Spring 2016
164 COMMENCEMENT TH
Also in this issue: • Reflections on Loyola’s Ignatian Service Program • Retirements • Eyes on the Skies: Bernard Talley ’58
Message from the President Dear Friends, Another academic year has concluded at Blakefield, and I could not be more proud of the hard work that took place both on and off campus. We introduced a new Strategic Plan at the beginning of the school year and have already made progress on many initiatives. We also witnessed impressive accomplishments by our Dons throughout the year. These successes came to life in the classroom, on the stage, and through athletics. They were also evident in the extraordinary amount of service work that our students engaged in, both locally and across the region. A few months ago, we had the pleasure of hosting the annual Golden Dons Dinner, where we welcome those who graduated 51 or more years ago. In my remarks, I noted how remarkable it was to see that after so many years, Dons were still coming together to celebrate the bonds they formed during their time as students. In the final days of school for the Class of 2016, I witnessed young men who were cherishing their time together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Clearly, Loyola is a place where brotherhood is born. As you settle into the remainder of the summer, please consider your role in supporting Loyola. Be a proud ambassador and spread the word to families who are looking for an unparalleled educational experience for their sons. Additionally, explore areas where your interests and passions align with our mission, and consider how you can make a difference in the formation of our Dons. As always, I hope to see you on campus soon. Best wishes for a safe and restful summer. Roll Dons Roll,
Mr. Anthony I. Day President
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President Anthony Day presents the Loyola Award to Biafra Okoronkwo ‘16 at our 164th Commencement.
“Explore areas where your interests and passions align with our mission, and consider how you can make a difference in the formation of our Dons.�
Spring 2016 REFLECTIONS ON LOYOLA’S IGNATIAN SERVICE PROGRAM
Contents
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Campus News 4 Alumni Events
164TH COMMMENCEMENT
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Reflections on Loyola’s Ignatian Service Program
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164th Commencement
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Retirement: Pat O’Hara
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Retirement: Kathy Roeder
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Senior Reflection: Colin Lagator ’16
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Eyes on the Skies: Bernard Talley ‘58 16 Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Staff Editor Michael J. Nitti Marketing Coordinator
RETIREMENTS: PAT O’HARA & KATHY ROEDER
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Photography Michael J. Nitti James Berglie Jerry Dzierwinski Design Inkwell Communications, LTD
SENIOR REFLECTION: COLIN LAGATOR ’16
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EYES ON THE SKIES: BERNARD TALLEY ’58
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CAMPUS NEWS EIGHTH GRADE CELEBRATION
ACE MENTOR STUDENTS AWARDED FOR REDESIGN OF CROSS STREET MARKET
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n May 5, a group of Loyola and Maryvale architecture students taking part in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program showed off their final work at the Baltimore chapter’s annual awards ceremony held at Notre Dame Prep. The team presented their blueprints and models that demonstrated their redesign for Cross Street Market in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, which they developed for two months. The team had a great group of professional mentors from Rubeling & Associates, Whiting-Turner, and Brawner Builders helping them along the way. Jackie Kuwabara from Maryvale received a $3,500 scholarship, and our own John Seal ‘16 received a $2,000 scholarship for their outstanding leadership and work on the project.
TEN INDUCTED INTO ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
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n April 9, hundreds of Loyola faithful gathered in Knott Hall to honor nine athletes and one coach whose combined athletic careers spanned across seven decades at Loyola. View photos from the night, and watch each acceptance speech at loyolablakefield.org/hof.
MARCUS S. RYU ’91 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD
COLE WILLIAMS ‘16 NAMED TOWSON TIMES’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR
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ole Williams ‘16 was named Towson Times’ 2016 Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year, leading the Dons in goals (47) and assists (29) this spring. The varsity lacrosse team made it to the semifinals under new head coach Ben Rubeor ‘04, but lost to first-seeded McDonogh.
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n June 3, the Class of 2020 was honored during our Eighth Grade Celebration held in the Chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat. Awards were presented for Faith Commitment (David Mahon), Christian Service (Derian Anderson), Compassion (Bailey Brunner), Integrity (Kojo Marfo-Sarbeng), Justice (Brayden Libby), and Academic Excellence (Dominic Dinoto, Jeremy Hannon, and Bryan Rose). Also, the prestigious Daniel W. McNeal ‘90 Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an eighth grade student, went to Ethan Delp.
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uring Loyola Blakefield’s end-ofyear faculty/staff meeting on June 6, Mr. Brendan O’Kane, Mr. Steve Morrill, and Mr. Ryan Bromwell each received the second annual Marcus S. Ryu ’91 Employee Recognition Award. The Marcus S. Ryu ’91 Employee Recognition Award was created in June 2014 through the generosity of Mr. Marcus Ryu and his wife Cyrena “Torrey” Simon, M.D., to reward and recognize the highest talent within the faculty and staff of Loyola Blakefield. This annual award is provided to two or more faculty/staff members who have demonstrated accomplishments beyond the regular scope and assigned duties as employees, and who have most improved the classroom or campus experience to further Loyola’s success. Recipients are nominated by fellow faculty and staff members.
Spring 2016 SPRING MIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE BLAKEFIELD PLAYERS ATTEND ANNUAL CAPPIES GALA
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he Critics and Awards Program (Cappies) Gala was held on May 22 at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. This year, the Blakefield Players had seven nominations for their production of Hairspray, of which Mark Sucoloski ‘18 took home Best Male Vocalist and Morgan Dryer of Maryvale won Best Supporting Actress. The Hairspray cast closed out the ceremony by performing “I Know Where I’ve Been.”
WORKSHOP(S) LITERARY ARTS MAGAZINE
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he newest edition of our annual student-produced digital literary arts magazine, Workshop(s), which features a wide collection of our Dons’ prose, poetry, artwork, and photography, was released at the end of the school year. View it online at loyolablakefield.org/ englishdepartment.
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n its tenth season at Blakefield, the rugby program captured the MIAA title at both levels on May 6. This is the sixth title for the varsity squad and third title for JV. Tennis and golf also won championships this spring at the JV level.
LOYOLA HOSTS HEALTH FAIR FOR STUDENTS
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n May 20, Loyola held its first-ever Health Fair for students in Bunting Dining Hall during lunch periods, organized by school nurse Robin Schwartz, RN, BSN. There was a great turnout from local organizations and public services including Towson Sports Medicine, Smoothie King, the Baltimore County Police Department, University of Maryland Medical Center, and more.
BLAKEFIELD IN BEIJING
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istory teacher Sam Manelski and theology teacher Brian Marana ‘00 traveled to China from June 6–16 to research and plan a two-week cultural immersion trip for students to learn about contemporary issues in China—politics, religion, business, environmental protection, globalization—all through the lens of a Jesuit educational perspective. The trip is in conjunction with the Beijing Center for Chinese Studies, a Jesuit-run institution that has been leading educational efforts to expose the west to China since 1998, and will be offered during the summer of 2017. Read more about this initiative at loyolablakefield.org/blakefield-in-beijing.
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Alumni Events @ Blakefield CLASS OF 1966 CELEBRATES 50TH REUNION WEEKEND
BLAKEFEST WEEKEND
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he Blakefield campus was booming with Dons old and new as we celebrated our annual spring homecoming during a beautiful weekend in the midst of April. On Friday, April 15, we welcomed back members from the Classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011 to celebrate their reunion years. Saturday was filled with campuswide activities for all ages with varsity baseball and lacrosse games, the Dan McNeal ‘90 Family Fun Zone, the John H. Price ‘97 Alumni Lacrosse Game, our annual car show, raffles, and more. It was a great weekend to be a Don!
LOYOLA TENNIS OPEN
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he Loyola Tennis Open took place on May 6. It was a rainy day, but it didn’t stop our participants from having a great time at the Green Spring Racquet Club in Lutherville, where they played four hours of round-robin tennis. Afterwards, the group came back to Loyola and enjoyed a celebratory meal and watched our varsity lacrosse team beat Mount Saint Joseph. Congratulations to this year’s winners, Mike Jenkins ’83 and Tim Hodge ’83.
LOYOLA/MARYVALE NETWORKING EVENT
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he Class of 1966 celebrated their 50 th reunion weekend from June 3–5. The class started off with a “Dons Only” Stag Night on Friday, where they spent the evening with classmates and caught up on old times. On Saturday, after celebrating Mass to honor their deceased classmates, the group had dinner and a dance in the Mary G. Creaghan Library with the Van Dykes, the original band that played live at their high school dances in the ‘60s. Finally, on Sunday, members from the Class of 1966 received their jubilee medals, led the procession into the Hollow for our 164th Commencement, and watched the Class of 2016 graduate.
FIRST ANNUAL FRANK FISCHER GOLF CLASSIC
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n May 20, seventy golfers and a total of 100 supporters spent a beautiful day at the First Annual Frank Fischer Golf Classic held at The Woodlands in Windsor Mill. The event was hosted by Loyola’s African-American alumni, and all proceeds benefitted the Frank Fischer Diversity Endowment Fund which underwrites tuition and other expenses for AfricanAmerican students to attend Loyola. If you have not already done so, please consider making a gift in support of this effort, and be sure to mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Frank Fischer Golf Classic on May 19, 2017. Learn more about the scholarship and Frank’s work at loyolablakefield.org/ fischerscholarship.
n April 14, the alumnae of Maryvale joined our alumni for a networking event at Kooper’s North in Lutherville. We had a great turnout for this event as Dons and Lions from a variety of professions came together. Everyone enjoyed themselves and made valuable connections. Be on the lookout for more of these networking events in the future.
AQUATICS BULL ROAST
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ur inaugural Aquatics Bull Roast was held on Saturday, May 7, to help raise money for the Tim Pierce ‘60 Merit Scholarship Fund. Contributions to this fund provide merit awards to incoming accepted freshmen or enrolled students with exceptional talent in swimming. More than 150 members from the Loyola community attended the event, which raised just over $15,000 through sponsors, ticket sales, raffles, and individual gifts. Thanks to everyone who made it out to support our current and future Dons. If you’d like to make a gift to the fund, please visit loyolablakefield.org/piercescholarship.
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GOLDEN DONS DINNER
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n May 5, we hosted alumni celebrating reunions of 51 years or more at our annual Golden Dons Dinner. We had Dons ranging from the Class of 1965 all the way back to the Class of 1937. Great food and even better memories were shared as our alumni enjoyed reuniting with classmates in this great yearly tradition.
Frank Fischer Golf Classic
Loyola-Maryvale Frank Fischer Golf Classic
Networking Event
Class of 1966 50th Reunion
DC Alumni Reception
Reunion Stag Night
John H. Price ’97 Alumni Lacrosse Game
Upcoming Events Dons Down the Ocean
August 13, 2016
Loyola Golf Open
September 23, 2016
Homecoming Bull & Oyster Roast
November 23, 2016
Visit www.loyolablakefield.org/events to stay up-to-date on all Alumni Events.
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Reflections on Loyola’s
IGNATIAN SERVICE PROGRAM by Anthony E. "Skip" Minakowski ’63
"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these." — George Washington Carver 8
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ne wonders if a Loyola official had in mind the words of American botanist George Washington Carver when he or she established the practice of sending out young Dons into the highways and byways of greater Baltimore on Christian service trips. That’s because these trips literally touch the young, the aged, the striving, and the weak and strong in communities around us. My own experience began in 2014 when I was “hired” by Mrs. Beth Ann Szeczepaniak , director of Loyola’s Ignatian Service program, to serve as a moderator of sorts for trips to Our Daily Bread, St. Jerome’s Head Start Program, the Franciscan Center, Ridge Ruxton School, Gribbin Center, and Blakehurst Retirement Community. My job is to prep the Dons for the trip, accompany them to their
destinations, and conduct a spiritual post-mortem back on campus after the service experience. My charges have ranged from somewhat intimidated sixth graders to the more mature juniors. After four semesters on the job, I easily see how the Dons respond with more maturity and more interaction with the people they serve as they advance through the grades. Inevitably, even the youngest of the Loyola men quickly adapt to the service situation in which they find themselves, whether it be serving food to the homeless, entertaining children and adults with special needs, or striking up a conversation while making crafts with the elderly. I think their parents would be proud. It’s interesting to me that my classmates from the years 1959–63 didn’t have the service imperative as part of our curriculum. Perhaps we should have so that our high school experience could have included a close-up experience with people who—often for reasons not of their own making—have a life of struggle versus one of ease. Perhaps I’m having that missing experience now as a 70-something who has had to step out of a familiar comfort zone, very much like the Dons I’m transporting in the Loyola van. And the van itself is the place of a great deal of my own learning. I enjoy overhearing the conversations of the Dons as we return to campus after each outing. Their candor and honesty as they compare notes on what they’ve seen and heard is the most uplifting part of my experience. Clearly, in virtually all instances, each boy has had a very new and different experience, perhaps not profound or life-changing, but always a far cry from their upbringing. When we return to Blakefield for the post-trip reflection, I look forward to the boys’ always-creative answers to my reflection questions such as: “How did the experience compare with what you expected before we left?” Their answers always prompt a smile. When we wrap up the session back on campus, I pose the questions, “Why does Loyola have us do this?” and “What would you say to Principal Marinacci to convince him that this program is important?” Most of the answers deal with making a contribution to society, being men for others, or being part of the community. My favorite answer so far, “I’d take him down to see the smiles on the preschoolers’ faces at St. Jerome’s, and that would show him how invaluable this program is.” I am very grateful to have this experience with my fellow Dons and to share with them insights and maybe plant a seed or two in future alums to make service to the community a regular part of their busy lives. Should the Christian service trips continue at Loyola? That’s easy to answer if you’ve seen the Dons engage with the preschoolers at St. Jerome’s Head Start—now officially called Head Start of Baltimore City. The smiles on
If you are interested in helping lead service trips with our Dons for the 2016–17 school year, please contact Director of Ignatian Service Mrs. Beth Ann Szczepaniak at (443) 841-3342 or bszczepaniak@loyolablakefield.org. the preschoolers’ faces say it all. These service outings bring joy to others and likely prompt some serious consideration of life’s circumstances by the Dons. Which of them wasn’t struck by the irony of serving a soup kitchen client, a man accustomed to life on the streets, who was himself a Loyola alumnus? Which Don came away unmoved by his talk with a very elderly lady at Blakehurst who spoke of her life in the late 1930s, a time when war loomed and computers were absent? For this Don of the Class of ’63, witnessing my charges perform corporal works of mercy, I’m grateful to have been given a chance to do the same thing. I tell the students they’ll come away from their work with a feeling of accomplishment, radiating the warmth of those they’ve helped. They’ll come away seriously considering the young, old, weak, and striving people they’ve encountered because someday, as George Washington Carver noted, they will have been all of these as well. Anthony E. “Skip” Minakowski ’63 earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the Jesuit University of Scranton and his executive MBA from Loyola University Maryland. A certified public accountant, he served a 45-year career in accounting and auditing, the final 17 years of which were spent as audit director for the national homebuilder Ryland Group. Following retirement in 2002, he served as adjunct professor of accounting for Loyola University, held numerous terms on the national board of Scranton alumni, and, in 2014, joined the Ignatian Volunteer Corps where he was assigned to Loyola Blakefield. This summer, he is traveling to Poland for a second time to serve as instructor for an international teaching program, working with Polish high school youth. Skip resides in Towson, where he lives with whom he terms his “overachieving wife” of 44 years, Fran. They are parents of one son, Adam, Class of 1996, who also earned his bachelor’s degree at Scranton. Skip’s hobbies include frequent biking, prolific cooking, skiing, and orchestrating the monthly gettogethers of Blakefield’s Class of ’63.
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164 COMMENCEMENT TH
On the morning of June 5, 2016, Loyola Blakefield celebrated its 164th Commencement, graduating 177 students from the Class of 2016. On a day that called for thunderstorms all week, the rain held off and the tradition of holding graduation in the Hollow continued its streak of more than 30 years. We also welcomed back members from the Class of 1966 for their 50th reunion as they led the procession on Sunday. During the ceremony, we heard from student speaker Sam Commordari ‘16, and the following awards were presented: THE REV. LLOYD D. GEORGE, S.J., AWARD is presented to that member of the graduating class who has achieved the highest grade point average through the mid-point of his senior year. This award went to Evan Pham ‘16. THE REV. ANTHONY J. ZEITS, S.J., AWARD is presented by the Loyola Mothers’ Club to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and leadership on and off the athletic field. This award went to Cole Williams ‘16. THE DOCTOR FORD LOKER AWARD is presented by the Loyola Fathers’ Club to a senior who holds a varsity letter and is outstanding for academic excellence. This award went to Benjamin Brown ‘16. THE MATTHEW J. RUSSELL AWARD was established by the graduating Class of 1986 in memory of their deceased classmate, is presented to a senior whose commitment to God, family and friends has been exemplified by a quiet, sensitive, and selfless concern for others. This award went to Chris Louzon ‘16. THE MICHAEL J. IAMPIERI AWARD was established to honor Mr. Michael Iampieri, a beloved member of the Loyola Blakefield faculty from 1966 to 2007. During his tenure, Mr. Iampieri founded the School’s art department and taught art to generations of young men over four decades. Through his engaging demeanor and persistent, gentle persuasion, Mr. Iampieri modeled in and out of the classroom that openness to growth and the spark of imagination are cornerstones of a rich, rewarding, and spiritual life.The Michael J. Iampieri Award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated personal and spiritual growth through his pursuit of creative selfexpression and his achievements in the fine arts. This award went to Peter Pferdeort ‘16. THE LOYOLA AWARD, founded in honor of the Rev. John F. Dustin, S.J., is awarded to the most representative member of the graduating class for excellence in scholastic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. This award went to Biafra Okoronkwo ‘16. THE REV. JAMES F. SALMON, S.J., AWARD is presented to that graduate who has demonstrated leadership in student activities and scholarship in science and religious studies. This award went to Dennis Tadeo, Jr. ‘16.
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THE REV. ALOYSIUS P. McGONIGAL, S.J., AWARD is presented by the Loyola Fathers’ Club to a senior who has worked to full capacity in and out of the classroom but has received little recognition for his tenacious spirit. This award went to Declan Aroh ‘16. THE LOYOLA ALUMNI AWARD is presented to the senior who is most conspicuous for school spirit, leadership and excellence in studies. This award went to Rick Nickel ‘16. THE DAVID A. KENNEDY AWARD was established by the Alumni Association to honor Mr. David A. Kennedy, teacher and registrar at Loyola from 1937 to 1977. This award is presented annually to that member of the graduating class who, through unselfish contribution of academic skills, personal talents, and social values in service to Loyola Blakefield and to the community at large, best embodies the Ignatian principle of “men for others.” This award went to Colin Green ‘16. THE DENNIS B. WOOLFORD “CURA PERSONALIS” AWARD is given in loving memory of Dennis B. Woolford class of 2010. Although Dennis was a gifted athlete who started on eight MIAA championship teams, including the undefeated 2008 football team, Dennis will always be remembered for his kind heart, free spirit and a smile that would light up the room. He considered every Don his best friend and every teammate his brother. This award is given to a student or faculty member of Loyola Blakefield who best represents “care for the individual person.” This award went to Mrs. Gayle Smith and Trey Thomas ‘16. THE JOHN H. WEETENKAMP III AWARD was established to honor John H. Weetenkamp III, a beloved alumnus and member of the Loyola Blakefield faculty from 1969 to the present. During his tenure, Mr. Weetenkamp held a variety of roles including English Teacher, Moderator, Registrar, Assistant Headmaster, Headmaster, Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity, and Interim President. This award is presented to a graduating senior who has been caring to his peers and demonstrated dedication to the mission of Loyola Blakefield. He is a young man who has embodied the words of Saint Ignatius by his actions and has served his fellow Dons and others generously through the Campus Ministry and Service programs as well as other opportunities. This award went to Troy Meurer ‘16.
Visit LOYOLABLAKEFIELD.ORG/GRADUATION to watch the entire speech and see more highlights from our 164th Commencement.
Class of
1966
“Go live the fourth, go follow the message of God, go make new experiences, go find new friends who will mean just as much to you as the friends you’ve met here, but most importantly, don’t forget where you started, because that is the reason you are the person you are today and the person you will become in the future.” — Excerpt from Student Commencement Address, Sam Commodari ‘16
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RETIREMENTS
Pat O’Hara
by John O’Hara, Assistant Principal, Middle School
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n the fall of 1988, my mother returned to work after being a stay-at-home mom for about 14 years. She spent one year at Immaculate Conception School in Towson before joining the faculty here at Loyola Blakefield, teaching sixth grade Ancient History. I too started at Loyola in the fall of 1989 as a sixth grader, and it was made very clear to me that during the day this lady in the front of the classroom was the teacher and I the student, and the transition back to mom came at some point driving north on Jarrettsville Pike after she finished grilling us about our day. Over the course of 27 years, my mother gave so much of herself to Blakefield, both in and out of the classroom. She taught English and social studies in the middle school and computer science in the upper school for 14 years, and in 2003, she transitioned to teaching freshman English, where she would remain for the final 13 years of her career at Loyola. She even got to witness all three of her sons (Tom ‘94, John ‘96, and Dan ‘03) walk across the Hollow on graduation day. Outside of the classroom, she founded the middle school tennis team in 1990 and continued to coach the team for ten years. In the spring of 2002, she went on to coach JV golf, amassing eight MIAA championships in 15 years. She also founded the speech and debate program in the middle school. I’m not the only one who has seen her flourish as an educator over the years. Her fellow colleagues are grateful for the work she has done. English Department Chair Sean Flanigan said, “It has been a joy teaching with Ms. Pat O’Hara for many years. Beyond mere academic concerns, Ms. O’Hara prepared her students for the challenges and expectations of their entire Loyola Blakefield experience. She held her young men to the highest of standards, and she guided them grace
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and deep sense of responsibility. Not only was she an excellent English teacher, but she also embodied Loyola Blakefield’s mission as an educator. We will miss her dearly.” And Dr. Vince Fitzpatrick had the pleasure of seeing her through her entire career here. “It has been my blessing to share her good heart and warm demeanor in the English department. My son Mike, Class of 2010, also had the good fortune to study freshman English under her tutelage. Ms. O’Hara has worked hard to extend cura personalis to each one of her students and athletes. Her presence will be greatly missed. Hail, sister, and be well. Thank you for all that you have done.”
“Ms. O’Hara has worked hard to extend cura personalis to each one of her students and athletes. Her presence will be greatly missed. Hail, sister, and be well.” — Dr. Vince Fitzpatrick Mom, your accomplishments as a fellow educator are only a percentage of your accomplishments as a mother and grandmother. For Danny, Tommy, Katie, and me, you are a mom who worked tirelessly to provide us with an amazing education, led us by example of how to love and be loved, and continue to show us how to live every day to the fullest. For Ellie, Charlie, Henry, Jack, Grayson, Lucy, Farley, Gavin, Flynn, and Bennett, you are a grandmother (aka Emme) to the nth degree. Mom, this is your time to continue living life to the fullest. We love you and it has been an honor these past 39 years as your son and especially these last four as your colleague. You truly are a woman for others.
by Terry Levering, Assistant Principal
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riginally hired as a part-time library employee, Kathy Roeder arrived at Loyola Blakefield in July of 1999. Adjusting to the sweltering summer heat of the Mary G. Creaghan Library, she dug into her job as library assistant—cataloging books, updating subscriptions, and handling an assortment of administrative details. When students returned to classes in the fall, Kathy became the friendly and helpful resource in the library students could turn to for assistance. By 2004, Kathy’s organizational skills, smarts, and caring manner with students were well known to the college counseling and guidance departments who were looking for a new full-time administrative assistant. Director of College Counseling Kathy Mathias proudly admits today that the two departments conspired to steal Kathy from the library to work full-time for their departments. “She had it all,” said Mathias. “She is smart, well-organized, responsible, has a great manner with kids, and an ability to anticipate a need before it is expressed—so much so, that we ultimately nicknamed her Radar. We couldn’t pass her up.” When a job opening occurred in the fall of 2007, the new principal at the time, knowledgeable of Kathy’s talents, hired her to be his administrative assistant. In this position, Kathy has been calmly and judiciously handling the day-today operations of the Upper School for the past nine years. Amazingly, she almost always does it with a smile. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Kathy has also played the role of behind-the-scenes special counsel to the principal, offering advice and acting as a sounding board. Principal John Marinacci reports that he can’t imagine being able to do his job without her. “She has her finger on the pulse of the school and has never shied away from giving me honest feedback that helped me do a better job.” Former principal and now president of the school, Anthony Day, described his relationship with Kathy as a working partnership. “She was an invaluable resource. She offered perspective, found solutions, provided brutally honest
feedback, and had a gift for identifying and addressing countless details that would otherwise fall through the cracks. She always had my back. She made me a better principal.” One faculty members praised her as a tireless worker whose kindness and relentless care for all members of the Loyola community is evident in everything she does. “It didn’t matter how crazy things were going in the Upper School office or how busy she was, Kathy always found time to stop what she was doing to take care of a parent in need, a student, or a befuddled faculty member or administrator. She always made time to help.”
RETIREMENTS
Kathy Roeder
“Like the Holy Spirit, she works behind the scenes taking care of people and getting things done.”
Another reported that she has immeasurable patience and good will and defuses a host of problems before they become problems. “Amazingly, she has always done this in great humility without ever seeking the limelight or attention. Like the Holy Spirit, she works behind the scenes taking care of people and getting things done.” One incident from 2009 highlights the value the administration places on Kathy’s presence at Loyola. Because of the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic, the administration spent an extensive period of time creating contingency plans for large-scale absences by students, faculty, and staff. Anthony Day, John McCaul, and I systematically went through all the possible absentee scenarios and successfully created contingency plans for each of them. There was, however, one exception which we had inadvertently placed at the end of our list for contingency planning: What would we do to fill the gap if Kathy Roeder and Denise Hershel, administrative assistant to the assistant principal, were absent? There was a long pause as each of us began to comprehend the gravity of the situation and the absence of alternatives to cover the situation. After five to ten seconds of tense silence, we all turned to each other and declared in unison, “We’re toast!” We never came up with a contingency plan. We will miss you Kathy. Enjoy your retirement.
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MY LOYOLA EXPERIENCE by Colin Lagator ‘16 “Loyola Blakefield is an amazing place with endless opportunities, where students’ passions are found, fueled, and sent forth, as St. Ignatius said, to ‘set the world on fire.’”
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oyola Blakefield is an amazing place and an outstanding school. That is because it offers learning outside the usual curriculum. Students can pursue their passions in the many extracurricular activities at Loyola, ranging anywhere from the performing arts to Ultimate Frisbee. These passions can forge some of the strongest relationships during a student’s career at Loyola. During my time, I had the opportunity to participate in the Computer Science and Informatics program, previously known as the cyber security club, which educates and allows students to follow an interest in technology and computer science. Just four years ago, the cyber security club at Loyola Blakefield was founded. As a freshman, I heard about the club’s rapid success, but I never gave a thought to joining. My brother was an active member, and I received constant encouragement from my parents and him to give the club a shot. Finally, at the beginning of the summer after freshman year, I attended my first meeting. The club was practicing for one of their next competitions. As the meeting went on, one of the rising seniors decided to welcome me by displaying the text, “Welcome to the Club!” on my screen. He did this from his computer, ten feet away. I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
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During sophomore year, I began attending meetings regularly. By this time, the competition team, comprised of the upperclassmen, had won $30,000 at MDC3 (Maryland Cyber Challenge), a statewide competition hosted by several industry-leading cyber security companies and the National Cyber Security Alliance. This brought a lot of attention and new members. During the winter and into the spring, I participated in my first competition, the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, sponsored by the Air Force Association. Before starting every round of the competition, my team played Cascada’s “Every Time We Touch” at full volume while screaming the lyrics. This produced the most fun I could ever have at school on a Saturday afternoon. It was at this point that the club became more than just an afterschool activity. During my junior year, the club saw a lot of growth. Meetings began to overload the cyber lab located in the old Jesuit kitchen in Xavier Hall. The number of teams participating in competitions quadrupled, and the team I was on captured the club’s second MDC3 title. With the sudden increase in members came the need for student leadership. The upperclassmen began taking on responsibilities by organizing and running meetings and educating new students. We were also able to sit down
“I found more than just success in competitions through this program. I found some of my best friends. I found a lifetime mentor and friend in Mr. Morrill. I found a reason to stay at school for more than twelve hours on some days. I found what drives me.” and talk with the leaders of the cyber industry and attend conferences. A club that traces its roots back to a retired kitchen was now opening doors to colleges, internships, and lifelong careers in technology. During my final year at Loyola, the club did not remain stagnant. I watched as it became the Computer Science and Informatics program. I saw one of the walls of our kitchen come down as the lab more than doubled in size, and I was able to take a cyber science class taught by the club’s moderator, Mr. Steve Morrill. The team I was on continued the club’s legacy by capturing a third MDC3 title, and for the first time, a team was sent to the CyberPatriot finals, finishing in the top 12 out of 3,379 teams across the country. But I found more than just
success in competitions through this program. I found some of my best friends. I found a lifetime mentor and friend in Mr. Morrill. I found a reason to stay at school for more than twelve hours on some days. I found what drives me. The only place that such a transformative experience could happen is at Loyola Blakefield. A transformation fueled by the students’ desire to learn and guided by a mentor’s passion to teach and care for each and every student. Loyola Blakefield is an amazing place with endless opportunities, where students’ passions are found, fueled, and sent forth, as St. Ignatius said, to “set the world on fire.”
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Photo courtesy of The Dallas Morning News Ron Baselice/Staff Photographer, 2013
EYES SKIES on the
BE R N A R D LEO TA LLE Y, JR . ’ 5 8
Nineteen seventy-three was a monumental year for Bernard Leo Talley, Jr. ’58. That’s when he was finally released from captivity as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, retired from active duty as a colonel in the United States Air Force, joined the Air Force Reserve, launched a 26year career as a pilot for American Airlines, and, consequently, received the Rev. Joseph M. Kelley, S.J., Medal—the highest form of recognition awarded to a Loyola Blakefield alumnus. 16
W
hen he was a young boy, Bernard Leo Talley, Jr. ’58, the baby brother of two older sisters, delighted in playing with model airplanes— the first of which was given to him by a caring neighbor he affectionately referred to as his uncle.
“He’d take me out to the country and we’d fly it,” Talley recalls. “He was like part of the family.” An altar boy and member of the inaugural graduating class of Saint Mary of the Assumption Grammar School, adjacent to Saint Mary of the Assumption—the “Mother Church of North Baltimore”—on York Road, Talley graduated from Loyola in 1958. A student-athlete on Loyola’s tennis and football teams, a summer lifeguard at Meadowbrook Aquatic and
Fitness Center, and a Ken Davidson Sportsmanship Awardwinning badminton player outside of school, his loved ones had nicknamed him “Bunny,” a term of endearment that had previously been bestowed upon his father, a fellow Don (Class of 1925) and real estate salesman, by the family’s nanny. His father, Talley muses, had likely earned the nickname on account of his athletic prowess. His mother remained actively involved in her son’s education, coordinating the annual Monday Easter Dance and serving as president of the Mothers’ Club. Talley immediately went on to attend Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he studied and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. With an intensifying interest in aviation that was further fueled in college, he was faced with a critical choice: graduate school or military service. Despite only having traveled on a real-life airplane once or twice and never having been able to afford flying lessons, the next stop on his professional journey would be Air Force Officer Training School, followed by Undergraduate Pilot Training. Roughly one year after receiving his pilot wings in Laredo, Texas, and five months after being deployed to Southeast Asia, Talley was captured by the North Vietnamese—the aftermath of an unsuccessful mission—and taken to Hỏa Lò Prison (the “Hanoi Hilton”), where he would spend the next six and a half years of his life in a cell which he describes as “about the size of the master closet in your parents’ bedroom.”
Once Talley and 590 fellow prisoners of war were officially set free as part of Operation Homecoming in 1973, he would eventually leave the Air Force, join the Air Force Reserve, become a pilot for American Airlines, and even try his hand at politics for a short spell. “I’ve learned so many things from that experience that have served me well in my later life,” he recalls. “My life didn’t really start with any notable things until I came back from Vietnam and had opportunities to meet people, go places, and do some interesting things. I appreciated the value of being free!” Throughout his time in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, Talley assumed a multitude of ascending ranks: Property Accounting Officer; Second Lieutenant; First Lieutenant; Fighter Pilot; Line Fighter Pilot; Captain; Major; Squadron Operations Officer; and Colonel, including Squadron Commander, Vice Wing Commander, and Acting Commander. He was stationed at many different Air Force bases: Lackland (Texas), McCoy (Florida), Laredo (Texas), Eglin (Florida), Ubon Royal Thai (Thailand), Charleston (South Carolina), Barksdale (Louisiana), and March (California). For his gallantry and devotion to duty, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, a Legion of Merit, a Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Prisoner of War Medal. Other notable honors over the years have included Loyola’s own Rev. Joseph M. Kelley, S.J., Medal. “It’s always been
“My life didn’t really start with any notable things until I came back from Vietnam and had opportunities to meet people, go places, and do some interesting things. I appreciated the value of being free!” His faith fortified him, Talley asserts, especially during his first Christmas in isolation: “I spent the Christmas season in solitary confinement, getting tortured and beaten, and all I had was me and the good Lord. As a result, I got a lot of joy in praying and hoping that people back home were enjoying Christmas as I had when I was a free person. Saying rosaries every day got me over the pain of torture.” In addition to prayer, Talley and the other men turned to dance—a fellow prisoner just so happened to be a certified Arthur Murray ® dance instructor—and other forms of exercise to occupy their time. The inmates used tap code, banging and knocking on the walls and floors of their cells, to communicate with one another and keep everyone in the loop. Talley remembers it like it was yesterday: “It sounded like a secretarial school!”
very special to me,” Talley says, noting that it is proudly displayed in his home office. He also served as grand marshal of the 2013 Dallas Veterans Day Parade, with the theme of “Honoring the Veterans and POWs of Vietnam: Trauma, Tribulation, and Character.” As he settles into retirement alongside his wife, Devon, in Frisco, Texas, Talley, now 77 years of age and a member of the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America, eagerly embraces a new role: grandfather to a baby boy, Leo, lovingly named after him.
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CLASS NOTES 1972
Frank T. Kasik III ‘72 retired on June 16 after 38 years as a high school English teacher, the last 16 at Manassas Park High School. He will continue as an adjunct professor at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Bill Zorzi ‘72 visited Loyola Blakefield’s campus on April 29 and spoke to students about the art of writing. Zorzi worked as a reporter and editor at The Baltimore Sun for nearly 20 years. He left the newspaper in 2002 to pursue a career in television screenwriting. Zorzi
Spring 2016
working on a narrative nonfiction book about the rise of the drug culture in Baltimore.
1978
Martin Eby ’78 was recently named to the Board of Trustees for Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore. helped write the final three seasons of The Wire and acted in the series as well. His latest project, Show Me a Hero, a six-part miniseries on HBO, premiered last summer. He’s currently developing a pilot for HBO about the politics of Capitol Hill with longtime writing partner David Simon (Homicide: Life on the Street, The Wire, Treme) and
1982
Michael Jessup ‘82 was recently named the Assistant Vice President of Resource Development at Capital Caring. The Resource Development department raises approximately $10 million annually through private donations.
1986
Joe Breschi ‘86 led the University of North Carolina Men’s Lacrosse team to its fifth national title at the 2016 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship on May 30 in his fifth year as head coach.
2001–04
John ‘01 and Tony Minadakis ‘04, owners
of family-owned Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore, took home the 2016 Favorite Bar Award at the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s 62nd Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Gala on May 1 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Jimmy’s Famous
August 13, 2016
Dons Down The Ocean hosted by abbey burger bistro (Russ Miller ‘89)
It’s time to head down the ocean, Hon! Don your blue & Gold and mingle with alumni, current families, and friends of loyola at the alumni-owned abbey burger bistro in ocean city, md, for a night of delicious food, drinks, and fun! 18
visit loyolablakefield.org/donsdownocean to register for free!
Share your news with fellow Dons! loyolablakefield.org/classnotes
Seafood is the first establishment in state history to collect both Best Bar and Best Restaurant. Their father, Jimmy, founded the restaurant in 1974. Jason Reichlyn ‘04 recently joined Dentons US LLP, a multinational law firm and the world’s largest law firm by number of lawyers, as an associate in the
firm’s Washington, D.C., office. He is a member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice and Insurance sector. Raffi Wartanian ‘04 completed a short documentary titled “A Void,” which explores the reflections of renowned musician Ara Dinkjian as he travels to Istanbul to perform
in a historic concert commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Raffi’s documentary was featured in an article by the Huffington Post in April. “This was something very meaningful I’ve been working on that sprouts from the spirit of social justice and human rights that was instilled in me during my formative years as a Don,” said Wartanian.
2012
Nick Anstett ‘12 was named one of five Washington College finalists for the Sophie Kerr Prize this year, the largest undergraduate literary award in
the nation valued at $65,770. Nick was the first editor in chief of Loyola Blakefield’s literary arts magazine, Workshop(s), when it was established in 2012. Deemer Class ‘12 (Duke University) and Matt Dunn ‘12 (University of Maryland) were named 2016 Scholar All-Americans by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association.
2016 issue of Lacrosse Magazine. He and fellow Don, Ryan Conrad ’15 (University of Virginia), will be leading the U.S. U-19 National team to the 2016 FIL U-19 Men’s World Lacrosse Championship in July.
2015
Alex Roesner ’15 (University of Pennsylvania) was featured on the cover of the June
I N M EM O R I A M ALUMNI Joseph L. Prosser ‘41 John C. Whitaker ‘44 Melvin M. Dziwulski ‘46 William F. Snyder ‘47 Walter R. Welzant, M.D. ‘47 Robert A. Williams ‘47 Francis J. Lastner ‘48 John H. Rice, Jr. ‘48 Francis J. Gleason ‘49 Francis J. Macek, Jr. ‘49 Joseph F. Dausch ‘50 Joseph S. DeSantis ‘51 John R. Kane, Ph.D. ‘54 Michael L. Downs ‘58 Edward J. Blair ‘62 Charles A. Chiapparelli ‘62 J. Herbert O’Toole ‘63 W. Kurt Aumann ‘64
E. Ronald Comfort ‘65 Thierry R. Jeannier ‘78 Geoffrey H. Macsherry ‘81 Martin J. Moran ‘92 Brian T. Cosgrove ‘98
PAST PARENTS Walter S. Calwell Charles C. Counselman William M. Dixon John H. Dumler Americo E. Gambo Col. Benedict E. Glyphis Jean F. Kowalczyk Theodore A. Parsons Douglas J. Sanders, D.D.S.
FRIENDS
GRANDPARENTS
Frank E. Cicone John E. Cyphers Dianna Lynn Davis Louis J. Grasmick Bernard J. Evans Joseph S. Keelty Anne S. Feild Patricia O’Donnell Mary H. Frank Grace Rehbein William F. Jacobs Eugene C. Rottmann Julia B. Kardos Mary A. Kutcher Mary Elizabeth Law Thomas P. Martin, S.J. Patricia G. McComas Leonard S. Rulka Annette C. Shawe Machiko Shirahata Louis Windsor Martha Jean M. Windsor
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