Jaynotes | Vol. 32 No. 3 | Spring/Summer 2005

GUEST AUTHOR

1920

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POPE JOHN PAUL II

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2005

Jody Fortunato ’98 completed his third year as a theology teacher and is leaving Jesuit High School to attend Loyola University’s School of Law in the fall. He taught Christianity to pre-freshmen and church histor y to sophomor es. Fortunato ser ved as moderator of the Student Council, the Pro-Life Club, the Mock Trial Team, and the Class of 2007 Christian Life Community. He graduated from Villanova University in 2002 with Bachelor of Ar ts degrees in philosophy and theology.

An Exchange of Hats

As a freshman at Villanova in 1998, I happened upon a new biography, Witness to Hope, by Catholic theologian George Weigel. His was the most thorough account yet of Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla of Kraków, Poland. The book changed my life and the lives of several others I’ve come to know well through what we like to call our ongoing “Catholic conversation.” It was this intense exchange that brought me to teach theology at Jesuit, that brought me to see the world anew, and that brought me closer to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and His Church.

The first time I saw the Pope was September 1987, just down Carrollton Avenue. I was perched atop one of those stone lions across from Notre Dame Seminary as the Popemobile approached.

Those around me began to cheer together, “John Paul 2, we love you!” I remember, at the modest age of seven, joining in their excitement all the while thinking, “Who is this guy?” Little did I know that his ministry and his story would change my life.

Sixteen years later I found myself in Poland studying under Weigel in a month-long seminar on Catholic social teaching in the Pope’s hometown. My time in Poland was intensely prayerful.

When we weren’t in class, we toured the country visiting all the important sites from the Pope’s life. It was as intense a Wojtyla summer as I could have ever imagined.

After the conference two of my best friends from Jesuit, Casey Cowley ’98 (shown far right in photo) and Matt Orillion ’98, joined me for a two-week pilgrimage through Europe that ended with several days in Rome.

Being ardent admirers of John Paul, we hoped to gain admittance to one of his Masses or an audience. With only a day left and none of our plans working out, I decided to work the phones.

Through the Vatican switchboard, I managed to reach someone in the Pontifical Household. The Polish nun rebuked me for calling: “We all want to do beautiful things, but sometimes we just can’t!” Slam! So disgusted was I after several futile phone conversations that I decided to move this process up the chain of command.

I asked the operator to speak to the office of the Pope’s private secretary, Polish Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, who was the Holy Father’s right-hand man and gatekeeper of nearly thirty years. I knew that he was with the Pope at the summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, but I thought my call could be transferred there. “Pronto [Hello],” said the voice on the other end of the line. Frustrated by nearly a dozen previous phone transfers, I barked out: “I’d like to speak to Monsignor Dziwisz’s office, please.” Then came the thickly accented response that made my heart sink. “It is Monsignor Dziwisz to whom you are speaking.”

Imagining the Pope sitting next to Dziwisz as he fielded my call, I began to explain to the Archbishop our love for the Pope and our desire to greet him at the next day’s general audience. I told him how I had attempted to meet the Holy Father before as a pilgrim in Rome in 2000 and how I wrote him recently requesting an audience. Dziwisz interrupted me, “Please calm down…you and your friends from Louisiana will meet the Holy Father tomorrow morning.” I was to meet his adjunct at

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JAYNotes

BY JODY FORTUNATO ’98

the Vatican Palace. Dziwisz was to tell him I was coming.

At the Vatican the savvy assistant told me that “these things are difficult” before plainly informing me that meeting the Pope would be impossible.

He said he had received no instructions from Msgr. Dziwisz regarding my greeting the Pope. To quell my repeated requests that he reconsider, he said I that I should ask for him at the gate in the morning.

I had read of an old tradition of diplomats exchanging hats with the Pope as a souvenir of their meeting. Convinced that we would not be greeting John Paul II, I entered the Pope’s tailor shop and reluctantly bought a papal zucchetto, or skullcap, as I thought “just in case.”

The next morning at the gate about sixty others were asking to speak with Dziwisz and his adjunct. After waiting in line for three hours, we barely made it in to the public audience. Our position was the farthest away from the platform at the very back. No familiar faces were anywhere in sight until just about a minute before the Pope was to emerge. I spotted the Vatican assistant on the stage. After hurriedly squeezing through the heavy crowds all the way to the front, I called out his name. We made eye contact, and he smiled a smile that said I’m sorry. He had finally spoken to Dziwisz. A papal chamberlain appeared. “I understand you are from Louisiana.” Stunned, all I could utter was, “We are three.”

Within moments we were ushered to three swiftly-arranged chairs just next to the papal platform. Out comes the Vicar of Christ. An exhausted soul, I began to cry.

After the audience, we met our hero. “Holy Father, I recently placed flowers at the grave of your brother and your parents in Kraków, and I prayed for the repose of their souls.” Clearly pleased, he raised his arms and blessed me on the forehead. We exchanged hats. Overwhelmed, I turned away from a moment, an experience, a man who had changed my life.

W H E R E Y ’ AT Sidney Brown ’33 intends to stay busy just like he’s always done. Don’t believe any rumors you might have heard about his impending retirement. Sidney just laughs it off and says they’re just rumors. At age 88, he’s still working full time representing 88 different flooring manufacturers. An active alumnus, Sidney attended the 2005 Commencement Luncheon as well as a lunch Brother Dardis S.J. ’58 recently hosted in the Student Commons for alums who graduated between 1929-1942. Sidney lives in Lacombe.

Carlos Leiva ’51 lives in the Atlanta area and after 35 years in the insurance business is enjoying retirement. Carlos likes staying connected to his alma mater through Jaynotes and through his friendship with his classmate Milton Retif ’51.

Ronald J. Jung ’58 was honored on May 19, 2005, by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes for 25 years of volunteer service to the Archbishop’s Community Appeal.

J. Michael Fitzpatrick, PhD. ’64 retired as president and chief operating officer of Rohm and Haas Company, a Philadelphiabased specialty chemicals and materials company. Michael lives in the Philly suburb of Flourtown.

Vic Fulham ’65 and his wife Pam were honored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans with the Order of St. Louis Medallion given for their faithful service to St. Pius X parish and the school community. The Fulhams were two of 274 lay persons across the Archdiocese who received the award.

Mike McGlone ’68 has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America. The induction ceremony at which Mike became a Fellow took place before an audience of 845 persons during the 2004 Annual Meeting of the College in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike is a partner in the New Orleans-based firm of Lemle & Kelleher, L.L.P. and has been practicing in New Orleans for 29 years. The newly inducted Fellow is an alumnus (Class of 1975) of Loyola University School of Law. Mike’s litigation practice is primarily focused in the area of admiralty and maritime law.

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Michael “Kelly” Tillery ’72 has joined the Philadelphia law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP as a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Kelly is a national authority in intellectual property and anti-counterfeiting protection. He has been in the forefront of protecting the trademarks and copyrights of performing artists as well as major software, novelty, jewelry, and designer manufacturers all over the world. He has written numerous articles and frequently lectures on issues involving the protection of intellectual property and electronic commerce. Kelly received his undergraduate degree with honors from Swarthmore College in 1976 and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1979.

Mike Rihner ’78, music instructor and former chair of the music department at NOCCA, recently completed a commissioned symphony entitled Waterton Glacier Suite. Mike recently went to Vancouver for the premiere of his new symphony. He can be found around town in various musical incarnations—Rhino, Rhino Acoustic Project, and Mike Rihner, solo pianist.

James Nelson IV ’81 was promoted to senior vice president of private and business banking at Hibernia Bank.

Dr. John C. Drouilhet III ’84 was a featured speaker at a recent seminar for vascular surgeons in Newport Beach, California. John lives in Pass Christian while his twin brother, Patrick W. Drouilhet ’84 resides in Houston. Patrick recently joined the law firm of Foreman, Perry, Watkins, Krutz & Tardy, L.L.P. Ray C. Baas, Jr. ’84 has joined the mortgage department at Gulf Coast Bank and works at the bank’s new Lakeview branch.

Carlos Bertot ’86 won two wrestling titles in the veterans division of the National Championships. Carlos won the gold medal in the folkstyle event and two weekends later took first place in the freestyle event. He is believed to be the first wrestling alumnus from Jesuit to win a National Double Title.

Carlos enjoys a hectic schedule that involves work, being a husband, parenting four children, attending school at UNO, training, and serving as an assistant wrestling coach at Jesuit.

Jarrod Broussard ’86 was elected chairman of the board of Odyssey House in New Orleans.

Leonard Young ’86 received the “Atlas Award” from his employer, Sewell CadillacChevrolet, for being the “most productive sales associate for the dealership in 2004.”

Leonard has been married for seven years to Glenny Lester, daughter of David Lester ’59, and has three boys.

Percill Griffin ’88 moved to the Houston area in November 2003 to expand his accounting and tax practice. He graduated from Loyola University with a dual degree in accounting and finance. He worked with a local CPA firm for seven years with clients in the construction, oil & gas, engineering, power, retail, and computer systems industries.

Capt. David M. Carey ’93 was deployed to Iraq on February 18, 2005. He is assigned to the 5th CAG II MEF. (Read David’s “Letter from the Lines” on page 5.0) Dominic Massa ’94 was honored as a “Rising Star” by the New Orleans Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Dominic is a news producer at WWL-TV and newly installed president of the Press Club of New Orleans.

Ralph Voorhies IV ’94 recently was awarded the title of certified hand therapist. He was required to practice as an occupational therapist for five years, provide 4,000 hours of evaluation and rehabilitation to patients with pre and postoperative hand and arm diagnoses, and pass a rigorous exam administered by the American Society of Hand Therapists. The CHT designation, held by some 4,000 therapists worldwide, is the highest recognition an occupational or physical therapist specializing in upper extremity care can attain. He works for Chalmette Medical Center focusing on traumatic orthopedic injuries. His wife, Romi, works for Millennium Rehabilitation as an occupational therapist and department director. His stepson, Alex Talbot ’09, completed his prefreshman year at Jesuit.

Dr. Kris Radcliff ’96 received his M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine in May 2004. His cousin Capt. Brandon

ALUMNI LET US KNOW . . .

Gregoire, USMC ’91 and friend Jeremy Broussard ’95 were present. Kris has begun his residency at Baylor Medical Center in Houston and will specialize in orthopedic surgery.

Lance S. Hecker ’98 has obtained his Police Officer Standards and Training Certification and is currently working as an investigator with the Office of the Attorney General for the state of Louisiana.

Sgt. Gerard C. Conrad, Jr. ’98 is currently serving his country in Iraq. He joined the Army National Guard after graduating from LSU. His mom writes that he is one of the many to “stand up and be counted” for the USA. He is serving in the 2/156 Infantry known as the “Blacksheep.”

Brett A. Grau ’99 completed both his academic and his soccer careers at Spring Hill College in May 2004, when he received his B.A. in communications. Brett now works as video editor for FOX-8’s new morning news show. He arrives at work at 1 a.m. and gets off in time for dinner at 9 a.m.

Ted Joyner ’00 and Grant Widmer ’02 were studying architecture at LSU when they formed a band with three other musicians, calling themselves The Eames Era in honor of iconic mid-century industrial designers Charles and Rae Eames. The group recently issued a full-length CD and is currently touring the country. “Could Be Anything,” one of the record’s “cool cuts,” was noticed by the music supervisor for the popular ABC-TV program “Grey’s Anatomy.” Producers paid to use the catchy song in an episode that aired in April. Joyner told a reporter that the band was surprised and excited about the sudden attention. “Does this make us famous?”

Joyner wondered, then quickly supplied his answer. “I don’t think it will.” Check out the band’s website at www.theeamesera.com.

Ewell Cardwell Potts IV ’00 completed his studies at Harvard University and is currently employed by Louis Dreyfus Corporation in a rather sweet position—trading sugar commodities. He sailed collegiately throughout his time at Harvard University and was voted an honorable mention College All-American during his freshman year. He was a College All-American during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was

WHERE Y’AT, MAN. You enjoy reading about fellow Blue Jay alumni. They enjoy reading about you.

Take a couple of minutes to tell them WHERE Y’AT, MAN!

Mail to Jaynotes, Alumni Office, Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119 or email to alumni@jesuitnola.org.

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News about yourself (or other grads); please limit your entry to 100 words:

Please remember Jesuit High School in your will. Call 504-483-3813 for more information about Planned Giving. selected as College Sailor of the Year in 2004.

He continues to sail competitively and lives in Stamford, Connecticut.

David Rodriguez ’01 is finishing up at Loyola University. He works as the editor of the Double Dealer, which is the journal of the Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society. David’s responsibilities include design and layout of the publication.

Jared J. Fernandez ’04, who served as Jesuit’s student webmaster, will be among the first students in the country to work towards an undergraduate degree in nanotechnology.

Jared completed his freshman year at Louisiana Tech, which recently became the first university in the country to offer such a degree. Nanosystems engineering is the application of basic chemistry and physics to develop technologies and products on the nanoscale (one-billionth of a meter). Jared will enroll in the program in the fall.

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BIB LIST Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Prendergast ’50 on the birth of their seventh grandchild, second grandson, Aidan Costigan, February 6, 2005.

Bro. William J. Dardis, S.J. ’58, Francis J. Dardis ’62, and Joseph M. Dardis ’64.

Dr. and Mrs. Robert P. Blereau ’53 on the birth of their second grandchild, a boy, Justin David Russell, January 29, 2005.

Mr. and Mrs. Greg L. Johnson ’88 on the birth of their children (triplets!), Allyson Ainsley Johnson, Christian Gregory Johnson, and Bailey Clare Johnson, January 14, 2005.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Browne ’56 on the birth of their granddaughter, Caroline Louise McDearman, December 28, 2004. Caroline is the niece of Patrick J. Browne, Jr. ’88 and Stephen B. Browne ’91.

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley C. Simons ’88 on the birth of their third child, a girl, Kate Anne Simons, December 21, 2004. Kate is the granddaughter of Dr. Stanley C. Simons ’60 and the niece of Jody J. Fortunato ’98.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack O. Dodson ’61 on the birth of their grandson, Burton Stubbs, April 28, 2004.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Falk, Jr. ’89 on the birth of their first child, a daughter, Meredith Ashton Falk, November 30, 2004. Meredith is the granddaughter of Mr. Michael P. Falk ’65.

Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Bravo ’63 on the birth of their fourth grandson, Ryan Jude Bravo, January 31, 2005.

Mr. and Mrs. Ashton R. O’Dwyer, Jr. ’65 on the birth of their fourth grandchild, a girl, Anna Katerine Day, December 15, 2004. Anna is the great-granddaughter of the late Ashton M. O’Dwyer ’40 and the grand-niece of Michael P. O’Dwyer ’74.

Mr. and Mrs. John B. Alberts ’83 on the birth of their first child, Amelia Devereaux Alberts, October 15, 2004. Amelia is the grandchild of Emile P. Lafourcade, Jr. ’60 and the niece of Emile P. Lafourcade III ’90.

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Becker, Jr. ’84 on the birth of their daughter, Brenna Jane Becker, March 28, 2005. Brenna is the granddaughter John D. Becker ’57 and the niece of Brian P. Becker ’85.

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle S. Brue ’84 on the birth of their daughter, Holly Jean Brue, December 29, 2004.

Holly is the granddaughter of Peter E. Brue ’53.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Adams III ’85 on the birth of their son, Charles "William" Adams IV, May 20, 2004. Charles is the nephew of James M. Adams ’88.

Drs. Daniel ’87 and Sarah Scott on the birth of their daughter, Alexis Elizabeth Scott, April 11, 2005. Alexis is the granddaughter of James F. Scott, Jr. ’61 and the niece of James F. Scott III ’86.

Mr. and Mrs. David Gibbons, Jr. ’87 on the birth of their son, David Cartan Loker Gibbons III, August 9, 2004. David is the nephew of Michael T. Charbonnet ’83.

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Brewster ’88 on the birth of their second child, a girl, Emma Lauren Brewster, August 13, 2004. Emma is the niece of Arthur J. Brewster ’80 and Bradley G. Brewster ’84.

Mr. and Mrs. John J. Dardis, Jr. ’88 on the birth of their daughter, Mary Josephine Dardis, March 19, 2005. Mary is the granddaughter of John J. Dardis ’59, niece of William C. Dardis ’90 and Stephen P. Dardis ’97, and the great-niece of

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Mr. and Mrs. C. Todd Thomas ’89 on the birth of their son, Clay Elliot Thomas, March 8, 2004.

Clay is the grandson of Wayne E. Thomas ’65 and the nephew of Timothy Wayne ’93.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Daigre ’90 on the birth of their son, Shaun Michael Daigre, October 11, 2004. Shaun is the great-grandson of the late Frank J. Daigre, Jr. ’31, the grandson of Paul J. Daigre ’64, the great-nephew of Richard G. Daigre ’56, and the nephew of Paul J. Daigre ’87, Frank J. Daigre ’89, and Mark P. Daigre ’03.

Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey B. Morris ’90 on the birth of their son, Grant Brennan Morris, December 3, 2004. Grant is the grandson of Dr. George B. Morris III ’62, and the nephew of Dr. George B. Morris IV ’87 and Garrett B. Morris ’89.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd E. DiMaggio ’91 on the birth of their daughter, Brooke Catherine DiMaggio, January 6, 2005. Brooke is the greatgranddaughter of Nicholas A. DiMaggio ’33, greatniece of Claude H. Bourgeois, Jr. ’58, and the niece of Duane T. DiMaggio ’84, Keith N. DiMaggio ’90, and Richard J. Slattery ’83.

Dr. and Mrs. Charles G. Haddad, Jr. ’91 on the birth of their second child, a daughter, O’Neil Ann Haddad, September 20, 2004. O’Neil is the granddaughter of Charles G. Haddad ’63, the niece of O’Neil J. Parenton, Jr. ’73, Patrick J. Parenton ’74, Thomas G. Parenton ’77, Timothy M. Parenton ’80, Michael J. Parenton ’84, Kelly L. Parenton ’90, Stephen J. Haddad ’96, Warren A. Cuntz, Jr. ’80 and the cousin of Joseph W. Reilly, Jr. ’01.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Aucoin, Jr. ’92 on the birth of their daughter, Patricia Randle Aucoin, April 2, 2004. Patricia is the great-granddaughter of Jules J. Vulliet ’37, the late Leon Sarpy ’24, and the cousin of Benjamin W. Cozard ’05.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos A. Calix, Jr. ’92 on the birth of their first child, Maggie Elise, October 29, 2004. Maggie is the niece of Michael Hall ’92.

Mr. and Mrs. David P. Joint ’93 on the birth of their son, Grayson Patrick Joint, December 24, 2004. Grayson is the grandson of George T. Joint, Jr. ’68, the great-grandson of George T. Joint, Sr. ’32, and the nephew of Richard O. Joint ’01.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. O’Neill ’93 on the birth of their son, Michael Vincent O’Neill, February 21, 2005. Vincent is the nephew of Richard L. O’Neill, Jr. ’84 and David J. O’Neill II ’87.

Mr. and Mrs. Lance J. Schilling ’94 on the birth of their daughter, Lauren Marie Schilling.

Lauren is the granddaughter of Louis J. Schilling ’69 and the niece of Lyle J. Schilling ’99.

Mr. and Mrs. Tevis B. Vandergriff IV ’94 on the birth of their first child, a son, Kees Lewis, September 30, 2004. Kees is the nephew of Sean L. Vandergriff ’98.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian H. Villavaso ’94 on the birth of their daughter, Morgan Marie Villavaso, March 24, 2005. Morgan is the granddaughter of Hugh C. Villavaso ’47 and the niece of Darrin C. Villavaso ’82.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy D. Broussard ’95 on the birth of their daughter, Lauren Monique Broussard, January 10, 2005.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott H. Clark ’95 on the birth of their son, Cameron Scott Clark, February 22, 2005.

Cameron is the grandson of the late William N. Clark ’57 and the nephew of Willam N. Clark, Jr. ’82.

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Dodson ’95 on the birth of their son, Conner Daniel, March 4, 2005.

Conner is the grandson of Jack O. Dodson ’61.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd P. Golemi ’95 on the birth of their son, Harrison Walker Golemi, January 13, 2005. Harrison is the nephew of Charles N. Montgomery III ’95 and Randall E. Montgomery ’97.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Guste ’95 on the birth of their son, Henry Joseph Guste, December 28, 2004.

Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. Stevens ’95 on the birth of their son, Sean Patrick Stevens, March 31, 2005.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian C. Usner ’97 on the birth of their son, John Patrick (Jack) Usner, December 29, 2004. Jack is the nephew and godson of Taylor M. Norton ’98.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T. Higuelos ’01 on the birth of their son, Aiden Thomas Hijuelos, February 13, 2005. Aiden is the grandson of Alfred L. Hijuelos ’69 and the nephew of Jonathan C. Hijuelos ’99.