Odyssey
WINTER 2021
THE MAGAZINE OF DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
tap into The Spartans flexibility as Classroom extreme 2020 redefined what it Swivel means to be in class
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DE SMET JESUIT’S NEW PRESIDENT • STUDENTS HOST VIRTUAL EVENTS
Odyssey THE MAGAZINE OF DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
VOL.21 NO.1 WINTER 2021
In this issue ON THE COVER Moving outside for more physical distancing, concert band student Sean Corkery ’23 plays xylophone with Sakye Moore ’24 (center) and Theo Porter ’24 on snare drums. Rearranging spaces to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission became a dominant theme in 2020. Indoors at De Smet Jesuit, teachers and students maximized every single area for a safer learning environment, even dividing up the cafeteria (at right) for classes such as Honors English 2 with Mr. Manaker, S.J. COVER PHOTO AND PHOTO AT RIGHT BY CARRIE BECHER
A YEAR IN REVIEW SPOTLIGHT
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The Classroom Swivel
Spartans tap into extreme flexibility as 2020 redefined what it means to be in class
Returning Home
Alumni faculty and staff pay it forward at their alma mater
DEBBIE HIGGINS
LISA KNABE
DEBBIE HIGGINS
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ODYSSEY MAGAZINE EDITOR
Debbie Higgins ASSISTANT EDITOR
Carrie Becher DESIGN
Toucan Design CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Robert Bergman ’93 Patrick Morris ’06 Bill Rebholz ’77 Kevin Ruder ’93 ODYSSEY MAGAZINE is published two times per year. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission with appropriate credit to Odyssey Magazine, De Smet Jesuit High School. CORRESPONDENCE
De Smet Jesuit High School 233 North New Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63141 314.567.3500 / Fax 314.567.1519 www.desmet.org
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DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL INTERIM PRESIDENT
Kevin Ruder ’93 PRINCIPAL
Kevin Poelker ’98
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DEPARTMENTS
ALUMNI CONNECT
From Kevin Ruder ’93
24 Class News
Latest news from alumni and event highlights
NEWS & NOTES
28 Milestones
4 Headliners
School-wide news and events
6 Showcase
Noteworthy student achievements
8 Spartan Country 10 Gratitude
Advancement news and gifts at work
12 Magis
Student experiences that extend beyond the classroom
14 Academics
Highlights from the classroom
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Debbie Higgins
MISSION
2 A Message
Athletic news, season recaps, and school spirit
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT
Bill Rebholz ’77
VISIT THE NEWS HUB desmet.org/about/newshub
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK De Smet Jesuit High School De Smet Jesuit Alumni
Virtual Hosting
Students step up to revamp recruitment
22 Fall Family Album Highlighting our stellar parent community
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24 A Night of Celebration
Three members join Hall of Fame
KEVIN BERNS ’87
LATEST NEWS FROM SPARTAN COUNTRY
Births, marriages, and in memoriam listings
29 Vintage Hospitality SIGHTINGS
De Smet Jesuit inspires and prepares men for and with others to transform the world, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @DeSmetJesuitHS FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @DeSmetJesuitHS WATCH US ON YOUTUBE @DeSmetJesuitHS CATCH EVENTS ON DSN (De Smet Student Network) desmet.org/dsn
A Message From Kevin Ruder
Dear Friends of De Smet Jesuit
As I write this message, when we are past the midway point of a challenging school year, I feel optimistic and excited about the future of De Smet Jesuit. I know you will join me in offering congratulations and a warm Spartan Country welcome to our new president, Daniel Zepp, and his wife Avila. I am working alongside Dr. Zepp to help prepare him to take the reins as our school’s next leader. This issue of Odyssey offers a brief introduction to Dr. Zepp. You will hear much more from and about him in the weeks and months to come. This spring as we continue our admission efforts, our messaging carries the theme, “now more than ever,” and highlights the many distinguishing factors of the De Smet Jesuit experience that resonate on an even deeper level because of our current pandemic-impacted reality. One of my favorite messages from this campaign is, “Now more than ever, your son needs teachers who care and adapt.” I believe that no one has done a better job at adapting to make in-person learning work successfully than our dedicated faculty and staff. This issue of Odyssey offers an in-depth view of what a school day looks and feels like during a pandemic. The modifications to our physical space and daily procedures have been significant. Months of planning, combined with the creativity, generosity, and commitment of our entire community, have been our formula for success. It has been a privilege to serve as your Interim President. As a parent and alumnus, I have always been grateful for De Smet Jesuit’s impact on my family. My year in this role has given me an
KEVIN BERNS ’87
entirely new appreciation for what happens in these hallways on a daily basis. The level of care
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Now more than ever, your son needs teachers who care and adapt.
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and attention that our faculty and staff extend to students has been extraordinary to witness. Thank you, students, for your humor and resilience during a challenging year. Thank you, faculty and staff, for taking on so many “extras” that this year has required. Thank you, parents, for your support, flexibility, and compliance with new protocols and procedures. Thank you, alumni and friends, for making everything we do possible because of your love for De Smet Jesuit. Now more than ever, I am proud to call myself a Spartan. Sincerely, Kevin Ruder ’93 INTERIM PRESIDENT
2” tall Spartan Helmet for grey pant
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50 YEARS OF DE SMET
News&Notes PHOTO BY CARRIE BECHER
BANNER OF BROTHERHOOD Jacobi Jackson ’21 waves over students to join Nick Hubert ’21 in signing a banner that shares how Spartans will commit to justice during Black History Month and beyond. Black Student Union leaders like Tanner Jackson ’21 (left) helped organize the effort along with t-shirt sales, awareness posters, and a social media campaign shared at desmet.org/justice.
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De Smet Jesuit’s Board of Trustees announced Daniel Zepp’s appointment as the school’s next president on January 27. “Daniel Zepp is a visionary and charismatic leader, with a solid background in Jesuit education,” stated Search Committee Chair Chrissy Nardini and the late Greg Pohlman ’78 in their message to the De Smet Jesuit community. His selection followed a national search process that began in the summer of 2020 and was led by an educational search firm, Carney, Sandoe & Associates. Dr. Zepp was the unanimous choice of the President’s Search Committee. Dr. Zepp’s vision for Catholic, liberal arts education has been shaped by more than 14 years of experience teaching, advising, and counseling students, including nine years of experience consulting, strategically planning, and assessing mission and identity with administrators and faculty at middle, secondary, and post-secondary levels. “I am honored and humbled to lead De Smet Jesuit, a school with a strong history, legacy, and proud tradition, in its next chapter,” said Dr. Zepp. “The time is now for De Smet Jesuit to be bold and imagine an even brighter future ahead.” Dr. Zepp began his tenure in March with plans to build relationships and become familiar with the school’s priorities and goals. “In my first months I plan to do a lot of listening and learning,” he said. “I want to know what makes this school tick. I want to know what gets students up in the morning and makes them so excited to come to school. I want to know why people enjoy coming here to work every day, and I want to know this community’s hopes and aspirations for De Smet Jesuit.” Dr. Zepp is originally from Louisville, Ky., where he attended St. Xavier High School. He received a football scholarship to Boston College, where he earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education, an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry, and a B.S. in Management. Dr. Zepp is a published
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COURTESY OF DANIEL ZEPP
My immediate goals are to soak up what it means to be a Spartan through conversations with students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni, and to build upon the excitement this community has about De Smet Jesuit’s future.
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Above: Daniel and Avila Zepp
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At right: Dr. Zepp meets the staff of De Smet Jesuit’s student newspaper, The Mirror. (Front row, from left) Sebastian Kelly ’21, Anthony Grant ’21, and Donovan Hughes ’22; (back row, from left) Jack Venneman ’21, Michael Dolan ’21, Dr. Zepp, Drew Insco ’21, Thomas Dolan ’23, and Ryan Flavin ’21
author, and his doctoral research focused on the faith development of young men. He comes to De Smet Jesuit from Resurrection College Prep High School, an all-girls, Lasallian Catholic school in Chicago, where he served as Interim President. Preceding his appointment at Resurrection, he served as President and Director of Advancement of St. Petersburg Catholic High School in St. Petersburg, Fla. He and his wife, Avila, look forward to settling in St. Louis. “It is a great honor to return to Jesuit education, where I’ve been formed personally, academically, spiritually, and professionally,” he said. “My immediate goals are to soak up what it means to be a Spartan through conversations with students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni, and to build upon the excitement this community has about De Smet Jesuit’s future.”
KEVIN BERNS ’87
INTRODUCING DE SMET JESUIT’S NEW PRESIDENT
College Commits 18 SPARTANS SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT The De Smet Jesuit Athletic Department hosted events during the fall and winter honoring student-athletes who signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college. Congratulations, Spartans! Rico Barfield – Ball State University – Football Taj Butts – University of Missouri-Columbia – Football Jordan Calvin – Missouri University of Science and Technology – Football Connor Clancy – Maryville University – Lacrosse Dakote Doyle-Robinson – Baylor University – Football Carter Edwards – Northwest Missouri State University – Football Charlie Ferbet – Willamette University – Baseball Drew Hollman – Christian Brothers University – Golf Jakailin Johnson – The Ohio State University – Football Yaya Keita – University of Missouri-Columbia – Basketball Colton King – Central Methodist University – Wrestling Hutson Lillibridge – Tulane University – Football Harry Nardini – Rockhurst University – Lacrosse Denver Parker – Austin Peay State University – Football Nolan Ruder – St. John Fisher College – Lacrosse Darez Snider – Miami University (Ohio) – Football Jack Whited – St. Louis Community CollegeMeramec – Baseball Mekhi Wingo – University of MissouriColumbia – Football
And the Davey Goes to... SCHOOL WEBSITE EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION De Smet Jesuit’s public website, desmet.org, is the winner of a Silver Davey Award, presented in October 2020 by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA) for outstanding creative work from small agencies across the world. The school’s website firm, Finalsite, nominated desmet.org for this honor. In partnership with Finalsite, the De Smet Jesuit communications team, (Carrie Becher, John Hawkey ’96, and Debbie Higgins), spent nine months during the 2019-2020 school year redesigning the website, which went live in February 2020. “The purpose of our website is to showcase the exceptional De Smet Jesuit experience in and beyond the classroom,” said Debbie Higgins, Director of Communications. “We are so thankful to everyone who contributed to this effort and success.”
(Kneeling, from left) Colton King, Jack Whited, Carter Edwards, Jordan Calvin, and Nolan Ruder; (standing, from left) Drew Hollman, Charlie Ferbet, Harry Nardini, Connor Clancy, Yaya Keita, Denver Parker, Rico Barfield, Mekhi Wingo, and Taj Butts; (not pictured) Dakote Doyle-Robinson, Jakailin Johnson, Hutson Lillibridge, and Darez Snider
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Check out Spartan Country on page 8 for recaps from our fall sports teams!
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ART RAISES AWARENESS Illustrations by art students Matt Maher ’21 (below, left) and Sean Woods ’21 (at top) were chosen for publication with the 98th St. Louis Post-Dispatch 100 Neediest Cases campaign in November. The Post-Dispatch partners with the United Way to raise awareness for needy families in St. Louis. According to art teacher Laurie Kohler, student participation means more than using skills to complete an assignment. “Students come to understand the value of sharing their creative skills to portray their awareness of real-world socioeconomic problems,” she said. “I thought about how a lot of people are currently struggling economically and mentally, and I wanted to represent a teenager dealing with those issues,” said Matt Maher of his charcoal sketch that depicts the back view of a teenage boy carrying a backpack.
Of Note DISTRICT BAND HONORS
DEBBIE HIGGINS
In December, Emmett Concannon ’22 (below, right) was selected for the Metro 8 District Honors Orchestra and placed in First Violin, eighth chair. He was one of just 28 violinists selected. In January, Sebastian Helling ’24 (below, left) was chosen to play Trumpet 2 for the Metro 8 District Honors Jazz Band, one of 21 students from across the district. “Emmett and Sebastian are talented students,” said Nick Moramarco, Band Director. “Their dedication will advance their musical pusuits.”
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Dionysian Players Hit theAirwaves ACTORS ENJOY THE CHALLENGE OF RECORDING A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
In December, the De Smet Dionysian Players recorded an audio version of the 1946 American movie classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. “With COVID restrictions in place, a radio production was a great option,” said De Smet Jesuit Theatre Director Kurt Knoedelseder. “It was a way to keep our theatre family active safely and produce something to share with the De Smet Jesuit community for the holiday season.” Twenty actors portrayed 60 roles in the production, wearing masks in small groups, distancing across the stage, and reading from scripts marked up with director’s notes. Because the actors did not need to memorize their lines, the show required fewer rehearsals. It was a fantastic learning experience for the Dionysian Players. “Because this show is so well known, I reminded the actors that many people who listened to our recording would be playing the movie in their heads. It was critical to get the characters just right,” said Mr. Knoedelseder. “When you take away the memorization and the blocking, playing a character becomes a lot more straightforward,” said Ryan Hughes ’21, who played George Bailey. “It was all about speaking like the character in a way that seemed natural. It was also challenging to make sure I kept the same voice throughout.” Bella Leonard, a senior at Visitation Academy who voiced the role of Mary Hatch, was grateful to be a cast member. “As an actor, I did not realize how much I played off of my castmates’ emotions and reactions until my first read-through. It was truly like no other experience for me,” she said. The performance was recorded on December 10 by Scott Harris, a professional sound designer, and shared via email and social media with the school community as part of De Smet Jesuit’s Christmas message. While Mr. Knoedelseder originally planned on four hours to complete the
Theatre on
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BRAVO TO THE CAST! Brady Burke ’21 Dominic Del Pietro ’22 Nico Del Pietro ’21 Sam Duffy ’24 Seamus Flanagan ’22 Matthew Hodge ’24 Ryan Hughes ’21 Justin Kennedy ’21 Bella Leonard (Visitation Academy) Chloe McGinnis (St. Joseph’s Academy)
Olivia O’Malley (St. Joseph’s Academy) Lily Pingleton (St. Joseph’s Academy) Beau Reichert ’22 Henry Right ’21 Aidan Sanders ’24 Jacob Sasfai ’21 Chris Schilligo-Wheeler ’22 David Totty ’21
At top: Dominic Del Pietro ’22 in I’m Drawn to You, Chicken At left: The cast performs Stretch it Into Overtime.
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performance, the Dionysian Players sailed through in just two. “They did an amazing job,” he said. “I am glad that we were able to re-enact the movie the way we did,” said David Totty ’21, who voiced the role of Clarence. “Normally we would have been rehearsing a musical during this time, but due to the pandemic, we could not do that. Working with this group of actors was really fun and memorable.”
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The fall play, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, delighted audiences, who were thrilled to see a live performance. When Theatre Director Kurt Knoedelseder reimagined this year’s schedule to accommodate COVID safety guidelines, he settled on Too Much Light, a show that challenges actors to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. It featured small casts for each mini-play that allowed actors to maintain social distance. “The playwrights, the NeoFuturists, believe you can write a two-minute play that has just as much depth, humor, and poignancy as something that takes five acts and two-and-a-half hours to complete,” said Mr. Knoedelseder. For the audience, the show was essentially theatre on demand. Their programs served as menus, with each play listed by number. Audience members were invited to call out the number of the play they wished to see next — and the ensemble took it from there. With titles like “I Remember the Leg,” “I’m Drawn to You, Chicken,” and “Play to Terrify You,” the show offered plenty of laughs, physical comedy, and props that included a rubber chicken and a blond wig. It was challenging for the actors, who prepared a number of roles and needed to get into character on a moment’s notice. The Spartans were up to the task. “I loved running to where I was supposed to be as soon as a number was called,” said Sam Duffy ’24. “My favorite play was Stretch it Into Overtime because my role wasn’t about what I had to say, since I didn’t have any lines, and more about what I had to do.” According to Henry Right ’21, the show’s unique format made it a high-energy experience for the actors and kept the audience engaged. “This play showed me how much I truly value the theatre program and all the guys that I work with. We were extremely excited and grateful that we got to do anything at all, but on top of that, getting to perform the show live was fantastic.”
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It was a way to keep our theatre family active safely and produce something to share with the De Smet Jesuit community.
KEVIN BERNS ’87
FALL PLAY REQUIRES AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
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Cornerback Jakailin Johnson Named All-American
Pandemic DIRT AND TURF PHOTOGRAPHY
Bowling
ANGELO MARCALLINI
Second in Conference Head Coach: Melvin Kennedy, @DeSmet_Bowling The bowling team completed the first half of its season in December in second place with a 198.5 and 116.5 point record, only one percent behind Lindbergh High School. The team was led by Justin Kennedy ’21 (218 avg., 2nd in league play) and Ben Kinealy ’23 (207 avg., 4th in league play). Justin holds the season single game high score (279) and high series (774) records. The Spartans lead the MAHS South Conference in team scratch game (1148); team scratch series (3143, a new state record); team handicap game (1246); and team handicap series (3437). Team members include Maddie Fenili, a senior at Nerinx Hall (170 avg., 4th in league among female bowlers); Shane Concannon ’22 (152 avg.); Frank Marcallini ’23 (185 avg.); Kalle Evjen ’23 (166 avg.); and Jayden Roach ’24 (191 avg.).
Cross Country
Football
Third Place Finish at Conference Meet Head Coach: Bryan Traughber ’97, @DeSmetTrackXC The 2020 cross country squad was balanced by strong senior leaders and underclassmen rising up the ranks, including Matt Huber ’21, Joseph Mosquera ’21, Alex Mosquera ’21, Connor Pohl ’21, and Nolan Chickering ’23. A regular season highlight was the varsity team’s victory over CBC in a dual meet. The Spartans placed third as a team in the MCC Conference Meet, and finished fourth in the district meet at McNair Park. Matt Huber ’21 (shown below) earned a trip to the state meet, where he finished in 95th place with a season best time of 17:14. Connor Pohl, Nolan Chickering, and Alex Mosquera earned Second Team All MCC (Metro Catholic Conference) honors.
District Champions, Runner-Up at State Championship Head Coach: Robert Steeples ’08, @DeSmetJesuitFB COVID-19 restrictions resulted in an abbreviated 6-game season for our defending state champions, who held fast to their MAAD Men values (Mindset, Accountability, Action, Discipline) and began play ranked 15th in the nation by Max Preps. The Spartan defense allowed only 11 points per game (the best in Class 6), including two shutouts. The offense averaged 31 points per game, scoring a total of 95 points in two victories over Metro Catholic Conference rival CBC. The Spartans won their second consecutive District Championship on November 13 with a 28-7 victory over Francis Howell. They took a 20-game winning streak to the state championship game on November 28, ultimately finishing as runners-up following a 23-0 loss to Raymore-Peculiar. The 2020 Spartans earned impressive accolades, including an All-American selection for Jakailin Johnson ’21 (see sidebar) and second consecutive nods for Mekhi Wingo ’21 (Missouri Class 6 and MCC Defensive Player of the Year, shown below) and Coach Robert Steeples ’08 (MCC Coach of the Year). In addition, the 2020 Football Spartans earned 6 All-State selections, 7 All-District selections, and 17 All-Conference selections.
CHRIS SCHROEDER, S.J. ’00
The fall sports season, like nearly every aspect of life in Spartan Country, was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Coaches and student-athletes dealt with constant uncertainty — about what practices looked like, when competition could begin, and sudden schedule changes because of opposing teams in quarantine. Limits to crowd size meant that student cheering sections were not permitted. Despite these obstacles, our Spartans competed in shortened seasons with heart and grit.
De Smet Jesuit senior Jakailin “JK” Johnson was honored on November 11 as a 2021 All-American during a virtual All-American Bowl jersey presentation on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel. Only 100 football players earn the All-American distinction each year. “The honor of being named All-American is an accolade that is earned. JK has been earning his way on and off the field well before he reached All-American status,” said De Smet Jesuit Football Coach Robert Steeples ’08. “His success is a result of hard work and a commitment to the MAAD Men culture that he and his teammates have cultivated over the years at De Smet Jesuit. I hope JK’s journey serves as an inspiration to the St. Louis youth who follow him.”
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GEORGE MILES ’21
(Front row, from left) Maddie Fenili, Jayden Roach, Kalle Evjen; (back row, from left) Ben Kinealy, Coach Kennedy, Frank Marcallini, Justin Kennedy, Coach Fenili; (not pictured) Shane Concannon
JACOB LORIMIER ’22
SEAN MORRISSEY
At far left: Soccer Spartans won their third straight district championship on November 4 with a 5-1 victory over Marquette.
Soccer
Top right: (from left) Jack Miromonti ’21, Max Mundwiller ’21, Thomas Redmond ’21, Ty Monschein ’22, Justin Roschke ’22, Antony Grewe ’22, and Andrew Morrissey ’21 take the field for state quarterfinal play versus St. Dominic. Below: (clockwise from left) Spartan swimmers Aidan King ’21, Michael Madigan ’23, Emmett Concannon ’22, Jacob Schmidt ’23, Liam Weishaar ’21, Michael Dolan ’21, Vincenzo Gabriele ’21, and Connor Niebruegge ’21
and fellow seniors Brendan Schoemehl and Carson Wilhelm (shown above) earned All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference 1st Team recognition. All-Conference honors also went to Max Mundwiller ’21 (1st Team); Anthony Grewe ’22, Jack Miromonti ’21, Andrew Morrissey ’21, Justin Roschke ’22 (2nd Team); and Andrew Freund ’21 (Honorable Mention). The soccer program bids farewell and expresses its deepest gratitude to Assistant Coach John Benoist ’96, who will be devoting more time to his work and to coaching his two daughters. You will be missed, Coach Benoist!
Swimming & Diving Two State Qualifiers Head Coach: Qi Franz The swim and dive team entered the season with a 24-man roster representing all four classes and a new head coach,
CARRIE BECHER
JACOB LORIMIER ’22
Sectional, District Champs for Third Straight Year Head Coach: Josh Klein ’97, @DeSmetSoccer It was another remarkable season for our Soccer Spartans, who started their shortened season in mid-October ranked #1 in Missouri. The team’s stats remained impressive throughout its 9-2 season: • Sectional Champions for the third straight year, 3-0 victory over Francis Howell • District Champions for the third straight year, 5-1 victory over Marquette • Second-place finish in the Metro Catholic Conference • Only three goals allowed during the entire season by Kyle O’Shea ’21, Ian Quinn ’21, and Jacob Fahland ’22 • Concluded the season ranked #2 in Missouri • Never dropped below #4 in the St. Louis Post Dispatch metro large school rankings • Beat undefeated and nationally ranked St. Dominic in the regular season Several Spartans earned post-season honors. Senior Thomas Redmond was named to the 2020 United Soccer Coaches High School All-Central Region Team. Thomas
Qi Franz. The Spartans sent two competitors to the MSHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships in November. Aidan King ’21 finished 17th in the 50-Yard Freestyle with a time of 22.63. Joe McCook ’22 finished 15th in 1 MTR Diving with a score of 237.25.
Quarterback Seth Marcione leaps into the end zone for a touchdown.
CARRIE BECHER
KEVIN JEFFRIES ’21
Jordan Calvin ’21 Named Great American Rivalry Scholar Athlete Congratulations to senior Jordan Calvin for his selection to the inaugural Great American Rivalry Series Scholar-Athlete Hall of Fame Team. He is one of just 144 student-athletes nationwide to earn this honor. “Getting this achievement means a lot, especially being on the football team and being a scholar-athlete,” Jordan said. “It’s just another example for the younger guys that not only do you work hard on the field, but you also have to work hard in the classroom. All hard work pays off no matter if that is on the field or off the field, so hopefully, this keeps them motivated to always strive for greatness.”
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Gratitude
Exceeding
Students were happy to pose for pictures used to express gratitude to donors on social media. At top: (from left) Freshmen Robbie Cole, Luke Gresso, and Nick Phillips; (inset) Julian Byas
Expectations
December 1, 2020, marked the fourth straight year that De Smet Jesuit has participated in Giving Tuesday, a global day of philanthrophilanthro py that celebrates nonprofit organizations through charitable gifts. And for the fourth straight year, Spartan Country supporters shattered their giving records, contributing $157,947 in just 24 hours! “Especially during these challenging times, the tremendous response truly epitomized the spirit and strength of the De Smet Jesuit community,” said Patrick Morris ’06, Director of Annual Giving. Five dollar-for-dollar matching gift challenges drove momentum throughout the day: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
The Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Challenge (anonymous) The Phone-a-thon Giving Challenge The Class of 1976 Matching Gift Challenge The Class of 1990 Matching Gift Challenge The Class of 2005 Matching Gift Challenge
In lieu of the traditional on-campus phone-a-thon, alumni volunteers called classmates from their homes to help ensure Giving Tuesday’s success. In addition to their call sheets, alumni received “to go” dinners created by Chef Scott Phillips ’88 and delivered courtesy of John Goessling ’71 and Arch Express. Thanks goes to Jim Beatty ’79, Dave Bussmann ’71, Tom Eschen ’71, Mike Faddis ’71, Rob Garwitz ’05, Austin Glass ’16, Pat Hayes ’71, Bill Holland ’71, Andrew Kramer ’14, Lucas Nikolaisen ’13, Andy Riesmeyer ‘83, Mike Sawicki ’71, Andrew Wahle ’90, Luke Yamnitz ’11, and 10 Odyssey
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Below: Alumni phone-a-thon volunteers touch base via Zoom.
Tom Zink ’74 for their hard work on behalf of our Spartans. “The Giving Tuesday phone-a-thon is a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, but even more, it’s an opportunity to help alumni realize that their De Smet Jesuit education serves them well long after graduation day,” said Luke Yamnitz ’11. “Supporting De Smet Jesuit is more than continuing the legacy for future generations of students; it’s a tangible recognition of how De Smet is still a living part of us. I encourage all alumni to respond to their gratitude with generosity.” “There were countless examples of our De Smet Jesuit community coming together to embrace our mission. Every conversation, email, and social media post demonstrated the endless capacity of your love for Spartan We hope that our Country,” said Mr. Morris. “We are immensely grateful for the supporters take generosity of our community, pride in the and we hope that our supporters take pride in the significant significant impact impact their gifts have on the their gifts have on lives of our young men.”
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PATRICK MORRIS ’06
DONORS SHATTER GIVING TUESDAY RECORD FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR
the lives of our young men.
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GARY LOBSTEIN
Peer-to-Peer
Fundraising STUDENTS CHAMPION CAUSES AND EXCEED SPARTAN FUND GOAL
This fall, De Smet Jesuit’s Advancement Team launched a new student-driven fundraising program as part of its annual campaign and well exceeded its goal of $100,000. The Spartan Fund — formerly known as the Annual Fund — is one of the school’s most significant philanthropic initiatives. Contributions directly support all aspects of the student experience, from clubs, to athletics, to retreats, and much more. The students’ participation in The Spartan Fund campaign replaced their traditional involvement with the Big Draw, for which they sold raffle tickets for chances at cash prizes. “The Big Draw, while fun and exciting, carried significant expenses that took away from the overall dollars raised for The Spartan Fund,” said Jeff Cernicek ’92, Director of Development. “The new Spartan Fund campaign empowered students to be fundraisers, seeking donations to benefit their clubs, teams, or other De Smet Jesuit programs that have impacted them,” said Patrick Morris ’06, Director of Annual Giving. “Every dollar raised will support the school’s most pressing needs and all aspects of our students’ educational experience.” Students set up secure accounts through the giving platform Community Funded, selected initiatives to champion, such as robotics, athletics, or media and publications, and sent emails to family and friends asking for support. The new Spartan Fund webpage (shown at left) displayed the various giving options, inspired friendly competition with its displays of amounts raised for each initiative, and gave donors the option to leave messages of gratitude. All students who set up accounts became eligible for cash participation prizes. They also earned prizes for raising specific dollar amounts, and the top fundraisers at the end of the campaign received cash awards. According to Mr. Cernicek, the personal fundtouch is what makes a peer-to-peer fund raising campaign so effective. “People are more inclined to give to specific programs or initiatives for which they have emotional connections,” he said. Our Spartan community rose to the challenge and quickly adapted to the new Spartan Fund format. Students secured 497 gifts and raised $117,000 to earn a day off from school on October 26. The Spartan Fund campaign is ongoing. If you would like to make a gift, please visit desmet.org/giving or contact Patrick Morris ’06, pmorris@desmet.org.
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The new Spartan Fund campaign empowered students to be fundraisers, seeking donations to benefit their clubs, teams, or other De Smet Jesuit programs that have impacted them.
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At top: Faculty member and Big Draw Emcee Gene Bender co-starred with Sparty in a video to introduce and kick off The Spartan Fund campaign. Winners of cash prizes were (from top to bottom) Jayden Roach ’24, Charlie Barreca ’23, and (at left) Drew Hollman ’21, J.D. Duenwald ’22, and Ben Kinealy ’23.
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Personal and Creative SERVICE DURING A PANDEMIC
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
In a time when need was high, but access was limited, De Smet Jesuit adapted its approach to service by offering monthly collections, arranging outdoor projects for students, and modifying requirements for junior and senior service projects. Monthly M4O (Men for Others) collections supported various local and global needs. ■
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TIM SULLIVAN
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September – Contributions of nearly $1500 helped Jesuit and Catholic schools located in the Toledo District of Belize to purchase hand washing basins, soap, and other cleaning supplies. October – Approximately 1000 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food items were delivered to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Pantry and LifeWise STL. November – Eighteen boxes filled with blankets and personal care items were delivered to Bridge of Hope Ministries, serving residents of the Ville neighborhood who typically attend De Smet Jesuit’s annual Christmas on Campus event.
For sophomores and freshmen, class service days raise awareness of the importance of acts of service and build brotherhood through teamwork. Students worked safely outside in homeroom groups doing yard work and home repairs for the Solomon Project, an organization dedicated to building affordable housing in low-income St. Louis neighborhoods. In a typical year, juniors spend Monday afternoons engaged in service projects, and seniors are required to complete 50 service hours outside of school. Recognizing this year’s need for flexibility, “we challenged students to take personal and creative approaches to fulfill their required service hours,” said John Hawkey ’96, theology teacher and Junior Service Projects Coordinator. Class service days Popular options for students have included working shifts at the St. Louis Area Foodbank and LifeWise STL, spending raise awareness of the time at wildlife rescue agencies, and doing yard work for their parishes and neighborhoods.
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importance of acts of service and build brotherhood through teamwork. 12
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Clockwise from above: Spartans contribute to an M4O food drive, and sophomores complete yardwork for the Solomon Project. Students gather in the chapel for Eucharistic Adoration on Formation Friday. Mr. Walsh shares his best golf tips with seniors on Formation Friday. Students welcome the opportunity for a spikeball game on the turf.
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Today, we did what De Smet Jesuit always does, in a way we’ve never done it, ...all while wearing masks, staying distant, and adhering to all of our new normals.
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Spartans for Life NEW STUDENT CLUB MODELS SERVICE AND ACTION What began as a way to complete senior service hours for four members of the Class of 2021 has evolved into an active student club focused on raising awareness for issues that marginalize the sanctity of human life, including abortion, capital punishment, and racial injustice. This past fall, Paul Bytnar, Ben Davis, Brendan Harter, and Nick Winter (pictured below) launched Spartans for Life as a way to advocate for pro-life issues through education, conversation, and action. “An important thing we have learned at De Smet is that the best lessons come through service and action,” Nick Winter explained. With support from club moderators Kelsey Grimm, Maria Lang, and William Manaker, S.J., Spartans for Life organized daily prayers, fundraisers, and t-shirt sales to benefit people in need such as the homeless at St. Patrick’s Center and new mothers at Birthright St. Louis. With the help of Chef Scott Phillips ’88, Spartans for Life raised $1470 in January by selling chicken wraps for a cause. Senior leaders hope to inspire underclassmen to continue Spartans for Life next year. “This is a way to belong to something that matters,” said Ben Davis.
Building Brotherhood FORMATION FRIDAYS PROVIDE ESSENTIAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES
KEVIN BERNS ’87
New to a schedule impacted by pandemic restrictions, Formation Fridays were introduced so students could experience essential elements of student life: prayer, service, brotherhood, and fun. Formation Fridays offered a shortened day for each class to be on campus for a rotation of activities, including outdoor recreation (spikeball, kickball, cornhole); Ignatian Formation (such as a deep dive into the daily Examen); and conversations focused on social justice. Students who were not on campus were led by faculty in remote conversations focused on wellness and reflection. “Today, we did what De Smet Jesuit always does, in a way we’ve never done it,” said Michael Russo, Director of Student Activities, at the conclusion of the first Formation Friday on September 4. “We engaged students remotely; we welcomed more than 150 to campus for fun, faith, and social justice; and we worked with more than 30 sophomores to help those in need, all while wearing masks, staying distant, and adhering to all of our new normals.”
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Academics
How Boys Learn
SEEN AND HEARD IN WORLD LANGUAGES
Undoubtedly, all educators face dramatic obstacles trying to teach in a pandemic. Language classes offer specific challenges — try to master pronunciation through a mask or practice conversation when social interaction is restricted. “Language learning — the art of communication — has a human component and cultural component that is better understood in person,” explained Señora Zahn. Nevertheless, by breaking away from a traditional mindset — and sometimes even traditional classrooms — the world languages department persevered for the students, proving the power of flexibility. “Move your computers to the side. We are going to sanitize,” said Señora Grimm. “Normally you’d do this with partners.” At each desk she stops to distribute hand sanitizer, then flash cards. Next, she offers remote learners a modified vocabulary review for the day’s debate on when to brush your teeth, before or after breakfast. “I do some things paperless,” she explained. “But they have to have some hands-on activities.” SPANISH 2 (at right)
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“Fried Rice – Yummm,” Mr. Talken names the file as he shows Chinese 2 students how to use video software already installed on their laptops. Combining lessons in technology, culture, and real-life application, Mrs. Tseng requires each student to prepare fried rice at home, then submit a cooking video. The best video from each year earns Iron Chef status and is archived for future students to watch. CHINESE 2 (above)
“Señor, there are questions in chat right now. They’re asking about extra credit.” Students monitor the chat thread on every Teams call so questions from remote learners can be heard and shared in class. Señor Cabrera — who teaches in a science lab, a regular room, and the choir room — dons a headset so he can be heard through his mask. SPANISH 2 (top right)
“Why do they sing in the cemetery?” asked Daniel Lee ’24 after watching a video about the Day of the Dead. “In Mexico, they celebrate death,” explained Señora Bowman, who has transformed one half of the cafeteria into her classroom, complete with a rolling bulletin board for calendar activities and the high energy required to carry instruction over the non-stop noise of fans and echoes from classes on the other side of dividing curtains. SPANISH 1 (above)
“I want to be a penguin,” declared Nick Abel ’22, “although I can’t walk well.” “You can waddle,” suggested Andrew Freund ’21, discussing (in Spanish) the pros and cons of various animals. Despite added delays to coordinate students in and out of the classroom and manage various online resources, upperclassmen in Señora Zahn’s
GINS DEBB
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Flying High in
Business Class STUDENT’S IDEA STICKS
From prototypes to pitches, creative ideas take shape on the third floor class-room where Andy Lange ’02 (shown below with students) teaches Intro to Business, a popular elective for juniors and seniors who like the real-life application and the college credit they can earn. For one assignment, modeled after the Shark Tank TV show, student teams present commercials and business plans to guest faculty, staff, and classmates in an attempt to seek investors for products they’ve designed. Sample creations include the BLAMP (this bookmark lamp lights up your reading!), the gh0st wallet (get rid of the bulk with these affordable slim wallets), and Flags for the Lou (wave that Spartan spirit!). In some cases, students actually execute their plans and earn a profit…in addition to the grade. Inspired by his class project last year, Nick Hale ’21 expanded the concept into an online web shop selling stickers he designed with approved school branding (AMDG sticker shown above). Now enrolled in the independent study program offered by De Smet Jesuit, Nick meets regularly with Mr. Lange to continue his business education with a product — and class — he helped devise. “I hadn’t realized just how many small details I would have to work out setting up my business,” reflected Nick. “I have been lucky to have Mr. Lange helping me.” With proceeds from early sales, Nick donated 11 calculators to Mr. Likos and the math department (shown above) for I hadn’t realized students who can’t as easily afford the $100-plus expense. just how many He’s held contests and promotions and participated in this year’s virtual Mother’s Club Christmas Boutique. His shop at small details www.redbubble.com/people/Hail615/shop offers merchandise I would have to and more than 50 sticker designs. “Nick has done an excellent job taking his passion for graphic work out setting design and using it to generate profits in his own business,” up my business. said Mr. Lange. “It’s great to see a young Spartan applying what he has learned and finding success. I hope more of my students can find their passions and use them for a good cause.”
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Language learning ... has a human component and cultural component that is better understood in person.
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Honors Spanish 4 maintained positive energy, clapping for each other after presentations and often rewarding correct answers with cheers and fist pumps.
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“Will, we’re in examen right now, so if you could just mute please,” said Ms. Schmidt when a remote learner joined the class Teams call (broadcast over the classroom speaker) with an enthusiastic, “Hello!” Responding calmly to the unexpected has become a survival skill for teachers who face uncertainties daily, such as how many students will attend in person versus remotely, often requiring last-minute changes to lesson plans. “You never know what to expect,” commented Ms. Schmidt. “But I’m so grateful we’re here. It’s an adventure.” LATIN 4
ALL PHOTOS BY CARRIE BECHER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
ADVANCED COLLEGE CREDIT HONORS SPANISH 4
21 SUMMER 2019
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Spotlight
THE
Classroom SWIVEL
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SPARTANS TAP INTO EXTREME FLEXIBILITY AS 2020 REDEFINED WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN CLASS BY CARRIE BECHER
On this side of the curtain, Jack Ammons ’24 works on an assignment for Mr. Samson’s English 1 class, which moved from its customary classroom to the gym to allow safe distancing between desks.
Return to a New Normal When students and teachers returned in early August, after four months of a closed campus, significant changes were required and noticeable. Beyond the physical reconfiguration of classrooms, organized by Dean of Students Peter Lenzini and his summer crews, there were major modifications to scheduling, crowd control, campus access, arrival and dismissal procedures — and those protocols only refer to when students were attending classes in the building. Unlike fourth quarter of spring 2020 when the entire school had to shift quickly to remote learning, the 2020 – 2021 school year demands the extreme flexibility to pivot between learning in person or remotely as an entire school — as well as the ability for teachers to instruct remote learners while simultaneously teach live in their classrooms.
CARRIE BECHER
A Staggering Burden of Expectations
History is in the science lab. Theology meets in the gymnasium. And Spanish class echoes from the cafeteria. Cones divide the hallways, and arrows direct the stairwells so one-way traffic patterns can prevent the normal and natural jostling of boys and backpacks. Desks fill the Emerson Lobby—and every other open area—carefully spaced apart. Gone are the benches that encouraged casual gatherings or early morning homework cramming. In their place are the air scrubbers that hum constantly. But perhaps the safety measures that best symbolize the mood and mission of the school during a coronavirus pandemic are those that stand tall in the main office: clear acrylic panels. They are transparent. Protective. Kind of obnoxious and in the way of our normal camaraderie. Definitely harder to hear through. But ultimately worth every frustration, because it’s just so good to be able to see each other.
“It is a credit to our students and our teachers for their ability to be flexible,” said Michael Talken, Director of Educational Technology and a key leader in preparing platforms and training teachers for this monumental transition to hybrid education. “Our spring experience and subsequent summer teacher in-service — as well as our phased approach to the beginning of the school year — all played a role in helping us be prepared and flexible to meet new and unexpected situations.” The phased reentry brought students back to school for orientation earlier in August than normal and one grade level at a time, allowing smaller groups to acclimate to the new health and safety procedures and giving administrators the chance to make adjustments. For the first few weeks, classes took place from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday through Thursday, with students alternating between in-person and remote attendance so that only two grade levels were on campus at a time. Formation Fridays evolved during first quarter so students could participate in faith and service opportunities or connect with their brothers outside an academic setting. 17 WINTER 2021
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Spotlight
At left: Moved outside for fresh air, August Waller ’22 paints a landscape in Mrs. Kohler’s Studio Art class. Far left: Fr. Burshek, S.J. (on screen) teaches World Religions remotely; Fr. Schroeder ’00, S.J. monitors in class. Below: In a transformed Emerson Lobby, Tamar Modise ’21 sits in Mr. O’Brien’s senior Christ and Faith theology class.
CARRIE BECHER
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Masks and lanyards became part of the dress code, and daily health screenings on a mobile app became part of the morning routine. “We have confidence in our plan for the school year,” said Principal Kevin Poelker ’98 when he announced the back-toschool details, “but we also have confidence in our ability to think critically, adapt to changing circumstances, and be flexible as we strive to serve the needs of all members of our community.” At a time when schools and districts nearby and across the country were deciding to continue with remote learning, De Smet Jesuit asked for and listened to the preferences of its families as well as recommendations from its COVID-19 readiness task force. Two clear priorities for 2020 –2021
emerged: 1) practice safety procedures to mitigate risk of exposure to COVID-19, and 2) maximize the time students can spend on campus with in-person instruction.
Diligence and Resilience Every class period now begins by taking attendance of students in the room and students appearing via a Microsoft Teams call — an item each teacher must create and import rosters for, for every single class. Remote learners check in from home for a myriad of reasons: they are in quarantine,
WHAT WE MISS... When asked about current challenges and highlights of a school day, students often answered with typical responses (no one loves exams and sports remain a favorite). But student life with pandemic restrictions definitely has its pros and cons.
experiencing symptoms, or in high-risk circumstances. Attendance categories for teachers to report and for Mrs. Neary to track rose from six options to 13, including “Absent – Attending Remotely” or “Remote Tardy Excused.” “It’s a crazy time to be a teacher,” said Mr. Talken, recognizing the added stress that comes with livestreaming an instructional classroom experience. “Audio in a mixed class environment is one of the challenges. We have worked around this by adding external mics and encouraging use of the meeting chat feature…however, it can be tricky.” On a positive note, there seems to be an increased appreciation by students and parents for in-classroom learning and education as a whole. He added, “our teachers are learning and using technology at a higher level than they ever have. While it cannot replace the inperson educational experience, it certainly can enhance and improve it.” Many traditional elements of a school year have been canceled, and others have been reworked for safe execution. Back-toschool night occurred virtually, giving parents an experience similar to how their sons check in remotely via Teams calls, and parent-teacher conferences offered both in-person and remote options. When national concern over rising cases occurred prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, De Smet Jesuit opted for a week of remote learning afterward to allow families time to manage
“Dances, house competitions, and going to sports games.” LEO FIORDELISI ’21 “Lunch in the cafeteria and being able to eat with all my friends.” SAM CASTIGLIONI ’22
“Non-academic downtime.” MR. SAMSON, ENGLISH TEACHER “The energy and informality of student interaction in the lobby…seeing guys hang out and joking around with them.” MR. HALL, THEOLOGY TEACHER
potential exposures and to prioritize the chances students could be in class for the final weeks of the semester. “We knew we would need to be prepared for a world that went back and forth,” said Mr. Poelker at a faculty meeting in November. “The procedures are working. We’re here and we’re ready.” At the forefront of his mind is the fatigue factor for teachers, students, and families. Attention to care for anyone in distress remains a top priority, with counselors on high alert for those who may have higher needs than normal. Curriculum, expectations, and even final exams were all modified to acknowledge the trauma created by the effects of an ongoing pandemic. Through it all, the commitment of the De Smet Jesuit community and the effectiveness of the procedures in place gave
“One-on-one interactions without all these barriers.” MRS. NEARY, ATTENDANCE MANAGER “Not being able to go to service projects and hang out with the kids.” RYAN SORICE ’22
“Bagel Fridays and seeing people in the halls.” MR. PLACE, THEOLOGY TEACHER “Huge gatherings in the stands, seeing boys face-to-face and shoulderto-shoulder with their arms around each other.” MRS. ROTHERMICH, ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT AND PRINCIPAL
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Day
At right, from top: Mandatory daily screenings for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms occur at school entrances. Athletic Director John Pukala checks the mViva app to admit Connor Sullivan ’23. Acrylic panels provide a barrier: Mrs. Rothermich (front) and Mrs. Neary greet Rickson Taylor ’23 and his dad.
IN THE
Life
cause for reassurance. “We are encouraged by our successes,” said Mr. Poelker. The school is transformed this year. We can feel it. Subdued, but safe. Muffled, but moving. We can’t hear as clearly. We can’t see faces fully. We can’t watch the boys run loudly through the hallways on game day. But we know now how good it is just to be able to be with each other. The undercurrent of gratitude is palpable. While sports, spirit, energy, and events have all been severely affected, what has emerged at De Smet Jesuit can be called nothing less than remarkable resilience and astounding adaptability. With few exceptions, and despite the weight of the world and its health crisis, students are overwhelmingly thankful to be in school. Senior Yaya Keita perhaps said it best, “We won’t let these masks hide our smiles.”
• Greet adult at the door to show your daily health screening on the mobile app (designed by Medaware Solutions, Inc., Tom Zink ’74 Chief Medical Officer, see page 24 for more). • Walk on correct side of hallway, follow arrows to go up/down stairwells, stay socially distant from peers. • Go directly to first class; no homeroom period, no hanging out in lobby.
9:00 AM 12:10 PM Periods 1, 2, 3 (60-minute classes) • Sit in assigned seat, six feet apart, face forward. • Greet students who appear on Smartboards, joining class from home via Teams call.
CARRIE
8:30 9:00 AM Wear face covering and student ID on lanyard.
BECHER
While there may be no such thing as a typical day in a pandemic world, the bulk of the first semester operated in its Phase 4 schedule with students on campus from 9 a.m. –– 2 p.m. Students experienced a few notable daily distinctions from the average school year.
• Face forward, eat quietly, put mask back on when done. • Assist two classmates with clean up (gather trash, spray desks, wipe dry).
12:55 2:00 PM Period 4 and dismissal • When class ends, wait at desk for dismissal over intercom to avoid hallway congestion. • Go straight to car and leave campus.
Below: Students abide by new rules and hallway traffic patterns.
• Walk with one classmate to pick up bin of lunches at end of hallway. • Distribute lunches to third period. • Carry lunch to homeroom and sit apart from eight peers and one adult. • Sanitize hands, wait for permission to remove mask until windows are open and filtered fan and scrubbers are positioned at doorway.
WHAT WE APPRECIATE...
“Activity period and the social in-between time with my friends who aren’t in my classes.” RHYS COSTELLO ’21
“Coming to De Smet, being on campus.” JOSEPH HARTRICH ’21
“Homecoming week; all of it had to be canceled.” NICK HALE ’21
“Being at school, not being online.” MR. MANAKER’S ENTIRE ENGLISH CLASS
“Everyone in the community making the best of a tough situation.” MR. LENZINI, DEAN OF STUDENTS “Sports.” KEVIN JEFFRIES ’21
“Having a good routine that helps keep students focused.” MR. RUSSO, ENGLISH TEACHER “Being able to wear shorts and tennis shoes every day.” COLE SCHELLING ’21
CARRIE BECHER
CARRIE BECHER
12:15 PM Lunch distribution and cleanup (see pg. 20)
“The guys are doing a better job at reading directions and relying more on their reflective ability.” MR. PLACE, THEOLOGY TEACHER
“People who make a concerted effort to spread good vibes, like Dr. Musso who walks around and says ‘hi’ to everyone every day.” MR. LANGE, BUSINESS TEACHER
“Shorter class periods.” ALEX HUGGINS ’21
“Later start to classes and being able to sleep in a bit.” DAVIS KELPE ’21
Spotlight
Lunch Served IS NOW
ALL PHOTOS BY CARRIE BECHER
CAFETERIA NOT INCLUDED
After a month of three-hour days and condensed classes, by mid-September students had acclimated to the new school environment, and it was time to extend the school day to Phase 4 of the schedule (9 a.m. –– 2 p.m.) for more academic time. That meant lunch was back on the table... just not in the cafeteria. Because of the increased risk of exposure when people dine together indoors and remove masks to eat, strict measures were put into place so students could eat safely, spaced apart in classrooms with ample time to properly sanitize. Chef Scott Phillips ’88 and his team from Food Service Consultants researched, practiced, and prepared menus that could be preordered, packaged, and distributed efficiently and safely. Each teacher and staff member was assigned nine students and a classroom for daily lunch room duty, and students take turns picking up class bins for delivery and cleaning up the rooms after. A model of master planning and teamwork, hot and sack lunch options are organized and prepared meticulously by the cafeteria staff. The online orders and assembly line process result in each individual lunch being labeled, sorted, then delivered from warming tray to classroom in under five minutes. “It’s all about the timing,” said Chef Scott, who noted other schools can take up to 35 minutes to deliver meals. He credits the collective effort of the teachers and students for the success of an efficient system and a hot meal that stays hot. With the Phase 4 schedule likely to be the predominant plan for the school year, administrators appreciate the benefit of a safe and healthy lunch program. “When they’re leaving here now they’re not wiped,” said Peter Lenzini, Dean of Students. “They still have some energy. That’s a good spot to be.” Above: Braden O’Shea ’21 and Jack Gamma ’21 carry lunches back to classmates. At left, top: Assembly line prep and organization help Chef Scott’s team safely deliver lunch. (Clockwise from left) Cassandra Brown, Dominici Bolden, Chef Scott, and Pattie Timmermann. Center: Felicie Van de Riet in the faculty lounge with English teacher Nick Dressler and basketball coach Kent Williams. Bottom: Chef Scott heads toward the hallway distribution site.
Returning
Home
DE SMET JESUIT OLYMPIAD YEARBOOK
STACY STOCKWELL
Picture it:
The fall of 1988, High School Open House Day across St. Louis.
ALUMNI FACULTY AND STAFF PAY IT FORWARD AT THEIR ALMA MATER BY ROBERT BERGMAN ’93
A young man, along with his parents and younger brother, walks through St. Louis University High School, through those dusty old corridors with small windows, and as he exits the building, he says to his parents, “No, I don’t think so. Feels old.” Next, they make their way down the street to Christian Brothers College High School, a place most of his classmates will attend in less than a year. He enters with his family and immediately says, “Nope. I don’t like it here.” His father replies, “Wouldn’t you at least want to take the tour?” and our young adventurer says, “No, why waste the time?” They head down Highway 40 to the Palace on Ballas. As soon as he walks in the door, he is greeted by a freshman named Paul Niemann ’92. Paul takes the family on a tour through the building, where the young man sees science labs, an art studio, theatre, chapel, locker room, gym, and a few classrooms. As he leaves the building for the first time, he says, “I think I’ve found my new home.”
The following summer, our same young man is enrolled in the school of his choice, De Smet Jesuit, and it is July and his Odyssey Day. This day will be his first experience as a Spartan and he has met his group leader, Mike Karpowicz. Little does he know, but Mr. Karpowicz is a new teacher and not a veteran; he behaves like a veteran. Our young adventurer climbs the barrier with the help of his classmates and, as he swings his leg over the log tied between two trees, he falls. He lands between the two mats below the barrier and breaks his leg, a one in a million shot. Mr. Karpowicz passes his group off to another teacher and remains with the young man until his 21 WINTER 2021
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KEVIN BERNS ‘87
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Spotlight
Alumni
Faculty & Staff
ROB BERGMAN ’93 KEVIN BERNS ’87 TOM BURR ’07 JEFF CERNICEK ’92 NICK DRESSLER ’02 JOHN HAWKEY ’96 DAN HERRIN ’08 EVAN JENKINS ’13 JOSH KLEIN ’97 ANDY LANGE ’02 DAN LIKOS ’94 PAT LITTLETON ’87 MATT MOHAN ’82 PATRICK MORRIS ’06 PETE MUSSO ’89 KEVIN POELKER ’98 SCOTT PHILLIPS ’88 BILL REBHOLZ ’77 JOHN REYES ’94 KEVIN RUDER ’93 RYAN SEXTRO ’04 ROBERT STEEPLES ’08 JOHN STEWART ’77 BRYAN TRAUGHBER ’97 JIM WALSH ’76
Our young man would pass on this idea of trying out as many activities as he could to future generations of students.
parents arrive. (It was a small fracture, so don’t worry about him. He was back on his feet in time for football tryouts in August.) Mr. Karpowicz sat and spoke with this young man for an hour and kept him calm, asking him what he wanted to accomplish at De Smet. The young man didn’t know specifics, but he knew he wanted to try as many things as possible. Corey Quinn ’90 was a senior that year and our young man watched Corey take on as many leadership roles as he could handle, including theatre, student government, and the hockey team, and he thought, “When I’m a senior, I want to do as many things as possible. Here is a guy who is taking advantage of De Smet’s opportunities.” Not a joke, this is a true story. Years later, the two of them would become good friends as they taught at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, traveled together, and eventually became roommates for a year. Our young man would pass on this idea of trying out as many activities as he could to future generations of students after De Smet hired him as a teacher in 2000.
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In 2002, our young adventurer randomly bumped into Paul Niemann in San Sebastian, Spain. He told Paul that he was the reason he went to De Smet; Paul’s enthusiasm helped the young man make up his mind to attend the school. At one time in our adventurer’s career at De Smet, more than half of the faculty were alumni of the school, and two-thirds had graduated from a Jesuit school — only to return and give back to the institution and Jesuits who helped shape their lives. Alumni have been a part of the De Smet Jesuit faculty almost from the beginning. Jim Walsh ’76 returned immediately after graduating from college and has been teaching science here ever since. Brian Traughber ’97 coaches a talented cross country team every year. We have a nationally recognized, award-winning math teacher, Dan Likos ’94; and a head football coach who played in the NFL, Robert Steeples ’08. We have a highly successful soccer coach, Josh Klein ’97; and an innovative educator leading the way with online learning, Nick Dressler ’02. Our award-winning student publications are spearheaded by Kevin Berns ’87, and the voice of the Spartans for athletic contests is Pat Littleton ’87. Evan Jenkins ’13 returned to us after teaching in Tampa for I found a place two years. Jeff Cerniceck ’92 has returned as a fundraiser that felt like home, for our alma mater. Ryan Sextro ’04 heads up our computer that welcomed me science program, and the voice of Matt Mohan ’82 rings throughout the hallways in lecture and laughter. And there like family, and are many more alumni serving as dedicated members of (to this day) our faculty and staff than can be mentioned here. encourages me to We’ve been in each other’s weddings; we have attended the funerals of each other’s family members; we’ve laughed, be myself. prayed, struggled, cried, supported each other through this COVID crisis; and we have survived together. But most importantly, De Smet was and is a positive force in our lives.
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Why did we return to De Smet?
We see a value in the education that the young men come here searching for and the graduates leave with, and we want to help them create memories like the ones we still cherish to this day. Because I found a place that felt like home, that welcomed me like family, and (to this day) encourages me to be myself, I can help those who were like me find their home, too. I also believe that during one of the most important periods of growth in our lives, this young adventurer, and so many young men like me, found at De Smet Jesuit a place where the adults encouraged us to become ourselves and not to fit into a specific cookie cutter De Smet graduate mold. We chose to return and give back with our effort and talent to ensure De Smet Jesuit remains the place that welcomed us and continues to welcome future generations.
(See page 23 for group photo.) Robert Bergman ’93 has been an English teacher at De Smet Jesuit for 20 years. When he’s not teaching about superheroes or great novels, he’s a regular contributor to the Spartan Voices blog, located on the News Hub at desmet.org.
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Alumni Connect PHOTO BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
ONE FOR THE ARCHIVES Alumni faculty and staff took a break from professional development work on February 12 for a group photo. (Front row, from left) Patrick Morris ’06 and Matt Mohan ’82; (second row, from left) Pat Littleton ’87, John Reyes ’94, and Ryan Sextro ’04; (third row, from left) Pete Musso ’89, Evan Jenkins ’13, Rob Bergman ’93, Josh Klein ’97, and John Hawkey ’96; (fourth row, from left) Scott Phillips ’88, Jim Walsh ’76, Kevin Poelker ’98, Tom Burr ’07, and Jeff Cernicek ’92; (back row, from left) Robert Steeples ’08, Nick Dressler ’02, Dan Likos ’94, Bill Rebholz ’77, and Kevin Berns ’87; (not pictured) Dan Herrin ’08, Andy Lange ’02, Kevin Ruder ’93, John Stewart ’77, and Bryan Traughber ’97
9 WINTER 2021
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Odyssey
Class Notes
19 70s
David Watkins ’89 is a vice president at PPD Biotech in Fort Collins, Colo.
Nick Lamb ’76 was named a 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in railroad law by The Best Lawyers in America.
19 90s Chris Boedefeld ’90 and his wife, Stacy, reside in Wentzville, Mo. They are the parents of Lauren (25), Natalie (19), Lillian (12), Nicholas (9), and Landon (4). Chris is a partner in the law office of Baerveldt & Boedefeld, LLC.
19 80s Jim Roccia ’82 writes, “I’m happily retired and recently moved to Punta Gorda, Fla., with my wife, Donna. If you find yourself in the Southwest Florida area, please look us up! jimroccia@gmail.com.
Daniel Knoll ’93, his wife, Linda, and their children, James, Henry, and Tess, moved to New Albany, Ind., in 2016. Daniel was recently named Director of Enterprise Applications at American Commercial Barge Lines. Edward Yates ’94 is Owner and Vice President of Yates Insurance Services, based in Wildwood, Mo. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Town and Country, Mo.
ENTREPRENEUR AND CEO AKEEM SHANNON ’10 SHARES HIS JOURNEY DEBBIE HIGGINS
Fresh from a successful appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank, entrepreneur Akeem Shannon ’10, founder and CEO of Flipstik, shared his journey with students in Andy Lange’s ’02 business class via Zoom in November. Flipstik is a phone accessory with a patented Synthetic Seate® waterproof adhesive that sticks to nearly any flat surface and also has a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing of videos. Akeem shared his strategy for getting Flipstik into the market-
As part of its COVID-19 safety plan, De Smet Jesuit implemented mViva®, a HIPAA-secure, mobile communication platform. Spartans receive daily health screening questions through the mViva app to securely and efficiently monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Created by St. Louis-based Medaware Solutions, Inc., mViva was brought to De Smet by Medaware’s director and chief medical officer, Tom Zink ’74. “De Smet Jesuit and Rockhurst High School use mViva’s automated engagement and alert reporting features to monitor COVID-19 in their communities,” said Dr. Zink. “With mViva screening, school nurses and administrators can document that they have done everything possible to keep their schools free and clear of this pervasive virus.” Described as “a godsend” by Interim President Kevin Ruder ’93, mViva has been a critical component of the school’s efforts to maintain a safe in-person learning environment.
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DEBBIE HIGGINS
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
place — networking, presence, and exposure. He participated in pitch competitions, rented a kiosk at a mall, and went to trade shows, conferences, and even the Super Bowl to get attention in creative ways. Early success came when he performed his pitch as a rap for music superstar Diddy at a conference in Atlanta. A senior VP of sales for AT&T in the audience helped him get a contract to sell Flipstik in AT&T stores. “I had setbacks and had to figure out solutions,” Akeem told students. “Success in business is not just about numbers. It’s about believing in yourself and in your ability to succeed.” Headquartered in St. Louis, Flipstik was one of 19 new business startups to receive a $50,000 Arch Grant in 2020. Browse more than 70 designs at getflipstik. com.
REUNION 2019 PHOTO BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
REUNION REBOOT STILL ON TRACK FOR 2021 CELEBRATIONS
After postponing the 2020 reunion (all classes ending in a “0” or “5”) last fall because of the pandemic, the Alumni Office has scheduled a make-up date on Friday, June 11, on Suntrup Field to allow for proper social distancing. Please be on the lookout for more details and invitations coming soon!
The 2021 reunions (all classes ending in a “1” or “6”) are scheduled for the weekend of September 24–26, 2021. This year will highlight the Class of 1971, who will be celebrating De Smet Jesuit’s first-ever 50th reunion! Please stay tuned for more details on these events. To ensure De Smet Jesuit’s ongoing commitment of providing a safe and healthy campus for our students remains the top priority, please know that all reunion items are subject to change. All hosted events will comply with both CDC and St. Louis County Health Department guidelines.
20 00s On August 29, 2020, Steven Callen ’00 (at center in photo) was ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. His vesting clergy was his friend and De Smet Jesuit classmate, Fr. Chris Schroeder, S.J. ’00 (at right in photo). A few weeks later, Deacon Callen was honored to baptize the daughter of his former De Smet Jesuit classmate and friend, Jon Cinense ’00 (at left in photo). Deacon Callen was assigned to Holy Infant parish in Ballwin, Mo.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN CALLEN
In his free time, James Lambert ’00 is a volunteer ice hockey coach at Lindenwood University. Andrew Zak ’03 is a lead engineer for Ungerboeck Software. He and his wife, Katherine, live in Wentzville, Mo.
Tyler Bergholdt ’05 lives in Ballwin, Mo., with his wife, Jessica, and works as Vice President of National Accounts for MedPro Associates.
20 10s After graduating from De Smet Jesuit, Lawrence Haynes ’11 earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine College, and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Indianapolis. He expects to receive his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Howard University in May 2023. Lawrence is a higher education policy analyst for The Education Trust in St. Louis. Andrew Ladage ’11 and his wife, Lexi, live in Jacksonville, Fla., where Andrew works as a traffic engineer for BW Engineers and Planners.
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Odyssey
PLAYING LIKE A
National Champion
DE SMET JESUIT OLYMPIAD YEARBOOK
Class Notes
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER HARTWEGER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
BY PATRICK MORRIS ’06
Many people, but especially sports fanatics, are familiar with the classic football film Rudy —
the biographical sports story of Rudy Ruettiger defying the odds to become a player on the Notre Dame football team. What many people don’t know, though, is that De Smet Jesuit has its own version of Rudy’s story in alumnus Peter Hartweger ’85. One day at a spring practice while shagging footballs as a manager for the Notre Dame team his sophomore year, Peter decided to start kicking the balls back to the players instead of throwing them. This was a common thing he’d done with his brothers — fellow alums Gordon ’81 and John ’92 — in their
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backyard before. When he started kicking the balls over the players’ heads, he was asked to come back to try out for the team in the summer. After spending all summer running from his house up to De Smet Jesuit’s field to practice punting for two hours a day, he returned for his junior year ready for the tryouts in South Bend. Peter was quickly thrown into a competition with 20 other punters, with none other than Notre Dame’s head coach Lou Holtz — who is now known as one of the most legendary figures in college football history — on hand to watch. It only took him four kicks to convince Coach Holtz to keep just him and one other punter. Even after a follow-up competition the next day, Peter kept his job — and suddenly found himself as the backup punter on one of the most prestigious teams in all of college sports. “Three days later, I’m getting head shots for ABC because we’re going on the road for the opening game against Michigan, and I’m like ‘whoa, this is real now!’” The highlight of Peter’s career occurred in his senior year, when he came into a game with the team at 10–0 and put down several successful punts that helped Notre Dame keep their perfect season alive. They wound up defeating West Virginia 34–21 in the 1988 Fiesta Bowl to claim the national championship. Despite having that story and ring, Peter preferred his time at De Smet Jesuit. “What I loved and remembered most about De Smet were the service projects,” he said. “I loved the spirit at De Smet, and going to all the games. It was a great time. A lot of people say college is the best time, but I’d say I actually had a better time in high school. I really enjoyed De Smet.”
DINE OUT WITH
DE SMET JESUIT HALL OF FAME UPDATE Save the date! The Alumni Office will host the Hall of Fame Dinner, honoring the 2020 and 2021 inductees, on Thursday, September 23, 2021. Look for an announcement of the 2021 Hall of Fame inductees and information about the ceremony later this spring.
Chris Higgins ’88
Bob Steiner
De Smet Jesuit!
The restaurant industry is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic that began in 2020. De Smet Jesuit is proud to support its Spartan family-owned restaurants, particularly as they have weathered extreme dining restrictions. Please visit www.desmet.org/ alumni/restaurants to find an establishment near you for your next meal!
The Hall of Fame Committee is still reviewing nominations for 2021 inductees. Please visit www.desmet.org/ giving/events/halloffame if you’d like to submit a nomination. Meanwhile, please join us in congratulating our 2020 Hall of Fame inductees.
Scott Wirtz ’95 (posthumously)
IN TRIBUTE
JESUITS’ UCS PROVINCE
Fr. John Arnold, S.J., was the eighth president of De Smet Jesuit, serving in the role from 1998–2006. He began his long association with De Smet Jesuit in 1967, teaching English and then serving as assistant principal. In 1970, Fr. Arnold began his theology studies at the Saint Louis University School of Divinity, earning an M.Div. in 1974. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 11, 1973. As a priest, Fr. Arnold’s first assignment was to return to De Smet as principal, a task he carried out for three years from 1974–77. Later assignments included supervising scholastics and teaching religion at St. Louis University High School. After earning an MBA from the University of Chicago, he completed his final formation as a Jesuit in Spokane, Wash. He pronounced his final vows on December 8, 1981, at De Smet Jesuit High School. From 1981–1992, he worked in various roles for apostolates in the Missouri Province offices. He returned to De Smet Jesuit in 1992 as rector and teacher of mathematics, roles he continued until his appointment as president of the school in 1998. Fr. Arnold’s fading eyesight made necessary his retirement from the Province Treasurer’s Office in 2018. Described as a “formidable poker player” in a tribute published by the Jesuits’ Central and Southern Province, Fr. Arnold was beloved for his “cringe-worthy corny jokes” and his “cheerful companionship that continued to be a priceless gift to all until the very end.” Fr. Arnold passed away on November 15, 2020, at the age of 80. – Courtesy of the Jesuits’ Central and Southern Province
Gregory L. Pohlman ’78
In August 1974 as a freshman, Greg Pohlman recognized that De Smet Jesuit was someplace special, and that appreciation never wavered. In fact, his love for the school and devotion to its work only deepened over time. A Man of the Year in 1978, he later balanced work as CEO of The Pohlman CPA Group, LLC, with two stints on De Smet Jesuit’s Board of Trustees, most recently as Board Chair. Interwoven with his love of our school were his many close De Smet Jesuit friends. Many of these date back to when Mr. Pohlman was a student here, but some were the result of working alongside adults in various capacities over decades of service to the school. His impact on this apostolic work and, ultimately, thousands of young men, cannot be overestimated. A member of the De Smet Jesuit Hall of Fame, Mr. Pohlman received the PierreJean De Smet, S.J., Outstanding Service Award from the Board of Trustees in 2019 as well as the Fr. Pierre De Smet, S.J., Statue for exemplary generosity that same year. An avid traveler, he made possible the Pohlman Center, dedicated to the Jesuit vision of global education, in the school’s Innovation Center. “There is no significant aspect of my life — personal or professional — that De Smet Jesuit has not influenced to make me a better person,” Mr. Pohlman once wrote when asked why he chose to give back to the school. Following news of his passing on February 21, 2021, Greg Pohlman was aptly described as “a truly extraordinary gentleman.” De Smet Jesuit will miss his generous spirit, his passion, and his vision. DEBBIE HIGGINS
Fr. John D. Arnold, S.J.
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Odyssey
Milestones
MARRIAGES
LITTLE SPARTANS
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Lucas Williams ’11 and Sarah Hatton, September 18, 2020
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Tim Heitmann ’07 and Julie: Margaret Stephens, August 11, 2020
IN MEMORIAM This listing includes notifications of the passing of De Smet Jesuit alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and immediate relatives through January 15, 2021. If we have missed someone, please notify the Alumni Office at alumni@desmet.org or 314-567-3500. Eleanor Corich Anderhub, mother of Bryan Anderhub ’75 Fr. John D. Arnold, S.J. (former staff) Ruth Behr, mother of Richard Behr ’82 Lawrence Birkenmeier, father of Kevin Birkenmeier ’05 Theresa Boland, mother of David Boland (faculty), and grandmother of Andrew “Drew” Boland ’15 Joann Mahon Brady, mother of J. Brian Brady ’84 Mary Ann Capellupo, mother of Mark ’76, Michael ’79, and Kevin Capellupo ’83; grandmother of John Sandroni ’04, Philip ’06, Martin ’07, and Jacob Capellupo ’21 Victor “Bud” Clever ’90, brother of Joseph ’92 and John Clever ’99, and uncle of Joseph Clever Jr. ’23
Frederick Gladbach, father of Michael Gladbach ’73 Ted Goede, father of Theodore III ’89, and Chad Goede ’91 Cirilo Gruspe, staff member since 1997 Daniel Hamill, grandfather of Mark Stellner ’04 and Kurt Silberberg ’07 Catherine Harig, grandmother of Jakob ’17, and Benjamin Harig ’20 Margaret “Peggy” Hawkey, wife of Frank Hawkey (former faculty); and mother of Frank ’94, John ’96, and Chris Hawkey ’08 Carol Hellebusch, mother of Jason Hollander ’90
Dr. Marvin Cook, father of Matthew Cook ’84
Michelle Insco, mother of Andrew Insco ’21
James Cullen, father of James Jr. ’73 and Michael Cullen ’75; grandfather of Mark Jr. ’97 and Ryan Walsh ’01
Ronald Johnson, father of Christopher Johnson ’95
Rev. Thomas Cummings, S.J., former faculty and former board member Betty Jane Donahoe, mother of Peter Donahoe ’82 Thomas Eise ’71 Ruth Erker, mother of Eugene III ’85, James ’88, and Jeffrey Erker ’91; grandmother of Eugene IV ’20 and Charles Erker ’24 Nicholas Giarraffa ’00
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Margaret “Peggy” Gillespie, mother of Lawrence Gillespie ’75 and grandmother of Aidan ’06 and Robert Gillespie ’20
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Karen Kastel, mother of Eric ’88 and Matthew Kastel ’91 Ross Kearns, son of Timothy Kearns ’83 Gerald and Priscilla Knott, parents of Michael ’80, G. Patrick ’83, John ’88, and David Knott ’91 Edmund Knowles, father of Killian Knowles ’11 Dorothy Kosakowski, mother of David ’71 and Leonard Kosakowski ’73, and grandmother of David Kurowski ’16
Charles Kullmann, grandfather of Matthew ’97 and David Aubuchon ’01 Elizabeth “Betty” George Lawlor, mother of Gerald Jr. ’75, Michael ’79, and Patrick Lawlor ’82; grandmother of Gerald III ’02, Michael Jr. ’04, Sean ’06, Kevin ’08, Conor ’11, Patrick Jr. ’13, Joseph ’15, and Matthew Lawlor ’18 Frances Love, mother of Joel Bianco ’79 John “Jack” Macke Sr., father of John ’78, Daniel ’79, and James Macke ’81; father-in-law of Brian Skoff ’88; grandfather of Matthew Macke ’17, and Sean ’17 and Michael Skoff ’20 John “Jake” MacLeod ’71 Milton Marian, grandfather of Ryan Marian ’10 Barbara Meek, mother of Joseph Jr. ’74, James ’82, and John Meek ’86 Gary Mockler, father of Patrick Mockler ’87 Harry Morley, grandfather of Andrew Boland ’15 and Bradley Morley ’15; father-in-law of David Boland (faculty) Mary Ann Mueller, mother-in-law of William Mueller Jr. ’89 Gregory J. Muller ’76, brother of John Muller Jr. ’72 and uncle of John Muller III ’01 Carole Ann Mundwiller, mother of Eric ’83 and Paul Mundwiller ’86 James Nicholson ’81, brother of Dan Nicholson ’82
Victor Panus, father of Bruce Panus ’78 Suzanne Pfeffer, mother of Walter Pfeffer II ’73 Gregory L. Pohlman ’78 Jacqueline Reis, mother of Charles Reis IV ’75 Patricia Roberts, mother of Dennis ’75 and Robert Devereux ’78, and grandmother of Robert ’07, James ’09, and David Devereux ’10 Belina Hicks-Rolle, mother of Bryson Rolle ’23 Mary Ryan, mother of Shawn Ryan ’79 Margaret Sallwasser, grandmother of Andrew Sallwasser ’05 Timothy Schaeffer, father of Max ’19 and Tyler Schaeffer ’23 Bruce Schneider Jr. ’80 Christine Smith, mother of Evan Smith ’23 John “Jack” True, father of John True ’82 Marietta Veluz, mother of Stephen Veluz ’87 and grandmother of Zachary Veluz ’23 Joseph Voypick, father of Bret ’85 and Bart Voypick ’89 Alice Whitmore, grandmother of Daniel Wood ’06 Robert Wotawa, father of Zachary Wotawa ’98 Ralph Zipfel, father of John Zipfel ’72, and grandfather of Cory ’98, and Scott Zipfel ’01
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS
Vintage Hospitality
Virtual Hosting
How do you welcome prospective families when campus is closed and traditional events have to be overhauled? Enter the ingenuity of our staff and the resiliency of our students. Beginning in June, the admissions and communications teams (working from home offices) hosted multiple Live Q&A sessions via the website and Microsoft Teams to enable real-time conversations with prospective parents. Each session featured students and faculty members (also broadcasting remotely) and offered a warm community presence even when the possibility for in-person interactions remained uncertain. As school carefully reopened in late July, plans to build a more robust online tour experience began immediately. Mindful that campus could be locked back down at any moment by county health mandates, staff arranged for new Google 360° photographs and on-location videos featuring student leaders. President’s Ambassadors who were accustomed to hosting live tours talked instead in empty classrooms to help build a library of campus spotlight videos and enhance the virtual exploration of Spartan Country. When the Archdiocese of St. Louis canceled in-person High School Nights, De Smet Jesuit empowered students to host seven different High School Nights remotely. Students opened the sessions, led attendees in prayer, answered questions, and took over production of the events behind the scenes. Maximizing technology and public speaking skills they had learned in classes, students shined in front of and behind the cameras to represent their school and support critical recruitment efforts. “We couldn’t have done this recruitment season without them,” said Maria Lang, Assistant Director of Admissions, who helped Director Tim Sullivan moderate the virtual events. “That’s always true, but this year more than ever we had to rely almost completely on the genuine personalities and talents of our students to showcase who we are.” Explore the new and improved virtual tour of De Smet Jesuit online at www.desmet.org/admissions/virtualvisit
PHOTOS BY CARRIE BECHER
Students Step Up To Revamp Recruitment
233 North New Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63141
Parents: If this issue of Odyssey is addressed to your son who has established a permanent address, please notify the Alumni Office of the new address: call 314-567-3500 or email alumni@desmet.org
Come, Holy Spirit SHINE ON US THE RADIANCE OF YOUR LIGHT.
SPARTANS Students, faculty, and staff gathered safely on the turf to celebrate the traditional all-school Mass of the Holy Spirit on September 18.
My favorite memory of a school Mass is… Email submissions to webmaster@desmet.org
KEVIN JEFFRIES ’21
SAY