The Collegiate - Fall 2020

FALL 2020

On the cover:

Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84, and Larry Rancilio, ‘86.

Brother Ken has been named Interim Principal, while Rancilio is the new President at De La Salle Collegiate.

St. John Baptist, pray for us!

Live, Jesus, in our hearts, forever!

Printing The Collegiate!

In this issue:

Around De La Salle..................................................................... 6 Class of 2020............................................................................. 16 Alumni News............................................................................ 19 Alumni Spotlight....................................................................... 25 In Memoriam............................................................................. 27

Thanks to two very generous donors from the Class of 1950, Tony Mattar and John Miottel, we are able to print The Collegiate. See page 22 for their story.

We still need financial support to be able to send each and every issue to your mailbox. Please contact Amy Seiferlein in the Advancement Office to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT • THE COLLEGIATE • FALL 2020 Statement of Frequency: Three 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 Kevin Fitzhenry President......................................................................................................................................................................... Larry Rancilio ‘86 President Emeritus...........................................................................................................................Brother Robert Carnaghi FSC, SJ ‘48 Interim Principal........................................................................................................................... Brother Kenneth Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84 Director of Advancement............................................................................................................................................................ Greg Esler Major Gifts Officer ...................................................................................................................................................................... Dan Rohn Director of Alumni Relations............................................................................................................................................Dennis Koch ‘94 Director of St. Joe’s Alumni Activities............................................................................................ Brother Patrick McNally FSC, SJ ‘55 Director of Annual Fund......................................................................................................................................................Amy Seiferlein Interim Marketing and Communications Director.................................................................................................... Brendan Johnson ’15 Managing Editor The Collegiate........................................................................................................................................... Vicki Granger Director of Admissions................................................................................................................................................Kevin Fitzhenry ‘03 Executive Assistant to Advancement.................................................................................................................................Linda Fraschetti

Editor’s letter

Dear Alumni and Friends of De La Salle As we finalize this Fall 2020 issue of The Collegiate, parent-teacher conferences are taking place all day today, here in the building.

But like almost everything else in our daily lives, these conferences are happening virtually, with faculty members in their classrooms.

Unlike many schools in the area, De La Salle prepared carefully for the reopening of face-to-face learning, and opened as scheduled for our freshmen, the Class of 2024.

Kudos to our team here, led by Greg Esler, Director of Advancement, and Joe Gerardi ‘86, Director of Operations, who put together an outstanding plan and protocols to insure the safety of our entire school community. They worked closely with alumni Dr. Peter Watson ‘90 and Dr. Sal Ventimiglia ‘89, along with parents in the health professions. Interim Athletic Director Dennis Parks and coaches of fall sports have been able to insure safe environments in the locker rooms and on the fields.

Our new DLS President, Larry Rancilio, Class of 1986, began officially on October 5. Larry was selected by the Board of Trustees, based on recommendations from the Presidential Search Committee, and confirmed as president by the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Larry is not only an alumnus; he coached here, he served on the Board of Trustees for several years four as chair, and is a past parent. Read his letter on page 4.

In this issue is also a letter from Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, DLS Class of 1984, who is serving as Interim Principal.

Brother Ken has been on the faculty the last few years, and has a wealth of educational experience, both in the United States and internationally. He took over the administrative position in August 18.

There are other changes to the administration, faculty, and staff as we navigate the “new normal” and work to make sure that the education at De La Salle continues to be meaningful, and in the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle.

In order to meet the Lasallian mission of providing a Lasallian education to as many young men as possible, we held a fundraising campaign in June to raise funds for Tuition Assistance. We are most grateful for the generosity of our alumni and friends, and are offering tuition assistance of over $2.3 million during this 2020-2021 school year.

But fundraising is not a one-time effort. We are calling on you and your generous spirit to support our “Giving Tuesday” effort on December 1. You will hear more about Giving Tuesday in the weeks to come.

Finally, a huge thank you to our sponsors for this issue: Tony Mattar and John Miottel, both from the Class of 1950. Because of their generosity, we are able to print and mail this issue.

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President’s Letter

Dear De La Salle Collegiate Family, It is with humility and excitement that I write my inaugural Collegiate greeting as the fifth President of De La Salle Collegiate. Much has happened over the past several months and the Board has initiated many changes that have set the school on a path to focus on the Mission of the school and De La Salle Christian Brothers. For me, the opportunity to lead the school upon that path is a dream come true. My life’s journey has led me back to a place that has given me and my family so much.

The school has embarked on educating young men in the time of a pandemic. I want to thank the staff for their continued dedication and care for the students and families we serve. They are the heroes of this institution. I know the term seems to be overused in these times, but their diligence and commitment to a changing educational environment has set De La Salle up to be one of the few fulltime, face to face schools in Metro Detroit.

Larry Rancilio ‘86

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. The diligence of all involved, from the security staff all the way to the students, is what continues to separate us from other institutions. We have banded together for the shared mission of providing a quality educational experience in an ever changing environment. De La Salle Collegiate is an amazing institution when we all come together.

This is new terrain for everyone, and we have unfamiliar daily challenges. I would ask that you keep the school, staff and students in your daily prayers. As God continues to bless us, we will continue to press forward and look forward to the days when we get back to what we once called normal.

St John Baptist De La Salle, Pray for us Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever.

God bless, Larry Rancilio as a DLS Freshman

Larry Rancilio, President De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1986

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Principal’s letter

Greetings from De La Salle Collegiate!

As a graduate of De La Salle, Class of 1984, I am honored to be named the Principal for this school year. If you would have asked me, if I ever thought that this would happen while I was a student at DLS, I would have said, “No way!” I grew up near 6 Mile and Davison, in St. Augustine’s Parish, where my family instilled hard work and academic excellence. After graduating from DLS, I attended Villanova University, and later joined the Brothers with a love for education and serving the young men entrusted to our care.

The new school year has begun with great success. Our Back to School Plan was well thought Bro. Ken Kalinowski ‘84 out and greatly implemented by Greg Esler (Director of Advancement), Joe Gerardi (Director of Operations), our faculty, and accepted by our students. Assistant Principal Chris Dean has juggled our class schedules to enable smaller classes to completely use the school in all available spaces, including the library, band room, cafeteria, and gymnasium.

This year, we have virtual college visits, virtual classes for those with a medical condition, virtual parent meetings -- it seems that everyone is willing to work together to make it work! I have titled this school year Faith–Filled Flexibility, which seems appropriate for all of us who are developing the new normal!

Could we ever have envisioned our high school years, the new reality for our boys? I truly believe that they have adjusted and rolled with the challenges that they are finding themselves in, without much complaint! Masks don’t seem to be an issue, as trying to be socially distant is! Class sizes are smaller, which means more individualized attention, and I believe the boys appreciate that.

We had our Mass of the Holy Spirit, on the new St. John Baptist de La Salle Field on September 22, with social distancing.

Ten of our young men received their sacraments at St. Malachy in June. Challenges abound on how to give service, build community, and compete athletically, but together we solve the problems.

Our Athletic Programs are now in full swing and playing in our new stadium. Unfortunately, state guidelines under COVID-19 simply allow two guests per student to attend! We look forward to the day when the stands can be filled with Pilot fans!

This Fall, 80 seniors and Juniors will be inducted into the National Honor Society, which is a testimony to their hard work, as well as, the guidance of their families. Last year, all the boys enrolled in Mr. Brent Castine’s AP Human Geography course, his first year of teaching this new offering, achieved a score of a 4 or 5! Our number of 5 scores in the AP exams was up almost 60% since 2016!

I am most grateful for the support of our parents who entrust us at De La Salle with their sons, know of the Brothers’ prayers and we ask for your prayers St. John Baptist de La Salle, Pray for Us! Live Jesus in Our Hearts! Forever!

Ken Kalinowski as a DLS Freshman

Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1984

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around de la salle Esler named Advancement Director The Board of Trustees named Greg Esler as the Director of Advancement in July, filling a position vacant for the last two years. Previously, Esler served as De La Salle’s Major Gift Officer.

“We are really excited to name Greg as director of our advancement team,” Board Chair Jack Brusewitz said. “Greg has a very engaging personality and has great enthusiasm for the job. I am very confident that he will continue to do fantastic things for De La Salle and our students.”

This summer, Esler led the highly successful Bridge the Gap online fundraising campaign that raised more than $400,000 for De La Salle’s tuition assistance program. In June, the Hallof-Fame coach resigned as the most successful varsity basketball coach in the school’s 94-year history.

Esler now oversees fundraising and constituent relations, and will continue to serve on the school’s administrative team, working closely with the Board of Trustees to oversee all aspects of the

advancement program. As the chief fundraising officer, Esler will manage the Advancement Department, responsible for the main sources of fundraising revenue, the Lasallian Fund, and the annual Christian Brothers’ Dinner and Christian Brothers’ Classic.

“Greg has demonstrated outstanding dedication and loyalty to De La Salle,” Brusewitz said. “His previous work as head basketball coach and major gifts officer has prepared him for this important position at the school. Leading the recent, and very successful Bridge the Gap campaign, Greg has shown the ability to lead this department, so it’s a great honor and pleasure to add him to this role.”

From 1995 to 2018, Esler served as director of parks and recreation for the city of St. Clair Shores, where he was also the chief fundraiser for the Special Needs Playground Program, which is still the best of its kind in the state of Michigan.

“The tradition and spirit of De La Salle

December 1, 2020

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Dan Rohn and Greg Esler

have always been special to me,” Esler said. “I’m looking forward to making a difference while building a culture of giving, and implementing major initiatives and goals for future growth so we can continue to transform the lives of our students in a positive way.”

Dan Rohn, who was named head coach of the Pilots’ varsity football team in March, has assumed the role of Major Gifts Officer.

As part of his football coaching duties at Ferris State University in 2017, Rohn worked as the school’s alumni liaison in addition to developing strategies to best connect with alumni and donors to support the football program. He also assisted in all major fundraising efforts, including coordinating the annual lifta-thon and golf outing. During his time at Grand Rapids West Catholic High School (2008-13), he served as athletic director, facility director, and assisted the advancement director.

around de la salle Online fundraiser helps to “Bridge the Gap” The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted much of our daily lives. Not only did our De La Salle Collegiate students and teachers have to abruptly adjust to a “new normal,” with virtual learning. We had to cancel the Christian Brothers’ Dinner, and the opportunity to congratulate this year’s honoree, Gary Buslepp. The Christian Brothers Auxiliary, after months of planning, rescheduled its annual fashion show, only to have to cancel the event. The annual alumni golf outing was rescheduled to late August.

Recognizing that the loss of nearly $400,000 in fundraising revenue would tremendously affect the tuition assistance program, which provided approximately $2.6 million during the 2019-2020 school year, the DLS Advancement Department, led by Greg Esler, embarked on an online fundraising effort, held June 8-12.

Called Bridge the Gap, the event featured pre-recorded videos of alumni, faculty, students, parents, and coaches each evening. Greg Shea, Class of 1984, served as host each night.

Our thanks to those who stepped up and sponsored the event, as well as the many donors who helped to Bridge the Gap, and ensure that De La Salle can continue to offer the quality Lasallian education that our alumni and parents know and expect. The list of donors will be published in the 2019-20 Annual Report, which will be printed in December.

And thanks to the DLS Advancement Department members - Kevin Fitzhenry, Amy Seiferlein, Linda Fraschetti, Vicki Granger, Dennis Koch, and Brendan Johnson - who stepped up and went above and beyond to make Bridge the Gap happen while working at home during the pandemic.

Thank you to our Bridge The Gap Sponsors!

Alliance Catholic Credit Union Allied Printing Allstate - Chuck Harder Agency Inc. Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Century Banquet Center (American Polish Century Club) Copy Copy Center DaFrancesco’s Ristorante DENA - Brothers of the Christian Schools Dominics Catering Co. Inc. L. Mason Capitani Lucido Insurance Agency Lyons Tool & Engineering MJC Companies Nautical Deli Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace ReMax Suburban - Bernie Gallivan Salus Group Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Strobl & Sharp Simone Contracting Corporation Surburban Toyota-Volvo Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc.

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AROUND dE lA sALLE Dean takes on additional responsibilities Although Christopher Dean, De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1989, has been the Academic Assistant Principal for the past few years, he now has added duties to his role. His responsibilities, however, are not new territory.

“It’s challenging, but we are all stepping up this year to make face to face learning work,” Dean said. “This total team effort, from faculty, staff, students, and parents, is helping to make things normal.”

Dean served as Assistant Principal for Student Life between 2004-17 before he moved into the academic role in 2017.

He is working with Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski to figure out the best way to handle several traditional fall events, such as Spirit Week and virtual Parent-Teacher conferences.

As Assistant Principal, he handles attendance, lockers, and student behavior, and oversees all student activities outside of athletics.

Dean also oversees all academic departments, as well as counseling, academic support, and the International Baccalaureate program, in addition to his duties as Advanced Placement coordinator.

Dean works closely with counselors to make sure student schedules reflect classroom limitations on the number of people in a classroom. Last August, he measured rooms to ensure that desks were placed appropriately to meet social distancing guidelines.

“Brother Ken calls this year Faith-Filled Flexibility,” Dean said.

“And that’s exactly what this unusual time in 2020 calls for. We’re doing what we can to have the school schedule and our curriculum reflect ‘normal’ as much as possible, and deliver a quality academic experience.”

All School Mass at St. John Baptist de La Salle Field

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AROUND dE lA sALLE Djokaj to lead Pilots’ hoops For the first time since 1994, a new varsity coach will lead De La Salle Collegiate onto the basketball court.

Gjon Djokaj, the head coach at Walled Lake Northern the past three seasons, was named the Pilots’ new coach on Tuesday, interim athletic director Dennis Parks announced.

Djokaj becomes the 18th varsity basketball coach in school history. He succeeds hall-of-fame coach Greg Esler, who retired from coaching in June after 26 seasons.

Djokaj, 39, is a veteran coach with more than a decade of sideline experience that includes varsity jobs at Walled Lake Northern (2017-20) and Livonia Franklin (2016-17). He also had junior varsity and assistant varsity stops at Walled Lake Northern, Troy Athens, Bloomfield Hills Lahser, and Birmingham Seaholm.

Djokaj served as a men’s basketball video coordinator for head coach Jay Smith at Central Michigan University, where he earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in sports administration.

“We are excited to bring coach Gjon Djokaj into the Lasallian family,” Parks said. “He brings a wealth of basketball experience, knowledge, and success to De La Salle Collegiate.”

In the past four seasons, Djokaj’s varsity teams compiled a 56-33 overall record while going 28-22 in league contests. In 2019, Northern captured the Lake Valley Conference’s league and league tournament championships en route to posting a 20-3 overall mark.

“De La Salle Collegiate’s mission is abundantly clear and establishes a commonality between the school and my coaching philosophy,” said Djokaj, who played high school basketball at North Farmington. “Part of my success in coaching is derived from the high level of importance I place on mentoring and challenging student-athletes to strive to be the best on the court, in the classroom, and in their daily lives. Along with teaching values, which I deem essential to becoming a successful team, my experiences in coaching have made me more than capable of building and maintaining all facets of a championship-caliber basketball program.”

Parks named interim Athletic Director De La Salle Collegiate has named Dennis Parks as the interim Athletic Director.

“I look forward to the challenge of leading our athletic department, not only through this pandemic, but throughout a very successful school year,” Parks said.

Parks came to De La Salle in 2005 as the head varsity wrestling coach. Three years later, he became the school’s technology director, managing the technological needs of the students, and faculty and staff.

Parks’ professional career includes service as a technology coordinator for the Jefferson School District in Monroe, and systems administrator at Auburn Hills-based Morrell Inc. An accomplished wrestling coach for the past 24 years, Parks has also coached at Rochester Stoney Creek (2003-05), Troy Athens (200103), and Berkley (1996-2000). He was an assistant lacrosse coach at Regina in 2013.

A 1990 graduate of Hazel Park High School, Parks wrestled and ran cross country and track for the Vikings.

Parks is a U.S. Army veteran and possesses a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Djokaj now lives in Farmington Hills with his wife, Leze, and their three sons, Andrew 5, Gabriel 2, and Philip 1.

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AROUND dE lA sALLE New Faculty, New Positions Dominic Aldini, ‘12

Interim Band Director

Aldini is teaching Music at DLS this year, handling Concert Band and Marching Band. He played in the various DLS bands during high school, and continued his tenor sax play with the Michigan State Spartans Marching Band for two years, and the Spartan Brass for five years.

Aldini’s undergraduate degree is from MSU, and he is currently working on a master’s in history at Wayne State University.

He is on staff for the year as music teacher Mike Szczegielniak takes a oneyear leave of absence due to COVID-19.

Paige Callebs

English Department

Callebs joins the English department, teaching freshmen and juniors. Most recently, the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) graduate taught at Fitzgerald High School in Warren.

She attended St. Lawrence Grade School, and has always liked the idea of teaching at a Catholic school. She is a graduate of Henry Ford 2 High School in Sterling Heights.

Callebs married DLS 2013 alumnus Nicholas Callebs in 2018. The two met

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while engaged in the service program at UDM. An engineer, Nicholas works for a company that does safety testing. They reside in Royal Oak.

Ian Cicchini, ‘10

English Department

Cicchini is teaching sophomore and senior English.

An English major at Adrian College, he earned his degree in 2015, and substituted in the L’Anse Creuse schools, before teaching in a small community near the Michigan-Ohio border. Cicchini taught English in grades 6-12 in the Waldron, Michigan schools, where he was the entire English department. Cicchini served as defensive coordinator for the school’s Division 8 football team, and also coached JV baseball.

When a job opened up at Roseville High School in 2019, Cicchini moved back to Fraser, his hometown.

With the departures of English faculty members Traci Smith and Rebecca Cook to Mercy High School, Cicchini was eager to return to De La Salle, a position he calls his “dream job.”

A high school hockey player at De La Salle, Cicchini played hockey at Adrian and plans to assist with the DLS hockey program this winter.

“It’s refreshing to see no matter how much things change, the more they

remain the same. De La Salle is still instilling the core values I took with me,” Cicchini said.

Cicchini is the grandson of the late Julius Cicchini, SJ ‘55, who was the 2013 Christian Brothers’ Dinner honoree.

Kevin Fitzhenry, ‘03

Director of Admissions

Fitzhenry moves from the Marketing Department to head Admissions, where he served as Associate Director from 2015-2018.

Although Fitzhenry was not a full-time employee at De La Salle until 2015, he assisted with Wig and Mask Society (WAMS) productions as the DLS Drama Director from 2003 - 2015.

He directed numerous fall productions, and became WAMS Executive Director in 2018.

Fitzhenry is a graduate of Oakland University, and has additional work experience with the Detroit Red Wings and Warrior Sports, a lacrosse manufacturing company.

An accomplished award-winning actor and director, he has appeared in productions with the Grosse Pointe Theatre, The Detroit Actors Theatre Company, the Box Theatre, and the Snug and Riverbank Theatres in Marine City.

Fitzhenry has served on the Board of Directors for the Grosse Pointe Theatre.

AROUND dE lA sALLE Two interns join staff Kevin and his wife Kathleen live in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Zach Issa, ‘09

Associate Director of Admissions

Issa is no stranger to De La Salle Collegiate, and is happy to be in the building full-time.

“There is no better place for me,” Issa said.

“It is the best feeling to wake up and go to a place you love so much.

As the head lacrosse coach, I was in the building a lot. Now I’m here full-time, and excited that I get to use my skill set and contribute to the school.”

He is currently conducting student tours, meeting with families and prospective students. Issa also works closely with the international students, as well as the students from the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana.

Issa has served as head varsity lacrosse coach since October 2017, led his team to the 2019 regional championship. The 2020 lacrosse season was suspended due to COVID-19.

He graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in merchandising and design.

Issa is married; he and his wife live in Macomb Township, and are the parents of a ten-month old daughter.

Two interns have joined the De La Salle Collegiate faculty this fall. Aaron Solomon, a master’s student at Siena Heights University, is working in the Counseling Department under counselor Tony Albani, while Ben Westphal is student-teaching with Annmarie Michol in the English Department.

Aaron Solomon Intern, Counseling

Currently working on a master’s in clinical psychology at Siena Heights University, Solomon chose to complete some of his internship hours in a high school setting.

“I was interested in completing some hours in a high school because I feel that is a pivotal point in many people’s lives, especially boys,” Solomon said.

“They are dealing with becoming more of an adult and gaining responsibility while also trying to balance school work, friends, sports, other hobbies, and relationships. I’m very interested to see the differences between your typical school setting and the all-boys’ setting.”

Solomon is a 2010 graduate of Roeper High School (Birmingham, Michigan), and completed his bachelor’s in psychology at Eastern Michigan University.

He chose to pursue a career in psychology because of “my interest in human nature.”

Solomon’s mother is a Ph.D. level therapist in private practice, and he currently works as her office manager. He also works with a company specializing in therapy for the autistic population.

Ben Westphal, ‘16 Student-Teacher, English

Westphal, an English and education major at the University of Detroit Mercy, and a 2016 De La Salle alumnus, is excited to be at his high school alma mater.

An active student during his four years at De La Salle, including service as Student Council President his senior year, Westphal originally planned to major in psychology. When he spent time shadowing teachers at his alma mater, he was inspired to switch to education.

“As a teacher, I can make a difference in the lives of students,” he said.

Westphal has also been involved in student government at UDM, where he is currently vice-president. He was president during the 2019-2020 school year, and co-chaired the school’s orientation in Fall 2019. He also co-chaired the national leadership conference at UDM in 2019.

“This is definitely an adjustment,” Westphal said. “I’m getting used to the new name - Mr. Westphal. It’s an experience I won’t forget.”

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Around de la salle Cross-Country team achieves perfect score

Pulte grant aids Brothers’ Table Fund

The De La Salle Collegiate cross-country team achieved a perfect score of 15 against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the September 14 dual meet at Lake St. Clair Metro Park.

“A perfect score is when all of your team’s runners finish in the top seven,” Pilots coach Sandy Buchanan said. “I’ve never seen that in my 11 years with the team.”

The top seven spots were captured by senior captain Preston Earl, freshman Robert Trebnik, juniors Peyton Ross, Donovan Davis, Anthony Youngblood, senior Tanot Devereaux, and junior Dylan Petruzzello.

“Each time we run it’s like a job interview for the topseven spots,” Buchanan said. “Show us what you’ve got.”

The Pilots finished fourth at the Macomb County meet on October 9.

The Pulte Family Foundation recently awarded a $30,000 grant to De La Salle Collegiate for the Brothers’ Table, a program that assists De La Salle students whose families are in need of financial assistance for student food needs at school. The fund has been primarily funded by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, along with some generous donors.

“The De La Salle Brothers are most appreciative of the Pulte Grant,” said Brother Ken Kalinowski, head of the Christian Brothers’ community at De La Salle, who also serves as interim principal. “The Pulte Foundation generosity has and will continue to provide assistance to our students, especially during this COVID-19 experience where they find themselves in situations that many would never have foreseen.”

Brother Ken noted that the Brothers’ community pauses each night at their evening prayer to remember and pray for the generosity of benefactors who serve the needs of those at the school, adding, “May God shine His grace upon those past and present who have continued to provide for the needs of the young men at De La Salle.”

Amy Seiferlein, Director of the Lasallian Fund at De La Salle, completed the application for the $30,000 grant last winter.

“I am pleased we received this grant,” she said. “We will use this money for students in need, which aligns with the Pulte Family Foundation values: meeting the basic human needs of the most marginalized members of the human family.”

The Pulte Family Foundation was founded by the late Bill Pulte, a graduate of the De La Salle Class of 1950.

Donations to the Brothers’ Table are always welcome and appreciated. To make a donation, click here: https://www. delasallehs.com/alumni/support-de-la-salle

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Around de la salle Michol enters MHSCA Hall of Fame De La Salle Collegiate teacher Annmarie Michol, formerly the tennis coach at De La Salle,entered the Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA) Hall of Fame on September 20. Although the doors opened “virtually,” and the formal induction banquet at Central Michigan University is delayed until 2021, Michol is excited.

“I have coached all this time because I love developing young players and have enjoyed teaching the game I love so much,” she said.

“It was quite a surprise,” Michol said.

“What an honor to be recognized by coaching colleagues outside of tennis.”

She is the eighth De La Salle coach to enter the Hall. Previous inductees include the late Bernie Holowicki (1987), Al Baumgart (1989), Mike Jolly (2002), Brian Kelly (2009), Ross MacDonald (2013), Paul Verska (2017), and current varsity golf coach Doug McKay (2019).

She has been named state coach of the year twice, regional coach of the year 10 times, and Catholic league coach of the year on six different occasions. In 2013, she was inducted into the Macomb County Coaches Hall of Fame. Her teams have achieved Academic All-State honors 22 times.

During the course of her 28-year coaching career, Michol has amassed a 297-106-5 record at three schools: De La Salle, Regina, and Utica High School.

She currently coaches both boys and girls varsity tennis at Utica, and coaches her youngest daughter Haley, a senior.

“I absolutely love coaching my daughter,” Michol said. “Of my three daughters, she is the one who most liked tennis; the older two played travel softball.”

She coached at De La Salle from 1992 2007, the first female coach to take over a varsity program. Mike Jolly, Athletic Director at De La Salle from 1994-

Michol herself played No. 1 singles at Warren Fitzgerald for four years, and then played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles at the collegiate level for Macomb Community College and Wayne State University.

Former De La Salle tennis coach Annmarie Michol poses with her brother, Mark Sobieralski (left) and Ann Arbor Greenhills coach Eric Gajar, when she won her second Tennis Coaches Association “Coach of the Year.” award in 2017.

2004, who hired Michol, said, “Annie was a pioneer. She turned tennis into a powerhouse.”

Her teams at De La Salle were 140-705, and qualified for the state finals four times.

Michol took time off to spend more time with her family, as her daughters Ashley, Lindsey, and Haley began participating in sports, and her husband Joe was a swim coach.

Michol returned to coaching in 2012 for Regina High School, before joining the Utica staff in 2016. Through seven seasons there, her teams have a combined 111-18 record, with six league titles, and three state finals appearances.

“I would not be where I am today if not for the support of my beautiful family, Michol said. “In addition to Mike Jolly, my parents, my family, my previous coaches, my athletic directors, and my brother (Mark Sobieralski - MHSCA Hall of Fame Class of 2017) have been most influential in my coaching career.”

Sobieralski is the longtime varsity tennis coach at Grosse Pointe South, where Michol coached the JV team before taking on the DLS varsity head coach position.

Michol began teaching at De La Salle in 1998 in the English Department, and currently teaches freshmen and sophomores. She is now co-cordinator of the International Baccalaureate Program see story on page 15.

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Around De La Salle

Admissions combines in-person and virtual events With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the De La Salle Collegiate Admissions Department has significantly adjusted its fall schedule of activities for the Class of 2025.

Instead of prospective Pilots spending a day at De La Salle in the “Pilot for a Day” program, parents and their sons may schedule an in-person tour of the building after 3 p.m. No more than ten people at a time may visit, and all must wear masks and practice proper social distancing.

The Admissions Department has created a virtual PIlot for a Day experience, as well as a Virtual Information Night. Both videos are available via the Admissions home page on the school website www.delasallehs.com/ admissions In place of the High School Placement Test, De La Salle is offering the DLS Academic Merit Scholarship Exam, starting November 1. An additional test is offered December 5.

Virtual coffee talks take place on the first Thursday of each month.

Information and registration for all of these events is online at https://www. delasallehs.com/admissions

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Colleges Still ‘Visiting’ with Prospective Students During a non-pandemic fall semester, De La Salle Collegiate counselor Jon Hickey would be carefully scheduling in-person visits from college admissions representatives.

But now, all fall college recruiters meet with De La Salle students virtually, as COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols have upended the traditional visits.

“We don’t really have the space to pull them all together,” Hickey said, noting social distancing requirements.

Hickey schedules the virtual college visits during students’ lunchtimes. He anticipates 30-40 colleges and universities will participate.

“Students can log in from their devices, and attend the virtual visit, using headphones at their desks,” Hickey said. “They can ask questions using the chat option on Zoom, and other virtual platforms. It’s ideal for our current situation.”

Hickey says that all De La Salle students are welcome to attend the calls.

“I don’t think it’s ever too early to begin thinking about college,” he said. “I encourage students to attend as many as they can.”

Although colleges have suspended students visits, Hickey believes the virtual visits have value.

“These virtual visits can still be a great way to meet the college reps,” he said.

“Since this is a first for us, nobody really knows for sure how it will go, but

I imagine it being just as informative as the in-person visits. And just about all schools have a virtual tour that students can view.”

Hickey also encourages seniors to submit their college applications as soon as possible.

“I have always believed November 1 is a good date to shoot for,” he said.

COVID-19 has also upended standardized testing schedules for the ACT and SAT, with all spring and summer testing cancelled, and many sites still not offering the tests.

Hickey said a majority of universities are going test-optional for this academic year.

“This ensures that students who were unable to schedule SAT or ACT tests during the COVID shutdown won’t be at a disadvantage during the admissions process,” he said.

Hickey notes the Federal Student Aid Scholarship Application opens on October 1, and encourages all seniors and their parents to visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa When school closed in March, and the Financial Aid Information Night was cancelled, Hickey created a 30-minute video for parents who can view the presentation on the counseling webpage at www.delasallehs.com The counselors also send parents a monthly newsletter, and encourage parents to contact them with any questions.

around de la salle New IB team features familiar faces Faculty members Annmarie Michol and Jeana Page will co-coordinate the De La Salle Collegiate International Baccalaureate (IB) Program during the 2020-2021 school year.

“De La Salle is blessed to have such dedicated and experienced faculty members step up to lead the IB program,” said Principal Brother Ken Kalinowski.

“We know of their work ethic and have trust in their ability to steer the IB program.”

Michol, who teaches freshmen and sophomores in addition to IB seniors, will handle the second semester paperwork associated with IB. She is in charge of the Extended Essay component of the IB program.

Page also teaches freshmen and sophomores, and teaches the IB juniors.

Aaron Wladischkin is taking on the Theory of Knowledge class, which aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge. He also teaches the two-year History of the Americas IB course.

Andrew Campbell continues his work as the IB Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) Coordinator, ensuring all IB students fulfill the CAS component of the program.

“CAS allows students the opportunity to not only earn credit for their life experiences, but it also provides them with an opportunity to connect classroom learning with personalized experiences,” Campbell said.

“CAS projects have led to lifelong learning and guided students in planning for their future. Some projects have become careers.”

As the paperwork involved with IB is extensive, student teacher Ben Westphal, DLS ‘16, currently student teaching with Michol, will stay on for the second semester to teach part-time in the English Department.

Westphal is scheduled to graduate from the University of Detroit Mercy in December 2020.

Senior bottle collection helps Montana school In June, De La Salle Collegiate senior Cameron Kessler thought of ways to give back to others. That’s when he came up with the idea for a can and bottle collection drive to benefit the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Montana. http:// www.dlsb.org/ Kessler’s efforts resulted in more than $2,250 for the Blackfeet School to purchase school supplies In September 2019, Kessler, a student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, visited the school, which is part of the Blackfeet Nation, one of the largest Indian tribes in the United States. The visit was part of the annual IB service trip to the school.

Kessler worked out arrangements with Brother Ken Kalinowski for a collection box to be placed at the Brothers’ house, across the street from De La Salle.

“Cameron truly exemplifies what Christian Service is about,” said Jo Marie Ragona, Director of Christian Service at De La Salle.

“The special thing about Cameron’s project is that it was entirely self-motivated. He decided summer was a good time to do this so he could help out the Blackfeet Lasallian School for the coming school year, and he ran with it.”

Kessler also involved other members of the Pilots’ cross-country team in the project, which he used to complete the Creativity, Activity, or Service (CAS) requirement for the IB curriculum.

In addition to cross country, Kessler participates on De La Salle’s AutoPilots robotics team and is a member of the National Honor Society.

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CONGRATULATIONS, Class of 2020!

Muzanenhamo Hakutambgi

Cristian Domenico Adragna M

Ayden Ian Crowley C

Connor Joseph Adsit M

Timothy James Croxon

Salvatore Joseph Aiello IV

Anthony John Cusumano N I S

Luke James Kassin

Justin Santino Ambris I M

Aias Yves Danier

Evan Michael Kasuba C

Jarod Adam Amparo

Massimo Carmine Valentino

QNIS

Joshua Mateo Arredondo M

Kahari Q

Anthony Michael Killop C

DeMichele M

Aidan Kirsch

Braden Thomas Babich

Justin Richard Desmet

Samual Diallo Balford

Paul Carlson Didio

Saimer Daher Kiryakoza

Ryan Michael Baranowski

Ryan Matthew Drake I S

Dmitriy Raymond Klein

Jacob Stephen Baxa M

Joseph Fraser Eckenrode

Easton Alexander Knott N M

Thomas Gilbert Bechtell Jr. I S

Rico Ajani-Lenard Enoex C

Joseph Scott Kopke N S

Kyle Anthony Betlej

Anthony Michael Finley

Jack Henry Kosloski S

Andrew James Biernat

Cass Antony Fischer

Ryan Jacob Koss

William Hunter Bissell

Jacob Dylan Frederick

Jaylen Rashard Blackmon

Alexander John Gasior

Carson Brecken Kresevich

Sean Vanarel Bonery

Josef Anton Gjonaj

Carson Michael Kriewall C

Julian Boudreau M

Mitchell Thomas Grams C

Tomislav Krstevski

Dario Salvatore Bruglio

Nicanor M. Guevarra III

Parker Thomas Kuchulan

Isaiah Eugene Brundidge N M

Jack Ronnie Guitar

Nicholas Raymond Lachajewski C

Troy Patrick Brunsman

Jacob Richard Gumieny

Ethan Joseph LaCross

Jack Michael Bucci C

Joseph P. Hartsock

Tristan Carlos Lago

Justin Michael Burke

Declan Patrick Haun

Lucas Thomas Laird

Charles Lebert Burson

Daniel Warren Heppler II

Anthony Frank LaRocca M

Jordan Michael Burton S

Jack Tyler Herndon

Scott Robert Larson C

Ryan Austin Buszka M

Vito M. Iacona C

Lawrence James Lavigne Jr. N M

Jalen Tyrone Campbell

Anthony Essa Jacobs III I C

Maxx Dalton Joseph LePera

Gianluca David Cavataio C

Jalen Earl James

Nicolas Paul Lize M

Luke Neil Childs N S

Dong Hyeok Jang C

Tyler William Looman

Jason Frederick Clausen II S

Wayne Americo Jannette C

Galiko Tyreese Lovelace

Noah Francis Cole N I S

Andrew Richard Janusch N C

Dominic Michael Manion C

Justin Aaron Coleman

Zachary Alexander Jarski

QNS

Logan Matthew Manor N M

Christopher Comito C

Connor Orville Jasman N S

Ethan James Masakowski M

Austin Michael Cooley

Brendan Thomas Jenkins

Parker Bruce McClure N M

Jacob Allen Cosart

QNIS

Ethan William Jackie Croft C

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Michael Saleem Kafoury

QNS

Gabriel Christopher Kirck S

C

QNS

NIM

Ty Martin Kowalski I M

QNS

QS

Paul Dhia Meram N S Samuel Raymond Meyer M

CONGRATULATIONS, Class of 2020!

Marko Armand Tomich S Grant Michael Toutant Daniel Joseph Triglia M Nicholas Joseph Troszak N S Thomas Richard Turner Nicholas Raymond Twombley C Salvatore Ventimiglia Frank Paul Viviano I C Jadan Robert Vizina S Michael Joseph Vollmer Kenneth Lamont Walker II Sean Patrick Walker II N S Alexander David Washington M Joshua Bailey Michalski

Jett Alexander Schodowski M

Joseph Patrick Wiegand M

Daniel John Miscavish C

Christopher James Schumacher M

Donovan L. Williams

Nicholas Augusto Moncaleano N C

Chase Garrett Sealey

Dylan Price Wilson

Derrelle Jozay Murray C

Anthony Gerald Serra M

Michael Anthony Young Jr.

Cody Lee Ness C

Ethan Bradley Shaeffer

Matthew David Zanotti N S

Matthew Huy Nguyen

Deven Akash Sheth N I S

David Jaroslav Zeleney

Joseph Anthony Nicolella

Jared Blaise Shick C

Adam Charles Zepp

Bronson Norman O’Kray M

Robert Thomas Shiner N S

Shane Lawrence Zygmontowicz M

Kenneth Brian Oakes

Kristopher Daniel Singleton

Joseph Anthony Opolski III N I M

Joshua Evan Smith

John Christopher Panos M

Frederick Dale Soderberg C

Matthew Nouri Pattah

Marcus Anthony Spica

Ricky Dwayne Pearson II N C

David Stegner

Gino Salvatore Pelione

John Paul Stepho C

QNS

Brendan Douglas Pochmara

QS

QS

Anthony Jason Stepnitz

Justin Christopher Pryjma

Michael James Straffon Jr. M

Leonardo Mark Purchiaroni C

Michael DeShawn Stritzinger C

Patrick Michael Reardon

Rocco David Stroker

Matthew Bruce Rodgers C

Alexander Teftsis

Jordan Christian-Richaun Rogers

Cameron Blake Thompson C

Andrew Curtis Rusu

QNS

Alexander Michael Thorn C

Nicholas Michael Schmidt S

Michael Lawrence Tomenello I M

QM QNIS

Q Michigan Competitive Scholarship qualifier N National Honor Society I International Baccalaureate Candidate C Cum Laude M Magna Cum Laude S Summa Cum Laude Note: Class rankings and superior academic recognition (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude) are tentatively based on the 7th semester for the graduation ceremony and ultimately determined by a student’s final grades at the end of their 8th semester and placed on the final transcripts.

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CONGRATULATIONS, Class of 2020!

MERIT AWARDS

Salutatorian Jarod Amparo

Valedictorian Michael Kafoury

Business

First in Merit.............................................. Jordan Burton Second in Merit......................................Andrew Janusch Drama

Performance First in Merit............................................ Mitchell Grams Second in Merit................................................Noah Cole Technical First in Merit............................................Parker McClure Engineering

First in Merit..............................................Zachary Jarski Second in Merit.......................................... Andrew Rusu

Journalism and Yearbook

First in Merit........................................Joshua Arredondo Second in Merit....................................Carson Kresevich Mathematics

First in Merit..............................................Zachary Jarski Second in Merit..........................................Justin Desmet Music

Instrumental First in Merit............................................ Mitchell Grams Second in Merit..........................................Jarod Amparo Vocal First in Merit......................................Michael Straffon Jr. Science

Biology First in Merit...............................................Justin Desmet Second in Merit.............................................Luke Childs

English

First in Merit‌......................................Michael Kafoury Second in Merit..........................................Jarod Amparo

Chemistry First in Merit..........................................Michael Kafoury Second in Merit.........................................Zachary Jarski

Fine Arts

Social Studies

Foreign Language

Theology

Spanish First in Merit................................................. Deven Sheth Second in Merit..........................................Jarod Amparo

The Class of 2020 has earned over $15 million dollars in academic scholarships

First in Merit...................................Shane Zygmontowicz Second in Merit..........................................Tyler Looman French First in Merit..................................... Thomas Bechtell Jr.

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First in Merit..........................................Michael Kafoury Second in Merit.......................................... Joseph Kopke First in Merit..................................................Luke Childs Second in Merit..........................................Jarod Amparo

alumni news Justin Hauser ‘99

Hauser is now the principal of Priest Elementary-Middle School, in southwest Detroit. The school is part of the Detroit Public School Community District.

Prior to joining the Detroit system, he had teaching and administrative experience at the Bradford Academy of Southfield, and the Academy of Warren, both charter schools.

“I am excited to be here, stepping out of my comfort zone,” Hauser said. “I am excited to be involved in urban education.”

He attended Western Michigan University, and earned his Master’s in Education at Marygrove College.

Hauser and his wife Amy, a special education teacher, have two daughters and live in Sterling Heights.

Kevin Mitzel ‘11

Mitzel recently opened a new franchise location of a hair color salon in Shelby Township, and is planning a second location in October, and five additional locations on the east side of Metro Detroit.

“I’m excited to own and operate this up and coming brand!”

Mitzel said. “We have a full menu of services, ranging from a root touch up to a full head of color. “ Visit Mitzel’s website at www.dynfly.com Anthony Randazzo ‘96

Congratulations to Anthony Randazzo, one of 30 honorees named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2020 “Leaders in the Law.” He was honored virtually on August 23. Leaders in the Law are honored for significant accomplishments or achievements in law practice, as well as setting an example for other lawyers.

Randazzo is a senior partner at Secrest Wardle’s Troy Office.

He joined the firm in 2006, became a partner in 2009, an executive partner in 2015, and a senior partner in 2019. He chairs the firm’s Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Group, and serves as Chair of the Property/Advertising Injury practice group.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Oakland University, and his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

Randazzo is married and lives in Shelby Township. He and his wife are the parents of three daughters.

Rod Rudzewicz ‘80

Rudzewicz retired in December 2019 after 35 years of service with Fiat Chrysler Automotive. He is enjoying spending more time with family and grandchildren. He makes his home in Troy, but also spends time in Arizona.

Daniel Vachon ‘13

Vachon is currently working as a registered nurse at the University of Michigan Hospital. This fall, he is continuing his studies, and is enrolled in the University of Michigan School of Nursing, pursuing a doctorate in Nursing Practice, with a focus of study on Adult-Gerontology Acute Care.

He attended Hope College, in Holland, MI, where he earned his BSN in May 2017.

Vachon chose to pursue his DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), because he would like to teach undergraduate nursing classes.

He decided not to pursue a Ph.D. in Nursing as his focus would all be on research as opposed to patient care.

“I would definitely say that teachers I had at De La Salle, like Dr. Laura Rigby and Mr. Mike Szatkowski, inspired me to teach,” Vachon said.

Dave Zulkiewski ‘95

Zulkiewski, who teaches and coaches swimming at Bloomfield Hills High School, led his girls’ team to their 4th Oakland Activities Association (OAA) League title in five years, and was recognized as the 2019 Matt Mann Award winner, the highest honor given by the state’s swim coaches association. To be considered, a coach must have at least five years of experience in Michigan, and demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels.

He teaches Computer Science, CAD, and STEAM at Bloomfield, where he is in his 22nd year. Zulkiewski earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology Education from Eastern Michigan University, and a master’s in Leadership Administration from Central Michigan University.

Zulkiewski and his wife Seena have been married six years, and are the parents of two; the family lives in Troy.

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alumni news Father Anthony VanBerkum, OP ‘12

Father Anthony VanBerkum was ordained May 23, 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, in the house chapel of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC. He said his first Mass at his home parish of St. Paul on the Lake on June 2. Father Anthony spent the summer ministering in hospitals in Manhattan, filling in so that other staff members could have a vacation.

“It was after the spike in COVID-19 cases,” Father Anthony said. “The hospital had solid protocols in place, and I wasn’t worried about it.”

He is a member of the Dominican order, and currently living in Washington DC while attending classes in Canon Law at Catholic University. He anticipates completion of his studies in 2022. At that point, he may be assigned to a parish or possibly teaching in the Dominican seminary.

Father Anthony graduated from Stanford University in 2013, with a bachelor’s degree in Physics.

Brother Luke VanBerkum and Father Anthony VanBerkum

His younger brother, Brother Luke VanBerkum, is also in the Dominican order. He attended the University of Notre Dame, and is scheduled to become a deacon in 2021, with ordination to the priesthood in 2022.

Alumnus roofsits to raise money to fight child abuse De La Salle Collegiate alumnus Matt Markham camped out the week of September 13-18 -- on the roof of a building.

Markham, who graduated from De La Salle in 2012, is a disc jockey at Port Huron’s WSAQ 107.1 FM. He took the unusual approach to camping as part of the country music station’s 26th annual Community Roof Sit fundraiser to support the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of St. Clair County.

“We raised $148,000,” Markham said.

He hoped to break the 2019 record of $138,000, and is thrilled with the huge leap in donations.

Markham camped on the building 24 hours a day, broadcasting daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. He communicated via laptop with fundraising volunteers,

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giving shoutouts to donors throughout the day.

“With COVID-19, a lot of kids are at home, and not in school, and could be in an abusive situation,” he said. “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.”

Local businesses sent food to Markham’s downtown rooftop location at 808 Huron Avenue. He kept a cooler nearby and used a portable restroom. In 2018, his first year on the roof, he used a hose for washing. This year, he had the “luxury” of an outdoor shower that the building’s manager installed.

“It can get cold up here in Port Huron,” Markham said. “We’re at the mouth of

the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, so it’s usually 10 degrees colder up here than in Detroit.”

Markham, who attended the Specs Howard School of Broadcasting in Southfield, took the job in Port Huron after graduation. He’s worked at WSAQ and its sister station WBTI 96.9 FM. On Halloween this year, he will mark his sixth anniversary of handling the 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekday time slot.

Markham attended St. Angela Grade School, until it closed, and then finished eighth grade at St. Isaac Jogues, before attending De La Salle. He was a member of the De La Salle swim team.

alumni news Success and Tradition at Second Annual Christian Brothers Classic Golf Outing Approximately 168 golfers enjoyed the second annual Christian Brothers Classic, in honor of the late Ed Martel ‘87, at Indianwood Golf and Country Club on Monday, Aug. 24.

The event was organized by Dennis Koch ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations and assistant varsity golf coach, and Brendan Johnson ‘15, Interim Marketing Director, along with the assistance of Doug McKay, veteran DLS varsity golf coach.

Originally scheduled for June at the historic Detroit Golf Club, the event was canceled due to limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to keep the annual event alive for the 2020 calendar year, the golf classic was resurrected following all health guidelines.

“It was a tremendous day for De La Salle,” Koch said. “I really think our golfers had a great day at Indianwood. We are very lucky for the support of all our sponsors, our alumni, current parents and friends of De La Salle.”

Old Course Winners: Brad Sabo ‘03, Adrian Sabo ‘00, Jonnie Facciolla ‘01, and John Perillo.

In addition, Julie Martel (Ed Martel’s widow), and current parents Mike Jolet ‘96, Shannon McKay, Niki Sancimino, and Christine Quitter, the Christian Financial Credit Union representative to De La Salle, helped with the golf classic.

This year’s recipient of the Ed Martel award was the late Dan Marsh ‘80, who was an active member with the De La Salle Collegiate Alumni Association, who most notably served as a board member of the Pilot Bar Association. Dan’s widow, Liz, and their children accepted the award on his behalf.

Two winning teams prevailed representing the “Old Course,” a links’ style course designed in 1925, and the “New Course,” a traditional American style course added in 1988.

The Old Course winners were the team of Brad Sabo ‘03, Adrian Sabo ‘00, Jonnie Facciolla ‘01, and John Perillo. The New Course winners were the team of Greg Aliotta ‘15, Ray Skowronski ‘15, Cameron Jacques ‘14 and Joe Mastej ‘15.

The New Course Winners: Greg Aliotta ‘15, Ray Skowronski ‘15, Cameron Jacques ‘14 and Joe Mastej ‘15.

The outing was possible because of the support of the committee and our generous sponsors. HealthQuest, the title sponsor, headlined a great group of supporters including the Christian Brothers Auxiliary, Christian Financial Credit Union, Brew Detroit, TopCat Sales, EA Graphics, Center For Orthopedic Surgery, Patrick Studios, Kanga Roof, Salus Group, and Ultra Stitch.

21

Alumni NEWS De La Salle Salutes the Class of 1950

By Dennis Koch, Director of Alumni Relations Tony Mattar, the “captain” of the graduating Class of 1950, believes that his class is the “greatest of all time.” Many Pilots may be aghast, or even offended, when hearing a strong claim, such as the one Mattar makes, because of the pride in their own graduating class.

Pulte Homes became the world’s largest home builder. Bill Fox became a tremendously successful auto dealer and is the single largest donor to DeLaSalle with over $6 million. J. P. McCarthy (Christian Brothers Dinner Honoree, ‘90) became a nationally recognized voice of WJR. Fox and Mattar were joint Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honorees in 2005.

Mattar passionately elaborated on the greatness of the Class of 1950 as they gathered recently at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester to celebrate their 70th Mattar, who has a classroom named class reunion. Mattar has organized the in his honor, challenges all classes to reunions every five years since 1975. meet or break the Class of 1950’s giving record to De La Salle.

“Our class has donated over $8 million to De La Salle Collegiate,” Mattar said.

“We have the late Bill Pulte, the founder of Pulte Homes; the late Bill Fox, the autodealer; the late J.P. McCarthy, the long-time voice of WJR; and the late Don Slazinski, who contributed nearly $1.7 million to the school in his lifetime.

No one can touch that. No De La Salle class, no class in the country.” These strong words resonated with me as I listened to Mattar.

While the success of these alumni is commonly known in the De La Salle community, Mattar also shared the success of those who are not as well known.

“We have plenty more guys who have achieved incredible success,” Mattar continued. “Do you know who John Miottel is? How about Dr. Gerry Turcotte? Ed Stevens? Ed Carter?”

Tony Mattar addresses his classmates.

22

Some tremendous Pilots I learned about include Navy veteran John Miottel, who has his own museum in California composed mostly of ocean liner and travel memorabilia. Miottel apparently had some flying issues while serving in the U.S. Navy which earned him the nickname “Crash.” Turns out, “Crash” also crashed cars and other sports/adventure vehicles!

Other notable members of the Class of 1950 are • the late Ed Carter, who worked at NASA for many years.

• the late Dr. Gerry Turcotte, a pioneer in the world of transplants and a surgeon at the University of Michigan Hospital.

• the late Ed Stevens won a gold medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics, as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy rowing team.

• the late Dr. James Youngblood who became the President of the American Pediatric Association.

Continued on page 23

Tony and welcome sign.

Joe Baranska addresses the crowd.

Alumni NEWS

Continued from previous page

• Gene Guswiler was a prominent Dean of Student and Services at Macomb Community College.

• the late Ray Jungwirth was a great student-athlete and later a medical doctor.

At the reunion, I was able to catch up with • Dave Kellet, a major home builder and former mayor of the City of Bloomfield Hills. Kellet has also assisted Mattar in assembling all these reunions.

• Milt Boyd, another pilot, also crashed a plane at Detroit City Airport.

• Jerry Moore, an attorney, still working today, and a member of the Pilot Bar Association.

These men deserve to be proud of their accomplishments. As a fellow alumnus, I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to celebrate their reunion with such a fine group of men.

Standing (L to R) Ray Marcil, Jerry Moore, Milt Boyd, Jim Sardelli, and Dennis Koch

Sitting (L to R) Joe Baranska, Dave Kellett, Tony Mattar, Jack Welsand, and Don Cavanaugh.

All photos at this event were taken by Michelle Samartino.

In honor of their reunion and to keep The Collegiate alive, Tony Mattar and John Miottel generously donated the cost of printing and mailing this issue.

Thank you, gentlemen!.

23

Tony Mattar CLU, ChFC

“Class of 1950”

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Alumni Spotlight John Kosanke, Class of 1984

Director of Public Safety, City of Grosse Pointe Woods After high school accounting classes with John Schmid, John Kosanke began his post secondary education at Macomb Community College, with an eye toward an accounting degree.

A job at the University of Detroit, as a community service officer, changed his mind. After eight months, he was promoted to public safety officer and sent through the Detroit Police Academy.

“I didn’t see myself in an office, and didn’t want to be a day-to-day office person, although that’s what I’ve turned out to be,” said Kosanke, who graduated from De La Salle Collegiate in 1984.

Kosanke began his public safety career with Grosse Pointe Woods in 1990, rising through the ranks, to become the chief in 2016. He recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary with the city.

“I liked the draw of public safety,” said Kosanke, who earned a criminal justice degree from Siena Heights University in Adrian. “I have a cousin in Houston, Texas, who is an officer. Another cousin in Ontario. One of my uncles was a probation officer in Detroit. My best friend’s dad was a Detroit cop. I talked with a lot of friends and relatives and decided this was something I wanted to go into.”

He has never looked back.

“I’ve had a rewarding career over the past 30 years,” Kosanke said. “I’ve

helped thousands of people and along the way, made some sort of impact with my community.”

Kosanke heads a department of 40, including officers, dispatchers, and support staff.

During the pandemic, Kosanke has dealt with the stress of putting together plans, knowing that if one of his employees were to contact COVID-19, the virus could go through his department quickly. He had personal experience with COVID’s impact, as his older brother, Msgr. Chuck Kosanke, a 1977 De La Salle graduate, developed COVID-19 in mid-March, and was hospitalized.

“When I got that call about Chuck, it sent chills up my spine,” Kosanke said.

But Kosanke, a self described bluecollar guy, kept attending webinars, and reviewing documents from federal, state, and county departments to make sure his staff was ready to deal with the pandemic.

“It’s the first time I can remember in 30 years that we locked the doors of the police station,” he said. “We didn’t know what we were dealing with. I had to make sure we had enough personal protective equipment for officers, and that we had protocols in place to control this.

A lot of the employees have spouses who work in the healthcare field, and the chances of them coming down with COVID are quite high.”

The protocols have been effective, and thus far no one has contracted COVID-19.

During his years in public safety, Kosanke remembers two incidents that affected him personally.

A late 1990s incident, when powerful winds swept people into Lake St. Clair, Kosanke, and other officers from the Grosse Pointes assisted rescue operation in Grosse Pointe Farms. Kosanke performed CPR on a 2-year old, pulled from the water, all the way to the hospital, but the boy didn’t survive.

A trench collapse at a residential building site in Grosse Pointe Woods also affected Kosanke. The Oct. 2014 incident occupied Kosanke and his department for 48 hours.

“It started as a recovery operation, when a man was in a trench, and the dirt walls collapsed on him,” he said. “It was extremely difficult, and the walls kept collapsing. We had to pull rescuers out of the hole, and we were holding the hand of the man who was dying.”

The father of three daughters, Kosanke credits his parents for his work ethic.

“I learned my work ethic from my dad, as did all my brothers,” he said. “He rarely took time off, and was always a hard worker. He did everything he could for me and my brothers.”

Kosanke said he recently received a call from a De La Salle alumnus. “He saw the story about me in the local paper, and reached out to say he felt a lot safer knowing a Pilot is running the department.

“I just like to come in and do the best I can every day. I ask that of my staff. Get the job done.”

25

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In Memoriam 1940’s

Douglas Boyd SJ, ‘47. January 8, 2020.

John Connarn ‘47. June 15, 2020.

Ben Evola SJ ‘49. August 5, 2020.

Albert Gelineau ‘47. March 19, 2020.

Roy Martin ‘49. September 2, 2020. Brother of Richard Martin Sr., ‘53. Uncle of Richard Martin Jr. ‘89.

1950’s

Leon Bemben ‘59. September 4, 2020.

Dennis Corbett SJ ‘57. March 31, 2020.

Robert C. Cox SJ, ‘56. February 18, 2020.

Richard Chernowsky SJ ‘57. May 2, 2020.

Edward Carter ‘50. September 3, 2020. Uncle of Michael Kummerl ‘83, Joe Kummerl, ‘09, and Joel Weir ‘95.

Thomas Johnson ‘53. August 22, 2020.

Robert Kelly ‘53. September 11, 2020.

Thomas Mancewicz SJ ‘56. April 21, 2020.

Robert “Bob” Rogers, ‘51. June 7, 2020.

James Gilleran ‘54. July 11, 2020. Brother-in-law of John Potvin ‘54 and Roland Rinke ‘43.

1960’s

Art Bollaert ‘64. October 1, 2020 Donald Halstead ‘60. May 26, 2020.

Michael Hrigora ‘68. January 9, 2018.

John Anthony Novak SJ ‘60. August 4, 2020.

Walter Stachura ‘63. September 29, 2020.

1970’s

John Zawickie ‘72. September 27, 2020.

1980’s

Noel Mermer ‘85. October 3, 2020.

1990’s

Joseph Campeau ‘91. September 9, 2020.

Matthew Handzo ‘96. July 17, 2020. Brother of Derek Handzo ‘92. In 2000, Matt was inducted into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame, after a successful college football career at Hope College.

Extended Family

Suanne Barika. June 23, 2020. Grandmother of Christian Miller ‘15.

Jim Cumming. July 23, 2020. Father of Aaron Cumming, 02.

Salvatore (Sam) DiCaro. June 4, 2020, and Mary Rose DiCaro. January 7, 2020. Parents of Sal DiCaro, DLS Dad’s Club President ‘05-‘06, and Grandparents of Sammy DiCaro ‘06.

Donald Flanigan. June 17, 2019. Grandfather of Blaine Flanigan ‘19.

Dan Hill. September 27, 2020. Father of D.J. Hill, ‘89.

Richard Jolly. September 3, 2020. Son of Mike Jolly, longtime De La Salle coach and teacher. Brother of Douglas Jolly ‘92.

Bob Kessler. July 23, 2020. Bob worked for several years at De La Salle in the Maintenance Department.

Virginia Kotwicki. September 12, 2020. Mother of Daniel Kotwicki ‘65. Grandmother of Daniel Kotwicki ‘88. Greatgrandmother of Cameron Jacques ‘14 and Mitchell Jacques ‘15.

Aunt of William Kotwicki ‘58, Victor Kotwicki ‘63, and Mark Kotwicki ‘65. Great-aunt of Edward Kotwicki ‘98, and Mark Kotwicki ‘99.

Sam Lodato. June 6, 2020. Father of Carl Lodato ‘92 and Anthony Lodato ‘95.

Catherine Mary Taglione. August 10, 2020. Mother of Stephen Taglione ‘73 and Mike Taglione ‘76. Grandmother of Kevin Taglione ‘13. Siser of the late Eugene Fattore ‘34 and the late Stephen Fattore ‘48. Aunt of Christopher Stefani ‘93 and David Stefani ‘96.

Joseph Vaughn. August 24, 2020. Grandfather of Patrick Vaughn ‘09.

Norman Van Ittersum. June 27, 2020, Father of David Van Ittersum ‘86. Grandfather of David Van Ittersum ‘12 and Jacob Van Ittersum ‘15.

Nancy Zarucki. July 6, 2020. Mother of Nicole Zarucki, De La Salle Collegiate Athletic Trainer.

This list represents notifications received thru October 10, 2020. If you know of an alumnus or extended family member who has passed, please notify Dennis Koch in the Alumni Office at 586-541-6221 or email dkoch@delasallehs.com.

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI PERMIT NO. 348