The Good News From 19 Eye Street - Summer/Fall 2017

Page 1

Weathering the Storm Strong winds did more than tear off part of the roof of St. Aloysius Church. They also exposed the strength and generosity of the Gonzaga community.


Gonzaga College High School is a Roman Catholic, private, independent, college-preparatory school for young men, sponsored by the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic Order, and governed by an independent Board of Directors. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-2018 R. Scott Pastrick (Chairman) Floyd A. Adagio Thomas M. Buchanan ’72 Rev. David J. Collins, SJ ’83 Sean R. Creamer ’82 Louvel J. Fauntroy ’84 Rev. Thomas P. Gaunt, SJ ’71 Sean W. Glynn ’82 Rod Lawrence William G. McMurtrie, Jr. ’88 Rev. Stephen W. Planning, SJ James A. Ryan, Jr. ’83 Leslie G. Sarasin Paul A. Sheehy ’81 Edwin A. Sheridan IV ’89 Lisa Ridgway Slater Rev. Timothy J. Stephens, SJ Michael P. Tierney ’70 Carroll M. Warfield ’70 John J. Carmody, Jr. ’54, General Counsel POSTMASTER and those with new addresses, please send address corrections to: The Good News, Attn: Lashieta Rogers, Gonzaga College High School, 19 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; or via email to lrogers@gonzaga.org; phone: (202)3367147. Please send editorial correspondence and alumni news to the same address as above: Attn: Steve Langevin ’89, Editor, The Good News; or via e-mail: slangevin@gonzaga.org; phone: (202)336-7144. Catch up with Gonzaga online at www.gonzaga.org.

2

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


S U M M E R 2017

I N S I D E

16

10

Eagles on the Camino

F E A T U R E S

A new elective course takes students outside the classroom, on an experience they won’t soon forget.

16

C o m m e n ce m e n t Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

20

16 6

23

In Memoriam Gonzaga says goodbye to an icon

26

Eagles on the Camino A unique class gives students the chance to follow a route that pilgrims have hiked for centuries. Along the way, they learn about spirituality, history—and themselves. By Ariel Laguilles ’96

Passing the Torch Chris Lykes ’17 passes Tom Sluby ’80 in Gonzaga record books By Tony Limarzi ’94

Coming Back to Give Back

A look inside Gonzaga’s Alumni Service Corps program By Stephen Szolosi

In Memoriam: Stuart J. Long ’60 Gonzaga says goodbye to an icon

A round E y e S treet

N E W S

20 Passing the Torch Chris Lykes ’17 earned a lot of accolades during his basketball playing days at Gonzaga. But one record in particular grants him a place in Gonzaga basketball history.

gonzaga.org

O F

6 On Campus 10 Arts 12 Athletics 34 Flashback D epartments

4

28 35

Message from the President: Rev. Stephen W. Planning, S.J. News Of May They Rest In Peace

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

3


President’s Message Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends of Gonzaga,

I

am often asked what makes Gonzaga unique. After six years as President, you might think that I have a ready answer, but the truth is that Gonzaga is unique in so many ways that it would be impossible to list them all. As summer winds down, I have had some time to reflect on the past school year, and I am reminded of the many ways that Gonzaga stands apart.

Certainly a unique aspect of Gonzaga is the sense of community among all of you—alumni, parents, past parents, friends, relatives.

Certainly a unique aspect of Gonzaga is the sense of community among all of you—alumni, parents, past parents, friends, relatives. Although I can sense Gonzaga’s camaraderie and spirit at all times, I feel it even more in times of need. This was especially evident when the roof of St. Aloysius Church was partially torn off in a storm in April (photos on page 5) and the Gonzaga community generously responded to support its repair. We’ve been hard at work with building experts, engineers, our insurance carrier, and advisors to replace the roof, which is underway. But in the meantime, with a temporary enclosure in place, St. Al’s was busy with an assembly in May, our graduation ceremony in June, and the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit to start the school year in August. Gonzaga is known for its rigorous academics and our curriculum offers a wide array of unique elective courses, many of which involve experiences outside the classroom. On page 16, you can read about one such course, called “Spanish Culture and Ignatian Spirituality: The Camino de Santiago,” which culminates with a week-long pilgrimage to Spain during spring break. Another unique aspect of Gonzaga is its incredibly loyal and devoted alumni. And there have been few, if any, alumni more loyal and devoted to Gonzaga than the late Stuart Long ’60 who passed in July. We will miss Stu and his lifelong love of Gonzaga, and we are grateful for all that he accomplished for his beloved alma mater. You can read a tribute to Stu on page 26. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Good News. I also hope this summer has been restful and rejuvenating for you and your family. Be assured of my continuing prayers and may God bless you all. Sincerely,

Rev. Stephen W. Planning, SJ President

4

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


Gonzaga is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support received after a severe thunderstorm tore off a portion of the roof of St. Aloysius Church on April 6th. Built in 1859, St. Al’s is a treasure not only for our school, but for the entire city. “It is in St. Al’s that our community gathers to pray, celebrate weddings and graduations, and mourn losses,” says Father Planning. “It is also in St. Al’s that we meet Christ by serving our community’s most vulnerable at the Father McKenna

gonzaga.org

Center, which is housed in the church basement. In so many ways, our mission truly comes alive in this sacred space.” Here is a photo of how the roof looks now as crews work to assess the damage and make repairs, as well as several pictures taken the day of the storm. We’ll share updates with the Gonzaga community as they become available.

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

5


A r o u n d E y e S t r eet

Congratulations Class of 2017!

T

he Class of 2017 became Gonzaga alumni on Sunday, June 4, as the 196th Commencement was held in St. Aloysius Church. The church was filled with the 225 graduates, parents, and other relatives, faculty, and staff members, the Board of Trustees, and alumni of the Jubilarian Class of 1967. James Butler was the Class of 2017 salutatorian and Jake Nicoll was the valedictorian. The graduation program also included musical and choral performances, several awards, and recognition of the Class of 1967. Gonzaga was honored to have Colonel Joseph M. Murray, USMC ’85 deliver the 47th Kohlmann Address. In his remarks, Colonel Murray cited the strength of the Gonzaga brotherhood and some of the lessons he learned on Eye Street. “I learned that the character you develop from your freshman year to your senior year is the greatest test you face at Gonzaga, but has the greatest reward,” Colonel Murray said. “By the simple fact you made it to this point proves that you’ve achieved success and already have the tools to further succeed. Wherever you go, work to replicate what you’ve done here.” The conferral of diplomas by Gonzaga President Fr. Stephen Planning, SJ, was the highlight for the members of the Class of 2017 and all who shared in their accomplishments. ■

6

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


A r o u n d E y e S t r eet

Remembering Fr. Horace McKenna, S.J.

I

n April, Gonzaga held its fourth annual Ignatian Heritage Day, which honored the life and legacy of Father Horace McKenna, SJ, who lived and worked at Gonzaga for many years and founded several organizations that serve the poor, including So Others Might Eat, Martha’s Table, and House of Ruth. Gonzaga math and computer science teacher Mr. Mark Howell ’73 served as the master of ceremonies, sharing memories of Fr. McKenna from his time as a student and as a new faculty member in the late 1970s. Mr. Howell introduced several featured speakers, including Rev. Kevin Gillespie, SJ, a former Gonzaga faculty member and now the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Georgetown; Mr. Michael Curtin ’82, CEO of D.C. Central Kitchen; and Dr. Kimberly Cox, president of the McKenna Center. The speakers told stories about how Fr. McKenna immersed himself in the community in order to get to know the people he was serving. “He was meeting people where they were, with no judgments, no prejudices, no preconceptions,” Curtin said. “Welcoming, bringing the marginalized in from the margins, giving a voice to the voiceless, giving hope to the hopeless.” Cox said Fr. McKenna’s legacy lives on through the Father McKenna Center, which was founded shortly after his death in 1982. Said Cox: “His spirit is so deeply steeped into the walls, it feels like it’s bouncing off sometimes.” ■

gonzaga.org

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

7


A r o u n d E y e S t r eet

New Fund Supports WJA Grads at Gonzaga

N

oreen Lucey, mother of Gonzaga alumnus Matt Lucey ’91, Ellen Lucey, and Katie Lucey Hines, has been a volunteer at the Washington

Jesuit Academy since it opened its doors more than fifteen years ago. Over that time, she’s served on countless committees and also worked as a tutor and mentor to dozens of WJA students.

8

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

“I’m so proud of all the young men I’ve gotten to know at the WJA over the years,” says Lucey. “But I could always spot the ones who I knew would do well at Gonzaga. They have a little extra spark.” In recognition of her remarkable service and commitment, family and friends recently joined together to create an Endowed Scholarship Fund at Gonzaga in her honor. On July 13, in a small gathering at the WJA, Gonzaga President Stephen Planning, SJ, and WJA President Bill Whitaker joined the Lucey family to let Noreen know that “The Noreen Lucey WJA Scholarship Fund” had been created with an initial gift of over $250,000 to provide scholarship

support to WJA grads who enroll at Gonzaga. As a small token of appreciation, Father Planning presented Noreen with a medallion emblazoned with the seal of the Society of Jesus. “It’s thanks to the tireless efforts of people like Noreen that the shared Ignatian mission of the WJA and Gonzaga can thrive,” said Father Planning. “Now, with this remarkable support to create an endowed scholarship at Gonzaga, WJA grads for generations to come will arrive at Eye Street with a connection to her legacy of service. Her family and friends have honored her in an extraordinary and lasting way, and we couldn’t be more grateful.” ■

gonzaga.org


A r o u n d E y e S t r eet

“A Community of Love” How Jack Guarino ‘17 found God in his experience at Gonzaga By Kelly Seegers

J

ack Guarino’s freshman year began differently than he had planned. Two weeks after Christmas, an MRI revealed that he had an inoperable brain tumor that was blocking his third ventricle from draining, creating a fluid build-up called hydrocephalus. He immediately had surgery to correct the problem, but the tumor remained. Six weeks later, another MRI revealed a second tumor. Guarino had two biopsies to try to determine whether the tumors were benign or malignant, but both were unsuccessful. For a while, he was unsure what was happening. While Guarino was in Children’s Hospital, Father Planning and one of Guarino’s teachers, Brian Konzman, came to visit him and pray with his family. “I always knew Gonzaga was a unique place, but that was when it hit me,” says Guarino, who graduated from Gonzaga this past June. “I see God in the little things people did for me.” Guarino, who had always been a straight-A student, struggled academically his sophomore year. He now recognizes that he was suffering from depression. ”My doctors were fantastic, but I never met a patient close to my age,” he says. “That can lead to the psychological issues I experienced.” Guarino says his junior year Kairos retreat was a turning gonzaga.org

point for him. “You wouldn’t expect…stereotypical guys talking about love, emotions, and feelings,” he says, but his classmates and friends did. “The hard moments are when you see what the community is about,” he says. “Gonzaga really shines when there are moments of struggle.”

He also encourages hospitals to design areas specifically for teens and young adults. Guarino has grown close to his pediatric neurosurgeon, who has inspired him to want to

Because of the support he received and the school’s emphasis on serving others, Guarino describes Gonzaga as “a community of love.” When he is driving around and sees one of the stickers with the big purple “G,” Guarino says, “you know that person has my back.” Fortunately, Guarino’s tumors have not grown in the past few years, and he’s now working as a young adult ambassador for Teen Cancer America, where he advocates for hospitals to incorporate more ageappropriate care for teens and young adults. Often, teens are treated at children’s hospitals with Disney princesses on the walls, which Guarino says can make them feel disconnected from their peers.

become a doctor. This fall, he will attend the University of Notre Dame and is interested in studying biology, healthcare management, and psychology.

Guarino works with hospitals to find patient navigators, who provide counseling and connect patients with other people going through similar difficulties.

A version of this story originally appeared in The Catholic Standard.

“I think it is hard to graduate Gonzaga without that sense of character—who you are as a person and what you’re called to do,” he says. ■

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

9


a r ts

Depth of Field Matt Fronda ’18 Best In Show

Through the Lens The winning entries in the 2017 “Spirit of Gonzaga” photo contest

Black Symmetry Nasir Phillips ’18 1st Place – Artistic Expression

Gonzaga Roof Peter Rizzo ’19 1st Place – Campus Life

10

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


a r ts

M

ore than 120 students submitted entries for this year’s “Spirit of Gonzaga” photo contest, setting a record for the largest number of entries in the history of the contest. The competition featured five categories: Service Trips & Retreats, Sports, Mobile Phone, Campus Life, and Artistic Expression. Winners were selected by a panel of judges including Gonzaga Fine Arts teacher Ms. Jennifer Carter and Ann Marie Valenti, Dan Glass, Chris Newkumet (P ’08, ’15), and Carola Williamson (P ’19). Said Ms. Carter: “The participants wowed us with their depth of awareness of the world around them, their personal creative expression, and high artistic and photographic skills.” ■

International Athletics Andrew Irvings ’18 1st Place – Sports

Midwest Storm Grady Lonergan ’20 1st Place – Mobile Phone

Father Figure Nick Egan ’18 1st Place – Service Trips & Retreats

gonzaga.org

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

11


A t h l et i cs

Champions on Eye Street

T

he Eagles experienced lots of success—and earned multiple championships— during the 2017 winter and spring seasons. The basketball team captured the coveted “Triple Crown” by winning the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament, the District of Columbia State Championship, and the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament. All of that hard work culminated with the team ending the season with a number one ranking in the Washington Post. During the season, point

12

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


A t h l et i cs

guard Chris Lykes ’17 also broke a longtime school record (see story on page 20). In the hockey rink, the V1 and V2 gonzaga.org

teams both won the MAPHL title in their division—marking the first time both squads earned that title in the same year.

Meanwhile, indoor track took home its second straight DCSAA championship, and swimming earned its seventh straight Gonzaga l Summer 2017

13


A t h l et i cs

Congratulations to all the E

WMPSSDL title and second consecutive Metros title. The spring season was equally successful as the Eagles brought

14

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

home the DCSAA baseball championship; the MAVRC rugby title (tenth straight); the WCAC tennis championship (second

straight); and the WCAC (third straight) and Metros golf titles. ■

gonzaga.org


A t h l et i cs

Eagles and their coaches!

gonzaga.org

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

15


Feature

A unique class gives students the chance to follow a route that pilgrims have hiked for centuries. Along the way, they learn about spirituality, history— and themselves. by Ariel Laguilles ’96

Eagles on the

C amino 16

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


Feature

The Route March 19: Sarria to Portomarín, about 14 miles March 20: Portomarín to Palas de Rei, about 15 miles March 21: Palas de Rei to Ribadiso, about 16 miles March 22: Ribadiso to O Pedrouzo, about 14 miles March 23: O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, about 12.5 miles

Mr. Stephen Szolosi, Director of Campus Ministry (l), and Mr. Ariel Laguilles ’96, Modern Language teacher, are the co-teachers of “Spanish Culture and Ignatian Spirituality: The Camino de Santiago.”

F

or many, spring break offers a needed respite. But for six students and two instructors this past year, it was a chance to bring the classroom to life as pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route in Spain. On the first day of spring break last year, Mr. Stephen Szolosi, six students, and I flew to Madrid and then took a train to Sarria, the Spanish town where we would begin our journey. We had been building up to this point all semester during a class called “Spanish Culture and Ignatian Spirituality: The Camino de Santiago” that Mr. Szolosi and I teach together. Offered in the spring semester as a course elective, the class incorporates Ignatian Spirituality into a curriculum that studies pilgrimages, the life of St. James, and the places and symbols along the Camino de Santiago. gonzaga.org

Throughout the class, students spend a lot of time journaling and reflecting—the goal is to step back and recognize where they have been, where they are, and where God may be calling them in the future. The idea for the class, which was offered for the first time in the spring of 2016, was born out of casual conversations between Mr. Szolosi, the Director of Campus Ministry, and me. We wanted to create a course that would combine traditional classroom and experiential learning with cultural immersion. While the first part of the semester focuses on learning about the Camino and other topics in a more traditional academic setting, the week-long trip to Spain during spring break is when we finally get to become modern-day pilgrims, leaving everyday comforts behind in favor of a more simple and communal lifestyle.

S

ince the 12th century, the faithful have walked the 500-mile Camino Francés route to visit the remains of St. James, and in doing so, receive a plenary indulgence. Today, while some walk the same route in search of adventure, others make the pilgrimage for spiritual reasons. And while those making the pilgrimage may have different starting points, they all end in the same place, at the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James are buried. Our goal was to complete a small portion of the ancient trail— the 100 kilometers from the town of Sarria to the Cathedral—in five days. On Sunday, March 19, we officially began our pilgrimage, walking 14 miles from Sarria to the town of Portomarín. On each day of the pilgrimage, Mr. Szolosi and I gave the students questions to guide their reflections Gonzaga l Summer 2017

17


F eat u r e

In Their Words After students returned from the pilgrimage, they were asked to write final reflections about their experiences. Here are some excerpts from those essays. “More than anything, the Camino was a journey of coming to understand people, the cultures they come from, and their unique stories.” – John Colucci ’18 “The several different feelings of happiness, pain, solitude, etc., that I felt on the Camino have ultimately given me the realization that life will never be perfect, and that we must carry ourselves with grace in the times of struggle.” – Nicolas Egan ’18

The group is pictured here outside the Cathedral of St. James at the end of the Camino de Santiago.

“Like Kairos, I think there is a simple message in walking the Camino in that it means nothing if you do not live out the ideals experienced on the retreat or pilgrimage. Life is a metaphorical journey, and if we live through that journey in a fashion similar to how we walked the Camino then we are living out the spirit of ‘the Way.’” – Ryan Hannifin ’18

18

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


F eat u r e

and conversations throughout the day. On the first day we walked together as a group, while on the second we ventured out in pairs. On one of the more challenging days, we asked the students to wake up on their own, and meet at a predetermined destination in the afternoon. Any doubts of getting lost were quickly appeased, since waymarks in the form of yellow arrows or cement pillars seem to appear when they are most needed. Every evening we met for a group reflection, a time when students shared and listened to each other’s thoughts on the day. On Monday, March 20, Davis Baldwin ’17 wrote on the “Eagles on the Camino” blog that he enjoyed getting to know the people he met on the trail. “From the 19-year-old Italian who has some free time before he begins a career as a firefighter to the Canadian woman who has traveled throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii, I felt the significance of a global perspective.” We spent each night in an albergue, a simple hostel specifically for pilgrims making their way along the Camino. These albergues also provided an environment for community living; not only were we sharing space with each other, but with others gonzaga.org

from around the world. For many of the students, meeting and getting to know fellow pilgrims added more depth and meaning to their experience. After the fourth day of walking, Nick Egan ’18 wrote, “Today the sore legs and the blistered feet went away, and we were able to focus mainly on the Camino itself, not the pain that accompanied our walking. It rained on and off all day, which created a peaceful or even cleansing sensation for me as I trudged along the muddy paths of Galicia.” After five days of walking, we finally reached the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Students shared feelings of relief, accomplishment, and even disappointment that the pilgrimage had come to a close so soon. “I feel blessed to be able to share this experience with my brothers, and hopefully the spirit of the Santiago will continue in our individual lives beyond the physical journey,” Ryan Hannafin ’18 wrote on the blog. “Tomorrow we will go to Mass and take the train back to Madrid. I don’t think anyone wants to return to school and regular life.” Back on Eye Street, the class culminated with a series of student presentations that were open to the Gonzaga community. The students were encouraged to

use their talents and skills to convey what their pilgrimage experience was like, and what effect it had on them. Presentations i n c l u d e d o r i g i n a l artwork, poetry, traditional Spanish food, videos, and photos.

“Today the sore legs and the blistered feet went away, and we were able to focus mainly on the Camino itself, not the pain that accompanied our walking. It rained on and off all day, which created a peaceful or even cleansing sensation for me as I trudged along the muddy paths of Galicia.”

Although the trip had indeed come to an end, many students wrote in their final reflections that their journey continues on, beyond the Camino de Santiago, and well beyond the limits of Eye Street. “The Camino made me realize how comfortable I live, and how going out of your comfort zone can be so rewarding,” wrote Jon Hurley ‘18. “It also filled me with a desire to go out and see the world, and not be complacent with living a sheltered life. It taught me to take a risk, and be a seeker. There is a whole world to see out there, and I’m just barely getting started.” ■ Ariel Laguilles ’96 is Chair of Gonzaga’s Modern and Classical Languages Department. Gonzaga l Summer 2017

19


F eat u r e

Passing the Torch

Chris Lykes ’17 earned a lot of accolades during his basketball playing days at Gonzaga. But one record in particular grants him a place in Gonzaga basketball history. By Tony Limarzi ’94

20

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

gonzaga.org


F eat u r e

O

n February 16, 2017, point guard Chris Lykes scored his 2,070th career point—breaking a school record that had stood for 37 years. Lykes had already established himself as one of the great players in Gonzaga’s storied basketball history. When he broke the record, Lykes and the Eagles were en route to capturing the coveted “Triple Crown”–winning the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament, the District of Columbia State Championship, and the Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament. The team would go on to end the season with a number one ranking in the Washington Post. Along the way, he had also racked up plenty of personal accolades—Gatorade Player of the Year in 2016, WCAC Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017, and Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year in 2017.

But for Lykes, who will play at the University of Miami in the Fall, breaking the scoring record represented something different. Until that night in February, the record had been held for nearly four decades by Tom Sluby ’80. A four-year starter under legendary Head Coach Dick Myers, Sluby was the first high-profile basketball player in Gonzaga history. He was named a McDonald’s All-American his senior year, before going on to star at Notre Dame and play for a season for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. In many ways, he paved the way for players like Lykes. “There is no question that he was the prime mover on drawing attention to us,” says Coach Myers. “The recognition he got nationally, going on to Notre gonzaga.org

Dame, a lot of people would go, ‘This is where Tom Sluby went.’” John Williams ’80, Sluby’s classmate and teammate, remembers former Gonzaga Headmaster Joe Ciancaglini talking about Sluby’s impact on Gonzaga. “Ciancaglini would say that there were three major comings that saved Gonzaga: The coming of Fr. Dooley, the coming of the Metro, and the coming of Tom Sluby.” __________

W

hen Tom Sluby enrolled at Gonzaga in the fall of 1976, the school did not have a gym. The

team practiced in the space affectionately known as “The Old Gym.” The court was not regulation size, so the team played all of its games on the road. It didn’t take long for the administrators at Gonzaga to see that the time was right for a new facility. “They realized we’ve got something special here,” says Coach Myers. “We started getting more and more people watching us and enjoying our games, even though we were playing on the road, and that had a lot to do with helping our fundraising.” The Carmody Center Gonzaga l Summer 2017

21


F eat u r e opened in 1977. Today, students, parents, teachers, and alumni flood the space on game nights to cheer on the Eagles. In the forty years since the Carmody Center opened, Gonzaga has grown into one of the best basketball programs in the Washington area—with this year marking one of the team’s most memorable seasons. Chris Lykes’s parents, Vanessa and Marvin, were surprised to learn their son broke the school’s all-time scoring record. “When he said he wanted to go play in the WCAC, we thought Gonzaga would be a great school academically,” says Marvin. “If he was able to make the basketball team, to be honest we didn’t know.” “We were always told, ‘Chris is too small to play in the WCAC,

22

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

too small to play in the ACC,’” says Vanessa. “So I still really haven’t grasped the fact that he’s done as well as he has.” Gonzaga Head Coach Steve Turner says the five-foot-eight Lykes has incredible heart. “Everyone can say he’s small, but he’s going to always find a way to rise and overcome it,” Turner says. “He knows who he is and he doesn’t let the things that people question about him be a deterrent.” In a way, it’s fitting that Lykes was the one to break Sluby’s record. The two players have a lot in common—both were undersized players who made their teammates better. Both displayed incredible determination, self-awareness, leadership, and humility.

Tom Sluby and John Williams continue to follow Gonzaga basketball, and this past team provided a lot to talk about— even a little trash talking. “Sluby said to me the other day, ‘If you shot the ball like Chris, I would have probably scored another thousand points,’” says Williams. “‘You could have drawn all the defenders out and left me alone in the lane.’” Coach Myers also talked about the imaginary scenario of seeing Lykes and Sluby on the court together for Gonzaga. “Oh man, that would really be fun to see! You talk about give and go. I could just picture Chris hitting Tom in the high post and then going for a back cut, knowing he’ll get the ball back. They would be a lot of fun to watch. It would be Gonzaga basketball at its best.” ■

gonzaga.org


F eat u r e

Coming Back to Give Back A look inside Gonzaga’s Alumni Service Corps program By Stephen Szolosi

T

en years ago, Mr. Mike Pakenham—Gonzaga’s former headmaster and physics teacher who passed away suddenly this past year— implemented a program that continues to impact the Gonzaga community. The idea was simple: bring Gonzaga alumni fresh out of college back to Eye Street to spend a year working at the school. The program—dubbed the Alumni Service Corps (ASC)—sought young men who

program, working on campus and living together in nearby housing that’s provided by the school. And over that time, as the ASC has caught on, the original concept has expanded, with ASC volunteers contributing to Gonzaga in a variety of roles—as substitute teachers, retreat and service project leaders, coaches, club moderators, and more.

Many alumni from the mid2000’s will remember classes taught by members of the ASC from the first years of the program, when ASC members primarily worked with academic departments. Seven years ago, Father Vince Conti, SJ, integrated the program with Campus Ministry, which now oversees it. Today, ASC members work The 2017-2018 Alumni Service Corps members: as full-time (l-r) Aaron Clark ’12, Andrew Wood ’12, and Michael Hickey ’13. substitute teachers; help would not only be committed to lead retreats and service serving Gonzaga, but to living in projects; act as proctors, a community setting with other coaches, and club moderators; ASC members, and spending a contribute time in the Campus year fully immersed in the life of Ministry office, the Library, and the school. Student Services; and work regularly with Gonzaga’s Since the ASC’s origins, over Campus Kitchen. 30 young Gonzaga graduates have participated in the “The alumni who come back gonzaga.org

and volunteer in the ASC bring many gifts to Gonzaga,” says Headmaster Mr. Tom Every. “Chief among those gifts is their unique ability to show our students what a Gonzaga man

The alumni who come back and volunteer in the ASC bring many gifts to Gonzaga,” says Headmaster Mr. Tom Every. “Chief among those gifts is their unique ability to show our students what a Gonzaga man looks like four years from graduation. They are role models for our boys in a way that we ‘more experienced’ faculty simply cannot be.

looks like four years from graduation. They are role models for our boys in a way that we ‘more experienced’ faculty simply cannot be.” No two days in the ASC are alike. Typically, Academic Dean Mr. Mike Howell is first in line to Gonzaga l Summer 2017

23


F eat u r e

ASC volunteer Will Clemens ’10 (center, crouching) is pictured here with members of the Gonzaga Dramatic Association with whom he worked on the GDA’s production of Arsenic & Old Lace in the spring of 2016.

identify which classes each man will substitute that day. The ASC also moderate lunch periods with members of Student Services, help prepare for retreats, pitch in in the Headmaster’s office, or perform any number of other tasks

ASC members help Campus Ministry run student retreats throughout the year. Pictured here are the three ASC members from the 2015-2016 school year – (l-r) John Miossi ’11, Patrick Cooney ’11, and Will Clemens ’10 – at Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, Maryland.

around campus. “I loved that each day was different,” says

24

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

Robert Horan ’12, who just completed a year of service with the ASC in June. “Some days I would be covering five—or more!—class periods and other days I would be operating A/V equipment, helping out in Development, or shelving books in the Library.” Over the years, the ASC program has grown to include a retreat at the Bishop Claggett Retreat Center in Buckeystown, Maryland, in August. Members of the ASC often remember the old schoolhouse building from their sophomore retreat— everyone appreciates having graduated into the much more comfortable rooms of the adult accommodations this time around. During the retreat, the group talks about their hopes and expectations for the coming school year. Throughout the year, the ASC gather for monthly reflection nights with members of the faculty. Those gatherings

often include conversations about the service experience on Eye Street, and ways in which their time at Gonzaga is informing their aspirations once their service year is through. Sarah Miller, Chair of the English Department, brought this past year’s ASC to Central Union Mission to serve the homeless one evening. Other facilitators have included veterans like Carol Corgan and Harry Rissetto, both of the Religion department, as well as teachers newer to the community who the young men might not have known when they were students at Gonzaga. Additionally, weekly dinners with the Jesuit community help to build Ignatian community, while faculty mentors serve as resources to the volunteers. Their conversations may focus on class management, plans for the future, or how community life is going in the ASC house. Following their year of gonzaga.org


F eat u r e

ASC member Robert Horan ’12 (second from right) worked alongside students at the McKenna Center as part of his year of service in 2016-2017.

service, ASC members have gone on to pursue a wide variety of fields— some have continued teaching, others have gone on to graduate or medical school, while others have ventured out into the business world. Gonzaga has also benefited from similar programs at other Jesuit schools—English teacher and Education Technologist Mr. John Kilroy served in the ASC program at St. Joseph’s Preparatory in Philadelphia, and Assistant Dean Mr. Michael Fiore was a member of the ASC program at Xavier in Manhattan. “Going into the school year, I was trying to discern between two different career paths—broadcast journalism and education,” says Horan. “When I was in the classroom, the teachers really empowered and enabled me to teach lessons on my own. Ultimately, I found that what I most enjoy is teaching and working with kids, so now I’m pursuing a career in education.” ■

Meet the ASC This year’s ASC includes three recent graduates. We look forward to having them back on Eye Street this year. Aaron Clark ‘12 Aaron is a graduate of Fordham University, where he majored in Applied Mathematics. While at Fordham, Aaron was a tutor for high school students in a STEM program. He hopes to study public health and medicine in the future. Michael Hickey ‘13 Michael graduated from the University of Maryland in December 2016 with a doublemajor in Government and Politics and Spanish Language, Literature, and Cultures. At Gonzaga, he was a longtime volunteer with Campus Kitchen—a passion he looks forward to reviving this year. Andrew Wood ‘12 Andrew majored in Music at James Madison University. A trumpet player, Andrew was a member of several of JMU’s musical groups, including the Opera Orchestra, the Wind Symphony, and the Brass Band.

Mr. Stephen Szolosi is Gonzaga’s Director of Campus Ministry. gonzaga.org

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

25


I n Me m o r i a m

May He Rest In Peace

Stuart J. Long ’60

T

he Gonzaga community was deeply saddened by the passing of Stuart J. Long ’60 after a long and hard-fought illness. After Stu’s passing on July 30, Gonzaga President Rev. Stephen Planning, SJ, sent the following note to the entire community, expressing just how much Stu loved Gonzaga— and how much he meant to the school.

26

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

Stu’s death marks the end of an era for Gonzaga. He was an iconic part of the fabric of Eye Street in ways that few other individuals have been. He wore countless hats over the decades—among them Member of the Board of Trustees, Alumni Association President, St. Aloysius Medal Recipient, Alumni Association Man of the Year, and many others. But truthfully, none of them fully capture the essence of the man or how much of himself he gave to Gonzaga. Stu was a trusted confidant to me as President, just as he was to Fr. Lingan, Fr. Novotny, and Fr. Dooley before me. He was the driving force behind the Eye Street renewal project, just as he was on numerous campus improvements both big and small over the past 50 years. He was the organizer of the Alumni Smoker for decades, helping countless alumni stay connected to Gonzaga and each other. He rallied support for everything from the construction of the Carmody Center to the restoration of St. Aloysius Church. And perhaps most importantly, he was an influential advocate for keeping Gonzaga here on Eye Street when times were tough and the easier decision would have been to leave our location in the heart of D.C. gonzaga.org


I n Me m o r i a m

The Long family – (l-r) Jessica, Cherie, Stuart ’60, and Jamie ’03 – is pictured here at the 2008 Alumni Roast honoring Stuart. He was, in short, someone you turned to when you needed to get something done. When we dedicated the newly renovated Buchanan Field, Eye Street, and parking garage at Gonzaga less than two years ago, I only half-jokingly referenced the fact that it was Stu’s friends “in high and low places” that helped make sure the project was approved and completed on time and within budget. That line captured something that made Stu unique. He was the consummate everyman— as close and comfortable with politicians and decisionmakers as he was with the busboy or bartender at the Hawk & Dove or one of his other establishments around gonzaga.org

town. He was genuine with everyone he met, and he collected friends from every walk of life. And time and time again, he relied on those friendships and relationships for the betterment of Gonzaga.

Stu loved Gonzaga; much of his heart and soul were poured into this place. He will be missed. ■

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

27


Ne w s o f . . .

Faculty and Staff Science teacher Mr. Paul Hamm ’03 and his wife, Bethany, welcomed a son, Frederick David, on June 9th… Dean of Students Mr. Jim Kilroy and his wife, Tina, welcomed a baby boy named Owen Augustine on May 31st… English teacher Mr. Joseph Ross had a book of original poetry published in March. Entitled Ache, it is his third published poetry collection… Advancement staff member and assistant football

1940s The Honorable James Belson ’49 retired on July 24th after fifty years as a District Court of Appeals Judge…

1950s Clarence Campbell III ’57 and his wife, Mary, celebrated their 30th

Actor David Costabile ’85 is pictured here ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on February 17 with NYSE President Tom Farley ’93 (to his immediate left). Costabile has appeared in several television shows and films and is currently playing the role of Mike Wagner on the Showtime series Billions. Farley has been President of the NYSE Group since 2013 and also delivered the Kohlmann Address at Gonzaga’s 2016 commencement.

wedding anniversary on May 9, 2017. Clarence sends his best to his classmates… William Gates ’57 recently sent a gift to Gonzaga with this note: “Involvement with the class of 2017, John Pignone, SJ ’97 (center) took his vows as the Eagle athletic a Jesuit in a ceremony at the Jesuit Novitiate community, and in Syracuse, New York, on August 12th. He my class of ’57 is pictured here with some of his Gonzaga classmates has classmates and some of his fellow Jesuits: (l-r) been a 64-year, Matt Lopez, SJ, Martin McNutt ’97, Gustavo blessed Gonzaga Hernandez ’97, Brendan Hartnett ’97, John, heritage. Patrick Hogan ’97, Michael Tomai ’97, Fr. Gonzaga is the Gap Lo Biondo, SJ, and Fr. Mark Scalese, SJ. cornerstone for John will continue his Jesuit formation studies me and so many at St. Louis University. students. I bleed purple…” Bill coach Mr. Conrad Singh ’00 Rowan ’57 attended the and his wife, Gemini, welcomed induction of his son, Michael a baby boy named Julian ’87, into the American College Gabriel on May 5th. He joins his of Trial Lawyers in Florida in older sister Michaela… Religion March. Bill’s grandson, Michael teacher Mr. Patrick Sullivan and ’17, graduated with the class of his wife, Catherine, welcomed 2017 and is now at the their first child, a daughter University of South Carolina… named Teresa Rose, on April 28th…

28

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

1960s Bob McCarthy ’61 and his wife, Nancy, were the Grand Marshals for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ocean City, MD. It is the second-

Tom Marchetti ’02 (center) and Elaine Nessle were married on August 6, 2016, in Geneva, NY, and were joined in their celebration by several Gonzaga friends. Pictured here are (left to right) Patrick Murray ’02, Liam Hardy ’02, Justin Barker ’02, Elaine Nessle, Tom Marchetti ’02, Ryan O’Boyle ’02, Dan Knise (former Gonzaga Board Chair and past parent – ’06, ’07, ’11), and Matt Cullinane ’02.

gonzaga.org


N E w s O F. . . Johnson Bademosi ’08 (left), Kevin Hogan ’11 (center), and Pete Hamm ’00 (right) met in Helsinki, Finland, in late February for the fifth International Camp of American Football Without Barriers (AFWB). Each year AFWB brings NFL players to different corners of the world to conduct football clinics in countries where the game is growing and to be ambassadors for the sport abroad. Bademosi plays for the Detroit Lions, Hogan plays for the Cleveland Browns, and Hamm is the AFWB Camp Organizer. largest parade in the state. Bob also reports that their granddaughter received her master’s degree from the University of Maryland in May… David Cavanaugh ’67 ended a 37-year career with Catholic Charities in January. “My experience at Gonzaga was formative and wonderful,” he says…

1970s Dr. Kevin Howard ’74 is a member of the Executive Board of the Richmond Urban Collective, which is working to establish an all-male charter school in Richmond, VA. He is also the founder of

Chad Dudley ’05 and Erica Baumgartner were married in November 2016. They were joined by a number of Gonzaga alumni at their celebration. Pictured here at their reception at the Lars Herman ’00 was recently honored Watergate Hotel in with the Small Business Administration’s Washington, D.C., are: prestigious California Small Business (standing, left to right) Zeke Person of the Year Award for 2017 and he Eager ’05, Patrick was the National Second Runner-Up. He Williams, Sr. ’77, Michael is pictured here with Linda McMahon, Dempsey ’05, Mike Administrator of the SBA. After Sheridan ’05, Brian graduating from Gonzaga, Lars earned Slaninka ’05, Erica and his B.S. degree in Systems Engineering Chad Dudley ’05, Patrick from the U.S. Naval Academy and served Williams, Jr. ’05, Brendan as a Civil Engineer Corps officer in the May ’12, Brendan Tracz U.S. Navy, managing construction ’05, Matt Massey ’05, projects at numerous federal and military Josh Eager ’05; (seated, facilities in the United States and left to right) Bryce Pyle ’05, overseas. He founded Herman Matt Gormley ’05, David Construction Group in 2009 and serves as Chini ’05, Kevin Ganssle company president. Lars and his wife, ’05, Matt O’Connor ’05, Jenna, also recently welcomed their third and Michael Dudley ’02. child, a boy named Jones. They also have a son, Bodie (5), and a daughter, Tess (3).

gonzaga.org

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

29


N E w s O F. . . Will Bardenwerper ’94 had his first book, The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid, published in June 2017. The book tells the improbable story of twelve American soldiers who deploy to Iraq expecting to fight the enemy in combat, but instead find themselves assigned to live alongside and guard Saddam Hussein. The man they come to know defies expectations and leading him to the gallows proves more difficult than they could have imagined.

“In Corpore Sano,” a community public health outreach and upcoming TV show in the greater Richmond community… Phil Robey ’78 teaches educational leadership courses at Loyola University Maryland. He and his brother, Rick ’76, have also invested in real estate in the U Street Corridor area of Washington, DC… Stephen Utz ’77 recently accepted the Construction Technology teaching position at Palmetto Ridge High School in Naples, FL. After 35 years as a remodeling contractor in the metropolitan DC area and in Naples, he decided to close his business and follow the call to teach. “My years on Eye Street taught me that being a teacher is one of the noblest professions,” he says…

1980s Dr. Paul Ruff IV ’85 continues his practice at West End Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C. His son, Paul V ’20, is currently a sophomore at Gonzaga… Michael Rowan ’87 was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers in March. Membership in the college, which is composed of the best of the trial bar from the U.S. and Canada, is by invitation… Patrick Ruff ’87 is the principal of St. Ignatius Prep in San Francisco. He is involved in establishing a tuition-free middle school for boys and girls called Fr. Sauer Academy on the SI campus, which was scheduled to open in August 2017…

On Saturday, May 20, 2017, Nick Redmond ’96 was ordained a Transitional Deacon for the Diocese of Richmond in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Rev. Mr. Redmond will be ordained a priest in next June after completing his final year of theology studies at Catholic University. Sean Redmond ’93 and Chris DiLorenzo ’96 attended the ordination.

30

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

1990s Dr. Stephen Mabry, D.D.S. ’91 was selected for the third consecutive time by Arlington Magazine readers as “Arlington’s Best Dentist” in March. He has a comprehensive dental practice in his own facility in Arlington. He and his wife, Megan, live in Arlington with their daughter Emma… Gregory Trimble ’95 and his wife, Pam, welcomed a son named Thomas Harvey on September 19, 2016. The Trimbles also have two daughters, Hannah (5) and Lucy (3)… David Dugan ’98 joined the Gonzaga staff as the Vice President for Alumni and

In April, Derrell Bouknight ’15 (second from right) completed the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at St. John’s University and received the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. “It was amazing to see a group of students and faculty members take the time to deepen their faith and relationship with God,” he said about his experience. “Now, everything feels complete. The process I’ve longed to do has finally ended, and I’m excited to have the title of ‘Catholic.’” He is pictured here after the ceremony with his brothers, Nicholas (left) and William, and his father, Fred (right). gonzaga.org


Ne w s o f . . .

Will Clansky ’13 (left), Dan McCarthy ’13 (center), Frank Ruzicka ’13 (right) graduated from Boston College together on May 22. They are pictured here after BC’s Baccalaureate Mass on May 21. Advancement in April… Matthew von Fricken ’98 currently runs his own law practice in the D.C. metropolitan area… Laurence Zimmerman ’99 and his wife, Yisleni, welcomed a baby girl named Sophia Christina on March 21, 2016…

2000s Paul Madsen ’00 and his family recently moved from Richmond, VA, to Cleveland, OH, where he took a position as Senior

Steve Aro ’07 received his PhD in Chemistry from Penn State University in May. He and his fiancé, Krista Baron, are pictured here at his final thesis defense on May 27. gonzaga.org

Manager of Distribution for W.W. Grainger. He and his wife, Jessica, and their children, Clara (4) and William (2), enjoy spending time exploring new museums in the area… Mark Cherry ’01 and Christy Orlov were married on June 2nd at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, MD. Michael Cherry ’03 and Lloyd Pierson ’01 were Mark’s best men… Mitch Brooks ’02 was married to (name) on July 15th in Washington, D.C. Andre Lane ’02 and Ted Daniels ’02 were

his best men… Tom Marchetti ’02 and Elaine Nessle were married in August 2016 in Geneva, NY (see photo)… Tim Atkinson, Jr. ’03 recently landed FCN, Inc.’s largest contract ever, a 37-million-dollar Air Force contract in Fort Collins, CO. He also recently became engaged to Stephanie Larimore and bought a new home in Wheaton, MD… Alexander Oryshkevych ’03 and his wife, Deanna Stawnychy, welcomed a son name Maksym Petro in February 2016. They are proud to call him their “Little Eagle”… Alexander von Fricken ’03 is a Commonwealth Attorney in Prince William County, Virginia… Daniel O’Brien ’04 was named the Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Major Gifts at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond in December 2016. He held a similar position at Siena College in Albany, NY, for 2 ½ years prior to that… Zachary Przystup ’04 and his wife, Katie, welcomed a son named Alexander on September 9, 2016. The Przystups live in

Dr. Horace Liang ’72 (left) is pictured here with his son, Andrew, and Andrew’s godfather, Ralph Lopez ’72 (right), at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation and commissioning ceremony in May. Andrew was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and begins pilot training in Texas early next year. Gonzaga l Summer 2017

31


Ne w s o f . . .

Nicholas Penaranda ’16 (left) and Matthew Foreman ’17 received their Eagle Scout Medals at a Boy Scouts Eagle Court of Honor ceremony on May 13. The first cousins are members of Troop 417 in Waldorf, Maryland. Nicholas currently attends James Madison University and Matthew will attend the University of Virginia in the fall. Somerville, MA…Michael von Fricken ’04 married Brooke Eckman in November 2016. He earned a PhD from the University of Florida and is currently Associate Professor of Global Health and Epidemiology at George Mason University… Dan Lechner ’06 was recently sworn in as Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland… Steve Aro ’07 recently received his PhD in Chemistry from Penn State University… Matt Lechner ’09 is a third-year student at Villanova Law School…

African Studies… Wyatt Dillon ’13 recently graduated with honors from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications. He moved to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue a career

in television, radio, and film… Lucas Delgado ’14 was named a co-captain of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s swim team for the 2017-2018 season in April. He was a member of the 200M freestyle relay team that set a school record in 2016… Brennan Novak ’15, a member of the Harvard University men’s swim and dive team, helped Harvard complete an undefeated dual meet season and win the Ivy League Conference Meet Championship in 2017. Overall, he had the 4th highest individual point total for the meet. He also qualified and participated in the 2017 NCAA Division I Swim and Dive Championships in Indianapolis. Brennan currently holds the Harvard team records in the 1000 Free and the 800 Free Relay… ■

2010s John McKechnie ’10 was named the 2016 College Writer of the Year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association… Patrick Farrell ’10 and Sam Roberts ’10 are the bassist and drummer, respectively, in a band called “See Water” based in Charleston, SC. The band released an album in February 2017 and toured the East Coast this past summer… Aaron Clark ’12 graduated from Fordham University with a major in Applied Math and a minor in

32

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

John Butler ’97 (second from left) received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice on June 16. He received the award for “launching and implementing the Hampton Roads Heroin Working Group to address the rash of heroin overdose deaths, which have spiked locally in the past two years.” John is the Assistant Attorney General of Virginia in the Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Unit and also Special Assistant, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He is pictured here with (left to right) Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Virginia Daniel Grooms; and Director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys Monty Wilkinson.

gonzaga.org


Ne w s o f . . .

New Faculty and Staff Join Gonzaga School Community The Gonzaga community is pleased to welcome ten new faculty and staff members to Eye Street this year. Mr. David Bowles is Associate Director of Campus Ministry. He comes to Gonzaga from Chicago where he was the Director of Communications at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep.

Three Gonzaga alumni have connected in the past couple of years in Paris, France, where they are all serving in various roles in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Commander Tom Winkler, USN ’92 (left) is the U.S. Navy’s Liaison Officer to the French Naval Staff. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1996 and was commissioned as a naval officer via the NROTC Program. He is a F/A-18 pilot and has deployed five times in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

Mr. Anthony Cerra, Assistant Dean of Students, is a 2016 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Before coming to Gonzaga, he worked as an intern in the U.S. Senate in the Office of Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Ms. Teresa Clancy Jackson joins the English Department. She is a graduate of St. Louis University and has degrees from Webster University and Regis University in Colorado. She most recently taught at Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Maryland. Ms. Zane Cribbs is a graduate of Howard University and Texas Tech University. Before joining the athletic staff at Gonzaga, she was an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Howard. Ms. Danielle Flood joins Campus Ministry as an Assistant Director. She graduated from Catholic University and most recently served as a Graduate Assistant for Community Service in CUA’s Office of Campus Ministry. Mr. Daniel Freedberg graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1998 and spent time teaching in Chicago before coming to Gonzaga. He joins the Science Department as a physics teacher.

Major Tim Gallagher, USMC ’99 (center) is the Marine Corps’ exchange officer at the French War College in Paris. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003 and is a KC-130 pilot. He has deployed three times in support of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

Ms. Larissa Jakubow joins Gonzaga as a Learning Specialist. She graduated from the University of Virginia and most recently was a Special Education teacher at Jefferson Middle School in Washington, D.C.

Commander Matt “Squeak” Somerville, USN ’94 (right) is a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) serving as a military diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. He is a 1999 USNA graduate and an H-60 pilot. He also has deployed multiple times in support of operations in Iraq and throughout the Middle East and Asia.

Mr. Matthew Lopez, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic who will work in the Religion Department and Campus Ministry Office. He is a 2012 graduate of Loyola University Maryland and earned a graduate degree from Fordham University in 2017. He most recently was a teacher of the English language at St. Rita’s Immigration Center in the Bronx, New York.

gonzaga.org

Ms. Acacia Komelasky joins the Modern Language Department as a Spanish teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and comes to Eye Street from Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, where she had been the Language Department Chair.

Mr. Jonathan Spencer attended the University of North Carolina and the Art Institute of Washington. He was most recently a Media Arts Instructor and Technical Theater Director at Summit School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ■ Gonzaga l Summer 2017

33


F l as h bac k

One to Remember by Danny Costello ’72

“I

t is with regret that I find it necessary to express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the football game promotional activities conducted by Gonzaga students and teachers at two of the Nation’s major Presidential Memorials, Tuesday, November 11, 1969…” So begins a letter, dated November 18, 1969, from William R. Failor, the U.S. Department of Interior Superintendent, addressed to the Gonzaga Headmaster. From the Eye Street annals of pranks perpetrated in the name of school spirit, there is one stunt that stands apart. In the fall of 1969, the Booster Club hoodwinked the United States Government into supporting its “science project” meant to “measure the effects of colored light shown through a semi-permeable filter and cast upon an elongated, white, opaque object.” In other words, they got permission to turn the Washington Monument purple and white two days before the football game against St. John’s. Here’s how it happened. The ambitious ruse required a team of co-conspirators, including the Fathers Club, the school’s Assistant Headmaster, and the Booster Club, led by the plan’s mastermind, Mark Smith ’71. It was Smith who, at the annual Father-Son Night, inspired dads to pull out their wallets and fund the cost of a special heat-resistant purple celluloid available only in

34

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

England. When the plan seemed doomed because the Department of Interior asked for a signature from a member of the school’s administration, Assistant Headmaster George Miner ’62, a former Booster Club member himself, stepped up. The permit was granted. The purple celluloid arrived and was attached to wooden frames designed to fit over banks of powerful lights. The local press was tipped off. With the annual football showdown versus St. John’s just two days away, it was “All systems go” for the Booster Club.

memorial service, his brothers, Michael ’64 and Matt ’78, handed out post cards bearing George Miner’s photo of the purple-and-white Washington Monument. The Smith brothers shared that the memory of the stunt that occurred nearly fifty years before was but a reflection of their brother’s lifelong gratitude to Gonzaga,

They arrived at the monument grounds around dusk, accompanied by their faculty chaperone— and cameraman—Mr. Miner. At nightfall, the monument lit up—and so did the phones at the U.S. National Park Service’s D.C. office. “What was happening to the Washington Monument?” callers wanted to know. “It’s purple!” An explanation, along with Mr. Miner’s iconic photo, would appear two weeks later in The Washington Star. The prank now lives on in literary perpetuity thanks to author Michael Farquhar ’82, who included the story in his 2005 book, A Treasury of Deception. Sadly, Mark Smith ’71 passed away last spring. At his

which blessed him with an excellent education and lifelong friendships. And thus it shall be remembered. Go, Eagles! ■

gonzaga.org


May T h e y Rest I n P eace William H. Ballantyne ’53

’70; father-in-law of William Lazarus ’65

Dr. Francisco P. Banda ’56, Brother of Phillip W. ’58 and Lionel A. ’59

Rosita L. Howell, Wife of William F., Jr. ’59; mother of Scott A. ’89; grandmother of Jonathan W. ’21

Paul A. Barry, Father of Matthew ’90 Charles J. Baumgardner, Father of Eric C. ’12 and Head JV Football Coach (2009-14) James R. Bennett ’61 Dr. Daniel J. Boyle, Father of Justin ’89 and Jude R. ’92; brother-in-law of William J. Rowan III ’57; uncle of Brendan C. Boyle ’09, Timothy C. Boyle ’12, Liam T. Boyle ’18, William J. Rowan IV ’81, J. Patrick Rowan ’82, Michael L. Rowan ’87 Arthur J. Brew ’40, Brother of the late Rev. Thomas M., S.J. ’28, the late Rev. Frederick A., S.J. ’30, the late Francis W. ’34, and the late James A. (’38); uncle of James A. ’65 Aden A. Bushee, Father of Gerald R. ’65 Philip T. Calder ’53, Brother of Victor A. ’58 Joseph T. Carmody (’98), Son of the late Kevin W. ’62; nephew of John J., Jr. ’54; cousin of John W. ’82, William J. ’84, and Michael J. ’85 Frances P. Casolaro, Mother of Dr. Anthony ’72; grandmother of Christopher J. ’02 Mary Ruth Chiarodo, Wife of the late Roger A. ’54 Catherine S. Cowardin, Mother of William H., Jr. ’85; grandmother of William H., III ’18 and Christopher M. ’20 John P. Donohoe ’98, Brother of Robert B., Jr. ’93 and Michael ’99 William J. Dougherty, Jr. ’47 Calvin O. Dworshak ’14, Brother of Henry T. (Tim) ’09 Dr. Joseph M. English III ’60 Marie Fenlon, Mother of John L. ’58 James A. Fuss ’52 Mary Anne “Mimi” Gaughan, Sister of John A. ’65 LTC John C. Golden III, Father of LtCol John C., IV, USMC ’85 Willard J. Hall, Jr. ’59 Kim L. Hargrove, Mother of Zachary M. ’09 and Gabriel X. ’15 Daniel M. Head ’52 John M. Heard ’64, Brother of the late Matthew ’67 Henry B. Heiberger ’37 John C. Heizmann ’72 Alfred C. Hicks, Father of Christopher E. ’85 and Michael S. ’87; grandfather of Andrew M. ’16 The Hon. Lawrence J. Hogan, Sr. ’46, Father of Michael A. ’94 and Patrick N. ’97; brother of William J., ’53; uncle of John J. O’Connell, Jr. ’65 and Kevin E. O’Connell

gonzaga.org

Dennis B. Kane, Father of Patrick H. ’02 Paul R. Kemp, Gonzaga Staff Member Pamela F. Klein, Daughter of the late Lawrence J. Fitzgerald ’48; sister of Michael K. Fitzgerald ’72 and Stephen B. Fitzgerald ’78; niece of Robert A. Fitzgerald ’50 and Joseph M. Fitzgerald ’60

Amy A. Northcutt, Mother of Henry V. Middlebrook ’18 Edmond B. O’Connell ’61, Brother-in-law of Andrew G. Interdonato ’62 and Anthony P. Interdonato ’66; uncle of Paul A. Interdonato ’03, Paul M. Interdonato ’04, Anthony J. Interdonato ’05, and Nicholas G. Interdonato ’07; son-in-law of the late Paul F. Interdonato ’38 Dr. Edward J. Pacious, Father of Patrick S. ’83, Edward C. ’86, and James M. ’87

J. Philip Koontz ’41

Catherine K. Raskauskas, Mother of Ernest C., Jr. ’69

Jason R. Labbe, Father of Jason R., II ’18

Steve Reed, Son of Donald A. ’58

Paul A. Lanahan, Sr. ’57

Raymond F. Rinn ’48, Brother of the late Charles R. ’45; brother-in-law of the late Michael J. Doherty ’46

Raymond G. La Placa ’54, Alumni Man of the Year and St. Aloysius Medal Recipient (2012) Thomas K. Latimer ’50 Paul F. Leonard, Sr. ’40 Brian L. Leslie, Father of Winston C. ’18 Stuart J. Long ’60, Father of James S. ’03; brother of Joseph H. ’64 and Richard D. ’72; uncle of Matthew D. ’08; father-inlaw of Daniel E. Balserak ’01 Eleonora “Sunshine” Luciano, Wife of Brian X. Gaul ’82; sister-in-law of Michael A. Gaul ’84, Christian M. Gaul ’86, Damien J. Gaul ’87, and Justin Gaul ’93 William H. Malloy, Jr., Father of William H., III ’71, Mark A. ’74, Courtney D. ’75, and Geoffrey M. ’78; grandfather of Geoffrey M., Jr. ’10 and Matthew B. ’13 Dr. Thomas G. Maloney, Jr., Father of Thomas P. ’71, David P. ’74, and Christopher F. ’80 Paul G. Marcotte ’46 Arthur P. McDermott ’50 Alfred B. McGarraghy ’52, Brother of John J. ’55; uncle of Christian Eirich ’91 and Matthew Eirich ’94 Edward F. McKenna ’74, Son of Gerald S. ’44; grand-nephew of the late Francis X. ’24; brother of Paul M. ’70, Hugh A. ’72, the late Thomas A. ’73, Lawrence J. ’76, Michael P. ’78, William J. ’82, and James D. ’86; uncle of Kevin H. ’02 and Marc H. ’03; cousin of the late J. Timothy Halpin ’71 Alice P. McNamara, Wife of the late Joseph M. ’43; mother of David A. ’72, Jerome J. ’73, and Andrew P. ’79; grandmother of Patrick J. ’13; aunt of Gonzaga Board member Michael P. Tierney ’70 and Dr. Timothy A. Tierney ’75; sister-in-law of the late Martin J. McNamara, Jr. ’39 Joan W. Murphy, Wife of the late Walter J., Jr. ’49 James P. Nash ’43 Joan S. Neff, Mother of Christopher ’82

Rosemary G. Ronayne, Wife of the late John A. ’37; mother of John ’67 and Robert J. ’68; aunt of Thomas J., Jr. ’70 Dr. James A. Ryan, Sr., Father of Gonzaga Board member James A., Jr. ’83 and Patrick R. ’85, and St. Aloysius Medal recipient (2006) Jeanne S. Saint-Calbre, Mother of Louis ’80 Daniel L. Shea ’70, Father of Brian M. ’06 and Kevin D. ’09; brother-in-law of Daniel E. Walsh ’74; uncle of Thomas P. Walsh ’12 James R. Shea, Father of James R., Jr. ’81, John M. ’84, and Andrew F. ’88 Albert P. Sindall, Father of Dr. Albert P., Jr. ’63, Daniel P. ’69, and John D. ’73; grandfather of Timothy P. Madden ’01 Mark T. Smith ’71, Brother of Michael A. ’64 and Matthew G. ’79 Mary Lou H. Taylor, Mother of Frank T. Goertner ’93 Christopher J. Timmes ’70 Robert D. Tompkins, Father of Steven D. ’73 and Richard P. ’77 Jeannette VanBelleghem, Mother Daniel J., Jr. ’86 and Luke ’93

of

Mary Ann Veith-Adkins, Sister of Daniel J. ’81 and Gonzaga employee James F.; aunt of Connor S. Hoefer ’16, Samuel J. Hoefer ’18, and Dylan L. Hoefer ’20 Faust C. Villareale ’50, Brother of Robert W. ’61; father of Matthew F. ’91; grandfather of John P. McGloon, Jr. ’16 Christina S. Wadyka, Mother of James K. ’12 and Dylan S. ’15 Claudia D. Walker, Mother of Antoine J. ’17 Joseph A. Ward ’73 Gregory A. West ’70 Ronald B. Williams ’54 Thomas S. Williamson, Jr., Father of Thomas S., III ’08

Gonzaga l Summer 2017

35


Gonzaga

Good News

Gonzaga College High School l SUMMER 2017

Periodicals Postage Paid at Washington, D.C. USPS 954-900 ISSN #1543-3331

Gonzaga College High School 19 Eye Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 PARENTS: If you are still receiving your son’s Good News From 19 Eye Street although he no longer lives with you, let us know so we can update our records and send the magazine directly to him. If you enjoy reading the publication but do not receive a copy of your own, let us know that, also. We would be glad to send a copy to your son’s new address and continue to send you one. Contact the Advancement Office at (202) 336-7151.

Gonzaga has redesigned its website! Visit www.Gonzaga.org for many new and improved features, including a more robust calendar, coverage of news and events, tailored content for alumni, an easy-to-use faculty and staff directory, and much more. Check us out online today!


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.