Hill-Murray Today

Hill-Murray Today Hill-Murray School Alumni Magazine

FALL 2014

“Go, do not be afraid, and serve.”

-Pope Francis

contents

FALL 2014 VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 H I L L - M U R R AY TODAY MAGAZINE

Dear AlumsThis summer and fall have been a whirlwind of reunions and Homecoming activities. I feel so blessed to witness all of the laughter and joy as old classmates reconnect and reminisce. We are grateful to all the folks who stepped up to plan their reunions; they were all a great success.

A huge thank you goes out to the 1964 classes of Hill and Archbishop Murray, who celebrated 50 years over the weekend of Oct. 9th-12th. They have raised over $5000 so far, which will be used to construct archive display cases in the front entrance of the school near the theater. This will allow us to have a visible history of the two wonderful schools that eventually became Hill-Murray. I have heard from many alums who have items to donate. Please feel free to contact me if you have something you would like to contribute.

Keep watching your email for upcoming alumni events, and for ways to get involved and reconnect. If you are not receiving the Alumni E-News, please let us know and we will update your email address.

And finally, I would like to welcome a fellow alum to our staff here at Hill-Murray. Amy Joynson Gutknecht ’88, is our new Marketing and Communications Director. Amy will play a big part in future editions of Hill-Murray Today, and we are excited she is back.

I hope to see you soon at a play, concert, game or alumni gathering. Or stop by and I will be happy to give you a tour.

Go Pioneers!

Judy Hajlo Schwartz ‘79 Alumni Relations Coordinator

President, Dr. Susan Paul Principal, Dr. Chuck Briscoe Vice President for Development, Chris Zupfer Director of Finance, Jacquie (Meyer) LaMonica ‘82 Director of Advancement Programs, Aaron Miller Director of Facilities, Bill Schafhauser ‘80 Alumni Manager/Editor, Judy Hajlo Schwartz ‘79 Director of Marketing, Amy Joynson Gutknecht ‘88 Athletic Director, Bill Lechner 2 TODAY FALL 2014

on the cover: Kentucky Volunteers 3 .......... Message From President 4,5 ....... Pioneering in Kentucky 6 .......... Pioneer Progress 7 .......... Distinguished Alumni 8,9 ....... Homecoming 2014 10 ........ Brother Martin Serves Youth 11 ........ Alum Notes 12 ........ Hello and Goodbye 13 ........ Class of 1964 Celebrates 50 years 14 ........ Reunions 15 ........ Memoriam

From The President

I

f you follow us on Facebook, you’re probably already tuned into many of the exciting things going on at HillMurray. You’ll see the latest campus upgrades, three new art studios, an eight-court tennis complex; our first class of six graders; and the launch of HM Connected, our laptop program, maximizing student engagement and access to the latest educational resources and tools for collaboration. Our new principal, Dr. Chuck Briscoe, has made it his aim to learn about our rich traditions and our high expectations for academic and cocurricular success. He spent much of the summer meeting with retired and current faculty members to listen and to honor their experience, asking their “advice for the new principal.” He also studied the 2013-2014 yearbook to learn the names of our current students to get a jump on being a part of a school community where students are truly “known, loved and respected.”

Our Facebook posts and our website are both quick ways to maximize your Pioneer Pride. You’ll see photos and updates that give you a real sense of how actively engaged our students are. They study hard, they work hard, and they play hard. They care about each other- they take care of each other – and they love their school.

As you peruse the posts, a theme quickly emerges and that is the incredible depth and variety of service performed by our students and staff. In just the past month’s postings, you’ll see Pioneers of all ages serving in so many meaningful ways: • Our Sowers of Justice group created 70 fleece blankets on a recent Saturday and they were honored to present them to Mr. Allen Law, founder of the Minneapolis Recreation Development’s Samaritan Outreach program, who will distribute them to the homeless in the Twin Cities.

• Our Peer Helpers held an Open House to promote the Peer Listening and Peer Tutoring programs that serve our students with countless hours of peer-to-peer training and support.

• Two separate food drives, one in conjunction with our Homecoming football game and one sponsored by the boys and girls soccer teams, collected much needed nourishment for children and their families at nearby Webster Elementary School, a popular site for our Christian Service Learning students.

• 20 H-M students and staff joined up with the girls swim team to support the “Step Up for Down Syndrome” walk at Como Park.

They were motivated by the Pioneer Seminar, “Raising a Child with Special Needs, led by veteran teachers Jean Busch and Mary Grau-

Stumpf. Over the years, I know that many alums watched Jean’s son, Joey, cheer on the Pioneers at countless Hill-Murray games and concerts and the photo with his charming smile says it all.

• Recently, our entire staff participated in a service retreat that both began and ended with prayer, and in between, we all went out into the community to serve the needs of Feed My Starving Children, the Harriet Tubman Center East, the Hope for the Journey Home shelter and to help remove buckthorn from the Priory Neighborhood Preserve adjacent to our campus. Check out the efforts of some of your favorite staff members.

Access the daily announcements online and you might see things like the volleyball and football teams’ efforts to raise awareness and money to creatively fight breast cancer by sponsoring “spike cancer” and “tackle cancer” at their games. You might also see students making plans to participate in the annual Cardboard Box City SleepOut, just one of the ways our students learn to be powerful and effective advocates for the homeless in Minnesota.

Many of you probably recall logging service hours for NHS or for the Senior Social Studies service requirement; and we still require our students to perform service, especially to the poor and vulnerable, throughout their high school experience. Service is such a part of our community and the latest Facebook posts provide just a glimpse into the ways our students live out their faith. Our commitment to service is real and you’ll note that this issue of H-M Today highlights how we live out the Gospel message. Our staff is embracing the spirit of servant leadership and we’re committed to serving one another as well as our students, enhancing the community of support and stewardship that is Hill-Murray.

Committed to our Catholic Social Teachings, our students have the opportunity to serve our own community and the broader community in ways that empower them to respond to Pope Francis’ call to “Go, do not be afraid, and serve.” The vision and the expectations are clear – Our students graduate from Hill-Murray ready to make communities well beyond our school better because of their membership in the HillMurray family. They have the potential to change the world.

Every day, our students are making you proud, building upon the great traditions established before them. Stop in when you are able, follow us on Facebook, check out our website, and keep us in your prayers for a very bright future.

Susan N. Paul, Ed.D. President

Congratulations to Hill-Murray’s 2009 graduate Mark Santrach who was named the 2014 Valedictorian for Notre Dame. Santrach achieved Dean’s List honors each semester while at Notre Dame and earned a 3.993 cumulative grade point average.

While at Notre Dame, Mark was a member of Tau Sigma Delta Architecture Honor Society, and spent eight months in the University’s Rome Studies program immersed in Italian architecture and urbanism focusing on Renaissance design and the traditional city. He has been published in “Hybrid Drawing Techniques: Design Process and Presentation,” and the University’s School of Architecture student magazine, “Acroterion.”

Mark is currently working as an architectural intern in London for Porphyrios Associates, a classical and traditional architecture and urbanism firm in Mark Santrach delivering the 2014 Valedictorian speach at Notre Dame.

London.

www.hill-murray.org 3

Pioneering in Kentucky

By Shawn Illgen

P

ope Francis says, “Jesus teaches us another way: Go out.

Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as spirit.” Over the last ten years, a group of Hill-Murray students and staff have done just that. A desire for service and a love for bluegrass music have combined to provide an incredible experience for thirty-six students and staff to travel to Kentucky to build and refurbish homes for the Hazzard/Perry County Community. “This service project is one of the most popular among students and staff,” said staff member Tim Cooper. “Within two weeks of the registration opening it is full. It’s wonderful to see the kids eager to push themselves both physically and spiritually. We want them working hard, to expose them to poverty and service, and to enrich their faith and see how they can change the world.”

The students and staff immediately become entrenched in the culture and are amazed at the environment surrounding them. “You can’t even begin to imagine what Appalachia looks like,” remarked Cooper. “The ghastly poverty conditions are unbelievable.” “Homes are situated between massive mountains with nothing around them,” explained staff member, Shane Rose. “Just like our families here, the families of Hazzard are very hard working. They get up each day and go to work and school. But the conditions they live in are deplorable. The location of their homes is so remote there is no waste disposal available to them so garbage just piles up inside abandoned semi-trailers on their property. The circumstances that these people live in really changes the way you look at the world.”

The week is filled with building and repairing homes, visiting with veterans, and entertaining residents at a senior drop-in

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home. The volunteers are split into three different groups each day. This allows them to build new relationships and perform new jobs to make the experience even richer. The carpenters they work alongside all week show incredible patience and gratitude to the volunteers. “Every carpenter is magic to these kids,” said Rose. “Many students have never worked with tools, hung siding or replaced a roof before. The patience that they exude to the kids and staff is amazing.” And the feeling of admiration is returned from the carpenters. “Every year the students shock them with the leadership they undertake and how hard they work. The kids take genuine pride in their work, and while it’s extremely difficult at times, they truly enjoy what they are doing. The collaborative relationships built in Kentucky will last a lifetime.”

When asked to share special memories from their recent summer trip, Rose spoke of when they were entertaining residents at the senior drop-in home. While performing, one resident ran back to get his guitar to join in the fun while senior, John Blanda, was playing the piano. “John is an extremely talented musician, and there was a resident who was a world class piano player,” said Rose. “This gentleman could not be coaxed out of his room and he refused to join the activities. He also would never play the piano at the home.

But something touched him when he heard John play. Slowly we saw him wheeling himself down the hall and he spoke with John. He expressed his passion for the piano and they spoke for a long time. This gentleman finally had found someone he could connect with. It was a moment that impacted all of us in a profound way.”

Both Rose and Cooper agree the connections made are the most rewarding part of the trip. It is wonderful to see the kids bond with the homeowners, carpenters, and townspeople.

They truly appreciate the work they are doing for these people.

They gain a better understanding of how deeply rich they are in so many areas of their lives. “When we arrive, to witness the differences in their circumstances is alarming, but the connections and relationships that are made throughout the week bridge those differences,” mentions Cooper.

While the volunteers work hard, they are rewarded with some fun activities. The coalition of people from the community joined them on the Kentucky River for beach day. They enjoyed a cook-out and some well-deserved rest. They were also able to attend the Hindman Settlement Appalachian Folk School Festival where they were able to participate in a call dance, and relaxed while listening to some bluegrass band music that first drew them to Kentucky many years ago.

Each year it is discussed if a new location should be chosen to give students a new perspective, yet every year they return to the Appalachian Mountains. “Every time the experience is so incredible and the thought is there is no possible way the next time would be as meaningful,” expressed Shane Rose. But the kids rise to the challenge of work that is needed and they surpass all expectations.” Cooper added, “Each time we arrive we are treated like royalty. The town and community are so appreciative of the services we provide, they make certain we are well taken care of.” Cooper recalled a time when they arrived at the church they were staying at to find the showers were inoperable. “The Mayor arranged to keep their Pavilion, their version of a YMCA, open after hours so we could clean up. He is so thankful for our group and our work; he wants to make sure we keep coming back.”

Both Cooper and Rose mentioned the relationships they have formed with the students over the week are stronger than they could have imagined possible. Everyone is there to serve the community, but we also serve each other. “Everyone cooks and cleans for one another and we all pray together. It is a week of service for the poor and also each other.” said Rose. “As a staff, we get the reward of seeing kids reach outside themselves and become strong leaders and exert themselves harder than they have.” The kids get to see a different side of the teachers as well. They get to see the fun, jokester side they don’t normally see in school. “We all get to see each other in a positive and new light. If we strive to build genuine relationships both as a team and spiritually, we should be reminded that is how we should be to each other in our lives every day.”

The next trip is two years away but Rose and Cooper are already in the planning stages for their return. It is their hope to include alumni that have been on the trip to make a return with them in 2016. “It would be wonderful for those who have been there as students to return as adults to see the culture through an older and different set of eyes,” Cooper said. “We are the epitome of a Pope Francis school,” said Cooper. “We care deeply about people who are suffering. By performing these trips, we show the type of school we are. Our identity is one of service.” www.hill-murray.org 5

Pioneer Progress Tennis Courts

Many alums were on hand on August 6th to celebrate the official opening of the new tennis courts, which were made possible through gifts from current and past parents. Dr. Sue Paul and Athletic Director Bill Lechner join tennis captains Carly Heller, Griffin Egan, Sarah

Aldrich Arena

Construction is underway at Aldrich Arena for new Pioneer boys’ hockey home locker rooms for JV and Varsity. The space also includes a workout room, laundry room, storage room and equipment storage area. The new space will allow players to store their gear, hold meetings and train for the season all in one place. The project is made possible through the generous gifts of many hockey alumni and other Pioneer hockey supporters, and should be completed by mid-season.

Watch your alumni e-news for a grand opening celebration date.

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Link and Ricky Zellmer in cutting the ribbon for the grand opening. Current staff member, Sister Linda Soler, and Prioress Sister Paula Hagen, from St. Paul’s Priory, bless the courts. The sisters gifted a portion of the land on which the courts were built.

Art Rooms

The renovation of our academic wing continues.

We’ve just created three beautiful art studios to foster our programming in drawing, painting, ceramics and graphic design.

Distinguished Alumni Honorees

2014 From left to right: Don and Pat Garofalo; Brother Arnold McMullen F.S.C.; Kathleen Bergstrom Juenemann ’64; Captain Warren Van Overbeke ’87; and Terry Brown Goerke ’69. Not pictured: John Curtin, Sr. ‘63

John Curtin, Sr. ’63 – Hill High School Heritage Award

A career Navy Captain, John is recognized for his lifelong service to his country.

Kathleen Bergstrom Juenemann ’64 – Archbishop Murray Memorial High School Heritage Award A four term Maplewood City Council member, Kathleen is recognized for her innovative programs, especially in city planning and environmental issues.

Warren Van Overbeke ’87 – Father Greg Tolaas Distinguished Service Award

A captain in the U.S. Air Force, Warren is honored for a variety of service both here and abroad.

Don and Pat Garofalo – Ron Ryan, Jr. Community Service Award

Don and Pat are honored for their outstanding commitment to Hill-Murray students and service in the surrounding community.

Brother Arnold McMullen F.S.C. – Lasallian Award

Brother Arnold is recognized for his commitment to Catholic education at Hill High School and Hill-Murray School, and his lifelong dedication to the Lasallian way of “teaching minds and touching hearts.”

Terry Brown Goerke ’69 – Benedictine Award

Terry is honored for sharing her knowledge and love of science with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

Call for 2015 Distinguished Alumni

Please consider nominating a worthy recipient for a Distinguished Alumni Award. This call for nominations will be open until January 31, 2015. This program is designed to honor alumni and others for distinguished work in a number of areas.

Recipients will be announced in Spring 2015.

For descriptions of the various awards, go to hill-murray.org and click on Alumni.

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HOMECOMING

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HIGHLIGHTS 2014

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Brother Martin Lives Out Pope’s Message To Serve

By Shawn Illgen

F

or 22 years, Brother Martin Sellner was called to serve Hill and Hill-Murray High Schools, as a beloved Chemistry teacher. Never did he imagine where his road to service would take him. While teaching thousands of H-M students, Martin was approached by a Filipino Brother (a classmate during his time at St. Mary’s in Winona) that was in need of a chemistry teacher in the Philippines. “I loved high school work and of course never expected to leave the country and go elsewhere to work,” recalled Martin. “I committed to assist them one year at a time. As much as I loved the HillMurray community, it broke my heart to leave.”

He immediately fell in love with the people and community.

His next fifteen years were spent teaching science and caring for the poorest of the poor. Health issues forced him to return to the states where he helped care for elderly Brothers at the Cretin-Derham Brothers Community for 13 years. But as fate would have it, two year ago, he would once again be called to back to serve his adopted country. “The Brothers here celebrated their centennial in the Philippines and asked me back for the ceremony,” said Martin. “I had hardly set my foot in the house when the Brothers asked me if I would consider returning for more work. I was stunned and honored they would ask me to return, and they made accommodations so I could stay and return to the work I loved to do.”

Martin is currently tasked with setting up science labs at two schools and purchasing a reasonable amount of equipment for them. One houses kindergarten through high school, the other kindergarten through college and they have a combined enrollment of just under 10,000 students. As he did back in his time at Hill-Murray, his days are filled attending dozens of school events while interacting with students, teachers, and staff. Words of encouragement can be heard from Martin in the hallways, as he does his best to support them and make them feel good in whatever they accomplish. But his heart is drawn to the thousands in need who have dealt with an extreme amount of devastation.

The Philippines is a country noted for having the most natural disasters occurring annually. These natural disasters are mostly typhoons, or hurricanes, as they are called in the States.

“We are in the Pacific typhoon path, and from 20 to 30 or more hit the country every year,” said Martin. Besides typhoons, they have to deal with monsoons, earthquakes, and volcanoes, among the more devastating natural disasters.

During his first year back, they were hit with a monsoon which dumped an amazing 4 feet of rain in two days. Most of Manila and the surrounding areas were flooded. Brother Martin went out to help in any way he could. They traveled around 10 TODAY FALL 2014

Brother Martin with some of his students in the Phillipines.

the city in bancas, which are outriggers powered by hand, delivering food, medicine, and clothing to those who had lost everything. “We also stayed with some of these poor people, sleeping on the floor of their nipa huts, waking up at two or so in the morning as the rooster, on the ground below you in the house, started crowing at that time,” mentions Martin. “The commotion is usually joined by a couple of pigs grunting away down there as well,” he continues. “These poor people do their best to give their best to their American guest, so for breakfast we have rice and sardines,” adds Martin.

A year ago, the country was hit by a powerful earthquake. It occurred on the island of Bohol, about 300 miles from Manila.

“Bohol is a beautiful island of many, many poor people,” explained Martin. “So many homes destroyed, and so many beautiful old brick and stone churches destroyed, many so badly that they will never be restored,” he adds. Again, pleas went out for basic necessities which were delivered by plane and boat. Only one month later, the most powerful typhoon ever recorded on earth hit just slightly south of this island. It virtually wiped out everything in its path. “Think Hurricane Katrina, which wiped out New Orleans with winds of 110 miles per hour,” said Martin. “Bohol sustained winds of 325 miles per hour. A city of about 180,000 was almost completely destroyed.” A year later, the relief work is still going on, with Brother Martin bringing supplies and comfort to those who are in such desperate need for both.

No surprise to those that know him at Hill-Murray, Brother Martin is constantly on the move, working side by side with his fellow Brothers to educate and serve the poorest of the poor with compassion. “One of the joys I have is living with the Christian Brothers here in Manila,” he states. There are 27 brothers in the house from six different countries. “It is an enriching experience to say the least,” expressed Martin. “This work is so different from what I used to do at Hill-Murray, but oh my, it is so gratifying. It simply gets into one’s system and is difficult to let go. Hopefully I am doing the correct things and giving help to those who most need it.”

Alum Notes 1964 Robert Walz has retired after a 25 year career in county human services and 15 years doing church work at Guardian Angels Catholic Church Oakdale. He has become a Master Gardener, a state park volunteer and an international birder.

1967 John R. Finell has moved to Medellin, Columbia. He is putting his Spanish to good use and says the weather is beautiful and the people are friendly.

1970 Kurt Wachtler and his wife, Cindy currently live in Richardson, Texas, where Kurt works for Texas Instruments.

He is pictured here in a recent family photo.

Diane Tempest Ness continues to enjoy her work with the New Jersey Devils as their skating instructor. Her husband, Jack Ness ’69 retired from his law practice last April. Son, Andy Ness ’97 is the skills coach for the Minnesota Wild.

1985 Sarah Rys and Jeff Hubbard were married in a private ceremony on Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida on May 10th, 2014. They met at their 25th high school class reunion in 2010!

1998 Nicole Persby Giefer recently moved to Hugo with her husband, Todd and their three children- Blake (5), Grady (4) and Dru (1). Nicole has started a full time photography business.

2002 Julia Puckett Bult and her husband, Brent, welcomed daughter Charlotte on Dec. 25, 2013. They are currently living in Des Moines, Iowa, where Julia is a stay at home mom.

2003 Garrett Regan and Amanda Scribner were married at the Cathedral of St. Paul on August 2, 2014.

2004 Cotter High School in Winona, MN has named Travis Whipple as its new Activities Director. Travis played on the first HillMurray basketball team to get to the state tourney in the school’s history. He went on to play at Winona State where he was a part of two championship teams.

James Fangel married Sophie Harrison on August 30th, 2014 at the Church of the Assumption in St. Paul. Andrew Fangel ’04 and Anthony Morelli ’04 and Mark Vanderzanden ’04 served as groomsmen.

2006 Michelle Eberhard received her Masters degree in Human Right Studies from Columbia University in Manhattan, New York. She was chosen to be the student speaker for the M.A. graduation ceremony.

2008 Dan Sova was one of four Michigan Tech hockey players to be named a Western Collegiate Hockey Association ScholarAthlete. Dan was part of the 2008 team that won the AA high school State Championship.

2009 Sarah Reisdorf, a recent graduate of the College of St. Benedict, has been recognized as a Fulbright Scholar. The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is the flagship international educational program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between people of the U.S. and people of other countries. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.

2010 Sarah Seifert, a recent graduate of the College of Nursing at Creighton University, received the prestigious Spirit of Creighton Award at the commencement ceremony. Recipients are honored for their initiative, enterprise, academic achievement and outstanding character traits.

2011 Mary Gilbertson, a senior at St. Ben’s College, spent her spring semester in Kolkata, India volunteering at Prayasam and studying at St. Xavier’s College near Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. This past summer she was awarded a Jackson Fellowship and will intern with Senator Al Franken.

2012 Tia Quirk was selected as Captain for the Women’s Swim Team at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York. This is Tia’s third year swimming at the Division I level.

Send your Alum Notes to: Judy Hajlo Schwartz ‘79 jschwartz@hill-murray.org

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Hello...

Chris Zupfer- Vice President for Development

welcomed both me and Chuck. It continues as more than 30 alumni and parents have reached out to take me to coffee or lunch and have shared their passion for Hill-Murray.

LOVED - Nothing has been more obvious than the love exhibited by the teachers for their students. Chuck challenged the teachers to be creative, caring and prepared to educate the kids. This school is a special place and our teachers are the difference makers.

RESPECTED - I have had the pleasure of touring a number of parish partner schools and the respect for Catholic education and HillMurray is clear. As an institution, Hill-Murray brings out the best in the character of those who enter the building. I am proud to be a Pioneer and look forward to serving the students and the community, as we move our mission forward together.

Chris attended Homecoming with his family.

K

nown, Loved and Respected. There are not three more appropriate words to describe the start of my career at HillMurray School.

KNOWN - Being the new person is always difficult, but my experience the first few weeks here was that at Hill-Murray, people care to know you. I have yet to walk the halls and not have a teacher, student or parent, stop me to say hello and ask how I was doing. I have also experienced how much people care through attending a board reception where 60 members of the Hill-Murray community

I live in Little Canada with my wife Jess and our two future Pioneers, Oliver (5) and Lily (3). I grew up in Stillwater where I attended St. Croix Catholic before moving to Stillwater High School where I played hockey for Bill Lechner. Prior to joining Hill-Murray I spent 12 years as the Divisional Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

When I am not chasing Oliver and Lily, I enjoy spending time with Jess, playing soccer and hockey as well as hiking, running and scuba diving. We are members of St. John’s in Little Canada where Oliver attends school.

Dr. Chuck Briscoe - Principal

Goodbye

I

Dr. Briscoe in the cafeteria on “Bowtie Thursday.”

t is a real privilege to be part of the Hill-Murray team. This is my twenty-ninth year as a principal and I have helped to provide leadership and direction to send over 10,000 seniors into the real world. I am a product of the Immaculate Conception School in Columbia Heights, Minnesota and I know that many of my life-long values were instilled in me during my nine years of Catholic Education.

I served as both a Social Studies and Special Education teacher prior to becoming a principal. I bring hope, calmness, and a collaborative vision to school each day. I am a visible leader who understands that it is the little things that each of us can do each day that can make a school great. I take pride in our mission of being a school where each student is known, loved and respected. My goal is to know all 720 students by name soon.

I have been working very hard to understand Hill-Murray’s history. I have had a cup of coffee with multiple retired teachers and school administrators to listen to their passion about this school. I have asked each person for advice for the new principal and everyone has had some free advice. There is an old quote from Yogi Berra that “you can see a lot by just listening,” and later he added that “you can hear a lot by just watching.” I have done both for the past three months. I have made a commitment to visit each partner elementary school this year, and have made a strong connection with the Monastery and the Prioress, Sister Paula Hagen. I can never resist their cookies each time I visit.

I have been married to my wife, Cindy, for over 38 years and we were blessed with four children, ages 22-30. I look forward to connecting with many of the alumni as we work together to grow our enrollment and to be a beacon of hope for students for years to come.

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Kathy Malone receives a hug from Head Librarian, Jane Rolnick, at her retirement party on Oct. 13th.

Kathy Malone Retires

For 29 years, Kathy Malone has been calmly and quietly moving us through each school year, efficiently managing the rhythm of the school year with all its many tasks. Her quiet dedication, loyalty and professionalism have been a true gift to our community. We have been blessed to have her with us for so long and we wish her well in her retirement.

Many well wishes to our other retirees Brad Peterson, Industrial Arts Teacher – 28 years Jo Ann Gelbmann, Vice President for Development - 23 years Mary Jo Rafferty, Counselor – 19 years Bob Gagne, Maintenance – 7 years

AMMHS & Hill Celebrate 50 Years The weekend of Oct. 9-12th was packed with events as alums from 1964 gathered to reminisce and create new memories with their classmates. They held a music night in the Hill-Murray commons and cafeteria and many alums attended the football game on Friday night. The gals from Archbishop Murray gathered on Sunday morning for a brunch at Salut Bar on Grand Avenue. There was also golf, a card party and a Garden Train tour held at classmate Frank Bifulk’s home. The big event of the weekend took place on Saturday night on the campus of the University of St. Thomas.

Alumni who gathered for Music Night, which was held in the Hill-Murray cafeteria and commons included Frank Wald, Sandy Block LeBlanc, Bob Erling, Keith LeBlanc, Mary Horwath Rafferty and Craig Rafferty.

As part of their reunion, the class of ’64 is currently raising funds for archive cases, which will display memorabilia from Hill and Archbishop Murray. The cases will be in the main entrance near the Theater, for alums and current students to enjoy. So far $5000 has been raised.

Donations are still being accepted and can be made by going www.hill-murray.org/giving. For “Gift Designation” click “other” and list “1964 Class Gift” under “Other Designation.”

Also joining in the reunion fun were Peggy Leko Colombo, Katherine Johnson Keran, Jeanne Levasseur Smith, and Kathy Hoffman Mobley-Noble.

Don’t forget to give to the Annual Fund!

Schedule a monthly, bi-annually, or annual gift now at hill-murray org/giving www.hill-murray.org 13

Reunions On Saturday, October 25th, the class of 1974 reunited at the Happy Gnome in St. Paul. Classmate Tim Losinski built this fun frame to use in their photo booth. Tim generously donated the frame for other classes to use for future reunions.

The class of 1984 celebrated their reunion at the Happy Gnome on August 16th. Photo by David Grupa

On Saturday, August 23rd, the class of 1994 celebrated at Jimmy’s in Vadnais Heights. That same morning alums and their families gathered at Hill-Murray for a fun run around the campus, followed by refreshments and tours of the school.

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In Memorium Special Rememberance Former Alumni Coordinator

Jim Appleby, father of Trish (Appleby) Donatelle ’82, passed away February 23, 2014.

Mark Green ’65, brother of Mary (Green) Henderson ’69, passed away January 23, 2013.

Rick Ascherman ’66, husband of Connie (Meyer) Ascherman ’65 and brother of Greg Ascherman ’74 (Deceased), passed away June 9, 2014.

Robert Grundtner, grandfather of Jeff ’03, Lisa ’08, Tony ’11, and Jenna ’15, passed away January 31, 2014.

Audrey Belde, mother of Mike ’74 and Roberta (Romani) Belde ’74, Angie (Belde) Koeck ’77, Ben ’80, Gina (Belde) Rakotz ’81, and Nick ’83; grandmother to Ben ’13, passed away June 1, 2014.

Sylvester “Sy” Bendel, grandfather of Joshua Ziertman ’13 and Jacob Ziertman Jr. ’16, passed away July 27, 2014.

Bridget Broshears, mother of Julia ’06, passed away February 21, 2014.

Fran Ciernia, mother of Cathy (Ciernia) Forshay ’77, passed away October 19, 2014.

Kathleen “Kay” DeMars, mother of Jane (Stahnke) Bowman ’63 and Michael Stahnke ’66 (Deceased), passed away September 17, 2013.

Richard Fontaine, father of Jennifer (Fontaine) Behrendt ’84, grandfather of Jacob Behrendt ’06 and Heather Behrendt ’09, passed away September 2014.

Ellen Frederick ’72, mother of Ashlee Frederick ’04, passed away March 2014.

Thomas Gelbmann Sr., father of Thomas Jr ’65; grandfather of Jennifer (Gelbmann) Swanson ’92 and Ann (Gelbmann) Tozer ’98, passed away September 29, 2014.

Terrence Gherty, father of Katie (Mary Katherine Gherty) Ryan ’02, and past H-M Board of Trustee member, passed away October 7, 2014.

Celestine Gonsoski, mother of Sharon (Gonsoski) Dimond ’64, Eugene ’67, and Diane (Gonsoski) Schoenecker ’68, passed away March 14, 2014.

Terry Haltiner ’75, brother of Thomas ’64, John ’66, and Joann (Haltiner) Springer ’74, passed away May 18, 2014.

Robert Hogan, father of Richard “Dick” ’82, Alicia (Hogan) Heck ’84, Jean (Hogan) Colby ’86, and Carol (Hogan) Crumb ’95, passed away April 23, 2014.

Roger Hoye ’63, passed away March 22, 2014.

Christopher Junek ’86, passed away January 11, 2014.

Jean Karschnia ’82, sister of Maureen (Karschnia) Gregg ’78, Patty (Karschnia) Kennedy ’79, Bob Karschnia ’81 and Jeanne (Schmidt) Karschnia ’83, and Rick Karschnia ’92, passed away February 12, 2014.

Joan “Darlene” Kelleher, mother of Mike ’79, Patti (Kelleher) Anderson ‘82 and Peggy (Kelleher) Lindquist ’83, passed away September 22, 2014.

Joseph Lee, father of Chris ’82 and Matt ’87, passed away February 16, 2014.

Tom McCarver, father of Thomas ’87 and Chris ’88, passed away October 19, 2014.

Yvonne McComber, mother of Mick ’77, Timothy ’79, Christian ’80, Mary Jo (McComber) Wertzler ’82, and Jed ’85, passed away May 10, 2014.

Patricia McGrath ’65, passed away February 16, 2014.

John Merthan, father of Jim ’69 and Barb (Ewald) Merthan ’72, John ’70, Mary (Merthan) Strobel ’78, and Bob ’85, passed away February 10, 2014.

Yvonne McComber, mother of Mick ’77, Timothy ’79, Christian ’80, Mary Jo (McComber) Wertzler ’82, and Jed ’85, passed away May 10, 2014.

Delores “Dee” Morrissy, mother of Rose (Morrissy) Feesl ’74 and Steve Feesl ’69, Gina (Morrissy) Meyer ’76 and Greg Meyer ’75, and Toni (Morrissy) Malone ’79; grandmother of Amy (Meyer) Breault ’95, Michael Feesl ’03, and John Feesl ’00, passed away February 2, 2014.

Bernadine “Bernie” Mortensen, mother of Beverly ’74 (Deceased), Gary ’75, and Jean (Mortensen) Martinson ’78, passed away January 24, 2014.

Sean Nicholson ’73, brother of Mike ’68 and Kevin ’71, passed away February, 2014.

Maryanne (Biagini) Neururer ’62, passed away June 20, 2014.

Sue Nystrom ’72, sister of Vernon “Bud” Sanftner ’64 and Dennis Sanftner ’69, passed away July 21, 2013.

Thomas Perillo, father of Anthony ’07, Michael ’08 and John ’12, passed away June 26, 2014.

Sr. Jeron Osterfeld of St. Paul’s Monastery and past Board member, passed away October 9, 2014.

Garrett Peterson ’01, passed away April 28, 2014.

Richard “Pete” Petersen, father of Brenda (Petersen) Rosemark ’85, Ron Rosemark ’82, Barb Petersen ’86, Bonnie (Petersen) Nelson ’90, Rick ’94, and Rob ’94; grandfather of Anthony Rosemark ’13, Allison Rosemark ’15, Andrew Rosemark ’16, Nicholas Nelson ’15 and Christopher Nelson ’17, passed away April 15, 2014.

Bernadine “Bernie” Potts, mother of Jeanne (Potts) Mork ’77, Jackie ’81, and Michael ’83, passed away August 17, 2013.

Anthony “Tony” Phillippi, grandfather of Michael ’05, Joseph ’08, Lauren ’10, John ’11, and Trevor ’13, passed away February 5, 2014.

Richard “Dick” Rafferty, father of Mary ’69, Timothy ’72, Terrence ’74, Brian ’79, and Megan 83, passed away February 2014.

June Ravenscroft, mother of Keith ’69, Elyse (Ravenscroft) Pitera ’74, and Blake ’80, passed away October 19, 2014.

Thomas Rieschl, son of Michael ’77 and brother of Kevin (Deceased) ’07, passed away October 28, 2014.

Jerome Robertson Sr. ’63, passed away April 19, 2014.

Genevieve Rossow, mother of Craig ’87 and Jim ’91, passed away August 30, 2014.

Jeffrey Rothmund ’64, father of Angela (Rothmund) Hurley ’93 and Dan Hurley ’94 and Jeff Hurley ’94, passed away October 25, 2014.

Frances Route, mother of Eileen (Route) McGurran ’84, passed away August 7, 2014.

Mary Schuna ’64, sister of John Raleigh ’62, Robert Raleigh ’62 (Deceased), Patrick Raleigh ’66, Michael Raleigh ’66, and Janelle (Raleigh) Sutherland ’69, passed away March 25, 2014.

Kacee Tollefsbol, wife of Mark Tollefsbol ’88, passed away August 22, 2014.

Frank Ulrich, father of Kathy (Ulrich) Mrozinski ’74 and Jeff Mrozinski ’74; Teresa (Ulrich DuFour ’79; and Susie (Ulrich) Peterson ’86; passed away October 29, 2014.

Robert Waldera ’67, brother of Christine (Waldera) Scullen ’69 and David Scullen ’69; and Martin Waldera ’71 and Theresa (Ganzel) Waldera ’75, passed away September 1, 2014.

Kathleen Walsh ’62, sister of Paul Ciernia ’64, passed away April 13, 2014.

www.hill-murray.org 15

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