Explorer Magazine Summer 2015

Explorer SUMMER 2015

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

now& then

THE CLASS OF 1965 BECAME THE NEWEST GOLDEN EXPLORERS WHEN THEY RETURNED TO THEIR ALMA MATER FOR THEIR 50-YEAR REUNION. The festivities began on Friday, May 29, 2015 with a golf outing followed by a gathering at Dunleavy House. The event was attended by over sixty members of the Class of 1965. The celebration continued on Saturday, May 30, 2015 as the Class of 1965 took part in the commencement exercises for the Class of 2015 and was recognized during the ceremony. Following graduation, the Class of 1965 gathered for a luncheon where they were awarded Golden Diplomas by Brother James Butler, FSC and Principal Michael O'Toole '68.

WHAT’S INSIDE MISSION STATEMENT ADOPTED BY THE MIDDLE STATES EVALUATION TEAM MARCH 2006 LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, A CATHOLIC INDEPENDENT, COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG MEN OF VARIED BACKGROUNDS,

FEATURE

now& then 8 HIGHLIGHTS SNAPSHOTS COMING SOON

DEPARTMENTS

4 22

MAJOR GIFT INITIATIVE

PHOTO GALLERIES

24

LET US REMEMBER

IS CONDUCTED IN THE TRADITION OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE. THROUGH A BROAD AND BALANCED, HUMAN AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDES EACH STUDENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIS UNIQUE GOD-GIVEN TALENTS AND FOSTERS A COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP.

2

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

WE CELEBRATE

31

WE WELCOME AND REMEMBER 32 BIRTHS AND DEATHS

LETUSREMEMBER DEAR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS, As those of you who are raising sons or presently enjoy watching grandsons mature can attest, they’re not generally capable of conversation until some point in the junior year. Until then, talking with adults they answer questions in that terse, “nothing more, nothing less than was asked, introduce no new information” format that’s really only appropriate in adult life when you’re giving a deposition. “How did you like your freshman year at La Salle, Connor?” “I liked it.” Ten months of life summarized in three monosyllabic words.

Among themselves, young men too young to be licensed drivers tend to obviate the need for scintillating conversation by doing stuff: having a catch with a lacrosse ball, tossing a Frisbee, or kicking something, whether a Hacky Sack, soccer ball, or, when nothing else is at hand, a can.

On the Sunday evening of Memorial Day weekend, a large group of students who just finished their sophomore year were beginning the first Urban Immersion program of the summer. After Mass, they were reassembling in the courtyard of Old Saint Joseph’s Church. Even in a 16-year old’s judgment, it would seem inappropriate to kick or throw something in an enclosure overshadowed by one of Philadelphia’s most historic religious institutions. So, they resorted to another activity I have seen boys this age engage in countless times over thirty-three years of working with them: comparing hand sizes, palm to palm.

Now, admittedly, to an adult or female mind, this activity must seem entirely pointless. But when you see the world with the mindset of a guy this age, it’s clear what they’re figuring out. Potential. The short guy with the big hands holds out hope that he may just be a late bloomer. The kid with proportionate extremities and a bit of facial scruff may have to come to terms with the fact that he’s done growing before his sixteenth birthday.

And the standout who can fold his fingertips over the tops of some of the other guys’ hands? He’s dreaming of being that monster all the college athletic departments are drooling over by senior year. (His peers then invariably put him back in his place by calling him Shaq or Shrek.)

This issue of the Explorer is all about potential. As we reflect on what some of our graduates have achieved, as profiled by members of the Class of 2015 who had very similar high school careers, it’s only natural to ponder what those young men will do with their La Salle experience over the decades. As we view the photographs of the 251 seniors who graduated on May 30, 2015, we can only think of the potential they have to develop their talents and impact the world positively.

Come to think of it, that’s what La Salle College High School has always been about – developing potential.

In the 19th century, the school existed to help an immigrant Catholic population assimilate into American culture and master the skills that would allow them to get jobs more remunerative and less grueling than their fathers’ factory labor, allow them to live in neighborhoods more salubrious than the Northern Liberties, Kensington, and the River Wards were in those days. Three quarters of a century later, numerous graduates

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 2

Explorer SUMMER 2015 THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

PRESIDENT Brother James L. Butler, FSC PRINCIPAL Michael A. O’Toole ’68 VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Daniel L. McGowan EDITOR Christopher M. Carabello ’82 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eric Steven Bunting ’15 Christopher M. Carabello ’82 John Michael Connolly ’15 Daniel O’Connor Corr ’15 Edgar J. Eason III ’15 John Richard Grogan ’15 Colin Francis Hoffman ’15 Aidan Joseph Kerrigan ’15 Jeremy Puntel ’15 Matt James Schargel ’15 Connor Alexander Williams ’15 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE Jill D’Angelo Patti Finlay Carol Haggerty Cathleen P. Winning PHOTOGRAPHY Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Congregation of the Holy Cross Mike Maicher Sam Fritch Society of Jesus Lifetouch Photography, Inc. ARTWORK AND DESIGN John Burns Design Group

EXPLORER LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 215 233 2350 phone 215 836 4502 fax alumni@lschs.org www.lschs.org The Explorer is published three times a year by La Salle College High School.

The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning alumni, school, and other topics covered by and in the magazine.

The Editor of the Explorer reserves the right to edit and make all decisions regarding the content and information published in the magazine.

from the 1940s and 1950s have told me identical stories of an eighth grade nun who picked him and a few classmates out to stay after school and drill for the scholarship examinations at La Salle and Saint Joseph’s Prep. She saw the potential in a working class boy, and that scholarship set him on a track to have not just a job but a profession.

Even in 2015, La Salle is about potential. You see it clearly when students arrive here from La Salle Academy and the Independence Mission Schools, prepared by our Katherine Drexel Program in middle school; you can find it in many other, less dramatic places, if you reflect carefully on what you see. You find potential in the average student or athlete who achieves more than ever he or his parents expected because he’s in an atmosphere where excellence is unexceptional, where no variety of excellence is uncool. Two students might participate in the same service trip to Sarnelli House or Saint John’s Hospice. The one with a reckless streak finds in the recovering addict who threw it all away in life’s first round a cautionary tale. The other inclined to the solipsistic pursuit of success has a graced encounter and realizes, “it’s not just all about me.” The fashionably cynical adolescent intellectual rubs shoulders everyday with credible, intelligent, engaged adults who don’t condescendingly dismiss personal spirituality and religious practice but actively embrace them.

Sometimes, you don’t seem to tap into the potential during high school, but it blossoms later because of one’s experiences at La Salle. As a graduate who’s been out around a decade, a self-proclaimed member of the “Sub 2.0 Society,” humorously told me, “I owe my success in business to what I learned at La Salle. At La Salle, I learned to negotiate. I had to negotiate to pass and survive.”

As we know, Saint John Baptist de La Salle founded the Christian Schools believing that a good education allowed young men to lead productive lives, thereby avoiding vice and ultimately meriting eternal happiness.

At La Salle College High School today, we believe that accepting a young man for who he is, allowing him to feel comfortable, then providing him with a mind-boggling array of opportunities to figure out the person he’d like to become is the secret of our success, a success that only has value as it supports God’s unfolding plan for each student. A slightly different framework, but one in continuity with the spirit of our Founder, who had this to say about potential: Be satisfied with what you can do, since God is satisfied with it, but do not spare yourself in what you can do with grace; and believe that, provided you want it, you can do more with the grace of God than you think.

Taken to heart, those words can help us all appreciate that it’s not just those sophomores at Old Saint Joe’s whose growth plates haven’t closed yet!

Fraternally,

BROTHER JAMES L. BUTLER, FSC PRESIDENT

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 3

SNAP SHOTS

SECOND SEMESTER

KING PIN

KING PIN

MAKING A SPLASH

The Bowling Team won the Philadelphia Catholic League

The Swimming Team earned its fourth consecutive

Championship on February 21, 2015 with a 2947-2885 victory

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) State

over Roman Catholic at Thunderbird Lanes in Northeast

Championship on March 14, 2015 at Bucknell University.

Philadelphia. It was the first bowling title in school

The Explorers compiled 302 points, 81 more than

history and La Salle becomes the only school to have won

second-place Upper Saint Clair, to win the Class AAA Boys’

a Philadelphia Catholic League Championship in every

Title. Gold medals were captured by the 200 Yard Freestyle

boy’s sport.

Relay along with the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay and Greg

GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE

consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship

The National Honor Society, in conjunction with the

on February 14, 2015 at Widener University and followed up

American Red Cross, hosted the school’s annual Blood Drive

by repeating as District 12 (City) Champions. The program

Brocato won the 50 Yard Freestyle. The team won their 27th

on March 12, 2015 in the gymnasium. The La Salle

has won every Philadelphia Catholic League Championship

community donated 116 units of blood which will benefit

since 1989.

almost 350 people in the area.

PAIS ACCREDITATION TEAM VISITS CAMPUS GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE

POOR MAN’S SUPPER

POOR MAN’S SUPPER

A Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)

La Salle College High School hosted a Poor Man’s Supper

Accreditation Team, consisting of nine volunteers from peer

on March 12, 2015 in the school’s cafeteria. Each attendee

PAIS schools, visited La Salle College High School from March

made a $10 donation and was able to select a ceramic

15-18, 2015 in an effort to renew the school’s accreditation.

bowl that was produced and handcrafted by a student as

Every ten years, La Salle must reestablish its accreditation

a remembrance of the less fortunate people in our area

and prove to the PAIS that it is a well-run school operating

who are suffering from hunger. La Salle provided a simple

in a safe, respectful, and caring environment. The admin-

meal – soup, bread, drinks, and dessert – along with

istration, faculty, and staff prepared a 137-page self-study

wonderful companionship for all who attended. The event

report – a checklist of 184 indicators of a quality school –

raised over $2,000 for Face to Face, which is located in

that covers every aspect of the school including curriculum,

the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

finances, governance, philosophy, health and safety, and student support. The accreditation team, which repre-

ESCAPE TO PARADISE ESCAPE TO PARADISE

The Mothers’ Club hosted their annual Fashion Show on March 12, 2015 at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The theme for the evening was “Escape To Paradise” and featured fun,

MAKING A SPLASH

friendship, and fashions provided by Chickie’s Daughter in Spring House. In addition to raffles and beautiful tombola prizes, one of the many highlights of the evening took place when members of the senior class “dressed to impress” and escorted models down the runway.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 4

sented a wide variety of school settings, brought a diverse perspective about how to run a good school and acted as the agents of the PAIS in an effort to confirm the self-study report. During the course of a four day period, the team met with faculty, staff, administration, members of the Board of Trustees, and students to ask questions in an effort to validate the self-study report.

LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

MEN OF INTELLECT

Eighty members of the senior class with leadership roles

The National Honor Society inducted 81 new members –

had the opportunity to interact with over twenty-five alums

5 seniors and 76 juniors – on April 1, 2015 during a prayer

representing different decades and professions at the

service and induction ceremony held in the auditorium. The

annual Leadership Luncheon held on March 23, 2015 in the

newest inductees joined 68 members from the Class of 2015

auditorium. Each table featured at least two alums and

who were inducted in the Spring of 2014, which brings the

the interaction and rapport between the young men and

total membership for 2014-2015 to 149 members. Selection

their older counterparts was nothing short of amazing.

for membership requires that a student maintain a grade

Connor Tramo ’15 welcomed the alums on behalf of the

point average (GPA) of at least 3.75/4.0, have a record of

Class of 2015 and Andrew Clay ’07, a Cyber Security Engineer

good conduct, and participate in an acceptable number of

for the U.S. Department of State at The Pentagon, spoke to

extra-curricular activities within the school community

the seniors about his experiences while a student as well

as well as the community at large. During the induction

as the networking opportunities available to graduates.

ceremony, the induction pledge was administered

QUEST TO FIND THE HOLY GRAIL

Honor Society.

LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

by Edward Devlin ’15, the President of the National The stage at La Salle College High School was transformed into The Middle Ages for four “standing room only”

8TH ANNUAL FRESHMAN GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

performances of Monty Python’s Spamalot, a musical

The 8th Annual Freshman Grandparents’ Day at La Salle

spoof of the Camelot legend and famous Arthurian fables.

College High School brought almost 300 grandparents to the

Based on the 1975 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail,

campus on April 2, 2015. The day began with a prayer service

the musical opened in 2005 and no musical, pop culture

organized by members of the junior class (Class of 2016).

reference, or Monty Python skit is left unscathed.

Mr. Robert Moran ’69, Chairman of the Board of Trustees,

Thousands of theater fans and students packed the

extolled the values that the school has to offer the Class

auditorium from March 26-29, 2015 as the production

of 2018. Brother James Butler, FSC offered a few remarks

incorporated the combined talents of over 130 students

before inviting the guests to light refreshments with their

from La Salle College High School and surrounding

grandsons in the auditorium and family photos in the gym.

area girl’s high schools, and delivered on every level.

The grandparents concluded their visit by touring parts

QUEST TO FIND THE HOLY GRAIL

of the school.

CLASS OF 2015 IS GOLD After four years of serving others and making a profound impact on the local community and beyond, the Class of

CLASS OF 2015 IS GOLD

2015 has truly left their mark as service leaders with their

8TH ANNUAL FRESHMAN GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

recent class gift to the Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57 Fund for Service and Spirituality. Asked individually to join the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Club with a gift of $20.15, the Class of 2015 responded with 100% participation as all 251 members participated and tallied an impressive $5,087.30 in support of service and spirituality for the next generation of Explorers that will follow in their footsteps.

They are the final class that Brother James guided through the admissions process at La Salle College High School and the legacy of service and success left by these graduates

MEN OF INTELLECT

will live on for many years to come.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 5

SNAP SHOTS

SECOND SEMESTER FSC WEEK

SENIOR MOTHER/SON LITURGY

The La Salle Community celebrated “FSC Week” from April

Over 230 seniors along with their mothers or special guests

20-23, 2015 with a variety of activities focusing on faith, ser-

gathered for Mass and dinner on April 29, 2015. The Annual

vice, and community and based on the “Five Goals of Lasal-

Senior Mother/Son Liturgy, hosted by the Mothers’ Club,

lian Education.” The Ministry and Mission Team spearheaded

began with Mass in the gym celebrated by Reverend

the four-day effort along with assistance from Campus

Anthony Janton, AFSC ’69 and was followed by a rose

Ministry, Student Council, the Religion Department, and the

ceremony and dinner. The event was held one month before

Human Rights Forum. Events included a breakfast in the

graduation and was a fitting tribute to the efforts of the

auditorium for the faculty/staff where members of the senior

boys and the sacrifices made by their mothers.

class cooked waffles, bacon, and other breakfast foods; a

FSC WEEK

SENIOR MOTHER/SON LITURGY

FIELD DAY

prayer service in the Marian Chapel that was prepared and

FIELD DAY

conducted by members of the junior class; a drive conducted

The 12th Annual Field Day was held on May 1, 2015 in

by the Human Rights Forum for baby clothing and other

honor of Fran Johnson and Mary Jo Smith, two beloved

items (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.) that benefitted the

members of the faculty who succumbed to their battles with

women and children at the Blessed Margaret of Castello

cancer. The day once again featured gorgeous weather,

Home for Crisis Pregnancies; preparation of sandwiches that

spirited competition, notable sportsmanship, and many

were distributed in Center City Philadelphia by members of

smiles and laughs. Organized by the Office of Student Affairs

the junior and senior classes as part of a Homeless Outreach;

and the Student Council, homerooms competed against each

and “Volley For Service” – a volleyball marathon featuring

other in over three dozen events taking place simultane-

teams of students and girls from local private schools that

ously in four areas of the campus. The winning homerooms

benefitted “Bringing Hope Home,” a non-profit organiza-

were 10A (Freshmen), 10B (Sophomores), 10C (Juniors), and

tion that provides unexpected amazingness to local families

5D (Seniors). Homeroom 5D defeated Homeroom 10B in the

suffering from cancer through emotional and financial

tug-of-war and were crowned as the Overall Champions.

support. The event concluded with an assembly at the end of the school day on Thursday that featured a volleyball game

AP EXAMS

that matched the student winners from “Volley For Service”

La Salle College High School offered twenty-one Advanced

against a team of faculty members. The activity-filled week

Placement (AP) Exams during a two week period from May 4,

provided further evidence of the school’s commitment to the

2015 through May 14, 2015. 404 students took 811 exams in

mission of its founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, along

twenty-one different subject areas that included: American

with the unique spirit that animates the La Salle community.

Government, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics (Macro), Economics (Micro),

SHARP DRESSED MEN SHARP DRESSED MEN

Environmental Science, Human Geography, Latin, Music

dates attended the Senior Prom on April 24, 2015 at

Theory, Physics 1, Physics C (Mech/Elect and Mag), Psychology,

Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The night was filled with food,

Spanish, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.

dancing, great music, and good times shared by friends and classmates.

MEN OF INTELLECT

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 6

English Language (Juniors), English Literature (Seniors),

Over 200 sharply dressed seniors along with their beautiful

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

STATE OF THE ARTS

The Spring Band Concert was held in the auditorium on

La Salle College High School held its 32nd Annual Arts

May 4, 2015. Over 200 musicians – representing ten separate

Festival and the Art Department exhibited over 400 pieces

ensembles – performed for over two hours. The Concert

of student artwork throughout the school on May 11, 2015.

Band, comprised of over seventy musicians, performed

Over 90% of the students who took an art class had at

The Star Wars Epic by John Williams, which was comprised of

least one piece of artwork included in the exhibition, which

all six theme songs – Duel of the Fates, Across the Stars,

ranged from ceramics and sculptures to drawings and

Revenge of the Sith, Princess Leia’s Theme, The Imperial

paintings. The student artwork was critiqued by two judges

March/The Forest Battle, and Star Wars (Main Title).

and awards were given to pieces that displayed excellence.

Additional performances featured the Jazz Band, who

Students from eight different courses received Awards of

captured First Place at Cavalcade of Bands Championship

Excellence for a piece of artwork they produced in class. Four

for the Delaware Valley on April 25, 2015 along with the

additional students received a “Body of Work” Award, which

Fifth Period Band who closed the concert with a tribute

recognizes the quality and quantity of work that a student

to West Side Story.

has produced.

TENNIS ANYONE?

SUMMER SERVICE COMMISSIONING MASS

The Tennis Team finished unbeaten in league play and

Over 300 sophomores and juniors along with their parents

defeated Saint Joseph’s Prep 3-2 on May 4, 2015 at La Salle

attended Mass and a commissioning ceremony on Tuesday,

University to win their 9th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic

May 12, 2015. Each of the students will be participating in

League Championship. The Explorers defeated Public League

one of sixteen voluntary summer service trips being offered

Champion Central High School 4-1 to win the District 12

this summer in five different countries and eight states.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

TENNIS ANYONE?

SUMMER

(City) Championship and advanced to the PIAA State Team

SERVICE

Playoffs for the 6th straight season.

COMMISSIONING

LASALLIAN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR The Feast Day of Saint John Baptist de La Salle was celebrat-

TRACK AND FIELD

TRACK AND FIELD

MASS

ed with a Mass in the gymnasium on Ascension Thursday,

The Track and Field Team captured the Philadelphia Catholic

May 14, 2015. During the service, members of the La Salle

League Outdoor Championship on May 9, 2015 at Upper

community participated in a candle lighting ceremony and

Darby High School. Sophomore Alex Sislo, who captured

John Keenan ’80, a 19-year member of the faculty and the

individual titles in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump,

Director of The David Program, was honored as Distin-

was named MVP. Other outstanding performances came

guished Lasallian Educator of the Year.

from javelin throwers Grant Jones (1st) and Noah Walker (2nd). Joe Caponi won the discus and Grant Jones finished

SPEAKING THEIR MINDS

second. Eddie Eason captured his second consecutive indi-

The team of Conor Hogan ’15 and Jack Grogan ’15, who

vidual title in the pole vault. The team also won the indoor

were crowned State Champions in late March, placed 3rd

title at Lehigh University in February.

in Policy Debate at the National Catholic Forensics League

VOICES CARRY

STATE OF THE ARTS

(NCFL) National Finals. La Salle won the Eleanor E. Wright VOICES CARRY

Debate School of Excellence Award, which is awarded to the

The Spring Choral Concert was held on May 11, 2015 as

Top 5 schools nationally based on their performance at the

part of the 32nd Annual Arts Festival. Under the direction

NCFL Finals each year. The award marks the third consecutive

LASALLIAN EDUCATOR

of Mr. Mark Norman, the school’s Choral Director, the

year that La Salle has been recognized.

OF THE YEAR

audience was treated to fourteen arrangements featuring the voices of over fifty young men in three ensembles.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 7

Since its move to the Belcroft campus in 1960, La Salle College High School has changed dramatically.

Once a three-story academic building at the end of a one-lane driveway, La Salle has evolved into an 84-acre campus with five wings and nine playing fields. Student enrollment has increased by 25% and the faculty/staff has more than doubled. The average class size is now almost half of what it was in 1960 and the number of course offerings has tripled. Chalkboards have been replaced by SMARTBoards and projection TVs and the number of honors and advanced placement (AP) offerings is almost five times what it was in 1960. The number of students participating in music and the arts has more than tripled, while the number of athletic teams has nearly doubled. Yet, despite the growth and physical changes, La Salle College High School continues to stand as a beacon for capable young men embarking on a solid college preparatory program

now& then in the Catholic, independent school tradition.

What follows are the reflections of

eleven of our newest alums – graduates of the Class of 2015.

Accompanying their experience are eleven alumni recollections as each of

Loyal to the educational philosophy of our founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, and the gospel teachings that everyone has value before a loving God, La Salle College High School continues to shape and educate the total person for future leadership and personal peace of mind. The present state of the campus and plans for

the graduates was introduced to an alum

the future, attest to the school’s fidelity to its mission to continue to evolve and grow in an effort to meet the

from another decade. These are their

challenges of new generations of youth as they prepare to succeed in and to shape the 21st century.

stories. Some are personal recounts, while others are told in the third person.

A conscientious and highly-professional faculty and staff work closely and respectfully with students and

They are the “now and then,” or in the

parents to establish mutual trust, acceptance, and affirmation. The result is the harmonious association

words of Brother Andrew Bartley, FSC,

of everyone in the La Salle community. In addition, successful La Salle alumni continue to fill the ranks of all

Principal from 1977-1987, “They (we) are La Salle”.

professions, occupations, and trades in an ever changing America and around the globe. Alumni involvement, commitment, and leadership remain among La Salle’s proudest achievements and they stand as a lasting testament to the successful educational program which La Salle College High School fosters.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 8

now& then COLIN FRANCIS HOFFMAN ’15

ANTHONY M. STONIS ’64

AUDUBON, PA

PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN

ARCOLA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

CARDOLITE CORPORATION

CREW (CAPTAIN), SPEECH AND DEBATE, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

NAPLES, FL

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND (A.J. DREXEL SCHOLARSHIP)

Going from grammar school to high school is shocking for most kids, but by choosing to go to La Salle I set myself up for a

When I walked into La Salle for the first

was now the head coach of La Salle’s program. In

time as a freshman, I had no idea how

the winter of my junior year, I joined the rowing

much of an impact these four years at

team again. Finding success on the team was still a

La Salle would have on my life. Between

challenge for me, but I had a new sense of

the dedicated faculty and positive student

determination to be the best rower I could be.

body, every person built an environment

During this time, each member of the team and

people I met at La Salle were very different from those I had grown

of success. When I joined the rowing team

coach in the program encouraged me to stick with

up with. It took some time to get my bearings and figure out where

as a freshman, I was nowhere near the

it and dedicate as much time as possible to achieve

I fit in; however, over time, I grew to love the school. I liked the

best. Every run and workout felt incred-

my goals. Although I started a bit slow, I finally

more secular attitude of the brothers over the nuns. I was fascinated

ibly difficult, and I quickly began to

reached the point where I made the V8 for the spring

listening to the lifestyle of my classmates since it was so differ-

wonder whether I should quit the team or

season of my senior year, as well as being named

ent than mine. I thrived in the atmosphere that learning is both

not. Throughout my entire time as a

Captain of the team. This achievement is almost all

important and interesting including an emphasis that religion is an

freshman, my coach, Tony Mieczkowski,

due to the positivity of the rowers and the coaches in

essential part of life. Finally, the culture that La Salle was special

always believed in my potential as a rower,

La Salle’s program, who always believed that I

even if I didn’t. After weighing the pros and cons, I still felt like I had to move on and join something else my sophomore year, which led me to the Speech and Debate Program.

could achieve more in the sport.

This type of successful attitude is not only prevalent in sports, but also in La Salle’s academics. Nearly

major shock. First, I had to travel over 90 minutes one way on public transportation to get to La Salle from my home in South Philadelphia so I physically felt that I was in a different world.

Second, I came from a very small, inner city, blue collar, ethnic (you had to be Lithuanian), grammar school taught totally by nuns. The

with a long heritage, made one feel a part of something bigger.

I consider attending La Salle to be a life changing event for me.

La Salle brought me into a different world. Some of the peripheral courses such as public speaking, typing, Latin, music appreciation, and art appreciation have been invaluable later in life especially

every teacher I have had has been a positive

public speaking since it taught me early how to speak in front of

A 180 degree shift from the rowing team, debate

influence on me as a student, from Mrs. Nedzwecky

a group. Of course there are always the teachers and coaches that

offered a new, purely mental challenge, and also

my freshman/junior year, Mr. Cipolla my junior/senior

made a lasting impression. In my case, it was Mr. Tremblay,

introduced me to a great group of dedicated

year, or Mr. Collins my freshman/junior year. All the

my senior year English teacher, who taught me how to write as well

students and coaches, like Mr. Shay and Mr. McCabe.

teachers strive to see their students succeed, and

as read and appreciate literature. Coach Flannery in football and

I found success much quicker on the debate

actively work to bring out the best in each student.

Coach Hines in rowing were both unique characters who taught

team, finishing third in the Pennsylvania State

My experience at La Salle will go down as one of the

that the difference between a winner and just a player is that little

Championship for Policy Debate. However, by the

best experiences of my life and I know I have gown

end of my sophomore year I felt that I should

immensely as a person because of the wonderful

reconsider my decision of leaving crew. All my friends

staff and student body with whom I was able

on the rowing team told me to consider joining the

to interact.

bit of extra effort. These are lessons that have guided me through my life, and I remember them like they were yesterday, not over fifty years ago.

team again, especially since my freshman year coach

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 9

now& then DANIEL O’CONNOR CORR ’15

JOHN M. KILDUFF ’64

COLLEGEVILLE, PA

RETIRED PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SAINT ELEANOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL

DR. PEPPER

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (ROGER “BO” REYNOLDS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

HOBE SOUND, FL

BASKETBALL, KAIROS LEADER, SOCCER, SOCCER MANAGER, FRESHMAN MENTOR, STUDENT COUNCIL, STUDENT AMBASSADOR, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The best way I can describe my

It was in September of 1960 when I arrived for my first day of classes at La Salle’s brand new campus in Wyndmoor. I was a young

only your knowledge of subject matter, but also

boy who was both excited and overwhelmed at the opportunities and challenges facing me in the next four years.

experience at La Salle, and the entire

your maturity level, work ethic, and management of

experience that is possible for anyone

each day. It’s a tall task for any fourteen-to-eighteen

During those four years I was provided with the tools to succeed.

at La Salle, is as a fantastic challenge.

year old kid, but it is also why La Salle is arguably

My education was invaluable in providing a strong foundation for

There are two sides to this Lasallian

the best school in the area for developing young

my future endeavors. The “strong foundation” I refer to is the educa-

experience, this challenge, that are

men and preparing them for the future. It’s not easy,

tion La Salle provided me spiritually, intellectually, and socially.

externally conflicting and yet so intrinsi-

but as the cliché goes, “If it were easy, everybody

cally connected that both sides run

would do it”.

in harmony with each other, and are equally important to why La Salle is a

The other end of the spectrum, in case the thought

Spiritually, I was provided with the resources to improve my understanding, and strengthen my Catholic beliefs. Life presents us with many difficult and ethical challenges. Challenges we may encounter

special place.

of these challenges seems intimidating and scary,

both in our personal and professional lives. Belief in the teachings

is that there is no better place to help you rise to the

of Jesus Christ, and the power of prayer have been invaluable in

La Salle is not an easy place to come to

occasion and recognize your full potential than

helping me make the “right decision” when confronted with these types of challenges.

school. This school will test you every

La Salle. The dedicated teaching faculty,

day, inside and outside of the classroom.

competitive academic environment, and expansive

The curriculum was my first chapter. As students we were provided

There are no breaks – other than those heavenly

extracurricular opportunity work to put positive

a well-rounded education in the arts and sciences. I can still

Christmas and Easter breaks which are sought after

pressure on students, naturally guiding them to

remember our Freshman Public Speaking Course where we were

and cherished- from the everyday challenges life at

push themselves. It is a positive environment where

instructed to speak with VEE…Volume, Enunciation, and

La Salle presents. Its academic reputation is such that

exploration (pardon the pun) is encouraged. The

Enthusiasm. This instruction has served me well over the years

merely taking classes and coming to the school each

wide range of class selections allow students to feel

of my business career where I made presentations to large and

day would be a feat in itself, but La Salle is more

comfortable in their environment while pushing

small audiences.

than a classroom setting. There is far more for a La

themselves. There are so many other opportunities

Salle man to do than come to school each day for

that La Salle presents outside the classroom that it

eight periods. As Mrs. Maher has always said, “If you

is almost impossible to come to the school and not

Finally there is the social education we need to be successful.

La Salle took us out of the small circle of comfort we enjoyed in grammar school. We learned to interact with others…something

leave La Salle at 2:15 every day you are not getting

be involved in something else. There are opportuni-

what the school is about”. This puts an even greater

ties here for whatever interests a student has, and if

responsibility on the shoulders of a Lasallian man.

something that interests you is not offered, there is

Speaking from experience, there is nothing quite like

the opportunity to create. The Lasallian experience is

lay teachers is something one appreciates more over time. I am

an away game at Conwell-Egan on a weekday night

one that requires energy, focus, and dedication; but

also forever grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they made in

followed by one of Mr. Cipolla’s AP Physics tests the

these are not things that La Salle students shy

supporting my La Salle education. I may have entered La Salle as a

next day. La Salle is a place that is meant to test not

away from, as they know their friends, faculty, and

young boy but I left as a young man. Or to put it in Lasallian terms

community are with them each step of the way.

a “young gentleman”.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 10

we would have to do the rest of our lives.

The La Salle education provided by both the Christian Brothers and

now& then JOHN MICHAEL CONNOLLY ’15

BROTHER MICHAEL MCGINNISS, FSC, PHD ’65

WYNNEWOOD, PA

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

THE BENCHMARK SCHOOL

LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA (CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

PHILADELPHIA, PA

YEARBOOK (BLUE AND GOLD) EDITOR, VOLLEYBALL MANAGER, FRESHMEN MENTOR, STUDENT COUNCIL, DRAMA (FALL), MUSICAL (SPRING), MODEL UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CLUB, COOKING CLUB, INTRAMURALS, SUMMER SERVICE (OPERATION DESERT SON), CHORUS, HUMAN RIGHTS CLUB

I loved every minute of my days at “the high school”. When the Class of 1965 started as freshmen, the building was almost brand new and continued to feel new throughout our four years. Having teachers address us as “men” (I can still hear Brother Dominic

Coming to La Salle was the best decision

here. When I received an ”A“ on an essay during

of my life. My parents and I looked for

sophomore year, Mrs. Chesnik, my Learning Specialist,

a place where I could not only grow as

was so thrilled and I was able to see the true joy that

a student and learner, but as a person

helping students brought her. But the teachers are

paired nicely with the reminder that “Brothers’ Boys will

as well. La Salle is the perfect place to

not just wonderful people inside of the classroom.

be Gentlemen.”

achieve that. When I pull into the parking

Whether they are directing on the stage, coaching

lot every morning, I never feel anxiety,

on the court, or leading service trips in the summer,

The most important part of my experience was the company of

fear, or uneasiness. I am always really

they exemplify the motto of “Leave to Serve” for

my classmates. For four years I had the company and friendship of

happy and excited to come to school. I

their students. Whether it’s Mrs. McInaw, who

Martin saying that at the beginning of 7th period Algebra) was thrilling and a subtle reminder to take responsibility for ourselves, for our school work, and for our lives. That call to be “men” was

very talented, imaginative, and hope-filled young men. We grew up together – in the midst of some of the early big events of the 1960s,

look forward to each day because I know

discusses the issues of underpaid workers in

I am coming to a place where I am not

Indonesia during a Human Rights Club meeting, or

only safe, but also where I will learn,

Mr. Bielecki, who coaches students to be success-

grow, and have fun. I have never had a

ful on the track, examples of Lasallian leaders are

became most evident in the rich lives we’ve led and the good

bad experience at La Salle. I know that

present in our daily lives. As I move onto college and

we’ve accomplished.

when I face trouble, there will always be a way to fix

beyond, I know that whatever I may face in life, I will

it, because of the wonderful people who make La

be able to use what I have been taught at La Salle

Salle a home for me and my classmates. I remember

College High School to fulfill the goal and “Leave

once during my junior year when I struggled with a

to Serve.” La Salle has made me see what is

difficult concept in Spanish. I approached my teacher,

important in life and I’ve realized that you can

Mrs. Diccicco, and we spent over an hour reviewing

never stop learning and helping others in need.

the material after school until both she and I felt

supported and challenged by great teachers who saw the best in us.

Our class earned its share of distinctions during our four years, but it is in the years after our graduation when, I believe, our talents

It was at La Salle College High School that I met the Christian Brothers and, given the life I’ve lived for the past fifty years, it’s clear that the high school made me the person I am. But La Salle did more for me than “make me a Christian Brother” – it showed me how much teachers can influence students to be their best selves and to live their lives in a way that makes things better for everyone.

I hope that I have been that kind of a teacher to the students

that I was finally understanding it. But that is not an

entrusted to me in my career. At its heart, that is what all Christian

unusual occurrence at La Salle. Almost every teacher

Brothers aspire to be in themselves and in all their colleagues. That

would be willing to do the same thing with one of

is the kind of teaching and mentoring that shaped me at La Salle.

their students because each teacher wants only the best for each of the young men that are educated

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 11

now& then AIDAN JOSEPH KERRIGAN ’15

WILLIAM F. HARTMANN ’68

MAPLE GLEN, PENNSYLVANIA

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SAINT ALPHONSUS SCHOOL

BRAND VELOCITY

DREXEL UNIVERSITY (A.J DREXEL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

ATLANTA, GA

FOOTBALL CAPTAIN, LACROSSE CAPTAIN, STUDENT COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT

When I entered La Salle in late August

institution. The service opportunities offered at

of 2011, I thought I knew exactly what

La Salle enable the students to give back to the less

In 1968, La Salle College High School named a group of “Outstanding Seniors” from the graduating class. Among that list was the current Atlanta, Georgia resident, Bill Hartman. The Cheltenham native, and former student of Saint Joseph’s grade school, was a

to expect. My brother Connor ’12

fortunate and strive to make the most out of their

was a senior at the time, and my other

Lasallian education. Moreover, my classmates were

brother John ’09, had already

truly the driving force behind my amazing

graduated. However, at the time, I

experience in this school. The students have had an

Velocity, where he coaches executive heads of Fortune 200

standout student in his time at La Salle. He was President of his class, an All-Catholic football player, and a member of the basketball team. Mr. Hartman is now an Executive Coach for the firm Brand

had no idea how much La Salle would

incredible impact on my life. I believe that without

companies on what he refers to as “capabilities”. He attributes

affect my life over the next four years.

my 250 brothers in the class of 2015, I would not

much of his success to the values that were instilled in him at

I came in eager to see why this place

have come close to achieving my goals or

La Salle. He learned to be independent and not follow the pack and

was revered by my brothers and all of

accomplishing anything over my high school career.

to challenge ideas and not be afraid to ask “why”. He acquired the

their friends. I quickly realized that the

I owe immense gratitude for the great times we have

skill of teaming and working with one’s peers and surrounded

Lasallian education branched out much

spent together and for their ability to push me to

himself with quality individuals, such as the ten close friends that

further than what was taught in the

become a better student, friend, and most of all, a

classroom. My experiences have taught

better man. The friends that I have made at

he still has to this day. Finally, he developed a spiritual base and a moral compass during his Lasallian education. These values resonated in him throughout his career and in life. When he struggled in

me to be a man. My classmates and I have matured

La Salle will be there for the rest of my life. Whether

and grown into men that will succeed in whatever

I made these friends on the football or lacrosse field,

we may pursue after high school. Throughout my

or met them freshman year in class, we will always

over into the next two phases of his career where he spent ten years

time at La Salle, I have met some extraordinary

have an unbreakable bond formed by our time spent

as a consultant for a software company and ten more years at the

people. The teachers, coaches, and administrators

together at La Salle College High School.

global consulting firm Ernst and Young. Ultimately, Mr. Bill Hartman

his first job, he turned to these qualities that he learned as a high school student, and was able to forge ahead and succeed. It carried

that I have become acquainted with have set an

is another example of the kind of man La Salle produces. He is a

extremely positive example that I can use as a

man of character and integrity, who has succeeded in multiple

guideline for future success. In addition, La Salle

facets of life.

opened my eyes to how fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 12

now& then ERIC STEVEN BUNTING ’15

ROBERT J. LASKOWSKI, MD, MBA ’70

AMBLER, PA

RETIRED PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ANCILLAE-ASSUMPTA ACADEMY

CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM

BOSTON COLLEGE

WILMINGTON, DE

TENNIS, ADVANCED BAND, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, STUDENT AMBASSADOR

My experience at La Salle was truly “life-changing”. There is no doubt that I am the person I am today because of the learning and growth

At the beginning of freshman year,

he stressed more than anything was our ability to

I was one of fourteen boys from my grade

think. Our understanding of the concepts and ability

school to attend La Salle. Being surround-

to apply what we learned to solve real life scenario

ed by that many familiar faces, especially

questions preceded the importance of any test scores.

when compared to some students who

Being that tennis season was in the spring of fresh-

knew nobody, was very comforting for my

man year, I had ample free time in the fall and winter

free from doubt; however, with knowledge, curiosity, resilience and a

anxious freshman self. The only glimpses

to explore the many options La Salle had to offer in

developing confidence based on a realization of who I was as a person.

of La Salle that I had prior to my first day

terms of extracurriculars. Intramural basketball was

La Salle helped this to happen.

were my experience in the Pre-8th

a great way to meet new classmates and really begin

Summer Program and the few stories

to feel accepted amongst the other freshmen.

my brother had told me. Even from the

Along with playing sports after school, doing service

first week of school, it was clear that

with the campus ministry team became another

La Salle was a whole new level of

great way to meet new people. Prior to La Salle,

education compared to grade school.

I never thought too much about the importance of

that my teachers and fellow students enabled in me. “Enabled” is far too weak a word for the profound changes that they catalyzed. The learning environment, and most importantly, the nurturing attitude of my teachers were critical in my transition into adulthood. The boy who timidly entered La Salle in 1966 and graduated in 1970 – certainly not

I remember learning to think at La Salle – to think in critical terms and to question basic assumptions and understand their implications.

Learning at La Salle was not memorization; rather, preparation to fully engage in life. The late 1960s was a tumultuous time, but the school and its faculty had the courage to embrace the change that vibrated through our country. The issues of the day resonated in the discussions

The classwork, homework, and tests were much more

service. The obvious benefit is for the people who

vigorous and required that I really apply myself both

are in need, but what I never realized was how much

ment was certainly keenly evident during my years at school and social

in and out of the classroom. Before attending

I personally got out of helping others. La Salle has

concern has been a key theme in my personal and professional life.

La Salle, I hardly ever needed to ask a teacher for

presented me with opportunities to serve others in

help outside of class. I quickly learned the

the surrounding area of Philadelphia and also on the

importance of developing this communication skill

Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. These

from my freshman English teacher, Mrs. Field.

experiences have been unforgettable and have made

and the activities of the school. The La Salle tradition of social involve-

La Salle deeply nurtured my spiritual life. A lasting lesson from those formative days is that one’s spiritual life is the basis of one’s entire life. My teachers were the guides helping me to begin to discern the deep meaning that resonates in life. Thankfully, this discernment

Not only did she ingrain in me the importance of

a huge impact on how I live my life and appreciate

reading and the effective use of the writing process,

all that God has blessed me with. La Salle is more

but she also showed me a genuine love for American

than just a school. It is a brotherhood that begins

literature. Her passion to identify and understand

the first time you step in the building as a freshman

learned how to write effectively and speak comfortably in public.

every detail of the books we read in class has carried

and continues long past receiving your diploma

More importantly, I learned how to speak my own mind while listen-

over into all my other subjects to this day. Junior

on graduation day.

year physics class with Mr. Cipolla is where I learned one of the most important lessons of my high school career. Besides all the complicated laws of physics

continues today.

I learned to play tennis at La Salle and to compete as an athlete. I

ing respectfully to the opinions of others. Finally, one of the most life-changing events of all from those four years was meeting my wife Kathy at a La Salle dance. We have been married now for 41 years and have four children and three grandchildren. La Salle changed my life.

he taught us throughout the year, the one concept EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 13

now& then CONNOR ALEXANDER WILLIAMS ’15

STEVEN M. JAVIE ’72

ABINGTON, PA

RETIRED NBA REFEREE

ABINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL

BLUE BELL, PA

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY (PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT) VALEDICTORIAN, KAIROS LEADER, FRESHMAN MENTOR, STUDENT AMBASSADOR, LA SALLE ACADEMY TUTORING, BASEBALL, SPEECH AND DEBATE, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Steve Javie’s time at La Salle was marked primarily by his athletic accomplishments. In many ways, his athletic experiences mirrored his faith journey. Growing up, Javie could be seen overpowering hitters with a formidable fastball that earned him a spot on the Temple

During my time at La Salle I have been

of success on the baseball field, and that I needed

able to see firsthand the power of an

to open my eyes to all of the truly life changing

all-male Catholic education. However,

opportunities that La Salle offers. My parents

more importantly I have been able to

convinced me to join the Speech and Debate team as

developmental league, Javie earned a chance to officiate at the

see the importance of an authentic

a sophomore. Speech and debate would prove to be

highest level in 1986.

Lasallian education. Over the past four

one of the defining activities of my high school years.

years, I have been able to not only

I got to travel to places like Chicago, Atlanta, and

mature into a young man eager to

Florida. It was an opportunity to compete in

continue the work that I have started in

an entirely new setting.

high school, both as a scholar and as a

Baseball team as a pitcher. Yet, Javie’s involvement in refereeing amateur games would ultimately lead him to pursue a career as an NBA referee. After five years of working in what is now the NBA’s

As a referee, Javie was responsible for making important decisions in pressure situations, but always remained accountable for the calls that he made. He credits La Salle College High School as a guiding influence that led him to be the responsible man he is today.

Javie says what makes La Salle an exceptional high school is that

leader. My journey from freshman year

Perhaps what I have relished even more than

to senior year was rather circuitous, but

exploring new opportunities at La Salle, are all of

they comport themselves. Javie describes attending La Salle as a

I feel that it has only strengthened my

the leadership experiences that I have had. La Salle

transformative experience. It was at La Salle that Javie learned the

understanding of who I am.

College High School is truly a place that meets

importance of surrounding himself with not only intelligent

it gives young men a sense of pride and accountability in the way

achievement with responsibility. As I handled larger

individuals to learn from, but people of upstanding character;

Coming into La Salle as a freshman, I may have

tasks and roles as a leader at school, I was given

people like his wife Mary Ellen. Steve Javie attributes the strength

come into La Salle knowing fewer than ten students’

increasing responsibility; not only to uphold the

of his faith to his wife, whom he says has brought him closer to

names. During my first few months at La Salle,

values our patron saint held dear, but to be an

God since they first met.

I noticed that my new school was very different from

example of courage and love for all of my peers

my grade school of 48 eighth graders. Suddenly,

as well. At school I felt trusted by students

I was surrounded by great athletes, great students,

and faculty alike. It is that trust that made me

and great musicians; all in large unfamiliar numbers.

feel respected and valued, and gave me the

When I tried out for freshman baseball I was excited

confidence to flourish, and comport myself as

to find out that I had made the team. However,

a Lasallian gentleman.

when the season started I realized that I was no longer a standout player on the team as I had been in 8th grade. Instead I found myself frequently sitting on the bench. I realized that I had been expecting my happiness at La Salle to be a result

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 14

Throughout his life Javie has learned the importance of giving back to the community in every way he can. It began at La Salle and is now pursuing a new chapter of his life, as he is currently in the process of becoming a deacon.

now& then EDGAR JOSEPH THOMAS EASON III ’15

MICHAEL J. ADAMS, DMD ’81

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA

DENTIST

CONSHOHOCKEN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

AMBLER, PA

CORNELL UNIVERSITY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, AP SCHOLAR, SOCCER, INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD, OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD, SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB, MINISTRY AND SERVICE TEAM, LA SALLE ACADEMY TUTORING

I grew up in the shadows of then La Salle (College) University, but oddly, La Salle High was not my first choice. Living just a 10 minute walk from one of Philadelphia’s preeminent public mag-

Coming from a graduating eighth grade

for the people around you. Through service, I feel

net high schools, Central, my decision was set. However, the threat of another Philadelphia school teachers’ strike would change my

class of just sixteen kids, I was initially

as though I got much more out of the experiences

apprehensive about attending La Salle.

than the people I was helping. Adopting an attitude

elementary school were going to La Salle, I made my decision

I knew just three kids when I entered on

of service is truly life changing. Even the little things

to attend La Salle on my 8th grade graduation day.

the first day. It was much harder than

such as tutoring, helping a friend through a rough

grade school so I really had to apply

time, or talking to the kid sitting alone helps

I remember feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by the size of

myself. I quickly made friends in the

so much with getting a better understanding of

La Salle especially when compared to my small elementary school.

classroom and when I joined the soccer

yourself and your faith.

and track teams. After school clubs and

selection. Additionally, seeing that most of my classmates from my

My four year involvement in Cross-Country, Track, and later Speech and Debate allowed me to foster friendships which made the “bigness” of La Salle manageable.

intramural sports were other great ways

La Salle has also been a great deal of fun and

to develop friendships and feel accepted.

I wish I could have stayed longer. Track and Field

Coaches and teachers such as Pat Devine, Rick Topper, the late

I developed good relationships with the

has been a huge part of my life during the past four

Mary Jo Smith and numerous teammates helped create a supportive

teachers, mostly because they really

years and my teammates and coaches are the reason

learning environment. This support proved to be invaluable

I came to love it. They have made it so much fun

particularly at a time when diversity at La Salle was at a minimum.

do care and want to see you succeed.

Now happy in my new school environment, I was

and have pushed me to achieve amazing things.

no longer scared about trying new things or

I cannot wait to continue doing pole vault in

accepting challenges.

college. Above all, La Salle is where I found my brothers. Everyone at La Salle is different from one

The academic demands of La Salle and the independence gave me a solid foundation in discipline and perseverance. This foundation prepared me well during my undergraduate and professional studies.

Lastly, La Salle’s network and resources provided me opportunities

My teachers have always been there to help me

another, but it’s amazing how everyone is friends.

along the way. In grade school I barely had to work

I have built friendships with guys I never thought I

and could get A’s on every test. La Salle was not like

would. La Salle is a community where you feel loved

I have always felt a sense of indebtedness for my La Salle

that at all. Getting an “A” was no easy task and for

and welcomed by both your classmates and your

experience and as a result, I have tried to be a resource for current

the first time I had to ask teachers for help. Looking

teachers and this is what makes it so special. La Salle

La Salle students.

back now, I thank God that La Salle was tough. It was

taught me to be a man and to love and care for

not overbearing, but definitely a challenge. Because

the people around me. I achieved more than I ever

of the many late nights doing three to four hours of

thought I could and owe it all to La Salle.

which helped lead me to a college scholarship for Engineering.

homework, I gained an excellent work ethic. La Salle also taught me what it meant to be a Christian. At a Catholic grade school, we all memorize our prayers and terms, take tests, and move on. At La Salle, I learned what it was like to have a genuine love EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 15

CLASS

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 16

OF

2015

THE CLASS OF 2015 ENTERED LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 COMING FROM 94 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND 64 ZIP CODES. THEY GRADUATED 251 SENIORS ON MAY 30, 2015.

• s i x N a t i o n a l M e r i t F i n a l i s t s , o n e N a t i o n a l Achievement Finalist, and thirteen National Merit Commended Students • 7 2 m e m b e r s o f t h e N a t i o n a l H o n o r S o c i e t y • a p p l i e d t o 2 9 3 c o l l e g e s / u n i v e r s i t i e s / s e m i n a r y i n 3 6 s t a t e s , the District of Columbia and Great Britain

• w a s a c c e p t e d t o 2 4 7 c o l l e g e s / u n i v e r s i t i e s / s e m i n a r y in 36 states and the District of Columbia • h a s e n r o l l e d i n 8 3 c o l l e g e s / u n i v e r s i t i e s / s e m i n a r y i n 21 states and the District of Columbia • 1 0 0 % o f t h e C l a s s o f 2 0 1 5 w i l l b e a t t e n d i n g a c o l l e g e or university • 8 5 % o f t h e C l a s s o f 2 0 1 5 h a s a s c h o l a r s h i p o r g r a n t to a college or university • T h e C l a s s o f 2 0 1 5 h a s e a r n e d i n e x c e s s o f $ 3 6 m i l l i o n in documented scholarships and grants

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 17

now& then EDWARD L. DEVLIN ’15

JOHN D. RILLING, CPA ’83

PHILADELPHIA, PA

ACCOUNTANT/PARTNER

SAINT HILARY OF POITIERS SCHOOL

MCGLADREY, LLP

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (MAYOR’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, ALAN SHOEMAKER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

FORT WASHINGTON, PA

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PRESIDENT, BAND VICE PRESIDENT, VOLLEYBALL CAPTAIN, STAGE CREW, KAIROS LEADER, COMPETITION BAND, PEP BAND, ULTIMATE FRISBEE

From my first day at La Salle, I knew

Luckily my first day at La Salle was not indicative of the four years that followed. On that day in September 1979, I got on the

and having band as a class during the day, I spent

that I was going to have a great

much of my time with other band members and

experience, but I would not realize

developed close bonds with them.

how great my experience would be

wrong train, got off at the wrong stop, and arrived at La Salle about two hours late for freshman orientation. Meeting me at the door was Brother Aloysius Lumley who, like the Good Shepherd who had found the lost sheep, greeted me with a smile, calmed me down, and got me a seat in the auditorium.

until years later. I feel that I have

When I first decided that I would attend La Salle,

experienced La Salle in as many ways as

I never imagined that I could be a varsity

possible and have learned many lessons

athlete. I had been playing volleyball since the

in the Music Program. Mr. Ciccimaro took an interest in me

both inside and outside the classroom.

seventh grade, but when I entered La Salle, there

and made me feel like I had something to contribute, but my best

While at La Salle, I have become a

was no volleyball team. In my junior year, I received

better musician, a varsity athlete, and,

word that the Philadelphia Catholic League would

most importantly, a leader.

be starting a volleyball program. In a few short months, La Salle had a Volleyball Team, and I was

My experience at La Salle has always been largely connected to the Music

named a varsity captain as a junior. Captaining the

My inauspicious start was greatly smoothed by my participation

friend freshman year was a senior and the Band President. He showed me the ropes and always made sure that I was included and had a ride. He accepted me and liked me for who I was, right from the beginning and without qualification or price. It was my first lesson in Lasallian brotherhood.

team gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader

While great teachers like John Grace, Jim Roche, Brother Frank

Program. La Salle’s Band cultivated my love of music

and become close with classmates I had formerly not

Danielski, and John Buonomo, among others, taught us how to work

and helped me grow as a musician. When I, as a

known very well. Furthermore, the team went

hard and think critically, it was Brother Linus Finn who taught us,

freshman, first heard the Competition Band play

on to win the inaugural Philadelphia Catholic League

as importantly and in his special manner, that you are never too old

a chart, I was convinced that I would never be

Championship, and I was named the league’s

or too cool to love God or say “Hi” to Mary.

skilled enough to play in the Competition Band.

Most Valuable Player.

Nevertheless, I kept playing music and, just this

As a graduate, I have connected with a number of alums – classmates who became friends in adulthood, alums who serve

year, I became a member of the Competition Band.

My experience at La Salle has been incredible.

Through hard work and practice the Competition

I have grown academically as well as personally. It is

involved, in one way or another, at La Salle College High School.

Band won the 2015 Cavalcade of Bands, a magnifi-

here that I have made my closest friends, developed

Individually, these experiences could easily have become just funny

cent honor and great way to end my senior year

close relationships with teachers, and learned

vignettes or fond memories. Collectively and very powerfully,

in the program. I will always be grateful to have

more about myself. La Salle will always be a part

however, they became transformative and foundational and have

of me, and I will forever cherish my time here.

certainly, and in a very positive way, framed my experience in life.

been a part of it. Most importantly, I have made my closest friends through the band. Through playing in the Pep Band at the football games

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 18

with me on the board of La Salle Academy, and alums who are still

now& then JOHN RICHARD GROGAN ’15

ARTHUR J. BURKE III, ESQ. ’85

PHILADELPHIA, PA

ATTORNEY/PARTNER

OUR MOTHER OF CONSOLATION SCHOOL

DAVIS, POLK, AND WARDWELL, LLP

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME (NOTRE DAME HESBURGH-YUSKO SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

NEW YORK, NY

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, PRESIDENT SPEECH AND DEBATE, LA SALLE ACADEMY TUTORING, PEP BAND

I can’t say enough about my experience

I have also been fortunate to experience firsthand

at La Salle. When I started freshman year

the amazing work being done in the Music Program

La Salle provided me with a far more critical and important educational experience than either college or law school. I had the privilege of learning from devoted and talented teachers, including such luminaries as Brother Kevin Dalmasse, Bernie McCabe (English),

I knew virtually no one and didn’t know

by Mr. Ciccimarro and Mr. Vettori and I’ve also

where I would find my place. That all

been blessed to be a part of our service program

changed from my first speech and debate

through La Salle Academy Tutoring, which is led

practice. The incredible mentorship I have

by Mr. Cipolla, and my summer trip to Australia with

from my fellow students – both in the classroom and outside the classroom. We argued and debated and joked in the cafeteria, dur-

Mr. Roche (Algebra), and Mr. Russell (Computer Science) . . . not to mention Brother Linus! (Who knew how important typing would become in the ensuing decades?) I also learned at least as much

received from my coaches Mr. Ray Shay

ten other students, Brother James Butler, and

and Mr. Michael McCabe has taken me to

Mr. Miller was one of the best experiences I’ve had

ing free periods, and in the van on the way to off campus extracur-

places my freshman self would never have

at La Salle. We were attending a Lasallian youth

ricular activities. That dialogue deepened and reinforced everything

imagined possible. During my time on the

gathering with members of other Christian

that we were learning in the classroom.

team I have been to over a dozen states

Brothers schools. It was illuminating to see the

for competitions, and have attained two

Lasallian mission reflected on the other side

state championships, as well as numerous

of the world and I was incredibly lucky to have

national recognitions. Most notably,

been offered this opportunity by La Salle.

my debate partner and I finished third at the

The most important part of my La Salle experience was participating in the Forum (Speech and Debate). Debate taught me analytical rigor that has been invaluable to me, especially but not exclusively in my legal practice. Debate also taught me the importance of balancing competitive zeal with integrity. The object was never to

Ultimately, La Salle has been a place where

win at all costs – with dishonesty or “clever” but superficial argu-

National Championships this past spring. The

I’ve found my brothers for life. Whether they be my

ments. Instead, our coaches, in particular Brother Kevin, pushed us

opportunities given to me through debate would not

debate teammates or my band members, there is

to develop arguments that had intellectual rigor and consistency

prestigious National Debate Coaches Association

have been possible without the tireless efforts of our

a community of brotherhood at La Salle that

and that withstood careful dissection and close scrutiny. The Speech

coaches and alumni assistants. Their dedication

everyone seems to buy into. Next year, I will

and Debate Program also took me across the country, where I

embodies a larger culture of commitment I have

be attending the University of Notre Dame as

met students from very different cultures and backgrounds – an

found at La Salle. Everyone is incredibly invested

a Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar, an award that is

experience that prepared me for college and beyond. The program

in ensuring that every program, from the band

only offered to twenty-four students. I know that

to debate to athletics, succeeds at the highest level.

this opportunity would not have been presented

The passion of our teachers and coaches is the

to me without the care and commitment I have

aspect of La Salle that I will remember the most.

found in my teachers and mentors at La Salle.

and opportunities it presents, introduced me to some of my closest friends – friends with whom I stay in close touch to this day.

I am forever grateful for everything this school has given me.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 19

now& then JEREMY PUNTEL ’15

ANDREW J. MORRISROE III ’92

FLOURTOWN, PA

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

OUR MOTHER OF CONSOLATION SCHOOL

CTN SOLUTIONS, INC.

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY (PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

LAFAYETTE HILL, PA

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, LAB MANAGER, HEAD OF NETWORK SECURITY, CROSS COUNTRY, INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD, OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD, SPEECH AND DEBATE, STUDENT COUNCIL

When looking back on how La Salle

Drew began his career in information technology while a student at La Salle College High School. Not only was he mentored by

Mr. Bielecki showed me what someone who truly

long-time faculty member Rob Russell, but, in 1991, he was offered a part-time position when a La Salle alum, who was the Director of

College High School changed me, it is

loves what he does looks like. There’s a lot of things

worth noting that each of my mentors

that Mr. Bielecki taught me that I’m taking with me.

is also a La Salle alum – which could

We always want our competitors to do their best and

be a reason why my experience was so

we want our best to be better than their best. The

the company while attending Philadelphia University and earning a degree in business. It was during this time that he saw an opportu-

Information Systems at InterDigital Communications Corporation, a wireless digital research and manufacturing firm, posted a job opportunity. Drew was hired for the position and continued to work for

rich. When I think of my experience

traditional notion of success is inverted from Day

at La Salle, I can’t help but think

One and Mr. Bielecki proved to us that the process is

nity within smaller companies who were struggling to understand

about what I’ve gained from Mr. Peter

the goal, This is just a matter of fact for those who

and implement technology platforms. Drew began consulting for

Sigmund (Chief Information Officer/IT

run cross country and it applies everywhere in

these companies and, in 1997, founded CTN Solutions to provide

Department), Mr. Greg Bielecki (Cross

everyone’s life. Finally, he taught me that we can’t

IT services to companies with less than 1,000 computer users. The

Country Coach), and Mr. Ray Shay

control how we feel, but we can control how we

company has expanded to provide virtual/hosted services, managed

(Debate Coach).

react to how we feel.

services, and IT staff augmentation.

As a Lab Manager I was able to see

Mr. Shay understands the gift that is speech and

and has traveled extensively around the world working with people afflicted with poverty and victims of war and genocide. He is

Drew has never forgotten the La Salle mantra, “Leave to Serve”,

the leader of a 3-person IT team in action: Sig works

debate and spends every day giving that gift to the

with Mr. Johnson in media, Mr. Shay in web, and

members of the team. He pours so much work

involved in a number of non-profit and charitable organizations in-

Mr. Bonner in networking. Mr. Sigmund – “Coach” or

into it to make our tournaments and learning

cluding the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Foundation (HOBY), where he

“Sig” – showed me the value of honesty in leadership

happen. The amount of learning that happens in

has established leadership training programs for youth throughout

and management. I learned from Mr. Sigmund that

speech and debate is just astounding. Leaving

the Balkans. He is a recipient of HOBY’s Alumni Achievement Award

emotions and our connections with other people

La Salle, I have an understanding of the background,

in recognition of his work to serve youth throughout the world.

are what matters across the board, and leadership is

ins-and-outs, and consequences of international

just another one of those things. These relationships

and domestic issues, moral philosophy, and

surface in tangible ways every day: this is the core of

advancements in science and technology. I can

how the team troubleshoots a multivariable network

competently engage almost any viewpoint, see

occasions in recent years and has addressed students as the speaker

engineering problem, how we think ahead to see

what it has to offer, and synthesize it with my own

at the Honors Convocation as well as Career Day. He recognizes

how changes we make will affect the lives of the

worldview. These are skills I have Mr. Shay’s

the role that La Salle students need to play in not only in their

people we work with, how our visions improve each

facilitation of our amazing program to thank for.

communities, but around the globe, and encourages them to

others’. This back-and-forth is how our visions then converge to a shared team philosophy and our goals.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 20

Drew is a frequent speaker to audiences young and old about his experiences overseas and on topics such as leadership, service, and entrepreneurship. He has returned to his alma mater on several

do so – something that he learned while a student at La Salle.

now& then MATTHEW JAMES SCHARGEL ’15

JOSEPH W. ZALEWSKI ’93

DOYLESTOWN, PA

FINANCE/PORTFOLIO MANAGER

TOHICKON MIDDLE SCHOOL

THIRD AVENUE MANAGEMENT

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA (CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT)

NEW YORK, NY

THEATER, SPEECH AND DEBATE, BAND, CHORUS, MINISTRY AND SERVICE TEAM, STUDENT AMBASSADOR

My father has always told me that my

embrace diversity. Despite the rigor of each school

years in college will be the best four years

day, I always left my 8th period class excited for what

of my life. Looking back at my time at

the afternoon and in the case of theater, late nights,

During his time at La Salle, Joe was heavily involved with the Theater Program, the Speech and Debate Team, and the Yearbook.

Speaking with Joe showed me his passion for theater and how it impacted him. He told me some of his greatest adolescent memories came during his time on the stage. His favorite shows

La Salle, I find it pretty tough to imagine

would bring. La Salle is a place for students to find

something even better than those

their passions and excel. I have a 10-year-old brother

four years. There I found my religious

and coming into La Salle, I thought I had this

on him and the Music Department as a whole. Joe explained to

grounding, my passions, and my brothers

whole brotherhood thing down. There would be

me that it was the passion and dedication of his teachers,

for life. Prior to La Salle, I had attended

nothing left for me to learn. However, the

like Mr. C, that allowed him to excel. He spoke fondly of his time

public school. At the start of freshmen

brotherhood of La Salle goes far beyond anything

in Mr. O’Toole’s English class and Mr. Roche’s Calculus class.

were George M and West Side Story. As any music student at La Salle would, Joe raved about the impact Mr. Ciccimaro has had

year, I was excited to take some religion

I knew. La Salle is a community where each student

Joe explained to me that college is often the time where you learn

classes because I had always enjoyed CCD,

cares for his peers and supports them in what

to think for yourself, but that isn’t the case for La Salle students.

but what I didn’t expect to see was

they do. It’s an unbreakable bond that encompasses

He said that he was prepared for what college had to offer and was

a culture of spirituality and service in

everything great about La Salle. La Salle College High

confident in who he was. It was also the experiences he had at

every facet of La Salle. In the call to prayer

School helped me understand and experience all of

at the beginning of every class, we are reminded that we are in the presence of God and He is always in our hearts. Additionally, I saw the true religious fiber of La Salle on Kairos 37-101. It was a time for me to reflect on who I am and my relationship

these things and for that, I am forever grateful.

La Salle that prepared him for the real world. Speech and Debate gave him the necessary communication skills to excel in the business world. Joe felt that it was his religious education and the spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle that shaped his sense of ethics and morality. Additionally, he felt that the development of writing and critical thinking skills were two of the most important things La Salle offered him. Joe found great success at

with God. During my time at La Salle, I was heavily

Duke University and in the work force, but he felt that it was

involved with music, speech and debate, and service.

La Salle that gave him the foundation to succeed and be the best

I quickly learned in the fall of freshman year that

version of himself. Joe concluded our discussion by telling me

everyone at La Salle has a place and La Salle students

about his own son as he hopes that someday he can give his son the kind of education and experience that La Salle gave him.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 21

COMING SOON EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 22

SINCE ITS MOVE TO THE WYNDMOOR CAMPUS IN 1960, LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL HAS PRIDED ITSELF IN PROVIDING STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES FOR ITS STUDENTS. THE CAFETERIA IS THE ONLY REMAINING DAILY-USE SPACE THAT HAS NOT BEEN RENOVATED DURING THE COURSE OF THE LAST FIFTY-FIVE YEARS. THE KITCHEN HAS BECOME OUTDATED AND STUDENTS CAN NO LONGER EFFECTIVELY USE THE SPACE. MOST STUDENTS LEAVE THE CAFETERIA IN SEARCH OF OTHER AREAS IN WHICH TO GATHER, SOCIALIZE, AND STUDY. Quality space is more important than ever in regard to academics and activities and when evaluating how students live and study. The school’s programs create competing needs for space among academic, arts, athletics, extracurricular, service, parent, and alumni activities. In addition, there is a need for an academic space large enough to seat an entire class.

La Salle College High School is committed to serving healthy and appetizing meals to our students during normal lunch time hours as well as improved space and food service options for our parent and booster clubs and alumni. These enhanced facilities will not only meet the needs of the school’s students and programs, but will be on par with peer schools and attract prospective students.

The construction of a Student Center will address all of the current needs of the school and its students and position La Salle College High School for the future. The Student Center will consist of 15,344 square feet of space that will feature a state-of-the-art kitchen and servery, a dining area for students, a faculty dining room, new restrooms for men and women, and an outdoor courtyard and volleyball court to replace “The Pit.” The student dining area can be converted to accommodate a student assembly.

The construction of the Student Center is part of a $7.5 million major gift initiative that also includes the replacement of two grass fields with artificial turf and the addition of lights and stands to Flannery Field.

The project is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2015 with the replacement of the first grass field. The two projects will further position La Salle College High School as a leader among independent private schools in the Delaware Valley.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 23

PHOTO GALLERY

GRAND REUNION APRIL 25, 2015

CLASS OF 1970 – 45-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1975 – 40-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1980 – 35-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1985 – 30-YEAR REUNION

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 24

CLASS OF 2000 – 15-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1990 – 25-YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1995 – 20-YEAR REUNION

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 25

PHOTO GALLERY

BOAT DEDICATION – “SPIRIT OF 1965” MAY 31, 2015

O T H E R R E U N I O N S A N D G AT H E R I N G S

10-YEAR REUNION – MAY 9, 2015

FORUM REUNION – APRIL 26, 2015

FORUM REUNION – APRIL 26, 2015

NEW YORK ALUMNI RECEPTION – CORNELL CLUB – MAY 5, 2015

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 26

NEW YORK ALUMNI RECEPTION –

CLASS OF 1982 – BROTHER ALOYSIUS LUMLEY, FSC

CORNELL CLUB – MAY 5, 2015

MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING – MAY 11, 2015

PHOTO GALLERY

5 0 – Y E A R R E U N I O N M AY 2 9 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 27

PHOTO GALLERY

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 28

G R A D U AT I O N M AY 3 0 , 2 0 1 5

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 29

PHOTO GALLERY

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 30

55TH ANNUAL ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING – JUNE 17, 2015

W E C E L E B R A T E

TWO ALUMS ARE ORDAINED AS PRIESTS FOR RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES worked in homeless ministry at Saint André Bessette Catholic Church in Portland, OR. During his first year of temporary vows, Dan served in homeless ministry at HOPE Ministries in South Bend, IN. During his second year in temporary vows, Daniel worked in marriage preparation ministry at Christ the King Parish and later that summer in homeless ministry at André House in Phoenix, AZ. In his final year as a seminarian, Dan coordinated preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation at Notre Dame and served as a deacon at Saint Ignatius Martyr Parish in Austin, TX. He was ordained a priest in the United States Province of the Congregation of the Holy Cross on April 11, 2015 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN by The Most Reverend

DANIEL M. PONISCIAK, CSC ’98

Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Bishop of Peoria, IL.

SEAN P. TOOLE, SJ ’02

He celebrated Mass at his home parish of After his graduation from La Salle College

Saint Hilary of Poitiers Church on Sunday,

High School in 1998, Dan attended

May 10, 2015.

University of Richmond in Virginia and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology

DAN IS THE SON OF LONG-TIME FACULTY

in 2002. In 2005, he earned a master’s of

MEMBERS, MIKE (MATHEMATICS

education degree in counseling from

DEPARTMENT) AND DOROTHY (SCIENCE

the College of William and Mary in

DEPARTMENT) PONISCIAK, WHO RETIRED

Williamsburg, VA and his M.Div. from

IN MAY OF 2015 AFTER SIXTY YEARS OF

the University of Notre Dame in 2014.

COMBINED SERVICE TO LA SALLE

Dan entered Holy Cross as a postulant in

COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL.

2009 after working as a professional school counselor in Williamsburg. He served in the adult Bible study program at Christ the King Parish as a postulant. He made his first vows on July 30, 2011. While at the Novitiate in 2010-2011, Dan was a chaplain at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO, and

After his graduation from La Salle College High School in 2002, Sean Toole attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ and received a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and geography, with certificates in urban planning and international geographic perspectives. While studying city planning, Toole realized he wanted to help people more directly than policy work allowed. He sought guidance at the Rutgers Catholic Center and a nun there (lamenting, “the Dominicans will kill me for telling you this”) suggested he check out the Jesuits. Toole spent two summer breaks living with Jesuits and teaching middle school students in New York City

and Chicago. These experiences helped him get to know the Society, and Toole joined the Jesuits after graduating from Rutgers in 2004. As a novice, he worked with Catholic Charities’ refugee resettlement program in Syracuse, NY, and spent a semester working in campus ministry at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. He was then missioned to Saint Louis University, where he received a master’s degree in urban affairs in 2009. He spent the next three years at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore teaching U.S. government and working in campus ministry. There he had the chance to design classes and retreats for the new school and teach their first graduating class. Next, he was missioned to the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, CA, where Toole earned a Master of Divinity degree and a master’s degree in theology, as well as a Black Church/Africana Religious Studies certificate. Toole also served as a deacon at Saint Augustine Church in Oakland, CA and was a volunteer for the chapel and baseball programs at San Quentin State Prison. He was ordained a priest in the United States Province of the Society of Jesus on June 13, 2015 at the Fordham University Church in New York.

He celebrated his first Mass as a Jesuit priest at Saint Matthew Church in Conshohocken on Sunday, June 14, 2015.

He has joined the staff at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Manhattan.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 31

W E W E L C O M E / W E R E M E M B E R

WE WELCOME

THOMAS M. KUREK ’48

MICHAEL MILLER ’85 and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed a son, Brooks Linwood Miller, on June 17, 2014.

EDWARD LAGAN ’48, brother of Francis ’41.

AS OF JUNE 19, 2015

ROBERT E. QUERUBIN ’49 JOHN HAMMOND ’97, and his wife, Jenna, welcomed a second son, Chase John Hammond on November 15, 2014.

BRIAN DIBIAGIO ’05, and his wife Lauren, welcomed a daughter, Fallon Rose, on January 19, 2015.

WE REMEMBER JAMES F. CASEY, III ’43, father of Mrs. Carol Haggerty; grandfather of Philip J. Haggerty ’07.

WILLIAM J. NOLAN, JR. ’44 THOMAS F. DRAKE ’46, brother of William ’49.

LOUIS J. SANNINO, JR. ’50 EDWARD J. MURPHY ’51 ANTHONY DIORIO ’55, father of Timothy ’79 and Joseph ’80; grandfather of Timothy, Jr. ’11.

JOSEPH L. KENDRA ’55 JAMES M. MCCULLOUGH ’59 EDWARD R. DOMINO ’68 JOHN DINELLA, DPM ’71 EDWARD F. BERNHARDT, father of Christopher ’81.

RAYMOND R. KAELIN ’47

JOHN F. CASEY, brother of Carol Haggerty and son of James Casey ’43; uncle of Philip J. Haggerty ’07.

FERDINAND MORRO ’47, twin brother of Reverend James Morro(Dec’d.) and Robert Morro ’54.

GERARD JOSEPH CLARK, son of Lew Clark (Religion Department); grandson of Peter Keenan ’58.

EDWARD J. SUCHY, SR. ’47, father of Edward ’74, John ’75, Thomas ’81, and Robert ’83; brother of Albert ’40; grandfather of Daniel Hardcastle ’15.

HARRY C. CITRINO, JR., father of Christopher ’92 and Harry III (Rocky) ’95; Past President of the Men of La Salle.

JOHN S. GAUKER ’47

RONALD V. DONATO ’48, brother of Joseph (Dec’d.) ’50.

WILLIAM J. CLARK, father of Thomas ’73.

ANASTACIA “ANA” LONGENDERFER DOUGHERTY, wife of Christopher Dougherty ’00; brother-in-law of Kevin Dougherty ’00.

ELLA MAE ELSASSER, mother of Thomas ’59; grandmother of Jamie ’90 and Timothy Shea ’05; mother-in-law of Joseph Shea ’70.

HOWARD J. FULLERTON, father of James ’01.

PETER H. GERS, father-in-law of Joseph Turk ’63; grandfather of Jonathan ’98, Jeremy ’00, and Kevin ’07 Turk.

TERESA GRAUER, wife of William Grauer ’46.

RALPH E. JENKINS, father of Peter ’00 and Michael ’03.

MARGARET A. KLAIBER, mother of John(Dec’d.) ’80 and Michael ’82.

SAMUEL T. LAWN, father of Michael ’70.

JOY LEE, wife of Jack Lee ’55, mother of John ’81.

JOHN J. MCCREAVY, father of Joseph ’78; grandfather of Joseph ’11.

JAMES MONASTERO, father of Joseph ’06 and James ’15.

JAMES POLLINO, father of James ’77.

GARY R. GARRAMONE ’48 JEROME J. “JERRY” KEWING ’48, brother of John ’49 and James ’52.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 32

MARYANNE RAMBO, mother of Kevin Kelley ’74; mother-in-law of Mrs. Robin Kelley; grandmother of Kevin Kelley ’09.

HALL OF ATHLETICS 4TH ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015 1:00 PM GYMNASIUM ATHLETES

COACHES

Charles “Chip” Greenberg ’82 All-Catholic Basketball Player and Philadelphia Catholic League MVP, 1,000 Point Scorer (Career Points), Markward Award Winner (Top Basketball Player in Philadelphia), MVP of the Dapper Dan All-American Game, Athlete-Of-The-Year

George Hines ’46 Legendary Crew Coach

Sean McDermott ’93 All-Catholic and All-State Football Player, Two-Time National Prep School Champion Wrestler, Undefeated Wrestling Career, All-Catholic Runner (Track and Field), Scholar Athlete for the Class of 1993 Robert Mizia ’72 All-Catholic Football and Baseball Player, Captain of the Baseball Team S. John Gorman ’67 1967 State Champion in both the 100-yard Dash and 200-Yard Dash, School Record Holder in the 100-yard Dash and 200-yard Dash, Penn Relays Champion, All Catholic Runner, Lost Only One Race in Three Years

Frank J. Lichtner Led the Explorers to 27 Consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Swimming Championships and Four State Titles Joseph A. Parisi Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Led the Explorers to Two State Championships TEAMS 1946 Rowing Team Won Two National Titles, Four Boats Were City and Stotesbury Champions 1955 Football Team Undefeated City Champions, First Football Team in School History to Win Philadelphia Catholic League and City Championships, Eight Consecutive Shutouts of Opponents 2004 Lacrosse Team Won the Philadelphia Catholic League and Pennsylvania State Championships, Ranked No. 5 in America

Homecoming …the tradition continues.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015 HALL OF ATHLETICS INDUCTION

FAMILY BBQ

1:00 pm

Glaser Field

Gymnasium

3:00 to 6:00 pm

$20 per person Free for Children 12 and Under Price includes BBQ, Beverages, and a Ticket to the Football Game RSVP by October 2, 2015 Register online at www.lschs.org or call (215) 233-2350.

VARSITY FOOTBALL VS. ARCHBISHOP WOOD HIGH SCHOOL

HALFTIME CEREMONY

7:00 pm

Athletics.

Plymouth-Whitemarsh Stadium A rematch of last year’s highly contested battle – a 35-31 Explorer victory. The Vikings are the defending Pennsylvania State AAA Champions.

Recognition of the athletes, coaches, and teams that were inducted into the La Salle College High School Hall of

NON-PROFIT ORG.

Explorer La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Change Service Requested

Â

La Salle College High School Auction Saturday, November 7, 2015 For more information please contact the auction office at 215.402.4915 or www.lschs.org/auction

U.S. POSTAGE PAID LANSDALE, PA PERMIT NO. 93