Spring 2018
Spring 2018
FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friends, I invite you to experience this exclusively digital issue of Blakefield Magazine. Accessible to every member of the Loyola community, and to the general public, this quarterly publication will continue to deliver content that illustrates the vibrancy of our mission and places a spotlight on the people who bring it to life.
“Their dreams are boundless and so is the faith we have in their readiness to make a mark upon the world.”
The transition to a fully digital and dynamic version of this treasured publication will provide an opportunity to deliver more timely highlights of school events, news, and updates to all who cherish the tremendous spirit and breadth of the Loyola Blakefield experience. Further, we view this as yet another way we can embrace Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, an encyclical on climate and justice, which calls us to act on behalf of our common home. In my remarks to the Class of 2018 at the closing of our 166th Commencement exercises, I reminded them of the importance of being conscious of their dreams and allowing those visions to become part of their reality—the roadmap for the rest of their lives. Their dreams are boundless and so is the faith we have in their readiness to make a mark upon the world. Thanks to all those who supported them along the way, most especially their families who ensured that they could experience a formation at Loyola Blakefield. I hope that you enjoy a restful and relaxing summer. Please continue to keep Loyola and its Dons in your prayers.
Roll Dons Roll,
Anthony I. Day P ‘15, ‘19 President
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CONTENTS Campus News
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Alumni Events
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Graduation 8 Day of the Don Recap
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Retirements & Departures
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Senior Reflection: Jon Pejo ’18
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Five Questions with J.T. Dean
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From Books to Blakefield: Derek Morris ’79
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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CONTRIBUTORS Editor & Photography: Michael Nitti Design: Whitney Myers, Michael Nitti & Lara Towson
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CAMPUS NEWS
2018 STATE OF THE SCHOOL ADD
President Da Address reca an excerpt:
“I would like to faculty & staff mitment to ou region’s prem could not ima educators — t of a Jesuit inst
I also want to Every dollar d student exper port services, spiritual offer assistance to less young me
READ THE EN
RUGBY RECLAIMS MIAA CHAMPIONSHIP
MORRILL RECEIVES CYBER EDUCATION AWARD 4
Click each panel to view more media associated with these stories.
Spring 2018
DRESS
ay released his annual State of the School apping the 2017–18 school year. Here is
o recognize the extraordinary members of our ff. Without their talents, dedication, and comur mission, Loyola Blakefield would not be the mier setting for the formation of young men. I agine working alongside a stronger group of those who proudly live and inspire the values titution.
o recognize the generosity of our benefactors. donated to Loyola has a direct impact on the rience. A gift to Loyola funds important supenhances our academic programming, fuels rings, and provides the necessary financial make a Loyola education possible for counten.”
NTIRE ADDRESS HERE.
FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNIZED AT END-OF-YEAR MEETING
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD NEWS!
8TH GRADE CELEBRATION
TROY VANCE ’85 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE STUDENT ART EXHIBIT 5
ALUMNI EVENTS @ BLAKEFI CLASS OF ’58 CELEBRATES 60TH REUNION
25TH BILLY KORROW RUN ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR
ATTENTION CORPORATE PARTNERS! The Loyola Blakefield Office of Advancement has recently created its first Corporate Partners Program. Loyola invites businesses and organizations to join the program for 2018-2019. To learn more about the program click here or contact Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Mark Finlan.
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LOYOLA COMMUNITY SUPPO
IELD
Visit loyolablakefield.org/events to see all upcoming alumni events.
Spring 2018
HIGHLIGHTS FROM BLAKEFEST & REUNION STAG NIGHT
ORTS FISCHER ENDOWMENT
CLASS OF ’68 50TH REUNION
UPCOMING EVENTS LBAA Summer Service Project Saturday, July 14th Cristo Rey High School Dons Down the Ocean Saturday, August 18th Abbey Burger, Ocean City Loyola Golf Open Friday, September 21st Hillendale Country Club Homecoming Bull & Oyster Roast Wednesday, November 21st Loyola Blakefield
GOLDEN DONS DINNER
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166 Com th
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“Today, you are not being given your diplomas ... you are accepting your diplomas. At Loyola, we have a stated mission, and the academic work, the retreats, the service, the contests, the performances, and every challenge and triumph we have experienced as a community have not only been opportunities for you to practice that mission, but a chance to lead our community. Now, you are ready to lead beyond Loyola. You are our greatest hope.” — John Marinacci Principal
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL AWARD WINNERS 8
he rain held off just long its 166th Commencemen June 3, for the 36th conse uated in their white tux families watching, along with the Cla to celebrate their 50th Reunion Weeke Brodie Holmes, and this year’s studen Association President Logan Harvey.
CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS GRADU
mmencement
g enough for Loyola Blakefield to hold nt outside in the Hollow on Sunday, ecutive year. The Class of 2018 gradxedos with hundreds of friends and ass of 1968 who returned to campus end. We heard opening remarks from nt speaker was Student Government
K HERE W MORE S FROM UATION
WATCH THE ENTIRE CEREMONY HERE
“We will all be going our own ways in a few months, and I’m going to miss you guys a ton, but I’m certain that we’ll find a way to stick together, because that’s what we’re best at. I know that if there’s any group of guys that will end up changing the world, it’s going to be us.” — Logan Harvey ’18 SGA President
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On Thursday, May 17, we hosted our inaugural Day of the Don—a day of giving dedicated to supporting the Dons of Loyola Blakefield. Thanks to the generosity of the Blakefield community, we managed to raise $51,319 from 282 donors in 24 hours—more than doubling our original goal of $25,000. Our donors included 160 parents and 94 alumni, 43 of whom were first-time donors. These dollars will go directly to our students, improving our campus, supporting clubs and activities, and providing merit and need-based tuition grants. On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your making our first-ever Day of the Don one for the history books.
Click the Thumbnails to watch EACH video!
The Big Idea
The Reveal
The Kickoff
The Reminder
Thank You!
Make Your Gift to the Loyola Fund HERE!
24 Hours.
282 Donors.
$51,319 Raised!
Retirem
FR. JOSEPH MICHINI, SJ ’59
KAREN PREIS
School Chaplain
Mathematics Teacher
Fr. Joseph Michini, SJ, has spent more than 40 years in secondary Jesuit education, the last 17 of which have been at Loyola Blakefield. During his tenure at Loyola, Fr. Joe served as the Director of Campus Ministry until 2009, when he took over as School Chaplain.
Karen Preis is retiring after serving as a mathematics teacher at Loyola Blakefield for 35 years. “Karen is an open-minded, generous, knowledgeable, modest, courageous, responsible, and highly-respected teacher,” said Middle School Principal John O’Hara ’96. “Her commitment to promoting excellence in education has been unwavering. From Sheridan 5 to 1, flip windows to window units, over-head projectors to doc cams, chalk boards to white boards, Reagan to Trump, she has always taught with passion, compassion, and her students’ hearts in mind.”
When he arrived at Loyola, Fr. Joe made his mark on many areas of the school, including the Kairos retreat. Throughout his tenure, he organized and led many spiritual and formational programs in conjunction with the Office of Ignatian Mission & Identity. “I have enjoyed being able to mentor students but also marvel at their resilience, grace under pressure, sensitivity, their gratitude for respect, their capacity for forgiveness. I have enjoyed being in a community of adults who care deeply for the young men entrusted to them.” Fr, Joe will help part-time with orientation into Jesuit history and pedagogy with faculty at Loyola University Maryland.
Read more about Fr. Joe’s legacy at Loyola Blakefield. 12
“As evidenced by my family’s warm experience, Ms. Preis has taught and influenced thousands of young men in her career. Her ability to connect with her students and engage them in both the lesson of the day and broader elements of learning made her really special for so many of us. It is for this reason that I wanted my sons to be taught by Ms. Preis. She will be missed.” — Dyer Bell ’95, P ’24.
ments & Departures
DEACON JACK AMES
FRAN FINNEGAN
MICHAEL KEENEY ’65
Theology Teacher
Director of Murray Learning Services
Director of Athletics
Deacon Jack Ames started at Loyola parttime during the 2010–11 school year teaching middle school theology and transporting students on Christian service trips. The following school year, he joined the faculty full-time. Over the years, he has assisted at the altar for our monthly Masses and scheduled the 8th grade’s annual field trip to the United States Memorial Holocaust Museum. He will miss interactions with students in homeroom and in the classroom. “When I see students grow in their ability to read, study, and communicate, it is obvious that the dynamics of the theology classroom helps to nurture and to educate young students to succeed.” Deacon Ames has been teaching for 23 years, after retiring from the Baltimore Police Department where he served for 21 years. He will continue to serve as a deacon in two parishes and serve in Project Rachel’s Ministry with the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Fran Finnegan joined the Loyola Blakefield community in 1995 as the Director of Murray Learning Services. Her experience, education, and vision were instrumental in establishing the Murray Learning Center at Loyola, which has enabled hundreds of students to thrive in our challenging academic environment. By developing a strong team of educators and building camaraderie among students enrolled in the Murray program, she has created a lasting legacy in the education of children with learning disabilities. Her bold leadership and steadfast advocacy for Murray students has earned her the respect of parents, students, and colleagues. “A Loyola education is all about adapting to the needs of students in front of us,” said President Anthony Day. “They will continue to change, and we will change with them thanks to the groundwork laid by Fran and her team. Fran, you will be missed, and you will be forever remembered as the profound and impactful advocate for the rights of Dons with learning differences.”
Appointed Director of Athletics in 2003, Michael Keeney has overseen an era of tremendous growth in Loyola Blakefield Athletics. “The landscape of interscholastic sports at the middle and high school levels is always evolving,” said Keeney. “Over the past 15 years, we have seen increased participation among our student body, a greater emphasis on the safety of student-athletes, and some very exciting enhancements to our facilities.” Keeney spent 25 years in the manufacturing business prior to serving as a College Counselor at Loyola in 1998. He coached middle school to JV levels of soccer, basketball, and lacrosse starting in 1993. He has also taught 8th grade English for the past 20 years. “Serving Loyola has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life. Attending Loyola as a student had a profound impact on me, and the opportunity to serve my alma mater is one I have never taken for granted.” Keeney will return next year to coach and remain involved with Loyola Athletics on a part-time basis.
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Retirements & Depa
PAT MAGGIO
CHRISTIAN GARRETSON
BEN RUBEOR ’04
Theology Teacher
Director of Theatre
Pat Maggio started at Loyola during the 1999–2000 school year as a theology teacher, after serving 25 years at Mount Saint Joseph High School. While at Loyola, he served as the Theology Department Chair for nine years and a part-time college counselor for five years. He also served as an assistant basketball coach for 18 years under Jerry Savage and Josh Davalli.
Christian Garretson began working parttime at Loyola Blakefield in 1998 as the moderator of the Blakefield Players. In 2000, he joined the faculty full-time as Director of Theatre, teaching middle school and high school drama classes, directing three productions a year for the Blakefield Players, and moderating the stage crew. Since 1998, Chris has directed 58 high school productions, with an estimated 900 students having acted or worked back stage in one of his shows.
Assistant Director of Admissions & Varsity Lacrosse Coach
“My experience at Loyola has been terrific, especially my time in the classroom. For this reason, I am only partially retiring and returning to teach two junior theology classes. I am very thankful to the school for allowing me to continue in the classroom. I have been very blessed. I look forward to the change in the daily routine.”
Chris has taken students to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival twice, directing shows overseas in 2014 and 2017. In 2007 and 2008, the Blakefield Players won the award for Best Musical at the Cappies of Baltimore Gala. In 2010, Chris formed the Talent Tour, a summer service trip for rising seniors that performs a traveling talent show at Catholic organizations in Baltimore and Philadelphia during one week every June. In August, Chris will become the MYP and DP Theatre Teacher at the Western Academy of Beijing, China.
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Ben Rubeor started at Loyola in September 2015 as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Head Lacrosse Coach. During his time here, he also served as the moderator for the Student Ambassador Program. He led the varsity lacrosse team to the MIAA ‘A’ Conference Semifinals for three consecutive years. “Loyola is a place that means a lot to me,” said Rubeor. “It’s my alma mater and a place where I feel like I did a lot of growing up. I learned to work hard, overcome challenges, and compete. I made a number of life-long friends as a student, and I’ve loved working with these young men as they figure out their own path. I’ll miss Loyola, and I wish my former players the best of luck. Roll Dons!” He will be moving on to work in admissions and coach lacrosse at Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA.
artures
BEN HORGAN
HOWARD FORD
CHRISTOPHER CASTILLO
Director of Ignatian Mission & Identity
Theology Teacher
Mathematics Teacher
Howard Ford was first hired in 1988 for a position teaching theology in the middle school. He re-entered Loyola in 2001 to continue teaching theology. During his tenure at Loyola, he served as the assistant coach of Forensics from 2001 to 2005, and in 2005, he even “starred” in the student production of You Can’t Take It with You, as Grandpa Vandehoff. He also coached Loyola’s It’s Academic team for ten years until 2017. During this time, he was also the advisor to the Loyola Blakefield Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Christopher Castillo joined Loyola in 2016 as a mathematics teacher. During his time here, he also helped coached our It’s Academic team. “The Math Department was a very warm, supportive, loving family during my two years at Loyola,” said Castillo. “I felt welcome from day one, and we have always been highly supportive of each other. I have enjoyed helping the students learn more about mathematics, and I hope they take with them at least a little bit of appreciation for the wonder of mathematical discovery.”
He will miss the students and his department, which over these seventeen years provided him with support, encouragement, and friendship.
We wish Chris the best of luck as he moves on to his new role as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Cecil College this fall.
Ben started at Loyola in 2011 as Director of Ignatian Service and then transitioned to Director of Ignatian Mission & Identity in 2013. He has also served as a part-time theology and classical languages instructor, JV ice hockey and freshman soccer coach, guest director for the Blakefield Players, and moderator of the Blair Scholars Program. “Over the past seven years, Loyola Blakefield has challenged me to grow and invited me to use my skillset to give back to you the great school community. Working with students, faculty, staff, board members, parents, and alumni on their faith formation, I have experienced firsthand this community’s commitment to Catholic and Jesuit values and beliefs, and I am excited to see how the school will continue to grow as a center of faith in the years ahead. Ben moves on to serve as Formation Director of the network of the Xaverian Brother’s Schools in the U.S.
“I have experienced firsthand this community’s commitment to Catholic and Jesuit values and beliefs, and I am excited to see how the school will continue to grow as a center of faith in the years ahead.” - Ben Horgan 15
SNOITCELFERREFLECTIONS 16
Senior Reflection from
I
Jon Pejo ’18
f you ask anyone at Loyola, “Where’s Jon?” you will invariably receive the response of “Did you check the benches in front of the chapel?” Since my freshman year, I’ve sat in that same spot every morning from 7:00 – 7:50 a.m. After four years of hard work, friendship, and growth, I feel that I can finally say I will never truly leave Loyola. Literally. Part of my DNA is likely burned into that seat. Father Steggert may have to exorcise that bench if it suddenly comes to life and starts giving poorly planned comedy routines: the embodiment of true evil.
In all seriousness, Loyola now holds a dear place in my heart. I have no idea where I’m going to be in twenty, ten, or even four years from now, but, with the help of teachers (now mentors) and friends (now family), I have some idea and a sense of direction — a purpose. I can proudly wake up in the morning excited and prepared to change the world, all thanks to the people here, who in some way emulated a part of St. Ignatius’ philosophy of generosity and love.
“Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned while attending Loyola is that nothing we do is insular.”
Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned while attending Loyola is that nothing we do is insular. I fancy myself a humorist, if not evident by my constant self-deprecation and irony, and what is comedy without people to laugh? Our passions, our dreams, and our futures often intertwine with those around us, and it is up to us to raise everybody up. Being a man or woman for others means recognizing that doing good by others is also doing good by yourself. I know it sounds like high-minded altruism, but I know it’s true.
Making someone’s day better—by holding the door or even making someone laugh—has been the most fulfilling thing for me at Loyola. So, to my fellow seniors and to anyone who reads this, I give you the words of my hero, late night host Conan O’Brien: “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” In a world of injustice, unfairness, and cynicism, we must remember to avoid complacency. We must remember to treat each other well. While we can delve in “whataboutism,” blaming problems and citing double standards, someone simply needs to start being better, or else we fall into a cycle of pointing fingers. That someone can be any one of us. Take care of each other, and be better. “It’s a sign of mediocrity when you express gratitude with moderation,” said Italian actor and director Roberto Benigni. In a moment of irony, I’d like to take the last part of this essay to thank a few special people. Thank you, Mr. Donovan and Mr. Garretson, for helping me find my voice. Thank you, Mr. Flanigan and Dr. Donovan, for helping me find my words. Thank you, Zach and Marlo, for being the little brothers I never had. Thank you, Collin, for being the big brother I never had. Thank you, Joey, for showing me love, though you would never admit it. Thank you, Aaron, for helping me be myself, and thank you, Leo, for making me feel like someone. Thank you, Will, for being my Aaron and my Leo. Thank you, Pa, for teaching me compassion and laughter. And, most importantly, thank you, Ma, for being the toughest, smartest, and wisest tuition-payer in the whole world. Best of luck now, Godspeed, and Roll, Dons, Roll.
Watch Jon’s performances from 2018 Forensics Showcase
SNOITCELFERREFLECTIONS
I came to Loyola believing I was “all that.” Smartest, funniest, handsomest. Fortunately, I was quickly humbled by my classmates who matched or exceeded me in every subject, out-humored me, and somehow topped my youthful charm and looks. Their talents brought me back to earth and bolstered my determination to succeed. A healthy sense of competition drove my work ethic to new heights. But, more importantly, my newfound sense of cooperation came from my class’ resolve to persevere through the gauntlet of junior year (God bless you, Mr. Baier) and the lethargy of senior year. Friendship and teamwork proved superior to petty humblebragging about grades or reserving help to secure one’s position in the class. I’ve been blessed to understand what they mean when they say, “Everybody walks.” No man is left behind.
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FIVE QUESTIONS WITH...
You joined Loyola after spending time at other nonprofit organizations. What attracted you to working in fundraising? I have worked for nonprofit organizations my entire career because of my passion for having a direct impact in the community and improving lives. I was attracted to the fundraising side of nonprofits because I see fundraising as an opportunity to create lasting partnerships between parties who are highly committed to the same mission. When a gift is made to an organization, it immediately creates a bond and dialogue between the donor and recipient. It is inspiring to me to see this partnership come together and blossom in a way that expands the reach of the organization to help others.
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J.T. DEAN Director of Major Gifts and Foundation Relations
When were you first introduced to Jesuit education, and what inspired you to want to work to promote the proud traditions and innovations of an Ignatian institution? I am familiar with Jesuit education through friends and family who have attended Jesuit schools. However, this is my first direct experience with a Jesuit institution. I constantly try to keep learning, improve myself, and serve others in similar ways to the Ignatian values. As a result, I was excited to be a part of an institution that holds shared principles and seeks to develop future leaders to improve our community. I also quickly recognized the strength of the greater Loyola Blakefield family, which speaks to our legacy of Jesuit traditions and demonstrated to me that I would be coming to a place where everyone seeks the same goals.
What was the focus of your college studies, and how are you continuing your education? I was a double major in religion and a self-designed major that focused on political science, sociology, and philosophy at Bucknell University. I recently completed a certificate program in business communications and am exploring various master’s programs.
As you have settled into your role at Loyola, what has been the most enjoyable aspect of your work, and how do you continue to make an impact on the mission of the school? The most enjoyable aspect of my time here so far has been my time sitting in the classroom observing how bright and thoughtful the students are. It is inspiring to know that they will be leaving Loyola Blakefield with a solid base and go on and make a difference in the world. In addition, I have been awed by the commitment of our alumni who have cherished their time here and choose to give back so that others may have equally valuable experiences. Moving forward, I hope to cultivate partnerships with our supporters that will ultimately lead to an even better experience for our students that prepares them to be responsible leaders in our community.
J.T. with members of the Class of 1968 when they recently returned to campus for their 50th Reunion Celebration.
What are some personal/family interests you are passionate about? When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters. I also like to run, sail, do woodwork, and cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles.
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FROM BOOKS TO BLAKEFIELD
Derek Morris’ Journey to Wall Street Derek Morris ’79 began his path to Blakefield at a young age when his uncle, who served as the librarian at the Baltimore Penitentiary, introduced him to the Enoch Pratt Free Library and helped him get his first library card. This sparked a lifelong love of reading and a constant hunger for knowledge. Raised in East Baltimore, his passion for literature allowed his imagination to travel well beyond his neighborhood. “I spent a lot of my time at the library, and it was there where I felt that I could travel the world by delving into a good book,” said Morris. At the age of 12, he reached a turning point in his life— one that would set him on a trajectory of faith formation and intellectual curiosity. “I saw this kid get off a bus and he was wearing a military style uniform,” said Morris. “The sight of it caught my attention, and I found out that he attended Mount Washington Country School.” He looked up the school in a phone book and made the call himself to inquire about the possibility of scholarships. He was informed that they did indeed offer scholarship opportunities, but that his parents should reach out on his behalf. After talking it over with his mother, Morris soon found himself at his new school—one that required four buses each way, a journey that Morris recalls as being worth any type of inconvenience. “I was crazy about the place,” said Morris. “In many ways, it represented a path out of poverty. It also helped lead to my conversion to Catholicism.”
tuition would become a burden that she simply could not bear, and Morris suddenly stopped attending school. His absence was a red flag to Brother Paul Cawthorne who visited the family’s apartment to check in on Morris and determine why he had not been attending school. Upon discovering the reason, he drew the necessary funds out of his pocket and simply said, “I want him in school.” Morris has never forgotten the extraordinary nature of that gesture. “It was $500, but at the time it might as well have been $100,000,” said Morris. “My mother was doing everything she could to ensure I had the best education, but there were simply limits to what she could provide.” Morris got back into the rhythm of school life and balanced his studies with a wide range of co-curriculars. “One of the best things about attending Loyola were all of the amazing opportunities it brought,” said Morris. “You could dip your toe into all sorts of things and discover ways to grow that you never knew existed.” As his time at Loyola was coming to an end, his mother visited campus in her white nurse uniform, sought out Brother Cawthorne, and handed him the same sum of money that he had so generously provided a year earlier. Morris calls it a beautiful ending to what feels like a Hollywood tale. Like his focus to attend Mount Washington, and the intuition that led him to Loyola, Morris had a clear plan for his college studies. “I was always fortunate to be able to make a decision and then be positive in what I was going to do and not let anything distract me from that pursuit,” said Morris. He applied to one school and was accepted with the support of a scholarship, which enabled him to become the first member of his family to attend college. My mother and I visited a few schools, including Yale and Amherst,” said Morris. “During an evening college counseling event, I got an early impression of Wesleyan University, but when we visited, I had this feeling that it was going to be the ideal place for me—like meeting the girl you know you want to marry, an absolute perfect match.”
During his eighth-grade year, he began considering where to continue his education and narrowed his list of high schools down to Loyola, Calvert Hall and Gilman. “The decision mostly came down to intuition,” said Morris. “I had read about the Jesuits and their focus on inquiry, thought, and their general approach to education was something that seemed to resonate with me.” With the transition to high school also came a move for the family. They moved to Towson, and his mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Eventually, the
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The Morris Family with Brother Paul Cawthorne.
As he reflects on his education and career, Morris recalls the people who guided him along the way. “My mother stopped her formal education in the fifth or sixth grade, but will always be one of the smartest people I have ever encountered in my life,” said Morris. “My father was an exercise rider, galloping race horses in the pre-dawn hours. He kept me focused on staying centered and understanding Derek Morris (second from right) in Brother Paul Cawthorne’s Senior Homeroom, 1979. that getting the most out of my education meant taking advanAt Wesleyan, Morris pursued an interdisciplinary degree tage of every opportunity presented to me.” in comparative literature. “Spending a lot of time reading Unjaded by the pressures and greed often associated with literature grants you two things,” said Morris. “You gain the finance industry, Morris thrives because he finds the the ability to express yourself in language, and it exposes humanity within every transaction and the beauty of peryou to humanity—the good, bad, and evil.” sonal interactions, as he did within the pages of his books. After completing his college studies, Morris began to exHe also sees how all facets of his formation at Loyola plore career options. “I could always process numbers have played an integral role in his life. “You were made well and excelled in high-level math, and for many of us to think critically and taught to serve others,” said Morris. coming out of college, Wall Street was an attractive option, “Encountering people through service work and talking to them without judgement in an authentic manner was as not unlike the Silicon Valley tech companies of today,” said important as any element of my education in the classMorris. “I was not interested in being an accountant, and room. Those experiences shaped me, and without Loyola, at the time I did not know what a stock or bond was.” He there was no Wesleyan, no path to NYC, and no career soon discovered trading, then jumped into the pages of on Wall Street.” books that provided a history of Wall Street. “I was fascinated by the evolution of the financial community and was inspired by Once in Golconda by John Brooks, Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefevre, and other writers who depicted the formation of capitalism and the global economy,” said Morris.
Morris currently resides in New York City with his wife, Andrea, and their son Sam (10). He enjoys golf, spending time with family, and the opportunity to continue sharing in his father’s love of horse racing.
Networking via a contact with a clerk on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Morris soon found himself in the thick of the trading frenzy and quietly observed his surroundings. As he shadowed the floor broker and witnessed several trades throughout the day, he soon picked up on the ratios and formulas that were guiding his transactions. Morris accomplished something that seasoned members of his team had not been able to decipher in over 10 years of working alongside the clerk, and before he knew it, he was introduced to a wider network and became a Junior Trader at Drexel Burnham Lambert. His early years on Wall Street provided him valuable lessons, a host of mentors, and paved the way to Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird) where he now serves as a Managing Director of Institutional Equity Trading with a focus on global portfolios and exchange traded funds.
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Class Notes 1949
Rev. G. Harry Hock, SJ, is celebrating his 65th year as a Jesuit Priest.
1960
1970
Michael Stershic recently announced that he will be retiring at the end of 2018 as President of Discover Lehigh Valley after fourteen years leading the organization.
1973
Jim “Snuffy” Smith was inducted into the Baltimore Catholic League Hall of Fame in May as a contributor.
1965
Thomas Koliss has retired from teaching after 45 years. From 1976–89, he taught at Loyola High School. From 1994 to 2018, he taught at Newark High School in Delaware. Among the courses he taught were AP, AB, & BC Calculus and Multi-Variable Calculus. He currently resides in Wilmington, DE, with his wife, Carolyn Becker, and their three dogs and six cats.
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Spring 2018
1983
Brian Distance continues to star in several Hollywood roles including NCIS: New Orleans as NOPD Sergeant Gordon. He will also be co-starring in the new feature film Green Book with Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali, as well as the new Beats by Dre commercial with Liza Koshy.
1985 Paul Tiburzi was elected Chairman of the Greater Baltimore Committee, Baltimore’s premier business advocacy organization, in April 2018. Paul is a Partner at the DLA Piper Law Firm. Read his Op-Ed in The Baltimore Sun here.
1981
Kenny Johnson was inducted into the Baltimore Catholic League Hall of Fame in May as a player.
Michael Coady, Chief of Cardiac Surgery and Co-director of the Heart & Vascular Institute, was recently featured by Stamford Health.
1998
Pete Daub, Tim Goetzinger, Rick Hearn, and Dan Kraning celebrated their 20th reunion from Blakefield this year. Pictured here is their graduation photo above a photo they took at the reunion.
Matthew Masaschi has been a Coast Guard Reservist since 2007, serving as a Public Affairs specialRead the article here. ist since 2010. After working at Zenmar as an outside sale rep for industrial tools and equipment for almost 10 years, he resigned in December 2016 and
moved to California with his family to work full time with the Coast Guard. He recently won a few Coast Guardwide awards from photos and videos he produced over the past year deployed to Guantanamo Bay, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. He was recognized in the Coast Guard’s Reservist Magazine. Read the article here. He is pictured with fellow Don, Brookes Evans ’98, with whom he did a tour (coincidentally) aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle in 2015 and 2016. Brookes has been in the Coast Guard since 1998.
2002
Chris Clunie was named Director of Athletics at Davidson College in May.
Share your news with fellow Dons! loyolablakefield.org/classnotes
2007
Tyler Kline was ordained a transitional deacon by Archbishop Lori on May 26 at the Basilica of the Assumption.
2013
Cole Boozer signed as an undrafted rookie with the Tampa BayBuccaneers in April.
2014
JP Clancy graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May. His first salute was to fellow Don and midshipman, Zach Hoelting ’15. Both served as captains of the swim team during their time here at Loyola.
Ekene Nkem-Mmekam graduated from Vanderbilt University this spring with a degree in Political Science.
2016
placed high enough in their semifinal heat to qualify for the NCAA Track & Field Finals at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Michael is the first Loyola Blakefield alumnus to qualify for the NCAA Championships in Outdoor Track & Field. Kenny Rowe ’16 competed in the NCAA Indoor Track Championship and Kevin Corbusier ’12 qualified for NCAA Cross Country Championship. In April, Michael helped his team win the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Track & Field Championship.
Michael Bell and his North Carolina A&T State University 4 x 100m relay team
2017
Andrew Ankeny recently helped install a solar-powered water filtration system at a Haitian school and orphanage. This system was designed and created by Andrew and his peers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and was implemented through an organization called Project Haiti. Read more about this project here.
IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI
PAST PARENTS
FRIENDS
Charles A. Besche ‘46 William A. Lagna ‘48 The Hon. J. Thomas Nissel ‘48 Donald H. Hoffman ‘50 James P. Durkan, MD ‘51 Douglas C. Foreman ‘52 Charles G. Walsh ‘52 George P. Schilling ‘53 James I. Butler ‘56 Brian M. Doyle ‘84 Antoine G. Kallab ‘17
Rosario H. Ilardo
William J. Berger Robert W. Black III Charles E. Era Irma Hiss C. Gregory Kallmyer John G. Schmidt
GRANDPARENTS Donald G. Edwards Louis Elias Paul G. Flattery Robert L. McElroy Sr.
PARENTS Chikezie Okoronkwo
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