CURLEY Magazine (Winter 2017)

CURLEY A Magazine for Alumni, Parents and Friends

“Huk”ed

on a Dream

BEN VERNER ’96,

President, Marolina Outdoor Inc.

Winter 2017

FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Alumni and Friends of Curley: Once I became involved in school administration the clarity of a school year became much less defined.

As you read this, and while the current year continues to unfold with all the activities of late winter and spring, there is also attention that begins to focus on the next academic year. As the admissions process for the Class of 2021 takes place, there are also efforts on the budget, summer projects and camps, and the needs of a new school year. From the viewpoint of a strategic plan and long-range goals, one also thinks in terms of years rather than a late-August to early-June definition of a school year.

This issue of CURLEY therefore summarizes the events of the first half of the year, and looks forward to all that will take place in the next 6 months. It also features a number of alumni who are making their mark in the fields of medicine, sports and entrepreneurship. Curley is blessed to have a wide field of alumni who might be featured, and it is never easy to decide on who to include and who stays on our list for the future.

I know I always enjoy learning about these graduates, and sometimes having the chance to re-connect with them. I trust all our readers will enjoy learning a bit more about these individuals, and how Curley helped them prepare for their diverse careers.

We are also proud to share that the members of the Class of 2017, this year’s senior class, are doing a wonderful job of landing college acceptances as well as scholarship and financial aid dollars. I was similarly pleased to see that in the Thanksgiving food collection these seniors led the way, signaling they have captured that spirit of outreach over their years as students. As with each class before them, they will leave their mark, and the Curley school tradition has been enriched by their presence and their successes.

Thank you for helping Curley reach its advancement goals for this year, and for your continued interest in the activities of our Curley Family.

At right, Fr. Donald speaking at the Ring Ceremony for the Class of 2018. Fr. Donald was the main celebrant and homilist. He blessed the rings and, with Mr. Kohler, presented each member of the Class of 2018 with his ring.

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CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. ’70 President

CURLEY

ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL

WINTER 2017

CURLEY is published through the Office of Advancement for Alumni, Parents and Friends of Archbishop Curley High School 3701 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, MD 21213 410-485-5000 • Fax: 410-485-1090 www.archbishopcurley.org

FEATURES

PRESIDENT Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. ’70 VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Barry Stitz ’87 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING Jeremy Joseph ’96 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Greg Malanowski ’70

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Ben Verner ’96

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Dr. Randy Riesett ’87 DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI Tyler Cuomo ’08

Student Focus

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kathleen Wandishin LAYOUT AND DESIGN BMWW

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OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Chase Atkinson ’02

with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

MISSION STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL Archbishop Curley High School, a Roman Catholic college preparatory school rooted in the Franciscan tradition, develops great men. With the support of the entire Archbishop Curley Family, each Curley Man is challenged to reach his maximum academic and personal potential in a safe and nurturing environment leading him to be a man of faith, character, discipline and service to others.

Please send comments to the address above or alumni@archbishopcurley.org

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Curley Currents

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Advancement Notes

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Friar’s Perspective

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Sports Shorts

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Alumni News

DEPARTMENTS archbishopcurley.org

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CURLEY | CURRENTS

Freshman Parent Tech Social What’s a “tech-social”? Freshman parents gathered at Curley on September 29th to learn about the technology their sons will be using at Curley, specifically the iPad and its apps. Technology Director Paul Baker and his assistant, Sean Gallup ’11, led the brief, but informative presentation. Refreshments were enjoyed after the serious stuff and freshman parents had the opportunity to meet each other and socialize.

Homecoming 2016 Homecoming was a week-long event, featuring dress-down days for the students, a pep rally for the fall sports teams and a heightened sense of spirit and Curley Pride leading up to the games and dance on Saturday.

Highlights of Spirit Week included a “Waist Down Dress Down Day” when the students were permitted to wear shorts, sweats or jeans but had to be in dress code from the waist up. On Wednesday, the faculty beat the seniors in a volleyball match after school. The Friday Pep Rally in the gym was kicked off by

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CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

the drum line and included, among other competitions, a pie-eating contest.

Alumni gathered at Della Rose’s on the evening of October 14th to hear yet another installment in the “Memories of Tony Della Rose ’88.” Only the brave showed up at 9:30 the next morning for the alumni soccer and flag-football games. The Alumni Tent, which opened at 12:30 PM, was the vantage point of choice for grads and their families to meet and eat.

The Varsity contests on Homecoming Day were VERY exciting. Soccer scored late in the 2nd half to tie the game with Mt. St. Joseph and went on to win in overtime.

Football saw St. Mary’s tie the game in the 4th quarter, but Curley sealed the overtime win with an interception leading to the winning field goal.

Students could be seen all day in their Curley gear, but cleaned up nicely to accompany their dates to the Homecoming Dance in the evening.

Open House The weekend of October 22nd–23rd saw 267 families visit Curley for the annual Open House. This number represents the highest number of visitors at an Open House since 2008. Spread over two days, Open House showcases what Curley has to offer middle school students who are investigating their options for high school. The hallways shined, the student tour guides smiled, the band played and the choir sang. Many parent volunteers shared their Curley experience. There was a special reception and tour for sons of alumni at the beginning of each day. Comments on the exit survey included: “impressed with the academics;” “enthusiasm of the faculty and staff;” “the welcoming atmosphere of the school community.” Kudos to the Admissions Office of Nicholas Brownlee ’96, Caroline Kogler and Tim Skarda ’08 for orchestrating the event.

A huge thank you to Class of 1997 alum and owner of Deniro’s Pizza, Leo Kapetanakos, for donating 130 pizzas to Curley over Open House weekend!

The pizza fed over 250 Curley students who volunteered to help make Open House a success!

Curley Classic On Wednesday, November 9th, over 250 elementary and middle school students descended on Curley for the 33rd “Curley Classic” Cross Country Race. The meet is sponsored by the Admissions Office and organized by Curley’s legendary cross country coach,

Mr. Gene Hoffman ’69. Three races for the boys and two races for the girls allowed the students to compete in their own age groups. The top ten winners of each race received a medal. Thirteen different schools were represented.

CURLEY | CURRENTS

Alumni Memorial Mass Members of the Curley Family gathered in the Chapel on November 13th to celebrate the Eucharist and pray for the deceased students, alumni, faculty and staff who have preceded us to the Father.

Blackfriars’ Theatre Presents ...

Alumni who passed away in 2016: James Aldon ’70, Michael Bangert ’73, Robert Bayne ’81, Walter Benicewicz ’66, Joseph Blair III ’80, James Boia ’65, Frank Despot ’68, Charles Lansinger ’83, James Plunkett ’68, Greg Pulignani ’71, Nick Rego ’71, Mark Reilly ’82, Justin Smith ’03 and Joseph Zissimos ’67.

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t seemed like Christmas came early for the patrons of Blackfriars’ Theatre who experienced “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the Curley stage on the weekend of November 18th – 20th. Directed by Mr. Ed Lawrence who was assisted by his crew of Curley alums and their wives, the production recounted the trials of George Bailey, who was played most ably by sophomore Nicholas Bosi.

Christmas Concerts The students of the bands and choirs worked hard since September to produce two fine concerts to ring in the Christmas season. The Curley Choir, Schola, Luminare Choir and Handbell Choir performed on December 10th to the delight of many parents, grandparents, students and alumni. Under the direction of Mr. Michael Gaffney and accompanied by Mr. Michael Britt, the students sang traditional, classical and popular Christmas music

The Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble took the stage on December 16th. The precision and attention inspired by Director David Stauffer resulted in a wonderful and varied program of Christmas music that could raise even Mr. Grinch to the heights of Christmas joy.

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CURLEY | CURRENTS

Greccio A Curley tradition was realized again on December 18th as the Freshman Class presented “Greccio: A Live Nativity” in the Curley Auditorium. This tradition finds its origin in St. Francis, who staged a live nativity in the town of Greccio in 1223 so the people could understand more fully the love of God who became human in such sparse circumstances. The Friars at Curley did the same years ago and a Curley tradition was born. Interspersed with carols by the Curley Choir, the Greccio Service tells the story of how St. Francis told the story of God becoming one of us. Afterwards, people were invited to take some of the blessed straw for their own creches at home.

Community Morning Prayer An innovation in the schedule started last year and incorporated more regularly this year is the Community Morning Prayer. About once every two weeks, the faculty, staff and student body assemble in the auditorium instead of in their faculty advisor groups for a short prayer service which draws attention to a specific theme.

On November 29th, the Feastday of all Franciscan Saints, morning prayer featured the renewal of vows by the Friars as is the custom on that day.

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CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

Ring Ceremony For The Class of 2018 After the service, the Alma Mater is sung and the students are then dismissed to their next class.

Transitus And Feast of St. Francis The Friars and Students of Curley celebrated the Transitus (“passing”) of St. Francis into eternal life on the evening of October 3rd . As is done throughout the Franciscan world, people gather to hear and re-enact the last words and actions of Francis of Assisi as he lay dying, surrounded by his brothers.

Friar Tim Dore, OFM Conv spoke about how, in his life and death, Francis followed Jesus. Students took the roles of Francis, his brothers and the narrators of the story. Guests were invited for refreshments after the service.

The next day, October 4th, the faculty, staff and student body gathered in the auditorium for Mass on the Feastday of St. Francis. Fr. Nick Rokitka, OFM Conv, Theology and Business Instructor at Curley, was the main celebrant and homilist. The Curley Choir led the singing and the Holy Hour Praise Band led the communion and final songs.

Joseph Nwobi and Gibson Mashua read the texts from Scripture.

One of Curley’s traditions is the school ring, with a black onyx, the dates of 1961 and the current class, and the same design that all alumni have.

This year’s Ring Ceremony took place on Sunday, December 4th during Mass. The Junior Class processed into the auditorium while members of The Curley Luminare Choir sang the Gathering Song. Fr. Donald was the main celebrant and homilist. He blessed the rings and, with Mr. Kohler, presented each member of the Class of 2018 with their ring. The Juniors recited together the Ring Pledge and sang

the Alma Mater. Spiro Vasilakopoulos ’17 introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Stephen Streckfus ’93, Business and Math Instructor, who gave the Ring Address. After Mass, the students and their guests were invited to the Student Dining Room for refreshments.

Senior James Duffy

CURLEY | STUDENT FOCUS

By Greg Malanowski ’70

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aking inspiration from Saint Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Curley High School holds as one of its Franciscan Ideals “Concern for the Environment.” Senior James Duffy has merged this ideal with his life goals and modeled it in his activities.

A graduate of St. Casimir Elementary School, James grew up with a love of animals. He first thought he might want to be a veterinarian, but his years at Curley opened him to see more possibilities. James now has his eyes set on a career educating the public on environmental issues and he has applied to Christopher Newport University near Norfolk to study environmental science.

How did his love of the environment develop? Four years ago, James started working as a volunteer at the Marshy Point Nature Center near Middle River.

There he would take care of animals and talk to guests who visited the Center. At about the same time he applied for and won the opportunity to work at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. “I began there in the winter of 2013-14, where I was trained as a volunteer exhibit guide,” he remembers. “Then

I went on to become a peer educator in helping to train new student volunteers each spring.” And if that were not enough to keep him busy, James also started working with Kathy Woods, local wildlife rehabilitator, at the Phoenix Wildlife Center in Baltimore County. He cleans cages, helps to rescue animals in distress and feeds those animals that find themselves guests of the Center.

He assisted in setting up a youth program and worked with the clinical and educational volunteers. This internship made up the core of his Senior Capstone Project.

One might think that, with all his volunteer work, James does not have time to get involved in high school. But that is not the case with this energetic young man. James is president of the Biology Club and has been a member since his freshman year.

He is also a member of the Environmental Club, National Honor Society, Franciscan Youth Ministry and Student Government. Somehow he finds time to be on the volleyball team in the fall, swim team in the winter and golf team in the spring.

When asked about his toughest course at Curley, James points to freshman biology with Mr. DeMarco.

He was challenged not just by the academics, but by the shadows of his dad and uncle who were both students of Mr. DeMarco. Ironically, it was Mr. DeMarco who saw the interests and talents of James and recommended him for the position at the Aquarium. “James is a high-energy person with a big smile and a very active mind,” says Mr. DeMarco.

“He is very possibly the best natural leader that I have worked with during my long career.”

With all the science and environmental issues that occupy his life, James says that his favorite subject this year is art. He likes working on his own and expressing himself. He explains: “I have been able to take an art class all four years and have a lot more independent work time and planning now. Learning art history always intrigued me, especially since I am a very visual learner (and history was never my strongest suit) and then I learned to enjoy art techniques and fine arts as well. Finally, in the past two years as academics became more challenging, art was always a positive and therapeutic way to have down time.”

James was part of the group that travelled to Philadelphia to see the Pope in 2015. He identifies this experience as one of the most significant in his years at Curley. Seeing people from all over the country present to catch a glimpse of the Pope and hear his words was very moving. He could feel not just the Curley brotherhood, but the connectedness of all present, united around Pope Francis in prayer and celebration. Another significant moment he will always remember is defeating John Carroll in volleyball and ending the varsity losing streak.

James serves as a teaching assistant in Mrs. Angela Cogswell’s science class. She says this: “James brings so many things to the classroom, a passion for science, interest in helping others, confidence and creativity. He is intuitive when it comes to teaching, often adding to my lecture from a student’s perspective, making my lessons better. But the most unexpected benefit is what I have learned from my teaching assistant. He has taught me so much already in the first few months of school I wonder what is yet to come.”

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TRACK PROJECT DONOR HONOR ROLL (As of December 31, 2016)

Listed below are the many donors to the track project. We were able to raise $133,853.00 for the new track that will surround the turf field. The base was completed in the fall and the final layer and striping will be completed in the early spring. Thank you for your support!

Targarona’s Champions ($2,500 & over) Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cuomo HighFleet Charities Corporation Mr. Vincent Connelly Mr. Thomas W. Muth Mr. John Zipfel ’75’ Hoffman’s Heroes ($1,000 - $2,499) Mrs. Sharon Aldon In memory of James Aldon ’70 Mr. Robert S. Bennett ’74 Mr. David S. Chrusniak ’66 Mr. Nicholas F. DiLiello ’69 Msgr. James P. Farmer JD ’65 Mr. William J. Goodwin Jr. ’73 Mr. Lawrence J. Hineline ’74 Mr. Robert J. Jirsa ’73 Mr. Richard L. Lelonek Jr. ’73 Mr. Christopher Ludwig ’91 Mr. Gary N. Michael ’71 Mr. David Miller ’79 Mr. Carmine Mistichelli ’93 Mr. Anthony Navitskis ’65 Mr. Jonathan Sobczynski ’08 Ms. Joan Sweeney Mr. Stephen M. Tauber ’82 Mr. Gordon Topper ’96 Mr. William J. Zipfel ’67 The Catholic High School of Baltimore T. Rowe Price Foundation Gold Medalist ($500 - $999) Mr. Maarten A. Calon ’70 Mr. Eric O. Cummings ’88 Mr. Nicholas F. Desien ’66 Mr. Donald J. Dugan ’85 Mr. William Franey Mr. Francesco Giachini ’77 Fr. Donald Grzymski OFM Conv.’70 Mr. James Harper ’79 Mr. Mark Johnson ’76 Mr. Robert Kroupa ’79 Mr. Gary A. Kuleck ’71 Ms. Mary-Kay Leary Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Long Mr. & Mrs. Andrew M. Makowiecki Sr. Mr. Ronald Mason Sr. Mr. Robert J. Matarozza ’70 Mr. Karl G. Mauck ’79 Mr. Anthony V. Milando ’80 8

CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

Mr. Gerard O’Keefe ’77 Mr. & Mrs. Donald W. Potter Mr. Frederick A. Raab ’67 Mr. George A. Rhoads ’70 Mr. Richard Rohrs ’70 Mr. Eric Scheurer ’05 Mr. Joseph A. Stumbroski ’78 Mr. W. G. Thuman ’84 Mr. Stephen Waldt ’08 Mr. Steven T. Wolf ’78 The Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation Silver Medalist ($100 - $499) Mr. Donald W. Adam Jr.’96 Mr. Michael J. Adamczyk’76 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Aldon ’74 Mr. Harry F. Amato’70 Mr. Jeffrey M. Amrhein ’73 Mrs. Anna M. Amrhein Mr. Martin J. Bacon ’77 Mr. Thomas D. Baker III ’71 Mr. Paul C. Balsamo ’68 Ms. Kathleen A. Banaszewski Mrs. J. Basmajian Mrs. Joyce Becker Mr. Kevin E. Bell ’86 Mr. John J. Berzellini Jr. ’68 Mr. Matthew T. Bogdan ’87 Mr. & Mrs. Andrew A. Bopp Jr. Mr. Thomas ’08 & Christina Brickwedde Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Brickwedde Sr. Mr. Joseph P. Brooks ’69 Mr. & Mrs. Barry Brownlee Mr. Nicholas Brownlee ’96 Mr. Richard W. Brunner CPA ’82 Mr. Eugene J. Buckalew ’65 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Byrnes Mr. Tom Carty Mr. Neil J. Cashen ’72 Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Charvat Mr. Ronald J. Chase ’65 Mr. Paul Ciecwierz ’80 Mr. Martin L. Connors ’71 Mr. Paul M. Costantino ’92 Mr. Robert E. Cronin ’71 Mr. John Cunningham Mr. Victor Cyran ’74 Mr. Joseph G. D’Adamo ’70 Mr. Jere Danaher Jr. ’66 Mr. Robert A. Danielak ’66 Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Davis ’84 Mr. Michael S. Davis ’83

Mr. Robert E. Dengler ’65 Mr. Charles H. Devaud Jr. ’71 Mr. David Dieter ’72 Mr. Joseph P. Doerfler ’77 Mr. Christopher Donhauser ’82 Mr. Stephen Dragisics Mr. Thomas J. Dushel ’80 Mr. Frederick Dvorak ’83 Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Egbert Mr. R. Terence Farrell ’66 Mr. & Mrs. Louis B. Fernandez Mr. Marc J. Ferretto ’71 Mr. Bernard A. Fischer IV ’93 Fr. Matthew Foley OFM Conv Mr. Louis G. Forte Jr. ’71 Mr. Arthur L. Franck ’80 The Giampa Family Mr. Thomas Grzymski Ms. Patrese Frentz Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Friedly Mr. Paul A. Gasior ’89 Mr. Hugh W. Gracey III ’73 Mr. Eugene Grady ’66 Mr. Andrew S. Haffer ’87 Mr. Gerard Hahn ’69 Mr. James A. Hamilton CPA ’85 Mr. Stephen M. Hecner ’88 Mr. Joseph Hess Jr. ’72 Mr. James Hessenauer, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Frederick G. Hettling Jr. Mr. Michael F. Hilditch Sr. ’65 Lt. Col. (R) Richard J. Hisley ’70 Mr. Charles R. Hoopert Jr. ’71 Mr. Nathan D. Jecelin ’17 Mr. Gregory T. Jones ’75 Ms. Jacqueline Joseph Mr. R. Scott Keidel ’69 Mr. Mark J. Klingler ’79 Mr. Jeffrey V. Knapp ’88 Mr. & Mrs. Roland Knapp Mr. Timothy P. Knepp ’73 Mr. Michael L. Knott ’70 Mr. John K. Koehler Jr. ’65 Mr. James F. Kolar ’69 Mr. David J. Kovalic ’67 Mr. & Mrs. Mark C. Kreafle Sr. Mr. William Kress ’70 Mr. Gary T. Lansinger ’69 Mr. Jim Loftus ’69 Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lumsden Fr. Michael T. Martin OFM Conv. ’79 Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth McGrain ’02 Mr. & Mrs. Dennis McGrath ’76 Mr. Stephen V. McGrath ’00 Mr. Robert P. McKay ’82

Mrs. Joan McNamara Mr. Jeffrey P. Merkle ’94 Dr. Robert Michocki ’66 Mr. Gerard R. Mikulski ’69 Mr. Thomas D. Miller ’65 Mr. Carmen D. Mirabile ’87 Mr. George Moerschel Jr. ’74 Mr. & Mrs. James Monroe Jr. Mr. Kyle K. Morosko ’09 Mr. Gary M. Mryncza ’92 Mr. Bart Myers ’76 Mr. & Mrs. William Myers Mr. Russell J. Nies ’88 Mr. Paul F. Oberle ’68 Mrs. Lois Papparotto Mr. Francis J. Pazdzinski III, ’66 Mr. John A. Pecora ’68 Mr. Martin J. Piepoli III ’75 Mr. Mark Profili ’69 Mr. Bartlett C. Regan Jr. ’67 Mr. Quincy D. Richburg ’17 Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Robinson Mr. & Mrs. John Rokitka Mr. Raymond M. Salamone ’71 Mr. John P. Ringrose ’79 Mr. Frank G. Sansosti ’71 Mr. Frank J. Scherba ’78 Mr. Gerard J. Schmith ’68 Mr. Henry J. Schroeder ’65 Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Sigler Jr. Mr. Julius Silvestri ’68 Mr. Melvin Skwirut ’70 Rev. Andrew J. Stahmer ’65 Mr. Mark Stairiker ’67 Mr. Steve Stec Mr. Richard Stewart Cpt. Steven Szymanski ’01 Mr. James Teramani ’75 Mr. Joseph E. Thanner Jr. ’74 Mrs. Mary Helen Thanner Mr. David M. Thomas CPM ’69 Mr. & Mrs. Tony Topper Mr. Ronald J. Topper II ’85 Mr. Theodore Turnbaugh Dr. Albert A. Tysor ’68 Mr. & Mrs. Albert J. Udris Mr. Joseph W. Valis ’79 Mr. John T. Van Sant ’89 Mr. & Mrs. James VanDetta Mr. John E. Vermette ’73 Mr. Michael J. Vesely ’76 Mr. Bill Voelker ’74 Mr. Carl Vogel ’66 Mr. Doug M. Vojik ’85 Mr. Gerard Waldt ’74

Mr. J. B. Waldt ’79 Ms. Helen A. Wassin Mr. Thomas G. Wassin ’93 Mr. James L. Waurin ’70 Mr. Craig S. Wehr ’79 Mr. Zachary C. White ’12 Mr. & Mrs. R. A. White Mr. Ronald Wiley ’66 Mr. Joseph G. Wilkens ’65 Mr. Walter K. Willson Jr. ’92 Ms. Sylvia Willson Mr. Monford A. Wolf ’80 Mr. William Wolf ’67 Mr. Michael E. Yanchoris ’79 Mr. John G. Yaquiant ’66 Dr. Norbert M. Zaczek Institute of Notre Dame Quest Diagnostics Bronze Medalist ($1 - $99) Mr. Burgess P. Allen ’69 Mr. Jacob Amato ’05 Mr. Gregory M. Andrews ’68 Mr. Robert D. Andrews ’66 Mr. Kyle Ashe ’07 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Aupperley Mr. Samuel J. Azzarello ’65 Mr. Jeffrey A. Baran ’66 Mrs. Elizabeth Berger Mr. David Berzellini ’70 Ms. Maureen P. Bethea Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Bialozynski Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Bittner Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bloodsworth Mr. & Mrs. Romuald Bogdan Mr. Louis J. Bogdan Jr. ’96 Mr. & Mrs. Louis J. Bogdan Sr. Mr. Louis C. Bona Jr. ’79 Mr. James L. Bonner ’82 Mr. John G. Bourgeois Jr. ’75 Mr. Michael L. Brady ’66 Mr. Thomas Brooks ’65 Mr. & Mrs. Terence K. Brotzman Mr. Brooks E. Brown ’12 Ms. Joanne M. Brune Mr. Timothy Burke ’80 Mr. Chris Carter ’14 Mr. David Carter ’16 Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Coffman Sr. Mr. Andrew J. Colletta ’68 Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Connolly Mr. Kevin J. Corbett ’82 Mr. Joseph A. Cruse ’87 Mr. John J. Cvach ’72 Mr. J. Richard Danaher ’66 Mr. Brennan Davis ’06 Ms. Mary Joan Delcher Mr. Charles A. Dell’uomo ’65 Mr. Leonard A. Delozier Jr., ’67 Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence A. Delss Mr. Thomas D. Denham ’92 Mr. Derek DePasquale ’02 Mr. Gerard R. Dirscherl ’65 Mr. Kevin N. Dohony ’76 Mr. Michael B. Donnelly ’81 Mr. & Mrs. Leonard N. Eckenrode Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. David Egge Sr. Mr. William Farley Jr. ’78 Mrs. Jean Ferretti Mr. Nicholas F. Feurer ’79 Mrs. Mary Ann Feurer Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Fischer ’87 Mr. Zachary M. Fischer ’15 Mr. James Flately ’69 Mr. Richard B. Flynn ’81 Mr. Michael Freeze ’75 Mr. David M. Gaither ’95 Mr. Vincent J. Galiano ’71 Mr. & Mrs. Donald Garrison Mr. Donald T. Garrison ’70 Mr. Robert A. Greco ’70 Mr. Thornton Guthrie Jr. ’97 Mr. Orest P. Hanas ’72 Mr. J. D. Handley ’84 Mr. & Mrs. John Hayes, Jr. Fr. Michael Heine OFM Conv Mr. & Mrs. Burton J. Hemelt Mr. LeRoy F. Herbert III ’69 Mr. Robert W. Hirt ’67 Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Hundertmark, Jr. Mr. Joseph J. Impallaria Jr. ’78 Mr. Gerard J. Jackson ’77 Ms. Taivonia Jennings Mrs. Joan M. Jirsa Ms. Anna Jones Mr. & Mrs. David Kalendek Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kanuchok Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin M. Karas and Family Mrs. Joan Karolkowski Mr. Gary Kendzierski Mr. Michael K. Kerrigan ’73 Ms. Anna E. Kielek Mr. Firman F. Kistler Jr. ’68 Mr. Bernard F. Kneavel ’81 Mr. Phillip W. Kondilas Jr. ’69 Dr. Andrew M. Kowalevicz Jr. ’93 Mr. Joseph J. Kropkowski Jr. ’66 Mr. Luis O. Krug ’75 Mr. & Mrs. C. James Lamont Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Steve Landess Mr. Steven Lassiter Mr. Mike J. Lato Jr. ’74 Mr. Michael Lato III ’07 Mr. Dennis R. LaVoie ’71 Mr. Joseph Lawder ’78 Mrs. Darla Lawder Ms. Mary Ann Leard Mr. Joseph Lhotsky Jr. ’65 Mr. Anthony T. Lindner Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Linhart Mrs. Suzanne Lodanski Mr. Jonathan Long ’96 Mr. Gregory G. Lukowski ’74 Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Machovec Mr. Derek A. Maki Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Marschall Mr. J.K.Martino ’68 Mr. Christopher Mason ’89 Mr. Joseph J. McDonald ’81 Mr. Matthew J. McDonald ’15 Mr. J. Edward McGuire ’67 Mrs. Rose Miller

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Moran Mr. Colin Mosley ’16 Mr. & Mrs. William Mosley Mr. & Mrs. William Moxey Ms. Julie Mullen Ms. Sandy Mryncza Mr. Adolph Mryncza Mr. Thomas Nosek ’75 Mr. & Mrs. Bruce O’Hara Mr. James V. Padden ’79 Mr. & Mrs. William J. Perzinski Mr. Brian Petr ’94 Mr. Norbert R. Petr ’71 Mr. Louis G. Petryszak ’65 Mr. Melvin Piotrowski ’70 Mr. & Mrs. Ted Polinsky Mr. Tim Polinsky ’92 Mr. Frank J. Pondolfina ’66 Mr. Christian Price Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Richardson Mr. Michael D. Riley ’90 Mr. Christopher Ruley ’94 Mr. Alexander Salamone ’08 Ms. Gail L. Samchuck Mr. Vincent Santavenere ’67 Mr. Mark G. Savarese ’79 Mr. Zachary B. Savarese ’13 Mr. John W. Schammel Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Schoennagel Mr. Gerald J. Schraml ’71 Mr. Eric R. Schuetz ’81 Mr. David C. Shaw ’90 Mr. James Sidlowski Mr. Lawrence Siemasko ’75 Mr. Justin Sipes ’01 Mr. Frank A. Skinner ’68 Mr. William J. Smith ’76 Mr. Thomas Snyder ’68 Mr. James D. Sotaski ’68 Mr. & Mrs. George Stiemly ’’89 Mrs. Joan Stitz Mr. & Mrs. Albert R. Streckfus Mr. Jose Suarez ’91 Mr. Joseph G. Svehla ’68 Mr. Joseph Szimanski ’79 Mrs. Catherine Szimanski Mr. Ethan J. Szimanski ’10 Mr. Paul Teller ’07 Mr. & Mrs. John P. Thamert ’67 Mr. Eric M. Triplett ’00 Mrs. Mary Trotta Ms. Joan A. Ulatowski Mr. J. E. VanDetta ’87 Mr. Christopher M. Waldt ’71 Mrs. Kathy Waldt Mr. Scott Walton Mr. & Mrs. James Wandishin Mr. William R. Ward ’82 Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Wdzieczny Mr. & Mrs. William Wilson Jr. Mr. Kevin W. Winterling ’85 Mr. John T. Wright ’68 Mr. and Mrs. Sam Young Mr. George D. Zurek ’82

ADVANCEMENT

NEWS Fall Raffle a Success This year’s Fall Raffle raised nearly $54,000 for Curley, an increase of $10,000 from last year. The lucky winner had their choice of a $10,000 cash prize or free tuition at the school for the 2016-17 school year.

Annual Fund Kicks Off The Annual Fund is a vehicle by which monies are raised for the ongoing development of Curley.

Specifically, gifts to the Annual Fund will help to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual per student cost. Your support helps all of our students as the fund is used to strengthen our educational programs, maintain and improve the physical plant, provide much needed financial assistance, and assist with faculty development. This year’s goal is to raise $350,000. To make a gift visit our website at www. archbishopcurley.org/giving/ makeagift or contact Barry Stitz in the Advancement Office.

Please Forgive Our Oversight…

The following people were omitted from our 2015-16 Annual Report: Bill Quinn- Annual Fund donor Jere Danaher ’66 and Thomas Miller ’65 should have been recognized as members of Patry’s Pride.

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“Huk ” ed on a Dream I

n the summer of 2013, Ben Verner ’96 was with some buddies fishing off the shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The excursion started more locally outside of Ocean City but eventually and unexpectedly headed south. As a result, the trip took longer than anticipated and stretched into the work week. Verner found that he was the only one on the boat sweating out the time away from the office. After all, he was the only one not self-employed!

It was then that he decided to take a professional leap. His vision was to establish an apparel company to serve outdoorsmen. Within a year’s time, Verner and three partners launched Marolina Outdoor Inc. (The name combines the home States of the ownership group – Maryland and South Carolina.) Verner was uniquely positioned to head the new venture as the company’s president, having built broad experience in finance, strategy, and product development as well as brand marketing and innovation. He was forgoing a rewarding career at Under Armour, which he joined after working for Black&Decker. “I was leaving a good position in a great company,” he admits.

Marolina’s first brand, Huk, launched in March 2014. Deciding on the brand’s name, which is pronounced “hook,” proved a difficult task. “Our initial ideas were all trademarked,” Verner reports, “as we were searching for a name that has broad appeal for all anglers.” He notes that the fishing industry is “fragmented by discipline” and includes those who prefer freshwater, saltwater, fly, and so on. “The one thing they all have in common is that they use a hook!”

The company found immediate success. “We started with one shirt – The Icon – and built a brand around it,” he says. The clothing line is now carried by national and regional retailers including Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. During one sales pitch, the Marolina team was challenged to expand beyond their fishing line, a plan already in the works. They sped up the unveiling of this new brand, Nomad, to satisfy the need of hunters. “It proves the importance of being ready to seize every opportunity,” Verner notes.

In April of this year, Verner and Marolina were invited to present during the Next Great Consumer Brands Conference held at NASDAQ in New York. Billed, according to their website, as “the leading event for high-impact, high-potential consumer brands, the financial institutions that fuel their growth, and the industry leaders who accelerate it all,” this opportunity introduced the company to future investment capital sources and sets the stage for the next level of growth.

10 CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

Verner’s role as president demands that he focus on the long-range strategy of the company. “I need to look 18 months to five years down the road,” he reports.

That certainly presents challenges. “We need to push ourselves to tackle the tough projects to set us up for future success.” Long-range strategy for the company includes taking the brands to an international market. More immediately, however, they are designing the brands pieces scheduled for distribution in 2018. It is this product development that Verner finds most enjoyable.

Marolina is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, but Verner works from the company’s Maryland office. He spends much of his day on the phone with employees across the country. “They live where they want, and do what they love,” Verner reports. Maintaining an environment of collaboration and innovation is central to the company’s mission. The prospect of growth is twinned with the desire to remain committed to Marolina’s standards.

Similarly, the brand is aggressively marketed. Verner calls it “overwhelming force.”

“Our approach to marketing is unlike what anyone else does,” he continues. This includes participation in the documentary-style television production Money Fish, which is carried on The Sportsman Channel. The show gives an inside look into Marolina’s operations and means that Verner is subject to celebrity treatment. “I’m a popular figure at the Bass Pro Shop,” he jokes.

This is just one area that separates their brand from others. Consumers also find authentic gear that has “more build for a lower price point.” Value and quality are important to Marolina’s production team.

His efforts on behalf of outdoorsmen reach beyond outfitting them with his apparel.

Marolina advocates for both conservation of natural resources as well as for inspiring the next generation of hunters and fishermen. “For this generation of gamers, we want to show them the value of appreciat-

BY

J EREMY JOSEPH ’96

Ben Verner ’96 Now he is sharing these experiences with his own family. His two sons Reed (9) and Jackson (6) are learning to appreciate their natural surroundings as well as the techniques to be safe and successful outdoorsmen in their own right. He quickly points out that Stacy, his wife of twelve years, has played an integral part in his professional success. “Without her support, none of this would be possible,” he offers. Mrs. Verner is also a Marolina employee, making this the third company for which they have worked together.

The boys attend St. John the Evangelist School in Hydes. “For us,” their father reports, “there was never a doubt that our children would attend Catholic schools.”

Both Ben and Stacy are graduates of Catholic primary and secondary schools.

Ben’s Curley experience strengthened the foundation of his success. “At Curley, I deepened my understanding of the value of having a strong work ethic,” he recalls.

“They stressed the importance of working hard every day to achieve your goals.”

ing all that the outdoors has to offer. We want to get kids involved and ensure that they have access to resources.”

Verner himself has always been an outdoorsman. He remembers fishing constantly as a kid and learned to hunt at an early age. Clearly, his professional pursuits are driven by his personal passion for outdoor activity.

He also knows that those who took him out as a youngster are proud of his accomplishments. With a smile he is quick to note that they probably take credit for his success. “In reality,” he reflects, “they inspired me. They instilled in me a passion for the outdoors.

I’m in this business because of them.”

A successful high school athlete, Verner was a standout on Curley’s lacrosse and wrestling teams. In particular, he points to lessons learned on the mat as having shaped his adult outlook. “I started wrestling as a sophomore and that year our team wasn’t good,” he remembers. “As a junior and especially as a senior we had very good teams. It was exciting to see it all come together and to see the result of our effort.” He also realized that in an individual sport like wrestling, there is no place to hide. “A loss meant you weren’t good enough. To get better you have to work at it.”

Settling is not an option for Verner. “I’m proud of the team we have built at Marolina,” he states, “I’m proud of what we’ve done, but we’re not done yet!”

Obviously his vision for the company is not fully realized, but he has charted a course for future growth and success.

archbishopcurley.org 11

CURLEY | FRIAR’S PERSPECTIVE

Reflections and Gratitude

By Fr. Anthony Francis Spilka, OFM Conv.

T

hanksgiving is a time when we talk about counting our blessings, but I try to do that every day. I am thankful for my vocation as a Franciscan Friar and Roman Catholic priest and for the many people who have been part of my life. I wanted to be a teacher from the first grade, a priest from the fifth grade, and when I was in seventh grade I saw an ad in a Catholic magazine that said, “Be a teacher, be a priest, be a Franciscan” and that gave me the direction I was looking for. And now those things have been a part of my life for decades.

Reflecting on life, I am able to see those blessings.

I was at Curley from 1969-1976, teaching junior and senior English (a favorite subject of most high school boys!), serving as moderator of the yearbook and the Junior Class, and having a senior homeroom.

I have fond memories of my years at Curley and have been told by some of the students during those days that with 25 or more friars on staff one couldn’t do anything without one of them seeing it because there was always a “black robe” somewhere.

Life was so different! I was ordained a priest just prior to Christmas 1969, and so I grew in my ministry as a young priest at Curley. I am pleasantly surprised when I periodically hear from some of the students of those days. One in particular, with whom I sometimes locked horns, later shared in a letter, that “if it wasn’t for you…” I am humbled by that.

My father often told me he thought that every young man should spend at least 4 years of his life in service to his country in the military, and I was honored to serve in the Navy Reserves during my Curley years. I served on weekend duty once a month on an active duty destroyer stationed at Fort McHenry and a weekend at USMC training center in Baltimore. One summer I was a chaplain at Parris Island while the Vietnam War was still raging and I can remember the spirit of those thousands of Marine recruits. They were anxious to serve their country. Leaving Curley in 1976 I went on active duty as a Navy/Marine chaplain (1st assignment was in Iceland) and I was proud to serve, remembering my Dad’s feeling about each man giving 4 years of his life in ser-

12 CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

vice to his country. I have been invited to have weddings and baptisms for those I met, and I have encouraged two priesthood vocations (former Marines) one of whom is already ordained and the other is presently in the seminary.

After my military service, I spent 11 years as a chaplain at a Motherhouse for the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception and served as a religion teacher and disciplinarian at their private co-ed Catholic high school in New Britain, Ct. Schools in New England built into the school calendar winter and spring breaks where I often chaperoned trips to Europe and the senior class trip which was a 7-day cruise. That was a great opportunity to travel. Since then I have also had the chance to lead several groups to the Holy Land, Rome and Assisi, as well as several countries in Europe.

After a number of assignments in several parishes, I finally arrived in Johnstown, PA in August of 2005. I never really thought of being a pastor, but my first assignment as a pastor included two parishes.

I am happy that I have the opportunity to also teach theology at the nearby Bishop McCort Catholic High School here in Johnstown (the city of 3 major floods: 1889, 1936, 1977.)

For almost 50 years, education has been my primary ministry, or part of my ministry, fulfilling my dream of being a teacher since my first grade in elementary school. These years are a great source of memories and I trust I have helped a few people along the way.

I am happy that Curley continues to be a bastion of Catholic education and I hope it continues to impact the lives of the young men of the past, the present and into the future.

Fr. Anthony Francis serves as the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Johnstown, PA. He can be reached at podusn@yahoo.com.

Chase Atkinson ’02

Good Times, All the Time

By Barry Stitz ’87

W

hen asked what he likes most about New Orleans, Chase Atkinson ’02 wastes no time in responding.

“Good times, all the time,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve gained 25 pounds since moving down here,” he affirms. While the southeast Louisiana city offers the fun, the food, and the nightlife that Atkinson and his wife Laura have come to enjoy, it’s the satisfaction that the Curley grad gets from positively affecting his clients’ businesses that makes his Big Easy experience complete. Atkinson is a senior corporate partnership account executive for two of New Orleans professional sports teams, the Saints (NFL) and the Pelicans (NBA).

After earning his degree in mass communications from Frostburg University, Atkinson went to work for Comcast Spotlight, an advertising insertion company that sold regional television spots to cable stations such as ESPN, Bravo, and Comedy Central. He had worked his way up to an account executive position with Comcast when he was contacted by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints had seen his profile on Linked In and wanted to speak with him about an opening within their organization. This February will mark four years of service with the Saints and Pelicans who are both owned by billionaire businessman Tom Benson.

In his current role Atkinson is charged with helping to use NFL and NBA assets as marketing tools for companies.

A recent deal he helped secure with Papa John’s made the pizza chain the “official pizza” of the New Orleans Saints. “If the Saints win on Sunday, fans receive 50% off of their order the next day,” he explains. “We promote this to our fans and Papa John’s sees a huge spike in sales on Monday which is typically a slow day for them,” he adds.

Working on a marketing campaign for a client and seeing the success it brings to their company is very satisfying for Atkinson. One of the partnerships of which he is most proud is with a coffee company involving the creation of a “Saints blend.” “Initially they were hesitant to put the Saints brand on their product but I was able to convince them to give it a try,” he says. “They sold over a half of million dollars of this blend and are already talking about how they will expand next year.”

Atkinson’s job isn’t without its challenges. “People think it is easy selling sponsorships because we are an NFL or NBA team. I have to make cold calls and meet with people every day,” he states.

This sometimes involves mending broken relationships. “I tried for months to get Dominos Pizza back on board with the Pelicans but they weren’t returning my calls,” he shares. This is when Atkin-

It’s the satisfaction that this Curley grad gets from positively affecting his clients’ businesses that makes his Big Easy experience complete... son made the decision to drive to their corporate office to make a special delivery. “I left them a bottle of mouthwash and a note. I said that I hope this will wash out the bad taste our organization left and we can work together again.”

Atkinson proudly proclaims, “I now have two of the top pizza chains in the world on board with us.”

Going to NFL and NBA games, even though he is “still working,” has been a perk that comes with Atkinson’s career. “I was able to see Drew Brees tie the NFL record when he threw for seven touchdowns in a game,” he recalls. “I was also able to have several conversations with NBA commissioner Adam Silver.” The sports enthusiast gets to work with players from both

professional teams frequently. “These guys are integrated into partnership deals through appearances at various events,” he points out.

Atkinson acknowledges that he would love to return to Baltimore at some point. “It would be cool to take the knowledge that I’ve gained from working with the NFL and NBA and put it to use with one of my hometown teams.”

He adds, “It would be a dream job to work for the Orioles in their partnership or sales department.” However, the former Essex resident isn’t quite ready to return to his roots. “We’re hosting the NBA All-Star game in February and Mardi Gras is the week before. Not going to get much sleep for a couple of weeks,” he admits.

archbishopcurley.org 13

CURLEY | SPORT SHORTS Coach Murphy Steps Down After 21 years in the position, Sean Murphy has stepped down as head of Curley’s football program. Murphy will be moving to North Carolina where his wife accepted a teaching position at East Carolina University. The longtime coach leaves the school with a record of 127-84, which is the most wins in the history of the MIAA B Conference. He helped lead the Friars to league championships in 2003, 2004, and 2014 and division titles in 2000 & 2001. Murphy has been one of the most respected football coaches in the area having been selected to coach in the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star game, Maryland Crab Bowl, and Big 33 Classic.

JV Football Wins Championship The Friars defeated Boys Latin 28-6 in the MIAA B Conference JV title game.

The team was 6-0 in conference play and finished the season 7-3 overall.

Coached by Kevin Franklin, the squad scored 224 points in just ten games.

Football Honors

Richardson Named an All-American Junior defender Nick Richardson was named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). Other honors earned by the center back were All-South, All-State, Baltimore Sun All-Metro, and Varsity Sports Network’s (VSN) Defender of the Year.

• Tyrone Roper, Jake Brown, Vinnie Shaffer, and Zachariah Gordon were selected to participate in the Baltimore Touchdown Club All-Star game.

All-MIAA Honors Football- Tyrone Roper, Jake Brown, Stevon Brown, Vinnie Shaffer, and Zachariah Gordon

• Will Pritchett (#25) was Curley’s nomination for the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete award.

• Cameron Mays played in the Crab Bowl, the Maryland football all-star game.

Soccer- Alejandro Arbelaez (All-Metro, All-South, All-State), Dylan Holy (All-State), Matthew Brummet, Dylan Poetzel, and Nick Richardson (see left)

The varsity soccer team advanced to the MIAA A Conference championship game held at Anne Arundel Community College on November 6th. The Friars fell 3-2 to Calvert Hall and finished the year 19-4-2 and ranked #2 in the Baltimore Sun and VSN polls.

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CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

2016

Hall of Fame Profiles To nominate an individual for the Curley Athletic Hall of Fame download the information sheet at www. archbishopcurley.org/athletics/athletichalloffame or contact the Advancement Office. To be considered for the Class of 2017, nominations must be submitted by May 1, 2017.

Pictured l to r: Jim Hessenauer, Butch Jansen, Jeremy Rallo, Jack Targarona, Steve Targarona, John Tucker.

Jim Hessenauer ’85

Jeremy Rallo ’89

Cross Country & Track

Football & Track

Called the best cross country runner in Curley’s history by longtime coach, Gene Hoffman, Jim Hessenauer went unbeaten his senior season. He won every dual meet and invitational in which he participated…a total of 15 on the season. Nicknamed “The Horse” by his teammates, he became the first Curley cross country runner to win the MSA individual title in the fall of 1984.

Jeremy Rallo was a 4-year varsity letterman in track and football at Curley. Upon his graduation he held every rushing record for the football program. When the spring athletic season rolled around, Rallo could be found on Curley’s track excelling in the 100m, 200m, shot, and discus events. He was an All-Metro selection as a junior and senior and held multiple school records including most points in a season (301) and most points in a career (755).

Onas “Butch” Jansen ’79 Wrestling & Football Onas “Butch” Jansen was the first Curley wrestler to earn All-America honors. He was selected to the Scholastic Wrestling News All-American team in the 145 pound weight division after completing a stellar senior season. He won 19 of 21 matches on the year, was the 1979 MSA champion in his weight class, and was honored as an All-Metro & All-State performer.

Jack “Tag” Targarona Athletic Director, Track & Football Coach Jack Targarona joined the Curley Family in 1964. This Athletic Hall of Famer had a huge impact on the entire athletic program and school community. “Coach Tag” served as the head varsity track coach and as an assistant football coach for many years. He also filled the role of athletic

trainer for all of Curley’s sports teams. Known as a true gentleman and leader, Targarona was the school’s athletic director for 12 years.

John Tucker ’79 Lacrosse & Football Although he did not start playing lacrosse until entering high school, John Tucker would go on to be one of the best lax players of his generation. A top midfielder and captain for the Friars (1979 All-Metro selection), Tucker went on to star for Towson State and Johns Hopkins Universities. He was a member of the undefeated Blue Jays squad that won the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship in 1984 and earned All-America status. Selected to represent his country, Tucker and Team USA won three gold medals at the World Lacrosse Championships in 1986, 1990, and 1994. He was named to the All-World team in 1986 and 1990.

archbishopcurley.org

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Dr. Randy Riesett ’87

Top Doc

By Fr. Donald Grzymski, ’70

medicine at Hopkins Bayview, before becoming a hospitalist (an in-hospital doctor) at GBMC. He entered private practice in Columbia, MD in 2004.

Dr. Riesett was recognized in Baltimore under the field of internal medicine, the field where one usually finds their primary care doctor. It is an area that Randy appreciates because it gives him the opportunity to really get to know his patients, and often their families, and to develop a relationship with them over many years. From check-ups to emergencies, and sometimes helping patients manage their health issues over a long period of time, it has one consistent challenge. “Often I feel challenged to spend as much time as I want with my patients, but that is so important. I think doctors really need to be attentive, and to let their patients know they are available.”

R

ecently named a “Top Doc” in Baltimore magazine, as he was also named in 2014, Randy Riesett ’87 took a somewhat roundabout way to becoming a doctor.

Growing up in Belair-Edison it was somewhat natural for Randy to make his way to Curley (as did two of his brothers, William ’71 and David ’73; another brother attended Poly; his two sisters attended Catholic High). Randy was an active student including playing freshman and JV soccer as well as four years of lacrosse, serving as class president his senior year, a member of the National Honor Society, and he won the School Spirit award at graduation.

16 CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

Graduating from high school Randy saw a career in marine biology, and headed for St. Mary’s College (MD) with that goal in mind. A year of study in Scotland moved him in the direction of psychology, and that was his pursuit when he transferred to Towson University. At Towson Randy met his future wife, Charlotte, as well as her friend who was in medical school. “I think it was at that time that I realized becoming a doctor was an option, and something I could accomplish,“ Randy now reflects. He applied and was accepted to medical school at the University of Maryland, earning his M.D. in 1999. Randy would then train for three years in internal

Almost thirty years after leaving Curley, Randy says he has become more reflective on those high school years.

“Academically I know I had a good foundation. But I was also grounded in being a good person who wants to contribute to society, and to work from a set of ethical principles.” He often returns to what motivates his desires to being a primary care doctor, namely a relationship with his patients. “I think being a Curley student taught me that empathy is an important quality to have; we were always encouraged to have a concern for others.”

Married and the father of four, ranging in age from seven to fourteen, Randy

tries to spend quality time with each of his children, something he has often done through coaching their soccer, lacrosse or field hockey teams, as well as when driving them to and from practices, games and other activities.

Randy also maintains a soft spot in his heart for Curley, and Curley is proud that Dr. Riesett is making a difference in the lives of his patients and the larger community.

Baltimore magazine explains its Top Doc project as polling thousands of physicians and asking them where they would a send a member of their own family in various specialties. From some 20,000 recommendations this year’s list included 675 physicians in 111 specialties, including 12 under Internal Medicine/General.

ALUMNI

NEWS

July 1, 2016. Joining in welcoming him

Class of 1999

is sister Stella, and Uncles John ’79,

Stephen Berkeridge and his wife Jessica announce the arrival of their first child, Evan Martin, on October 8, 2016.

Joe ’79 and Bill ’82 as well as cousins Chase Fortier ’06; Ryan Szimanski ’08, Christopher Szimanski ’10 and Ethan Szimanski ’10. Tom and family live in

Class of 2003

Lakeway, TX.

On August 5, 2016, Jonathan A. Gardner received Master of Business Administration and Executive Master of Public Administration degrees from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University of New York. Jonathan participated in the 14-month Defense Comptrollership Program sponsored by the US Department of Defense where he also achieved the Certified Defense Financial Managers certification and earned the Certificates of Advanced Study in Leadership of International and Non-Governmental Organizations.

He is currently working for the US Army Audit Agency.

Class of 1994 Curley hosted the Curley Tip-Off Tournament on the weekend of November 12th-13th. Will Kuhl coached his son Liam in the 8th grade bracket and his son Jack in the 8-10 bracket. Jack’s 5th grade team from St. Mark’s won, and Liam’s team came in third.

On a recent tour of Italy led by Fr. Donald, he posed with Curley alumni at the Tomb of St. Francis.

Gerard Waldt, Jr. has accepted a new position as Assistant Controller for Hercules Capital in Palo Alto, CA.

Row 1: Dennis Kaspar ’69, Brian Dietz ’86, Gerry Dirscherl ’65, Frank Hemberger ’65.

Row 2: Joseph Potyraj ’66, Chris Haffer ’84, Fr. Donald ’70

Class of 2007

Class of 1965 On September 13, 2016 Frank Pondolfina was inducted into the Dancers Hall of Fame with the Let’s Dance Social Club.

Class of 1966 On December 31, 2016, Howard Meyers retired from Morgan Lewis after a 43-year career with the law firm.

He was managing partner of Morgan Lewis from 1994 to 1996, managing partner of the Philadelphia office from 2000 to 2006, and chairman of the firm’s finance and audit commit-

Dan Merryman and his beautiful bride Kendra were married on December 3, 2016.

tees from 1997 to 2016, among other roles. In his retirement, he remains available to his colleagues at the firm as senior counsel.

Class of 1982

Class of 1996

Eric Jenkins was promoted to Full Professor at The Catholic University of America’s School of Architecture and Planning in Washington, DC.

Matt Choinski is a senior software

Class of 1990

application, MIRARS, for the US

Tom Szimanski and wife Jennifer are happy to announce the birth of their second child, Thomas William, Jr. on

for Data”, which has been recently

developer at Data Systems Analysts (DSA), Inc. He developed the personnel accountability web Army and co-wrote an article, “Yoga published in Army AL&T Magazine. archbishopcurley.org 17

CURLEY | ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS UPDATE Please send news about yourself, family and classmates to Alumni Office Archbishop Curley High School 3701 Sinclair Lane Baltimore, MD 21213 or email: alumni@archbishopcurley.org

Rest in Peace • J ames A. Aldon ’70, brother of

Thomas ’74, father-in-law of Lawrence Jackson ’97

•L eonard Aumiller, father of Michael

’76 and Jeffrey ’84

•M ichael Bangert ’73, brother of

Joseph ’71 and +Daniel ’76

•R obert Bayne ’81, father of Robert ’10,

brother of Fr. Joseph ’75

REUNION NIGHT 2016 Reunion Night 2016 celebrated the classes of ’66, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’06 and ’11. Coach Patry, Coach Popera, Fr. Donald and Mr. DeMarco were among guest faculty members. Memories were shared, stories were told and friendships were renewed.

• J oseph R. Blair, III ’80, brother of

Christopher ’85

•S teven Bloodsworth ’86, brother of

Robert ’85

• J ames Boia ’65, brother of William ’73 •R obert J. Bonitz, father of Robert ’96 •A deline Bonomo, mother of Frank ’67

and Michael ’76

•M argaret Callinan, mother of Carroll ’77,

Craig ’80, Clarke ’81, Cary ’82; grandmother of Vincent Dalfonzo ’02, Nick Fox ’04 and Brendan Callinan ’13

•W illiam Cannella, father of

W. Gregory ’78 and John ’82, grandfather of Tyler ’20

•F rank T. Despot, ’68 •M argaret Falter, mother of Donald ’77 • J ulia Flynn, mother of Richard Jr ’81,

mother-in-law of Attilio Zerilli ’74, grandmother of Paul Zerilli ’11

•W illiam Hartka, father of Matthew ’93 • J ohn Hayes, Jr., father of John III ’84 •F lorian “Ray” Jednorski, father of

Christopher ’78, Paul ’79 and Michael ’83

•B ernadette Travagline Kalthof,

mother of Mark Travagline ’88

• J oan Lewald, mother of Thomas ’79

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CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017

•R ita Lumsden, mother of Michael ’76,

Thomas ’77, David ’79 and Kevin ’83

•T om Marr, father of Thomas ’83,

Christopher ’86 and Brendan ’91

• J oseph May, father of Colin ’14 • J ames D. McCarthy, Jr., former

faculty member

•W illiam McKenna, Jr, former

faculty member

•V incent Milando, father of Anthony ’80 •M aria Anna Mistichelli, mother of

Carmine ’93

• J ames F. Plunkett ’68 •F rances Poetzel, mother of Gregory ’85,

grandmother of Dylan ’17

•M aurice W. Quill, father of Brian ’73

and Gary ’76, Parent’s Guild president 1972-73

•M ark B. Reilly. ’82 •D ennis Robinson, father of Stephen ’83,

grandfather of Robert ’99 and Christopher ’06

•A lbert Stitz, father of Barry ’87,

grandfather of Benjamin ’18

•M ary Jane Tauber, mother of

Stephen W. ’82, grandmother of Stephen A. ’17

• J ohn Tysor, father of Albert ’68 •H enry J. Waudby, II, ’70 •A lvina Petrik Wells, mother of Frank ’81

and Todd ’86

•A lberta Wysocki, mother of Jerome ’75 •H arvey York, father of Gary ’74,

Kenneth ’81, grandfather of Nicholas ’13

• J oseph D. Zissimos, ’67

CURLEY | ALUMNI NEWS

Just a few of the alumni dads who are sharing a Curley experience with their sons.

Ben ’18 and Barry ’87 Stitz Glenn, Sr. ’85 and Glenn, Jr. ’20 Andreasik

Joseph ’89 and Sam ’19 Yakim

Fred ’83 and AJ ’19 Dvorak

Jake ’19 and Mike ’86 Serio

Chris ’94 and Christopher ’22 Shanahan Paul ’92 and Ryan ’20 Costantino

Robbie ’18 and Rob ’85 Commodari

Norb ’71, Alex ’20 and Brian ’94 Petr Greg ’85 and Dylan ’17 Poetzel

Brandon ’18, Jeff ’88 and Josh ’20 Knapp Trevor ’17 and Clif ’84 Scruggs

Kyle ’17 and Mark ’78 Glinowiecki

archbishopcurley.org

19

3701 Sinclair Lane Baltimore, MD 21213-2079

www.archbishopcurley.org Join us for these upcoming events:

MAR 4 MAR 17-19 APR 8

ALL THAT CURLEY JAZZ 7 P.M.

MAY 6

SPRING CHORAL CONCERT AND ART SHOW

BLACKFRIARS’ THEATRE PRESENTS “YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN”

MAY 12

SPRING INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT AND ART SHOW

GALA XXII DINNER-AUCTION

MAY 23

TARGARONA MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

To learn more and to purchase tickets for Curley’s special events, please visit http://www.archbishopcurley.org/calendar/specialevents Not receiving Alumni Notifications? Send your email address to gmalanowski@archbishopcurley.org 20 CURLEY Magazine | Winter 2017