Blakefield Magazine | Summer 2022

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Alumni, Families, and Friends,

I hope you enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer. When the rigors of the school year make way for the summer months, we are provided with an excellent opportunity to not only prepare for the new school year, but to reflect on the many blessings our community has enjoyed.

The 2021–22 academic year saw the completion of major construction projects: St. Ignatius Hall and the Bolte-Breschi Athletics Complex. The school year also provided countless opportunities for members of the Loyola Blakefield community to reconnect with events such as Taste of Blakefield, Blakefest, Class Reunions, and our Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony returning to the calendar.

As always, in the midst of a busy school year, our Dons made extraordinary contributions to our local community and even stretched beyond their comfort zones across the globe as they engaged in service and immersion experiences. As you read the pages that follow, we hope you gain a sense of the transformational journeys of our Dons—a Catholic, Jesuit experience that forms the mind, body, and spirit. We also hope that you continue to see the important role that you play in our mission to form men with and for others.

As we celebrate our 171st academic year, I invite you to read my message to our families.

I look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, Roll Dons!

Anthony Day President

CAMPUS NEWS

Loyola Blakefield Voted Best Private School in the Region

Per the The Baltimore Sun’s Best 2022 Readers’ Choice Contest.

Veterans Park Receives Regional Field of the Year Honor

As voted by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association.

First Day of 2022–23 School Year Highlights

Check out some photos of our Dons from the first day of the 2022–23 school year.

Fischer Program Celebrates Eighth Year

The program welcomed 44 young scholars from Baltimore City and County over the course of five weeks this summer.

Class of 2026 Graduates from Middle School

The Class of 2026 celebrated their graduation from our middle school on June 2.

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

Baltimore Alumni

Happy Hour

September 21st

DC Alumni

Happy Hour

October 6th

Charlotte Alumni

Happy Hour

October 12th

Charleston Alumni

Happy Hour

October 13th

Denver Alumni

Happy Hour

October 27th

Frank P. Fischer

Benefit Dinner

November 12th

Homecoming

Bull Roast

November 23rd

“Right now, the men in the Class of 2022 are more closely bonded to each other than they have ever been. Right now, we are the most brilliant, awe-inspiring objects in this community. But right now, we are mere moments away from graduating and beginning a new journey as part of new communities. I believe that in the years after we leave, this class will be a benchmark, a notch on the measuring post by which the classes after us are judged. I believe that God specially assembled this group of guys for this moment and time in history. A time when war is still raging in the Ukraine. A time when bombs are still being dropped on Yemen. A time when millions of children just like us go to bed as the pangs of hunger gnaw at their empty stomachs. In this moment, I believe we are being called by God to do what the last four years have prepared us to do. To respond. To be generous. To serve him as he deserves. To give and not to count the cost. To fight and not to heed the wounds. To toil and not to seek for rest. To labor and not to seek a reward, except that of knowing that we do His will.”

– Toni Akintola ’22

Loyola Blakefield Celebrates 170 th Commencement

Under a clear blue sky, the Class of 2022, made up of 177 Dons, walked across the Hollow and officially graduated as Men for Others on the morning of Sunday, June 5, during our 170th Commencement. This was the 40th consecutive year that graduation was held in the Hollow. We were also excited to welcome back Dons from the Class of 1972 in celebration of their 50th anniversary as they led the procession.

During the ceremony, opening remarks were presented by Tony Liberatore, and the commencement speech was provided by Toni Akintola. The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated by School Chaplain Rev. Bruce Steggert, SJ, on Saturday evening at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

View More Photos

See Full List of Award Winners

Toni Akintola ’22 was the recipient of the Loyola Medal, awarded to the most representative member of the graduating class for excellence in scholastic achievement and participation in co-curricular activities.

Retirements

Sally Waller

For almost two decades, Sally Waller has served as a dedicated Ignatian educator. In Sally’s own words, teaching at Loyola was her dream job after spending the first half of her career in banking.

Sally spent her time on campus wearing many different hats, but no matter what she did, she did it with care and compassion for her students and colleagues. She spent the majority of her time at Loyola teaching middle school English, but also taught classes in theology. Sally’s students knew that when they walked into her classroom, whether in the modest rooms of Sheridan Hall and the Knott Hall fishbowl, or in our brand-new Saint Ignatius Hall, they were there to learn.

Sally shared her extensive knowledge with countless students, whether it was demonstrating her love of books like The Outsiders and The Diary of Anne Frank, or entertaining them with the wonders of English phonics, grammar, and spelling. Many of our Dons first developed their passion for writing and literature under her guidance.

Her love for running has also been ever-present as an assistant coach to the middle school cross country and track programs. She would proudly wear her MIAA Cross Country Championship jackets with the firm understanding that many of our Dons do not get there without first discovering their passion for running in our middle school.

While there is sadness in saying goodbye to our friend, we are secure in the knowledge that this is not goodbye, but farewell. Sally will continue to be a presence around Blakefield in the future, but for now will enjoy the well-earned reward of additional time with her husband, Jim, and her sons, Jamie ’10, Conor ’12, and Keene ’12. Knowing how well she fills her time, Sally will somehow find a way to squeeze an eighth day in a week to fill her busy retirement—one that will likely include travel and guaranteed to feature many more miles of running.

John O’Hara ’96 Middle School Principal

Terry Levering

He paced back and forth in the front of the room, his arms folded behind his back. The students in front of him argued passionately with each other, as was often the case in that government class.

He paused every now and then. “Hold on a second,” he would interject. “Listen carefully to the argument that’s being made.” After a moment of silence, the discussion—now less heated and more respectful— would resume.

What an honor it was to have had Terry Levering as a teacher. His knowledge of content matter was extensive, and he taught courses in both government and military history. His ability to take on multiple perspectives was uncanny. Just when we thought we had figured out his political leanings, he would challenge us to consider another point of view. Even-keeled, passionate, and professional, Terry was one of the best teachers I had at Loyola.

The attributes that made him a master teacher also served him well as Assistant Principal for Academics, a role in which he served for thirteen years. Terry was a reliable and steady presence during his tenure, guiding the academic council and ensuring that Loyola’s academic policies and practices fostered a rigorous and fair intellectual environment. He became known to students, counselors, and teachers as a trustworthy advocate—someone who would listen intently and make decisions with integrity, fairness, and compassion.

Terry’s final mission at Loyola was to establish an Academic Support Center. As our first Academic Support Coordinator, Terry worked with individual students to help them build successful academic habits. Students who struggled academically might learn how to take better notes, how to manage their time more effectively, or how to study more productively. The Academic Support Center has now become an invaluable resource to our student body.

Terry’s passion for education carries forward in a rich legacy here at Loyola—in the American Experience class that he designed nearly three decades ago, in the policies he co-wrote with the student Integritas Committee, and in the Academic Support Center that he shepherded into existence. His legacy continues in the thousands of students, faculty, and administrators whose lives he has inspired.

Brian Maraña ’00 Upper School Principal

REFLECTING ON THE INAUGURAL SOLIDARITY AND CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIP TO PERU

Over Easter break in April, eleven Dons were accompanied by Mr. Anthony Zehyoue, Mrs. Leah Zehyoue, and Ms. Bethany Gentry to Peru to take part in our inaugural Peru Solidarity and Cultural Immersion Trip. Created in partnership with the educational travel company EdOdyssey, the trip provided students an opportunity to connect both culturally and personally with people in another country through service opportunities and cultural experiences. “We wanted our students to learn about the country’s rich history, customs, and local traditions which impact Peruvians’ daily lives politically, socially, and economically,” said Mr. Zehyoue, Loyola Blakefield history teacher and head football coach. “This included trying all sorts of Peruvian cuisine and sightseeing around their beautiful country at various locations on the Pacific coast and in the mountainous regions of the Andes.”

Students documented the trip through several video reflections, which can be viewed on our YouTube channel, but Jack Francis ’23 also wrote a reflection on the trip, which can be read below.

The experiences in which I gained the most from on this trip, on both a spiritual and emotional level, were through immersing myself in Peruvian culture. It was incredibly fun doing the tourist activities, but the times I learned the most about myself and the world around me were through spontaneous and unplanned events.

One such event took place during our afternoon in Villa El Salvador, a district in Lima, Peru. After visiting a family in that community, we came across a group of local children playing soccer and decided to join in their game. The game felt electric and everybody playing was overjoyed. While playing, I realized how significant a group of visitors could be to the people of Villa El Salvador. At that moment, our differences did not matter at all; we were all just a group of kids playing soccer together and having fun. Recognizing how significant our mere presence was, I was inspired to connect further with other Peruvians.

Another impactful event during the Peru Trip were the nationwide protests, which disrupted our plans to visit Machu Picchu. I remember exactly how I felt when the group leaders informed us about the protests and their impact on Peru at that time. As a result, we were not going to be able to go to

Machu Picchu after all. I was devastated. The main eye-catching feature of the trip that I had dreamed about for two years was getting to see Machu Picchu with my own eyes.

That night, I blamed not being able to go there on the protestors and questioned why the whole situation had happened the same week we came to Peru. I spoke with my roommates, and they helped me realize and accept that there was nothing any of us could do about it. We each had a choice to make—either allow this disappointment to ruin our trip or choose to accept it and move forward.

This experience presented a pivotal moment for me to recognize how life does not always go as planned, but there is always a choice in how one chooses to respond. It is an extremely hard concept to come to terms with, particularly for someone who stives for perfection, but it was a particularly important lesson for me to learn.

By the next morning, I had decided I would make the best of whatever was to come for the group that day. In times like these, it is important to draw from and rely on our faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The times we feel most lost are exactly when we must trust in God the most. That day, God did make my path straight. He blessed me with an open mind so that I could fully experience and understand everything else that was to come.

While visiting Moray, our guide Luis told us all about the situation in Peru. Their government does not give them the same freedoms and security that our government provides us. In Peru, the government still displays remnants of corruption that disproportionally affect more at-risk citizens. Awareness about governmental corruption is one thing, but watching it play out firsthand helped me see this problem with a whole new perspective. Through the entire Peru experience, including the difficulties of our trip, I had a new understanding of what Peruvians go through on a daily basis.

It is easy to let your emotions spiral out of control when something bad happens, but the most important thing of which I was reminded during this trip is to trust in God and not let anger and disappointment run your life. By the end of the trip, our group had grown closer together and returned as better young men. This trip was a very impactful experience for me and my fellow Dons and taught us many profound life lessons at such an early age.

One highlight of the trip included Mr. Zehyoue and some of our Dons being recruited to carry the cross during La Procesión in Lima, Peru, on Good Friday for the 7th and 8th Stations of the Cross.

Edward Lowe ’23 Explores the Art of Film

Looking for ways to get more involved in his own community, Mount Vernon native Edward Lowe ’23 spent his junior year taking part in two workshops with the Baltimore Youth Film Arts Program (BYFA), an artistic and educational affiliate program of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. According to their website, the program offers Baltimore City residents ages 16 to 29 the opportunity to learn camera skills, refine storytelling techniques, and create films and photographs to be shared at public screenings, exhibitions, and on the program website. The overarching mission of the program is to build an online archive of Baltimore voices—a representation of the city, current and historical, real and imagined.

Edward first became interested in film watching a variety of movie genres with his dad growing up. “I really think it’s a great medium to express yourself through art beyond writing an essay or painting a picture,” said Edward. “It’s a great mixture of those two.” More recently, Edward got a job at the Parkway Theatre, an art house theatre in Baltimore City that screens foreign and independent films and hosts a wide range of local and visiting directors who come in and speak about their films. The Parkway is also home to the Maryland Film Festival and has been a Satellite Screen for the Sundance Film Festival.

As a resident of Baltimore City, Edward wanted to find a way to engage more with his community.

That’s when he and his mom happened upon BYFA’s website. Edward participated in two workshops— Inside Stories: Perspectives on Incarceration and Inside Stories: The Podcast—both of which were part of an ongoing project gathering the personal accounts of formerly incarcerated city residents and the people who worked with them in prison.

“I have lived in Baltimore my whole life, so many of these individuals are neighbors, and the idea of working on a project that deals with incarceration was intriguing to me because it’s kind of a gray area for many of us,” said Edward. “We have our own beliefs and stereotypes about the prison system and being able to ask my own questions and hear firsthand accounts from former inmates was really interesting and eye-opening.”

The first workshop focused on a series of video interviews with former inmates via Zoom, while the second installment was in the form of a podcast, catching up with former inmates on how they were acclimating to life outside of prison. “One of the main struggles people face after being released from prison is matriculating back into society,” said Edward. “I really enjoyed the second workshop because I was able to reconnect with people I had previously interviewed, and it was great to see the progress they had made since we last interviewed them.”

One interview really stuck with Edward. “The person grew up in East Baltimore, in a neighborhood less than five minutes from where I live. Although he had spent over thirty years in prison, he still had an extremely positive outlook. He was first incarcerated in the eighties after being convicted of first-degree murder at the age of seventeen and was recently released after being proven innocent. He shared his disturbing stories of violence and assault in prison and the prison guards’ neglect of their situation. Even though he was innocent the whole time, he was forced to go through the same treatment as everyone else. Yet he expressed how happy he is and that the experience helped shape who he is today. He is the kind of person who can take a difficult experience and get something great out of it, and his appreciation for life was beyond admirable.”

As the youngest participant in these workshops, Edward enjoyed the hands-on experience. In addition to conducting the interviews, he and his peers edited video and audio, logged content for possible future use in documentary storytelling, and identified story arcs and other points of interest. “We learned about advanced preparation, how to ask open-ended questions, and how to engage in active listening,” said Edward. The latter of which was one of the most important takeaways for him. “I expected to feel disturbed because of some of my own preconceived notions about crime and prison life, but when I was able to just sit there and actively listen to their stories, I felt empathy for the former inmates.”

After editing the sessions, Edward felt a sense of fulfillment about their work. “Creating an oral history is extremely important to draw back the curtain on aspects of life that are sometimes hidden from us. Our work is tangible and can be viewed by

anyone who wants to learn from the experiences of the people we interviewed. I am happy we were able to bring attention to the stories of city residents who often face difficult life challenges and are sometimes misunderstood.”

This experience led Edward to another project, this time at Loyola Blakefield. “After mentioning to my AP Government teacher, Mr. Burns, that I was taking part in these workshops with the BYFA, he asked me if I wanted to help with an oral history project about Loyola being produced by students and faculty in our history department. It was a great opportunity to get involved in that.”

Edward also participated in another BYFA workshop this summer. The Truth or Something Like It: Memoir is an online writing-intensive workshop where participants create art based on memories by recalling and reflecting through a range of mediums and forms, including poetry, prose, and still and moving images. Edward hopes to continue his passion for film through the BYFA while exploring other projects that help shine a light on Baltimore City and its residents.

Watch Interviews from Inside Stories: Perspectives on Incarceration

The Podcast

New Assistant Principals

Mrs. Erin Courtney has been named Assistant Principal for Faculty Development. She previously served as Chair of the Mathematics Department, has taught Math and Computer Science at the middle school, and served as a Learning Specialist in our Murray Learning Services program. She has also been involved in countless retreats and service programs over her 20 years here at Loyola.

“Erin’s commitment to Jesuit education, to professional excellence, and to building a community of belonging among our faculty are abundantly evident to all those who have worked with her,” said Brian Maraña ‘00, Upper School Principal. “I am very excited to continue to collaborate with her as she takes on this new role.”

Ryan Bromwell ’91 has been named Assistant Principal for Academics. Ryan also has served at Loyola for 20 years in various roles, such as science teacher, Science Department chair, and orientation coordinator. He has most recently also served as Experiential Learning Coordinator and has been the driving force behind our service and immersion program in Belize as well.

“I’m excited to work with Ryan as he takes on this new role,” said Maraña. ”His ability to organize and plan new initiatives is matched with a deep care for students and their holistic growth.”

We are pleased to report that two of our most have ascended to academic

Principals Named

most talented and dedicated faculty members

academic leadership roles.

It is with great enthusiasm and humility I take on the position of Assistant Principal for Faculty Development. Although I will miss being in the classroom, I hope to pass along what I have learned in my 28 years of teaching. My goal is to empower teachers so that they can be their best and experience the same joy that I have had the privilege of knowing for so many years.

Department Chair Updates:

New Appointments

Catherine Dearborn Mathematics Department Chair

Sam Manelski

History Department Chair

I am extraordinarily humbled by the opportunity to serve the Loyola Blakefield community in the role of Assistant Principal for Academics. It is such a dynamic time for our students and teachers who must navigate numerous challenges and discern among many opportunities in pursuit of their Jesuit education. I am privileged to walk with them as our journeys unfold and look forward to serving our Dons in pursuit of their academic ambitions.

Elizabeth Wise

Classical Language Department Chair

Summer Service Trips

Baltimore, MD | June 13–17 & June 20–24

Students had the opportunity to work with several local organizations including Baltimore Green Space, Gallagher Services, Sarah’s Hope, Baltimore Hunger Project, St. Vincent’s Villa, TALMAR Horticultural Therapy Center, and Baltimore Station.

Georgia & Alabama | June 13–17

Our newest summer service trip featured a tour of several Civil Rights landmarks in the South. Students followed a path of marches through Atlanta, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma with key stops at the Rosa Parks Museum, the Alabama State Capitol, the National Voting Rights Museum, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the home and church of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Camden, NJ | June 19–25

Our Dons stayed at the Center for Environmental Transformation (CFET) in Camden, NJ, and worked with different non-profits in the area. The group explored environmental justice, sustainability, and urban growth and development by working on projects connected to the Center’s urban gardens and their partner organizations which focus on issues of education, homelessness, food access, and community development.

Belize | June 21 – July 4

Students attended our two-week, service-learning immersion trip to Belize. During the first week, they snorkeled off the Caribbean Coast with Belize Tropical Research, Education, and Conservation while learning about the delicate coral reef ecosystem and the efforts being made to conserve the natural resources. In the second week, they helped build a home for a family in Belize City with Hand in Hand Ministries and explored the Mayan ruins in western Belize.

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Bethlehem Farm, WV | July 3–9

Several Dons traveled to Bethlehem Farm in the Appalachia region of West Virginia where they helped local residents with home maintenance projects, while also maintaining the farm’s garden, cooking their meals from scratch, and becoming more in tune with God through nature.

Nogales, Arizona/Mexico | July 17–23

Our Dons worked with BorderLinks in Tucson and the border town of Nogales to learn about the complex issues of immigration in southern United States. The week began with an introduction to the immigration process and historic timeline of immigration policies in the United States. Throughout the week, our Dons walked migrant trails through the desert, visited migrant shelters, witnessed migration-related court proceedings at a federal courthouse, and met with community members, activists, and academics throughout Tucson and the surrounding borderlands.

Blackfeet Reservation, MT | August 6–13

Several Dons traveled to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northern Montana near Glacier National Park, where they worked with Global Volunteers on a variety of projects including repair and maintenance of the reservation’s facilities, working in the children’s summer program, visiting with Blackfeet elders, and assisting at community support organizations like food pantries and clothing donation centers. Additionally, the group learned about the Blackfeet history and culture through presentations and meetings with the local medicine man and local artists/dancers.

Camp Holiday Trails, VA | August 7–11

Students traveled to Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville, VA. This is a non-profit camp set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that provides children with medical needs the opportunity to encounter a positive camp experience. Our students served as camp counselors and assisted the campers in daily activities including arts & crafts, sports, and carnival games. They also helped complete some necessary maintenance work around the camp.

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traveled near and far this summer to take part in our summer service trips.

MEASURING SUCCESS IN THE SHADOWS THAT WE CAST MEASURING SUCCESS IN THE SHADOWS THAT WE CAST

Shining a Spotlight on The Moreno Family

How Do You Measure Success?

By John Schuster at Age 16 1926 – 1975

How do you measure success? Is it as the Pharaohs of old, By the size of their caskets of gold?

How do you measure success?

Is it as the knights of yore, By their deeds of lust and gore?

How do you measure success?

Is it as the Philosophers, always deducive In their search for truth, ever elusive?

How do you measure success?

Is it by the shadows you will

cast To carry on when you are past?

—In this it must all rest—

How do you measure success?

When John Schuster ’44 wrote this poem during his time as a student at Loyola High School, he did not yet know of the shadows he would cast, and yet it is something that his daughter, Lee Schuster Moreno, mother to six Loyola Dons—Joseph ’12, Daniel ’14, Nicholas ’16, Gabriel ’18, and Michael ’21—thinks about quite often. “I didn’t really know my father because he died of cancer when I was young, but it’s amazing to think that he wrote that in high school,” said Lee, who has a copy of the poem framed in her house. “It means so much to the generations that followed.”

Born and raised in Maryland, Lee attended Franklin High School in Reisterstown and fondly remembers one of her first encounters with Loyola Blakefield. “We used to debate students from Loyola. I had my little index evidence cards and they came in with suitcases, and they would just handily defeat us, but they were always so nice while doing so. I thought to myself, if I ever have boys, I want them to go there.”

Her husband, Virgil, was born in the Philippines, and his family immigrated to Illinois when he was in kindergarten. He went on to attend the University of Illinois and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering. He landed a job in Baltimore with Westinghouse Electric Corporation’s Linthicum-based defense and electronics systems business, which was eventually bought out by Northrop Grumman. He recently took a job with Carroll County’s local government within the past five years.

Lee met Virgil at Harry’s in downtown Baltimore during a happy hour one evening, and the rest is history. They had seven children together—six boys and one girl (Mary Patricia). One thing they never overlooked was the value of education. “My oldest sister always told me, ‘Give your kids the best education you can, period.’ Obviously home life matters most, but their education is what they are going to carry with them for the rest of their lives. It’s the hardwiring that happens early on,” said Lee. “I know a lot of parents save for college, but we didn’t. We told our kids that we would help them with high school with the hope that it would prepare them to be able to make their way through college.”

Gus was initially interested in attending Loyola because his cousin, Colin Schuster ‘09, was a freshman there while he was in eighth grade at St. John Catholic School in Westminster. “I think Gus’s Shadow Day went really well,” said Lee. “When I pulled up to campus to pick him up, I could just see a different light in him. He was happy, sitting there talking with total strangers, and I’ve never seen him do that before. I just felt like the Holy Spirit was telling me this is where I need to send him. My husband just about dropped to the floor when I said we need to send him to Loyola. He asked me how we were going to do it. At the time, I didn’t know how, I just knew that we needed to do it.”

That strong sense of faith that Lee and Virgil carried with them was passed down to each one of their children, and it was noticed by their teachers and coaches as well. “The entire family—mom, dad, the boys, and their sister—are totally grounded in their faith,” said Loyola Blakefield Physical Education Teacher and former Aquatics Director Keith Schertle. “They take that faith and apply it to all that they do, never giving less than one hundred percent. That’s why it’s no surprise that each one of them excelled in their studies and their respective sports. It all centers back to their faith.”

Sports were a big part of the Moreno family. Dan and Gabe took to the pool as swimmers, while Gus, Joe, and Nick had great careers at Loyola as wrestlers. “The Morenos are an incredible family,” said Loyola Blakefield Wrestling Coach Steve Truitt. “I had the privilege of coaching several of them. They were talented, dedicated, hard-working, and extremely coachable.”

The Moreno brothers garnered several accolades during their tenure on the mat. Gus was crowned both MIAA and State Champion during his senior year, Nick was

an MIAA Champion and a National Prep Wrestling runnerup, and Joe earned 99 career wins and later served as an assistant coach for Truitt. He even had the chance to coach Nick in 2015–16 when he placed second at nationals. “That’s one of my favorite Loyola memories of all time,” recalled Joe. “Just being there for Nick as he qualified for nationals that year, then pinned the state champion to get to the national finals—it was just a great experience.”

Michael, the youngest Moreno brother, discovered his calling elsewhere at Loyola. He served as president of the Latin Club for three years and was heavily involved in theatre. He even dabbled in Speech & Debate and Cyber. Even though he didn’t follow in his brothers’ footsteps with sports, he still felt their presence. “Just having my older brothers there as an example was everything, because there’s a lot going on at Loyola, and sometimes it’s hard to find what path to walk, so that was so important especially with the discipline and just always doing the right thing when my brothers were there.”

Gabe felt a similar way about having his older brothers to look up to. “It was just comforting knowing I already had brothers who were in my situation, who had gone through the same things before me.”

“I know they really love each other and care for each other,” added Lee. “Knowing that they were in the same position at one point and having the comfort in knowing that they could go to each other for help—I think that was something they were able to pass down to each other without really knowing it.”

As far as family traditions go, you could always find the Moreno boys on the benches outside of the chapel before school. “Colin (Schuster) and I would always get there at 6:45 in the morning and just crash on those benches and do homework all morning,” said Gus. “It became a tradition more so out of a habit. When I graduated, I know Joe was always there with our other cousin Ben, and then it just kind of continued with the rest of the Moreno boys.”

“That was definitely our thing,” added Nick. “We would leave our house by 6:20 and get to Loyola by 6:55 and be at the chapel by seven, and if we didn’t have homework, we’d go to morning Mass.”

Outside of sports and clubs, it was the faculty and staff who left the biggest mark during their time at Loyola.

For Gus, it was Mr. DuSel and Mr. Albornoz. For Joe, it was Coach Truitt, Mrs. Brune, and Mr. Korrow. For Dan, it was Coach Schertle, Mr. McCaul, Mr. McDaniel, and Mr. Ray Brown. For Nick, it was Coach Chris Jones and Coach Dan Thomas. For Gabe, it was Mr. Flanigan and Mr. Bailey. For Michael, it was Mrs. Pongchit, Mrs. Wise and Ms. Love. “Without the teachers and coaches, the place falls apart,” said Lee. “They helped us raise our kids by going above and beyond in so many different ways and providing an environment where they could learn to think critically and logically and voice their opinions and questions. They wouldn’t be where they are today without Loyola and the amazing faculty and staff.”

Gus, Dan, Nick, and Gabe all went on to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy, Joe attended UMBC, and Michael is currently at Christendom College in Virginia. “What I think drew most of the boys to the Coast Guard, besides the free tuition, was this idea of protecting,” said Lee. “Our whole belief is based on cherishing life, and I think the Coast Guard is a good representation of that. It’s a different mission than the other branches of the military.”

Regardless of where their paths take them, their faith and the foundations that they built during their time at Loyola will be their guiding light. “If the Lord wants you to do something, he puts it in your heart, and he helps you do it,” said Lee. “You have to work really hard at it, but it is always attainable. It was not easy, but I wouldn’t trade Loyola for anything. The experiences the kids had there, the men they turned out to be—it is such a gift. They are our life’s work. They are our everything.”

Gus majored in Electrical Engineering at the Coast Guard Academy and attended grad school at the University of Maryland for Cyber Security. He currently works as a team lead on one of the cyber protection teams at the Coast Guard Cyber Command in Washington, D.C. He is married and just had his sixth child—a boy, along with five girls.

Joe graduated with an accounting certificate from UMBC. He coached wrestling at Loyola until 2017 when he got an accounting job with Merritt Properties, a full-service commercial real estate firm. He got married in 2020.

Dan majored in Operational Research & Computer Analysis at the Coast Guard Academy. He just finished up his first year at the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Cyber, and Intelligence Service Center (C5ISC) in Portsmouth, VA. Prior to that, he served on the USCGC Northland out of Portsmouth. He got married last August and is expecting his first child this November.

Nick majored in Electrical Engineering at the Coast Guard Academy. After he graduated, he was assigned to a 225-foot cutter out of Pensacola, Florida, however, the boat was dry-docked so he was temporarily placed on two other cutters before being transferred to the USCGC Sanibel, a 110-foot patrol boat out of Woods Hole, MA, this July. He got married last December.

Gabe graduated from the Coast Guard Academy this past May with a degree in Cyber Systems. Gus was onhand to present him his commission as an officer. He is currently stationed on the USCGC Hamilton in Charleston, SC. He hopes to get in to flight school in the next two years.

Michael is in his sophomore year at Christendom College in Virginia. He is currently studying Classics and Early Christian Studies, but also has an interest in pursuing teaching, law, or medicine.

THE MORENOS

Mass of the Holy Spirit

On September 15, our school community gathered in the Hollow for our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, a time-honored tradition among Jesuit schools dating back to 1548. During this special Mass, we thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit for the upcoming academic year. It is also a special time for our community as we honor the legacy of Dan McNeal ‘90 with the presentation of the Daniel W. McNeal Memorial Scholarship Award, which is considered the highest honor bestowed upon a current Loyola Blakefield student. We invite you to watch President Anthony Day’s address to our community during the Mass of the Holy Spirit, as well as Class of 1990 alumnus Jeff Sawyer’s reflection about Dan McNeal ‘90.

Daniel W. McNeal ‘90 Memorial Scholarship Award

Awarded each year at the conclusion of our Mass of the Holy Spirit, the Daniel W. McNeal Memorial Scholarship Award is given in loving memory of Dan McNeal, member of the Loyola Blakefield Class of 1990 and recipient of the Loyola Alumni Medal. Dan died tragically in the World Trade Center Towers on the morning of September 11, 2001. Dan has been described by our faculty as the example of the man Loyola seeks to foster; involved, energetic, brimming over with enthusiasm for life and anything Loyola, and a friend to all he met. Dan led his life giving of himself and thinking of others first. Considered the highest honor bestowed upon a current Loyola Blakefield student, this award is given to that member of the junior or senior class who embodies the characteristics that we hold dear in Jesuit education—one who lives his faith in word and deed, displays academic excellence, is actively engaged in his community, and most of all, exemplifies being a man for others.

The 21st recipient of the scholarship is Nathaniel Jackson ‘23.

CATCHING UP

with Bruce Zimmermann ’13

One day you are a kid watching one of your favorite baseball players on TV. Fast-forward over a decade later, and you are standing on a pitching mound, staring down a legend, and determining which pitches to send his way. For Bruce Zimmermann ’13, this situation has become a regular part of his reality. An April game against the Los Angeles Angels was a perfect example. After growing up and watching Mike Trout win MVP awards and carve a legacy as of one of the game’s all-time greats, he was now serving him fastballs. When he struck him out in the fourth inning, along with striking out the reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani three times, the feeling was almost surreal. “Getting to meet the guys you grew up watching is awesome,” said Zimmermann. “I’m still at a point where I kind of pinch myself when I’m looking at a lineup card before a game.”

The pathway to Major League Baseball requires dedication, determination, and countless hours perfecting one’s fitness and craft. For Zimmermann, his MLB journey started long before his name was called by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round of the 2017 amateur draft. Years of youth baseball, travel teams, and lessons from dad—Bruce Sr. served as his early pitching coach—were just the start.

In 2009, Bruce enrolled at Cardinal Gibbons High School, but his time there would be cut short due to the school’s closure at the conclusion of his freshman year. He would begin his time at Loyola as a sophomore in 2010. “I look back very fondly on the three years I spent at Loyola,” said Zimmermann. “From day one meeting some of my friends, and then the end of sophomore year meeting the baseball guys for the first time—a group of guys that I am still incredibly close with to this day. And then obviously things like Kairos, graduation day in the Hollow, and hanging out at the senior benches stick out as elements of my Loyola experience that made it so special.”

As a member of the Loyola baseball team, Zimmermann recalls the opportunity to not only be surrounded with great teammates, but to have excellent coaches who helped guide his development as a player and aided him in his ascension to the next level. “From a baseball perspective, Coaches Crowley and Kelly had a tremendous impact on my career,” said Zimmermann. “Coach Kelly was instrumental in connecting me with an opportunity to play at a DI program at Towson University, which definitely jump-started things on the baseball front for me.”

Looking back on his time as a student, Zimmermann recalls a few notable memories. “One of my favorite classes was Mr. Shapiro’s architecture course. Outside of baseball, that’s likely the route I would have taken since that class was such a highlight for me, and my dad is an architect so the passion for it was always there. But beyond that, I just remember so many great memories like AP Bio with Mr. Donovan and Fr. Joe’s limitless presence across campus. Everyone with whom I came in contact had some sort of impact on me, big and small.”

Zimmermann completed his college career at the University of Mount Olive. Then, in the spring of 2017, a day of which many young athletes dream finally arrived. “The Braves had been in touch the most, reaching out, inquiring, and conducting interviews, so I had a strong feeling they might take me. When draft day came, the only surprise was how much earlier they took me,” said Zimmermann. The day came with a bonus as he had a chance to share the news with a local baseball legend. “When I was drafted, I was on the phone with a family friend who works as a financial manager, and he happened to have Brooks Robinson in the car while we were speaking.” Brooks provided some simple words of advice: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Being drafted as a senior wasn’t going to bring the signing bonus normally reserved for high school signees in early rounds, but this meant Bruce needed to seize his chance at professional baseball. “He reminded me that all you are looking for at this stage is the opportunity. It doesn’t matter how much money you are getting versus some of the other guys, all you need is that opportunity.”

With draft day behind him, Bruce was ready to begin an exciting journey into professional baseball, a ticket so few ever get punched. “I didn’t know a lot about the Braves’ system, but I realized quickly how much pitching they had, especially ahead of me in the minor leagues,” said Zimmermann. “So, as I began it wasn’t really about having a long game at that point; it was more of an attitude of just trying to enjoy three months of professional ball.”

In 2018, Zimmermann attended his first spring training and gained an even greater sense of what it takes to not only continue his playing career, but to maintain hopes of reaching the next level. “Spring training gave me a better sense of where I stood in the organization and what I might have to do to elevate myself in a system that was stacked with good arms,” said Zimmermann. An all-star season in the South Atlantic League confirmed his place in the organization and provided an added layer of confidence on which to continue his climb to the majors. But first came an additional stop along the big league route. “I got promoted two levels to Double-A, skipping over High-A, and as I look back on it, it was definitely a sink or swim moment. My feeling was that I was a late sign, not someone they have a lot of money invested in, and this is where the organization is going to see what they have in me and how far they can push me. Luckily, I swam.”

He enjoyed some of his early success—signs that the hard work was indeed paying off and that the road ahead may include a future at the highest level. But a professional ball player never gets too comfortable in any one place. On July 31, 2018 (the date of the MLB trade deadline), the Braves sent him to Baltimore in a six-player deal. “That was a funny day,” said Zimmermann. “I remember my sister, who wasn’t all that versed in the intricacies of deadline transactions, calling me or texting me asking if I’m being traded. I assured her they just don’t randomly trade us and told her not to worry and that I wasn’t going anywhere.” Within minutes of that conversation, a call to report to the manager’s office came his way, which immediately sends a chill up even the most seasoned professional athletes. The news was relayed that he was headed to his hometown team’s Double-A affiliate, news that capped off what he remembers as an incredibly wild day. “I think my parents were more excited than I was. It was great to be coming back closer to home, and I remember hearing from so many people who knew I’d be coming back to be part of the hometown team.”

Bruce completed his Double-A season and entered the offseason primed to continue to focus on his fitness and pitching craft, the type of work that isn’t witnessed under the bright lights of stadiums and fielded by the roar of spirited fans. “All of the big jumps and physical gains happen in the offseason,” said Zimmermann. “The demanding schedule over the course of 162 games means you are priming yourself to compete and trying to maintain, so the offseason becomes critical.”

Bruce spent a lot of his time at a training facility that provided everything he needed to focus on building his strength while also striving to perfect his pitching mechanics. As a minor leaguer, the opportunity to put in work on his baseball career meant having to also find ways to support himself in the offseason. “I worked so many different jobs,” said Zimmermann. “The trick was always finding ways to fit work around my training schedule.” In addition to a stint at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Zimmermann worked as an Instacart shopper, a freelance handyman for Tackle, and worked youth camps or provided pitching lessons. “I grew up watching my dad fix anything and everything around the house, so Tackle seemed like an easy one for me,” said Zimmermann. “It’s a balancing act in the minor leagues as you figure out how to make the training schedule work around everything else.” His upbringing and experience girding his way through the rigors of pro ball have kept him grounded. “It’s definitely a little bit different now that I can afford to not work at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the offseason, which is nice.”

Being part of his hometown team was special, but given where the organization was heading, Zimmermann saw his trade as a potentially lifechanging opportunity—one that might propel him to the highest level of competition his sport had to offer. “It was clear that the Orioles were in full rebuild mode,” said Zimmermann. “Looking at it from that perspective, I knew the opportunity to thrive and advance was much greater than what I had in Atlanta where they were further along in their rebuild.” At this point, Bruce was already a few

years into a self-defined five-year plan—one that he promised to reassess as time went on. The reality of the rebuild in Baltimore, however, provided the fuel needed to accelerate the plan. “I know that I could move up in the organization since they were looking for guys to step up,” said Zimmermann. That longawaited call came in 2020 when he was assigned to the Major League roster. He also soon learned that he would make his MLB debut in Tampa. “It all happened a bit sooner than expected, so it was definitely a roller coaster going from one team to another, settling in, then finally realizing I would be making my debut for my hometown team.” The 2020 season was unfolding under a variety of COVID-19 restrictions, which meant his start against the Rays on September 17th took place without the benefit of fans in the seats. “Looking back on it, there was this strange singularity to the situation that made the moment a bit more unique, even though it was already a great day to begin with.”

When he took the mound for the first time at Camden Yards in 2022, Zimmermann became the team’s first hometown player to serve as the starting pitcher in a home opening day game. Reflecting on the most memorable moments of his career so far, his debut in Tampa and a big outing at Fenway in 2020, which included his entire family making the trip to witness his start against the Red Sox, both stand out. He looks forward to the prospect of a playoff game down the line, but for now, the opening day start remains at the top of his list. “I don't think I'll ever be able to top

the home opener from this year. That was handsdown one of the coolest things I've ever or will ever be able to do. You feel like your heart going a thousand beats a minute in the bullpen before, and then you finally step on the mound and you’re just hoping you don't sail one to the backstop on the first pitch. Thankfully, Randy Arozarena swung at the first pitch and lined out, so I got the first pitch and the first out of the way very quickly.”

Once he starts talking about his time as a professional ball player, Zimmermann enjoys telling stories about some of the early on- and off-field highlights of his career. There’s the first time staying in a five-star hotel in Toronto, which was a major upgrade from the conditions of the average minor league road trip. But what he really loves talking about is the preparation that goes into each season and the grind along the way that keeps a starting pitcher performing at the highest level. “Every gain and edge that you find, especially as a pitcher, is so minute,” said Zimmermann. “There is also a mental grind to

the season, so it’s important to find little measures of success along the way, even on your bad days, so that you see how those gains stack up over the long haul of a 162-game season.”

As he reflects on his time at Loyola and the path he’s taken to Major League Baseball, Zimmermann offers some words of advice to young Dons. “The one thing I would say is to be present during the time you have at Loyola. Be fully invested in the relationships with your teachers and friends, as well as the opportunities that the school provides for clubs, classes, and just ways to grow. Loyola is the springboard for so much of what is to come in your life. It’s an environment that enables everyone to strive to do more. This means learning not to settle for less than your highest aspirations.”

FOR YOUR SUPPORT YOU Thank

We are humbled by the many alumni, families, friends, and organizations who made gifts during the 2021–2022 year in support of Loyola and our Dons. Your generosity continues to have an immediate and enduring impact on the lives of our young men and the communities we serve.

with Blake Henry ’98, Director of Athletics

As you enter this new role at your alma mater, what are you most excited about?

Having the opportunity to impact current and future Dons through our athletics program. As both a former student and coach at Loyola, I had a chance to play for and work with some great coaches. They all had a hand in making me the man I am today. I am excited about working with our coaching staff to have that same impact at Loyola.

Moving back to Maryland and working at Loyola is a return to your roots. What does that mean to you and who are you looking forward to catching up with?

I was on campus in late June, and for a moment it seemed like I had never left. Loyola looks a lot different from even when I was last a teacher, but it’s awesome to see that there are so many familiar faces still on campus. I think that speaks to how special a place Loyola continues to be. Steve Kucharski, Mike DelGaudio, Chris Cucuzzella, Jose Albornoz, and a host of others were teachers and coaches when I was a student at Loyola, and many of the varsity head coaches and a lot of the teachers with whom I worked twelve years ago are still here.

How has the landscape of middle and high school athletics changed over the past decade?

It has become more competitive. Prospective families are much more well informed about what a school can offer their son from an athletics perspective. Families are also

investing more time and money in the development of their son even before he attends a school like Loyola. The good news is that a Loyola education offers a lot and will continue to do so.

As a former student-athlete, can you talk about the unique role athletics plays in forming the whole person in a Jesuit school?

One of the strengths of a Loyola education is that it provides an environment for every type of student. Loyola is invested in cura personalis, and that has been and will continue to be a major point of emphasis with the development of our studentathletes. During my time as a student-athlete, sports were a major interest of mine. By participating in sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, and track and field, I was not only taught how to play by a tremendous coaching staff, but how to be a teammate, how to be a part of something bigger than myself, and countless life lessons along the way. That process made me a better athlete, but more importantly, a better person.

opportunity involves not just whether or not we win the game, but how we play the game, how we coach the game, and how we cheer on our team. Winning the Turkey Bowl is important. How we win or lose that game is more important.

Specific memories that come to mind for me as a player include being a part of some of the teams that never lost a Turkey Bowl in the ’90s. All three of the Turkey Bowls I played in ended with an MIAA ‘A’ Conference championship, and celebrating with my teammates on the field at Memorial Stadium was a feeling that I will never forget. I was also lucky enough to be a part of four great Turkey Bowl wins at M&T Bank Stadium as an assistant coach, three of which ended with championship celebrations.

Our campus has seen significant enhancements to athletics facilities recently with exciting additions such as the BolteBreschi Complex, which includes Veterans Park, Keeney Field, and Connor Field. What does it mean for our Dons to have these stateof-the-art facilities to practice and compete?

How do you plan to focus and spend your first few months on the job?

I plan on getting to know our coaching staff and finding out how I can help them continue to build our sports programs to pursue excellence, while living the Ignatian values. I also want to have many conversations with our faculty members, studentathletes, parents, and alumni about the role that athletics plays at Loyola and how we can maximize its impact with our current and future students.

You have played and coached in several Turkey Bowls. Can you share some perspective on why this tradition remains so sacred? Also, do you have any special memories from Turkey Bowl?

The Turkey Bowl is a part of Loyola’s identity. It is an annual opportunity to show the Baltimore community what it means to be a Don. That

The Bolte-Breschi Complex gives our current student-athletes who play on those fields a competitive edge. Not being as affected by weather or field conditions provides more time for our teams to get in high quality workouts and practices to prepare for their seasons. Perhaps more importantly, the addition of those fields says that Loyola Blakefield Athletics is open for excellence, which applies to our current and future Dons. We have a vast community of Blue & Gold faithful who love to cheer on our Dons. What message do you have for alumni, families, and friends of Loyola for the 2022–23 school year?

It is an honor to have the opportunity to be the next Director of Athletics at Loyola Blakefield. We have a proud tradition of pursuing excellence through athletics while living the Ignatian values at Loyola. I look forward to working with members of our community to continue to build upon that pursuit for many years to come. Roll, Dons, Roll!

Karen & Victor ’78 DeSantis

Atlantic Caterers, Inc.

If you are interested in becoming a Blue & Gold Community Partner for 2022–23, please contact Matt Trebon, Loyola Fund Manager, at mtrebon@loyolablakefield.org.

In Memoriam

We pray for the repose of the following departed souls. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. And may the Lord grant comfort for those who grieve them.

ALUMNI

Francis E. Smith ’43

Francis J. Meagher Sr. ’45

Theodore J. Potthast Jr. ’49

William B. Harmon ’50

E. Thomas Maxwell Jr. ’51

Francis L. M. McBride ’52

Thomas B. Strott ’53

August P. Boerschel ’55

Peter C. Santoni ’55

Albert D. Taymans ’55

Richard M. Boyd ’56

William P. Gonce Jr. ’56

Thomas E. Pauken ’58

Col. Bernard L. Talley Jr. ’58

Richard L. Anderson Sr. ’61

Legh R. Powell IV ’61

Robert I. Sinnott Jr. ’62

Walter J. Zylka Jr. ’62

Joseph A. Esposito ’63

John J. Gillis ’64

Francis K. Melcavage ’65

F. Patrick Hughes ’66

Donald S. Parker ’66

Henry V. Wagner Jr. ’70

James P. DeCarlo ’72

Randell S. Kegg ’72

Robert E. Albrecht ’73

Francis E. Farley ’79

William K. Purcell ’81

David C. Linantud ’86

John T. Kirkpatrick, PhD ’87

Matthew T. McKenna, MD ’06

Nathan Green Jr. ’07

Thomas P. Oswald ’15

CURRENT PARENTS

Jocelyn Mercado

PAST PARENTS

Mark C. Broderick

Paul D. Filar

Pelagio E. Layug, MD

Victor Malabayabas

Joseph F. Martel Jr.

Dennis H. Oates

Terrance A. Stifter

Brian C. Turrall

GRANDPARENTS

Gene F. Fafaul

Jill Hurlbrink

Kathleen Oursler

Doris Rohr

Thomas J. Tognocchi

PAST FACULTY & STAFF

Philip A. McCormick

FRIENDS

Marilyn Buedel

Jennifer Griffin

William X. Maraña

Gregory W. Simmons

If you do not see the name of a departed loved one who had ties to the Loyola Blakefield community, please contact the editor, and we will be sure to include them in the next magazine.

Fr. Michael Roach ’63 officially retired as Pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Manchester, MD, this June. Several Dons from the Class of 1963 including George Stegmaier, Jack Dougherty, Carroll Bodie, Denny Schmitt, Leo McManus, Skip Minakowski, Lou Rehak, Hugh Mohler, and Carroll Nordhoff were on hand for a special reception. Read more.

Notes

Louis Becker ’61 received the Brigadier General Philip Sherman Award from the Maryland State Bar Association during Navy Night at the Bowie Baysox game on July 29th for his leadership and service on the MSBA Veterans Affairs/ Military Law Section over the years, culminating as a Board member and its Chair during COVID-19 and particularly for helping to facilitate Veterans Courts throughout the State.

Joe McFadden ’69 was inducted into the Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association (MSLCA) Hall of Fame in June. Read more.

Bill Stromberg ’78 was named The Baltimore Sun’s 2022 Business and Civic Hall of Fame honoree in June. Read more.

Gregory Adinolfi ’80, retired senior U.S. Naval officer and Commander, was recently sworn in as the Maryland State Director of Selective Service System. The swearingin ceremony was held on June 24th at the National Headquarters of the Selective Service System. Read more.

Doug Miller ’84 was inducted into the Professional Football Chiropractic Society Hall of Fame in March for his services as the Baltimore Ravens Team Chiropractor from 1996 to 2014. Read more.

Bruce Powell ’84, who served as President of the Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association (LBAA) for the past two years, was honored at a dinner with fellow LBAA Board Members in June. Bruce guided the LBAA through the COVID years, and the LBAA has never been stronger due to his leadership. Ben Yingling ‘02 will assume the role of President for the next school year.

Lawrence Jackson ’86 released his latest novel, Shelter: A Black Tale of Homeland, Baltimore, in April. To celebrate its release, Loyola hosted a special book release event on campus in May, which was attended by students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni. Read more.

Christopher Moylan ’86 received a Masters of Laws degree in Comparative and International Taxation from Uppsala University in Sweden in June 2022.

Wesley Wood ’88 and his nonprofit, PCs for People, recently received a $500,000 grant from AT&T to support their digital navigators and tech interns programs in Baltimore. Read more.

Bruce Godfrey ’87 is now a partner at Jezic & Moyse, LLC, in Silver Spring, MD, where Andrew Jezic ’85 is lead partner. Bruce’s main practice areas are personal injury claims and employment law for workers, including overtime claims. Read more.

Paul Cucuzzella ’89 was named a Judicial Appointee to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan in April. Read more.

Chip Cooke ’92, who serves as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Merrillville, Indiana, District Office in the Chicago Field Division, was recently interviewed by Campus Drug Prevention about several DEA initiatives in place to assist college campuses. Listen to the interview.

Chris Ancona ’94 & Chris Rabbu ’94 officially opened Roosters Men’s Grooming Center at The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, MD, this past March. The two entrepreneurs met while students at Loyola Blakefield, and this upscale men’s grooming center is a business dream realized in their hometown. Read more.

Matt Masaschi ’98 was recently awarded the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal for his time serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy last summer. Matt joined the Seattle-based 420-foot icebreaker in Seward, Alaska, and spent two months operating within the Arctic Circle. Matt and the crew transited the Northwest Passage and conducted science operations throughout the transit and within Baffin Bay between Canada and Greenland while patrolling the Arctic. Matt is a Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard and currently serves as a public affairs specialist. He’s served as a reservist for 15 years and has spent the last five years on active duty in Alameda, California, documenting and publicizing Coast Guard operations throughout the Pacific including counterdrug missions pulling cocaine from smugglers on the high seas off the coast of South America, operations throughout the Western Pacific, and patrolling the Arctic.

Tim Schmitt ’02 was promoted to the executive leadership team of the Parsons, effective Aug. 1, 2022. Schmitt joined Parsons in 2018 through the company’s acquisition of Polaris Alpha® and has served as chief development officer since that time. Read more.

Nathaniel Fick ’95 was nominated by President Biden in June to serve as Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Read more.

Jeff Downs ’01 was recently named Project Manager of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington for his work at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Read more.

Scott Kuhlman ’10 and his company, Heart to Beat, LLC, recently announced an acquisition of Bay Area CPR, expanding its current client base. Heart to Beat, LLC, offers comprehensive safety training programs and equipment to protect employees from workplace emergencies.

Mike Fitzpatrick ’03 was hired as the head men’s basketball coach for Alma College in Michigan this past May. Read more.

Nathan Brady ’08 has moved back to the Baltimore area and founded an independent Fine Art appraisal company, NB Fine Art, after spending almost a decade in Chicago.

Peter Dalmasy-Kunhardt ’09 was recently recognized for his service on the Ambassadors Board of Legal Aid Chicago, which provides free civil legal services to people living in poverty in Cook County. He works fulltime as an Associate at the Chicago headquarters of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Read more.

Colin Greenwell ’09 and his wife, Jessie, welcomed Eliza Katherine Greenwell into the world on July 2, 2022. This is also Loyola mathematics teacher, Mrs. Erin Courtney’s first grandchild.

John Jenkins Jr. ’09 and his wife, Mary, welcomed their newest son, Nick, into the world on May 25, 2022, joining older brother Luke (1). John was recently promoted to Dean of Students at Creighton Prep in Omaha, Nebraska, after teaching World Language there for two years. He is also an assistant coach for the varsity lacrosse team, which went undefeated and won the state championship this past spring.

Craig Pyzik ’12 recently started a new position as First Officer at FedEx in June. He was formerly a First Officer at American Airlines.

Conor Reynolds ’13 was selected in March as Project Manager, Interior Construction, for St. John Properties, Inc., a Baltimore-based fullservice commercial real estate development and management company. Read more.

Class Notes

Tyler Covey ’15 was named head coach of the CCBC Essex Men’s Lacrosse program in May. Covey joined the Knights coaching staff in the spring of 2020 as offensive coordinator. Two other Dons on Covey’s staff include Alex Caltrider ’16 and Will Langenberg ’17. Read more.

Andrew Fava ’16 helped Loyola University New Orleans Men’s Basketball capture the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Championship in March. He finished his career with 181 threepointers, ranking him ninth overall in school history. Read more.

Koby Smith ’17 was selected fifth overall by the Atlas Lacrosse Club as part of the 2022 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Collegiate Draft in May. His coach is fellow Don and former varsity lacrosse coach Ben Rubeor ’04. Read more.

Jack McErlean ’17 was selected from across several of Duke University’s STEM PhD programs to join a cohort in Artificial Intelligence for Understanding and Designing Materials, a graduate training program awarded by the National Science Foundation to Duke.

Colin White ’17 helped University of Tampa Men’s Lacrosse win the 2022 DII National Championship in May, capping off an undefeated season.

Mason Hoffman ’18, Kyrle Preis IV ’18, & Keegan Preis ’21 helped St. Mary’s College Men’s Lacrosse capture the 2022 United East Conference Championship in May. Kyrle was also named the Tournament MVP after collecting 17 saves over two tournament games, including 13 in the championship game. Read more.

Matthew Wyatt ’19 was officially drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 20th round (614th overall pick) of the 2022 MLB Draft in July.

Gabriel Moreno ’18 graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in June. He is the last Moreno brother to graduate from the Academy, following in the footsteps of his brothers and fellow Dons, Gus ‘10, Dan ‘14, and Nick ‘16, who graduated from the Academy in 2014, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Gabe is currently stationed in Charleston, SC, on the USCGC Hamilton.

Jack Koras ’20, Charlie Koras ’21, & Kevin Tucker ’21 helped the University of Maryland Men’s Lacrosse team win the 2022 DI National Championship in May.

Nate Canapp ’21 was named the Mountain East Conference Men’s Swimming Freshman of the Year in April. He currently attends Frostburg State University. Read more.

Danny Sheeler ’20 had a breakout sophomore season with Washington College Baseball as he was named Team MVP, Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA, All-Centennial Conference First Team, D3Baseball.com Region 5 Second Team, and ABCA/ Rawlings Region 5 First Team. He led the team in home runs (7), RBI (44), batting average (.389), hits (56), and slugging (.653). Read more.

Graham Lindner ’19 was named Commander of the 26th Company at the United States Naval Academy for the Fall 2022 semester.