Alumnimagazine-Winter2016

The Mustang Tradition

Immaculate High School

Winter 2016

Tradition Never Graduates.

COMING HOME page 2

Bella Mingachos and Shauny Alterisio Class of 2016

RECONNECTING page 3

35th Reunion Class of 1981

GIVING BACK page 6

Richard Robbins Class of 1966

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Alumni Family,

IHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD Brendan Deakin ’86 - Co-Chair Joe Sullivan ‘83 - Co-Chair Dennis Fulling ‘83 Mary Maloney Denise (Henry) Suarez ‘87 ALUMNI COUNCIL PRESIDENT Joe Sullivan ‘83 VICE PRESIDENT Meg (Losee) Riefberg ‘80 RECORDING SECRETARY Valerie Koniecki ‘79 CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

Inside these pages are expressions of our appreciation and our celebrations of you and your support of Immaculate High School.

The vitality of our future is sustained by your embracing our mission to provide the best opportunities for our students so that their future is one that realizes those opportunities and continues the proud legacy of making our world a better place.

Did you know that since this school year began, we have had 315 alumni donate $64,282 toward events and campaigns such as the Golf Outing, class reunion scholarship gifts, the Scholarship Breakfast, #GivingTuesday and the I Am Immaculate Fund? It is in that spirit of coming home and giving back coupled with a strong desire to reconnect that our alumni family remains vibrant. It is because of you that we are able to continue the great traditions of memorializing individual tributes, including the Pave the Way campaign, which was launched by the Class of 1966 and will continue with the Class of 1967!

As we move forward in the school year, we will be creating a new five-year Strategic Plan that will include the contributions of all of our school constituents. Surveys have been created for alumni, parents, teachers and students with the intent of collecting information that will assist us with planning and building for our future. We appreciate your assisting us with this effort. The Strategic Plan is expected to be ready for publication in March 2017.

It is without a doubt that we are a very blessed school community. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your support. Thank you for making an immeasurable difference.

May the joy and blessings of Christmas be bestowed upon each of you and your families,

Mary R. Maloney President-Principal

1960’s ’66 – Jo-Anne (Tomanio) Price & Doris (Fontaine) Peterson ’68 – Pat O’Neil 1970’s ’71 – Jan Maria Jagush ’76 – Cathy (Broderick) Renzulli ’77 – Kathy (Mahoney) Wakeford ’79 – Deirdre Dolan-Nesline 1980’s ’81 – Marianne (Urkiel) Mitchell ’84 – Martin Tuite ’86 – Ron Gleissner ’87 – Carolyn (Sullivan) Schlichtig 1990’s ’93 – Jack Bouffard & Erin Maguire ’94 – Jennifer (Goeller) Morsey 2000’s ’02 – Melissa Lopes ’03 – Kevin Hudak ’08 – Chelsie Rizzo ’13 – Lindsay Jossick ’15 – Meghan Rudolf Thank you to all of our alumni who share their time and talents! If you are interested in joining our team as a Class Representative, please email Denise Suarez, Director of Alumni Relations at dsuarez@immaculatehs.org or call (203) 744-1510 x158. The Alumni Association meets monthly on Monday evenings (excluding summer) and welcomes attendance in-person or via conference call. We would love to have you on the team!

FACULTY IN OUR NEW ALUMNI APPAREL From L-R - Lynn Loya, Nanci Stockmann, Kevin Dunleavy, Bob Plumb, Bridget (Deakin) Henry ‘92, Joe Muchanski and Lynn Lemme.

Check out our faculty decked out in the NEW Under Armour alumni apparel!

GET YOUR GEAR!

Order yours today while quantities last at www.immaculatehs.org/alumniapparel. Items can be picked up at Immaculate or shipped to you!

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W NE

W NE

$55

$25

DESIGNED BY: Ryan Nolan ’09

MISSION STATEMENT In the Roman Catholic tradition, Immaculate High School fosters the development of the whole student by nurturing individual moral, intellectual, physical and social growth through an academically rigorous college preparatory curriculum that encourages respect, responsibility, reverence, creativity and leadership.

COMING HOME Whether you’re remembering a deceased classmate at the Mass of Remembrance, cheering on our Mustangs at Homecoming, attending your reunion, playing in an alumni soccer, football, hockey or basketball game, or presenting information about your job at IHS’s annual Career Day, you can connect with the Immaculate High School family through a variety of events throughout the year that will allow you to stay engaged with IHS and fellow alumni.

Alumni Cheering on the Mustangs

Soccer Bella Mingachos ’16 and Shauny Alterisio ’16 cheering on the Girls Soccer team.

Cross Country IHS XC alumni and now Division 1 runners Maggie Christe ’13, Carly Schuyler ’14 and Jess Wojnicki ’14 came out to support the team at the State Open meet at Wickham Park.

On The Greens

Alumni from across the decades joined us for the 27th Annual Golf Outing at Richter Park!

1960’s & 1970’s Mike Palmer ’69, Harold Gantert ’74, Bill Ward ’74 and Steve Palmer ’74 2009 Yiannis Kapetanopoulos, Mark LaPorte and Ryan Nolan

Homecoming

The Alumni Party at Tarrywile Mansion and Homecoming football game on October 21 was a great night for all!

L-R are Marianne (Urkiel) Mitchell ’81, Scott Mitchell ’81, Meg (Losee) Riefberg ’80, Larry Riefberg, Brendan Deakin ’86 and Joe Sullivan ’83

Scholarship Breakfast

Isaiah McCorkle ’12 spoke about his gratitude for receiving a scholarship to attend IHS. Thank you to Isaiah for sharing his story and to the many guests who attended this inaugural event, helping to raise over $15,000 for the Adopt-A-Mustang Fund.

Guests pictured include Kellie Mingachos, Nelson Mingachos ’89, MaryAnn Murtha (parent of alumni), Maria Sharp (parent of alumni) and Dan Murphy ’66.

Mass of Remembrance

Each year we remember all deceased members of the IHS family at a school-wide Mass and invite families of deceased alumni to join us. A memorial list of our deceased alums is at www.immaculatehs.org/inmemoriam.

Golden Mustang Mass & Luncheon Colleen (Shea) Santaniello ’66, Vickey Hickey ’66, Doris (Fontaine) Peterson ’66 and Patricia (Gaudioso) Fecarotta ’66 join fellow Golden Mustangs at this annual event for graduates that have celebrated their 50th reunion. We look forward to welcoming the Classes of ’66 and ’67 next September as we celebrate Mass, remember deceased classmates and have lunch in the cafeteria with students.

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RECONNECTING

“

Melancholia induced by nostalgia. It comes from taking a weekend where your right foot is off the gas and both feet are applied to the brake. We look into the rear view mirror and the sepia toned memories from 1981 return in living color. We enjoy spending time together remembering a time when the busts of our lives were unformed blocks of clay. Sorry to say it is now Wednesday, the weekend is fading, the sepia creeping back; although the images are clearer. The city is loud, feet are off the brakes, eyes fixed through the windshield, full speed ahead. I look forward to hitting the brakes with all of you again soon.”

- Russell Fulling ’81, shared after the Class of 1981’s 35th reunion

FALL 2016 REUNION RECAP

Four classes held reunions in October. Thank you to the reunion planning committees for all of your work in making each of the events memorable. Alumni gave back in record numbers to their reunion class gift, supporting the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund. Three classes, ’76, ’81 and ’91, contributed in excess of $1,000 each and will have a scholarship for a 201718 student which bears their name. Thank you to all organizers, attendees and donors for keeping the spirit of your class alive and well. The classes of ’67, ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’97, ’02, ’07 and ’12 are on deck for 2017. Please contact our Alumni Office to get started by emailing dsuarez@immaculatehs.org!

“

Immaculate reunions are always so warm and wonderful. Reconnecting with old friends is always so good for the soul. We are fortunate to be part of the greater Immaculate community and that is a special feeling that our reunions always remind us of.”

- Laurie Albano ‘76

GET SOCIAL

50 SAVE THE DATE CLASS OF 1967 GOLDEN MUSTANG REUNION Wednesday, May 31, 2017 IHS Graduation Saturday, June 3, 2017 50th Reunion Sunday, June 4, 2017 Mass at IHS 3 | immaculatehs.org

Connect with us online, or Follow, Like, and Friend Immaculate to receive updates in your own streams and feeds. Many classes have their own Facebook pages! If your class does not have one or you want help in finding yours, email dsuarez@immaculatehs.org.

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TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

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YOUTUBE

ALUMNI NEWS 1960’s

Alumni from the Class of ’68 enjoyed a night out together! Back row: Kathy (Barrett) Coladarci, Pat (Stankaitis) O’Neil, Ellen Grana; Front row: Suzanne (Mitchell) Westerberg, Tom Curran and Regina Gardner.

Whenever two or more Mustangs are gathered, send us the picture!

1970’s

Cathi Gillotti-Nelson ’77 is the Founder of APPO (Association for Personal Photo Organizers) and was recently a presenter for our Mustang Speaker Series at Immaculate. Thank you, Cathi!

Rich Schmiedel ’79 with his walking buddy, Kuma. Rich retired from working at the Bethel Post Office in 2013, after 29 years.

He is currently a manager at Chuck’s in Danbury, where he has worked since 1980.

1980’s

Chris Setaro ’83 established Setaro Law Firm at 2 Terrace Place in Danbury. The Setaro Law Firm’s recent open house was met with much enthusiasm for Chris’s new firm and location. It was great to see IHS alumni present to support and congratulate Chris!

Matt Eakin ’87 is the Executive Vice President at Mountainside Treatment. Matt began his career at Mountainside over 14 years ago. Today, he oversees the Business Development team while working on toplevel expansion projects, including Mountainside’s first off-site outpatient services center in Wilton, CT.

Luanne (Funk) Awlasewicz ’89 wrote a book titled, “An Angel Among Us,” which is a story of adventures shared between a boy and his brother. Although his brother becomes an angel the adventure continues. Her son Cooper illustrated the book. Their hope is that it helps children deal with the grief associated with the loss of a loved one. It is available on Amazon.com

1990’s

Moira (Deakin) Finney ’93 and her husband Jim welcomed their daughter, Grace Mary Finney, on August 16.

Eileen Gribbin ’97 of Hoboken, NJ was recently spotlighted by True Mentors for her work as Enrichment Club’s Volunteer Manager. Eileen is a graduate of Notre Dame and is currently an Informatics Consultant at CIGNA. Patrick Kennedy ’97 is the Athletic Director at the Harvey School in Katonah, New York. He has been at the school for 12 years, having taught 7th and 8th grade History, He was a middle school Dean and athletic director.

Brijesh Patel ’98 is Quinnipiac University’s first full-time strength and conditioning coach. He was recently featured in a New Haven Register article, highlighting his work in the athletic department as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Patel previously held the title of Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. Patel primarily works with the men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey teams at Quinnipiac, but also oversees the strength and conditioning development for all 21 varsity sports at Quinnipiac.

2000’s

Patrick Stroh ’06 is Physician Assistant with Danbury Orthopedics and was recently engaged to Caitlin Ann Clark. A May 2017 wedding is planned.

Mr. Plumb with daughters Ashley ’06 and Brandy ’08 in Nashville, TN.

2010’s

Megan Mitchell ’10 won 2016 Best TV News Reporter in the State by the North Dakota Broadcast Association! She recently joined WLWT in Cincinnati as weekend morning anchor/reporter.

Brett Decker ’10 received his Master’s Degree in Transportation and Urban Engineering from UConn and is now working as a Civil Engineer at STV Inc., in Boston. Between graduation and the start of his new job, Brett rode his bike almost 700 miles from San Francisco to San Diego along Highway 1!

Joe Bouffard ’92 met up with Dan McCorkle ’12 to teach him tips of running sporting events at the FBU National Championships in Middletown, CT. We love to see fellow Mustangs teaming up to advise, mentor and network!

Katie Allen ’14 is the captain of the University of Scranton’s first-ever women’s golf team in Scranton, PA. She knocked the first shot in school history down the middle on the first hole!

HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY TO SHARE?

Please share your alumni news and photos with Immaculate High School by emailing dsuarez@immaculatehs.org!

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IMMACULATE TODAY

469 24% #1 45 STUDENTS

SAT SCORES IN THE D.O.B.

ENROLLMENT

INCREASE IN ENROLLMENT SINCE 2012

CHILDREN OF ALUMNI

Alumni legacies such as (L-R) Henry, Mingachos, Gleissner, Wichman, Quish, Mitchell, Urkiel, Bierwirth and Seaman with their incoming Mustangs. Tradition never graduates!

ATHLETICS

Champion “State” of Mind

Immaculate saw two State titles this Fall. The Girls Cross Country team won the Class SS State title and is the first XC team in school history to qualify for the New England Cross Country Championships as a team. The Girls Soccer team were Class M State co-champions. This game marks the IHS Girls Soccer team’s 12th State title!

FINE ARTS Honoring the Veterans

At our annual Patriotic Concert, we paused to recognize all veterans for their service and sacrifice, many of whom are also Immaculate High School alumni, parents and friends. The choir was led by IHS alumna and Chorus Director, Samantha (Mingione) Murtha ‘07.

ACADEMICS National Merit Scholars

Immaculate proudly announces that three students were honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for scoring exceptionally high on the PSAT. Nicole DiMauro, daughter of Dean and Anne (Delsignore) DiMauro ’76, was recently named a semifinalist in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

In addition, 31 students and recent alumni received AP Scholar Awards. Academic excellence has long been a trademark of IHS and continues today.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Morning Glory Program

This Fall our students could be found gathering daily during their lunch time for Adoration in the Chapel, collecting 750 boxes of cereal for the Dorothy Day Morning Glory program and serving breakfast to the homeless, raking lawns of area residents in need and bringing supplies to the homeless of NYC via our Midnight Run program.

Our students are making a difference in the lives of others by putting their faith into action!

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Making an Impact

Thanks to being approved for a state energy savings program, the summer of 2016 saw the replacement of an over fifty-year-old roof, partial HVAC upgrades, the addition of solar panels, the conversion to LED lighting throughout the building and a new energy-efficient physics laboratory/classroom.

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GIVING BACK Our alumni give back in countless ways. We celebrate all gifts of time, talent and treasure. Our alumni come back to teach, coach, serve in the Alumni Association and on the Advisory Board (the current School Advisory Board Chairperson is David Cappiello ‘86), organize reunions and attend events. You will find that the adage “Once a Mustang, always a Mustang” rings true! You may leave us on graduation day, but we hope that IHS never leaves you. Please know that our students pray for our alumni and benefactors at Friday Masses throughout the school year. They are grateful for the gift of an IHS education and understand that those who have gone before them have paved the way.

PAVE THE WAY

The Pave the Way campaign, spearheaded by the first graduating class of Immaculate, will provide a beautiful approach of pavers to complement the new front entrance, extending a safer welcome to all who enter our school. The walkway is currently in much need of repair. This project is estimated to cost $80,000. The Class of ‘66 started the tradition of excellence that is Immaculate High School and have again “paved the way” for the future with their $20K+ reunion class gift toward this campaign. The Class of 2016 added another $2,000 with their senior class gift. The Classes of 1967 and 2017 will look to contribute to the project in 2017. All donors contributing $100+ will be recognized on a Pave the Way plaque.

Raised so far

$22,500

Fundraising goal

$80,000

immaculatehs.org/pavetheway

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO WANTED MISSING ALUMNI!

• Last seen at Immaculate High School 73 Southern Boulevard, Danbury, CT, 06810 • Wearing an Immaculate High School Uniform IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION OR HAVE SEEN MISSING ALUMNI

PLEASE VISIT

www.immaculatehs.org/missingalumni or contact: Denise Suarez, Director of Alumni Relations, dsuarez@immaculatehs.org (203) 744-1510 ext. 158

Please note that it has recently come to our attention that many business e-mails are not receiving our information. Please check SPAM or provide your personal email by using the link below. We want to include all of our 6,000+ alumni in the news of Immaculate, alumni events and stories.

Please take a moment to visit our website to help ensure that we have the most accurate contact information for you. The alumni are the foundation of our school and we can only stay in touch if we have your information!

immaculatehs.org/missingalumni

This is our inaugural print newsletter and we hope you have enjoyed reading it. We plan to make this a bi-annual publication for our alumni. If you or your business would like to help fund this newsletter, which reaches the over 4,000 alumni for which we have addresses, please contact Denise Suarez at dsuarez@immaculatehs.org. Thank you for your support!

Alumni Spotlight:

RICHARD ROBBINS ’66

Richard Robbins, M.D., FACP attended the Class of 1966 reunion this past June. Being part of Immaculate’s first graduating class and being inducted as a “Golden Mustang” was a special weekend for Richard and his classmates. “When I returned to IHS for the 50th anniversary of our graduation, I was struck by the tired exterior of the front of the building and was happy to contribute to a fund to renovate and rejuvenate the appearance of this grand educational institution!,” he said. Richard asked to speak to his classmates at the reunion regarding his hopes that they might join together and support the Pave the Way campaign. He shared, “I hope that the school continues to help shape the characters, and the careers, of the bright young minds of southwestern Connecticut.”

After graduating from IHS, Dr. Robbins graduated from the University of Dayton and then went on to finish second in his medical school class at Creighton University. His career in medicine progressed from an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado to the Head of the Neuroendocrinology Program at Yale Medical School. At Yale, he served as Director of the Yale PItuitary Center and as Chairman of the Yale Medical School Council.

He received lifetime tenure at Yale at age 40. He also worked at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell Medical School. In 2006, Dr. Robbins became Chairman of the Department of Medicine and the Charles and Anne Duncan Presidential Distinguished Chair at Houston Methodist Hospital. He is also a Professor of Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and a Senior Member of The Methodist Hospital Research Institute.

Richard currently resides in Houston, TX with his wife Anne Kathleen Robbins, MLS, whom he has been married to for 47 years. They have two children, Andrew and Heather, and six adorable grandchildren. Richard is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Houston Symphony To read more of Richard’s story please visit: immaculatehs.org/alumnispotlights

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Immaculate

High School

73 Southern Blvd • Danbury, CT 06810 www.immaculatehs.org

Immaculate

High School OFFICE OF ALUMNI 203-744-1510 ext. 158 alumni@immaculatehs.org www.immaculatehs.org

ALUMNI PRAYER Thank you for the gift of our Immaculate High School education. Bless all those who helped make IHS possible for each of us, and all of those who continue to support this special school. Bless the faculty and staff with your grace as they guide students on their journey to become the best that they can be. May Your spirit inspire the minds and hearts of our current students. Please watch over our alumni and their families.

Help each of us to continue to share our time and talents in service to our alma mater and to others. Continue to bless and shine Your light on this school, so that future Mustangs may continue to benefit from an Immaculate High School education.

BEST WISHES TO ALL IHS ALUMNI AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR PEACE AND JOY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND THROUGHOUT THE NEW YEAR. UPCOMING EVENTS

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MAR MUSTANG SPEAKER SERIES

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APR ANNUAL GALA

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APR CAREER DAY

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APR SPRING MUSICAL

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JUN CLASS OF ’67 50TH REUNION