Odyssey
WINTER 2022
THE MAGAZINE OF DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
Then & Now What has changed and what remains the same for students
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A 50TH REUNION • HALL OF FAME • SEEN AND HEARD IN ENGLISH CLASS
Odyssey THE MAGAZINE OF DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
VOL.22 NO.1 WINTER 2022
In this issue ON THE COVER In this issue, we pay tribute to the legacy of De Smet Jesuit’s first graduates — the Class of 1971 — sharing memories from the archives and from the alumni themselves. On the cover, we offer a new twist to an iconic photo from the first day of school in 1967. What has changed? The dress code and supplies needed for class. What remains the same? The camaraderie and spirit of our Spartans. Shown on the cover, Class of 1971 alumni as freshmen in 1967: Harry Kramer (in front), Dave Bussmann, and Jake MacLeod In 2022: (from left) Jacob Winkelmann ’24, Kevin Pina ’24, and Donovan Scott ’24; and (in the background) Will Ortbals ’25
1967 PHOTO FROM THE 1968 DE SMET YEARBOOK 2022 PHOTO BY KEVIN BERNS ’87
SPOTLIGHT At the Beginning
Reminiscing with De Smet’s first graduates
6 DEBBIE HIGGINS
CARRIE BECHER
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ODYSSEY MAGAZINE EDITOR
Debbie Higgins ASSISTANT EDITOR
Carrie Becher DESIGN
Toucan Design CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rev. Ronald R. O’Dwyer, S.J. 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
DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL INTERIM PRESIDENT
Rev. Ronald R. O’Dwyer, S.J. PRINCIPAL
Kevin Poelker ’98
12 DEPARTMENTS
MISSION
ALUMNI CONNECT
President’s Office
17 Class Notes
Latest news from alumni and event highlights
LIFE AT DE SMET JESUIT
20 Milestones
4 Magis/Showcase
Births, marriages, and in memoriam listings
Student experiences and noteworthy achievements
6 Academics
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS
How students learn: seen and heard in English class
21 Shattering Expectations
8 Spartan Country
Spartans raise $511,800 in one month
Athletic news, season recaps, and school spirit
LATEST NEWS FROM SPARTAN COUNTRY VISIT THE NEWS HUB desmet.org/about/newshub
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK De Smet Jesuit High School De Smet Jesuit Alumni FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @DeSmetJesuitHS FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @DeSmetJesuitHS WATCH US ON YOUTUBE
SIGHTINGS Honoring the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame inductees
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Jeff Cernicek ’92
De Smet Jesuit inspires and prepares men for and with others to transform the world, ad majorem Dei gloriam.
2 A Message From the
10 A Night to Celebrate
DE SMET JESUIT ARCHIVES
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Debbie Higgins
CARRIE BECHER
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@DeSmetJesuitHS CATCH EVENTS ON DSN (De Smet Student Network) desmet.org/dsn
A Message From the President’s Office
Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of De Smet Jesuit
On September 5, 1967, De Smet Jesuit High School opened its doors to 245 freshmen. This signaled a new era of Jesuit secondary education in our city. Eleven Jesuits — five priests, four scholastics, and two brothers — along with six lay faculty staffed the school. The Jesuits lived in rooms that are now De Smet’s administrative offices, the same space where I am presently writing you this letter. A 1967 edition of a Jesuit fundraising magazine reports that 1,200 people attended the blessing and dedication of the new school. At that ceremony, Fr. Gerry Sheahan, S.J., the most senior Jesuit in the region, explained why a second Jesuit school was opened despite many other pressing needs. He said that only under one condition could this commitment be justified — De Smet must form students spiritually, academically, and socially who are committed to devoting themselves to the service of God and their neighbor. This edition of Odyssey highlights the ways that De Smet Jesuit has made good on this commitment. Fifty years have passed since the Class of 1971 received their diplomas. Those years provide us the distance needed to appreciate the work that those first on the scene did to create an academic culture rooted in faith and service. Examples of this evolution of culture include the expanded outreach of Campus Ministry and student-driven English projects. It’s important to take the long view, whether in our own lives or in the life of a school community. A milestone 50-year reunion invites us to step back, appreciate how we got here, and dream about where we are going. The stories contained in this magazine inspire us in this communal examen.
KEVIN BERNS ’87
Considering this history, what strikes me are the ways that our past is our prologue. We hear the
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What strikes me are the ways that our past is our prologue.
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perennial call to form men for and with others, albeit under very different circumstances than those of the early 1970s. We see students in our halls who are as similar to us as they are different. Our hopes for our sons are connected to the hopes that the crowd gathered for that 1967 blessing ceremony had for their sons — a Jesuit education rooted in the Gospel message, a place where young men learn to hone and grow their talents, and a school whose highest ideals are centered on service to others. This is the lofty vision that brought us together more than 50 years ago. Remaining true to this vision will ensure our future. Thank you for supporting us on the journey. A.M.D.G., Rev. Ronald R. O’Dwyer, S.J.
2” tall Spartan Helmet for grey pant
2 Odyssey
50 YEARS OF DE SMET
Life at De Smet Jesuit PHOTO BY CARRIE BECHER
THE ART OF MEDITATION A meditative art project encouraged Studio Art students to discover deeper self-awareness and get emotions on paper. “It was a great way to relax during the school day,” said Charlie Moffatt ’23, who swept a charcoal stick across paper while soothing music played in the classroom. “This is about using meditation and art to create something nonexistent,” said teacher Laurie Kohler.
dyss Odyssey
Magis/Showcase
Open Invitation CAMPUS MINISTRY FINDS NEW WAYS FOR STUDENTS TO BUILD THEIR FAITH FRESH, BRIGHT, AND BOLD … and we’re not just talking about the mural. Not only does the newly refurnished space in Campus Ministry warmly invite you in, but the high energy coming out of the office exudes creativity. From a Mass where students repurposed ping pong balls to lay down their “cannonball moments” at the foot of the cross to a family pet drive-through where students handed out dog treats to commemorate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Campus Ministry team is laser focused on student engagement and faith Campus Ministry formation. “Our two main goals this is for everyone … year,” said Kelsey Grimm, who was for people to engage appointed Director of Campus Ministry last spring, “were to in their faith, create a welcoming space so it’s that Campus Ministry is for no matter where clear everyone, and to provide more they are on opportunities for people to engage in their faith, no matter their journey. where they are on their journey.” Bryce Pattison ‘22 and senior leaders exemplified this mission with their takeover of the weekly 3-Minute Theology video in January, sharing all the ways they personally grow their faith on campus: from weekly DIP (De Smet in Prayer) meetings to Mass to painting an AMDG mural on the wall. “We want to invite everyone in to check out the new mural … and to remind students of the AMDG mission of our school, dedicating all things to God,” said August Waller ’22, who painted the mural over Christmas break with Howard Place, Retreat Coordinator. “When I look at public and private schools, we have a lot in common: academics, sports, and clubs,” said Thomas Hashbarger ’22, a senior leader in the Campus Ministry homeroom. “But at De Smet, what separates us is the most important part of our life: our faith. Here we have Masses, prayer services, service projects, and retreats. This all helps to build up our brotherhood.”
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Campus Ministry Office FR. JIM BURSHEK, S.J. Director of Mission, theology teacher
HOWARD PLACE Retreat Coordinator, theology teacher
KELSEY GRIMM Director of Campus Ministry, Spanish teacher
WILLIAM MANAKER, S.J. Liturgy Coordinator, English teacher
At right: The newly arranged Campus Ministry office welcomes all students.
CARRIE BECHER
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Above: August Waller ’22 (at left) paints the AMDG mural with Mr. Place.
Above: Connor Gunn ’23, Darian Crisp ’22, and Samuel Reeder ’22 show off candy grams — a finals week project run by Campus Ministry that raised $1500 for Coalition for Life. Above right: Chris Beason ’22 hands out a dog treat (thanks to Good Dog Treat Box!) for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
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Academic
Achievements
CARRIE BECHER
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Three Spartans earned impressive and important top scores this year! Joey Zeigler ’23 (at right) took the ACT test for the first time in October and earned a perfect score of 36. Just 0.313% of all test takers achieved a 36 in 2021. Congratulations also go to to Nico Lionelli ’22 (on left), who earned the designation of College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar based on his PSAT/NMSQT® score and his outstanding academic achievement, and to Josh Williams ’22, who was named a National Merit Semi-finalist — one of 16,000 nationwide, representing less than one percent of high school seniors earning a qualifying score. “Millions of students around the country take these tests each year; it takes a very special student to earn these honors,” said Chris Williams, Assistant Principal for Academics. DEBBIE HIGGINS
DEBBIE HIGGINS
SPARTANS EARN TOP HONORS
THEN&NOW “Campus ministry (as an office) was non-existent when I was a student at De Smet,” said Mike Sawicki ’71. “Our first real off-campus retreat was held senior year at Forsythe House (which no longer exists) and the White House. The original chapel was small — it held 30-40 people and was where the school bookstore is today.”
LAURIE KOHLER
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Artist
Accolades WINNING PAINTERS Spartan artists painted off campus this fall to compete in the U. City in Bloom Plein Air Art Festival — where Alex Lewis ’22 (above) won first place in the youth section. “All Studio Art IV students must compete in a minimum of three student art shows,” said teacher Laurie Kohler, “I really want De Smet to stay current with the competitions.” This includes annual participation in the Post-Dispatch 100 Neediest Cases, where Dominic Genovese ’22 won for his dramatic artwork (right). 5 WINTER 2022
Odyssey
Odyssey
Academics
How Students Learn
SEEN AND HEARD IN ENGLISH CLASS
ALL PHOTOS BY CARRIE BECHER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
New themes abound in today’s English classroom where students enact sword fights, record video essays, and build board games. Traditional novels persist alongside more diverse readings and broader cultural applications, and written essays often complement a multifaceted project. Teachers incorporate technology at varying degrees, but all put a heavy emphasis on student input and engagement. “Education has changed,” said Robert Hutchison, AP English teacher. “Not to say that technology is the end-all be-all, but just the amount of information that’s out there … the teacher is no longer the center of knowledge. We’re starting to help students use technology correctly and be more efficient. And the big pedagogical shift that is happening is that the teacher’s role is much more varied.” The foundational English curriculum may look similar to 50 years ago, but today’s classroom activity revs at high energy, and the resulting student work is largely characterized by a personal connection to the material.
Above: “There’s a 20-minute time limit, then the fog comes in fully crazy,” said Bennett Mueller ‘22 (at center) with Will Teepe ‘22 (at left) and Devin Jones-Ransom ‘22 as they demonstrated their handmade board game for Best Novels senior English class. Right: (from left) Harris King ‘22 and Gabe Lasek ’22 identify areas on the redlined map of St. Louis made by Bailey Mathews ‘22 for AP English.
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The big pedagogical shift that is happening is that the teacher’s role is much more varied.
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“We’re imitating Star Wars sword fights to practice for Romeo and Juliet,” explained Michael Sullivan ’25, as his group translated Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter into modern speak on a shared Word document. Deconstructing the classic script into how we would say it today — and acting out both versions for classmates — helps students train their brains to comprehend harder material at a higher level, said Mr. Samson. “You can be silly with it,” he told the boys, “but don’t let the silliness overrule the accuracy of what you’re doing.”
“The Pine Cone of Life” was one of many titles submitted for the Ralph Waldo Emerson-inspired assignment where Mr. Cavanagh escorted his juniors outside to find an image in nature they connected with to better understand transcendentalism. Students explored near trees, walked around chapel grounds, or ran to the wooded path (to search for pine cones). They took pictures with their phones, emailed themselves the photos, then headed back to the classroom to use No Red Ink software to write a short essay — pithy title encouraged. “The natural world teaches us lessons for living,” said Mr. Cavanagh. “It can teach us about who we are.” — JUNIOR ENGLISH 3 (center)
— FRESHMAN HONORS ENGLISH 1 (top left)
“There’s a star on my name!” proclaimed Aiden McIlwaine ’24 after a spider web diagram was projected on the board. “Star meant you made a really important comment,” explained Mr. Manaker, S.J., who had just spent 30 minutes tracking the entirely student-led class conversation about Homer’s The Odyssey. He used abbreviation codes to note distractions, vocabulary use, textual connections, and even one student’s identification of an epic simile at the 24-minute mark. Each time someone spoke, Mr. Manaker drew a line to the student’s name, resulting in a data-rich web diagram that he can use to understand class conversation patterns, individual participation levels, and student engagement.
“I was afraid when I got pulled over,” said Alex Lewis ’22 (at left), “but not afraid like my black friends are.” Alex stood behind his original paintings that depicted two teens driving as part of his AP English final. In the Innovation Center, classmates presented in a museum format to share their semester-long research on diverse social justice issues and student-selected topics ranging from immigration to veterans’ suffering, and much more. Tapping into their creativity, students completed the multimodal project requirement via podcasts, Pokémon-inspired presentations, online news articles, letters to Missouri’s legislator, and Prezi videos. — SENIOR AP ENGLISH 4, SLU 1818 CREDIT (left, and bottom left)
“Everyone starts off with two candy cigarettes,” said Ethan Selkirk ’22, demonstrating his group’s custom designed board game for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, complete with a Nurse’s Station and a Shock Shop space. After reading The Godfather and playing The Don board game, seniors asked Mr. Bergman if the Ken Kesey novel also had a corresponding game. “I told them no; then realized we can make our own,” he said. “They’re grading themselves, having fun, and channeling some character personality.” With creative player strategies and enhancements such as Fog Space and the Chain Smoker Card, designing the games, “… shows we understood the novel and read it,” said Chris Beason ’22.
DE SMET JESUIT ARCHIVES
— SOPHOMORE HONORS ENGLISH 2 (left)
THEN&NOW Before essays were typed on laptops and novels could be downloaded as PDFs, the earliest students at De Smet Jesuit carried their books to grade-level English (no electives to speak of). Freshmen in 1967 read Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles (1950) and as seniors in 1970-1971, they were assigned Bernard Malamud’s The Natural (1952), 32 years before Robert Redford would play Roy Hobbs in the movie. “I enjoyed that novel so much, that may have been an inkling of what I wanted to do,” said Richard Johnson ’71, who later pursued his masters and doctorate in literature, then became an English profesor at St. Charles Community College for 27 years. “I don’t remember the use of any technology,” said Dr. Johnson of his high school days. “I would write essays in a very neat hand on loose leaf.” Another difference? “There seems to be a greater emphasis on rhetoric in connection with various literary works. There wasn’t that emphasis when in I was in high school.” As for what has stayed the same? Grammar. “Grammar’s everything,” noted Dr. Johnson. That, and he adds, “basically just reading the text. I think students should be challenged in what they read. They shouldn’t be given the easy stuff.”
— SENIOR ENGLISH 4, ACP BEST NOVELS (far left)
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Odyssey
Spartan Country
School
Thrives &
Evolves
DIRT & TURF PHOTOGRAPHY
Spirit
Football
Before Spartanfest there was Carnival: a multiday event with rides, booths, and dances to bolster school spirit and raise money for Student Council activities. The first freshman class voted on the mascot and school colors that stand today and the logo that has evolved. Pep rallies and excited students (see Class of 1971 jumping for joy below) cheered on the 13 inter-scholastic sports, which included chess and debating.
@DeSmetJesuitFB
YOUNG FOOTBALL TEAM FINISHES 8-3 Crowds eagerly filled the stands to once again cheer on home football games after last year’s COVID-19 restricted season. With a second place finish in the MCC, the young team finished 8-3. A very talented defense led by seniors Jordan Coleman, Seth Marcione, Kaleb Purdy, Chris Skiljan, Khalid Stewart, and TJ Woodley Jr. carried the team throughout the season. Senior receivers Gavin Bomstad (above), Curtis Mayes, and junior quarterback Christian Cotton led the offense. Spartans earned 18 spots on the All Metro Catholic Team, led by Conference Defensive Player of the Year Kaleb Purdy (photo on page 1). KATHY LORIMIER
Today, students compete in 21 sports and enjoy a week of homecoming traditions like dress down days, house competitions, and class reunions. During Spartanfest this fall, the Black Student Union hosted a crowd-pleasing rendition of Wild ‘n’ Out (led by Lewis Worthy III ’22, standing below), an improv game show where students competed with songs and freestyle rap.
CARRIE BECHER
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WINTER 2022
Head Coach – Bryan Traughber, @DeSmetTrackXC
FIVE RUNNERS PR AT STATE An outstanding third place finish at the District Meet led to the Spartans’ first appearance since 2013 at the State Cross Country Meet, featuring Ben Alexander ’24, Dom Alu ’23, Brian Bessire Jr. ’24, Nolan Chickering ’23 (above), Jack Heit ’23, Andrew Kuntz ’23, Jacob Lorimier ’22, Mateo Perales ’24, Will Poelker ’25, and William Rasure ’22. The team placed 14th in the Class 4 Boys race, with five of the seven runners earning a PR. Other highlights included a fourth place showing at the Festival of Races and an impressive second place finish at the Metro Catholic Conference Meet.
WILLIAM MANAKER, S.J.
DE SMET JESUIT ARCHIVES
Cross Country
(From left) Andrew Kuntz ’23, Mateo Perales ’24, William Rasure ’22, Will Poelker ’25, Nolan Chickering ’23, Jack Heit ’23, Ben Alexander ’24
De Smet swimmers (from left) Thomas Hashbarger ’22, Joseph McCook ’22, Caleb Dunbar ’22, Oliver Nichols ’24, Thomas Dolan ’23
Swimming Head Coach – Qi Franz
BRIAN FENILI
CRAWLING TO STATE
De Smet bowlers (from left) Jayden Roach ’24, Andrew Davis ’24, Kalle Evjen ’23, Ben Kinealy ’23, Kevin Pina ’24, Clark Chamberlin ’24, Jay Sorrell ’23 (Evan McEvoy ’23 not pictured)
Standout swimmer Thomas Dolan ’23 (above, at right end) dropped to under 23 seconds for his 50-free performance at state, where he was joined by all three relay teams. Led by captains Thomas, Caleb Dunbar ’22, Thomas Hashbarger ’22, and Oliver Nichols ’24, the growing team gratefully welcomed assistant coaches Zach Almeida and Taylor Swyers.
In late 1967, the original freshman class nominated the Raiders and the Spartans as two leading contenders for the school mascot. The Spartans won overwhelmingly, perhaps in part because Michigan State football was ranked in the top two and many students had recently watched The 300 Spartans Hollywood film and/or taken the Ancient History class, where stories of the “Spartan emphasis on military prowess and physical development appealed to us 14 year olds,” said Dave Bussmann ’71. Also voted on by the Class of 1971 their freshman year, school colors of maroon/white won over green/ white and green/gold. This combination matched the maroon blazers that all students were required to wear, an idea initiated by the Mothers’ Club to distinguish the school.
Bowling
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Head Coach – Brian Fenili & Melvin Kennedy, @DeSmet_Bowling
TEAM LAUNCHES SOLID SEASON
The team demonstrated strength in competition, character, faith, and service.
Led by Ben Kinealy ’23, Jayden Roach ’24, and Kalle Evjen ’23, the bowling team wrapped up the first half of the season finishing second in the standings with a 7-3 record. The team also placed second at the PBA Metro Tournament where Ben placed first overall for all events with a 9-game total of 2062 and also placed first in doubles with Jayden with a 1351 finish. Ben has a league-leading average of 210, with Jayden at third in the league with a 193 average.
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Soccer Head Coach – Josh Klein ’97, @DeSmetSoccer
Finishing third in the MCC, Spartans boasted wins against CBC and Chaminade, as well as state final four finishers Jackson and John Burroughs. Despite major wins, earning a #9 state ranking mid-season, and individual achievements, the roller coaster season was marked by new faces and key injuries to top players. Nevertheless, the team demonstrated strength in competition, character, faith, and service under leadership from captains Anthony Grewe ’22 (far right), Ty Monschein ’22 (right), and Justin Roschke ’22, and assistant coaches Jack Klingler ’17, John Reyes ’94, and Ben Yeager ’15.
KATHY LORIMIER
ROLLER COASTER SEASON
KATHY LORIMIER
DEBBIE HIGGINS
THEN&NOW
9 WINTER 2022
Odyssey
Sightings
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Their stories are unique but their focus is common. They are all men for De Smet and men for others. MIKE FADDIS ’71 Referring to De Smet Jesuit’s Hall of Fame Inductees
A Night to Celebrate HONORING THE 2020 AND 2021 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES PHOTOS BY GLENNON WILLIAMS Above: (from left) 2020 Hall of Fame inductees Bob Steiner, Chris Higgins ’88, and, representing Scott Wirtz, his parents, Sandy and Dave Wirtz. 2021 Hall of Fame inductees Larry Linkul ’71 and Brian Lavin ’72 Hall of Fame members in attendance included: (seated, from left) Larry Linkul ’71, Brian Lavin ’72, Chris Higgins ’88, Bob Steiner, Sandy Wirtz, Dave Wirtz, Fran Wirtz; (standing, from left) Henry Autrey ’71, Greg Vitello, Rich Grawer, John Wilson ’75, Dale Burgman, John O’Leary ’95, Dick Donohue, Tim Walsh ’72, Ken Luecke, George Hasser, Felicie Van De Riet, Bill Mueller ’89, Chris Mess, Mike Sawicki ’71, Mike Nooney ’83, Bob Mills ’72, Ed Berns, and Mike Faddis ’71.
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Alumni, family members, and friends gathered on September 23 for De Smet Jesuit’s Hall of Fame ceremony, honoring 2020 inductees Chris Higgins ’88, Bob Steiner, and Scott Wirtz; and 2021 inductees Brian Lavin ’72 and Larry Linkul ’71. It was a night for celebration, with honorees sharing memories and heartfelt gratitude for De Smet’s impact and the people who have shaped and supported them along the way.
THEN&NOW
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Our school’s tradition of excellence has at its foundation, all of you. Nobody in any hall of fame achieves that honor on his or her own. It takes all of you!
CHRIS HIGGINS ’88 Emmy-Award Winning TV Meteorologist; Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force Reserves, Former Men’s Club President
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“Being a trustee of the De Smet Jesuit basketball program for those years was a dream come true … The essence of De Smet is the student body and it was a pleasure to serve them.”
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“I know Scotty benefitted a lot from being a part of De Smet. I think he would be proud knowing that maybe De Smet benefitted a bit from him being here.”
SANDY WIRTZ Mother of posthumous inductee SCOTT WIRTZ ’95, Decorated U.S. Navy SEAL and Member of the Defense Intelligence Agency
The inaugural De Smet Jesuit Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in 1998. Its purpose is to honor members of the school community who demonstrate the highest principles of integrity and honesty in keeping with the “Men for and With Others” mission of De Smet Jesuit. Inductees are also nominated for bringing recognition to De Smet Jesuit and themselves through their professions, academic or athletic accomplishments, community service, or achievements in the arts and sciences. The Honorable Henry Autrey ’71 (U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri) and Rich Grawer (former head basketball coach and faculty member) were the first honorees. Twenty-three years later, the Hall of Fame is 53 members strong.
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BOB STEINER Former Faculty Member (28 years); Head Basketball Coach (22 years) whose teams won the 1999 State Championship and 10 District Championships
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“From the first day I walked through the doors of De Smet, I knew I was surrounded by gifted students, by families that valued education.”
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LARRY LINKUL ’71 Economics, History Teacher; Founder of the Jesuit Cup Golf Tournament; Mentor for Loyola Academy and Boys Hope Girls Hope
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“Bob Christian taught us to advocate for others, see the value in everyone’s contribution to life, find the good in people, and never dwell on the bad.”
BRIAN LAVIN ’72 President of the largest real estate company in Louisville, Ky.; board member for multiple nonprofit charities; first De Smet athlete to earn a Division I football scholarship
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11 WINTER 2022
Odyssey
At the
Beginning
REMINISCING WITH DE SMET’S FIRST GRADUATES
Every school has a distinct history, written by the people who pass through its halls. BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
Alumni from the Class of 1971 will always be main characters in the story of De Smet Jesuit because of their unique status as the students who experienced everything first and laid the foundation for the generations of Spartans who have followed in their footsteps. “It was a blessing to be part of the beginning and to have teachers who gave us the freedom to develop our own style and traditions,” said Mike Faddis ’71. From publishing the first school newspaper to establishing the first student council to competing on the first athletic teams, members of the Class of 1971 were the original architects of student life at De Smet Jesuit. To commemorate another first for these alumni and De Smet Jesuit — a 50th class reunion — Odyssey Magazine went back to the archives, and to some ’71 alumni, to get the scoop on student life back in the day.
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PHOTOS FROM DE SMET JESUIT ARCHIVES EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
“Primary in our thoughts this first year has been the building and the developing of a tradition, a name, and an identity that must serve as an ideal for future years and future classes.” – FROM THE FIRST DE SMET YEARBOOK, 1968
It Used to be What? When De Smet Jesuit opened its doors in 1967, it was a 150,000-square-foot, threestory brick building on a 30-acre campus, with no landscaping and a freshly paved parking lot. A spontaneous combustion fire in construction zones nearly delayed the first day of school on September 5 and closed the second and third floors and gym for the entire first semester because of smoke damage. The ’71 alumni who returned for reunion found a campus that was not how they left it. IN 1971: Tennis courts filled the space that is now a pond at the Ballas entrance.
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n The main office and the third floor were residential spaces for the Jesuits (27 were on staff as faculty and/or administrators).
n The principal and dean of discipline occupied the current Admissions Office. n The maintenance workshop at the end of the first-floor hallway was a senior lounge. n The first-floor faculty collaborative space was filled with manual typewriters for typing class. n Yearbook editors developed pictures in a dark room on the third floor.
typewriters) was a required course for all freshmen. By senior year, mechanical drawing was the required practical arts course. “Guys who liked working with their hands excelled at it, and others just survived it,” said Tom Murray ’71, though alumni have shared that they applied the skills learned to professions ranging from theatre set design to dentistry. “Typing kept me out of the army infantry in Vietnam,” said Steve Stelfox ’71. With a draft number of 38, Stelfox knew that it wouldn’t be long before he received his draft notice. It arrived 48 hours after he finished his freshman year at Saint Louis University in 1972. During basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, he took a typing test. “I finished it in less than five minutes because I knew my way around a typewriter,” he recalled. Of the 243 recruits in basic training, 230 went to Vietnam. Stelfox was assigned to work as a personnel specialist in Germany for two years.
n The choir room was originally an audio-visual room, where classes watched 16 mm films. It later became De Smet’s first theatre, where students built the flooring for the stage in 1970. n Garages now used for maintenance storage were home to handball courts. n The locker room was the storage location for a civil defense water and emergency provisions box, kept on hand in the event of a nuclear attack. n Students made calls from pay phones in Emerson Lobby. n The turf was a simple grass field, without a track or lights, that students mowed during P.E. class and lined with cut-up tires before football games.
In the Classroom For ’71 alumni, good handwriting mattered, and rote memorization was the key to earning good grades. A typical class schedule included the core subjects that have stood the test of time: English, theology, math, history, science, P.E., and world languages (’71 alumni chose from French, Latin, Spanish, Japanese, or German). Typing (on manual
At top left: From their senior yearbook, ’71 classmates (from left) Rusty Smith, Mike Gronemeyer, Tom Eise, John Tulley, Mick Markway, Tom Fitzgerald, and Joe Murray Above: Landscaping a brand new campus was a monumental task, and some of the first trees planted on school grounds came from St. Stanislaus Seminary. Larry Linkul ’71 has fond memories of the two summers he spent working alongside Br. Jim Marheineke, S.J., learning to drive a tractor on De Smet’s two fields. The best part of those long, hot days? Breaks for one-on-one basketball games with Br. Marheineke.
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Judgment Under God?! The Long and Short of It “The Jesuits had a no-nonsense approach,” said Larry Linkul of the strictly enforced dress code. Maroon blazers and ties were required, though, admittedly, many guys took the shortcut of wearing clip-ons. Students could only remove their blazers and ties if a faculty member gave them permission. Jeans were forbidden on campus. Today, ties are only required for all-school Masses. If a Spartan forgets his tie, he may rent one from the Ignatian Business Leaders club for $5. Hair length was a source of stress — and demerits — for many ’71 alumni. In the ’71 reunion yearbook, George Zimny remembers “running to the bathroom between classes to wet my hair down so it wouldn’t cover my ears.” Fast forward to 2022 and the dress code requires ponytails for any hair that extends past the collar and reminds Spartans that “Mohawk hairstyles are not an approved hairstyle.” The blazer and tie requirement didn’t last long; a dress code similar to today’s was adopted for the 1973–1974 school year. Currently, De Smet branded hoodies are the most popular item of dress-codeapproved clothing.
“I got a lot of laughs and a lot of demerits,” says Terry Burns ’71 of the consequences he faced for speaking out of turn during class. Spartans always carried demerit cards, earning them for code of conduct infractions. The practice of carrying a demerit card continued until 2018, when De Smet implemented a digital demerit system. Teachers now issue demerits from their laptops or an app on their cell phones. Undoubtedly, the “digital demerit” system would horrify ’71 alumni, who tell elaborate stories of copying cards in attempts to conceal their true number of demerits. Five demerits required serving JUG after school. According to alumni lore, JUG is an acronym for Judgment Under God. In reality, it is a Latin term meaning “yoke” or “burden.” Larry Morgan, an assistant principal, excused seniors from JUG if they could beat him in free throws or a game of HORSE. But underclassmen serving JUG with Mr. Morgan faced the daunting task of memorizing paragraphs from scientific journals. “Once we felt certain we had it memorized, we had to write out the paragraph,” said Terry Burns. “If we made more than five grammatical errors, we had to start over with a new paragraph. It was rough, sweating it out and trying to get it right.”
Approved hairstyles, then and now. (From left) George Zimny ’71, Asher Wilcox ’24, Stephen Stelfox ’71, and Christian Hill ’24.
Building Traditions “We spent a lot of time brainstorming and voting on things,” Tom Murray said of establishing the first co-curricular clubs and school events. “It was a rare and incredible experience, being the first students in a new school. We were upperclassmen for all four years.”
“We spent a lot of time brainstorming and voting on things ... the first co-curricular clubs and school events. It was a rare and incredible experience, being the first students in a new school. We were upperclassmen for all four years.” – TOM MURRAY
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COURTESY OF CHRIS SEYER
At left: The first annual De Smet Car Rally in 1969 challenged drivers to complete a precision driving course following legal speed limits. Of the 22 entries, only six completed the course, and many who did not finish got lost before the first check point. (No GPS!)
At left: “It was really crowded,” Tom Murray ’71 said of performing the first musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, with a large cast on a small stage. “Our backstage area was a storage closet.”
ACTIVITIES COVERED IN THE 1971 YEARBOOK: n Student Council – STUCO reps dealt with the “controversial” issues of wearing jeans, smoking, and the quality of cafeteria food.
Student publications – In addition to the yearbook (named the Spartan Olympiad in 1978), the student newspaper was originally called SPARTAN and was supplemented by Informer, a weekly newsletter from STUCO. A literary magazine, Synthesis, was published in the fall and spring. n
n De Smet Dionysian Players – Hope is the Thing With Feathers, a one-act, was the first play performed on campus. By 1970–1971, the Dionysian Players were performing four shows per year.
Poster Club – This was a precursor to today’s Sports and Spirit club. Students created hand-painted signs (shown above) and hung them everywhere to promote school spirit and attendance at events and games. “No matter what we did, the support of the school community was just incredible,” said Mike Faddis. n
Spartan Social Life Pep rallies in the gym; dances; intramurals (football, basketball, volleyball, and hockey); a fall carnival; and, at least once, according to reports, a roller-skating party in the cafeteria, were all part of the social scene for students. Mixers after big games were also popular. “The big question was always would we have a rock or soul band? We usually chose either Soultown Revue or Jake Jones,” said Mike Sawicki ’71.
up first, according to Mike Bowman ’71, meant time to misbehave. “We tried anything we could think of to delay getting to school on time,” said Chris Seyer ’71. It became routine to see the assistant principal, Mr. Morgan, sitting in the parking lot, waiting for the bus. Three Visitation Academy students also rode the North County bus. “Once the novelty of having girls with us wore off, they quickly became part of the group,” said Bowman. Chris Seyer strategically chose the seat behind the girls at the front of the bus, and his decision proved lifealtering. “During the ride, I made conversation with whomever would talk to me,” he said. But he especially enjoyed the company of Pam Walsh. The pair (shown left center), began dating after sophomore year and have been happily married since 1976. It was also common practice for some students to hitchhike home every day after athletic practices from the intersection of Ballas and Ladue, or the stretch of Interstate 270 across from Emerson Road. “We had races to get there after practice, to be the first to get rides,” said John Goessling ’71. Bowman recalled that a key to getting a ride quickly was wearing a De Smet letter jacket or making De Smet branded bookbags visible to passing cars.
Getting There Was Half the Fun Alumni have fond memories of riding the bus to De Smet Jesuit from north St. Louis County as freshmen and sophomores. The long ride, up to 90 minutes for those picked
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The G.O.A.T. Ernie Beutenmiller ’71 pulled a senior prank that was so memorable it was included as one of just six “back stories” in the 50th Reunion Yearbook. During lunch one day in the spring of 1971, Beutenmiller snuck to his family’s ranch in Chesterfield to pick up a goat. He released the goat in the cafeteria and mayhem ensued. “The freaking out humans freaked out the goat,” he said. The terrified, bellowing animal ran through the serving line and made a break for the classrooms on the first floor, with Beutenmiller, lariat in hand, in hot pursuit. He finally caught it and led it out the main entrance. A Jesuit simply said, “party’s over,” and very little was ever mentioned again by the administration. Beutenmiller reported, “All together the entire episode lasted less than 10 minutes. No damages, just a few goat droppings and a little excitement.”
A Reunion Done Right Planning for the Class of 1971’s 50th reunion celebration began in July 2020 and included 13 committee members who met via Zoom. The ’71 alumni credited their beloved classmate, Jake MacLeod, for organizing the reunion events. MacLeod, the first Spartan ever elected to the office of class president, passed away following a brief battle with COVID-19 in January 2021. His classmates remembered him with great fondness and admiration during reunion events. In addition to the traditional guys’ night at De Smet on September 25 and a Saturday evening dinner dance, the class gathered for a rosary and Mass of Remembrance on Saturday afternoon to honor their 29 deceased classmates. They shared photos and memories, lit candles, and placed photos of the deceased on the altar. It was a deeply moving tribute and testament to the lifelong impact of their De Smet experience. “They will always be our brothers,” said Jim Finkenkeller ’71 as he read each name. The celebrant for the Mass was Fr. Ralph Houlihan, S.J., who presided over the Class of 1971’s graduation 50 years ago.
REUNION PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
As part of their 50th Reunion weekend, ’71 alumni participated in a Mass of Remembrance to honor their 29 deceased classmates.
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Alumni also received a 197-page 50th reunion yearbook filled with biographies of classmates, memories of school days, interviews with beloved former teachers, trivia quizzes, archival photos, and timelines of key moments in De Smet’s history. In the editor’s preface, Dave Bussmann ’71 wrote, “Our objective with this reunion yearbook is to create a 50th reunion yearbook for the ages, as befitting the founding status of our Class of 1971. We trust that future De Smet 50ths will carry on, or even surpass, the standard set here.” A high standard, indeed. We expected nothing less from the trailblazers of 1971. Special thanks to ’71 alumni contributors: Ernie Beutenmiller, Mike Bowman, Terry Burns, Dave Bussmann, Mike Faddis, John Goessling, Larry Linkul, Tom Murray, Mike Sawicki, Chris Seyer, Steve Stelfox, and George Zimny
“The class gathered for a rosary and Mass of Remembrance ... They shared photos and memories, lit candles, and placed photos of the deceased on the altar. It was a deeply moving tribute and testament to the lifelong impact of their De Smet experience.”
Alumni Connect PHOTO BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
50TH REUNION CLASS OF 1971 (Front row, from left) Mark Vinciguerra, Mike Faddis, Tom Eschen, Mick Markway, and Dan Deckert; (second row, from left) Henry Autrey, Ed Benton, Jim Van Iseghem, Bob Riegel, Dennis Moranville, and Pat Murphy; (third row, from left) Mike Cady, Jeff Rola, Steve Heberer, Tom Fitzgerald, John Lowell, Pat Hayes, Frank Furlong, and Mike Sawicki; (fourth row, from left) Bill Holland, John Goessling, Rick Barringer, Bob Barringer, Rick Siebert, Pat Shipley, Mike Shipley, and Dave Gilroy; (fifth row, from left) Mike Kelly, Tom Wortham, Keith Kissane, Jim Griese, Gary Mareschal, Bob Powers, and Mike Bowman; (sixth row, from left) Greg Steiner, Leonard Schmitt, Bob Dittmeier, Steve Stelfox, and Frank Finnegan; (seventh row, from left) Bob Kuelker, Jim Finkenkeller, Cliff Bauer, Larry Linkul, Terry Burns, Bob Johans, and Kevin Harrison; (eighth row, from left) Chris Seyer, and Coach Rich Grawer
Odyssey
Class Notes
5th Reunion Class of 2016
30th Reunion Class of 1991
25th Reunion Class of 1996
15th Reunion Class of 2006
35th Reunion Class of 1986
10th Reunion Class of 2011
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19 90s Doug Ceresia ’91 has been living in San Diego since 1999. He and his wife, Courtney, are the parents of two sons, Cam (13) and Cole (10), and a new puppy, Yadi. Doug started a real estate investment firm in 2018 with two partners and loves his work.
45th Reunion Class of 1976
Always a
Spartan
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REUNION 2021 CLASS PHOTOS
Kevin Kramer ’10 graduated from Vanderbilt University with a doctorate in immunology. He is currently working in biologics drug discovery and lives in Boston.
PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS
Spartan alumni gathered in LaBarge Stadium on September 24 for the traditional reunion reception. Many milestone classes also hosted parties the following evening. For more about the celebration weekend for De Smet Jesuit’s first-ever 50th reunion for the Class of 1971, please see page 12.
On September 9, 2021, Michael Hillmer ’13 was honored as a member of the 2021 “Domer Dozen” class. Each fall, Notre Dame honors 12 young alumni who have shown extraordinary dedication to making a difference and have made significant contributions in one of the four core tenets of the Notre Dame Alumni Association’s mission statement — faith, service, learning, or work. Michael said the honor “was less about accepting recognition and more about representing the core values ingrained in me by my parents and years of Catholic teaching. I hope to use this recognition as an opportunity to continue to develop these values in a way that honors those that have given so much to me.” Michael is a Captain in the United States Air Force working in an offensive cyber operations unit in Oahu, Hawaii. In his free time, he volunteers in the local Hawaiian community and plays guitar with the Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam Mass Choir.
Paul Fuchs ’16 graduated from Purdue in 2020 with a B.A. in Aerospace Engineering. He now works for Rolls Royce in Indianapolis.
20 20s On October 23, 2021, U.S. Bowling Congress board members Dennis Hacker (pictured below at left), and Tom Dawson (right) presented Justin Kennedy ’21 with his Eagle, representing his U18 National Singles championship in the USBC Youth Open. Justin
bowled a three-game series of 760 in Indianapolis last summer to win the championship. He currently competes with the St. Ambrose University men’s bowling team.
IT’S TRADITION Fourteen alumni returned to campus on August 19 to participate in the Cross Country Alumni Run, a fall tradition that welcomes alumni back to run a few laps with the team. (Front row, from left) Coach Bryan Traughber ’97, Matt James ’19, Teddy Weishaar ’19, Keegan Callahan ’18, Sean Lane ’19, Matt Woodford ’17, Matt Moore ’15, Jack Morris ’15, and Assistant Coach Patrick Morris ’06; (back row, from left) Assistant Coach Jordan Mahood, Josh Pribe ’12, Cavan Mank ’21, Louis Hess ’21, Will Martin ’21, Jonathan Nelson ’17, and Henry Gloriod ’18
40th Reunion Class of 1981
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Milestones
MARRIAGES
LITTLE SPARTANS
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Patrick Morris ’06 and Kelly: John Patrick, November 9, 2021
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Brendan Sullivan ’13 and Erika Celoni: May 15, 2021
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JORDAN MIEARS PHOTOGRAPHY
JORDAN MIEARS PHOTOGRAPHY
Michael Reiter ’06 and Ashley: Rylan Michael, May 16, 2021
Groomsmen included alumni Keith Lewis ’13, Kevin Christoff ’13, Connor Sullivan ’23, Ryan Sullivan ’15, Ryan Boersig ’13 and Mark Loeffelwitz
IN MEMORIAM This listing includes notifications of the passing of De Smet Jesuit alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and immediate relatives through January 15, 2022. If we have missed someone, please notify the Alumni Office at alumni@desmet.org or 314-567-3500. Editor’s Note – In the Summer 2021 issue of Odyssey, the following grandchildren of William E. McKeon Sr. were inadvertently omitted from his In Memoriam listing: Michael ’08 and Ryan McKeon ’17, and Christopher ’10 and Andrew Struttmann ’11. We regret the error. James Allen, grandfather of Jason Allen ’18 Cole T. Anello ’24 Matthias H. Backer, father of Robert ’73 and Brian Backer ’81; grandfather of Michael Backer ’02 Suzette Blanc, mother of Jeffrey ’85, Douglas ’87, and Christopher Blanc ’89 Robert L. Blumenkemper, father of Barry Blumenkemper ’89 Mark A. Bockerstett ’78, father of Kevin Bockerstett ’09; uncle of Sean Bockerstett ’06 Michael J. Bridge ’78, brother of David Bridge ’75 Robert J. Brockmann, father of Paul ’77 and Peter Brockmann ’82
Richard L. Nix, father of Richard ’82 and Paul Nix ’86; grandfather of Nicholas Doneff ’08
Bradley A. Hook ’04, brother of Christopher Hook ’01
Norma L. Palliser, grandmother of Frank ’05, Scott ’07, and Robert Morrissey ’09
Maurice Jordan, father of Courtney ’05 and Maurice Jordan ’13
Carol Roark, grandmother of Blake ’22 and Mason Skornia ’24
James Kekeisen ’78, brother of Joseph Kekeisen ’82
George G. Robben, grandfather of Neil ’12 and Andrew Smith ’15; father-in-law of Kevin Smith ’79
James P. Killeen Jr., son of James Killeen ’81 John A. Klemm ’82, brother of William Klemm ’78 William M. Klinghammer ’76 Michael B. Kribs ’12 Suzanne La Fever, mother of William ’80, Robert ’83, and James La Fever ’84; grandmother of Matthew La Fever ’12 Henrietta Luecke, mother of Kenneth Luecke (former faculty member); grandmother of Christopher ’05 and Timothy Luecke ’09 Brian L. Malcolm ’76
Richard L. Cordia ’76
Mary Ann Mankus, mother of John Mankus ’83
Celeste Drain, mother of Frederick Drain ’76
Rosemary Morris, mother of John Morris ’83; grandmother of Patrick ’06, Daniel ’13, and John Morris ’15
Carol Dubuque, mother of Charles ’78, Philip ’80, Paul ’81, and Louis Dubuque ’83; grandmother of Theodore ’18 and Matthew Dubuque ’19 Doris A. Fox, mother of Richard Fox ’73; grandmother of Richard Fox ’14
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Gloria Gottschalk, grandmother of Andrew ’11 and Christopher Palmer ’17
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William R. Mueller, father of William Mueller ’89 Gabriel Myers ’20, brother of Alexander Myers ’18 Mary K. Neels, wife of John Neels ’77; mother of Ryan Neels ’10; aunt of James ’97 and Paul Neels ’00; sister-in-law of James Neels ’72
Jeffrey A. Schwarz ’90, brother of Michael ’80 and Steven Schwarz ’86; cousin of Brian Cody ’78 and Kevin Lyons ’98 Joseph E. Seiler, father of Stephen ’73, Michael ’76, and John Seiler ’85 John E. Stackle, father of Alexander Stackle ’15 John F. Sullivan, father of Timothy ’76, Michael ’79, Kevin ’81, and Daniel Sullivan ’91; grandfather of Brian ’23 and Michael Sullivan ’25 Matthew D. Vacca ’78, brother of Joseph ’73, Mark ’74, Daniel ’80, and John Vacca ’85; uncle of Francis Vacca ’22 William L. Zielinski, father of Gregory ’76 and Stephen Zielinski ’80; grandfather of Benjamin Zielinski ’10 and Jeffrey Schnoebelen ’13; father-in-law of Mark Schnoebelen ’74 Ralph M. Zitzmann, stepfather of John Cavanagh ’87 John H. Zupez, S.J., former faculty member
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS
Shattering Expectations Spartans raise $511,800 in one month.
It’s never too late to support your Spartans. Give today at www.desmet.org/giving. Thank you, Spartan Country!
DEBBIE HIGGINS
Six years ago, De Smet Jesuit participated in Giving Tuesday for the first time and raised $67,000 in one day. This November, an anonymous $100K giving challenge inspired Leo and Pat Saenger (parents of Chuck ’92 and Susan) to offer a second $100K if the community could raise a matching $200,000 by Giving Tuesday on November 30. Spartans rose to the challenge. And then some. Thanks to 962 donors, more than $511,800 was raised for the Spartan Fund, benefitting students and elevating the philanthropic culture at De Smet Jesuit forever. Phenomenal!
THEN&NOW
Almost 60 years ago, early planning began for the building of De Smet Jesuit High School, estimated to cost $3,000,000 (early rendering below). Initial fundraising included a $500,000 grant and $1.2 million in pledges from SLUH alumni, parents, and friends.
At right: The current De Smet Advancement Team (from left) Anna Oliver, Patrick Morris ’06, Jeff Cernicek ’92, Becky Lane (not pictured: Tom Sothers)
CARRIE BECHER
At top: (from left) Mikey Hennessey ’24, Robbie Cole ’24, Noah Reeder ’24, Jim Walsh ’76, Evan Rolwes ’24, and Donovan Scott ’24
In 1971-1972, Director of Development Thomas Bashwiner also taught Spanish 1 and 2. Today, Jeff Cernicek ’92 leads a team dedicated to advancement efforts such as Giving Tuesday, the Tradition Golf Tournament, the auction, and the Spartan Fund to propel the school’s mission forward.
233 North New Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63141
GIANNI BRUSATTI ’22
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
Serving, Still Dress code has changed and demerits have gone digital, but Spartans still enjoy their brotherhood and live out the mission of De Smet Jesuit to be men for and with others. Directed by Ray Sherrock, James Lane ’24 (at the mic) and fellow choir students performed their annual Christmas tour, including a stop at the St. Louis International Airport to entertain audiences and raise funds for the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association, an organization that supports local children’s charities.
Still serving. Still smiling. Still the Spartan spirit.
(From left) Aiden Taylor ‘24, James Lane ‘24, Michael Chastonay ‘24, Christian Hill ‘24, Donovan Hughes ‘22, Andrew Smith ‘24