making IB a reality and treating me with nothing but respect these last two years. I truly appreciate your unwavering support for me these past few months, in particular. And so, to my IB mom, always remember -- keep up the good vibes.

I’d also like to recognize my graduating IB brothers: Dom Balice, Nicholas Binno, Vince Compton, Rob Cornwell,

Whenever people speak about De La Salle, they always mention the brotherhood that’s created among the students. Never before was that more apparent to me than when I had the privilege of attending Kairos both as a retreatant and as a leader. Kairos is a time when you forget about all your classes and social life and you simply focus on you and God. When that happens, you inevitably create a bond with your fellow retreatants, some of whom are people who you may have never talked to. The connections that I made with those of you on Kairos made this day all the more special for me, and I thank you for that.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my family as an enormous source of support for me throughout these four years. Mom and Dad, thank you for instilling in me a strong faith and an excellent work ethic. And thank you for always believing in me. To my older brothers, Deion, Navin, and Jason, thank you for being such outstanding role models for me. And finally, to my little sister Isabella, thank you for always brightening my day.

I can confidently say that, without the contributions from each and every one of you, this moment would never be possible.

Before my closing thoughts, I would like to offer a word of advice on De La Salle’s motto “Builders of Boys. Makers Kathawa continues on page 17

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Congratulations to the Class of 2019

By Joseph Schaeffer

Schaeffer Valedictorian Speech

Valedictorian Joseph Edmund Schaeffer is one of 10 De La Salle Collegiate seniors to post the graduation trifecta: National Honor Society, Summa Cum Laude, and being a Michigan Competitive Scholarship qualifier.

buckets in IM basketball.

Schaeffer, who was on the Pilots 2019 varsity baseball team, is attending Michigan State University this fall.

And of course, there’s ‘Saint’ Berlin, who genuinely cared about each and every student in our class, as he always set a great example for how to act as a man in today’s society.

Here is his speech: When I look back at my time at De La Salle, there are many memories that have shaped these amazing four years. These include:

Mrs. Meier, who was the chillest teacher in the school, as she was always understanding when it came to cooperating with us students and our busy schedules.

These teachers are just a few of the many who have touched my life at De La Salle.

Joseph Schaeffer The staff as a whole deserves the utmost - Witnessing four different state respect for all that they have done for the championships. school community, as they have played a pivotal role in - Learning about the fundamental theorem of calculus, both my development and the development of my fellow which I am sure everyone here clearly remembers from classmates. For their efforts, I am forever grateful. their time in high school.

Next, I would like to highlight my relationships with the - Winning spirit week not once, but twice. students at De La Salle. During these years, there have - Finally defeating Coach Schypinski in two-ball after four been a couple groups of students who I have formed especially strong bonds with. One such group is my baseball painful years of losing to him. teammates.

While all these moments were special, the most important

part of my time at De La Salle has been forming relationships that will last for life. These relationships have provided me with the support necessary during high school in order for me to develop into the man I am today. I formed these bonds with a couple different groups of people, and I would like to acknowledge each of them here tonight.

First, I would like to focus on the importance of the relationships I have formed with my teachers. These connections extend beyond the classroom, as they have allowed me to not only grow as a student, but also as a person.

There’s Mr. Kirck, who would always proofread my essays and talk with me about baseball.

Mr. Novak, who would provide our class with practice AP calc tests during lunch, while also teaching us how to get

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We have experienced everything together, from 6 a.m. workouts in the winter, to long bus rides to road games, to chirping the opposing team. Witnessing the hard work of these guys each and every day always served as motivation for me to become better as a player. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to play for this program and I look forward to making one final run together in the state playoffs.

Another important group is my close friends. We had so many great memories, from Lebron vs. Jordan arguments at the lunch table, to chilling playing 2K on the weekends, to all the inside jokes making fun of each other. With you guys by my side, there was never a dull moment.

Staying with the theme of friends, I can’t forget my best friend, my brother Ryan. It’s amazing how far we have Schaeffer continues on page 17

Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Kathawa, continued from page 15

of Men.” I want to share a quote by Gus Fring from the series Breaking Bad which shows, in part, what it means to be a man. Fring states, “What does a man do? A man provides. And he does it even when he’s not appreciated, or respected, or even loved. He simply bears up and he does it. Because he’s a man.” Gus Fring may not exactly be a role model in the series, but there is, in fact, wisdom in those words.

pre-game speech given by Herb Brooks to his players at the 1980 Winter Olympics just before their game against the undefeated Soviet Union. Just as those 20 men representing the United States in 1980 were inspired despite facing the most daunting task in the hockey world, so, too, can all of us be inspired here tonight. My hope is that we can all take these words to heart and harness them for the road ahead to college and beyond.

It is absolutely imperative that we strive towards this vision of manhood. We are not automatically men just because we walk across this stage and receive a diploma. Being a man is not a once-and-for-all proposition; it is a process. We become men. We strive for it.

And so, in the words of the legendary Herb Brooks: “Great moments... are born from great opportunity. That’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Now, go out there and take it.”

I’d like to end this farewell speech by quoting the famous

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

Schaeffer, continued from page 16

come, from arguing over wiffle ball in the front yard as little kids, to being the only brother tandem in the two-ball tournament this year. Our friendship will only continue to grow, as I look forward to you visiting me on the weekends next year at Michigan State.

And finally, to address the class of 2019 as a whole. We have been the class of change at De La Salle, as we have had a new schedule every year and even experienced a change in the advisory program this year. A weaker group of young men would have allowed this to ruin our senior year and tear our class apart. Because of our strong brotherhood, however, we embraced these new challenges, and have left our great school in better shape for the future. I am thankful to have undertaken this journey with such a great group of guys, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that the class of 2019 makes on our community.

Now, to the most important bond in my life: my relationship with my parents, Lee and Nancy. In case anyone here is unaware, attending De La Salle costs a little bit of money. My parents could easily have sent me to a public school and bought themselves a fancy car or a big house. Instead,

they valued providing me with a Catholic education, as they made my future and success their No. 1 priority.

Their support, however, extends beyond just sending me to De La Salle. From never putting any pressure on me to finish as valedictorian, to staying patient with me and my indecisiveness when choosing a college, to always showing 100 percent confidence in my abilities even when I doubted myself. Through all of this, your love has remained constant. You have taught me that the most important job of being a parent is to provide a better life for your children.

You have far exceeded this role, as I would not have developed into the man I am today without the strong foundation you have given me. I am so lucky to call you two my mom and dad and I love you for all that you do. I would like to take this time for all of us students to give our parents and families a round of applause for the sacrifices they have made for each and everyone of us.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the entire class of 2019 on their graduation, and I wish you all the best of luck in the future. Go Pilots!

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Making a difference Mark Miller ‘73 Freedom House

Although Mark Miller ‘73 regularly attends class reunions and often attends Pilots sporting events, few of his classmates know of his volunteer work with Freedom House in Detroit.

Miller became involved with the immigrant program after hearing about the need for tutors through his parish, Nativity of Our Lord, in Detroit. He serves on the parish council.

He says the immigrants, asylum seekers from Nigeria, the Congo, and Guinea, spoke some French, some English, but needed a language partner.

“The men I’ve worked with at Freedom House are pretty accomplished,” Miller says.

“They have college degrees and had professional jobs. It takes them a while to talk about their past. They want to learn about life here. During the 2016 Presidential election, they were very interested in the candidates and watched the debates.”

Freedom House is located in southwest Detroit, and is looking for a more permanent location.

Mark Miller ‘73

“The tough part for these men is employment,” Miller said. “Many end up working at the airport, and have a long bus ride there. It’s not an easy way to go.”

Miller has a business degree from Michigan State University, and earned his law degree at Cooley in 1983. He practices personal injury litigation law with Garan Lucow Miller. He has served on the Grosse Pointe Woods Citizens’ Recreation Commission for over 20 years, as well as the Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation.

Miller and his wife Lisa, who works in the school office at St. Joan of Arc, have three children and two grandchildren.

They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Make a difference in a student’s life with The Brothers Table Fund De La Salle Collegiate has a long tradition of making Catholic education affordable. As Brother George Synan used to say, the school never wants to turn away any boy strictly from lack of funds.

For some Pilots, however, tuition is just the beginning of their needs. “Some of our boys don’t have enough to eat,” states President Emeritus Brother Bob Carnaghi. “The situation has always been present at De La Salle, and continues today”.

To address this issue, De La Salle has a program called

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The Brothers Table to help provide necessary food and extras for students identified through a detailed application process.

“This is an important part of our Lasallian Mission,” said Brother Bob, “and I am calling upon our alumni and our De La Salle family to help.

If you wish to make a contribution to The Brothers Table Fund, you can do so online at www.delasallehs.com, and click Give Now, or call the Advancement Office at 586-778-3356.

Academic News Two seniors receive National Merit honors De La Salle Collegiate seniors Jarod Amparo and Justin Desmet have been named Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program.

A Letter of Commendation from the National Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented to these scholastically-talented seniors by De La Salle principal Nathan Maus.

Amparo and Desmet are ranked second and fourth, respectively, in this year’s senior class of 167 students. Both seniors carry greater than a 4.43 weighted grade-point average.

Amparo is a four-year member of the Pilots’ marching band, concert band, student council, DECA, and track & field. He’s also served two years as a student ambassador, and is on the school’s Link Crew and National Honor Society this year. He scored a 33 on the ACT and a 1440 on the SAT. Amparo hopes to attend the University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, or Yale University.

A captain on the Pilots’ varsity football team, Desmet is active through the school and his community. He helped organize the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk in Grosse Pointe Woods last spring, and he tutors classmates in preparation for standardized tests. Desmet is a three-time Scholastic All-Catholic Award recipient, an AP Scholar Award winner, and a Catholic League Scholar-Athlete Leader nominee. He scored a 34 on the ACT and a 1540 on the SAT. Desmet would like to attend Yale University, University of Michigan, or Vanderbilt University.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their academic promise this month. Although they will not continue in the 2020 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students place among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Seniors Justin Desmet (left) and Jarod Amparo earned Commended Student recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

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Academic News Senior earns National Hispanic Recognition Senior Tristan Lago has been recognized as a national Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, finishing among the top 2.5 percent of Hispanic and Latino students in the Midwest who took the College Board’s PSAT/NMSQT test last year.

As with the National Merit Scholarship Program, NHRP uses the junior year PSAT/NMSQT as the qualifying test.

Tristan Lago

Lago carries a 4.3 grade-point average and is ranked 13th in his class of 167 students. He scored a 1440 on the SAT and a 28 on the ACT. He is interested in attending the University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy, or Wayne State University.

“Tristan Lago is an excellent student who has represented De La Salle and his family extremely well with his outstanding work ethic,” said De La Salle counselor Dominic Reid. “Tristan being recognized as a scholar through the National Hispanic Program should come as no surprise to any of the faculty and staff at De La Salle. He is truly deserving of this honor.”

Every year, 250,000 Hispanic/Latino students take the PSAT/NMSQT, and about 7,000 of those students are recognized and invited to apply for the national program. While the program doesn’t award scholarship money, being a part of the program is an academic honor that can help students get accepted to colleges. It can also help win prestigious scholarships.

The NHRP helps identify outstanding Hispanic high school students. They share information about these students with subscribing colleges and universities.

Campbell will lead IB CAS Andrew Campbell, who serves as the school psychologist, is taking on the coordinator position for the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) piece of the International Baccalaureate program. New IB Coordinator Eric Wynn made the appointment in late August.

out the academic year. CAS is a component of the IB Diploma process.

“Andrew has already distinguished himself as the CAS Coordinator,” Wynn said. “He is coordinating fall service opportunities, and chaperoned the September CAS trip to Montana and the De La Salle Blackfeet School. We are lucky to have him aboard.”

“I am very grateful and excited to be a part of our IB program,” Campbell said. “The young men in the program are truly inspiring.”

Campbell, now in his second year at De La Salle, will coordinate the creative, active, and service activities for all IB students through-

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Andrew Campbell

The work complements Campbell’s school position where he also advises students, provides counseling, and coordinates support services.

Academic News New Student Council officers ready to lead For the first time in school history, De La Salle Collegiate will have a senior class cabinet made up of all International Baccalaureate Diploma Program students.

In April 2019, juniors Noah Cole, Ryan Drake, Joey Opolski, and Jarod Amparo were elected by their peers to head up the school’s 94th student council, as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, respectively.

Cole is the 103rd student council president in the school’s 94-year history. De La Salle has elected co-presidents nine times (1934, ’37, ’38, ’44, ’45, ’51, ’80, ’90, and ’94).

“Our new officers, Noah Cole, Joe Opolski, Ryan Drake and Jarod Amparo, are going to do a phenomenal job supporting their classmates,” said Principal Nate Maus. “They are part of the most rigorous academic program at De La Salle. Their election is a testament to their dedication and hard work.”

The new cabinet replaces the recently graduated Class of 2019, led by President Dino Bucci III.

The 2019-20 student council cabinet (L-R): juniors Joey Opolski, Ryan Drake, Noah Cole and Jarod Amparo.

(Photo by Kevin Fitzhenry/De La Salle)

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Academic News Brother Joe Reed returns to De La Salle Brother Joe Reed, FSC, has returned to De La Salle Collegiate for the 2019-20 school year.

In his new assignment, Brother Joe is teaching math and also works with students in the academic support area.

Most recently, he taught at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, N.Y. A theology, math and physics teacher during his time at De La Salle from 1991-2002, Brother Joe returned to Warren in February. He was on sabbatical for the semester, which included retreats to a Trappist monastery in western New York, as well as time in northern Wisconsin.

In April, Brother Joe spent time in Rheims, France, the birthplace of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. His trip also included visiting other Lasallian sites in France, as well as a firsttime visit to the Brothers’ motherhouse in Rome. A highlight of his trip was Mass with the Pope in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.

“I am happy to hear Brother Joe is rejoining the staff,” said

Dennis Koch ‘94, director of alumni relations. “He cares about students and their learning.”

Koch had Brother Joe as an Algebra teacher.

Born in Dewitt, Michigan, Brother Joe holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University. During college, his roommate Dan Mason -- who Brother Joe Reed is a De La Salle alumnus from 1978 -- was part of the Brothers’ contact program; Brother Joe liked what he heard and became a brother in 1984.

He has had other teaching assignments at St. Raymond’s in the Bronx, Christian Brothers’ Academy in Syracuse, and Christian Brothers’ Academy in Albany.

“I am very excited,” he said.

Gerardi takes over tuition assistance, facilities, food service De La Salle President John M. Knight recently added to Joe Gerardi’s duties as vice president of mission and ministry. Gerardi, a 1986 alumnus, will also oversee building operations and the tuition assistance program.

As part of his new duties, Gerardi will work with facilities and food service, while also handling tuition assistance. He is already responsible for all Lasallian Catholic formation at the school as well as directing campus ministry and service programs.

Joe Gerardi ‘86

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The move was necessary when Nathan Maus ‘99, – who had been vice president of operations – became the 20th principal in school history on July 1.

Academic News De La Salle names diversity director De La Salle Collegiate’s first Director of Diversity and Inclusion is no stranger to Catholic education.

A former science teacher at the University of Detroit Jesuit and Academy, Marta Rhea-Johnson has been appointed to De La Salle’s newly-formed position.

President John M. Knight made the appointment in late May. “I am very happy to welcome Marta Rhea-Johnson to our community,” Knight said. “I know Marta to be a person of deep faith who cares about all of God’s children. Marta’s many gifts and talents will be a blessing to our community.”

“My strong beliefs in God and love for children fuel my passion for understanding and justice,” she said.

“I have learned that love is universal and it binds us all together. When we are diligent and follow God’s plan we never fail. All my experience, talents and connections will be used to increase De La Salle’s awareness of diversity, inclusion and equity, its importance, A longtime educator, Marta Rhea- and advance its commitment Johnson has been named De La to it.”

Salle’s first director of diversity

“I love the mission of developing the intellectual minds and character of bright young men,” RheaJohnson said. “The UDJ mission is similar to De La and inclusion. (Photo by Kevin Rhea-Johnson will report to Fitzhenry/De La Salle) Salle’s in many ways. While at UDJ, I also served as the school president while the moderator of B.A.S.E., the black student organibeing an important leader zation. I plan to bring this type of organization to De La in the De La Salle community. Acting as a resource and Salle to meet the needs of the minority population, as well partner, she will work individually and collectively with as support and showcase these young men. students, administrators, faculty, staff, and parents to nur“In this next chapter, I’d like to see De La Salle move past mere racial tolerance and unconscious bias and begin to build authentic relationships within its harmonious community.”

Rhea-Johnson spent five years at UD-Jesuit before taking the role as administrator and head of school at Friends School in Detroit (2011-15). She also served as an integrated science instructor at Detroit Public Schools (1995-2000). Rhea-Johnson has a bachelor’s degree from Atlanta’s Spelman College, and a Master’s in Education from University of Detroit Mercy.

Her experiences as a teacher and administrator have allowed Rhea-Johnson to meet and work with a variety of people from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, the Detroit business community, and many fields of education.

ture and strengthen an inclusive and culturally responsive environment.

In short, she will seek to be a leader with the creativity, courage, empathy, and wisdom to build on the very good work already being done, envision what is possible, and implement change at the institutional, interpersonal and individual levels.

“De La Salle has great potential for embracing diversity, inclusion and equity,” she said. “This addition will make the school community more harmonious and empathetic to the needs and talents of its total community. Inclusion will allow for the opportunity to understand and embrace the differences among us and build authentic relationships. This forward thinking in actions and policy will allow De La Salle to take its place as a leader among its counterparts in the educational community.”

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Academic News It’s a Wynn win for IB program Eric Wynn, who has helped start up two International Baccalaureate programs in Michigan, has brought his educational leadership to De La Salle Collegiate. A veteran IB educator, Wynn was named the new International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Director last summer.

Wynn spent the summer updating IB information, contacting students, parents and teachers, ordering textbooks, and coordinating various service and outreach events, including a trip to Ecuador.

the curriculum, using Theory of Knowledge in instruction, and incorporating international mindedness into the classroom.

“An IB education stresses that a student must be regarded as more than his grades,” Wynn said. “All of his qualities and actions – both inside and out of the classroom – are taken into account when considering his candidacy for an IB Diploma.

He is the second to lead De La Salle’s rigorous Diploma Program, which was first introduced to its students in 2014. De La Salle is one of three private schools in Michigan recognized as an IB World School.

“I’m very happy to welcome Eric into our community,” President John M. Knight said. “His gifts and talents are many and we are very blessed to have him lead our IB program. The future is very bright.”

Four years ago, Wynn helped Ann Arbor Huron High School develop its IB program. Before then he oversaw the successful implementation of the IB Program at Washtenaw International High School in Ypsilanti. Prior to that, Wynn worked as an IB teacher in New Mexico (2004-11).

De La Salle has comprehensive Diploma Program course offerings in the seven different subject areas: English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Business & Technology Applied Arts.

While travel is not a requirement of the IB Program, De La Salle provides this opportunity for its IB students through the creativity, action, service (CAS) activities. Each year, seniors travel to Montana (fall) and Louisiana (spring) on service projects.

At De La Salle, Wynn will lead professional development in implementing the Diploma Program, writing across

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“Similarly, an IB education insists on an inquisitive, well-rounded experience of all subjects and a seeking of interdisciplinary connections between them. It’s these qualities, coupled with De La Salle’s commitment to character and a principled education, that make IB an excellent framing curriculum and experience for students wishing to broaden their academic and extra-curricular horizons, while also maintaining the Lasallian commitment to service and the helping of others.”

Eric Wynn

As IB coordinator, Wynn helped grow Huron’s program. In that time, approximately 19 percent of graduating seniors were full IB Diploma candidates, and more than 50 percent of the senior classes participated in IB programming.

“Personally, I have always had a commitment to equity and access in the IB,” Wynn said, “I’m particularly interested in expanding access to the Diploma Program for as many students as possible, while providing the appropriate supports at the same time.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Wynn attended McGill University in Montreal, where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature. His first teaching job was as a summer school faculty member at Salisbury School, an all-boys’, private college-preparatory boarding school in Connecticut.

He concurrently completed two Master’s degrees: in English Literature at the Breadloaf School of English at Wynn, continues on page 25

Academic News New teachers at De La Salle Carla Bartlett, an experienced Spanish teacher, joined the De La Salle Foreign Language Department this fall. Bartlett most recently taught at Brother Rice High School, and also has experience at Seton Catholic, in Hudson, Ohio, and at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

Principal Nate Maus noted Bartlett’s “long history with Catholic boys’ education.”

She earned her bachelor’s at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a master’s in teaching at Marygrove College.

Carla Bartlett

Thomas Van Thomme joins the Science Department, and is teaching Biology and Chemistry. In addition to teaching experience in Florida, Van Thomme has worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries biologist.

Along with his wife Jacqueline, a veteran De La Salle Science Teacher, he will be co-moderating the Sportsmen’s Club Archery activities.

Thomas Van Thomme

“His varied experiences outside the classroom,’ Maus said, “will greatly enhance the educational experience of our students.”

Wynn continued from page 24

Middlebury College in Vermont and another in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. He also serves as an educational consultant for schools wishing to create globally-minded curricula.

Since 2005, Wynn has trained in and taught Diploma Program Literature, History, and Theory of Knowledge.

He also works for the International Baccalaureate Organization as an examiner for IB Literature’s World Literature Assignment, Papers 1 and 2, and the Theory of Knowledge essay.

“During these years as an IB coordinator, I have led countless professional development initiatives and sessions, overseen course development and implementation at three schools, and coached teachers along the way in delivering the most impactful IB curriculum possible,” Wynn said. “I see De La Salle’s commitment to IB as a meaningful step forward in defining the school and enhancing its mission to prepare students to be successful, inquisitive, and empathetic lifelong learners in the 21st century.”

Wynn and his wife Amy live in Bloomfield Township, and are the parents of two sons, ages 8 and 10.

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Academic News Widdows named assistant principal for student life De La Salle Collegiate has hired a veteran educator with a Catholic schools background to become its newest Assistant Principal.

Brent Widdows, who taught art and mathematics for the past 14 years at Sterling Heights High School, is De La Salle’s new Assistant Principal for Student Life.

A 1995 alumnus of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory, Widdows is the primary point of contact for student discipline as well as De La Salle’s groundbreaking drug-testing program. He will also be involved with student-sponsored groups and clubs.

Widdows will work closely with Assistant Principal for Academics Christopher Dean. The pair will report to Principal Nate Maus.

“I am grateful to be able to hire Brent to join our De La Salle community,” Maus said.

“The passion and care he brings to the role is vital to the mission of the school. He has an innate ability to connect with those he meets which allows him to better serve the needs of everyone he comes in contact with.”

While at Sterling Heights, Widdows also served as a varsity coach, heading the Stallions’ football team for the last 10 years, and the boys’ and girls’ track and field squads over 12 seasons.

Brent Widdows

As its coach, he helped institute several fundraising and service initiatives for Sterling Heights student-athletes. He was instrumental in starting the Stallions’ annual cancer awareness game, which has raised nearly $90,000 since 2010. He created the school’s Culture of Community First – “Faith, Family, Heart” – and was named a top fundraiser by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in 2014.

In 2015, Widdows was among four national honorees to earn the Dove Men+Care deodorant Caring Coach of the Year Award. In its press release, Dove said Widdows “creates opportunities for his team to engage with their community and make it a better place – including reading at elementary schools and local retirement centers. He has also created an annual ‘Cancer Game’ which has raised over $10,000 for cancer research and family support, and is now the biggest game of the year at Sterling Heights High School.”

Widdows received a Bachelor of Arts in teaching from Adrian College, where he also played football for the Bulldogs. He earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Oakland University in 2010.

Widdows is the nephew of De La Salle alumnus Gerald Zmyslo ’62 and cousin of Zach Kowalczyk ’10.

Widdows and his wife, Laura, live in Shelby Township with their daughter Ella, and son Caleb.

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Alumni News 1949 ‘mates celebrated milestone gathering The Class of 1949 held its 70th reunion at the home of alumnus Richard Surdacki, in October.

Surdacki, who still has one such dance card, married his high school sweetheart, Jane, in 1953.

Surdacki’s classmate Joe Moffatt enthusiastically contacted members of the class for their benchmark occasion. He hoped to share and exchange memories of their high school days of being taught by the Christian Brothers.

“The Brothers instructed us as young teens before date night to remember to treat the young lady respectfully as you would have wished your mother to be treated,” he said.

Moffatt quickly recalled some of his favorite De La Salle memories.

Surdacki says his years at De La Salle, “molded me into who I am, and I must say I’m pleased with the result.”

“The words of wisdom of Brothers The Christians Brothers especially Richard Surdacki and Joe Moffatt with Arator and Patrick; the classroom had a strong influence on him. their commemorative T-shirt pranks and jokes pulled by Brother “Brother Arator took time out of Alfred, Latin teacher,” Moffatt said, “and last, but certainly several classes to teach us to properly set a dinner table, not least, I fondly recall that Irishman Brother Brendan stand- proper table manners - still in effect today at my home,” ing in front of the class, chiding and admonishing us, in no said Surdacki, who wore No. 58 for the Pilots football uncertain terms…‘You’re rude, crude and boorish.’” team all four years.

Moffatt recalled fellow ‘49 classmate, the late James Hartzell, who as a copywriter for Ross Roy, wrote the well-known line - in iambic pentameter format - “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.” It was also at De La Salle that Moffatt remembers, perhaps not so coincidentally, learning about iambic pentameter through one of their English teachers.

After graduating from De La Salle, Moffatt joined the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War. “De La Salle has a tradition of instilling in its graduates a system of values, a blueprint for the future, so to speak,” he said. “This enables the school to live up to its motto, Builders of Boys. Makers of Men. and indeed to surpass it: ‘Builders of Boys. Makers of Gentlemen!’ ” Being a gentleman was exemplified at school events, including and especially at school dances, too, he said.

Moffatt remembered dating the girls at nearby Detroit Denby High School and using dance cards where a young lady would write her name inside a card if they were interested in dancing with someone.

“Christian Brother values knowingly or unknowingly were infused into our bloodstream,” he said. “They influenced me as a spouse, a father, an employer and all my friendships. University taught me to earn a great living; De La Salle taught me how to live it.”

Though both Moffatt and Surdacki are now in their late 80s, they stay busy. Moffatt can often be found using his computer. He was given his first computer in 2004, and admitted to having to learn how to turn it on.

“You’ve got to not be afraid,” said Moffatt, who also ushers at St. Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor.

Surdacki retired in 1990, after selling his company. His wife passed away in 1995, but he occasionally travels to California to see his grandchildren. He credits DeLa Salle with his much of his success.

“What do I miss most from my years at De La Salle?” he asked. “My youth … those were happy years.”

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Alumni News Alumni Professional Associations growing membership The Pilot Bar Association Currently, the Bar Association has more than 100 members and is continuing to grow.

The Bar Association will host its next general meeting on Thursday, November 7, at 6 p.m., at Villa Penna, on 43985 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights.

Mike Kus ‘69,. Dennis Koch ‘94, Peter Lucido ‘78, Alan Rudziewicz ‘69, Greg Esler, Jay LaBarge ‘93.

The Pilot Medical Association The Medical Association is a way to network, socialize with other alumni in the medical field, connect with De La Salle, and help current and recently graduated Pilots.

The group’s inaugural meeting is Thursday, November 14, at the Caucus Club, 150 W. Congress, Detroit, from 6-9 p.m. Dr. Charles Lucas ‘55 is the keynote speaker.

Dr. Charles Lucas, at left, joined The Pilot Medical Association Planning Committee for a meeting at Da Francesco’s in Shelby Township.

The Pilot Business Association The Pilot Business Association will begin its 2019-20 season with a meeting on Monday, October 14, at Fifth Avenue, 215 Fifth Avenue, Royal Oak, from 6-10 p.m. Alumni are invited for food, fun, networking, and Detroit Lions football.

The Business Association is led by Anthony Rubino ‘01, and Joe Zuccaro ‘08.

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To participate in any of these De La Salle Collegiate Alumni Professional Associations, be sure to pay your alumni dues, and contact Dennis Koch, Director of Alumni Relations, at 586.541.6221 or dkoch@delasallehs.com

alumni News College visits Saturday, October 12 - Grand Valley

1 p.m. - Lunch

AND - watch Twitter and Instagram for info on visits to these colleges this fall:

7 p.m. - Attend a GV Football Game

Sunday, October 13 - Ferris State

12 p.m. Lunch/NFL watch party Thursday, October 17 - Central Michigan

7 p.m. Dinner/ Thursday Night Football Watch Party Saturday, October 26 - Northwood

1 p.m. Football Game

6 p.m. Dinner

Tuesday, November 5 - Albion/Western

11:30 a.m. Lunch at Albion College

5:30 p.m.- Dinner with Western Michigan students

7 p.m. - Western Michigan Football Game

Thursday, November 6-7 - Chicago Alumni Visit

6 p.m. - Hotel Chicago 333 N. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60654

26th Annual Mass for Commerce Fellow Members of the Pilot Associations are invited to join the Southeast Michigan business and professional community and celebrate the Eucharist in thanksgiving for God’s gifts of love and grace.

WHEN: Mass will be celebrated on October 23, 2019 at 8:00 a.m., with breakfast following.

WHERE: Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 W. Chicago Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48206 REGISTRATION: The Event is free, but please RSVP. Go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/26th-annual-mass-for-commerce-tickets-58592817695 QUESTIONS: Contact Dan Marsh at 810-300-3074 or dan@danielpmarsh.com

Save these Dates!

December 5, 2019 Senior Alumni Luncheon at Barrister Gardens.

January 16, 2020 Career Day at De La Salle.

April 30, 2020 Christian Brothers Dinner at Penna’s of Sterling.

June 22, 2020 Christian Brothers Classic Golf Outing at the Detroit Golf Club.

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Alumni News Alumni Davey, Rescigno join CHSL Hall of Fame De La Salle Collegiate alumni Mickey Davey and Giovanni Rescigno were enshrined into the Detroit Catholic High School League Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony on June 10 at Fern Hill Golf Club in Clinton Township.

A distance runner, Davey, graduated from De La Salle in 2015. He was a standout cross-country and track star for the Pilots, earning seven regional, five Catholic League, and four Macomb County championships.

“He was a very hard worker. Dedicated to the sport; self-motivated, and went out and gave it his all every meet, every practice,” Pilots track coach Dominic Reid said.

As a senior at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Davey was one of the Falcons’ top distance runners. A two-time all-Mountain West selection, the Troy native clocked the fifth-fastest 10,000-meter time in Air Force history (29:15.24) to finish 10th at last year’s Stanford Invitational.

Davey still holds De La Salle track records in both the 1600-meter run (4:15.36) and 3200-meter run (9:11.23).

Reid believes both marks won’t be passed anytime soon.

“It’s going to take another special athlete to break those records,” he said.

Rescigno was a two-sport athlete during his days at De La Salle, but it was football where he excelled most. A 2014 graduate, he quarterbacked the Pilots to a 6-4 record in his senior season, passing for 1,238 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Rescigno accepted a scholarship to Rutgers University, where he played in Since accepting an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, distance runner Mickey 23 games over the past three seasons.

“The hall of fame is a well-deserving honor for Gio,” Pilots basketball coach Greg Esler said. “He represents what a student athlete should be: class, caring and lots of talent.”

Rescigno played basketball for the Pilots until his senior when he decided to concentrate on his football career.

“I wish he would have gone out his senior year,” Esler said. “That hurt us.

But he scrimmaged with us his senior year and some of his practices with us were legendary. He would go out and hit six threes in a row. Amazing kid. Great versatility, but a better person than player.

“I really believe he could have gone to a Division II school to play basketball. He was athletic and could shoot the three, plus he played physical.”

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Davey has been a two-time All-Mountain West selection. (Photo courtesy of Air Force Academy Athletics)

An electrical engineering major, Davey was a national AP Scholar at De La Salle, where he graduated among the top five in his senior class.

Alumni News

A team captain last season, Rescigno received the Paul Robeson Award for performance, leadership and dedication to the Scarlet Knights’ football program.

Giovanni Rescigno was named the Rutgers team captain last season. (Photo courtesy of Rutgers Athletics)

De La Salle is represented by 26 former athletes already enshrined in the league’s hall of fame. They are; Bert Bondi, Giancarlo Brugnoni, Jack Brusewitz, Alan Budnick, Don DeDonatis, Sean Dobson, Chris Haag, Matt Handzo, Bruce Irvine, Allen Jefferson, Douglas J.S. Jolly, Matt Julien, Keith Karpinski, Tim Lieckfelt, Patrick Mahoney, Alex Marcotullio, Jerry McCabe, Shane Morris, Jason Okroy, Mike Peplowski, Alex Pierse, Tim Poley, Michael Schypinski, Vincent P. Thomas, John Vitale and Don Zelinski.

Paul Mandziara 1936-2019

Paul Mandziara, the last person to coach both varsity basketball and football at De La Salle Collegiate, passed away on September 4, 2019. He was 83 years old.

Mandziara coached the Pilots from 1966-67 to 1968-69, replacing coach Tom Tramski on the gridiron and hardwood.

The most-notable victory – perhaps in school history – came during the Mandziara era when, in the 1968 Class A state basketball tournament, the Pilots pulled off a remarkable 68-60 upset win over defending state champs Detroit Pershing and Ralph Simpson, who later starred in the ABA and NBA. That season, Mandziara’s Pilots – led by all-state forward Frank Merrick – compiled a 12-1 regular-season record; 15-5 overall to capture the division championship.

“He was a great character builder for me and my teammates,” said Michael McGavin, Class of 1968. “I thank him for those lessons. RIP, Coach.”

Mandziara is a graduate of the University of Detroit, where he played football for the Titans. Besides De La Salle,

Jim Stiller receives advice from coach Paul Mandziara before checking into a game during the 1967 season.

Mandziara also coached at Detroit Saint Thomas the Apostle and Center Line. In his 3l years of coaching basketball, his teams compiled a 341218 record. He posted a 27-27 basketball record for the Pilots.

In 1979, Mandziara was inducted into the Catholic League Hall of Fame, and in 1994 he was named Macomb County Basketball Coach wof the Year.

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Alumni News 38th Annual Christian Brothers Dinner May 16, 2019

L to R; John M. Knight, President, Honoree Vicki Granger, Chairman Matt Loria ‘95 behind Vicki, Brother Bob Carnaghi, SJ ‘48, Brother Robert Deary ‘61, and Dennis Koch ‘94.

Dinner Committee Chairman Matt Loria ‘95.

John Elkhoury ‘02, Alec Fell ‘01, Dan Gallas ‘01, Lukas Kalliantasis ‘01, and Peter Lucido ‘00.

Justice David Viviano ‘90, Honoree Vicki Granger, and son Brian Granger ‘99.

Dan Rankin ‘93, Vicki Granger, Tim Rankin ‘80, and Alex Rankin ‘14.

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2003 Classmates Joe Domanski, Peter Cracchiolo, and Ryan Olivero.

Alumni News An Active Alumni Board is in Place Alumni Relations Director Dennis Koch has been working hard with members of the Alumni Board. Board members have discussed items such as alumni dues, college visits, reunion planning, the Christian Brothers Dinner, the Christian Brothers Classic, and much, much more.

If you have any thoughts or ideas and would like to share them with the Alumni Board, please contact Dennis Koch.

Alumni Board Association Members

Dave Baumgart ‘76 Paul Brillati ‘90 Justin Browning ‘12 Kevin Carroll ‘12 Vito Chirco ‘11 Rob Ciaramitaro ‘08 Peter Cracchiolo ‘03 Andrew Grauzer ‘04 Darryl Jackson ‘09 Brendan Johnson ‘15 Paul Jozefczyk ‘83 Br. Ken Kalinowski ‘84 Dennis Koch ‘94 Brenden Kudla ‘11

Steve Laudicina ‘10 Jake Lepore ‘10 Brad Lepore ‘08 Jon Miko ‘15 John Monigold ‘66 Nate Nordstrom ‘14 Joe Novak ‘03 Jake O’Donnell ‘14 Jeff Resmer ‘94 Jeff Spicuzzi ‘08 Mark St. Peter ‘81 John Stano ‘04 Joe Zuccaro ‘08

Chicago area alumni gathering set for November 6

Chicago area alumni are invited to meet with De La Salle Collegiate staff on Nov. 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Hotel Chicago, 333 N. Dearborn, in Chicago.

President John Knight, Major Gifts Officer Greg Esler, Alumni Relations Director Dennis Koch, and Associate

Alumni Relations Director Brendan Johnson will be on hand.

“We are excited to head back to Chicago,” Koch said.

“We need to continue to engage our alumni in the Chicago area, and strengthen our relationships.”

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In Memoriam 1940’s

Robert “Bob” Baumgart SJ ‘43. March 18, 2019.

Louis Brichetto ‘41. December 17, 2018.

Kenneth Cannestra, ‘49. August 14, 2019.

Larry Kramer SJ ‘43. July 28, 2018.

George Krausman ‘45. August 29, 2019.

Michael Kratochwill ‘47. April 7, 2019.

Edward J. Williams ‘47. December 6, 2018.

1950’s

Donald Aller SJ ‘59. November 3, 2018.

Richard W. Bohan ‘58. December 10, 2018.

James Shereda ‘58. December 11, 2018. Father of Anthony Shereda (‘84). Grandfather of Anthony Shereda Jr. (‘12).

John Schiltges ‘50. September 18, 2019.

1960’s

John Bork SJ ‘55. September 2, 2017.

Doug “Butch” Olejniczak ‘65. July 12, 2019.

Stanley Dobrzynski ‘52. February 22, 2019. Brother of Richard Dobrzynski (‘60), a retired DLS faculty member, and Eugene Dobrzynski (‘66).

Werner Vethacke ‘61. January 9, 2019. Father of Karl Vethacke (‘92). Brother of Herman Vethacke ‘48 and the late Theodore Vethacke (‘54). Brother-in-law of Robert Yazbeck, (SJ ‘55).

James DuClos SJ ‘53. January 3, 2019.

John Erace ‘50. March 18, 2019. Father of Frank Erace (‘80). Grandfather of Anthony Erace (‘14).

Robert Fulford ‘57. November 29, 2018.

Roger Goebel ‘53. April 20, 2018.

Maurice Haezebrouck ‘SJ ‘51. May 10, 2019.

Allen Harper ‘55. May 7, 2019.

Thomas A. Jeszke ’61. October 24, 2018.

Victor “Buddy” Lams ‘52. September 29, 2019. Cousin of Al Callewaert ‘58.

Leon Merecki SJ ‘51. November 15, 2018.

Conrad Niezur ‘57. February 14, 2019.

Richard Gene “Dick” Rizer SJ ‘54. July 6, 2018. Brother of Gary Rizer (SJ ‘57).

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Dick Zdeb ‘60. April 23, 2019. Dick was an MHSAA Hall of Fame umpire who called several Catholic league and state final games, as well as many games for the American Legion League.

1970’s

John Schaldenbrand ‘73.

1980’s

Christopher Kasper ‘86. March 19, 2019.

2000’s

Anthony Harris ‘15. May 18, 2019. Adopted son of George Sboukis (’89).

Denis Preka ‘15. March 19, 2019.

Nicholas Redmond ‘18. August 1, 2019.

In Memoriam Extended Family Dante Gonzales. September 2, 2019. Stepson of Jeff Baxa (‘90), stepbrother of Jacob Baxa (‘20).

Gil Demers. February 25, 2019. Father of Gregg Demers (‘76) and Keith Demers (‘78). Grandfather of Rick Demers (‘97), Daniel Demers (‘03), Adam Bozimowski (‘13), Max Badalamenti (‘12), Sam Badalamenti (‘14), and Jacob Badalamenti (‘18).

Donald DeNardis. May 31, 2019. Father of John DeNardis (‘00).

Vittorio “Vic” Di Rita. June 2, 2019. Father of Lawrence (‘76), Victor (76), and David Di Rita (‘82). Grandfather of James Van Dyke (‘97) and Peter Van Dyke (‘99). Uncle of Daniel Guay (‘74) and Edmond Guay (‘78).

Theresa Gallo. March 24, 2019. Mother of Len Gallo (‘75). Grandmother of Jordan Gallo (‘21).

Mario Izzi. May 19, 2019. Father of Mario Izzi (‘90).

Grandfather of Mario Izzi (‘16) and Lorenzo Izzi (‘19).

Arthur Jozefczyk. March 30, 2019. Father of Kenneth G. Jozefczyk (‘76) and Paul Jozefczyk (‘83). Grandfather of Matthew Jozefczyk (‘15) and Nicholas Jozefczyk (‘15).

Deborah Ann Karas. June 15, 2019. Wife of retired De La Salle Collegiate faculty member Mike Karas.

Mary Ann Linsley. July 22, 2018. Wife of Ron Linsley (‘55). Mother of David Linsley (‘80) and Michael Linsley (‘87). Grandmother of John Siwa (‘08). Aunt of Stephen Kopas (‘84) and Richard Kopas (‘87).

Evelyn Louwers. December 22, 2018. Wife of James Louwers (‘54). Sister-in-law of Bill Louwers (‘52).

Carol Ann Norgard. March 1, 2019. Mother of Jon Norgard (‘91). Wife of Michael Norgard, longtime Dads’ Club member and volunteer.

Frank Pacifico. July 8, 2019. Brother of Angie Aldini, past CBA President, and administrative assistant in the DLS Admissions Department. Uncle of Lido Aldini (‘10) and Dominic Aldini (‘12).

Ann Purrenhage. July 28, 2019. Mother of Thomas (‘83), David (‘85), Patrick (‘86), John (‘89), and Daniel Purrenhage (‘91).

Salvatore Pizzo. December 20, 2018. Grandfather of Mario (‘16) and Lorenzo Izzi (‘19). Father-in-law of Mario Izzi (‘90).

Larry Rancilio Sr. July 31, 2019. Father of Larry Rancilio, Jr., (‘86). Grandfather of Nick Rancilio (‘14) and Ben Rancilio (‘18).

Jerry Schypinski. March 25, 2019. Grandfather of Michael Schypinski (‘09), and Steve Schypinski (‘06), current teacher and coach.

Brad Staeb. April 7, 2018. Father of John Staeb (‘13) and Stephen Staeb (‘16).

Joan Diane Superson. March 14, 2019. Mother of John Superson (‘94).

Robert Wais. June 13, 2019. Grandfather of Kyle Fuquay (‘11).

Julie Wegener. August 22,2019. Wife of Ed Wegener (SJ ‘52).

Peter J. Lucido Sr. February 23, 2019. Father of Peter J. Lucido Jr. (‘78). Grandfather of Peter J. Lucido III (‘00).

James Wiles. July 16, 2019. Father of Joseph Wiles (‘11).

Husband of Anne Wiles, former DLS Vice President of Finance.

Paul Mandziara. September 4, 2019. Varsity basketball and football coach at DLS in the late 1960s. See article on page 31.

Helene Zmurkiewicz. February 23, 2019. Mother of the late Aleksander Zmurkiewicz (‘69) and Andrzej Zmurkiewicz (‘71).

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Purple Prose Prayer 101

By Father Brian Meldrum ‘02

The following is adapted from an article Father Meldrum wrote for the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Unleash the Gospel magazine.

For Christians, prayer is at the heart of divine liturgy and daily life.

If prayer is the lifeline of communication with God, why do so many people struggle with it? Why is it so difficult to start praying and to keep it going? If God is always listening and responding, why is it so hard for us to find the words to say and the ways to listen?

Fortunately, Jesus had an answer when His own Apostles asked for help in praying: He taught them the Our Father. Christ reminded them that they were never alone in prayer because God loves them as a Father. He has the same answer for you, too.

Prayer is a quest. It is a journey you embark upon to encounter Jesus, to grow daily in friendship with Him, and to give witness to Him before others.

FIND THE SPACE Choose a Location

Find a physical space: a room in your house, your parish church, a Eucharistic adoration chapel or your car during your morning commute. Carve out some space in your noisy surroundings that will help you speak to God and to listen to Him. Dedicate Your Day

Start your day with the sign of the cross, even lying in bed before your feet hit the floor. Remind yourself that because of the Cross and the Resurrection, you belong to God: Father, Son and Spirit. Each night, pray for the faithful departed, especially from your family and friends.

Express Your Gratitude

Every morning, praise God for the gift of the day. As

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Father Meldrum giving a homily at a De La Salle Liturgy.

evening falls, thank God for the blessings of the day. As the light of day fades, pray for the light of the Holy Spirit to review your day. Pray with gratitude for the times when you felt God’s presence and did God’s will; pray for forgiveness for the times that you did not.

FIND THE SCRIPTURES Read the Gospels

Read and pray with the Gospel for Mass on Sundays or feast days. Even better, read it with your family and friends!

Reflect on what you heard in prayer, what the priest said during the homily and what others in your family and friends experienced.

Ask God throughout the week to open your heart to the particular word that He wants to speak to you and to the response He is asking from you.

Pray the Psalms

The Psalms serve as God’s prayer book; He gave you the perfect words to talk to Him! As divine words, the Psalms also speak to every real human experience: love and loss, joy and sadness, expectation and regret, victory and defeat. Jesus speaks to you in the Psalms, but he also speaks through you when you use them to pray to the Our Father.

Purple Prose

There are 150 Psalms, so you could pray one each day and easily get through the whole book of Psalms twice in a year. (You can even afford to miss a few days. And be prepared when you get to Psalm 119!)

FIND THE SAINTS

The saints were ordinary people in whom God’s grace was extraordinarily active. Many of them wrote and spoke honestly about the struggles and successes of their prayer. Many of them knew fellow saints to share their experiences. Now, the saints are in the perfect place in heaven to intercede for you and to help you improve your prayer. You literally have friends in high places!

Foster a Devotion

Develop a devotion to Our Lady or a saint who is your patron either in name, by occupation or vocation in life or by interest. Learn the prayers associated with the saint, and seek his or her help and intercession.

Pray a Novena

Pray a novena (nine days of prayer) leading up to the feast of your patron or favorite saint. Take time each day to learn from their example in relying on the Lord and growing in spiritual discipline and gratitude.

Don’t forget your guardian angel. This rhyming, easyto-memorize prayer is an effective and powerful weapon against temptation and darkness, for children and adults alike.

Angel of God My guardian dear To whom His love Commits me here Ever this day Be at my side To light and guard To rule and guide.

Amen.

FIND THE SPIRIT

Before Pentecost, the disciples prayed in expectation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Before our archdiocesan synod the entire archdiocese did the same. Archbishop Vigneron reminds us in Unleash the Gospel, “Prayer is the way we access the unlimited divine power of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate” (Guidepost 10).

Never forget to call upon the Holy Spirit and beg HIM for a rich and deep prayer life. In fact, don’t wait. Pray for it right now!

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful.

Enkindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Amen.

ef Fr. Brian Meldrum was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 2015 and served as the Associate Pastor at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in Waterford, Michigan. Before attending Sacred Heart Major Seminary, he was a music minister and theatre director and member of St. Thecla Parish in Clinton Township, Michigan. He is currently assigned to graduate studies in Sacred Scripture at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Purple Prose is a regular feature in The Collegiate.

Alumni are invited to submit essays on De La Salle related topics to Collegiate editor Vicki Granger for consideration.

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Admissions Events Potential Pilots - Save These Dates!

Future Pilots Appreciation Nights

High School Placement Test Workshops

Prospective students are invited to attend one or more of our Appreciation Nights, showcasing some of our extracurricular activities, including fine arts and athletics. Any prospective student from any grade level who attends will • Hear from the coach or director before the game or performance.

• Receive a De La Salle T-shirt.

• Receive a food voucher.

• Meet with De La Salle school representatives.

•Watch the game or performance from VIP seating.

Boys and girls have the opportunity to participate in a Prep Course to help prepare them to take the HSPT this fall. The Prep Course is two days long: two consecutive Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Available Sessions: • Friday, October 11 – Football at Wayne State University, 7 p.m.

• Sunday, December 8 – Christmas Extrava-BAND-za at De La Salle, 6 p.m.

• Saturday, December 14 – WAMS production of Clue at De La Salle, 2 p.m.

• Friday, January 17 – Basketball at De La Salle, 7 p.m.

• Saturday, January 25 – Hockey at Mt. Clemens Ice Arena, 6 p.m.

• Thursday, February 20 – WAMS production, Nice Work If You Can Get It at Sterling Heights High School, 7 p.m.

As part of the registration fee, students will receive a copy of the Peterson’s Mastering the Catholic High School Entrance Exams 2020. This workbook will be a tool used during the course and contains additional pre-tests students will be able to use at home. Register for the workshop at thepilothangar.com.

Discovery Days at De La Salle Collegiate

• Sunday, Oct. 27 (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Mass and Pancake Breakfast • Tuesday, Oct. 29 (5 - 8 p.m.) Ice Cream Social • Tuesday, April 28 (5 - 8 p.m.) Ice Cream Social

• Saturday, May 2 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Mass and Pancake Breakfast Discover why De La Salle Collegiate continues to be students’ No. 1 choice for a Lasallian Catholic collegeprep education. Enjoy refreshments and take a tour of the school.

Teachers, administrators, coaches, and moderators will be on hand to answer questions.

Available Sessions: • Tuesday Session: October 15 & 22 4 - 7 p.m. at De La Salle Collegiate • Wednesday Session: October 16 & 23 4 - 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic School, 44429 Utica Rd, Utica, 48317.

Pilot for a Day Visits

De La Salle’s Pilot for a Day program gives prospective students the opportunity to experience a typical school day at the Collegiate by shadowing a current student. In order to give shadow students the best experience possible, reservations must be made. Prospective students are paired with one of our student ambassadors.

Coffee Talks

Prospective parents are invited to visit the campus and share a cup of coffee with members of the Admissions and Counseling staffs. Held on the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m., coffee talks do not have a set agenda or topic and are truly meant to be a casual atmosphere for the parents to learn about the opportunities for their son(s) at De La Salle.

2019-20 Coffee Talk Schedule: • March 5 • November 7 • April 2 • December 5 • May 6 • January 9 • February 6