Fall 2017
In this issue • Going Abroad • Donor Spotlight: Sessler Family • American Politics Club • Loyola Cross Country
Message from the President Dear Friends, As you read this issue of Blakefield Magazine, the joyful Christmas season has passed and the hope and blessings of the New Year are upon us. As we transition into 2018, please consider how you can play a more active role in the mission of Loyola Blakefield. Our Office of Ignatian Mission and Identity continues to offer a variety of programs for adults that include an experience of the Spiritual Exercises, a February vow renewal mass, an Ignatian Book Club, and other opportunities to explore Ignatian spirituality with alumni and parent evenings of reflection occurring later this spring. Additionally, our Alumni Office is always hosting an array of events, including networking opportunities and chances to gather in support of our mission. One upcoming event provides us with a chance to see the Yale University Whiffenpoofs perform right here at Blakefield. The performance is generously made possible by Jim Connaughton ‘79, a former member of the prestigious a cappella group. Tickets are available via our website.
“As I approach the 10-year mark of my Loyola tenure, I’m happy to report that the spirit of our school community is strong.” As I approach the 10-year mark of my Loyola tenure, I’m happy to report that the spirit of our school community is strong. I am proud to be the father of two Dons, a colleague to the many dedicated individuals who comprise our faculty and staff, and a member of this extraordinary faith-filled community. Thanks to all those who generously devote themselves to the advancement of our mission to form Men for Others. Sincerely,
Anthony I. Day P ’15, ‘19 President
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Fall 2017
Contents GOING ABROAD
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Campus News 4 Alumni Events
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Going Abroad 8
10 AMERICAN POLITICS CLUB
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: SESSLER FAMILY
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Donor Spotlight: Sessler Family
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American Politics Club
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Loyola Cross Country is Back on Top
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Reflection: Logan Harvey ’18
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Remembering Rev. G. Donald Pantle, SJ 19
Staff Editor Michael J. Nitti Marketing Coordinator Photography Michael J. Nitti
LOYOLA CROSS COUNTRY
Design Inkwell Communications, LTD
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REFLECTION: LOGAN HARVEY ’18
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CAMPUS NEWS CROSS COUNTRY NOTCHES ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP
LOYOLA ROBOTICS QUALIFIES FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
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ur varsity cross country team won the 2017 MIAA “A” Conference Championship at Oregon Ridge Park on November 1. This is the 7th title in the last nine years for the program. Five Dons finished in the top 20 including Camden Gilmore ‘19 (4th), Connor Verrett ‘19 (6th), Kyle Clarke ‘19 (13th), Ronan Sullivan ‘19 (19 th), & Dan Quets ‘18 (20 th).
FALL FOOD DRIVE HIGHLIGHTS
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s a community, we collected more than 2,100 nonperishable food items for our annual Fall Food Drive during October 16–20, which were delivered to St. Gregory the Great Parish in West Baltimore. Thanks to everyone who participated, and a special thanks to Emmet Bowden ‘18, Blessy Mbaya ‘19, and Jack McMonagle ‘18 for organizing this year’s drive. Also, thanks to Alan Klug ‘93, P ‘21, ‘23, and 1-800-GOT-JUNK Baltimore for donating the truck.
LOYOLA OFFERS ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, POLICE, FIREFIGHTER, AND EMT SCHOLARSHIPS
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n October 8, our robotics team of Blessy Mbaya ‘19, Benick Mbaya ‘21, Carlton Moss III ‘21, Todd Pearson ‘21, and mentor Bobby Wescott ‘18, finished as tournament finalists during the first sanctioned high school robotics event of the school year, the Baltimore Robotic Manufacturers Cup hosted by the Baltimore City Robotics Center. Due to their outstanding performance, the team qualified for a bid to the Maryland State Championship in February.
LOYOLA NAMED TOP WORKPLACE FOR 2017
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oyola Blakefield has once again been named to the regions’ Top Workplaces list by The Baltimore Sun. This is the sixth year that Loyola have been designated a Top Workplace. In the mediumsized organizations category, we ranked 8th out of 25.
e are pleased to announce that we are offering scholarships for sons of Active Duty Military, Active Duty Police Officers, Career Firefighters, and EMTs. The scholarships will be awarded to incoming 9th grade students and be committed for each of their four years at Loyola. “This scholarship opportunity recognizes the tremendous service and sacrifice that members of our armed services and first responders exhibit on a daily basis,” said President Anthony Day. “As a school community, this is one way we can honor their commitment to our local and national safety.”
Visit loyolablakefield.org/campusnews to view media associated with each of these stories, and stay up to date on all current news at Loyola Blakefield.
BSU STUDENTS ATTEND BALTIMORE STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Fall 2017
STUDENTS ATTEND IGNATIAN FAMILY TEACH-IN FOR JUSTICE
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everal members of our Black Student Union attended the 2017 Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) Baltimore Student Diversity Leadership Conference at Glenelg Country School on November 11. The BSDLC is an annual gathering of high school students to engage in honest conversations about educational equity, diversity, and inclusion. Students heard from several speakers including Theo E.J. Wilson (TEDx Featured Speaker, Poet, and Activist) and Ben Jealous (Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate and Former NAACP President and CEO).
AQUA DONS COMPLETE ANNUAL 100-MILE SWIM
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ur Aqua Dons completed their annual 100 Mile Swim during December 21 & 22. They finished in 27 hours and 54 minutes and raised more than $8,000 so far for the Schertle Family Scholarship and the Catch A Lift Fund, which helps combat-wounded veterans all over the U.S. recover and rehabilitate both physically and mentally through physical fitness, motivation, and support.
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group of Dons traveled to Washington, DC, from November 4–6 to take part in the Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network. A highlight from the weekend included our students visiting Capitol Hill, where they met with Melissa Guerrero, Legislative Correspondent for Senator Chris Van Hollen, and presented their statements and research on humane immigration and criminal justice reform.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ADOPT-A-FAMILY DRIVE
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he Loyola Blakefield community came together this Christmas season to collect and deliver gifts for 98 families (512 individuals) who are members of the St. Gregory the Great Parish community in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood of Baltimore City. Thanks go out to our entire community for collecting these gifts, our parents who helped wrap and organize the presents, and our faculty, staff, and students who made the delivery.
DONS FALL IN 98TH ANNUAL TURKEY BOWL
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ur football Dons faced off against Calvert Hall in the 98th Annual Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving morning at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium. The Cardinals came out on top with a 27–6 victory, but the Dons still lead the series at 49-41-8.
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BEN RUBEOR ‘04 TO STEP DOWN AS HEAD COACH OF LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD LACROSSE AFTER 2018 SEASON
en Rubeor ’04 returned to Loyola Blakefield in 2015 and took over a program that was a perennial playoff contender. In his first two seasons, the Dons made it to the semifinal round of the prestigious MIAA ‘A’ Conference playoffs. When the 2018 season kicks off next spring, it will be the last for the former local and collegiate star player. Rubeor has also served as Assistant Director of Admissions. In that role, he has led the school’s Shadow Day program, participated in recruitment efforts throughout the region, and serves as a valuable resource to incoming students and families. He will be greatly missed by the Loyola community as he and his wife move to the Boston area to be closer to family.
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Alumni Events @ Blakefield LOYOLA GOLF OPEN
BLAKEFIELD IN BOSTON
he 2017 Loyola Golf Open was held at Hillendale Country Club on September 22. Another record turnout of Dons saw the 18 Hole course filled to capacity throughout the morning. In addition to new tournament features and contests, it was the beautiful fall weather that helped make this Loyola Golf Open truly memorable. Thank you to the players, volunteers, our title sponsor, Atlantic Caterers, and to the professional staff at Hillendale for making this one of the best Loyola golf tournaments yet!
ur Boston Alumni Chapter held its inaugural event at Harpoon Brewery on October 19. If you live in the Boston area and are interested in reconnecting with Loyola and your fellow Dons, be sure to join our Boston Alumni Chapter Facebook group, or contact Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Mark Finlan.
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ENGINEERING NETWORKING NIGHT
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he Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association hosted its first ever Loyola Alumni Engineering Networking Night on September 28. This event kicked off the first of five Loyola Alumni Networking Events for the school year, and it sure did not disappoint. Thank you to the many Loyola engineering professionals for attending this special networking night and for sharing your best practices with the group.
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LBAA FALL SERVICE PROJECT
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hanks to our alumni, families, and friends who came out to First Fruits Farm on the morning of October 7 to pick cabbage for the annual LBAA Fall Service Project. Be on the lookout for more community-wide service projects in the near future.
ALUMNI HOCKEY GAME
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hanks to all our alumni who made it out to the Reisterstown Sportsplex on December 20 for the annual Alumni Hockey Game against our varsity squad. The alumni Dons won 14–11.
HOMECOMING BULL & OYSTER ROAST On November 22, we welcomed hundreds of alumni back to campus for our annual Homecoming Bull & Oyster Roast. Alumni tried their luck on the gaming wheels, 50/50 raffle, while enjoying the Cigar & Spirits Tent and a deluxe menu including pit beef, raw oysters, and a variety of other favorites.
ALUMNI SOCCER GAME
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n September 30, our Alumni Soccer Dons challenged Loyola’s varsity soccer squad to a friendly. We had a great turnout on both sides, but when push came to shove, the alumni prevailed in a hardfought game. Thanks to everyone for attending, and we look forward to another competitive game next year!
LEGAL NETWORKING NIGHT
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he Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association’s Second Annual Legal Networking Night was a huge success this fall. Thanks to all alumni and friends for coming out to campus on November 11 to share your expertise.
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ALUMNI NIGHT OF REFLECTION
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n an effort to engage our alumni more spiritually, we hosted our first ever Alumni Night of Reflection with Mr. John Weetenkamp ’65 and Father Joe Michini ’58 on December 13. The evening consisted of listening to Mr. Weetenkamp’s thoughtful reflection on virtues and role models, participating in Fr. Joe’s prayerful meditation, learning about the Jesuits to come through Loyola, and finally enjoying hot chocolate in the chapel on a snowy night. Thanks to those who joined us for this wonderful event. Due to its popularity, we will look to host a spring Alumni Day of Reflection.
NYC Alumni Reception
Engineering Networking Night
LBAA Fall Service Project
Young Alumni Flag Football
YOUNG ALUMNI FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
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hanks to the Classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017 for showing up in large numbers for the annual Young Alumni Flag Football Tournament on the eve of Thanksgiving. A great time was had by all on Hargaden Field, and we look forward to hosting you for next year’s tournament!
BASKETBALL ALUMNI SOCIAL
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large group of basketball alumni and friends gathered for a postgame social on the Friday of Christmas weekend. The Dons lost a double OT thriller to Calvert Hall, making this the second consecutive basketball game at Loyola between these two rivals that has been decided in electrifying fashion. Despite the loss, the group of supporters were joined by President Day and Coach Josh Davalli for updates on the program and the status of the Jerry Savage Merit Scholarship Fund.
LBAA BLOOD DRIVE
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n December 16, the LBAA hosted its annual Blood Drive in the Four-Court Gym, which resulted in the collection of 26 pints of blood, potentially helping up to 78 patients. Thanks to all our donors and volunteers for participating.
BLAKEFIELD IN NYC
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ur first New York City Alumni Chapter Reception took place December 7 at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center. President Day and members of the Loyola staff were in attendance to update our New York City Dons about life at Blakefield. If you live in the New York City area and are interested in reconnecting with Loyola and your fellow Dons, be sure to join our New York City Alumni Chapter Facebook group, or contact Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Mark Finlan.
Upcoming Events Loyola Medical Networking Night
February 15, 2018
Kelley Medal Breakfast
March 8, 2018
Blakefield in Atlanta Alumni Gathering
March 14, 2018
Loyola Cyber Security Networking Night
April 10, 2018
Blakefield in the Bay Area Alumni Gathering
April 12, 2018
Blakefest & Reunion Stag Night
April 28, 2018
Golden Dons Dinner
May 12, 2018
Visit www.loyolablakefield.org/events to stay up-to-date on all Alumni Events. 7
GOING ABROAD Valley of the Moon in Chile’s Atacama Desert
Loyola’s modern languages department offers new exchange program & cultural and linguistic immersion trips for students. 8
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hroughout the past few years, the modern languages department at Loyola has been hard at work developing new opportunities for students to use their language skills beyond the classroom. One example of this has been the formation of the Chilean Exchange Program.
It all began when department chair Daniel Ranalli received an email from a former student whom he taught at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia and now heads the English department for a Jesuit school in Antofagasta, Chile, called Colegio San Luis. “He asked me if we were interested in starting an exchange program with their school,” said Ranalli. “The first thing I did was open up Google Maps and type in ‘Antofagasta’ because I had never heard of it. I never would have thought a year later we’d be bringing our students there and developing this relationship with them.” The first group of Chilean students from Colegio San Luis arrived at Loyola Blakefield during the winter of 2016, and for three months they immersed themselves in the school by
Loyola students at the Antofagasta airport
attending classes, service opportunities, and extracurricular activities. Each student stayed with a host family, and during the weekends, they would explore Baltimore and other cities like Washington, DC, and New York. After two rounds of hosting the Chilean students, Ranalli and the rest of the modern languages department considered the program a success, but in order to really classify it an exchange program, our Dons still needed to visit Chile. After garnering enough interest from Loyola students, specifically those who had already hosted a Chilean student, and setting up the logistics, six Dons and six Hawks from St. Joe’s Prep traveled to Chile last June to attend Colegio San Luis and immerse themselves in Chilean culture for three and a half weeks. The group spent the first three days of the trip touring central Chile, including the country’s capital, Santiago, along with Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and the Andes Mountains. Then, they flew up to Antofagasta, and for the rest of the trip they lived with families of Colegio San Luis students, regularly attended classes, took part in extracurricular activities, and traveled to nearby towns and attractions, like the Atacama Desert (the driest place on Earth), during the weekends. Another important component of the trip was service. Some nights, Loyola and St. Joe’s Prep students would serve dinner to the homeless on the streets of city. “Antofagasta has a lot of immigrants who are poor and homeless, so they either live in shelters, the slums, or on the streets,” said Ranalli. Students also tutored and played with children who lived in the slums. “It’s the only service trip that we offer that really allows them to use their foreign language skills, so they’re doing the same things that they’d be doing in Jamaica, Belize, or Camden, but they’re doing it all in Spanish.” In fact, the entire trip was conducted in Spanish, which meant it was only open to students who had already taken Spanish III Honors or higher at Loyola. “It’s hard to be present to people without
being able to speak their language, so I needed students to have a certain amount of experience and skill with the language,” said Ranalli. The program has served as a life-changing experience for many students at Loyola, like Spencer Varzandeh ‘18, who has hosted a Chilean student and went on the trip last summer. “This whole experience has really opened me up to meeting new people and trying new things, and I was able to improve my Spanish a lot by just being immersed in their culture. It was also interesting to be a part of a Jesuit school in another country and to see its similarities to Loyola.” Ranalli fully expects the exchange to continue, even as most students who were there for the start of the program graduate this year. “We already have students selected to go to Chile this summer, and the Chilean students are here at Loyola for a third term. It’s a big commitment for our families to have another teenage boy in their house for nearly three months, but I’m hoping as the word gets out and more kids experience this program, there will be more willingness in the community to accept these kids into their homes and families.”
Cultural & Linguistic Immersion Trips to Italy & Spain Another offering the modern languages department has been working on is cultural and linguistic immersion trips. A group of Dons studying upper level Italian traveled to Italy in late May with modern language teachers Rossana Barbera and Dan Ranalli. The group was abroad for a total of 16 days and explored Venice, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Chieti—where they attended classes in the Italian high school Liceo Classico G.B. Vico and explored the region of Abruzzo—and ended the trip with two nights in Rome. The department is currently planning a similar trip to Spain at the end of June and another trip to Italy for 2019.
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Residents of Howard County, John and Victoria are the proud parents of four children: Nina (Auburn University, Notre Dame Preparatory School), Jack ’17 (University of South Carolina), Brooke (St. Paul’s School for Girls), and Grant ’21.
Sessler Family Plays Active Role in Catholic Education V ictoria Sessler grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida and met her husband, John, while they were both working their first jobs out of college for Marriott in North Jersey. She had recently graduated from Florida State, and John finished a degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Their careers soon found them both in Maryland and as members of the St Louis Parish in Clarksville. Married in 1995, their family grew to include four children, all of whom attended St. Louis School.
While their children were enrolled at St. Louis, John and Victoria took active roles within the parish and
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school community. “I did as much volunteering as possible, whether it was working in classrooms, lunch duty, or attending social or fundraising events,” said Victoria. John also took on a leadership role in the CYO basketball program. “As administrator for the CYO league, watching the players, parents, and all the people involved embody the tenets of Catholic school education was enriching,” said John. “The approach is different than simply a format for competition. Participants are held to a higher standard regarding sportsmanship and conduct — all within the framework of shared fellowship.”
“Nothing is more important than giving back to a school that gives our sons the strength and foundation of a Jesuit education.” The Sesslers also played a leading role in organizing and hosting a special fundraising event at their home that enabled St. Louis to fund the construction of the John Evans Memorial Gymnasium. The complex boasts two courts, as well as seating for assemblies and school plays. The space was built as part of the St. Louis Parish Embracing Our Mission - Shaping Our Future capital campaign. “We felt as though it was important for us to not only be active members of parish and school life, but to devote ourselves to causes that would enhance the student experience now and into the future,” said Victoria. After sending their oldest daughter to Notre Dame Preparatory School, they chose Loyola for their oldest son, Jack. “For us, the decision felt very clear,” said Victoria. “We were living in Howard County and friends would ask if the commute was worth it, especially considering the high caliber schools in our district. Ensuring that our kids continued their education in a faith-based environment was our primary goal, but what Loyola has offered is much more than we ever could have imagined.” Jack graduated in 2017 and now attends the University of South Carolina. His younger brother Grant, who enrolled at Loyola in the sixth grade recently started his freshmen year. “For Grant to leave a school that we all loved may have seemed like a leap of faith, but witnessing Jack’s transformation as a Don led us to know that his experience would be just as impactful,” said Victoria. Their commitment to Catholic education is one of the reasons the Sesslers have proudly stepped
forward as Chairs of the 2018 Blue & Gold Gala, Loyola’s premier fundraising event. “There are many ways for parents, alumni, and friends to support Loyola, and we think the Blue & Gold is an outstanding and fun opportunity to bring people together and raise funds that will have a direct impact on the student experience, “said Victoria. In addition to serving as Chairs of the event, John and Victoria have generously pledged their supports as 1852 Sponsors. “When Jack was in his freshman year, I reached out to the school because we felt compelled to support the mission,” said Victoria. “The gift of a Catholic education is hard to put into words, but I see it every day with my children. At Loyola, there is a brotherhood that takes the boys from their early days in Sheridan Hall through their college journeys. The results are powerful and palpable.” As the 2018 Blue & Gold Gala approaches, John and Victoria are eager to keep the momentum going and hopeful for a packed Four-Court Gym on March 3. “The success of the Blue & Gold means everything to us. Nothing is more important than giving back to a school that gives our sons the strength and foundation of a Jesuit education. It also means a great deal to have the support of the community beside us to achieve our goals and spend a night together celebrating Loyola Blakefield!” Please join us in thanking the Sessler family for their leadership and generosity. The Blue & Gold Gala is set for Saturday, March 3, 2018. The event consists of dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing, and more!
Discover how you can support the Blue & Gold Gala by visiting loyolablakefield.org/blueandgold
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American Politics Club students with Rabbi Andrew Busch
AMERICAN POLITICS CLUB In a political climate that has the country polarized, students, faculty, and staff at Loyola Blakefield have found a way to take part in constructive discourse with the merging of the Young Democrats and Young Republicans Clubs this school year. The newly formed American Politics Club is tasked with creating an “anti-safe space” for students to express their honest opinions, all while being respectful and considerate of one another.
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he idea came to Director of Alumni Engagement Pat Muth ’99 during the faculty and staff meetings at the beginning of this school year. “In the wake of the Charlottesville incident, we were in the process of dealing with this new normal as it relates to the political climate in this country, and some of the opening messaging from President Day and Principal Marinacci was based around how we have constructive dialogue with one another.”
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Muth, who had been the moderator of the Young Democrats Club for the past three years, pitched the idea to Director of Alumni & Parent Giving and moderator of the Young Republicans Club, Brian Plunkett ’76, as well as Principal Marinacci and Assistant Principal of Academics Brian Marana ’00, who all agreed it would be the Ignatian thing to do. “Part of the education process, especially at a Jesuit school, is being unsettled,” said Muth. “You don’t
National Anthem Forum
learn anything if you stay in your lane all the time. It’s about hearing other perspectives, and we wanted to give students an outlet for that to happen.” The club’s co-presidents, Matt Bollinger ‘18 and Damian Stifter ’18, agreed that creating this new outlet for students would help them to better understand each other. “The Young Democrats and Republicans were the physical embodiment of echo chambers,” said Stifter. “We’d sit in our happy, safe space of likeminded people and just bash the other side.” With this new club, students are thrust into speaking about and listening to ideas they might not necessarily agree with on a more regular basis. “This club is really just a microcosm of what Loyola is all about,” added Bollinger. “Being open-minded, committed to diversity, and just learning about and listening to other people are all Jesuit ideals.” Meeting after school every Wednesday, students discuss a range of topics including gun control, healthcare, tax cuts, social media, immigration, gender equality, and more. At the beginning of each meeting, the club enlists two students from opposite ends of the political spectrum to recite what they think the other side believes in terms of the topic at hand. “To have them go up and speak in front of an audience is one of the most important things they’ll learn,” said Plunkett. “There’s no backtalking while students are speaking, and whatever their views are, to have them speak in front of a group with half the people in the room not in agreement with what they are saying, I think that’s a pretty big deal.”
Dr. Faheem Younus
The club has also hosted guest speakers from a wide range of political and religious backgrounds to discuss how their personal beliefs inform their politics. These speakers include Dr. Faheem Younus, Chief Quality Officer at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health and President of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Rosedale, Rabbi Andrew Busch, who has served the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation—the oldest Jewish congregation in
“It’s about hearing other perspectives, and we wanted to give students an outlet for that to happen.” Maryland—since 2008, and Maryland State Delegate Chris West. The speakers normally talk for fifteen minutes about some high-level topics, allowing plenty of time for a Q&A session with the students. “I give the kids a lot of credit, they don’t hold back,” said Muth. “I tell our speakers: ‘If you’re worried about hard questions, or don’t want something covered, this might not be the spot for you.’ Because we are encouraging our students to speak their minds and ask tough questions, not with the intention to offend, but these are politically fraught issues a lot of time. The most popular event the club held this year was a schoolwide forum at the end of September to discuss the protests by NFL players during the National Anthem. More than 150 students, faculty, and staff gathered inside the Chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat to voice their opinions on the topic, and more importantly, listen to what others had to say. “We gave each person one minute to speak their mind, and everyone received applause at the end of their talk,” said Muth. “The sky didn’t fall in and nobody reported us. It was a situation where all the goodwill about why we’re doing this came to fruition, that whether we agree or not, we are all Dons at the end of the day.” As for the future of the club, Stifter and Bollinger hope students will take up the mantle after they graduate and keep the momentum going. “I think this club has demonstrated that we don’t necessarily need to rely on the administration to bring students together to talk about controversial topics in a constructive manner,” said Stifter. “It has also helped show that, yes, we can have our differences, but in the end, we are all Dons,” added Bollinger. 13
Loyola Cross Country is
BACK ON TOP Loyola Blakefield Cross Country is back on top of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) after winning the 2017 title at Oregon Ridge Park in November and finishing the season ranked top 10 in the state by MileSplit. This marks the program’s 13th league title in 20 years and 16th overall in its 44 years at Loyola.
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he elite running program was founded by Br. Paul Cawthorne in 1973, but really took off when Jose Albornoz was named head coach in 1988. All but one of the program’s 16 MSA/MIAA championships have come during his tenure. “I took over for Phil Kirby in my second year at Loyola as he was ready to retire,” said Albornoz. In his first year as head coach, only having coached JV for a year or two prior, Albornoz discovered he had some really talented guys on his team and finished second in the league behind a very strong Curley team. In 1989, Chris Cucuzzella ‘82 joined the program and split duties with Albornoz. “Chris started working with the varsity distance guys for indoor and outdoor track, and I stuck with the them during the cross country season,” said Albornoz. “We turned them into year-round runners,” added Cucuzzella. “Once they join the program, they don’t stop running.”
The team went on a little run from 1989–91, winning two of three championships, and in 1992, Matt Beliveau ’92 was the first Don to win an individual Maryland Scholastic Association (MSA) championship. “It seemed easy at the time, but then we went four or five years with nothing,” said Albornoz. “We didn’t do anything different, the talent just wasn’t there.” Then, in 1997 and 1998, the team won back-to-back MIAA championships, and Chris Knott ’99 took the individual title in 1998. To top it off, at the end of the ’98 season, Coach Albornoz was named The Baltimore Sun Coach of the Year. That’s when things really started to pick up for the program. Albornoz attributes the success of the program to several factors. “We set an expectation from day one that we are going to be a high mileage team, that there were going to be no excuses.” He also expects each runner, from the bottom to the top, to run every mile. “I have everyone’s times memorized, so if someone is not running a hard workout, I know it,” said Albornoz. Another factor is the comradery between the older guys and the younger guys on the team. “We see it all the time,” said Cucuzzella.
Jose Albornoz 14
Congratulations to this year’s cross country team on their 2017 MIAA ‘A’ Conference Championship at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Maryland, on November 1. Five runners placed in the top 20 including Camden Gilmore ‘19 (4th), Connor Verrett ‘19 (6th), Kyle Clarke ‘19 (13th), Ronan Sullivan ‘19 (19th), and Daniel Quets ‘18 (20th).
“The younger guys kind of inherit the older guys’ work ethic and it just becomes a part of the program’s culture.” Also, for a while, both coaches did something not many other coaches do, they ran every single practice mile with their team. “I know when I started, none of those kids wanted me to beat them,” said Albornoz. “For the longest time, I could run with the top five group. I remember going on a 15-miler and I know they were wondering how is this guy doing this. I think there was a lead-by-example thing going on there.” “I think they also see that at our age, there’s still a commitment and dedication to the sport,” added Cucuzzella. During both their tenures, the program has produced some top-tier runners including the aforementioned Matt Beliveau and Chris Knott, along with Matt Jablonski ‘11, Kevin Corbusier ‘12, Tyler Spear ’14, Michael Wegner ’15, and Frankie Legambi ‘16. “Before joining the team at Loyola, and even in my first year or two, Albornoz and Cucuzzella had been doing a fantastic job at establishing the mentality necessary to be successful,” said Jablonski, who broke several records during his time at Loyola and went on to run for Oregon. “Once the guys on the team above me started performing at a high level the template for success had been created. The only job the team and
I had was to replicate that and continue to fine tune it.” In his 29th year coaching the program, Albornoz isn’t thinking about retiring anytime soon. “I’ve got a while to go. Winning is its own reward, and I can remember the first championship as well as the one this year.” The same goes for Cucuzzella. “I always say I’m going to stop doing it when I’m not excited for a championship meet, and that just hasn’t happened yet.” As for next year, both coaches believe it will be a special season. “I really think we’re bringing back the best team we’ve ever had,” said Albornoz. “I think we can get the entire group of five or six guys under sixteen minutes.” Jose Albornoz has been named a 2018 inductee for the Loyola Blakefield Athletics Hall of Fame. He is only the sixth coach in school history to be awarded this honor.
Chris Cucuzzella ’82 15
ORGANIZED SPONTANEITY A Reflection from SGA President Logan Harvey ’18
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walk into the Performance Gym in front of the entire student body. Presidential music plays as I wave to the crowd and kiss a baby doll. Suddenly, the presidential music shifts to rap, I toss the baby into the crowd, do a backflip, and finish with a breakdance routine. This introduced the first forum of the 2017–18 school year and set the stage for an exciting revitalization of Loyola Blakefield’s Student Government Association.
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endorse clubs, and build community. We wanted the forums to be filled with humor, music, and excitement.
Before I ran for student body president, I thought of the things that I wanted to accomplish. My brother, Brady ’13, mentioned something about forums, weekly school gatherings that used to occur at Loyola. At forums, students would be able to make fun, yet informative, announcements regarding things happening on campus. I wanted to bring this back. After winning the election, I talked to our Dean of Students, Mr. Schlichtig, and asked for his approval. Before summer came around, five forums were added to the calendar for the 2017–18 school year, one every other month.
The first forum, held at the end of September, went perfectly. After my introduction with the breakdance routine, the vice presidents of the SGA entered from the corners, and I announced their names in a boxing match-style presentation. For example, I said, “Weighing in at 145 pounds, at 5 feet and 10 inches, with the most soothing voice ever to hit the intercom, VP of Communications, MAAARK SUCOLOSKI!” After describing our positions in the student government, we proceeded to the main theme of the first forum: sports and clubs. We made funny videos of various clubs and fall sports teams in prior weeks and projected them on the gym wall. In between each video, club representatives would talk about what they do and when they meet, and team captains, dressed in their uniforms, would announce upcoming sporting events and themes.
Over the summer, the SGA met to discuss each other’s plans for the coming school year. We all contributed different ideas, and we all shared a similar goal: to give the SGA a prominent role on campus and bring a new energy to the student body, using the forums as our medium. We had five 40-minute time slots to make announcements,
After the first forum, the response was overwhelming. We kept getting the question, “When is the next one?” AJ Larkin ’22 even decided to create a Student Government Association for the middle school and hold elections for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. This way, the middle school could be more involved in future forums. The school had
“Overall, the Loyola SGA has been an awesome experience for me. I have had such a great group of students and faculty members to work with who have been nothing but helpful. ” high expectations for the next forum, so there was a lot of pressure for us to create an even better one next time.
intercom. These funny, yet informative, clips are posted to Loyola Blakefield’s YouTube channel and streamed to every homeroom.
The second forum, which was held at the beginning of November, began with two students holding up an SGA banner with our faces on it. Music began to play as members of the SGA broke through. We threw out t-shirts to the crowd. Then, I did a backflip off a wall, and the VP of Service, Blessy Mbaya ’19, wearing the Don costume, did a short dance routine. The students went crazy. We transitioned into the main theme: students’ lives outside of school. We had performances from two student comedians and a magician and showed highlight videos of gymnasts and a diver (with funny clips of me attempting to imitate their maneuvers). This forum highlighted our students’ talents that usually go unknown. For the next forum, we plan on showcasing several members of our faculty and staff.
Also, thanks to Mr. O’Kane, Director of Campus Ministries, we have added a musical Examen every Friday. During these special Examens, I give the title of the song, talk about its meaning, and ask several reflection questions for students to consider while the song plays. This allows for students to center themselves and take a short break from their busy day.
In addition to forums, the SGA has done a lot to increase school spirit and unity on campus. With the help of the Loyola Film Club, we have implemented monthly video announcements that supplement the daily announcements over the
This year, we hope to set an example for years to come. We have created a constitution, led by the VP of Clubs and Activities, James Canal ’19, which will provide a foundation for future members of the Loyola SGA. This will allow them to take our ideas and further evolve them, just as we did with the old forums. Overall, the Loyola SGA has been an awesome experience for me. I have had such a great group of students and faculty members to work with who have been nothing but helpful. As I finish my senior year, I will make sure that I make it memorable, not only for me, but for everyone in the Loyola Blakefield community.
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CLASS NOTES 1949
Jim Garland ’49, a lawyer at Miles & Stockbridge in Baltimore, received the “Man for All Seasons” Award from the St. Thomas More Society of Maryland, an organization of members from the Catholic legal community. Jim represents clients in the areas of telecommunications, general business litigation, and labor and employment, and is deputy general counsel of the firm. He accepted the award at the Society’s 59th Annual Red Mass and “Man for All Seasons” Award Banquet on October 19 in the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier, where Garland is a long-time parishioner.
1965
Michael Keeney ’65 will step down as Director of Athletics at Loyola Blakefield at the end of the 2017–18 school year after serving 15 years in
Michael Keeney ’65
the role. He will continue to be on hand to continue coaching and remain involved with Loyola Athletics on a part-time basis.
retired military officer who served four combat tours and is the author of Virtuous Policing: Bridging America’s Gulf Between Police and Populace (2015) and Fighting Today’s Wars: How America’s Leaders Have Failed Our Warriors (2016). He is also a graduate of U.S. Army War College.
1969
Timothy McQuay ’69 retired on December 1 as managing editor of congressional reports for the Lead Inspector General of Overseas Contingency Operations/ Department of Defense. Formerly, he was a managing editor at USA TODAY.
1978
David Bolgiano ’78 is currently a Use of Force Expert and Operational Law Attorney at Tully Rinckey PLLC in Washington, DC. He is a
Daniel Porterfield ’79
1979
Daniel Porterfield, PhD ‘79 was named the next president and CEO of The Aspen Institute effective June 1, 2018. Dan has served as Franklin & Marshall College President for the past seven years.
1983
Brian Distance ‘83 was featured in several episodes of the latest
Fall 2017
Brian Distance ’83
season of NCIS: New Orleans this past fall. Bob Philips ’83, who was named Chief Revenue Officer with Entercom Communications after its merger with CBS Radio in November, rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on November 20 for the company’s initial public offering. In this role, Philips leads all aspects of revenue generation across corporate, regional and local levels and develops fully integrated, multiplatform sales solutions and breakthrough strategies to attract new revenue streams for the #1 creator of live, original, local audio content
reaching over 100 million consumers across multiple platforms.
S AT U R D AY , M A R C H 3 , 2 0 1 8 loyolablakeFIfield.org/blueandgold
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2002
Sebastian Price ’02 and wife, Jennifer, welcomed George Winfield Price (Class of 2035) into the world on October 1.
George Winfield Price
2005
Adam Ariosa ’05 and wife, Jackie, welcomed Eleanor Elizabeth Ariosa into the world on December 24.
2006
Van Brooks ’06 was appointed as the new Director of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan in late October. Bob Philips ’83
BLUE & GOLD GALA
(CPaaS) company in Cary, NC, called Bandwidth Inc. in 1999. Bandwidth bills itself as a communications provider offering a range of VoIP services such as messaging, voice, and 9-11 calling. The company had an initial public offering on the NASDAQ this past November.
1987
Henry Kaestner ’87 helped start a Communications Platform as a Service
2007
Michael Strassner ‘07 made an appearance on Season 4, Episode 5, of the ABC hit show Black-ish, which aired on October 31. In 2015, Strassner also appeared on the final season of NBC’s Parks and
Share your news with fellow Dons! loyolablakefield.org/classnotes Recreation for several episodes as Vaughn Swanson.
2010
Brad Ziegler ‘10 has been working on a photo project, titled Horizon Compromise, which he created over the course of three years spent traveling through 46 states. Horizon Compromise is a love letter to the inherent loneliness found within the collective spirit of
America. His entire body of work is on display at the Current Gallery in Baltimore from January 13 through February 4. He also produced a book to go along with the exhibition. Both the show and book explore active and dormant sites of meaning scattered within the liminal spaces of our country’s landscape.
2013
Michael DeGraffenreidt ’13 was signed by
Nashville SC of the United Soccer League in early January 2018. The 23-year-old missed all of last season due to a knee injury sustained while training with New York City FC, which drafted him in the third round out of Louisville.
2016
Andrew Fava ‘16 officially became a member of the Florida Gators men’s basketball team one week before
win over North Florida on November 16.
Andrew Fava ’16
the start of the 2017–18 season, after spending a year as team manager. He received playing time as early as the first two games of the season, including a four-point showing during the final minutes of the Gators’ big
Gavin Rowley ‘16 of Bryant University became the first kicker in DI program history to earn All-Northeast Conference (NEC) honors this past football season.
I N M EM O R I A M ALUMNI
Daniel N. Feeney ‘43 Joseph A. Boulay ‘46 John H. Riehl III ‘48 John J. Bagliani Jr. ‘50 Bernard C. Kirby ‘52 Col. David L. McEvoy, Ret. ‘53 Thomas M. Kerr ‘54 Philip H. Moore, MD ‘55 Msgr. James O. McGovern III ‘57 Robert W. Hughes ‘67
Michael N. Barrows ‘70 Emile R. Mohler III, MD ‘79 Matthew L. Martinkus ‘84
PAST PARENTS Matthew J. Brennan, MD Harvey S. Brooks Paul J. Dick Michael L. DiPaula, DDS Earl E. Eiker Sr. Laurie K. Freter
Patrick J. Hogan Thomas J. Huber Richard J. Kopro Richard J. Kretzschmar Joseph Mariano Fenton L. Martin Jr. Frank R. McGuire III John P. Pipkin Charles H. Schadt Lura Doris Sutherland
GRANDPARENTS George Kimmett
FRIENDS
Leonard Bridickas Anthony Deering Frank W. Hutchinson George Kimmett Luigi C. Lavagnino David G. Mock G. Donald Pantle, SJ
REMEMBERING REV. G. DONALD PANTLE, SJ The Rev. G. Donald Pantle, SJ, entered into eternal life on August 28, 2017, at Manresa Hall in Merion Station, Pa., at the age of 89. Fr. Pantle was born in Scranton, Pa., on May 17, 1928. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Scranton and entered the Society of Jesus at the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, Pa., in 1948. He received his B.A. from Bellarmine College in Plattsburg, NY, and a master’s degree in German from Middlebury College in Mainz, Germany. Rev. Pantle’s entire ministry was within Jesuit schools, beginning with Loyola Blakefield in the mid ‘50s. As a Jesuit scholastic, Fr. Pantle taught German and religion at what was then Loyola High School, and he started the Loyola band from scratch. Following his ordination on June 19, 1960, he began a 16-year tenure teaching German at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. In 1979, Fr. Pantle returned to his hometown of Scranton where he would serve the University of Scranton for 35 years. In addition to teaching German, he was an associate director of campus ministry and a director of the retreat center at Chapman Lake. Over the years, the university showed its appreciation for his service. In 1998, the Scranton Jesuit Community established the Rev. G. Donald Pantle, SJ, Scholarship at Scranton University. And, in 2010, the university named a garden on its campus the Rev. G. Donald Pantle, SJ, Rose Garden, in honor of his service to the institution. Fr. Pantle moved to the Colombiere Jesuit Community in Baltimore in 2014 where he served in pastoral ministry, visiting Loyola Blakefield often to celebrate Mass and serve as chaplain of the JV basketball team, while also continuing to assist with retreats at the University of Scranton. “He loved and was so proud of the Loyola community,” said Hugh Coyle ’56. “He told me once that he had been to Loyola on nearly forty occasions to either concelebrate Mass or to watch the JV basketball team as their chaplain. He was a true man for others.” 19
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