Summer 2023 Odyssey Magazine

ODYSSEY

SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE

ODYSSEY

The Spartans finished the 2022–2023 school year in spectacular fashion, winning state championships in lacrosse and volleyball during finals week in May.

Shown on the cover: The lacrosse team’s victory celebration on the turf at Lindenwood University on May 26.

33 3

SPOTLIGHT

14 The Lunch Lady

Felicie Van De Riet dishes on nearly 50 years of serving Spartans.

18 Together, We’re More Danny Duggan ’10 and Nic Herrmann ’10 transform lives in rural Nicaragua.

PHOTOS BY DIRT AND TURF PHOTOGRAPHY

PATRICK MORRIS

ON THE COVER

Dear De Smet Jesuit Community,

What a remarkable year for De Smet Jesuit! We started the year by asking the question, “Where is God calling De Smet?” After months of prayer, discernment, and listening to members of the De Smet Jesuit community, including parents, faculty, staff, alumni, the Board of Trustees and the President’s Advisory Council, we have answered that question with our long-term strategic vision. Our vision focuses on four foundational imperatives that will guide De Smet Jesuit into the future: Catholic and Jesuit, Academic Excellence, Care for the Whole Person, and Men for Others.

In addition to building the vision for the future, we had an incredible school year. A few highlights include: the Class of 2023 receiving more than $36 million in college scholarships, winning four state championships, launching our alumni mentorship and business shadow program this summer, serving 60 nonprofit agencies, traveling internationally to serve and learn, celebrating daily Masses and the traditional First Friday devotions, and making the largest one-time food donation of 22,000 pounds to St. Patrick Center as part of the Great Ignatian Challenge where we were recognized among Jesuit schools nationwide.

Our community is vibrant and engaged. We received more than $3 million in financial gifts to the Spartan Fund, including our $1 million record-breaking auction. These gifts impact every student and elevate the learning experience for all.

As we consider the future, our mission is clear: De Smet Jesuit forms men for others in and outside of the classroom. Guided by the Holy Spirit and working together we will continue forward in this transformational vision.

We are grateful for each of you and invite you to stay engaged as we create the future of De Smet Jesuit.

God bless you and God bless De Smet Jesuit, Fr.

Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J. president

Our community is vibrant and engaged. ”

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

The task was daunting and the results impacted thousands. As participants in the Great Ignatian Challenge, a national food collection competition among Jesuit schools, the Spartans brought in canned food by the ton to support St. Patrick Center. Find out how they did on page 5.

LIFE AT DE SMET JESUIT

PHOTO: CARRIE BECHER

Pictured at a weigh-in

(from left) Andrew Raga ’24, Noah Cunningham ’26, Braden Butler ’26, and Ian Thomas ’26

So Much to Celebrate

SPARTANS CAP REMARKABLE SPRING IN ATHLETICS WITH TWO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

It was finals week. In May. Only four days separated the Spartans from their summer break. And amid group projects and late-night review sessions, students still packed the stands for state championship volleyball and lacrosse games.

Pre-season expectations were high for De Smet volleyball, and the Spartans did not disappoint. They arrived at the state final game on May 23 with a 34-1 record (the best in school history) and an 8-0 MCC League championship. The Spartans defeated Webster Groves High School in straight sets, 25-17, 25-21, and 21-16, with the winning point following a pass from Evan Gresham ’23, a set from Tyler Zippay ’24, and the final kill by Trent Massey ’23. Massey, who was later named St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro Player of the Year, recalled the final moments.

“Although we could feel it, there was no real let up in the team. We were focused and determined to play until the final whistle,” he said. “I remember looking around seeing everyone standing up and taking pictures, and I remember thinking, man we are right there. I just took it all in.”

The lacrosse championship game on May 26 was dubbed one of the greatest matches in the history of Missouri state lacrosse by Gateway Sports Venue. For the fourth straight year, the Spartans faced MICDS for the championship. But this time, the Spartans prevailed to claim De Smet’s first lacrosse championship since 2002.

“It was no surprise that this game was going to require everything we had,” said Kyle Sindelar ’23. “We all knew what we were capable of and even after going down a couple goals early in the game, we never really believed we were out of it. That is what I love about this team. We counted on each other and never gave up.”

Clutch saves by eventual game MVP Brosnan Mark ’23 and four goals in the fourth quarter, including two by Tanner Culleton ’24 with less than four minutes to play, gave the Spartans the 11-9 victory. “It honestly feels like a dream,” Sindelar said. “I will never forget that last whistle going off and jumping into my various teammates’ arms. I will also never forget the amount of support from our student section as we battled back into the game.”

VOLLEYBALL SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

n State Champions

n 35-1 Record

n 8-0 MCC Champions

n Ranked #14 in the U.S., #3 in the Midwest (USA Today)

n Best Record in School History

n Tied for Most Wins in a Single Season in State History

LACROSSE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

n 15-4 Record; 13-1 Against In-State Opponents

n Tommy Ruder ’23 is Player of the Year and All-American

n Graham LaBonte ’24 and Kyle Sindelar ’23 are Academic All-Americans

n #1 Seed in the State Tournament

KEVIN BERNS ’87 DIRT AND TURF PHOTOGRAPHY

SPRING STATS OF NOTE

FOUR DISTRICT TITLES

n In a two-week period, the Spartans won district titles in baseball, golf, track and field, and volleyball.

BASS FISHING TEAM

n De Smet Jesuit’s bass fishing team, in its first year of competition, won the Student Angler Federation state championship (Mitch Geiser ’23 and Danny Swallow ’24, pictured above)

n National Youth Fishing Association State Finalists

TRACK AND FIELD

n Track and Field had its best season in school history.

n First district championship in 30 years, and only the second in school history (The team won by a whopping 31.5 total points.)

n Second place at Sectionals, highest finish in school history, losing by only 4 team points

n Set three new school records:

Mike Phillips ’24 – Shot Put (16.86 meters), (pictured above)

Sherodd Tate ’23 – Javelin (44.84 meters)

Colin Griffin ’25 – 300 meter hurdles (39.50)

n 13th overall Team Finish at the State Meet –out of 80 Class 4 Teams

Spartan Spirit at its Best

COMMUNITY RALLIES TO EXCEED FOOD DRIVE GOALS AND WIN SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS

In November, De Smet Jesuit joined the Great Ignatian Challenge (GIC), an annual food collection drive competition with 17 other Jesuit schools nationwide. The goal? Bring in the most pounds of food per student and earn scholarship dollars.

With less than a month to compete, everyone in Spartan Country pitched in. Food weigh-in stations were set up in Emerson Lobby. Ryan Sextro ’04 (computer science teacher) created an algorithm for tracking pounds of food donated by homeroom. STUCO reps weighed food on industrial scales and entered the data. Students in Rob Hutchison’s English class created promotional videos to spread the word, and alumni offered matching gift incentives to reach milestone goals. When it was all said and done, the Spartans collected 11 tons of food — equal to 37 pounds per student — for St. Patrick Center during the Thanksgiving season when food pantry shelves were bare. It was the single largest food donation in St. Patrick Center’s history.

In their first year as Great Ignatian Challenge participants, the Spartans placed fifth (a $30,000 prize) AND won the “Best PR Effort” (a $15,000 award), earning a total of $45,000 for De Smet Jesuit’s scholarship fund. An alumnus of Fordham Preparatory School (NY) founded The Great Ignatian Challenge in 2016 to highlight the collective service power and generosity among Jesuit high schools.

Making the final food delivery to St. Patrick Center (from left) Henry Anyimadu ’23, Jacob Winkelmann ’24, Ethan Rubbelke ’25, Alex Renschen ’25, Fr. O’Dwyer, Hank Walbert ’23, and Tommy Ruder ’23

Going for the Gold

GRAHAM LABONTE ‘24 EARNS CONGRESSIONAL AWARD GOLD MEDAL

Graham LaBonte ‘24 has always been a person who enjoys setting challenging goals and creating an action plan to achieve them.

In March 2023, he completed 800 hours of requirements to earn the Congressional Award Gold Medal, an honor bestowed on only 500 American citizens annually.

The U.S. Congress established the award in 1970. It requires 400 hours of voluntary service, 200 hours of physical fitness, 200 hours of personal development, and a five-day cultural expedition. Participants work independently and log their progress in a record book. Graham learned about the award from a family friend during his freshman year at De Smet Jesuit.

The most challenging requirement was completing 400 hours of service, especially early on with Covid restrictions still in place. Through his involvement with the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), Graham worked five-hour shifts on Saturday mornings at Food Outreach. He also earned hours serving Parkinson’s patients at Rock Steady and children at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. As he worked to accumulate 400 hours, Graham realized how dependent many organizations are on volunteers. “Camp Circle Star, one of the organizations where I serve, requires a volunteer for each camper for a one-on-one camp experience,” he explained. “This would be enormously expensive if they had to pay each counselor for their time. This is why service is so important.”

The personal development requirement challenged participants to pursue a new interest or advance to a new level in an ongoing interest. At De Smet, Graham joined the mock trial team and the Model UN delegation because he “loved the combination of competition and challenging my brain” that the two activities offered. After his sophomore year, he also took a summer accounting class at the University of Notre Dame.

As a lacrosse player, Graham already had a built-in routine of workouts and practices to complete the 200 hours of physical fitness requirement.

To fulfill the expedition requirement, Graham, a student of Chinese at De Smet, took the opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the country’s culture. He dedicated several days during Thanksgiving break to virtual tours of China, including exploring monuments such as the Great Wall and Shanghai Tower. A former “Iron Chef” competition winner in Mrs. Tseng’s class, Graham cooked fried rice and interviewed a family friend and native of Shanghai about what it’s like being Chinese in America.

When Graham hit “send” in December to submit his completed logbook of hours, he did so with a new appreciation for the importance of living a well-rounded life. “It was hard sometimes to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said of his 27 months of work. “But I learned that there are a lot of good people in the world. You’re missing out if you don’t get involved and try new things.”

A Perfect Score

HUDSON

MILLER ’24 ACHIEVES A 36 ON THE ACT

Hudson Miller ’24 learned the news about his perfect ACT score during a family dinner. “I was surprised and excited and extremely happy that the preparation I did paid off,” he said, explaining that he completed several practice exams before taking the test for the first time at De Smet in March. Only 0.3 % of all ACT test takers earn a perfect score of 36.

Hudson’s favorite academic subject is math — he finds its practical applications interesting and likes “wrapping my mind around some of the larger concepts.” Outside the classroom, Hudson is an attorney for the Spartan mock trial team, president of the National Honor Society, and Scholar Bowl team member. He made his De Smet acting debut during the student directed One Act plays in April.

“ I learned that there are a lot of good people in the world. You’re missing out if you don’t get involved and try new things. ”

DEBBIE HIGGINS

Million Dollar, Double Victory Night

ANNUAL AUCTION RAISES RECORD $1 MILLION WHILE THE SPARTANS WIN 15TH HOCKEY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Florals and fedoras filled the gym-turned-lounge as Spartans broke records on March 3 — raising $1 million at the Havana Nights Auction and cheering on the hockey team as they clinched their 15th state championship across town. Student volunteers served a delicious salmon dinner before racing to the game, while co-chairs Aimée Bergan and Kristy Littauer oversaw amazing raffles and live auction items, all thanks to the priceless generosity of our De Smet Jesuit community.

In total, more than 600 alumni, parents, and friends sold out the auction for the second straight year. Planning is already underway for the school’s 50th auction, the Spartan Spectacular, which will take place on February 10, 2024.

“

Seeing old friends and contributing to a meaningful cause make the auction one of my favorite nights of the year.

ZACK KAVANAUGH ’14 ”

Where is God Calling De Smet Jesuit?

ANNOUNCING

DE

SMET JESUIT’S STRATEGIC VISION

At the close of the school year, Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., President, announced a newly approved strategic vision that will guide De Smet Jesuit into the future.

The school’s strategic priorities emerged after a year of prayer, discernment, and conversations with parents, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, the Board of Trustees, and the President’s Advisory Council.

De Smet Jesuit’s strategic vision for the future focuses on four mission-critical priorities:

CATHOLIC AND JESUIT ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE CARE FOR THE WHOLE PERSON MEN FOR OTHERS

What does this all mean for De Smet?

Fr. O’Dwyer took some time to share his thoughts on the “why” behind the visioning process as well as next steps.

Why is a strategic vision important for De Smet right now?

Catholic education in our region is at an inflection point. We find ourselves at a crossroads where business as usual is no longer an option. I believe this is an opportunity. Reading the signs of the times prompted De Smet to articulate a clear, compelling, and bold vision for our future.

What are you most excited about from the process?

This strategic framework represents a huge step forward for De Smet. It is the product of a unified, integrated, and transparent approach to strategic planning. I anticipate that the years ahead will be challenging for Catholic schools in our region. But De Smet now has a roadmap to guide the way toward imaginative thinking, risk-taking, and new ardor in fulfilling the mission entrusted to us: forming men for others who pattern their lives on the vision and values of Jesus.

Who was involved in the visioning process?

It is ultimately the responsibility of the Board of Trustees to initiate, guide, and approve a strategic plan. And while the entire community was invited to participate in this discernment, there was one group that played a significant role. That group is the newly established President’s Advisory Council. This group of 17 people — men and women, alumni, Jesuits, parents and former parents, former board members, and benefactors — met five times during the past 10 months to guide the formation of the plan. All these groups should be commended for their efforts!

What are you most energized about?

Handing on our faith to the next generation has been the guiding star in my life as a Jesuit, a priest, and a teacher. Finding ways to hand on our faith in a meaningful way — in a way that students can take hold of it and allow that faith to serve as the foundation of their lives is the most meaningful gift we can give our students. Throughout this process I felt that the Holy Spirit was calling us to focus on this aspect of our mission. I am most energized by the initiatives we have built in this area.

What are the next steps?

The best plans and the noblest intentions are naught without consistent and enthusiastic execution. Clearly, our work is just beginning. Under the leadership of our principal, Kevin Poelker ’98 and his team, the faculty and administrators must begin the process of goal setting, tracking, measuring, and implementation. It will be my job, working alongside the advancement team, to ensure that we have the proper resources to bring this vision to life.

What are you hopeful about — relative to your work, faith, and/or our community?

My greatest hope for our community is that we all come to a lively and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But although our faith is personal, it is never private. My dream for us is that we find ways to share our faith with others. Our faith changes the way we see reality — so I also hope that De Smet continues to be a place where our prayer, work, and study helps to bring about Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom. I envision De Smet as a training ground for a new generation of saints. The good news is that there are saints walking among us — in greater numbers than we might think!

PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

Thank you to the members of the President’s Advisory Council who played a critical role in the development of De Smet Jesuit’s strategic vision for the future.

John Alberici

Gabriel and Gertrude Memorial

Tim Barrett ’76

Parent of Matt ’05 and Mark ’07

Jeff Cook ’79

Bo Devereux ’78

Parent of James ’09 and David ’10

Ann Ficken

Parent of Mark ’13 and Andrew ’18

Michael Grewe ’86

Parent of Nicholas ’20 and Anthony ’22

Glenn Heitmann ’79

Parent of Tim ’07, Matt ’10, and Andrew ’12

Chris Imbs ’78

Joe and Kim Koenig

Parents of Jake ’13, Nick ’16, and Luke ’24

Nick Lamb ’76

Mary Mills

Parent of Patrick ’12

Julia Mize

Parent of Gage ’18, William ’23, and Benjamin ’27

Chrissy Nardini

Parent of Harry ’21

Jim Ortbals

Parent of Jim ’94, Brian ’96, and Matt ’99

Grandparent of Will ’25

Don Ross

Parent of John ’87, Scott ’88, and Rob ’90

Chris Seyer ’71

To learn more about De Smet Jesuit’s strategic priorities, please scan this code or visit the website at https://www.desmet.org/about/strategic-priorities.

Parent of Mark ’02

Jim Shaughnessy ’84

Kent Skornia

Parent of Blake ’22 and Mason ’24

John True ’82

The World Needs You

GO, SET THE WORLD ON FIRE, CLASS OF 2023!

De Smet Jesuit celebrated its 53rd commencement exercises on May 21 to honor the 165 graduates of the Class of 2023.

The graduates heard inspirational messages from their class valedictorian, Jack Heit, and De Smet Jesuit President, Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J. “Become comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Jack Heit advised during his valedictory address at the Baccalaureate Brunch on Sunday morning. “Truthfully, there will always be times when we are uncomfortable,” he said. “In fact, I am counting on it. I am both prayerful and hopeful that none of us ever become fully comfortable, as that would indicate that we have stopped growing and stopped striving to live out my favorite De Smet Graduate at Graduation characteristic, Open to Growth.”

That evening, during Graduation Mass at the Cathedral Basilica, Fr. O’Dwyer expanded upon Jack’s theme of being uncomfortable. He described the Church’s feast day on May 21 — the Ascension — as an “uncomfortable feast.” The risen Christ who had been so present to His friends now takes leave to ascend to heaven. “Much like this graduation moment, the Ascension is a story of departure, of leave-taking, of letting go,” Fr. O’Dwyer said. “Just as Jesus sent the disciples into the world at the moment of his Ascension, today we send you forth. We mission you to the first day of the rest of your lives.”

“The world needs you to stick together, to remain friends in the Lord, to support and encourage one another, to be the men that God is calling you to be.”

The graduates of the Class of 2023 are enrolled in 64 colleges and universities. They were awarded 690 scholarships with a total value of $36,146,445.

DEBBIE HIGGINS

HONORS RECEIVED

De

Fr. Ron Windmueller, S.J., Ignatian Educator Award

Chris Welling

Pierre-Jean De Smet, S.J., Outstanding Service Award

Terry Wittenberg

Tom Zink, M.D., ’74

Jesuit Schools Network Awards

Dominic Alu

Jack Dawson

Daniel Dowell

Allen Willis

President’s Medals

Evan Gresham

Quinn Simon

John Stanley

Far top left: Salutatorian Mason Schneier (at left) and valedictorian Jack Heit

At top: Hank Walbert gives the second reading during Mass.

Above: A view of the ceremony from the Cathedral Basilica’s choir loft

At left: (from left) Jack Dawson, Allen Willis, Dominic Alu, Daniel Dowell

Far bottom left: After the Baccalaureate Brunch, graduates had a blast doing photo shoots around campus.

Smet Jesuit recognized the following individuals during the Baccalaureate Brunch on May 21.

“

The world needs you to stick together, to remain friends in the Lord, to support and encourage one another, to be the men that God is calling you to be.

KABANCE PHOTO SERVICES

JOHN HAWLEY ’96

Seen & Heard in Math

THE DEPARTMENT WHERE DEPTH, STRUT, AND SOUL ADD UP

Perhaps more than any other subject in high school, mathematics stands out as a curriculum that builds upon concrete prior knowledge, boasts objectivity, and conceptually does not change with the times. But today’s tech-savvy teen has access to answers, and the pandemic created knowledge gaps. The stoic math department at De Smet Jesuit nods to the challenge, embraces student engagement, and pivots to the future.

“Even though artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are causing interruptions in student learning, I think they shine a very bright light on the importance of math,” said Adam Boehm, Department Chair. “AI is linear algebra, which derives itself from systems of equations, which freshmen learn. It’s something so simple taken to extraordinary levels.”

Also extraordinary is math’s popularity at De Smet. Four of the seven teachers are alumni, and all are experienced coaches. From baseball and golf to cross country and Esports, the math faculty exude a calm, cool, and collected swagger that resonates strongly with students. Two of three Dr. Berger Excellence in Teaching awards went to math teachers this year: Mark DeGreeff (chosen by freshmen) and Dan Likos (by sophomores). Ask a Spartan his favorite subject, and more often than not the answer will be math.

“Math is conceptual thinking,” shared Zach Veluz, a senior in both AP Honors Calculus and AP Honors Computer Science. “It’s very abstract. A lot of kids in my class don’t like math necessarily, but they laugh, they still have fun.”

Top left: (From left) Owen Tihen ’26, Hank Anderson ’26, and August Wims ’26

Top right: Zach Veluz ’23

Middle: Doubling as coaches, the math teachers score big with De Smet students and athletes. (From left) Ryan Sextro ’04, Esports and theatre; Mark DeGreeff, weight room (and former football and basketball); Timothy Canavan, varsity baseball; Pat Littleton ’87, JV soccer and JV golf (and former soccer, basketball, and baseball); Dan Likos ’94, varsity golf; John Reyes ’94, assistant varsity soccer; and Adam Boehm, cross country and track.

Above: Christian Hill ’24, Tyler Zippay ‘24, Jacob Winkelmann ’24, and Blake Barnes ’24

“This looks kind of funky,” commented Tommy Willie ’26 as he wrote out a function. “Functions are a big part of the ACT test,” explained Patrick Littleton ’87. “We align our curriculum with the ACT college readiness standards.” While the pandemic impacted scores nationwide, and some colleges still consider tests optional, scholarships often factor them in. Improving ACT scores is a math department goal, and current juniors are on track, with scores at or above their projected scores from the pre-ACT they took as sophomores. For many students, higher scores will generate money for college. “This is the highest math class for freshmen,” said Mr. Littleton. “The valedictorian for this grade is likely in this class.”

— HONORS ALGEBRA 2 (at far left)

“The quizzes are online,” explained Jack Gaffney ’26.

In Tim Canavan’s science lab that doubles as a math classroom, freshmen appear accustomed to the online textbooks, quizzes, and notes. Laptops stay open next to worksheets, and students comfortably move between printed and digital tools.

Mr. Canavan projects problems on the Smartboard, then deftly switches out markers. “This is one reason I like OneNote,” he said, “because I can color code this stuff.”

— ALGEBRA 1

“We work smarter here, not harder, right?” asked Mark DeGreeff, as he reviewed the Pythagorean Theorem. “It’s a combination of everything,” chimed in one sophomore. “Yes, kind of like math,” confirmed Mr. DeGreeff. “Kind of like what we did at the beginning of the school year all adding up.” Fundamental relations define more than the day’s lesson in a classroom where students stand for a prayer that ends in a unified group clap. Students have an ease with “Coach,” who plays classic rock quietly and collects $1 when a student has to charge his laptop during class (all money goes toward missions). They know the daily drill: instruction, time for questions, then homework and practice.

— GEOMETRY

“Use your calculator to make a picture of it, and that way you have a better idea of what you’re working on,” said Dan Likos ’94 to AP Calculus seniors who sprawl over two-person tables at varying heights. On the Smartboard a large digital calculator display mimics the students’ TI84 devices. This classroom’s furniture can be rearranged for collaboration, and hydraulic chairs cater to the movement and learning preferences of teen boys.

“I think it brings more of a modern feel,” said Zach Veluz ’23. “You want to learn where you’re comfortable.” Zach credits Mr. Likos for much of his progress from a struggling freshman in basic algebra to an advanced student in AP Calculus. Next year he plans to attend the University of Kansas to study aeronautical engineering.

“People don’t understand math because it’s so out there,” said Zach. “But if you can visualize it and do what Mr. Likos does… you see him graph so many functions, you eventually start picturing how a function’s going to look before you work on it.”

— AP/ACC HONORS CALCULUS (middle, top)

“We’re looking at some very weird things, because, you know, fake data and all,” said Ryan Sextro ’04.

AP Computer Science students model real world ideas and objects as lines of code, comb through sample data, and learn programming logic, all in the new Esports center where neon lights and modern towers surround the students. “It’s a tough, hard class,” said Zach. “You’ve got to switch your brain. You’re learning some complex code by the end of it.”

— AP COMPUTER SCIENCE

“Can you feel the love tonight?” crooned Christian Hill ’24 in Honors Precalculus. “No matter the teaching style, we have to adapt to how students perceive mathematics and get students to understand its purpose and its beauty” said Mr. Boehm, who uses peer groupings and whiteboards to push through challenging lessons. “It’s getting harder to justify mathematics to students because they have tools that can do it for them. While we want to increase rigor, we also want our classes to be places where they can see how simple yet complex math can actually be. Mathematics has a soul, but so many people only use it for its application in STEM.”

— HONORS PRECALCULUS (middle, bottom)

In this STEM-trending world, the math department at De Smet Jesuit still appreciates music, visualization, and the joy of color coding. Coach/teacher combos and award-winning Ignatian educators employ simple formulas for complex learning, and classrooms are characterized by relationships among its rational beings. At the root of it, teachers share the beauty and intellectual energy they find in the numbers and in each other. Mathematics has a soul indeed.

“ Ask a Spartan his favorite subject, and more often than not the answer will be math.

LunchLady The

Felicie Van de Riet dishes on nearly 50 years of serving the Spartans.

BY KEN LUECKE

For four generations of Spartans,

she was a “school mom” who served food made with love in a lunch line that was even more efficient than the drive-through at Chick-Fil-A. Felicie Van de Riet joined the cafeteria staff in 1974 to work alongside her mother, Kay.

She came to De Smet as a shy and reserved young woman who was once a postulant in the Franciscan Sisters of Mary at St. Mary’s Hospital. She retired in December 2022 as a De Smet Jesuit Hall of Famer and ambassador of kindness and caring.

No story better tells us what Felicie has meant to the De Smet community than the one depicted in the stained-glass window above the altar in Boian Chapel: the disciples recognizing Jesus in the breaking of the bread. For 48 years, Felicie was at the center of bringing our community together — offering hearty, nutritious meals prepared and served with love in the school cafeteria, where friendships are created, nurtured, and shared. The cafeteria has always been where (as at Emmaus) we can see Christ in one another in the “breaking of the bread.” It was where Felicie welcomed back alumni with a free lunch, provided meals to those in need, observed students helping others in an extraordinary way, added them to her “Good Guys” list, and then took care of their lunch at a future time.

“I just always wanted to be good,” Felicie said when asked about her many years at De Smet. She has undoubtedly been a shining example of what “being good” can mean for a community. Her daily routine was to arrive at 5:00 a.m. to “do the books” or order supplies, begin food preparations for the day, and to always be a faithful steward of the kitchen’s resources. From breakfast and lunch to faculty meetings and alumni events, whenever food was needed at De Smet, Felicie was there to provide it. During especially busy times, when athletic banquets filled almost every evening, Felicie and her beloved husband George were known to bring their camper to school so Felicie didn’t have to worry about a long drive home. During the early 2000s, Felicie contributed food to popular Bingo nights in Emerson Lobby that raised funds for De Smet.

What do high school boys like for lunch? Felicie became an expert on this topic as menu offerings evolved according to students’ preferences. In the 70s and 80s, “most of the items were various shades of earth tones — as in they were fried,” she said of the cafeteria fare that mirrored fast-food restaurants: burgers, fries, and pizza sticks. High-calorie breakfast snack items evolved into homemade cinnamon rolls, pancakes,

Felicie with her mother, Kay DiManuele, in 1976

Felicie’s lunch line in 2005.

yogurt, fruit, and made-to-order omelets. In the ’90s and 2000s, the lunch menu became more extensive and featured a variety of fruits, vegetables, salads, and specially prepared sandwiches, like “sandwich-by-the-inch,” Gerbers, and chicken wraps. With the 2010s and 2020s, a healthier line of foods and “Blue Plate Specials” came into vogue as nutrition began taking center stage. Technological advances brought published menus on flat screens, placing orders online, and contactless paying.

To no one’s surprise, Felicie dedicated her life’s work to De Smet because of “the boys” — generations of Spartans who came through her lunch line every day. The Spartans are the reason she still lights up with a smile when anyone asks her about De Smet. What meant the most? “I loved seeing the men that the young boys became when they visited as alumni,” Felicie said. She recalled with great fondness a young man who, from challenging surroundings, became a nurse against all odds; the student who needed a hug one day and who knew where to go for it; and the senior who sought her out to thank her for all that he learned from her during his four years. Particularly touching was a letter from two students who had little knowledge of English when they arrived as freshmen and wrote a heartfelt note of thanks when they graduated. Felicie made all the difference in the world in making them feel at home as members of the De Smet family, even though “they were shy and reserved,” just like the lady who arrived at De Smet in much the same manner many years ago.

Throughout her days at De Smet, Felicie always seemed at peace with whatever was happening around her — based on a trust in God which guided how she acted. Her trademark has always been cultivating joy by sharing food with us as friends. True to the Ignatian roots that helped anchor her throughout her life, Felicie will forever feel blessed by a life filled with joyful memories of working alongside her mom and caring for her De Smet family.

After 48 years of “being good” for De Smet Jesuit, Felicie retired with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and gratitude.

“Working at De Smet made me feel like I didn’t waste my life doing something unimportant,” she said. “I’m so thankful for that.”

The Reviews Are In!

“Felicie is the mother whom alums come back to see when returning ‘home’ to visit.”

– CHEF SCOTT PHILLIPS ’88, COLLEAGUE

“She had great big smile all the time, she was always welcoming, and led with the question, ‘how can I help you?’”

– GREG VITELLO, COLLEAGUE

“She showed up every day. She was the constant in the cafeteria . . . her infectious smile, daily encouragement, and cheerful service to all her boys at De Smet Jesuit.”

– MIKE SAWICKI ’71

“Felicie is one of my favorite people from my years at De Smet Jesuit. She exemplifies the best of De Smet.

If I had to use only one word to describe her it would be ‘kind.’ Felicie has a genuine concern for the well-being of everyone, from the students who didn’t have lunch money to the faculty and staff of De Smet, and in a very special way to her co-workers in food service.

Everyone was family to Felicie, and she treated and cared for everyone like family. Both Leslie and I feel privileged to have worked with her and to call her a friend.”

– GREG DENSBERGER, FORMER PRINCIPAL

“Her trademark has always been cultivating joy by sharing food with us as friends.”

Ken Luecke and Felicie at De Smet’s Christmas party in December 2022.

FELICIE’S FAVORITES CAFETERIA

MENU ITEMS

n Biscuits and gravy for breakfast

n Lasagna (particularly, chicken lasagna)

HOBBIES

n Skeet shooting (“I’m pretty good” as a humble boast!)

n Trail riding (she used to own two horses)

n Feeding animals in her backyard with scraps of leftover cafeteria food (raccoons, deer, turkey vultures, and the list goes on)

MANTRAS

n “When you’re happy, I’m happy”

n “Don’t disappoint. You were hired for a reason. Do it!”

n “I am so blessed, and thankful. I can’t believe it!”

STUDENTS’ FOOD FAVORITES THROUGH THE YEARS

n Sandwich-by-the-inch

n Gerbers – open-face ham, Swiss, and garlic butter on a toasted baguette

n Chicken Wraps – fried chicken strips with bacon and ranch dressing in a burrito

n Blue Plate Specials – healthy meals with all of the fixings

FELICIE’S SPARTAN

Felicie was proud to add “grandmother of a Spartan” to her De Smet connections in 2013, when her grandson Cody enrolled. Cody especially loved robotics, taking after his grandfather George, who was an excellent mechanic at General Motors. At Cody’s graduation in 2017, “George and I were bursting with pride,” Felicie said. “He really loved being part of the De Smet family.”

FELICIE’S GOOD GUYS FUND

In tribute to Felicie’s legacy of kindness, Food Service Consultants (FSC) established “Felicie’s Good Guys Fund” in December 2022. Every semester, FSC sets up a lunch card with funds. “The idea of the card is to continue what Felicie started: buying lunch for students for various reasons, sometimes based on need, sometimes based on the simple fact that they made her smile, and most frequently when she saw gestures of kindness,” said Scott Phillips ’88, Director of FSC.

Above, Felicie in a serving line, circa 1985.

Pictured above with Felicie, from left, are her son George Jr., grandson Cody, granddaughter Samantha, and daughter-in-law Pam.

“Felicie made all the difference in the world in making them feel at home.”

Felicie’s 1983 yearbook photo

Danny Duggan ’10 and Nic Herrmann ’10 transform lives in rural Nicaragua.

BY DEBBIE HIGGINS

s friends at De Smet Jesuit, Danny Duggan ’10 and Nic Herrmann ’10 often stayed up late talking about world issues and their dream of building a school one day in Central America. “At the time, we joked that most people would think our plan was crazy,” Nic says.

All these years later, they have indeed built a school, and their dream — and so much more — has come true working for Amigos for Christ in Nicaragua. And they credit De Smet Jesuit for giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams.

“There was an immense amount of freedom being able to walk out the doors of De Smet and know that a bold decision to move to a different country, to open a school, to work in water systems, to embrace a new language, was not only possible, but even expected,” Nic explains. “De Smet taught us that if you see something in your life that breaks your heart, it’s probably a calling to go and do something about it.”

Now, they’re in the business of transforming lives — one classroom, one water well, one small business, and one person at a time. Amigos for Christ (Amigos) is a nonprofit organization that facilitates leadership, clean water, health, education, and economic development in rural Nicaraguan communities.

TOGETHER,WE’RE

A PEOPLE ORGANIZATION

Because Amigos works toward five major goals, people often describe it as a community development organization, a water organization, a sanitation organization, a health organization, an education organization, or an economic development organization. “We say that really we’re none of those things, that we’re a people organization,” Danny says. “We prioritize people along with the progress of the projects and programs that we’re working on. Our goal is to build personal relationships with every individual and every family that we work with to be able to facilitate life transformation.”

Their work is an even bigger dream than Nic and Danny had imagined as high school students at De Smet Jesuit.

HOW THEY SERVE

Danny is the Chief Operations Officer for Amigos. “We empower people to transform their lives,” he explains. The Amigos for Christ team (215 full-time employees) manages five major goals dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural Nicaragua. These goals are Leadership (training community leaders); Water & Sanitation (building clean water systems); Health (measures to reduce preventable disease); Education (schools, leadership development, access to scholarships and internships); and Economic Development (investment in small businesses).

Nic is Amigos’ Director of Youth Development. His responsibilities include serving as director of the Amigos Academy, a Christian preschool and primary school with 200 students in Chinandega, Nicaragua — a school he and Danny helped dream up

TOGETHER, MORE

and build. In his role, Nic has “the incredible benefit of working in a school where hopes and dreams and possibilities are abundant. You don’t have to dig too far to see the life-changing effect on a student.” His priority is to give the children of Chinandega the best education possible from age 3 to age 12 to reverse the trend of educationally impoverished communities. “That means good pedagogy and good teaching instruction, but also has a lot to do with caring for the whole student and their physical, spiritual, and mental health needs in addition to their academic needs,” he says.

Nic also directs the Leaders in Action scholarship program and the Baseball Academy (focused on leadership development through sports). He is working to create empathetic and inspired young people through these programs which serve almost 600 kids.

One of Nic’s favorite students is Juan Antonio, who graduated from sixth grade in November 2022. “In the time that he has spent studying, Juan Antonio has gone from wondering if he’ll just chop wood for his whole life and make enough money to put barely enough food on the table, to wanting to be an English teacher, or an astronaut, or a lawyer.

In addition to Amigos Academy, every building occupied by Amigos for Christ, including their office buildings, was built by Amigos team members and volunteers on mission trips.

“For close to seven years, when we would have mission trips join us in Chinandega, they were building the school,” Danny said. “It’s really, really cool now for people who were carrying cinder blocks across a peanut field five or 10 years ago to see that those cinder blocks are now part of a beautifully painted wall in a kindergarten classroom.”

For me and for the school, Juan Antonio is the bright light of hope who will be empowered to change the story for himself and his family. And we’re hoping he’s one of 200 kids that can do that in this small community and watch that ripple out to his family and maybe the community.”

THE PATH TO NICARAGUA

Danny (pictured top right, center) participated in a mission trip to Nicaragua with Amigos in 2010 right after graduating from De Smet Jesuit. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Spanish and psychology at Rockhurst University and worked as an intern for Amigos every summer in college. He moved to Nicaragua to work for Amigos in 2014 after his graduation from Rockhurst. Joining the team in June 2014, he started working on the Leaders in Action Program with the scholarship students, then became the Chief People Officer before becoming the Chief Operations Officer in January 2022.

Nic (pictured below right) graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and completed a year as a volunteer teacher with the Alum Service Corps after graduation. Next, he enrolled at ACE, Alliance for Catholic Education, through the University of Notre Dame, earning his degree in K-12 education. Nic worked with primarily Hispanic families during his ACE assignment in Los Angeles and then for Nativity Jesuit Middle Academy in Milwaukee. He visited Danny in Nicaragua in 2018 to study Spanish and joined the Amigos team to help build the school they imagined in high school. Amigos Academy opened in 2020, three weeks before the COVID pandemic shut everything down. “A silver lining of the pandemic was the extra time we had to time to plan more and build more. We were architects of the school from ground up, including hiring teachers and writing curriculum,” Danny says.

IT’S WORKING

Amigos for Christ started as a relief organization in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Ten years after its founding, Amigos transitioned from being a relief organization to becoming a community development organization. “At the beginning, Amigos was focused on recovering from the hurricane, but now our vision is to build something that’s going to last for generations and is going to be sustainable,” Danny explains. He tells the story of meeting eight-year-old Janiel on his first mission trip in 2010.

“When Janiel was ready to start college a few years ago, he came back to Amigos, and we started a Nicaraguan intern program because of him.” Now, Janiel is a full-time team member, working on a new initiative, Water for Chinandega.

ADVICE FOR Current Spartans

From DANNY:

“Of course, there are hard days, there are hard weeks, there are hard months, there are hard years. And in those moments, believe in yourself. You can do way more than you ever could imagine. Don’t let the world crush you, you can do this thing. Everything matters. All our words, all our actions, matter. And be a light. And if that doesn’t connect with you, be kind. And if that doesn’t connect with you, do the right thing.”

From NIC:

“Learn to find that equilibrium and learn to acknowledge when things are tough. Find some people who are in your corner. Find your support systems when you feel like things aren’t quite going your way, so you can cry or vent or check in. Don’t take moments of joy and moments of peace for granted.”

“He was one of the kids that had never had clean, running water before. He worked alongside his parents and his whole community to make their dream of having clean water come true. Now, as a 21-year-old, he represents hope for all the families that Amigos serves alongside in the communities. Janiel’s story gives me confidence that Amigos’ model works,” Danny says.

A GRATEFUL PEOPLE

Though it is difficult being far from family, limited to two trips home per year, Danny and Nic feel like they are living an incredible dream. “We get to pull loved ones into things that we find deep value in, whether it be education, health and sanitation, or water systems. We continue. We are always inviting. There’s so much joy in being able to invite people into something that we know is beautiful,” says Nic.

“Nicaraguans are really grateful people,” Danny continues. “Hardship and pain cut very, very deep in Nicaragua. Systems are not set up to help people and the generations of poverty have existed since forever. But there’s still a pervasive sense of gratitude and joy. The valleys are low, but the peaks are just as high.”

Danny and Nic enjoyed coming “home” to De Smet in October 2022 to visit former teachers and share their experiences with students. The trip made them nostalgic, reflective, and grateful for their years as Spartans.

TOGETHER, WE’RE MORE

Juntos somos más, or together, we’re more, is more than the slogan of Amigos for Christ, it is their way of proceeding. And it, too, harkens back to the Jesuit tradition. “It’s just like the concept of magis, which we learned at De Smet,” Danny says. “Magis calls us to be more, and juntos calls us to dig deep within ourselves, discover our unique gifts and talents, and share them to the best of our ability with the world.”

“We know the power of education and we know the power of Jesuit education in particular to teach students to dream big and then go chase those dreams,” Nic says. “It’s really cool to be able to take what we learned at De Smet and inject it somewhere that didn’t have it before.”

HOW TO HELP

De Smet Jesuit sponsors collections for Amigos for Christ and plans to resume sending student and faculty groups on mission trips in 2024 after taking a few years off because of COVID. Nic and Danny are excited for De Smet Jesuit’s return to serve juntos in Nicaragua.

Visit amigosforchrist.org to learn more about how you can support its mission.

SPARTANS IN THE BIG APPLE

In March 2023, Fr. O’Dwyer visited with alumni in New York City to share De Smet’s strategic vision for the future. Special thanks to Nick Lamb ’76 for hosting the event at the New York office of Thompson Coburn, LLC. PHOTO: JEFF CERNICEK ’92

SPARTAN SPIRIT

1970s

Ray Harter ’73 shared, “I retired in 2015 from marketing and advertising and took up my passion — painting, and sculpture. Saatchiart.com represents my work and it is exhibited in local galleries. This past year, I am also kept busy watching my two-year-old grandson.”

Steven Meyer ’73 retired in 2022 and writes, “I love it. It’s a great new chapter in my life.”

Congratulations to Wally Pfeffer ’73, (pictured at right with Marlon Perkins) who achieved 40th Honor Club with the Mutual of Omaha Companies. In the 113-year history of the company, only 29 agents have achieved 40 or more honors clubs in their career.

1990s CLASS NEWS

Tom Rutkowski ’93 is an associate professor at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. His lab studies non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. He will also be racing for Team USA at the Age Group World Triathlon Championship Finals in Spain in 2023.

1980s

This summer, Steve Ohrt ’79 paddled his canoe, the Spirit II St. Louis, on a 2,341-mile journey on the Missouri River. He began at the river’s source in Three Forks, MT, and finished his trip at the confluence of the Missouri River and the Mississippi River in St. Louis. Check out his blog and photos at https://spirit2stlouis.wordpress. com/2023/06/15/awe-man/ Christopher Duggan ’84 is Manager of Communications for the Congregation of the Mission Western Province (the Vincentians), with offices in Midtown St. Louis, adjacent to Saint Louis University.

Jeff Morris ’88 recently retired from the Sunset Hills Police Department as a sergeant after 28 years of service. He accepted a position within the police department as Manager of Support Services. His daily duties include payroll, purchasing, billing and computer support.

Matt Phillips ’94 writes, “I am happily married to my high school sweetheart, Melanie (Schoemehl) Phillips, and living in Hillsboro, MO, with four wonderful children, Logan (22), Colin (19), Shea (17) and Max (11). I served six years active duty as a military police officer in the U.S. Army. I’ve been in law enforcement for the past 10 years and recently got promoted to sergeant with the Arnold Police Department.

Matt Wachel ’95 recently took a new job with the Bonner Springs Edwardsville School District as the Director of Instruction, State, and Federal Programs.

Dr. Steve Ritter ’98 has been named the new Superintendent of Schools for the Warrensburg R-VIII School District beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

2000s

Andy Lange ’02 and his wife Marie announce the birth of Joseph Michael Lange on July 22, 2022. Joseph joins older brothers John (7), and James (4).

Muxía which hold traditions of ending the pilgrimage at the sea. In total he walked 588 miles over 35 days. It was a tremendous spiritual and cultural experience. One of many highlights of the journey was the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s cannonball moment at Pamplona.

ALUMNI AUTHORS

Greg Hendry ’88

Power Priests: 12 Ordinary Men Who

Accepted an Extraordinary Call

From Heaven Books, 2022

Available at fromheavenbooks.com or amazon.com

After clerking for two years at the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Mark Ficken ’09 started a new job as an Associate Attorney at Stinson, LLP, in their Real Estate and Public Finance division.

2010s

Van DeGregorio ’14, has joined the law firm of McMahon Berger, P.C. At McMahon Berger, DeGregorio represents private and public employers in all facets of employment and labor matters. McMahon Berger is led by Managing Partner Kevin Lorenz ’73.

This summer, Sam Glass ’16 completed El Camino Frances, one of the hiking and walking paths of Camino de Santiago that leads to the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela where the remains of St. James are held. Sam started his “camino” in Pamplona (it traditionally starts from St. Jean Pied de Port in France), and then walked from Santiago to Finisterre and to

In January 2023 Michael Arens ’17 participated in a pitch competition and served as a panel speaker at boot Dusseldorf, an annual event for boat enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in water sports. It provides a platform for companies to showcase their latest products and innovations, and for visitors to find out about new technologies and trends in the industry. Michael is a Founder and CEO of Clean Earth Rovers, LLC, a company specializing in solutions for water pollutions in all bodies of water. The company offers ocean-cleaning robots and water quality monitoring services.

Andrew Ficken ’18 and John Higgins ’18 just started their second year in Saint Louis University’s Billiken Teacher Corps, working as full-time teachers while earning their Master of Arts in Teaching degrees. Andrew teaches theology and directs the campus ministry program at St. Mary’s High School. John teaches history and directs the Guild Theatre at Bishop DuBourg High School.

We all need heroes. Power Priests extols the virtues of 12 extraordinary men while also sharing the human side of their lives and their ultimate discernment to the priesthood. Among the 12 featured priests are Saint Pope John Paul II (Power Polish Pope), Fr. Ted Hesburgh (Power University President), and Fr. Luke Mata (Power Soccer Padre).

Dan Wood ’06

Canaäd

Resource Publications, 2022

Available for purchase on amazon.com

“Gods against gods, men against men, each kind/ against each other: Who is in the right?/ Truly, which ones could ever conquer Death?”

So Laeya — the Canaanite goddess Athirat masked in human form — asks after a crucial battle. Situated in the interimperial turmoil of the Late Bronze Age, Canaäd (Kay-nay-ahd) follows this heroine’s journey as it dovetails with that of Aqhat, a refugee from the Levantine coast.

Canaäd is an epic poem that takes place during the late Bronze Age (roughly 1300 BC). It is historical fiction that combines mythology, religion, and adventure into one classic tale.

ALWAYS A SPARTAN

Reunion 2022 Class Photos

We were thrilled to welcome 2022 Reunion milestone classes ending in 2 and 7 to Spartan Country back to campus in September. Alumni representing all six decades of De Smet enjoyed a fantastic evening in the stadium.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

50 YEARS OF SPARTAN BASKETBALL

Basketball alumni and coaches returned to Spartan Country on December 15, 2022, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of De Smet’s basketball program. Highlights of the evening included a roundtable with former head coaches led by Frank Cusumano ’80 as master of ceremonies, remarks by featured speaker Steve Stipanovich ’79, and Cusumano’s live interview with Steve Stipanovich during KSDK Channel 5’s 6:00 p.m. newscast.

Dave Bussmann ’71 and Larry Linkul ’71, players for the Spartans’ first varsity basketball team, co-authored a commemorative book, De Smet Basketball: Celebration of a Half-Century+, that was available for purchase.

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS

Former head coaches shared many stories during a roundtable discussion.

At left: De Smet recognized the 50th anniversary of the 1973 basketball state championship during halftime of a varsity game in February 2023. Pictured from left are team members Joe Stirmlinger ’73 (with his grandson), Bob Heilferty ’73, Coach Rich Grawer, Bill Heilferty ’74, John Schaefer ’75, and Jim Kennedy ’73

Bottom left: Lucas Nikolaisen ’13, Joey Lodes ’13, AJ Klages ’11, Coach Kevin Poelker, Jamie Hudson ’12, and Nolan Berry ’13

At right: Frank Cusumano ’80 conducts a live interview with his De Smet teammate, Steve Stipanovich ’79, for KSDK Channel 5’s evening newscast.

Above: Guests react to the coaches’ round-table conversation — many stories were shared!

At right: (From left) Larry Linkul ’71, Jim Finkenkeller ’71, and Coach Rich Grawer

Top right: Aaron Shea ’89, Ryan Shea ’92, Kevin Hays ’89

Far right: (From left) Rosie Sei, Coach Bob Steiner, Matt Ortbals ’99, Jim Ortbals, and Bill Sei

ANOTHER SELLOUT!

2022 Tradition Golf Tournament Raises More Than $70K

The 2022 Tradition Golf Tournament at Tapawingo National Golf Club on September 9 was once again a sellout, drawing more than 200 alumni, parents, and friends and raising more than $70,000 for the Spartans. Special thanks to Event Sponsor, Telesis7 (Jim Holman ’92).

Winning Foursome

Tyler Bergtholdt ’05

Kent Campbell

Geoff Dunn

Michael Flynn Longest Drive

Tony Roberts ’01

Closest to the Pin

Patrick Siebert ’08

Putting Challenge

Chris Riley (father of Connor ’13, Grady ’14, and Cal ’15)

Hilton Head Raffle

Chris Redmond ’85

50/50 Raffle

John Scott

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

INAUGURAL SPARTAN SMOKER IS A HIT

New Event Kicks Off Holiday Season in Style

The inaugural Spartan Smoker on November 23 welcomed alumni, current Spartan dads, faculty, staff, and friends to kick off the holiday season. Guests enjoyed smoked meats and sides provided by Chef Scott Phillips ‘88, Withered Oak bourbon and craft beers from 4 Hands Brewing Co. (owned by Kevin Lemp ‘97), Rolling Smoke Cigars (owned by Mike Castellano ‘02), domestic drinks, evening entertainment, and more!  Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Spartan Smoker on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Registration will open later this fall.

AN EGG-CELLENT DAY

Easter Tradition is a Spartan Country Favorite

The Easter Bunny made an early stop in Spartan Country for the annual Alumni Egg Hunt on April 1. Alumni brought their children and grandchildren for an egg hunt in the gym followed by refreshments in the cafeteria, face painting, and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Children raced to collect more than 800 eggs scattered in the gym.

At left: Hall of Fame members in attendance and pictured with Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., included: (seated, from left) Rich Grawer, Mike Sawicki ’71 Felicie Van De Riet, Ken Luecke, Dick Donohue; (standing, from left) George Hasser, Mike Faddis ’71, Bob Mills ’72, Greg Vitello, Bob Steiner, the late Fr. Wally Sidney, S.J., Mark Guyol ’78, Greg DiBlasi, Ed Berns, Tim Walsh ’72, Chris Mess, Larry Linkul ’71, and Greg Densberger

Below: 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees, (from left) Mike Sawicki ’71, (representing Bro. Hank Welch, S.J.), Greg Di Blasi, and Mark Guyol ’78

HALL OF FAME

Spartan Country’s Highest Honor

De Smet Jesuit welcomed three new members to its Hall of Fame in September 2022: Greg DiBlasi (former faculty)

Mark Guyol ’78

Hank Welch, S.J. (former staff)

The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 was announced in July. Their induction celebration will take place on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at De Smet Jesuit.

Congratulations to (pictured below): John Goessling ’71 Fr. Ralph Houlihan, S.J. Jim Walsh ’76

PHOTOS BY DEBBIE HIGGINS

SNAP SHOTS

➤ First Friday Masses

The tradition of First Friday Mass for alumni returned in 2022 and it’s growing in popularity. Alumni are invited to First Friday Masses during the school year at 8:00 a.m. in Boian Chapel. Join current Spartan dads and their sons for coffee and donuts immediately following Mass.

➤ Cardinals Baseball Game

Kicking off a new school year with an alumni outing at Busch Stadium (August 2022).

➤ Alumni Association Meeting at Krilogy

Hosted by Lucas Nikolaisen ’13

➤ Class of 1981 Alumni Gathering

Hosted by Tom Schneider ’81

➤ Annual Alumni Racquetball Tournament

Hosted by Ken Luecke during the holiday season. Email Ken at kluecke@ desmet.org if you’d like to receive an invitation next year.

➤ Class of 1987 Alumni Gathering

It’s always a good idea to extend a 35th reunion celebration at The Village Bar.

➤ Christmas Eve Mass

A beloved Spartan Country tradition returned in 2022, filling the gym with Christmas spirit. We hope you’ll join us for Christmas Eve 2023!

ALUMNI MENTORSHIP

BUSINESS IMMERSION

14 Spartans Participate in Inaugural Summer Shadow Program

Fourteen students completed De Smet Jesuit’s inaugural Spartan Summer Shadow program in June 2023. Six corporate partners hosted them for interactive sessions designed to introduce a variety of professional fields. Corporate hosts included De Smet alumni and parents of alumni.

Through interactive sessions and hands on experience, Spartans gained knowledge in management, entrepreneurship, finance, investment management, sales, technology, and customer relationship marketing. They also enjoyed informal opportunities to speak with professionals about the ins and outs of their day-to-day work.

“I thought the program was outstanding. Every session offered diverse experiences that catered to so many different interests and paths,” said Luke Koenig ’24. “One of my favorite moments was at World Wide Technology. My father (Joe Koenig) spoke about his journey in the business world and advice that he would give for the future. The time with him felt so personal, and even for me who knows him so well, I learned so much more. It was the most engaging thing I experienced in the program, and a blessing to have that mentoring opportunity.”

Thank you to our corporate partners:

Cultivation Capital

John True ‘82

Edward Jones

Joe Bergan (Tripp ’24), Terrence Freeman ‘03, Jack McAtee ‘12, Paul Zimmerman ‘88

Enterprise Holdings

Fred Littauer (Jack ’24)

Hewlett Packard (HP)

Sandy Waller (Huxley ’19, August ’22)

Krilogy

Kent Skornia (Blake ’22, Mason ’24), Lucas Nikolaisen ‘13

World Wide Technology

Joe Koenig (Jake ’13, Nick ’16, Luke ’24), Tim Loughman (Brendan ’10, Tyler ’22, Joshua ’25), Mike Horner ‘83, Bob Olwig, Chris Pupillo, Matthew Licari, Izak Robles, Mitchell Scheiber, Caleb Wirth

De Smet will offer an expanded program to accommodate more students and career interests next summer.

BACK TO CLASS

Alumni Welcomed as Guest Lecturers

Alumni also gave back as guest speakers in the classroom this year.

Chris Higgins ’88, Fox 2 News meteorologist (pictured above), presented a unit on the atmosphere to Mariette Baxendale’s environmental science class. He also fielded questions about determining the chance of precipitation and how tornadoes form.

Tim Madras ’10 (shown below), a financial advisor for Edward Jones, gave students in Jim Saali’s personal finance class tips for success, including setting S.M.A.R.T. goals.

“ Students were especially interested in discussing how tornadoes form. ”

“

I thought the program was outstanding. Every session offered diverse experiences that catered to so many different interests and paths. ”

LUNCH & LEARN

Alumni Networking Program Returns

Alumni shared their expertise as featured speakers in De Smet’s Alumni Mentorship Lunch program. Seniors and juniors are invited to spend their lunch period learning about various career paths from alumni. Special thanks to our 2023 guests (pictured, from the top):

Mike Schmid ’95 - Commander, Naval Operations Support Center, and Joe Wientge Jr. ’98 - Attorney, Littler Mendelson Law Firm – Networking

Jeff Cook ’79 – President & CEO of ARCO Construction - Construction Management

John True ’82 – General Partner, Cultivation Capital – Entrepreneurship & Technology

WINNING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY

Goodwin ’07 Inspires at the Father-Son Banquet

De Smet welcomed Sam Goodwin ’07 as the keynote speaker for the Father-Son Banquet in February 2023.

While working for the tech startup and NGO he co-founded in Singapore, Goodwin spent time traveling around the world. In 2019, while attempting to reach his goal of visiting all 193 sovereign states recognized by the UN, he was wrongfully imprisoned in Syria under false charges of espionage. He remained a prisoner for 62 days.

Goodwin’s presentation, “Winning Through Uncertainty,” told the harrowing story of his

HALFTIME HONORS

State Champion Teams Reunite

De Smet recognized anniversaries of state championship wins in basketball, hockey, lacrosse, and soccer during halftime ceremonies this fall and winter.

BASKETBALL

1973 State Championship Team (photo on page 28)

HOCKEY

1979, 1999, and 2002 State Championship Teams (pictured at top, right)

LACROSSE

1999 and 2002 State Championship Teams (pictured above, right)

SOCCER

1991, 1997, 2011 State Championship Teams (1991 team pictured below, right)

wrongful imprisonment in Syria and how managing the uncertainty of being held hostage has positively impacted his personal and professional life.

Today he is a sought-after motivational speaker, and travels the globe with his message about the resilience of the human spirit.

“It was an honor to be back at De Smet, a place that means so much to my family  and me,” he said.

Goodwin played varsity hockey all four years at De Smet. His brothers, Paul ’08 and David ’10, are also Spartan alumni.

CLASS OF 2024

Alumni Dads Assist at Junior Ring Mass

De Smet Jesuit started a new tradition for Junior Ring Mass by inviting alumni to present class rings to their sons. We were proud to have 20 out of 30 Class of 2024 alumni dads join us for the ceremony on April 28.

CLASS OF 2023

Dads and Grads

Stephen Scanlon ’95, Evan Scanlon ’23, Michael Sindelar ’82, Kyle Sindelar ’23, Joseph Clever ’92, Joseph Clever ’23, Michael Glarner ’88, Nicholas Glarner ’23, Darren Hale ’93, Thomas Hale ’23; (middle row, from left) Stephen Butler ’89, Samuel Butler ’23, Robert Miromonti ’88, Michael Miromonti ’23, David Trousdale ’83, Charles Trousdale ’23, Matthew Walters ’90, Luke Walters ’23, Thomas Zeigler ’92, Joseph Zeigler ’23, Patrick Origliasso ’93, Patrick Origliasso ’23, Thomas Smith ’87, Jason Smith ’23; (back row, from left) Kevin Sullivan ’81, Brian Sullivan ’23, Joseph Depke ’23, Eric Depke ’96, Christopher Grisham ’93, Daniel Grisham ’23, Kevin Ruder ’93, Thomas Ruder ’23, Marc Schneier ’16, Mason Schneier ’23, Paul Zimmermann ’88, Alex Zimmermann ’23 Not pictured: Christopher Blankemeyer ’92, William Blankemeyer ’23, Stephen Veluz ’87, Zachary Veluz ’23

(Front row, from left) Dan Duffy ’90, Sam Duffy ’24, Matt Mansfield ’81, Ben Mansfield ’24, Jeff Cernicek ’92, Louis Cernicek ’24, Kenneth Carpio ’95, John Carpio ’24, Con Lane ’84, James Lane ’24; (middle row, from left) Jeff Erker ’91, Charlie Erker ’24, Jacob Wunderlich ’99, Michael Wunderlich ’24, Patrick Gaffney ’97, Quinn Gaffney ’24, Jaren Jackson ’24 (son of Brian Jackson ’85), Carlo Illardi ’92, Nino Illardi ’24, Sean Lewis ’02, Landon Lewis ’24, Jacob Smith ’96, Andrew Smith ’24; (back row, from left) Paul Meyers ’94, Nathan Meyers ’24, Drew Luning ’81, Drew Luning ’24, Alan Orr ’88, Evan Orr ’24, John Osdieck ’89, Collin Osdieck ’24, William Mansfield ’80, Danny Mansfield ’24, Ron Rebore ’90, Will Rebore ’24. Not pictured: Phillip Carapella ’99, Dominic Carapella ’24, John Gissy ’00, Jack Gissy ’24, Corey Quinn ’90, Colby Quinn ’24.

(Seated front row, from left) Elliott Krecji ’94, Andrew Krecji ’23, Timothy Proost ’80, Evan Proost ’23, Kurt Leinauer ’85, John Leinauer ’23,

THENEARCityTour YOU

In August 2022, Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., launched “Coming to a City Near You” — receptions for alumni and friends to reconnect at locations across the country. It was only fitting to kick off Fr. Ronny’s tour in St. Louis at the Missouri Athletic Club. Thanks to all who hosted and attended alumni receptions in 2022–2023.

Father O’Dwyer visits alumni in five cities.

The Dallas reception

Kansas City, hosted by Jim Ortbals ’94 and Tom Zink ’74

Fr. O’Dwyer will visit the following cities in 2023–2024.

Details coming soon.

Boston

Dallas

Marco Island

Luck OF THE Irish

Cardinal Dolan hosts De Smet for St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Louis’ own Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York City, welcomed a contingent of guests from De Smet as his personal guests for the viewing of the Big Apple’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The once-in-alifetime experience was a popular raffle item for the Havana Nights Auction, won by the Dolan Family and the Suntrup Family.

Chicago

Houston

Milwaukee

New York City

St. Louis in 2022, hosted by John Goessling ’71

Marco Island, hosted by Tom Donovan ’78 and Mark Guyol ’78

Fr. Walter T. Sidney, S.J. Former President of De Smet Jesuit

The De Smet Jesuit community filled Boian Chapel to capacity in April for the funeral Mass of beloved former president, Fr. Wally Sidney, S.J., who passed away on April 20, 2023, after a brief illness. He was 75 years old, a Jesuit for 56 years and a priest for 44 years.

De Smet Jesuit was blessed by Fr. Sidney’s service on three separate assignments that spanned 16 years:

• Assistant Principal for Academics and Jesuit Scholastic, 1973–1975

• Campus Minister, English and History Teacher, 1979–1984

• President, 2006–2015

Father Sidney began his long career in secondary education at De Smet Jesuit in 1973. He taught English and history and was an assistant prefect. Following his ordination in 1978, he spent his first year as a priest at Ministry Training Services in Denver, and then served as a teacher, counselor, and director of pastoral programs at De Smet from 1979 to 1984. He was sent to St. John’s College in Belize in similar roles, 1985–87. From 1987 to 1989, he served as rector and teacher at St. Louis

What the world needs most, besides bright, active young men, are holy people, men and women (who live the mission), who live a life that inspires others.

For 16 years at De Smet Jesuit, Fr. Wally Sidney, as administrator, teacher, campus minister, and president has been one of these shining examples and mentors.

”Finding God in all things,” fishing in a trout stream, grilling a steak for an auction winner, preaching the good news (gospel news) by word and action,  Fr. Sidney has humbly marked his ministry by presiding at the Eucharist, witnessing marriages, baptizing young children, reconciling and healing relationships on Kairos retreats.

For the past nine years as president, Fr. Sidney has set the vision of De Smet Jesuit High School — how best to serve young men from 14 to 18 years of age to live holy lives!

Fr. Sidney, you have built the Kingdom of God on earth by ministering to students in the hallways, in classrooms and on retreat.

To the faculty, you have been a constant supporter of building a prayer community during morning Masses, Ignatian Evenings, always leading us in prayer.

University High School, then returned to St. John’s in Belize as superior and teacher, 1989–95.

At this point he left the classroom behind, but continued in high school ministry as president, first at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo., 1995 to 2006, and then at De Smet Jesuit, from 2006 to 2015.

In the fall of 2015, he moved to Dallas to be rector of the Dallas Jesuit Community. Along with being superior, he taught class and worked with the Ignatian Identity team. He was in Dallas until 2021, when he was once again called upon to serve as rector, this time at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, La.

Father Sidney was inducted into De Smet’s Hall of Fame in 2016. “He has all of the tools that it takes: hit, run, throw, no; but welcome, engage and love all whom he

For parents, you have nurtured their faith life through Days of Recollection and Masses, encouraging them to join their sons through four years here at De Smet Jesuit. For alumni you have fostered and explored ways to connect them to God’s work through prayer and service in retreats and reunions.

For all of us you have been pastor — tending to our most important needs — calling us each by name, knowing us, being present to each of us.

You have greeted us each morning and bid us “good night” each day outside the Admission Office. You have led us in prayer as we mourn the loss of classmates, colleagues, and family members.

For this we are truly grateful!

We cherish your kind words of support and encouragement. We are ever thankful for setting an example of holiness and prayerfulness, for helping us to know, love, and serve the Lord!

And in words that you have taught us, we emulate you as we say, “We dedicate all our thoughts, words, and actions to the greater glory of God.” Amen!

– Ken Luecke

encounters, Wally Sidney is an All-Star,” read one nomination letter.

An All-Star, indeed. Fr. Sidney meant so much to so many (students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends). In tribute to all that Fr. Sidney gave to De Smet, we offer excerpts (at top) from remarks originally given by Ken Luecke at De Smet’s awards ceremony on April 24, 2015, to commemorate Fr. Sidney’s final year as De Smet’s president.

Father Sidney held a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in European History and American History, both from Saint Louis University. He studied theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, earning an M.Div. in 1978.

Rest in peace, Fr. Sidney. You will be with us always.

Fr. Christopher P. Pinné, S.J. Former Teacher, Counselor & Dean

Father Christopher P. Pinné, S.J., died April 14, 2023, in St. Louis.

He entered the Society of Jesus on Aug. 27, 1981 and pronounced final vows on October 3, 1994.

He began his Jesuit ministry in 1983 as a religion teacher at De Smet. Following his theology studies and ordination, he returned to De Smet Jesuit in 1988 as dean of students, religion teacher, and counselor. Father Pinné moved on to teaching at Rockhurst High School, administrative work for the Jesuits UCS Province, and coordination of the Alum Service Corps program.

Complications from being struck by a car in 2007 left him paralyzed from the waist down. Throughout the ordeal of multiple surgeries and then adjustment to life in a wheelchair, Fr. Pinné inspired many with his cheerful, hopeful, and determined spirit.

From 2007 to 2011, Fr. Pinné taught theology and served as chaplain at Regis Jesuit High School. In 2011, he began a new ministry as chaplain of the Saint Louis University Law School. Father Pinné returned to the classroom at St. Louis University High School in 2014 and moved to De Smet Jesuit in 2016 to serve as campus minister.

He returned to pastoral ministry at Jesuit Hall in 2017 and moved with his community to St. Ignatius Hall in St. Louis County in January 2023.

Father Pinné earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology at Rockhurst University, a master’s degree at Saint Louis University, and both Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Master of Divinity at Regis College in Toronto, Ontario.

– Obituary courtesy of Jesuits UCS Province

Fr. Robert E. Bosken, S.J. Former Religion Teacher & Counselor

Father Robert E. Bosken, S.J., died March 27, 2023, in St. Louis. He entered the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1943, and pronounced his final vows as a Jesuit on August 15, 1960, at Regis College in Denver.

Fr. Bosken’s ministry as a Jesuit included teaching Latin (Campion High School, Wis.) and theology (SLUH, Parks Air College, SLU). He served De Smet Jesuit as a teacher of religion and/or student counselor from 1978 until 2010, and began a ministry of prayer in 2011.

Father Bosken earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, philosophy of letters degree and a licentiate in sacred theology all from Saint Louis University. He studied theology at St. Mary’s College in Kansas. He also did studies at the Catechetics Institute in Brussels and at the Institut Catholique in Paris, which awarded him a doctorate in sacred theology.

– Obituary courtesy of Jesuits UCS Province

Fr. John Apel, S.J. Former Chemistry & Math Teacher

Father John A. Apel, S.J., died Jan. 1, 2023, in St. Louis. He entered the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1956, and pronounced final vows on April 22, 1976, at De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis.

Father Apel began teaching in 1963 at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo. Following his ordination, he was assigned to De Smet, where he taught chemistry and math until 1979. He moved on to roles as a chemistry and theology teacher/ rector for Rockhurst High School and served for 12

years in pastoral ministry at St. Stephen’s Mission on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Later assignments took Fr. Apel to the Missouri Province, Regis Jesuit High School (Colo.), St. Andrew Mission (Ore.), and the Spokane Indian Reservation and Umatilla Indian Reservation (Wash.).

Father Apel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/math-physics at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and a master’s degree in theology at Saint Louis University.

– Obituary courtesy of the Jesuits UCS Province

Frank Hawkey

Former Math Teacher & Coach

As a young graduate of Rockhurst College, Frank Hawkey was one of the first laymen to come to De Smet Jesuit in the 1973–74 school year. His tenure at De Smet spanned a remarkable 42 years and impacted the lives of more than 7,000 students. A mathematics teacher, Frank also chaired the department for many years. Throughout his career, Frank was ever-present at school, coaching football, wrestling, baseball, and golf, as well as keeping the clock for football and basketball games. In the classroom Frank was an instant favorite. His no nonsense, no drama manner made Frank approachable to the students. He was known for his engaging style, in and out of class, where he displayed kindness and care for each student, cognizant of their individual needs. Frank was a gentle mentor to new teachers and a trusted friend for all with whom he served. He was a true “Son of St. Ignatius” — filled with gratitude for all the many blessings he had received in his life and consequently generous in sharing his time and talent with students, parents, alumni, and colleagues. Frank’s beloved wife Peggy, who was always at his side, preceded him in death in January 2021. He is survived by his children Katie, Frank ’94, John ’96, Maggie, Mary, Ann, and Chris; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

– Ken Luecke

MILESTONES

MARRIAGES LITTLE SPARTANS

Andy Lange ’02 and Marie: Joseph Michael, July 22, 2022

Jim Bunten ’06 and Colleen: Calvin James, November 29, 2022

Jake Koenig ’13 and Maggie: William Joseph, April 26, 2023

BAPTISMS

Patrick Regan Heitmann, son of Julie and Tim Heitmann ’07, July 16, 2023

John Patrick Morris, son of Kelly and Patrick Morris ’06, August 21, 2022

IN MEMORIAM

Ryan Brandt ’12 and Kelly Ann Weiss, June 17, 2022

Andrew Diemer ’12 and Julie Gates, July 8, 2023

Michael Seger ’12 and Brianna Sharp, March 25, 2023

Sean Feltz ’19 and Caroline Smith, June 17, 2023

Several groomsmen in the wedding of Sean Feltz ’19 and Caroline Smith were De Smet alums, including Kevin Feltz ’11, Andrew Ficken ’18, Jack Ryan ’19, James Otto ’20, and Nick Winter ’21.

This listing includes notifications of the passing of De Smet Jesuit alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and immediate relatives through June 30, 2023. If we have missed someone, please notify the Alumni Office at alumni@desmet.org or 314-567-3500.

Mark Alberici ’77

Franklin Albrecht ’76

Harold Alcorn, father of Mark Alcorn ’77

Rev. John Apel, S.J.

Daniel Bantle, father of Stephen ’99 and Matthew Bantle ’04

Raymond Beidle, father of Thomas ’80, Mark ’83, and John Beidle ’84

Stephen Bira, father of Michael ’76, Patrick ’77, and Robert Bira ’85

Rev. Robert Bosken, S.J.

Wayne Brasser, father of Bill Brasser ’92

Mark Corwin, son of David Corwin ’81

Mary Grace Cusumano, mother of Frank Cusumano ’80

Kevin Dolan ’73

Rosemary Dreyer, mother of William ’72, John ’74, and Robert Dreyer ’76; grandmother of Stuart ’11 and George Hardin ’14, and Samuel ’14 and Joseph Dreyer ’16

Joseph Dubuque ’73, uncle of Charles ’78, Philip ’80, Paul ’81, and Louis Dubuque ’83

Patrick Dunlavy ’73, brother of Thomas Dunlavy ’75

Ann Griesedieck, wife of Ed Griesedieck ’77; sister-in-law of Arthur ’76, Daniel ’78, and John Sullivan ’82

Gerard Grewe, father of Michael Grewe ’86; grandfather of Mitchell ’07, Nicholas ’20, and Anthony Grewe ’22

Mary Grace Guyol, mother of Mark Guyol ’78

Diane Hans, mother of Matthew Hans ’92

Brian Harrell ’03

Terri Haseltine, mother of Louis Haseltine ’06

Frank Hawkey, father of Frank ’94, John ’96, and Chris Hawkey ’08

Todd Henry ’89

John Hill, father of Jack Hill ’24

Patricia Holthaus, mother of Robert ’90 and Edward Holthaus ’88

Helen Jezewak, mother of Raymond ’77 and Michael Jezewak ’78; grandmother of Michael ’10 and Clayton Jezewak ’14

Anne Lewis, wife of Franc Flotron ’73

Janice Lindell, mother of Rob Lindell ’88

Mimika Nusrala, mother of Joe Nusrala ’83

Margaret O’Neill, mother of Joseph ’72, Stephen ’75, and Mark O’Neill ’79

Janet Origliasso, mother of Patrick ’93 and Pete Origliasso ’96; grandmother of Patrick Origliasso ’23

James Ossie ’74, brother of Edward Ossie ’72

George Paz, brother-in-law of Con Lane ’84 and Becky Lane (staff); uncle of Con ’14, Joe ’18, Jack ’20, George ’21 and James Lane ’24

Rev. Christopher Pinné, S.J. Michael Potts ’71

Ann Prosperi, wife of Michael Prosperi ’81; sister-in-law of Vincent ’80 and John Prosperi ’82; aunt of John Prosperi Jr. ’11

Michael Redmond ’90, brother of Christopher ’85 and Timothy Redmond ’88; uncle of William ’13, Nicholas ’15, Benjamin ’18, and Thomas Redmond ’21

Stephen Reichling ’98

Richard Rekowski ’77

William Rife ’73

Rev. Walter Sidney, S.J.

Louis Sindelar, father of Michael Sindelar ’82; grandfather of Kevin ’12 and Kyle Sindelar ’23

George Skupnik, father of Matthew ’94, Nicholas ’97, and Christopher Skupnik ’99

Loretta Stevens, mother of David Stevens ’21

Kathryn Sullivan, wife of Dan Sullivan ’78; sister of Rusty Crutsinger ’78; sister-in-law of Arthur ’76 and John Sulllivan ’82

Carolyn Sutton, mother of Thomas Stewart ’24

Paul Stolwyk ’80

Joseph Tegethoff, father of Jason ’90 and Jeffrey Tegethoff ’93; grandfather of Joseph Cook ’02

Daniel Vacca ’80, brother of Mark ’74, Matthew ’78, John ’85, and the late Joseph Vacca ’73; uncle of Francis Vacca ’22

Donald Wernert ’73

Patrick Williams ’76

Alumni groomsmen in the June 2022 wedding of Ryan Brandt ’12 and Kelly Ann Weiss included Will Doerge ’12, Patrick Mills ’12, Justin Davis ’12, and Ryan Devlin ’12, pictured with celebrant, Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J. (center of photo)

THE SPARTAN FUND ANNUAL GIVING FOR EVERY SPARTAN EVERY DAY GIVE THE SPARTAN WAY.

Scan the code and support the Spartan Fund today. desmet.org/giving

233 North New Ballas Road

St. Louis, MO 63141

HOCKEY HEROICS

It all came down to sudden death overtime versus SLUH in front of a capacity crowd at Centene Community Ice Center on March 3.

The Spartans were just 31.9 seconds away from a 1-0 victory when the Junior Bills tied the game, forcing overtime. Brady Govero ’23, later named the Post-Dispatch All-Metro Ice Hockey Player of the Year, made 26 saves for the Spartans. Mitch Geiser ’23 scored both Spartan goals, including the game winner at the 1:39 mark, giving the Spartans the 2-1 victory and their 15th Challenge Cup Championship.

“This is a dream come true,” said Geiser, who was named the game’s MVP. “It’s my last hockey game ever and what a way to go out.”

Parents: