Winter 2018
SPORTS BROADCASTING COMES TO BLAKEFIELD
In this issue • Five Questions with Justin White • Blue & Gold Gala Recap • Charles “Chip” H. Dorsey III ’79
Message from the President Dear Friends, Despite a chilly (and snowy) start to spring, we are on the verge of warmer temperatures and in the midst of the slow march to summer break. As the completion of my tenth school year at Loyola approaches, I reflect on the many changes that have taken place over the past decade. We have seen a number of physical improvements to our campus, witnessed the evolution of the role technology plays in a 21st-century learning environment, and enjoyed countless successes achieved by our talented students. A stark reminder of the passage of time during my tenure is the number of young men who have returned to work at Loyola in various capacities who I knew from their time as students. We are fortunate to have them return to Blakefield, and I am now proud to call each of them colleagues. The tremendous fortune we enjoy as part of a vibrant and faith-filled community is not without challenges. In addition to several strategic priorities that our Board of Trustees and Leadership Team are making progress on, we remain focused on addressing the challenges of our society. Among them are the issues of school violence, inclusivity, and the overall divisiveness that often engulfs both our nation and our world. I’d like to thank those who responded to our survey assessing inclusivity and multiculturalism in March. We continue to challenge ourselves to grow in this area, and your input is an essential part of the process. I look forward to updating you on our action plans and progress in the fall. In closing, l call to mind the power of a Jesuit education and the many opportunities it creates for personal growth and bridging various ideologies. At Loyola, we will remain unsettled by injustice and called to action on behalf of a better world. My Jesuit formation had an extraordinary impact on me, and I’m proud to partner with you and so many others to deliver this experience to our Dons. AMDG,
Anthony I. Day P ’15, ‘19 President
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“At Loyola, we will remain unsettled by injustice and called to action on behalf of a better world.”
Winter 2018
Contents Campus News 4 Alumni Events
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH JUSTIN WHITE
BLUE & GOLD GALA RECAP
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Five Questions with Justin White 8 Blue & Gold Gala Recap
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Finishing Strong: Charles “Chip” H. Dorsey III ’79
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Sports Broadcasting Club
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Class Notes
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In Memoriam
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Staff
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Editor Michael J. Nitti Marketing Coordinator Photography Michael J. Nitti Design Inkwell Communications, LTD
FINISHING STRONG: CHARLES “CHIP” H. DORSEY III ’79
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SPORTS BROADCASTING CLUB
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CAMPUS NEWS GENE UBRIACO NAMED HEAD COACH OF LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD LACROSSE
G ICE HOCKEY CAPTURES SECOND CONSECUTIVE MIAA “B” CROWN
ene Ubriaco has been named our new Head Lacrosse Coach. He follows in the footsteps of Ben Rubeor ’04, who announced in November that the 2018 season would be his last. Ubriaco has most recently served as Associate Head Coach of the varsity lacrosse team at Boys’ Latin, where he was named the 2014 Lacrosse Assistant Coach of the Year and was part of a coaching staff that helped garner two national championships and three MIAA league titles.
ice hockey team captured its second consecutive MIAA O ur“B”varsity Conference Championship at Piney Orchard Ice Rink on
IZAAC HESTER ‘21 TAKES SECOND PLACE IN BLACK HISTORY ORATORY CONTEST
February 16 with a 4–3 overtime win over Saints Peter & Paul School.
T. ROWE PRICE SPONSORS LOYOLA’S CYBER SCIENCE PROGRAM Our Cyber Science Initiative (CSI) announced its newest cornerstone partnership with T. Rowe Price at the beginning of February. “Having T. Rowe as a Cornerstone Partner provides our students an opportunity to test-drive careers and gain a more direct perspective on the ever-increasing vitality of cyber security’s role in the financial world,” said Steve Morrill, Director of Cyber Science at Loyola.
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zaac Hester ‘21 took second place in CBS Baltimore’s 2018 Black History Oratory Contest. Named one of 20 semifinalists, he presented his essay in front of a panel of judges at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore on February 25. His essay, titled, “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it,” exemplifies lessons learned while attending Loyola Blakefield. The top three winners received scholarship money for college.
BRANT HALL ’98 NAMED DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
CYBER DONS ADVANCE TO CYBERPATRIOT NATIONAL FINALS
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or the third consecutive year, our nationallyrecognized Cyber Science Initiative (CSI) qualified a team for the Open Division National Finals of the Air Force Association’s (AFA) CyberPatriot — the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition — which will take place in Baltimore from April 16–18. Team Dorado, comprised of students Drew Haiber ‘18, Greg Peterson ‘18, Chris Ptak ‘18, Nick Kristy ‘18, Manny Spanos ‘20, and Michael Chaney ’19, is one of just 12 teams to advance to the finals from a pool of 2,757 Open Division teams in the U.S. and Canada.
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rant Hall ‘98 has been named our new Director of Athletics. His appointment is effective July 1, 2018, and follows the 15-year tenure of Mike Keeney ’65, who is set to retire in June. Hall has served as Assistant Director of Athletics since 2012 and spent five seasons as the head coach of Loyola’s football program. In addition to his work in the Athletics Department, Hall served as Assistant Director of Admissions from 2005–12 and spent nine years as Offensive Coordinator for the varsity football team.
Visit loyolablakefield.org/news to view media associated with each of these stories and stay up to date on all current news at Loyola Blakefield.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FROSH BASKETBALL CROWNED MIAA & BCL CHAMPIONS
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o celebrate the beginning of Black History Month, we held our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly on February 6. Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., Pastor of Union Baptist Church of Baltimore, spoke with the Loyola Blakefield community about his own experiences of discrimination in Baltimore and encouraged our students to be advocates for those who are marginalized. Several other events were organized throughout the month, including a screening of Marvel’s Black Panther at Cinemark Towson on February 22, hosted by our Black Student Union.
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o cap off a very successful season, our freshman basketball team was crowned 2018 Baltimore Catholic League (BCL) Champions after defeating Mount St. Joseph 56–45 in the finals on February 26. This is the team’s second BCL Championship in as many years. The team also won the MIAA “A” Conference Championship on February 21 with a 58–45 win over Archbishop Spalding.
NEW HIRES IN XAVIER HALL Sue Yancisin was named Director of Business Services in January. She joined Loyola as Director of Accounting and Financial Aid in 2014. In her new role, she will oversee the school’s finance operations, human resources, and facilities management. Sue has over 20 years of experience in financial management, accounting, and business operations. Adam Trice was named Loyola Blakefield’s Director of Development in February. In this role, he will oversee all fundraising programs, constituent relations, and outreach initiatives. Adam joined Loyola in April 2016 as Director of Major Gifts and has over 13 years of experience in business development, sales, fundraising, and event management.
Winter 2018
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SPEECH & DEBATE DEFENDS STATE TITLE
oyola Blakefield Speech & Debate successfully defended their state championship at Towson High School on March 24. The team emerged with a decisive win in the Speech Sweepstakes and first place in the Overall Team Sweepstakes. Loyola finished with four out of the top five duo interpretation teams and swept the individual sweepstakes (Triathlon) awards. This marks the first time a single school has swept the individual sweepstakes awards for the entire season. Will LaMoure ‘19 tied the tournament record with championships in four separate main events (a record set by Adam Conner ’10 in 2009).
THE BLAKEFIELD PLAYERS PRESENT THE MUSIC MAN
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he Blakefield Players performed their spring musical, The Music Man by Meredith Willson, from March 9–18, starring Mark Sucoloski ’18 as Henry Hill, Rachel McNear (Carver Center for the Arts) as Marian Paroo, Matthew Bollinger ‘18 as Marcellus Washburn, and Kenneth Cooper ’19 as Mayor Shinn. The 34-member cast featured female students from the Carver Center for the Arts, Notre Dame Preparatory, Maryvale Preparatory, Hereford High School, and the Bryn Mawr School.
LOYOLA ROBOTICS HOSTS FIRST INVITATIONAL & MAKES PROGRAM HISTORY AT STATES Loyola Blakefield Robotics hosted more than 30 teams from 13 local schools in Knott Hall on January 27 for its first-ever VEX Robotics Invitational. The program also qualified four teams (a program first) for the Maryland State VEX Robotics Championship on February 24.
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Alumni Events @ Blakefield ATTIRE 4 HIRE CLOTHING DRIVE
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uring the weekend of Feb. 10 & 11, the Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association collected new and gently-used business attire for the Franciscan Center of Baltimore’s Attire 4 Hire Program. The program provides free professional clothing to economically disadvantaged men. Despite the rain, donations closely rivaled last year’s totals with more than 1,000 items collected including: 396 shirts, 252 pairs of pants, 124 coats, 138 suits, and numerous pairs of shoes and accessories.
KELLEY MEDAL BREAKFAST
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n the morning of March 8, several dozen alumni and members of the Class of 2018 gathered in the Bunting Dining Hall to honor Rev. Joseph Michini, SJ ‘59 as this year’s Rev. Joseph M. Kelley, SJ, Medal Recipient—the highest honor bestowed upon a Loyola Blakefield alumnus. View remarks from Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association President Chip Cooke ‘92 and Fr. Michini, and read about his impactful career in Jesuit education via our website.
A TASTE OF BLAKEFIELD
The Loyola Blakefield Alumni Association held its annual food, beer, and wine tasting event on Saturday, February 3, in Knott Hall. A wide variety of food and drink selections from 28 top-rated regional vendors were available to more than 800 Loyola parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends in attendance. Thanks to everyone for supporting this annual event, and we hope you return next year.
YALE WHIFFENPOOFS PERFORM AT BLAKEFIELD
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n January 27, Loyola was blessed with a visit from the world-renowned Yale Whiffenpoofs, the oldest college a cappella group in the nation. Thanks to a generous contribution from Jim Connaughton ’79 (a Whiffenpoof alumnus), 300 members of the Loyola community were treated to a live concert highlighting the group’s signature melding of humor and harmonizing. The program featured a wide array of music including show tunes, negro spirituals, and rock classics arranged in the Whiffenpoof’s trademark style. Thanks to all those who attended, particularly Dave & Kristin Barnes, P ’16, ’18, who housed and fed the ensemble during their tour of the Mid-Atlantic.
VALENTINE’S DAY VOW RENEWAL MASS & RECEPTION
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n Saturday, February 10, the Loyola community joined together in the Chapel for our 2nd Annual Vow Renewal Mass and Reception. Loyola alumni, parents, friends, and faculty, totaling 84 participants, celebrated Mass in the chapel with Fr. Steggert officiating the ceremony. This year’s guest speakers were Fran and Skip Minakowski ’63, who relayed several funny stories of their courtship and marriage. A reception was held in Fr. George Lounge following the Mass. This event has become a staple of the Loyola Community. Keep an eye out for next year’s event which will be scheduled around Valentine’s Day.
BLAKEFIELD IN ATLANTA
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he Loyola Blakefield Alumni Office traveled to Atlanta, GA, on March 14 to host an alumni event at the home of Clara and Dr. John O’Shea ’62. Alumni of all years attended this inaugural gathering to connect with fellow Atlanta-area Dons, as well as hear a detailed presentation on the health of Loyola Blakefield from President Anthony Day and Asst. Director of Alumni Relations Mark Finlan. Thanks the O’Shea family for hosting our gathering and to all the Dons in Atlanta who were in attendance.
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MEDICAL NETWORKING NIGHT
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n February 15, members of the Loyola Blakefield Medical Community gathered in the Blake Parlor for a Medical Networking Night. Doctors, Nurses, Prospective Medical Students, and others in the industry discussed current industry trends, offered career advice to younger alumni, and shared memorable stories from their time at Loyola. Thanks to everyone for coming out to this inaugural professional networking event!
A Taste of Blakefield
Rev. Joseph Michini, SJ ‘59
Yale Whiffenpoofs
Upcoming Events Blakefest
April 28, 2018
John H. Price ’97 Alumni Lacrosse Game
April 28, 2018
Reunion Stag Night
April 28, 2018
LATER Acting Company Presents Glengarry Glen Ross
April 27–May 19, 2018
Loyola Alumni Tennis Open
May 4, 2018
Golden Dons Dinner
May 12, 2018
Class of ’58 60th Reunion
May 19, 2018
Class of ’68 50 Reunion
June 1–3, 2018
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Visit www.loyolablakefield.org/events to stay up-to-date on all Alumni Events. The Loyola Alumni Theatre (LATER) Acting Company is pleased to announce that its 2018 spring production will be the theatrical masterpiece, Glengarry Glen Ross, by David Mamet. With a cast of professional talent and raw passion, Loyola alumnus Bernd Linhart ’92 makes his East Coast directorial debut. This ground-breaking modern classic has won every major dramatic award on Broadway and in the West End of London, including the Olivier Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It was adapted by Mamet himself for the 1992 film starring Jack Lemmon and Al Pacino. Show dates are April 27 & 28 and May 4, 5, 18, & 19. Purchase tickets at loyolablakefield.org/LATER. Loyola Alumni Theatre is a semi-professional collaboration between the LATER Acting Company and Gunpowder Repertory Theatre in residence at Loyola Blakefield and made up completely of Loyola alumni. The mission of the company is to produce classic, modern, and new plays throughout the year to entertain and educate multi-generational audiences in the greater Towson area. 7
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH JUSTIN WHITE A Baltimore native, Justin White graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2009 with a degree in sociology. During his time there, he was involved in many service and justice initiatives that led to his work at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. There, Justin taught junior theology and directed the school’s community service program from 2009–17. His passion for exposing students to “faith that does justice” drew him to Loyola Blakefield. As Loyola Blakefield’s Ignatian Ministries Associate, Justin coordinates initiatives flowing out of the Office of Ignatian Mission and Identity, leads Kairos retreats, co-moderates the Black Student Union, and is co-founder of Cura Urbi in Baltimore City.
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You’ve been involved in service, social justice, and Jesuit education for your entire career. What inspired you to pursue this path? Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had a desire to see people be treated fairly. In Disney’s animated version of Robin Hood, there is a scene where the sheriff forces a family of rabbits to give up all their money. I remember feeling such sadness for the family and confusion and anger towards the sheriff for being so cruel. It was not until I encountered the Jesuits, Ignatian spirituality, and “faith that does justice” that I started to explore the desire for fairness on a more social and spiritual level. As a student at Loyola University Maryland, I engaged in direct service with those who were
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economically, socially, and mentally marginalized. Talking with men and women who were experiencing homelessness and seeing children entrapped in the cycle of poverty, while I attended a college that had “dorms like palaces,” forced me to reflect on who I wanted to be in the world. This discernment and commitment led me to a career in service, justice, and inclusion at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore, where I served as an Ignatian educator and directed the school’s Community Service Program for eight years. At Cristo Rey, my students helped me realize the “with” in the Jesuit motto, “men and women for and with others.” I was not their teacher because I was more fortunate than them, I was their teacher because their trials and triumphs were directly connected to mine and vice versa. My time at Cristo Rey was grace-filled, and it was that same grace that moved my heart to come to Loyola Blakefield.
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During your time at Loyola Blakefield, how have you bonded with students, and what shared experiences and extracurricular activities have helped forge those connections? I attended and facilitated retreats as a student at Loyola University and as a faculty member at Cristo Rey. I was thrilled when I learned that my position here would also include attending student retreats. It was at Cristo Rey where I attended my first Kairos Retreat, and I witnessed just how powerful and beautiful that experience can be for everyone involved. The same feelings have manifested when I’ve attended Kairos here at Loyola Blakefield. I have been on three retreats this year, and I have formed deep bonds with the three student leaders: Chid Nnake ‘18, Brandon Elliott ‘18, and Cameron Commadari ’18, as well as all the students in my small groups during those retreats. When students report to the Office of Ignatian Service for daily service trips in the morning, I like helping them prepare for their service. When they return, I have the privilege of hearing how their service has enabled them to be a man for others. Finally, I’ve greatly enjoyed co-moderating the Black Student Union. I take my identity as an AfricanAmerican Ignatian educator very seriously, and I am passionate about helping our students feel empowered and make sense of a world that still harbors deep discrimination. We also like to have fun as we coordinated a successful private screening of Marvel’s Black Panther with over 50 attendees and a BSU sponsored dance is in the works.
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Tell us about something happening at Loyola Blakefield that you are most excited or proud of. There are so many great things happening here at Loyola that I’m excited about! Our retreat programs are becoming even more deliberate and dynamic. Our Ignatian Service Office continues to infuse a commitment to justice in students’ experiences. Programming in our Diversity and Inclusion Office has created more fun and educational experiences for all our students. Overall, I’m inspired and proud of the intentionality that the entire Ignatian Ministries Team has shown and brings to our school.
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How has the Cura Urbi program evolved, and how have Loyola students played an active role in the program since its beginning? What does the future look like for the program? Being involved in Cura Urbi has been such a gracefilled experience for me. In the summer of 2015, Vinny Marchionni, SJ, and I created Cura Urbi in response to Freddie Gray’s death. The rioting and uprising that occurred in Baltimore City after his death was indicative of the social injustices that have plagued the city for decades. Our goal was to develop a service-learning immersion experience that helps students diagnosis the social ills of the city and discern what their role as Jesuit-educated students could be in alleviating those social ills.
For two weeks, Loyola Blakefield students learn, serve, and advocate alongside students from Cristo Rey Jesuit. Our objective is to answer the question, “How do we explain and care for Baltimore City?” We answer this question by having the students collaboratively engage in project-based learning, research, service and field work, and spiritual reflection as they discern how they can be life-long advocates for the city and for social justice. From the program’s inception, Blakefield students have brought their heads, hearts, and hands to the experience. The interaction and collaboration that takes place between the students and faculty and staff is crucial to the program’s success.
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In the future we’d like to grow the program to include year-round opportunities for students and extend the experience beyond two weeks. What would surprise people to know about you?
My all-time favorite movie is The Lion King, which led to my love (obsession) of lions. To this day, I still tear up when Mufasa (*spoiler alert*) dies, and I still sing and dance to “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.” I also enjoy writing poetry. Lastly, if I could have dinner with four people, deceased or alive, I’d chose Denzel Washington, St. Ignatius, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I’d ask all four of them to tell me about the people that inspired them, because they all have inspired me.
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ur Four-Court Gymnasium came to life on Saturday, March 3, for the 2018 Blue & Gold Gala, as nearly 500 guests were treated to live music by Mood Swings — “a rock/ pop band in a big band body.” We were also very fortunate to have WBAL-TV co-anchors Andre Hepkins and Deborah Weiner as our masters of ceremony.
Tom Mooney ’76 served as auctioneer for our live auction, which included exciting packages such as a one-week stay in Nantucket, Massachusetts, a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville Getaway, a U.S. flag made entirely from FDNY fire equipment and salvage to commemorate those lost during 9/11, a custom-designed chandelier from McFadden Art Glass (Tim McFadden ‘01), and much more. Over 300 silent auction items were also up for bid at the event. Our program concluded with a special fundraising effort dedicated to investing in our most important resource —the men and women who guide our young men. Learn more about
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this critical fundraising initiative, and view our special video message via loyolablakefield.org/ raisethepaddle. With over $355,000 in net proceeds, this year’s event will have an incredible impact on the experience of all of our students. “The generosity of the Loyola community never fails to inspire us,” said Adam Trice, Director of Development. “Everyone who had a hand in planning the event, donating auction items, purchasing raffle tickets, and those who celebrated with us play a tremendous role in shaping the formation of our Dons.” Loyola would like to thank and congratulate John and Victoria Sessler P ‘17, ‘21, for generously serving as chairs of the event. Their dedication and leadership ensured that the 2018 Blue & Gold Gala was a success. Also, thanks to all of our volunteers, sponsors, donors, and attendees for proudly supporting our premier annual fundraising event.
“The generosity of the Loyola community never fails to inspire us. Everyone who had a hand in planning the event, donating auction items, purchasing raffle tickets, and those who celebrated with us play a tremendous role in shaping the formation of our Dons.” – Adam Trice, Director of Development
To view additional photo highlights of the event, visit loyolablakefield.org/blueandgold.
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Charles Jr. proudly served as one of the first AfricanAmerican navigators in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged as a lieutenant after a tour in Korea. He joined the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau in 1960 as deputy director and was named executive director in 1974. In honor of his service, the main office in downtown Baltimore bears his name, as does a nearby city street sign. As a tribute to his commitment to improving legal access for low-income people, several organizations have established awards in his name, including the American Bar Association, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, and the
Charles “Chip” H. Dorsey III ’79 was appointed as an Associate Judge in the Baltimore City Circuit Court by Governor Larry Hogan in December 2016. To fully understand his path from a childhood in West Baltimore to Loyola Blakefield, and a career in law, you must first explore the strength of his Catholic roots and the impact of those who mentored him along the way.
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n 1948, newly appointed president of Loyola University Maryland (then College) Rev. Francis Xavier Talbot was committed to desegregating the institution. The first step was identifying an applicant whose academic gifts would qualify him for admission. Charles H. Dorsey Jr. was the first to be considered. His records indicated that he should be accepted, but there was a technicality concerning the accreditation of the schools he previously attended. He reapplied one year later with the help of members of the Josephite community, a congregation of Catholic priests dedicated to serving the African American community. His acceptance was approved, and he graduated in 1957 with the distinction of the school’s first African-American undergraduate student.
This was not the first or last time a member of the Dorsey family would play a leading role in correcting the status quo. Fr. John Henry Dorsey (the youngest brother of Chip’s great-great grandfather) became only the second African American ordained in the U.S. Catholic Church in 1902 and the nation’s first black pastor in 1905. Additionally, Chip’s uncle, Paul Bernard Smith, was one of the first students of color to graduate as a traditional day student at Loyola College. He later became a Catholic priest and served as principal of Holy Angels School in Chicago for 25 years. Moreover, his sister was a member of the first class at Loyola College that was open to women.
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“I always tell young men, if you can make it through challenging; the experience will stretch you out of will become your texture and will stay with you for He cites Brother Paul Cawthorne, Given the family history, it may come Fr. Christopher “John” Whatley, as no surprise that Chip’s parents Fr. Thomas Koliss, Coach Jerry committed themselves to sending all Savage, and Ralph Moore ‘70 as key nine of their children to Baltimore’s influencers. Above all, though, it was Catholic schools. “My father and Fr. James Salmon, president of Loyola uncle were not able to attend Catholic in the late ‘70s, who Chip recalls as schools when they were younger due having perhaps the greatest impact on to segregation,” said Dorsey. “My his formation. “There was a point in mother was determined to do her part my time at Loyola where I was ready to desegregate Baltimore’s schools to accept that I just didn’t fit in,” said by sending her children from grade Dorsey. “I was a black student from school through high school.” Agnes the city surrounded by white students Dorsey was true to her promise. After from suburban areas and from completing their time at St. Cecelia’s Yearbook photo of wealthier backgrounds. I decided that (later merged and named Rosa Parks), Charles H. Dorsey III ’79 I did not want to be there any longer Chip’s sisters attended Seton Keough and set out to sabotage myself and get kicked out and the Institute of Notre Dame for high school, of the school.” Fr. Salmon was quick to lead him while he and his brothers were split between down a different path. “Look, I know what you are Calvert Hall, Mount St. Joseph, and Loyola. “I am trying to do, but you are going to graduate from right in the middle as child number five, and when Loyola with a degree,” Salmon told him. Chip never it came time for high school, my mother left very forgets the importance of their conversation, nor little choice for me. It was going to be a Catholic the many ways Fr. Salmon went out of his way to school,” said Dorsey. “I was not interested in support him. “I played basketball and tennis, and Calvert Hall, so it came down to Loyola and Mount Fr. Salmon would always find a way to simply stop St. Joseph. My interest in playing basketball and by, check in on me, and let me know that he was the strength of the athletics program helped lead there for me,” said Dorsey. His experience taught me to Loyola.” him a lesson that has proven to be a major part of who he is today: the importance of “being Chip recalls the challenges he faced and overcame a finisher.” during his time as a student at Loyola. “It was a challenging time, but I arrived at Loyola when “I haven’t had a situation in my life that wasn’t there were more students of color than any time challenging in some way, but I in the school’s earlier history,” said learned that not everyone is going Dorsey. “In many ways, high school to be there for you, so you need to is when you are most vulnerable identify and hold onto those who and insecure, so for me it was are in your corner. We can spend challenging to overcome the social a lot of energy focused on what issues at play and remain focused is not going our way, but we need on academics.” Despite the early to be appreciative of the people obstacles, Chip points to several advocating for us,” said Dorsey. “I people at Loyola as strong role learned a lot at Loyola, but above models who were instrumental all, how to be a finisher. Fr. Salmon in his ability to reap the benefits made this revelation possible.” of his educational experience.
“I learned a lot at Loyola, but above all, how to be a finisher.”
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Loyola, you can make it anywhere. It will be your comfort zone, but overcoming obstacles a lifetime.” — Charles “Chip” H. Dorsey III ’79 Since graduating in 1979, Dorsey earned degrees from University of Maryland Baltimore County, B.A. (Political Science, 1983), and University of Baltimore School of Law (Juris Doctorate, 1988). He served as the Deputy Public Defender for the State of Maryland where he oversaw 50 offices throughout the state, including 560 attorneys and 400 support staff. Over the course of his 27-year career, he has spent 25 years as a public defender. On the surface, a legal career may seem like a natural fit given the influence of his father, but Chip recalls a moment during his time at Loyola that sparked his interest in law. “In my government class, we read decisions by Justices Thurgood Marshall and William Brennan,” said Dorsey. “Like many other teenage boys who were into sports, I thought I might grow to be a professional athlete. After reading those decisions, I realized that they thought like I did—they articulated it better than I was capable of at the time—but their thought process was like mine. After graduating from law school, I made sure I wrote to both of them to express my gratitude for how they inspired me.” Throughout the course of his life, Chip has also remained dedicated to staying connected to Loyola. He has attended MLK assemblies, served as a mentor with the Black Student Union, and even chaperoned social events. He also proudly serves as an ambassador for Loyola to colleagues and friends. “When people find out that I went to Loyola, they ask me about my experience and if it would be a good fit for their sons,” said Dorsey. “I do my best to help them see the value in a Loyola education and write letters on behalf of young men who are seeking admission that I know have all the gifts necessary to be outstanding Dons.” Bernie Bower ’78 serves as Loyola’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and has been close to Chip since high school. “Chip and I were roommates in college and he served as the best man in my wedding,” said Bowers. “He has always been like a brother to me and I could not be more proud to witness the life he has led. For Chip, service is just a natural part of he is. Being able to connect him
with current students is just one way he inspires others. The way he carries himself and the manner he dedicates his life to justice and serving others makes him an incredible role model.” When he considers the advice he would impart to today’s Dons, he is quick to draw on his own philosophy of finishing what you start. “I would tell them to have an open mind – to be open to different people, cultures, and experiences. They should find a way to create a path to service in their lives, and stay close to those who are there to support them,” said Dorsey. “Teen years can be so destructive to reaching one’s goals, and you may want to give up when it gets hard, but what Loyola will teach you is how to be a strong finisher and deal with adversity.” Dorsey knows that the foundation for his educational success was forged at home. His parents modeled the importance of putting faith into action, and both played different roles in shaping his future. “Dad was out saving the world, giving up prestige and financial rewards to help others,” said Dorsey. “Mom was home with all nine of us, so we got a dose of our daily values from her. They both made incredible sacrifices for each of us to be educated in the Catholic tradition—a feat I still marvel at today considering their limited financial resources.”
“I start my day in prayer in order to seek conscious contact with God.”
Chip’s faith and foundation from a Catholic education continue to play a major role in his personal and professional life. “I start my day in prayer in order to seek conscious contact with God,” said Dorsey. “Before I go on the bench, I take time to center myself, to ask God to grant me wisdom—to empty me of my vanity, insecurities and fears. I seek him throughout my day, and it assuages the stress and anxiety of having to figure things out on my own.”
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SPORTS BROADCASTING COMES TO BLAKEFIELD One of Loyola’s newest extracurricular activities is the Sports Broadcasting Club, which streams Loyola Blakefield athletic events year-round to viewers throughout the community. Students act as cameramen, commentators, and producers, running the show from start to finish.
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n the fall of 2015, Donald Irwin ‘18 and Alex Emde ’18 had the idea to commentate Loyola football games through an online audio app called Mixlr. “I thought it would be neat to broadcast games live so that alumni, parents, and friends of our community who couldn’t make it out, could still follow along,” said Emde. “We ran the idea by a few people, and before we knew it, we were broadcasting home football games regularly.”
One of those people was Michael Nitti, who works in the school’s marketing department. “I saw the potential that broadcasting Loyola sporting events could have with both the students here and members of the Loyola community.” Nitti, who serves as the school’s Multimedia Coordinator, did some research to find the easiest way to set up a live video broadcast. “The world of live streaming has become so much more accessible in recent years, requiring less and cheaper equipment to operate, and with platforms like YouTube and Facebook now offering live streaming, it makes it easy for anyone to start up.” With a laptop, a capture card, and a video camera they borrowed from the technology department, the trio started broadcasting games to the school’s YouTube channel and Loyola Sports Network was born.
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During the summer of 2017, Nitti decided to create a mobile streaming rig, which allows for up to an eight-camera setup and includes a video switcher, several monitors, wireless headsets, on-air graphics, and the ability to stream games from nearly anywhere on campus. “With this setup, we are able to produce more professional-looking broadcasts and really simulate for students what it might be like to work on a multi-camera production,” said Nitti. It has also allowed the club to increase the number of sports they cover. Since the beginning of the school year, they have broadcast water polo, football, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and baseball games. The club has also hosted a variety of guest speakers and field trips throughout the school year for students to learn the real-world applications for these skills first-hand. Industry professionals such as NFL and MLB cameraman Terry Wallace, P ’20, Big Ten Network Lacrosse Analyst Mark Dixon ’90, and WBAL Sports Anchor Keith Mills have spoken with students about their own experiences and offered advice on how to break into the industry, while trips to M&T Bank Stadium and SECU Arena to see how the Ravens and Baltimore Blast broadcast their games have also been beneficial. “These trips and
speakers are important to us because they provide great networking opportunities while learning the ins and outs of the industry, and we are able to compare our own setup to the industry standards,” said junior Matt Moore. Loyola Sports Network has experienced many exciting moments throughout its short existence, but perhaps the most memorable came during the 2016–17 basketball season, when Kenny Lewis ’17 hit a game-winning 3-pointer to defeat Calvert Hall. Nitti immediately knew the clip was SportsCenter-worthy, so he uploaded it to the school’s Twitter account and tagged SportsCenter Top 10, which retweeted it moments later. “That play was not only great for the basketball team, but it also helped propel our sports broadcasting club to the next level, as we saw an influx of members and viewership following that game,” said senior Joe Tartaglia, who made the call. “You would be surprised to hear how many people come up to me, some who were not even enrolled at Loyola at the time, and make a reference to that call. It was a special moment and definitely a highlight of my four years at Loyola.”
The club doesn’t just attract students who are interested in commentating. “One of the main reasons why I joined the Sports Broadcasting Club was because of my interest in technology,” said Moore, who has directed and produced a majority of the broadcasts this year. “Additionally, the concept of a live production, and the pressure that comes with it interested me, and I loved the idea of sharing our sporting events to a wide audience, ranging from students, families, alumni, and even prospective students.” As for the future of the club, both Nitti and the students are excited to see it grow. “What fascinates me is that each year our program has expanded with new members and better equipment,” said Emde. “We started out with small hand-held microphones and an online radio broadcast that averaged about five listeners per stream. Now, we have headsets, monitors, on-air graphics, and are seeing anywhere between 50–200 viewers per stream. This doesn’t seem like much, but every story starts somewhere.” “For every broadcast, we want to create a product that looks and sounds great, while also giving the
“For every broadcast, we want to create a product that looks and sounds great, while also giving the viewer the best perspective of the game.” Several seniors in the club have even decided to pursue a career in sports broadcasting after graduating this spring. “When I visited colleges with top sports broadcasting programs, such as Syracuse and University of Maryland, they were stunned at the experience I already had under my belt,” said Zach Bollinger. “Most college students in top programs aren’t getting this kind of exposure until later in their studies, so having this experience already gave me an edge over competition. This club has started me on the right path to follow my dream.” Additionally, Hayden Young was offered a scholarship from the sports broadcasting program at Elon University. “I have an opportunity to pursue a career in something that I love and enjoy, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
viewer the best perspective of the game,” said Moore. “It has been great to see the progress we have made since last year, and the positive comments we have been receiving are motivating us to continue to improve and refine our broadcasts.” “Our goal is to become to the best at what we do,” said Nitti. “Right now, there are very few schools in the area taking advantage of this media outlet, and I want this club to not only showcase the successes of our sports teams and serve as a gateway to reconnect with alumni, but also to play a factor in attracting prospective students to Loyola who are interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting or sports journalism.”
Watch Loyola Sports Network broadcasts by subscribing to the school’s YouTube channel or visiting loyolablakefield.org/LSN. If you are interested in getting involved with or supporting the Sports Broadcasting Club, please contact Michael Nitti at mnitti@loyolablakefield.org. 17
CLASS NOTES 1959
Murray Bradley ’59 served as an Ignatian lay volunteer from 2010–12 after retirement from academic library administration in 2010. He and his wife, Page, now travel and maintain contact with grandchildren, family, and friends.
1963
Carroll Bodie ’63 was named Hibernian of the Year during the Hibernian Society of Baltimore’s 215th Anniversary Gala on March 15. This marks the second year in a row
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Carroll Bodie ’63
that a Loyola Don has been awarded this honor. Last year, former Loyola Blakefield trustee Dan Cahill ‘81, P ‘09, 14, was the recipient.
1986
Lawrence Jackson, PhD ‘86, a Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, presented at the Reginald
F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore in February to celebrate the 200th birthday of Maryland abolitionist Frederick Douglass. He teaches a course at JHU called Mapping Douglass, which attempts to uncover lost details about the lives of African Americans like Douglass and Chester Himes. Lawrence Jackson ’86
Winter 2018 1987
Kevin Hughes, PhD ‘87, was named a recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Pope Francis in December for his contributions to Catholic higher education. For laypeople, deacons and religious, the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and its equivalent, the Benemerenti Medal, are among the highest honors the Holy Father can bestow on an individual. Hughes is an Associate Professor of Theology and Religious
Studies at Villanova University, where, until last year, he served as the Chair of the Department of Humanities.
1989
Greg Gunther ‘89 was named Racket Sports Director and Head Tennis Pro for Bayside in Delaware. Greg previously served as the Director of Tennis for the Greater New Orleans YMCA and A’s & Aces New Orleans.
1990
Mark Dixon ’90 visited campus in March to
Share your news with fellow Dons! loyolablakefield.org/classnotes speak with our Sports Broadcasting Club about his time as a lacrosse analyst for Big Ten Network and ESPN.
Human, which focuses on leaps of faith and jumps into passions.
2013
2001 Steve James ’06
2014
deployed overseas on active duty for over a year.
2009 Tim McFadden ’01
Tim McFadden ‘01 and his business, McFadden Art Glass, were featured in the February 2018 issue of Towson Lifestyle. Tim also generously donated a custom chandelier to our live auction for the Blue & Gold Gala this year.
Nick Breschi ’13
John Davenport ’09 competed in the Long Jump at the 2018 USA Track & Field (USATF) Indoor Nationals in Albuquerque, NM, in February.
2010
2006
Steve James ‘06, who serves as a Captain in the Maryland National Guard, returned to teaching history at Loyola Blakefield after being
Jeremy spent his college career playing soccer at Louisville and California State University, Northridge. His twin brother, Mike, currently plays for Nashville SC.
Adam Conner ’10 produces his own weekly podcast called To Dare is
Nick Breschi ‘13 was recently named Loyola Blakefield’s new Director of Aquatics. He will oversee all interscholastic aquatics programs, work in conjunction with the Physical Education Department in implementing aquatics into their curriculum, and run Loyola Blakefield Aquatics, Inc. (LBA), an independent club program hosted at Loyola. Jeremy DeGraffenreidt ’13 recently signed with Sala FF in Sweden.
Kevin Fanto ’14
Kevin Fanto ‘14 is currently working as a Legislative Aide Intern at the Maryland House of Delegates in the office of Chris West.
2016
Kenny Rowe ’16
team finished 11th overall, qualifying them for 2nd Team All-America. Cole Williams ’16 was named Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Week and United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Team of the Week in late March for his outstanding play with Johns Hopkins Men’s Lacrosse. Cole Williams ’16
Kenny Rowe ’16 earned All-American honors as part of Georgetown’s distance medley relay team at the 2018 NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships in early March. His relay
I N M EM O R I A M ALUMNI
PAST PARENTS
GRANDPARENTS
Gerald J. Heilman ‘48 William E. Sheehan ‘48 Richard C. Kidwell ‘49 Dr. Hammond J. Dugan III ‘54 Richard G. Evirs ‘58 Vincent Lowe III ‘62 Joseph C. Wich Jr. ‘65 James P. Ryan Jr. ‘66 Charles H. Hartnett ‘75
Frank S. Benson Andre L. DeBels Charles E. Doering Charles F. Fitzsimmons, EdD Margaret Jenkins John H. Jordan Christopher J. Kauffman Robert L. Lacey C. Richard Lehnert Charles O. Macsherry C. Herbert Sadtler
Walter K. Sherwin Jr.
FRIENDS Matthew S. Decker
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