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In Motion. On Mission. From championship moments to transformative growth, De Smet Jesuit continues moving forward with purpose.
2026
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VOL 26
IN THIS ISSUE
ODYSSEY MAGAZINE EDITOR
ON THE COVER
Debbie Higgins
Ian Thomas ’26 takes a shot in the title game of the Class 6 State Championship on March 21. The Spartans defeated Blue Springs South 78-61 to earn their 7th state basketball title. It was the basketball program’s second title in three years. See page 12 for details. Cover photo by Dan O’Reilly ‘27.
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From the President
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The Power of Purpose
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Spartans answer the call to serve
Middle School Moments
Looking back on an inaugural year of growth and community
Spartan Sports Roundup
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Best of De Smet Press
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Forming Men for Others
Celebrating our talented multimedia student journalists
Scenes from the 2026 Day of Service
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Academic Anecdotes
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A Stage for Every Spartan
Highlights from the classroom
De Smet Dionysian Players thrive in the spotlight
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College Commits
Annual auction and gala exceeds its goal
Sweet Success
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Jazzin’ Things Up
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You Belong Here
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The Graduation celebration for the Class of 2026
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Alumni Legacies
Celebrating the inaugural 8th Grade Commissioning Mass
Fathers and sons at Junior Ring and Graduation Handing on Our Faith 36 Alumni Events and Traditions Nine Spartans receive sacraments Reunion 2025, Hall of Fame, The Tradition at Easter Vigil Golf Tournament, and more First-year program highlights
A Conversation With Matt Mohan ’82
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Karen Timmons
Ken Luecke Rev. Ronald R. O’Dwyer, S.J., Ed.D. Melissa Palmer ODYSSEY MAGZINE is published annually. Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted without permission with appropriate credit to Odyssey Magazine, De Smet Jesuit. CORRESPONDENCE
De Smet Jesuit 233 North New Ballas Road St. Louis, Mo 63141 314.567.3500 / Fax 314.567.1519 www.desmet.org DE SMET JESUIT PRESIDENT
Rev. Ronald R. O’Dwyer, S.J., Ed.D. PRINCIPAL
Kevin Poelker ‘98 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Chrissy Chapo MISSION
De Smet Jesuit inspires and prepares Men For Others to transform the world, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. LATEST NEWS FROM SPARTAN COUNTRY VISIT THE NEWS HUB
https://www.desmet.org/about/ news-media
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Class News
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Weddings
Carmen Bowman reflects on 23 years at De Smet
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Births and Baptisms
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In Memoriam
Brothers on a Journey
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Tributes
@DeSmetJesuitHS @DeSmetJesuitMS
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Why We Ask You To Give
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
A look back at 31 years in Spartan Country
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With You Always
Inclusion Program successfully concludes its third year
18 Creating a Culture of Entrepreneurship
Spartan Country at its Best
Spartans continuing their athletic careers in college
Pep Band entertains Spartan fans
Atomicdust™
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Memorable moments and thrilling victories
2026 Men of the Year
A message from Fr. O’Dwyer
DESIGN
“My Heart is Full”
Freshman retreat builds faith, friendship, and belonging
Life updates from alumni
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F RO M
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“This year we witnessed our mission come to life in remarkable ways.” Dear Friends, St. Ignatius taught that God is often revealed in the circumstances of our lives and in the needs of the people we are called to serve. Today, I see a remarkable confluence of opportunity, mission, and community—a moment that invites both gratitude for how far we’ve come and excitement for where God may be leading us next. As I reflect on this past year at De Smet Jesuit, I am struck by how beautifully that reality has unfolded on our campus.
SENIORS AND 6TH GRADERS CELEBRATE SPARTANFEST
One of my favorite moments from the year came during an allschool Mass. Seated in the same gathering were sixth-grade students beginning their Jesuit journey, seniors preparing to graduate and enter the world, students from our Inclusion Program, and young men from every background, talent, and experience imaginable. Looking across that congregation, I was reminded that while the names and faces change, the mission remains the same: to form young men of faith, character, leadership, and service who will become Men for Others. This year, we witnessed that mission come to life in remarkable ways. We celebrated the successful inaugural year of De Smet Jesuit Middle School, welcoming students into Jesuit formation at an earlier and critically important stage of their lives. The Stephen P. Holmes ’81 Entrepreneurship Center inspired creativity, innovation, and leadership. Students deepened their faith through retreats, service opportunities, and prayer experiences that challenged them to encounter Christ more deeply and to see God at work in their daily lives.
It happens because generations of alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends have invested in the mission of De Smet Jesuit. Your generosity provides opportunities that shape lives, strengthen faith, and prepare young men to make a difference in the world. As you read the stories in this issue of Odyssey, I hope you see more than accomplishments and milestones. I hope you see a community alive with purpose and possibility. I hope you see the impact of your support reflected in the lives of our students and alumni. And I hope you share in the excitement for what lies ahead. Today, De Smet Jesuit stands in a position of strength, momentum, and opportunity. Guided by our Catholic and Jesuit mission, we continue to look forward with confidence, committed to providing an educational experience that meets the needs of today’s students while remaining faithful to the values that have defined this institution for nearly six decades. Thank you for your prayers, your friendship, and your belief in the mission of De Smet Jesuit. Together, we are ensuring that future generations of young men will be inspired to lead lives of faith, scholarship, service, and brotherhood. God bless you and God bless De Smet Jesuit.
Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J. President
Most importantly, we continued to witness the transformation that lies at the heart of Jesuit education: young men discovering their gifts and learning how those gifts can be utilized in service of others. None of this happens by accident.
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“It was awesome to see the genuine connection among all the guys—groups were hanging out all over school.” - Luke Niebruegge ’27
MISSION WEEK 2026
The Power of Purpose Spartans answer the call to serve. When STUCO members began planning Mission Week, they were determined to achieve two important goals, according to Hank Anderson ’26. “We wanted to double the amount raised in previous years, and we wanted to unite the entire school around something bigger than ourselves by supporting causes that were personal to De Smet,” he said. Mission accomplished—in powerful, unforgettable ways. Mission Week 2026 raised more than $20,000, with the funds split between two Jesuit-supported efforts with deep connections to Spartan Country.
Proceeds also supported Saint Louis De Gonzague, a Jesuit school located in Bujumbura, Burundi, where Fr. Vedaste Nkeshimana, S.J., serves as headmaster. Fr. Vedaste spent time at De Smet Jesuit during the 2024–2025 school year, participating in weekday Masses, hearing confessions, and visiting classes. Mission Week contributions will help support a solar panel project at the school.
While the causes gave Mission Week its purpose, the traditions and activities gave it energy. Mission Week staples like dress-down days, shinny hockey, poker tournaments, and special lunches delivered plenty of fun and camaraderie throughout the week. In a week filled with memorable moments, nothing was more powerful than the spontaneous display of Spartan generosity that occurred during the concluding assembly. When STUCO moderator Alex Hall announced a total raised that was just shy of the established goal, streams of students, faculty, and staff rushed from the bleachers to empty their pockets, forming a growing pile of crumpled bills at center court. “When I found out that we were just a few hundred dollars short of our goal, I knew that all I needed to do was ask our guys to help out,” said Coach Hall. “That’s why our guys are so great; when there’s a need and they’re asked to help, they come through. I didn’t expect the guys to give more than double what we needed. When I found that out, I was blown away.”
“Our job as STUCO leaders is, of course, to make Mission Week as fun as possible,” said Logan Schlueter ’26, “but we also wanted to bring everyone together around a common purpose, and supporting Jesuit causes was a great way to do that.” A portion of Mission Week proceeds supported the village of Indian Creek in Punta Gorda, Belize. For nearly 60 years, De Smet Jesuit seniors have traveled annually to Belize to paint and repair school buildings, stock food pantries, and spend time with local schoolchildren. 6
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“Working in the middle school has been such a privilege. We have such a great group of faculty — it feels like family,” adds science teacher Jen Erker. “We all feel so blessed to be shaping the middle school and can’t wait to continue to improve on what we have started!”
A Thriving Community That sense of unity didn’t happen by accident. It was built, intentionally and consistently, through both structured programming and everyday moments.
Sixth graders begin building the bonds of Spartan brotherhood at Middle School Camp
Middle School Moments Looking back on an inaugural school year full of growth and community by Debbie Higgins When Joe Kilmade, Dean, reflects on the inaugural year of De Smet Jesuit Middle School, he doesn’t begin with logistics or curriculum maps. He starts with growth. “This first year has been a wonderful growth opportunity— for everyone,” he says. “It’s impressive to see how our students’ academic behaviors and aptitudes have increased, as well as their ability to manage the work of being a student at De Smet Jesuit.” In just eight months, De Smet Jesuit Middle School has become much more than a new school. It is a thriving community with a distinctive culture and formative experiences that are already shaping young men in lasting ways.
Growth as Learners The transformation hasn’t just been academic. It’s personal. Parents, Mr. Kilmade notes, have seen the difference at home. “They say, ‘I’ve always had to chase down their homework, and they’re doing it on their own now.’” That shift toward independence—paired with growing honesty about challenges and responsibilities—marks a significant step in the boys’ development. 8
But the most meaningful growth may be harder to measure. “They are growing in their understanding of how they learn and what they need,” Mr. Kilmade explains. “But they are also growing in their understanding of what we mean by ‘Men for Others’.”
Experiences shared by students and faculty helped shape the middle school community, starting before the first day of classes. In August, all students participated in Agoge, a threeday orientation experience designed to help them meet each other and their teachers, become familiar with campus, learn about academic expectations, and understand what it means to attend a Jesuit school. Agoge set the stage for an overnight camp experience shared by all middle school students and faculty in September. The inaugural Middle School Service Day took place in March, taking students and faculty to work at locations across St. Louis, including food pantries and Forest Park.
Homeroom is a cornerstone of the middle school student experience. In just 15 minutes each day, students gather for prayer, announcements, and connection. On Tuesdays, high school “big brothers” join them—sometimes leading activities, sometimes simply showing up to be present as mentors. “I look forward to Tuesday mornings just as much as the sixth graders I get to hang out with,” says Ben Figge ’27. “I love the conversations I have with the guys, and they are always so happy to see me, which is amazing.” In the middle school, even unstructured time is formative. During daily Activity Periods, students can play sports outside, compete in pickup games, or battle it out in Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. games using the big screen in the assembly space. Others join chess club or seek academic support. It’s all part of a deliberate balance—freedom paired with guidance.
In between these school-wide events, daily and weekly routines helped grow the sense of community in small but meaningful ways: shared lunch tables, daily homeroom, and weekly Mass, celebrated by Fr. Jim Burshek, S.J., who served as middle school chaplain.
Middle school students are building brotherhood through new friendships. Students arrived from over 50 different grade schools, often knowing only a handful of peers. Now, Mr. Kilmade says, “everyone’s found new friends and they are building a meaningful community.” The same can be said for the faculty. What could have been a disjointed first year instead became a collaborative effort rooted in trust. “We laugh that we’ve only been working together for eight months—it feels like a lot more,” Mr. Kilmade says. “Maybe it’s stress bonding.” Behind the humor is a truth: the team built something strong by embracing challenges together. “There’s no finger pointing,” he adds. “It’s a positive, productive approach to program development and problem solving.”
High School Adjacent Participation in school-wide events with the De Smet Jesuit High School students enriches middle school student life. All-school Masses, Spartanfest, the Great Ignatian Challenge, and Mission Week all give students opportunities to share meaningful experiences with the high school community. “They just love being part of everything,” Mr. Kilmade says of middle school students’ enthusiasm for joining high school Spartans for these major events. “They are eager to do it all.”
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MI D D L E
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In fact, according to Mr. Kilmade, an especially memorable moment occurred during the final Spartanfest all-school assembly in the fall—an occasion where middle school students join high school students for a pep rally. Mr. Kilmade recalls that as middle schoolers approached the gym, they were loud, energized, and confident. Then they walked in. “The high schoolers were all trying to out-chant each other,” he says. “Our guys went from being loud in the hallways to just…in awe.” For a moment, their confidence wavered. Then, they found their voice again—joining in, contributing, stepping into the larger community. “It was a juxtaposition,” he says. “They’re confident in themselves, but there’s still so much they want to be a part of.” In that moment, the purpose of De Smet Middle School came into focus: to prepare students not just academically, but culturally and socially for what lies ahead.
High Rigor, High Support At the heart of De Smet Jesuit Middle School’s academic program is a clear philosophy: challenge students, but don’t let them struggle alone. “Our curriculum is high rigor, high support, rooted in the Jesuit practice of cura personalis (care for the whole person)” Mr. Kilmade explains. “We have meaningfully high expectations in terms of the quantity, the quality, and the diversity of what students are being asked to do.” That work includes writing, projects, collaboration, and problemsolving—often tied to real-world applications, especially in science and social studies classrooms.
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But just as important is the support system surrounding that rigor. A full-time learning consultant, dedicated aide, accessible teachers, and National Honor Society tutors from the high school all contribute to a network designed to help students succeed. Time is built into the day for connection, too. Teachers are available before and after school, and structured study sessions help students prepare for major assessments. In addition, students attend Academic Lab during Activity Period to catch up on work or receive assistance with classwork or test prep. The result? Students aren’t just completing work—they’re learning how to learn. Middle school math teacher Angie Ridder has seen that growth firsthand. “Students have grown immensely in both academic and social areas,” she says. “At the beginning of the year, students were unsure of how to use their Activity Periods or study halls effectively. Since the first few months, there has been a noticeable shift. Students are actively seeking help, putting in more effort, and taking responsibility.”
Parents as Partners
“Parents are so valuable to our program because they enhance our students’ experience,” adds Lauren Book, Administrative Assistant for the Middle School. “Middle school parents are engaging in our community and experiencing De Smet alongside their sons and that’s a joy to witness. They assist with homework, bring their sons to varsity athletic games, help plan mixers, volunteer to work concessions and so much more.”
The outpouring of support from middle school parents is a critical factor in this first-year growth and success.
It’s a partnership the school hopes to build on in the years ahead.
“I am just so humbled by parents’ trust,” Mr. Kilmade says. Many families come from highly involved grade school environments, making the transition to a new program a leap of faith.
With a strong foundation for De Smet Jesuit Middle School in place, the focus now shifts to refinement and expansion.
“They’ve trusted us to take care of their boys,” he adds. And when help is needed, whether for field trips or events, “there’s always more offers than we can accommodate.”
Looking Ahead
Plans include building a more robust service program, offering additional electives in response to student interest, like Robotics II, expanded fine arts offerings, and new honors English/Language Arts coursework for eighth graders. There will also be greater emphasis on helping students navigate organization, goal-setting, and responsible technology use. “We’re really starting to fine-tune the non-classroom pieces that make a school a school,” Kilmade says. Enrollment is already strong, with more than 170 students expected for the 2026-2027 school year. But the most exciting part of year two isn’t what’s being added—it’s what will be carried forward. “I’m excited for when the kids come back next August—what they teach the sixth graders, what we’ve ingrained in them that’s going to get passed on,” Kilmade says. Because in just one year, De Smet Jesuit Middle School didn’t simply open its doors—it began building traditions, expectations, and a culture that will shape generations of Spartans to come.
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Spartan Sports Roundup 2025-2026 Athletic Highlights
Will Foulk ‘27
Jordan Boyd ‘26 Brings State Trophy to Student Section
“Our goal from the beginning of the season was to win State. Each day at practice, our emphasis of the day was to practice and prepare like champions,” said Coach Kent Williams. The Spartans challenged themselves with a tough schedule that left them battle-tested and ready for a strong playoff schedule. They won all playoff games by double figures (an average of 24.8 points over opponents).
“Being part of the De Smet Basketball Program has meant the world to me these past three years. This program and the people in it have helped shape who I have become today and I’m so thankful for every moment of it. Winning two state championships is something I’ll always be proud of and thankful for, but what stands out most from my time is the relationships I built with friends and coaches. This program was a real brotherhood, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!” – Jordan Boyd ‘26
Baseball 2026 State Champions
Honors and Highlights
All-District Players
Metro Catholic Conference Champions with 6-2 record
Drew Burns ’28
Won 13 of last 20 games Defeated 4 of Top 10 ranked teams in Missouri
The 2025-2026 school year brought state championships, thrilling comefrom-behind victories, new school records, and personal bests on the field and on the court. Thank you, Spartans, for giving it your all!
2026 Honors
De Smet Jesuit Records
Jordan Boyd ’26
Jordan Boyd
Kent Williams
Class 6 MBCA Coach of the Year
Jordan Boyd ‘26 and Will Foulk ’27 Class 6 All-State
Jordan Boyd ‘26
Class 6, District 3 Co-Player of the Year
1,000 Point Club, 500 Rebound Club, ranked 15th All-Time in scoring and 12th All-Time in rebounding
Braden Butler ’26 100 3-point club
Will Foulk ‘27
1,000-point club
Ian Thomas ’26
94 career wins, becoming the winningest player in school history 200 Assist Club, ranked 6th All-Time with 321 assists 12
Brandon Ott ’27
Returning 8 of 9 starters in 2027
Basketball Class 6 MBCA Player of the Year
Luke McAtee ’27
Brayden Barnes ‘26
Brandon Ott ‘27
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Volleyball
Bowling
State Champions – first consecutive championship in school history
Placed 2nd in State—best finish in school history.
2026 Honors
2026 Highlights
Honors and Highlights
Individual Highlights
Cole Esparza ’26
Record 31-4
MAHS Central League Champions
Highest Average Bowler: Kai McKenzie ’28 (198)
Ranked #18 nationally
Sent both teams to MAHS Central League Playoffs
Second Highest Average: Charles Frein ’26 (194).
St. Louis Post-Dispatch All Metro Player of the Year Metro Catholic Conference Player of the Year 1st player with 1,000 kills in his career Selected All-State
Ryker Whittle ‘26
Selected All-State Sets the record for most assists in a career with 1,859 assists
Kevin Dolan ‘27
Selected All-State
Chase Baliva ‘29
Team Maroon earned most points in the league
4th Final Four appearance in 5 years (3 championships) District 4 Champion - 5th consecutive district championship
Noteworthy Stats
AEA Institute National Coach of the Year
Selected All-State
“This season, winning felt so much more rewarding as we had to work our tails off to achieve the goals we had set for ourselves. Winning the state title ensured that my journey at De Smet was complete with one last treasure. This season meant so much to me and will be forever one of the highlights of my life.” - Co-Captain Billy Walbert ’26
Chase Baliva ‘29
Racquetball
Track and Field
Finished 7th Overall at National Championship
First place team finish at the 50th Annual All-Catholic Meet
Brady O’Reilly ’28 – 1st Place in 5 Red
Braden Butler finishes in 2nd place in High Jump at State Meet
Brendan O’Reilly ’29 - 4th Place in 6 Red
New School Record: Braden Butler ‘26 - High Jump - 2.08 meters New School Record: Zamfir Dailey ‘28 - Triple Jump - 3.77 meters
Brothers Brady & Brendan at Nationals 14
Braden Butler ‘26
Charles Frein ‘26
Ryker Whittle ‘26
Tim Haffner
“It was surreal. Down 2-0 in my last game ever, against our rival SLUH, and to make that comeback on that big of a stage, it was unbelievable. This season meant so much to me because everybody counted us out from the start because we lost so many starters from last year. Proving everybody wrong makes it that much sweeter.” – Co-Captain Ryker Whittle ’26
JE S U I T
Highest Win Percentage: Dresden Bressler ’26, winning 70% of his potential points
Team Spartan won full season championship
2nd in Metro Catholic Conference
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Cross Country
Ice Hockey
Finished 12th in the State with Andrew Jacknewitz ’26 earning All-State honors with a 6th place finish
Runner-Up in Challenge Cup, Winners of the Jesuit Cup, Anthony Cappelletti named Coach of the Year
Football
Inline Hockey
Gabe Rodriguez ’26 set new records for completions in a game with 29 and in a season with 214. Rocky Sharp ’29 tied the record for longest return in school history at 99 yards. Four players were named All-State & Sports Illustrated All-Missouri Team: Titan Davis ’26, Ridge Janes ’28, Cam Sharp ’28, & Santiago Castillo ’26.
Final 4 finish in Missouri Inline Hockey Championship
Golf
Soccer Gavin Weber ’26 was named 1st Team All-State and Zach Costello ‘26 earned 2nd Team honors. Both players were named to the Class 4 All-Region Team.
Swim and Dive Michael Pina ’26 achieved new school record of 1:00.30 in the 100m breaststroke.
Winners of the Jesuit Cup
Tennis Mark Gaertner ‘26 achieved a school record with 100 career wins.
College Commits De Smet Jesuit congratulates 22 student athletes from the Class of 2026 who plan to continue their athletic careers in college next fall. They were honored at signing celebrations throughout the school year. Dominic Baldanza – Lacrosse Belmont Abbey College
Titan Davis – Football University of Michigan
Brayden LaCroix – Football Beloit College
Emmanuel Scott – Football Morningside University
Jordan Boyd – Basketball Utah State University
Cole Esparza – Volleyball McKendree University
Matthew McLaughlin – Football University of Iowa
Wyatt Stoltz – Football McKendree University
Santiago Castillo – Football Missouri State University
Matthew Fite – Wrestling Wheaton College
Patrick O’Leary – Baseball Lakeland University
Ian Thomas – Basketball Indiana State University
Trevon Collard – Football Western Michigan University
Dillen Grupe - Ice Hockey Lindenwood University
Jacob Orr – Water Polo McKendree University
Amari Williams – Football South Dakota State University
Zach Costello – Soccer Lewis University
Andrew Jacknewitz – CC & Track Mercer University
Dominick Reineke – Soccer Rockhurst University
Colin Davis – Soccer Lakeland University
Jay Johnson – Football MidAmerica Nazarene University
Gabe Rodriguez – Football and Lacrosse Benedictine College
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De Smet Jesuit’s Inclusion Program concluded its third successful year in May, continuing to grow as one of the school’s most impactful and widely embraced initiatives. Currently serving three students—Peter Marvin ’27, Aiden Hadican ’27, and Henry Schoemehl ’28—the program will welcome an additional student in August 2026, further expanding its reach and opportunities.
Pep Band entertains Spartan Sports Fans This year in Spartan Country, the Pep Band energized and delighted fans at home football and basketball games. Made up of students from Blake Korte’s instrumental music classes, the group set early goals: to elevate school spirit, showcase their talents, and spark new interest in the band program. They succeeded on all fronts—and had an absolute blast doing it.
The heart of the program lies in its brotherhood. During the 2025–2026 school year, 48 juniors and seniors served as peer mentors, building meaningful relationships and offering daily support. That number is expected to grow to 55 next year—a testament to the program’s powerful influence on the student body. “It is heartening to have so much student interest in the peer mentor program,” says Inclusion Program Director Sarah Patton. “Students have fully embraced Peter, Aiden, and Henry as their Spartan brothers.”
“I am fortunate to have a group of talented musicians who love to perform and are committed to growing interest in the band program,” said Mr. Korte. Nearly 20 students contributed their talents to the Pep Band throughout the year.
“We look forward to welcoming a new student in August and continuing to expand the opportunities we offer,” says Mrs. Patton, “not only to ensure our students have a meaningful high school experience, but also that they feel prepared for success in life beyond De Smet Jesuit.”
This year also marked an exciting physical expansion. In August 2025, the program moved into a newly-constructed classroom located at the heart of the first floor—an intentional placement that reflects the program’s integral role in the school community. The space includes a full kitchen and laundry facilities, supporting the program’s Life Skills course. marketing campaigns, students took ownership of every step. The results were extraordinary: all three bake sales sold A highlight of the year was the launch of Bellarmine’s Biscuits, out within minutes. “Planning for the bake sale took three a student-led cookie business that brought learning to life. months,” said peer mentor Braden McMurtrie ’27. “I’ll never From conducting market research on favorite cookie flavors forget the smiles on their faces as they sold cookies to their to developing branding, managing budgets, and executing friends.” Proceeds from the sales supported the Pujols Family Foundation, extending the program’s impact beyond campus.
Looking ahead, year four promises continued growth. A new partnership with Marshall’s in Creve Coeur will launch a community-based vocational instruction program for seniors, giving students like Peter and Aiden valuable, real-world job experience and skill development.
3 students, 1 historic ‘yes’: How De Smet Jesuit is revolutionizing Catholic education – KSDK Story 16
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Jazzin’ Things Up
Sweet Success
For many mentors, the experience is transformative. “Seeing their smiles and working with Peter, Aiden, and Henry is the best part of my day,” shares Gus Bilger ’27. “It’s so cool to see them grow in their learning.”
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The key to the group’s standout chemistry? A shared love of improvisation. “At games, there isn’t really a piece I enjoy the most,” said Lucas Obert ’27, who plays keyboard. “What I really love is improvising during halftime and after the games.” Among the band’s favorite pieces to improvise is “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock, according to drummer Connor Coady ’26. For pianist Nick Lorentz ’28, performing with the Pep Band is “a chance to create or recreate something great. Whether it’s playing a well-known piece or making up something new, I love expressing vivid emotions through music—and getting to do so for others is a bonus.” Pep Band members value the opportunity to share their love of music in a way that strengthens school spirit. “Our goal is to entertain people, but also show what our band can do,” said guitarist Trent Devine ’27. For trombonist Caleb San ’29, performing is both the reward for hours of hard work and, most importantly, “a chance to show how much fun we’re having.” Looking ahead, the group hopes to continue building on this year’s momentum. “Our biggest hope for next year,” said bassist Austin Spinner ‘28, “is to grow our core group contributing to the Pep Band. Bigger is better when it comes to the student section—and that includes the band!”
Pep Band Members Luke Bollier ’27
Nick Lorentz ’28
Connor Coady ’26
Lucas Obert ’27
Trent Devine ’27
Alex Ramos ’27
Max Erker ’27
Sebastian Rico-Medina ’29
Tommy Erker ’29
Caleb San ’29
Kellan Esarey ’29
Lewis Schelinski ’27
John Harris ’29
Myles Schneider ’29
Noah Headrick ’26
Thomas Smythe ’29
Max Kirk ’29
Austin Spinner ’28 17
ENT R E P R E N E U RSHI P
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Creating a Culture of Entrepreneurship Just one year into its launch, De Smet Jesuit’s Entrepreneurship Program has quickly become one of the school’s most soughtafter opportunities for students.
Turning Ideas into Action
From nationally recognized guest speakers and student pitch competitions to innovative elective courses that were filled to capacity, the program’s inaugural year exceeded expectations and created a culture where ideas are encouraged, tested, and transformed into reality.
The Entrepreneurship Program hosted two pitch competitions during the year, including a spring event in partnership with Visitation Academy. More than 20 De Smet students participated, presenting business ideas and competing for cash prizes designed to help bring those ideas to life. Judges included Steve Holmes ’81, Pat Doherty (parent of alumni) and Julie Kinsella (Arch Grants).
“We’ve seen incredible engagement from students right out of the gate,” said Entrepreneurship Program Director Evan Snively ’07. “The guys are eager to learn, eager to build, and eager to share ideas with one another.” Learning from Entrepreneurs and Innovators A cornerstone of the program’s success has been its Speaker Series, which connects students with accomplished entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders throughout the year. Among the featured speakers were Hayden Fulstone, co-founder of Liquid I.V.; representatives from Boeing Phantom Works, the company’s advanced research and development division; and alumnus Sam Goodwin ’07, author of Saving Sam. Goodwin shared lessons from his travels to every country in the world and reflected on the uncertainty and resilience he experienced after being held hostage in Syria.
Annual trip to New York City
While guest speakers provided inspiration, pitch competitions gave students the opportunity to put their own ideas to the test.
The fall competition highlighted several student entrepreneurs who were already building successful ventures. Will Jonz ’28 earned top honors for Jonz Leaf & Lawn, a landscaping business that has already served more than 50 customers. Jonz owns and operates his own truck, trailer, and equipment—an impressive accomplishment for a young entrepreneur. Nic Parrish ’26 was recognized for Premier Holiday Lighting, a seasonal Christmas light installation company he plans to continue growing in the years ahead. Zurich Buchanan ’26 rounded out the winners with Stolen Night, an app-based video game he is currently developing while navigating intellectual
Pitch Competition finalists and judges
property protections and platform expansion. The momentum continued into the spring competition. Logan Schlueter ’26 presented plans to grow his existing landscaping company. Shortly after the competition, he secured his first major hardscaping project. Other finalists included Wesley King ‘26, founder of Wesley’s Power Washing, and Nick Parrish ‘26 and Gabe Rodriguez ‘26, who developed RecRival, a concept for a recreational sports app that would connect users with pickup games, leagues, and highlight-sharing opportunities. “I really enjoyed participating in the pitch contest because it made me think deeper about what it takes to start and grow a business. I’ve been able to apply a lot of what I learned to my own business this year, and the experience made me even more excited to continue on studying business in college,” said Nic Parrish ’26, who will begin at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in the fall. The competitions demonstrated a defining characteristic of the program: students are not simply studying entrepreneurship—they are actively practicing it. “The pitch competition was a great way to hone my public speaking skills and and practice creating a business plan,” said Wesley King ’26. “The competition allowed me to think about the more complicated parts of my business and bring it to life from just an idea.” In the 2026-2027 school year,
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the pitch competitions are expanding to include four schools: De Smet Jesuit, Visitation Academy, SLUH, and St. Joseph’s Academy. Courses That Filled Every Seat Interest in entrepreneurship extended beyond special events. This year, upperclassmen could choose from three new Entrepreneurship Program electives, and every section filled to capacity. Intro to Entrepreneurship introduced students to opportunity recognition, resilience, marketing, and value creation. One of the year’s most popular projects challenged students to create and pitch a bottled water brand. By transforming a common commodity into a distinctive product, students learned how storytelling and branding can create value in a crowded marketplace. Students also explored emerging technology through AI Foundations & Ethics. The course examined leading artificial intelligence platforms, the companies driving innovation, and the ethical questions accompanying rapid technological change. The goal was to help students understand a field that will shape both their future careers and society as a whole. Meanwhile, The Art of Influence focused on communication, presentation, and persuasion. Students developed skills in public speaking, visual storytelling, interviewing, and pitching ideas. One of Snively’s favorite projects required students to record themselves delivering presentations before receiving feedback
from classmates. Afterward, students reviewed their own videos, identifying strengths and opportunities for growth. “The Art of Influence class taught me how to persuade people to buy my products, ideas, or even hire me,” said Christopher Winter ’27. “The presentation skills I learned will help not only with my other classes, but also throughout my life. From Shark Tank presentations to mock interviews, the class took very nerve-racking scenarios and made them fun learning experiences.” A Culture of Possibility Mr. Snively believes the Stephen P. Holmes ‘81 Center for Entrepreneurship, the physical space, has helped create a new culture on campus—one built around creativity, collaboration, and initiative. “It has become a space that represents a culture of ideation,” he said. “It feels different than the other classrooms when you walk in. Ideas turn into conversations, conversations into businesses, and students into teachers of one another. The guys are feeding off one another’s successes. You can feel the momentum building every day.” That momentum is exactly what the program set out to create. “Overall, my goal for the Entrepreneurship Program remains to have students who are confident, competent, curious, and connected,” Snively said. “Year one has been a monster success at achieving those four things.” 19
OC I A
Andrew Cleveland ’28 Eucharist & Confirmation
Brady Condon ’26 Confirmation
Dominic Baldanza ’26 Confirmation
Fisher Knerr ’27
Handing on Our Faith
Eucharist & Confirmation
“Helping young men encounter Christ isn’t just one of our missions—it is our mission. Everything else we do flows from that.” - Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J. Nine Spartans completed the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) process and/or received Sacraments of Initiation during Easter Vigil services at their home parishes in April 2026. They were joined at these services by De Smet Jesuit friends and teachers as well as family members. De Smet Jesuit students are part of a national trend that shows increasing numbers of people embracing the Catholic faith. The Archdiocese of St. Louis reported that more than 1,000 catechumens and candidates received sacraments of initiation during 2026 Easter Vigil services in parishes across St. Louis. In addition, an article in the St. Louis Review reported 1,500 OCIA candidates in the Archdiocese of Washington and 1,700 OCIA candidates in the Archdiocese of Denver. (St. Louis Review, April 10, 2026)
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Cooper Helvey ’26
Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation
Ben Knudson ’27
Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation
“I decided to receive my sacraments because of how much my faith has grown being a student at De Smet. I think that going to school here has helped me learn new things about my journey with God and that was a big inspiration for me.” - Jake Ventura ’28 Tyler McEnaney ’29 Confirmation
Mark Peche ’29
Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation
Jake Ventura ’28
Eucharist & Confirmation
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BMEALTI T Z EM TORHI AP N
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A Conversation with Matt Mohan ’82 “De Smet is the only place I ever wanted to teach. I wanted to give back to the place that had such a big impact on me,” said Matt Mohan ’82, reflecting on his 31-year career as a social studies teacher and coach for his alma mater.
educated people do, I started reflecting. I asked myself, “Where was I happiest? Where was I most inspired?” And the answer was always here, at De Smet. That’s when I knew I wanted to teach. I started college at UMSL (University of Missouri-St. Louis) when I was 27, and I was 31 on my first day as a teacher at De Smet.
Mr. Mohan retired in May, with a treasure trove of cherished memories and immense gratitude for his colleagues and students. Which teachers had the biggest impact on you? Before he headed out to enjoy traveling with his wife, Karen, and countless rounds of golf, he took some time to reflect on his years Every social studies teacher I had at De Smet is now in the Hall of Fame. They were incredible role models, and they absolutely in Spartan Country. shaped who I am today. Bob Christian—“The Bear”—was one of What do you remember about your first day/first year at my favorites. He was larger than life, but also incredibly kind to De Smet? my family. I lost my dad when I was 11, so I was drawn to strong My kids and I took a “first day of school” picture together, all of father figures, and he was definitely one of them. Rich Grawer, us with our backpacks on. I don’t remember a ton about that first Chris Mess, and Greg DiBlasi also had a big influence on me. day in the classroom, but I do remember coaching basketball that What are some of your favorite memories from your time year. Looking back now, I can laugh—I wasn’t a very good coach, here? and I probably wasn’t a very good teacher either. But I connected Being part of the basketball program stands out, especially with the kids right away. during the Bob Steiner years. Getting my name on the state Tell us about the unconventional path you took to becoming championship banner in 1999 was a big moment. a teacher. Another special experience has been teaching the sons of my I graduated from De Smet in 1982, but I didn’t finish college until former classmates—and even my own son (Conor ’15). His 1995. There were years in between where I was trying to figure biggest fear as a freshman was getting me as a teacher. Then things out—I worked in the paper business and went into sales, junior year came around, and sure enough, he was in my class. thinking that would be my career. But I hated it. So, as JesuitAt that point, though, he was fine with it—he had grown up a bit. You’ve also coached and worn many hats at De Smet. What did that mean to you? I’ve coached basketball, volleyball, even freshman tennis for a year. I’ve always enjoyed being involved in different ways. One of the most meaningful parts of my career has been working alongside the teachers who built the foundation of De Smet— men like Ken Luecke, Greg Vitello, Denny Cerneka, and Chris Mess. It was surreal going from being their student to becoming their colleague. Calling them by their first names didn’t come easy—it took a while. “Mr. Mohan was my freshman year geography teacher and freshman basketball coach. All season and during class I pestered him to let me shoot a 3 during a game. I never took one prior. In one of our last games Mr. Mohan put me in the game and told me, “Danny, you can take a 3.” On our first possession I caught the ball on the left wing and let it fly... swish! Mr. Mohan flung himself into his chair laughing. As I walked past him, he said, “I guess I should have let you shoot them sooner.” – Dan Bredenkoetter ’99 22
How do you hope your students remember you? I hope they remember that I was tough, but fair. That I had a sense of humor. That I worked hard to make class enjoyable. Most importantly, I hope they know that I genuinely cared about them—not just as students, but as people. My goal was always to help them succeed, not just in my classroom, but in life beyond De Smet.
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“My Heart Is Full” Carmen Bowman Reflects on 23 Years at De Smet For 23 years, the voice of Señora Carmen Bowman has echoed through hallways at De Smet Jesuit — energetic, passionate, and unmistakably encouraging students to give their best. Sra. Bowman, a Spanish teacher beloved by Spartan alumni, retired in May after dedicating her De Smet Jesuit career to teaching freshmen. Along the way, she taught more than 2,000 students, led trips to Spain, nurtured a thriving Spanish Club, and became known for her enthusiasm, high standards, and deep care for the young men in her classroom. Sra. Bowman said her path to teaching began while studying abroad at Saint Louis University in Madrid during the early 1970s. While there, she volunteered to teach English to Cuban refugees — an experience that sparked her love for education. “I thought, ‘You know, I think I can do this,’” she recalled. “I’m kind of a people person anyway.” After teaching for five years at Visitation Academy, Sra. Bowman stepped away from education to help run her family’s business while raising her three children. But teaching remained in her heart. In 2003, she returned to the classroom at De Smet after then-principal Greg Densberger contacted her about an opening. From the start, she knew exactly where she wanted to be. “I requested to teach freshmen in my interview,” Sra. Bowman said. “I wanted to teach them from the get-go.” She never changed her mind. Sra. Bowman loved freshmen for their energy and excitement as they entered high school. Beyond vocabulary and grammar, she focused on helping students learn respect, friendship, and confidence.
Some of her favorite memories include leading five student trips to Spain, moderating the Spanish Club, wonderful, supportive colleagues and administrators, and watching former students continue using Spanish in their careers and travels. Many Spartan alumni keep in touch with updates about their lives and invitations to meet for meals and Spanish Club reunions. Sra. Bowman describes her former students as “extended family,” adding, “They make me so proud.”
“Señora Bowman embodied the ideal of “cura personalis.” She always cared so much about her students’ success, both inside and outside the classroom.” - Nick Hawkins ’16
“I always wanted the best for them,” she reflected. “I just wanted them to shine.”
In retirement, Sra. Bowman looks forward to more time with her family, including her husband Jim, three children, and seven grandchildren. And, undoubtedly, she will continue to fill her Her own family history also shaped her passion for teaching Spanish. The daughter of immigrants from Spain, Bowman grew calendar catching up with alumni. She leaves De Smet with profound gratitude. “My heart is full,” she said. “It’s been a up in a bilingual home and developed a deep appreciation for great ride.” language, culture, and hard work. “I was so fortunate growing up in a bilingual family,” she said. “I’m proud of my parents for taking the leap and building a happy, successful life in a new country.” 23
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Photo by Jack Gaffney ‘26
Brothers On a Journey Inaugural freshman retreat builds faith, friendship, and belonging De Smet Jesuit High School launched a meaningful new tradition this year with its first-ever Pilgrim Retreat for the freshman class, an on-campus experience designed to meet students “where they are” and help them engage in reflection, community, prayer, and the Sacraments.
Throughout the day, intentional “tone-shifting”—from quiet reflection to lively activity to communal prayer—helped students engage fully with each aspect of the retreat. The retreat concluded with a class Mass and dinner. Many freshmen stayed for the varsity home basketball game.
Developed in alignment with De Smet Jesuit’s Strategic Plan, which calls for a four-year retreat program, the Pilgrim Retreat offered many freshmen their first retreat experience. Rooted in the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola—who often referred to himself as “the pilgrim”—the retreat invited students to consider their own journeys, reflecting on how their unique talents can be used for the greater glory of God.
By all accounts, the retreat was a resounding success. Mr. Howard Place, a member of the retreat planning team, noted, “It was truly heartening to see an entire freshman class embrace such a dynamic and meaningful day. The Pilgrim Retreat marks a promising beginning to De Smet’s expanded retreat program—and to each student’s journey ahead.”
Throughout the day, students moved through a thoughtfully varied schedule that encouraged both energy and introspection. Talks and guided reflections introduced key themes from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, including the First Principle and Foundation which calls us to find God in all things. Small group discussions, led by upperclassmen Compañeros, created space for honest conversation and connection with their fellow classmates. Meanwhile, the closing Talents Pentathlon brought freshmen to the gym for a series of competitions, reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood and the importance of community and shared experience.
Photo by Dan O’Reilly ‘27
Photo by Dan O’Reilly ‘27
THE BEST OF DE SMET PRESS Celebrating De Smet Jesuit’s student multimedia journalists The award-winning De Smet Press student team dedicates hours after school, in the evenings, and on weekends to capture the ordinary and extraordinary moments that define a school year. Their photos and videos appear on De Smet Jesuit’s social media channels, in this Odyssey publication, and in the school’s marketing materials. Enjoy this selection of the De Smet Press team’s favorite images from the 2025-2026 school year.
Photo by Dan O’Reilly ‘27
Photo by Aidan Medley ‘26
Photo by Dan O’Reilly ‘27
Photo by David Cunningham ‘28
Freshmen write reflections on their retreat experience. 24
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Men Who Lead and Serve On May 6, high school students took a break from classes to focus on service. Freshmen packed meals for Feed the Hunger, sophomores served as buddies and hosted track and field events for more than 150 athletes in partnership with Special Olympics Missouri, and juniors helped support both experiences throughout the day. This dedicated High School Day of Service is a new tradition that inspires Spartans to live as Men for Others—men who show up for their community, serve with purpose, and understand that leadership starts with putting others first.
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Scenes from the 2026 Spiritual Experience Day
Young Men Who Find God in All Things Middle School students participated in the inaugural Spiritual Experience Day on May 6, which included activities thoughtfully designed for each grade level to foster reflection, brotherhood, and a deeper understanding of De Smet Jesuit’s Catholic and Jesuit heritage. Sixth graders embarked on a campus-wide adventure to rescue “missing” famous Jesuits who had been kidnapped from history and hidden throughout the school. Working in teams, students completed challenges—including building cardboard towers and catching deflated balloons—to earn clues. After viewing Special Olympics competitions, the class participated in a teaching Mass celebrated by Fr. O’Dwyer, who invited students to gather around the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer. The day concluded with the Class of 2032 writing welcome letters to members of the incoming Class of 2033.
Special Olympics photos by Dan O’Reilly ’27
S M E T
Seventh graders traveled to the Trail Through Time at Pickle Springs Natural Area, where they hiked the scenic two-mile path known for its striking sandstone formations carved by nature over centuries. A highlight of the day was an outdoor Mass celebrated by Fr. Charlie Samson along the trail. Surrounded by the beauty of creation, students were invited to reflect on the Jesuit call to find God in all things while honoring the adventurous spirit of Fr. Pierre-Jean De Smet. Eighth graders made a mini pilgrimage to several historic Catholic and Jesuit sites throughout St. Louis, including the Old Shrine of St. Ferdinand, the Shrine of St. Joseph, and the Old Cathedral, where they attended Mass. The experience offered students a deeper appreciation for the rich Catholic history of the region and the foundations of their faith.
Feed the Hunger photos by Kevin Berns ’87 27
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Lunar New Year Celebration and Dual Credit Program Honors
A Stage for Every Spartan
In February, Chinese students continued the tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) with a parade through the hallways, complete with lion and dragon dances, drums, cymbals, and vibrant performances. The parade is always a student-favorite, with Spartans crowding the hallways to get the best view.
De Smet Jesuit’s theater program continues to dazzle audiences. The De Smet Dionysian Players presented three high school shows in 2025-2026: The Outsiders, Jesus Christ Superstar, and the senior directed One Acts. May 2026 brought the premiere of the first-ever Middle School play, The Hobbit. Bravo, Spartans!
De Smet Jesuit’s thriving Chinese dual credit program was honored for Highest Enrollment Growth in Dual Credit Students by St. Louis Community College during its Fifth Annual School District Awards in May. This recognition reflects the continued growth of De Smet’s Chinese program and the opportunities available for students to earn transferable college credit while still in high school. In the 20252026 school year, De Smet Jesuit students and families saved more than $45,000 in college tuition costs through dual credit opportunities.
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Spartans shine onstage and behind the scenes
High School Musical: Jesus Christ Superstar Photos by Aidan Medley ‘26
Culture Fest Culture Fest 2026 was a joyful celebration of food, music, and culture for students and their families. Colorful booths in the cafeteria offered culinary delights from countries representing the ethnic diversity of our De Smet Jesuit community. In the days leading up to Culture Fest, a student planning team displayed a world map in the second-floor hallway, asking students to answer the questions “Where in the world have you been?” and “Where would you like to go?” by putting pins in the map. They also offered Music of the World and Snacks Around the World events during Activity Period. Well done, Spartans: Kyran Joshway, Sam Wehrman, Michael Huber, Leo Moffat, Tommy Willie, Alex Miller, Jack Guignon, and Blake Seyer. Full Cast
Children’s Book Research Project Seniors in Megan Eisenhour’s AP English 4 course completed research and synthesis projects evaluating how effectively children’s books teach complex topics such as grief, inclusion, and self-control. After selecting a children’s book, students developed and defended an opinion on its effectiveness using scholarly sources, articles, TED Talks, and other research. For example, Hank Anderson and Owen Tihen examined Marcus Pfister’s The Rainbow Fish, analyzing its success in teaching lessons about teamwork and environmental stewardship. According to Mrs. Eisenhour, the project was designed to build on foundational literary analysis knowledge and practice AP skills such as synthesizing research and creating annotated bibliographies. 28
Middle School play: The Hobbit Photos by Dan O’Reilly ‘27 29
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Spartan Country at its Best The Spartan Spectacular Auction is always one of the best nights of the year for De Smet Jesuit, and the 2026 gala was no exception. The gala represents the spirit of Spartan Country at its finest. Special thanks to Auction Co-Chairs Heather Baldanza (pictured at left), Lisa Sullivan (pictured at center), and Lesley Whittle (pictured at right), who worked tirelessly to achieve— and surpass—the $1 million fundraising goal. A special Spartan Spectacular shout-out goes to Kevin Lemp ’97, owner of 4 Hands Brewing Co., and his sister, Liz Lemp Swyers— both proud current De Smet parents—for their extraordinary vision and generosity in support of the 2026 Spartan Spectacular. Kevin and the 4 Hands team went above and beyond by creating and donating custom-branded Sparty Brew, crafted exclusively for De Smet as a one-of-a-kind fundraising feature for the auction. Their generosity didn’t stop there—4 Hands also stocked the bars with donated spirits, including Encrypted Vodka, Origin Gin, and Withered Oak Whiskey, helping make the evening even more memorable for guests. Kevin embodies the Spartan spirit of giving back in a big way, and we are deeply grateful for his incredible partnership.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT
FEBRUARY 6, 2027
Photos by LP Creative Studio
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Class of 2026 By the Numbers 134 graduates enrolled in 62 colleges and universities Awarded 386 scholarships with a total value of $28,228,472
Honors Bestowed De Smet Jesuit recognized the following individuals during the Baccalaureate Brunch on May 17. Fr. Ron Windmueller, S.J., Ignatian Educator Award Tom Albes ’07 Pierre-Jean De Smet, S.J., Outstanding Service Awards Paul and Cathleen Anderson Lewis Sheats
Valedictorians Gabriel Rodriguez Owen Tihen Salutatorian Alexander Miller Jesuit Schools Network Awards Peter Fales Charles Frein Brian Williams President’s Medals Zurich Buchanan Patrick Dolan Mark Gaertner
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Fr. Jerry McMahon, S.J., Award William Walbert Men of the Year Hank Anderson Thomas Basara Santiago Castillo Benjamin Duffy Kyran Joshway Matthew McLaughlin James Pantazi Gabriel Rodriguez Ian Thomas Kanzi Jeremiah Tyehimba William Walbert Thomas Willie
“We thank God for acting in our lives, presenting us with transformative experiences to guide us to where we need to be.” - Alex Miller ’26, Salutatorian
With You Always A Celebration of the Class of 2026 Class of 2026, thank you for the leadership, faith, and joy you brought to De Smet Jesuit! Heard at the Class of 2026’s Graduation Celebration “The guys in this room didn’t pick a lane. Nobody asked them to. The Jesuits have a phrase for this—cura personalis—care for the whole person. De Smet is not just another school. It is a place of formation for whole men, whole people. A place where everyone has a home. A place where everyone has the freedom to become fully themselves.” - Gabriel Rodriguez ’26, Co-Valedictorian “Life gets so much better when you stop living according to someone else’s script. There is no single path we are all supposed to follow... Live in the present and cherish the small moments, because those are what we will miss the most.” - Owen Tihen ’26, Co-Valedictorian 32
“We came from God’s infinite love, and we are intended to return to Him for all eternity. Whatever helps us get back to Him, we own. Whatever keeps us from Him, we get rid of… Getting back to being a college student, that’s our goal. Being a man of God, that’s our strategy. Sound tough? Not to worry. His final words to us are, I am with you always.” - His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Homily “Gratitude is a gift that helps you overcome the weakness that occurs when you are selfish or just feeling sorry for yourself. When you wake up, or when you go to sleep, think about all the things in your life you can be grateful for, and I guarantee life will look better.” – Nick Lamb ’76, Alumni Reflection
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Class of 2026 Dads and Grads
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Photo by LP Creative Studio
The 8th Grade Class of 2030 Celebrates the Inaugural Commissioning Mass On May 13, the inaugural 8th grade class—the Class of 2030—participated in a Commissioning Mass to celebrate completing De Smet Jesuit’s Middle School program. These Jr. Spartans gathered in Boian Chapel to celebrate Mass with their families and teachers. Following Mass, Middle School Dean Joe Kilmade called each student forward to be “clothed” with the shield of De Smet Jesuit and receive a Commissioning Certificate signifying their promotion to high school from President Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J. and Principal Kevin Poelker ’98.
“May this shield always remind you that you belong here at De Smet Jesuit. May it also remind you that the love of Christ is at the center of who you are as Young Men for Others,” said Christopher Winter ’27, representing the High School Servant Leaders who supported the Class of 2030 as mentors. Congratulations, Class of 2030! It has been an honor to call you Jr. Spartans.
We are proud to have 18 sons of alumni in our Class of 2026! Pictured from left, with fathers standing behind their sons, are: Patrick O’Leary and John O’Leary ’95; Connor Coady and Brian Coady ’90; Blake Seyer and Bradley Seyer ’84; Jack Gaffney and Pat Gaffney ’97; Brayden LaCroix and Brett LaCroix ’93; Ben Duffy and Dan Duffy ’90; Tommy Willie and Marty Willie ’87; Jack Guignon and Scott Guignon ’88; Ryan Gissy and John Gissy ’00; Casey Burkot and Kevin Burkot ’95; Eddie Unger and Matthew Unger ’95; Jack Ilges and John Ilges ’85; August Wims and Loren Wims ’89; Max Pionke and Jeremy Pionke ’95; Gavin Weber and Phil Weber ‘95; Blake Scanlon and Stephen Scanlon ’95 Not pictured: Colin Davis and Steve Davis ’83; Joey Pupillo and Joe Pupillo ‘99
Junior Ring Legacies
Photo by Sarti Photo Services
Alumni dads were proud to participate in the tradition of handing class rings to their sons during Junior Ring Mass on April 23. (Seated, from left) Jim Holman ’92, Jimmy Holman Jr., Matt Midden ’02, Thomas Hughes, Dan Sullivan ’91, David Sullivan, Brian Hadican ’97, Aiden Hadican, Michael Ott ’97, Brandon Ott, Rob Lindell ’88, and Chase Lindell; (standing, from left) Matt Altepeter ’00, Dominic Altepeter, Jim Allen ’77 (grandparent), Conrad Kusnierkiewicz, Alex Kusnierkiewicz, Jeff Erker ’91, Max Erker, Larry Hild Jr. ’85, Nic Hild, Luke Dagenais, Deacon Jones, Jason Jones ’93, Joe McNew ’96, and Rainey McNew Not pictured: Dan Dagenais ‘93, Tony Hickham ’92, Connor Hickham, Steve Foristal Sr. ’97, Steven Foristal Jr., Joe Stratmann ’85, and Adam Stratmann
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Always a Spartan | Reunion 2025
Alumni representing six decades returned to campus to celebrate milestone reunions in October. They enjoyed a reception for all alumni on Friday and class parties on Saturday. Thanks for returning home to Spartan Country! Photos by LP Creative Studio 36
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Congratulations to the 2025 De Smet Jesuit Hall of Fame Inductees!
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The 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony on September 26 honored exceptional men whose leadership, service, and achievements exemplify our Jesuit values.
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2025 De Smet Jesuit Hall of Fame inductees (from left) Fr. Michael Garanzini, S.J., Michael Grewe ’86, and Frank Hawkey (posthumously, represented by his son, John Hawkey ’96).
Hall of Fame Members in attendance
New Hall of Fame inductees posed with Hall of Fame members in attendance. (Seated from left) Michael Grewe ’86, Felicie Van De Riet, Bob Schuchmann, Fr. Ralph Houlihan, S.J., Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., Fr. Michael Garanzini, S.J., John Hawkey ’96, John Goessling ’71; (middle row, standing, from left) John Wilson ’75, Larry Linkul ’71, Mike Faddis ’71, Mike Sawicki ’71, Ken Luecke, Henry Autrey ’71, Fred Kramer, and Jim Walsh ’76; (back row, standing, from left) Nick Lamb ’76, Denny Cerneka, Rob Klingler ’80, Mark Guyol ’78, Andy Riesmeyer ’83, Tim Weber ’82, Kevin Klingler ’77, Chris Higgins ’88, Tim Barrett ’76, and Chris Mess. 38
The TRADITION Lives On
Thank you to Tradition 2025 sponsors, alumni, parents of alumni, and current Spartan dads who supported another sellout Tradition golf tournament in September. Proceeds from The Tradition benefit De Smet Jesuit’s Spartan Fund.
Michael Grewe and Family
The Hawkey Family
Winning Team with a score of 52
Longest Drive
Adam Braun ‘02, Brendan Normile ‘02, Jason Schlueter ‘02, and Michael Chrum ’02
Adam Roeder for 360 yards
Photos by LP Creative Studio 39
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1970s
Rose Lamb, granddaughter of Nick ’76 and Lisa Lamb, was baptized by Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., on September 28, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier College Church in St. Louis. Rachel Suntrup, daughter of Tom ’77 and Lisa Suntrup, married Peter Moynihan on April 11, 2026. Bill Wellborn ’77 won the Benji and Philip “MO Better Friends” Award presented by the MO Better Foundation. This award is presented to individuals who live their life grounded in service, leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening their community. Congratulations!
Chicago
Naples
Earlier this year, Judge Christopher E. McGraugh ’79, the Presiding Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit in St. Louis, was recognized with the Order of the Fleur de Lis Hall of Fame. This honor is the highest accolade given by the Saint Louis University School of Law. Before taking the bench, Christopher worked as an assistant public defender in the St. Louis County Trial Division. He was appointed as an associate circuit judge in 2012, elevated to a circuit judge in 2015, and has been serving as the presiding judge of the 22nd Circuit since January 2025.
1980s
George Brill ’81 is the CEO of Talisen Technologies Inc. and a 1985 graduate of Saint Louis University. He was officially inducted into the SLU Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame by the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship in November 2025. The induction honors his exceptional entrepreneurial leadership and the significant economic impact of his company, a St. Louis-based systems integration and software solutions firm. Naples
Dallas
On the Road With Spartan Alumni Mark your calendars! The Alumni Association is hittin’ the road again in 2026-2027. Join us in a city near you to reconnect with fellow Spartans and hear the latest exciting updates from De Smet Jesuit!
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Dallas: 10/8/26
Naples: 2/24/27
Nashville: 11/12/26
Chicago: 4/14/27
Kansas City: 1/21/27
Maddie Giancola, daughter of Joe ’82 and Barbara Giancola, married Clark Hodgson on April 25, 2026. Ricky Nix ’82 reports, “The Nix Family welcomed two new Spartans to our team: grandsons Russell John Zingrich, born May 1, 2026, and Edward (Eddy) Reilly Nix, Jr., born May 29, 2026.” Congratulations! Libby Lane, daughter of Con ’84 and Becky Lane, married Dominick Montone on June 28, 2025, at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in St. Louis. Fr. Ronny O’Dwyer, S.J., was the celebrant. The number of Spartan alumni in attendance was estimated at 48, and included Libby’s brothers: Con ‘14, Joe ‘18, Jack ‘20, George ‘21, and James ‘24.
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1990s
In January 2026, Mike Mayer ’99 moderated a panel at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on “The Role of Faith and Civic Institutions in Restoring Male Community.” Panelists included U.S. Senator James Lankford; Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus; Larry Wiese, Executive Director of Kappa Alpha Order, and Michael DeVaul, YMCA.
2000s
Congratulations to Jon Schwendeman ’08, who was named Volunteer of the Year by the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce in March 2026. Jon joined the chamber in 2016, became a member of the board of directors in 2018, and served as chair in 2022. He also served on the executive committee through 2025, where he led the finance committee and, in 2025, chaired a strategic planning process.
2010s
In March 2026, Dominique and Ben Morgenthaler ’12 visited Vatican City, where they participated in a general audience with Pope Leo XIV and received the Sposi Novelli (a blessing for newly married couples).
A Spartan Shout-Out and thank you for your service to these alumni: • Hunter Schoenig ’18, who was accepted into the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department in March 2026. • Christian Chiapel ’18 and Colin Beveridge ’18, both proud servicemen in the United States Air Force, who ran into each other by chance this spring at a training and took time to grab a photo for Odyssey.
2020s
Brendan Schoemehl ’21 is a defensive midfielder for SV Werder Bremen III. He plays in the German fifth tier after previously having a highly successful collegiate soccer career at Bellarmine University.
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M I L E STO N E S
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Little Spartans Births & Baptisms
Joe Beckerjeck ’13 and Katherine Skrade October 25, 2025
Drew Higgins ’11 and Kristi Walsh July 12, 2025 Katherine Ellison Devereux, daughter of Carolyn and Bo Devereux Jr. ’07 (baptized September 7, 2025)
Nick Hawkins ’16 and Annie Funk May 10, 2025
Connor Gregory Brockmeier, son of Kara and Greg Brockmeier ’02 (born October 16, 2025 )
Brooks Joseph Slattery, son of Zerina and Mitchell Slattery ’14 (born February 7, 2026 )
Jack Morris ‘15 and Holly Laws June 7, 2025 Eric Thomas Devlin, son of Maddie and Ryan Devlin ’12 (baptized August 10, 2025)
Francis “Frankie” David Morris, son of Kelly and Patrick Morris ’06 (baptized May 9, 2026)
More Weddings:
More Births:
More Baptisms:
Jack Nations ’11 and Noelle Kellermann – December 26, 2025
Roux Sullivan, son of Jessica and Christopher Sullivan ’05 – May 12, 2025
Chris Gutzler ‘14 and Madelynn Courtney - October 24, 2025
Magnolia Erlinger, daughter of Kelly and Daniel Erlinger ’06 – November 1, 2025
Cameron Elizabeth Klingler, daughter of Molly and Andrew Klingler ’12–baptized May 31, 2026
Chris Nuelle ’14 and Danielle Matthews – November 15, 2025
Bodhi Gleason, son of Elizabeth and Ryan Gleason ’10 – May 6, 2025
David Beerman ’15 and Michelle Byars – October 4, 2025
Grady Heitmann, son of Ellie and Matt Heitmann ’10 – January 29, 2026 Will Hormberg ’16 and Amanda Richter September 20, 2025
Archewell Crew Patton, son of Kristen and Jack Patton ’12 - baptized December 6, 2025
Joseph Bateman, son of Kathryn and Robert Bateman ’11 – November 7, 2025 Emmett Klages, son of Bailie and August Klages ’11 – July 21, 2025 Benjamin Portell, son of Abby and Michael Portell ’13 – December 4, 2025
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Tributes
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Fr. John J. Mueller, S.J. January 10, 1945 – March 5, 2026
Grant Atkinson ’13,
David Bates ’72
Glennon Bourbon ’81,
John Buncher ’74,
Thomas Durbin ’75
Charles HoningfortWalker ’71
John Koeller ’97
Matthew McGrath ’83,
Christopher Montgomery ’89, brother
Richard Moranville ’76,
Robert Nuelle ’76,
Stephen Plein ’81,
of Marc ’87 and Phillip Montgomery ’85
father of Sean Moranville ’09; brother of Patrick ’74 and Dennis Moranville ’71
James Rohlman ’76,
Grant Taylor ’24
Joseph Tierney ’98,
Francis Vatterott ’76,
brother of Colin ’07, Tyler ’09 and Cole Atkinson ’15
Philip Prouhet ’05,
brother of Andrew Prouhet ’03
brother of Cornelius McGrath ’79
Matthew Roberts ’82
father of Kevin Bourbon ’13 and brother of Jerome Bourbon ’82
brother of Robert Rohman ’79
brother of Michael ’73 and Mark Buncher ’78
brother of Mark Nuelle ’82
brother of Matthew ’01 and Sean Tierney ’00
Leslie Aiello, mother of Joseph ’01 and
Alexander Fleischut, father of Stephen
Robert Morgenthaler, father of Michael ’77
Nicholas Aiello ’06 Virginia Bartling, mother of John ’84 and William Bartling ’89 Connie Beatty, mother of Michael ’89 and James Beatty ’79; grandmother of Owen Beatty ’25 Mary Ann Bourbon, mother of Jerome Bourbon ’82 and the late Glennon Bourbon ’81; grandmother of Kevin ’13 and Andrew Bourbon ‘19 John Capellupo, father of Mark ’76, Michael ’79, and Kevin Capellupo ’83; grandfather of John Sandroni ’04 and Philip ’06, Marty ’07, and Jacob Capellupo ’21 Nicholas Chiapelas, father of Thomas Chiapelas ‘87; grandfather of Sam ‘29 and Pete Chiapelas ‘31 Alfred Cortopassi, father of Thomas ’74 and Joseph Cortopassi ’76; grandfather of Joseph ’05 and Andrew Cortopassi ’09 Catherine Czysz, mother of Paul Czysz ’82 Kenneth Davis, father of Jarrett ’94 and Zachary Davis ’99 Jack Fahland, father of Kurt Fahland ’90; grandfather of Nathan ’18, Tyler ’20, and Jacob Fahland ’22 Mary Cay Finnegan, mother of Frank ’71, Michael ’72, Patrick ’72, Terry ’74, and Dennis Finnegan ’78
Fleischut ’78
and Albert Morgenthaler ’78; uncle of Gene Morgenthaler ’77 Vincent Mullen, father of Michael Mullen ’20 Gregory Nooney, father of Vincent ’81 and Michael Nooney ’83; grandfather of Nicholas Nooney ’12 J.D. O’Leary, father of James ’88 and John O’Leary ’95; grandfather of Jack ’24, Patrick ’26, and Henry O’Leary ’28 Mary Jane Parato, mother of Angelo Parato ’79 Lee Pelligreen, father of Leo Pelligreen ’86 James Peurrung, father of Peter ’78 and Stephen Peurrung ’79 Timothy Powers, father of Timothy ’23 and John Powers ’31 Robert Proost, father of Timothy ’80 and Thomas Proost ’85; grandfather of Vincent Andaloro ’21 and Evan Proost ’23 Mary Riesmeyer, mother of Matthew ’81, Andrew ’83 and Daniel Riesmeyer ’95; grandmother of Brendan Riesmeyer’14, Colin Riesmeyer ’16, and Sean McDowell ’17 Carol Schenk, mother of Richard ’96, Brian ’00, and Corey Schenk ’02; grandmother of Chris ’21 and Braden Klein ’25 John Schmitt, father of Christopher ’96 and Andrew Schmitt ’01
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Dan Gilbert, father of Erik ’92 and Nathan Gilbert ’06; father-in-law of Chris Hayes ’86 Walter Goodyear, father of James ’83 and Steven Goodyear ’88 Walter Guller, father of Kim Koenig (Board of Trustees); grandfather of Jacob ’13, Nick ’16, and Luke Koenig ’24 Albert Hesker, father of Mark Hesker ’81; grandfather of Ryan ’11, Brendan ’13 and Grant Hesker ’18 Christopher Keyes, father of Connor ’19 and Jackson Keyes ’25 Richard Klein, father of Christopher Klein ’94 Rev. Michael Kurimay, S.J. (former faculty member) Francine Leritz, mother of Joseph ’75, James ’76, Christopher ’81, and Peter Leritz ’84; grandmother of Joseph ’10 and Peter Leritz ’15 Joseph Leritz, father of Joseph ’75, James ’76, Christopher ’81, and Peter Leritz ’84; grandfather of Joseph ’10 and Peter Leritz ’15 Joseph Lipic, father of Joseph Lipic ’80 Joseph Meek, father of Joseph ’74, James ’82, and John Meek ’86 Mary Moloney, mother of Thomas ’79 and Timothy Moloney ’81; grandmother of Nolan ’19 and Cavan Mank ’21
brother of Thomas Plein ’76
brother of Daniel Vatterott ’78
Anthony Weiss ’06
John Schnoebelen, father of John ’82 and Jeffrey Schnoebelen ’84 Beverly Spinner, mother of Frank ’73. David ’74, Steven ’76, Gregory ’80, Thomas ’81, Michael ’82, and Paul Spinner ’90; grandmother of Patrick Spinner ’07 Samuel Stipanovich, father of Stephen ’79 and Michael Stipanovich ’82; grandfather of Nicholas ’08 and Matthew Stipanovich ’10 Margaret Stock, mother of George ’81, Timothy ’83, and Daniel Stock ’91; grandmother of Thomas Dieckmann ’01 Amy Veluz, wife of Stephen Veluz ’87; mother of Zachary ’23 and Benito Veluz ’31 Allen Wagner, grandfather of Michael Hall ’18
Fr. J.J. Mueller, S.J., was one of the earliest Jesuits assigned to the young De Smet Jesuit High School in 1970. A native of Denver, Colorado, “J.J.” (as most called him) taught Theology and English. In a school just opened two years previously, J.J. was a role model for the young Spartans. Athletic, personable, and intelligent, he became a favorite of the students because he was so genuine. In recognition of his contributions to the basketball team in 1973, his name and legacy live on through the 1973 State Basketball banner. After leaving De Smet, Fr. Mueller went on to receive a doctorate in theology, and then on to teach at Saint Louis University for 27 years, serving as the head of the department.
Mueller’s connection to De Smet resurfaced years later—not in person, but in the pages of Theological Foundations, a textbook he edited for Spartans earning SLU 1818 credit in theology. In his later years, he found another creative outlet through photography, serving as an official volunteer photographer at the Missouri Botanical Garden. His photos were featured in its publications. He also photographed the stained-glass windows in College Church, and with Fr. Tom Rochford, S.J., published a book about the windows, Saints in Glass, using those photos.
Mary Catherine McDonnell Finnegan December 14, 1926 – March 13, 2026 On March 13, De Smet Jesuit lost one of its most dynamic and graceful supporters, just short of her 100th birthday – Mrs. Mary Catherine Finnegan. The mother of five Spartan sons – Frank ’71, twins Michael and Patrick ’72, Terry ’74, and Dennis ’78, Mrs. Finnegan and her husband Frank were seemingly ever present on North New Ballas Road. A woman of faith and action, Mrs. Finnegan served as president of De Smet Jesuit’s Mothers’ Club and was one of the school’s first auction chairs. Born on the north side and a member of St. Teresa parish, Mrs. Finnegan was, in her own words, “100% Irish” and proud of her Catholic heritage! Taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Joseph’s Academy, she learned their values of “Not I, But We” and
“Serve the dear Neighbor without distinction.” Not surprisingly, through her time at De Smet, she fully embraced the spirituality of the Jesuits and became a Woman for and with Others. These dual spiritualities meshed and built on one another in her life, involving her in service to Father Dempsey’s Charities, Birthright, and Sister Paulen’s House in East St. Louis. “(She) never saw her role as one of responsibility, a task or job, just as an opportunity to serve,” said her son Dennis. “She loved to serve and be useful. It gave her purpose.” Mary Catherine Finnegan was a blessing to all who met her. Adventurous, fun-loving, and sophisticated, she could brighten a room with her Irish smile!
-For notices received through May 31, 2026
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THE SPARTAN FUND ANNUAL GIVING
WHY WE ASK YOU TO GIVE Because YOU make the difference. Did you know? Tuition alone doesn’t cover the full cost of a De Smet Jesuit education. When you make a gift to the Spartan Fund, you’re giving more than a donation. Your gift means every Spartan, every day, has access to exceptional teachers, transformative retreats, championship opportunities, faith formation, service experiences, and the lifelong brotherhood that defines De Smet Jesuit.
FOR EVERY SPARTAN EVERY DAY GIVE THE SPARTAN WAY.
That’s why we ask you to give.
Your generosity helps shape the next generation of Men for Others. A.M.D.G. 46
Scan the code and support the Spartan Fund today. desmet.org/give
JE S U I T
233 North New Ballas Road St. Louis, MO 63141 Address Service Requested
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
Back-to-Back! Volleyball Spartans earned their second consecutive state championship in May with a thrilling, come-from-behind victory. See page 14 for details.