Explorer Summer 2014

Explorer SUMMER 2014

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

FROMTHEHIP

Explorer SUMMER 2014 THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Recently, I took twelve rising seniors on a week-long service trip to the Coachella Valley, where we worked with migrant farm workers and one of the largest homeless populations in California. Late afternoon temperatures would regularly top 112°F, so part of our evening ritual would include dinner at an air conditioned restaurant. One night, we were eating in sight of a television that happened to be showing On Stage Across America, a show hosted by Frank DiLella ’02. This particular episode included an interview with my classmate, Hugh Panaro ’82, the current Phantom in The Phantom Of The Opera and the man who has portrayed the legendary character more than any other actor. Several of the young men on the trip are active in our theatre program, so I was quick to direct their attention to the program and identified the men on camera. Where else, but at La Salle College High School, can a group of seniors be in the California desert watching a television show set in New York City that features two alums who are twenty years apart.

The moment not only demonstrated the magnitude of what La Salle gentlemen accomplish, but the wide-spread geographic arena where they perform their amazing work.

PRESIDENT

The pages that follow are further examples of the achievements of our alums; specifically, men who are under the age of thirty. The list is by no means a ranking; rather, a representation of the talented young men who entered to learn and left to serve. Countless other alums could have graced these pages and identifying the 30+ individuals was not an easy task. The issue would not have been possible without the efforts of Bill Torres ’09 and Matt McGovern ’09, whose research and organization helped to identify alums under the age of thirty who are making an impact in their professions and/or communities. Bill and Matt served as Lasallian Volunteers for the 2013-2014 academic year and committed a year of their lives in service to their Alma Mater as they worked in different capacities throughout the school. Their efforts during the past school year helped to teach the minds and touch the hearts of our students.

Hopefully, their example will be a catalyst for future graduates to take part in this program.

Christopher M. Carabello ’82

The students at La Salle College High School learn early on that they are never too young to make a difference. Although there are no mandatory service requirements, almost 100% of the student body participates in one of our twenty-four service programs and over 50% of our rising juniors and seniors spent a week this summer volunteering on one of sixteen service trips being offered in eight different states and four countries. With a commitment to service coupled with excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, we continue to ensure that we have a pipeline of accomplished alums.

CHRISTOPHER M. CARABELLO ’82 EDITOR

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 Brother James L. Butler, FSC Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Matthew J. McGovern ’09 William J. Torres ’09 EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE Maura M. Diehl Cathleen P. Winning PHOTOGRAPHY John Burns Sam Fritch Lifetouch Photography, Inc. Mike Maicher Pennsylvania State University Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57 Regina Sacco 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.

FEATURES

WHAT’S INSIDE

PAGE 8 FRONT COVER PHOTO OF RYAN PATRICK ’09

DEPARTMENTS FROM THE HIP LET US REMEMBER

GRADUATION SPREAD PHOTO GALLERIES

2

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

HIGHLIGHTS SNAPSHOTS

IFC

BIRTHS AND DEATHS 4–7 24 26–31

40

LETUSREMEMBER

DEAR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS, WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED AT LA SALLE IN JUNE OF 2012, THE REMARK MUST HAVE BEEN MADE A DOZEN TIMES BY OLDER ALUMS AND PAST PARENTS, “YOU’RE YOUNG TO BE A PRESIDENT!” WHILE I OWN A MIRROR AND AM INSUFFICIENTLY DELUSIONAL TO BE SWAYED BY COMPLIMENTS LIKE THAT, I STILL RESPECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE EXPERIENCE PROMPTING SUCH A COMMENT. MY TWO IMMEDIATE PREDECESSORS, WHOSE LEADERSHIP OF LA SALLE STRETCHES BACK MORE THAN TWO DECADES, HAD LONGER (AND MORE DISTINGUISHED) CAREERS THAN I. Still, such recent experience is less than typical when you take the long view. John Baptist de La Salle had just turned 30 in 1681 when he left the cushy life of a cathedral canon and moved into rented quarters with the men who were destined to be the first Brothers. Brother Teliow was also exactly 30 in 1858 when he moved into a new assignment at Saint Michael’s Parish in Kensington with a vision for a private school to complement the Brothers’ work in parish grammar schools. Indeed, Brother Carl Clayton, a member of the La Salle family for more than half a century now, had reached the ripe old age of 26 when he was appointed assistant principal.

How appropriate it is to have an issue of the Explorer celebrating young leaders among our alumni. For aren’t young leaders exactly what La Salle is set up to turn out? Still, when you think about it with some detachment, couldn’t any other boys’ college preparatory school make the same claim? Hopefully so. So, what’s the La Salle difference? A leader in the Lasallian tradition, it seems to me, evidences most of the following characteristics: An awareness of how a diversity of interest, talents, experience, and perspective enriches us all. La Salle is not a school which specializes in turning out one type of professional.

La Salle provides a broad range of opportunities so a young man can discover his aptitudes and passions alike alongside others having the same experience with different opportunities.

The musician and the physicist both take pride in the runner’s achievement.

An appreciation for how good leaders foster and change communities. A true Lasallian leader isn’t always out in front. He’s all over the place, getting perspective and truly seeing the people entrusted to his care. A “personal best” is not nearly as important as an achievement that benefits the group and helps its members to grow. As the Parable of the Talents reminds us, simple “maintenance work” won’t get you very far.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 2

Respect for persons. When reflecting on their experience of La Salle, parents and students alike often comment on how little bullying and harassment there is, how a “live and let live” attitude predominates. Lasallian leaders carry that attitude out into their careers and later lives. A conviction that the person across from me, whatever the differences in credentials, achievement, or perspective may be, deserves respect if for no reason other than what the Quakers call “that of God in everyone” is baked into a Lasallian leader.

MISSION STATEMENT

An appreciation that there’s always something to learn. The young men this issue features are an impressive bunch. If they’re still the same person 10, or 20, or 30 years from now, we really haven’t done right by them. As our faculty and staff model for them, learning doesn’t stop when formal education ends.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG

ADOPTED BY THE MIDDLE STATES EVALUATION TEAM MARCH 2006 LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, A CATHOLIC INDEPENDENT, COLLEGE

MEN OF VARIED BACKGROUNDS, IS CONDUCTED IN THE TRADITION OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE. THROUGH A BROAD AND BALANCED,

Doing well is important, but nowhere near as important as doing good. As you read this issue, it’s interesting to reflect on all the ways the “service ethos” that has become so characteristic of La Salle over the past dozen years or so doesn’t diminish when you’re not seeing the reminder sign by the exit lanes on a regular basis. Isn’t this what people are getting at when they say, as they often do, “You can always tell a La Salle guy.”

Resilience. I can still remember the situation almost 35 years ago in which I was introduced to a verse from the Book of Sirach that I never forgot: “My son, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.” True enough, even when such service is a part of what you do, not the sum of who you’re supposed to be. This issue celebrates the successes of 30 men with promising futures ahead of them. It doesn’t detail the obstacles that needed to be overcome, the setbacks that hope, ambition, and faith had to see beyond. The twenty-five or so members of the 2014 Baseball Team who didn’t make it to the Catholic League finals but won the State AAAA Championship are wonderfully illustrative of this virtue. They are not, however, unique.

Likewise the young alumni we feature in this Explorer. We celebrate them, but they are not the stars. They represent the almost 3,000 alumni under thirty La Salle College High School can claim, augmented on May 31, 2014 by the members of the Class of 2014. Since this is an issue celebrating achievement in youth, perhaps I am justified in summing our young alumni situation up with an allusion to the second single from Coldplay’s recent album Ghost Stories.

It is indeed “a sky full of stars,” stars which ultimately draw their brilliance from the one illuminating the front entrance of our school, the Signum Fidei, the Star of Faith.

Fraternally,

BROTHER JAMES L. BUTLER, FSC PRESIDENT

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 3

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.

SNAP SHOTS

SECOND SEMESTER

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS La Salle College High School awarded scholarships to thirty-five 8th grade boys based on their scores from the Scholarship/Entrance Exam administered on December 7, 2013. On January 9, 2014, those young men, along with their parents and favorite teacher from grade school, attended a Scholarship Reception in their honor. The guests were addressed by current seniors and former scholarship recipients Daniel Spinelli ’14 and Reid

incorporated the original Broadway choreography; to one of the most demanding vocal and orchestral arrangements; to the costuming which captured the glory days of the “MGM Musical”; and a set that complimented it all, 42nd Street amazed and entertained audiences with a weekend of performances worthy of the original Broadway production.

Worster ’14 and were hosted at their tables by a current senior, a member of the faculty/staff, and a young alum from the Class of 2011, 2012, or 2013.

THE DREAM TEAM The La Salle community followed another basketball bracket in

MAKING A SPLASH The Swimming Team earned its third straight Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) State Championship on March 13, 2014 at Bucknell University. The Explorers compiled 280 points, 78 more than second-place North Allegheny, to win the Class AAA Boys’ Title at the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championship Meet. The 200 Medley Relay Team, consisting of Kyle Shurmur ’15, Michael McBryan ’14, Greg Brocato ’16, and Nick Stachel ’15, set a PA State Record with a time of 1:30:26. The team won their 26th

March as the Explorers advanced to the Pennsylvania State Championship Game following a 71-48 victory over the defending State Champions from Lower Merion High School and a 61-55 semifinal victory over perennial powerhouse Chester High School. Their “Cinderella Run” came to an end at the GIANT Center in Hershey, PA when they lost to an undefeated team from New Castle Area High School. Head Basketball Coach Joe Dempsey was named Coach of The Year

by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on February 14, 2014 at La Salle University and followed up by repeating as District 12 (City) Champions.

THE CUP RUNNETH OVER

The program has won every Philadelphia Catholic

The Hockey Team defeated Saint Joseph’s Prep in

League Championship since 1989.

overtime on March 17, 2014 to win their fourth consecutive Flyers Cup Championship. The 5-4 victory gave the Explorers their sixth championship in seven

THE LULLABY OF BROADWAY Thousands of theater fans and students packed the auditorium at La Salle College High School auditorium on March 13-16, 2014 for four sold out, standing room only performances of the Tony Award winning musical 42nd Street. The production incorporated the combined talents of over 130 students from La Salle College High School and surrounding area girls’ high schools, and delivered on every level – from the opening curtain to the final bows. From the high energy tap numbers which

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 4

years and a berth in the Pennsylvania State Championship game, where they lost 2-1 to Peters Township, the winner of the Penguins Cup, at Pegula Ice Arena in State College, PA.

LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

MEN OF INTELLECT

Members of the senior class had the opportunity to

The La Salle College High School Chapter of the National

interact with alumni at the annual Leadership Luncheon

Honor Society inducted 73 new members – 4 seniors

held on March 24, 2014. With less than nine weeks until

and 69 juniors – on April 2, 2014 during a prayer service

graduation for the Class of 2014, eighty members of

and induction ceremony. The newest inductees join 72

the Class with leadership roles – captains of athletic

members from the Class of 2014 who were inducted last

teams, ministry/service leaders, editors, and leaders of

spring, which brings the total membership for 2013-2014

various clubs and activities – sat down for lunch with

to 145 members. Selection for membership requires

over twenty-five alums representing different decades

that a student maintain a grade point average (GPA)

and professions. Each table featured at least two alums

of at least 3.75/4.0, have a record of good conduct, and

and the interaction and rapport between the young

participate in an acceptable number of extra-curricular

men and their older counterparts was nothing short of

activities within the school community as well as the

amazing. Brennan O’Donnell ’14 welcomed the alums

community at large. The students must also demonstrate

on behalf of the Class of 2014 and John Zaro ’01, a Vice

positive qualities and attitudes of responsibility, honesty,

President with Morgan Stanley in New York City, spoke

reliability, cooperation, and concern for others.

to the seniors about his experiences while a student at La Salle College High School, as well as the networking opportunities available to graduates of the school.

FIELD DAY The 11th Annual Field Day at La Salle College High

SPEECH AND DEBATE

School was held on April 25, 2014, in honor of Fran Johnson and Mary Jo Smith, two beloved mem-

The Speech and Debate Program was awarded the

bers of the faculty who succumbed to their battles with

National Catholic Forensic League School of Excellence

cancer. The day once again featured gorgeous weather,

Award and was named as one of the Top 5 Debate

spirited competition, notable sportsmanship, and many

Schools nationally at the National Catholic Forensic

smiles and laughs. Homerooms competed against each

League Championships. Nine students received awards

other in over three dozen events taking place

at the championship, with seven of those students

simultaneously in four areas of the campus. Some of the

placing in the Top 10 of their event. In addition, the

most popular events included the tricycle races,

program was named as the Top Debate School in Eastern

the frozen t-shirt contest, a blind-folded obstacle course,

Pennsylvania and was crowned as both Philadelphia

a trivia challenge, and dodge ball. The winning

Catholic Forensics League Speech and Debate Champions

homerooms were 1A (Freshmen), 3B (Sophomores),

and Pennsylvania High School Speech League District 11

5C (Juniors), and 8D (Seniors). Homeroom 5C defeated

Champions for the third consecutive year.

Homeroom 8D in the tug-of-war and were crowned as the Overall Champions.

RUGBY In just its second year in competition, the Rugby Team

TENNIS ANYONE?

went undefeated in the regular season and qualified for

The Tennis Team capped off an undefeated regular

the State Playoffs, where they lost to Saint Joseph’s Prep

season by defeating Saint Joseph’s Prep by a score

in the quarterfinals.

of 4-1 on April 28, 2014 at FDR Park to capture their 8th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. They went on to defeat the public champions from Central High School by a score of 5-0 to win the District 12 (City) Championship for the fifth consecutive year and

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 5

advance to the Pennsylvania State Championships.

SNAP SHOTS

SECOND SEMESTER

SENIOR MOTHER/SON LITURGY Over 230 seniors from La Salle College High School,

LASALLIAN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

along with their mothers or special guests, gathered for

On May 8, 2014, during a Founder’s Day Prayer Service

Mass and dinner on April 30, 2014. The Annual Senior

commemorating the Feast Day of Saint John Baptist de

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

La Salle, Dan Cipolla, Chairman of the Science

began with Mass in the gym celebrated by Reverend

Department and a 14-year member of the faculty, was

Anthony Janton, AFSC ’69 and was followed by a

named as Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year.

rose ceremony and dinner. The event was held exactly

Dan offers “meaningful instruction” both inside and

one month before graduation and was a fitting tribute

outside the classroom and is dedicated to his second

to the efforts of the boys and the sacrifices made

career in enriching the Lasallian world. In addition to his

by their mothers.

teaching, Dan serves as a Lasallian Service Corps Assistant and is Co-Moderator of the Engineering Club. Each of his primary activities bear some extended mention as keys

AP EXAMS

to his embodiment of “living Lasallian pedagogy.” His

La Salle College High School offered twenty Advanced

outdoor rocket launches have become the stuff of

Placement (AP) Exams during a two week period

legend at La Salle and he has developed and nurtured

from May 5, 2014 through May 15, 2014. 403 students

one of the most popular off-campus, weekly service

took 812 exams in twenty different subject areas that

programs – the La Salle Academy Tutoring Program.

included: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics (Macro), Economics (Micro), English Language (Juniors), English Literature (Seniors),

SHARP DRESSED MEN

Environmental Science, Latin, Music Theory, Physics B,

Over 250 sharply dressed seniors along with their

Physics C: Mech/Elect and Mag, Psychology, Spanish,

beautiful dates attended the Senior Prom on May 9,

Statistics, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History,

2014 at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, PA. The night was

and World History.

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

LET THE MUSIC PLAY The Spring Band Concert was held on May 5, 2014.

STATE OF THE ARTS

Over 200 musicians – representing ten separate

La Salle College High School held its 31st Annual Arts

ensembles – performed for over two hours. The Concert

Festival and the Art Department exhibited over 400

Band, comprised of over seventy musicians, performed

pieces of student artwork throughout the school on

Hollywood Milestones, an arrangement of Hollywood

May 12, 2014. Over 90% of the students who took an art

movie themes by John Higgins.

class had at least one piece of artwork included in the exhibition, which ranged from ceramics and sculptures to drawings and paintings. The student artwork was critiqued by two judges and awards were given to pieces that displayed excellence. Students from eight different courses received Awards of Excellence for a piece of artwork they produced in class. Four additional students received a “Body of Work” Award, which recognizes the quality and quantity of work that a student has produced.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 6

SING A SONG

LAX ATTACK

The Spring Choral Concert was held on May 12, 2014 as

The Lacrosse Team defeated Saint Joseph’s Prep by a

part of the 31st Annual Arts Festival. Under the direction

score of 8-7 on May 21, 2014 at Neumann University to

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

win their third consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League

audience was treated to fourteen arrangements

Championship and the program’s 19th championship

featuring the voices of over fifty young men in three

in the last 22 years. The Explorers erased a 3-0 halftime

ensembles. The Belcrofters, the school’s advanced

deficit and junior attackman Zach Drake scored with 8.8

ensemble of twenty-two singers, performed six numbers

seconds left in the game to break a 7-7 tie and catapult

including: I Have Had Singing, Weep No More, Duke of

the Explorers into the District 12 (City) Championship

Earl, I Wish I Was Single Again, What Shall We Do With

game. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the

A Drunken Sailor, and I Will. The concert concluded with

Pennsylvania State Championship before bowing to

a combined ensemble performing Seize The Day.

the eventual champions from Penncrest High School.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

HEADS OF STATE

La Salle College High School honored Benjamin J.

For the second time in three years, the Baseball Team

Ventresca, Jr. ’70 for his thirteen years of service on the

captured the Pennsylvania State Championship. The

Board of Trustees and five years as Chairman, at a

Explorers needed extra innings to defeat Conestoga

dinner held at Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia on

High School by a score of 4-2 to capture the PIAA AAAA

May 14, 2014. Presentations were made by Principal

Championship on June 13, 2014 on Medlar Field at

Michael O’Toole ’68, Chairman-Elect Robert Moran ’69,

Lubrano Park on the campus of Penn State University.

and Vice Chair Al Salvitti ’70. Six other retiring members

Head Coach Joe Parisi was named Coach of The Year and

of the Board of Trustees were recognized for their years

Dom Cuoci ’14 was named Player of The Year by

of service – John “Jake” Whalen ’67, Denis J. Lawler ’66,

The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Francy Dooley Kent, Gerald T. Hathaway ’72, Patricia Brabson, and Joseph H. Donahue ’58. Robert P. Moran ’69 became the third lay chairman of the Board of Trustees on July 1, 2014.

VOLLEYBALL The Volleyball Team won the inaugural Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on May 19, 2014 at Cairn University. The Explorers defeated Archbishop Wood in four games (25-15, 15-25, 25-23, 25-22) to the win the first ever Philadelphia Catholic League Boy’s Volleyball Championship. The Explorers, who were led by Suzanne Killian, the first female head coach in school history, joined seven other Philadelphia area Catholic high schools for the inaugural season and finished with a record of 15-2.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 7

T H E Y “ E N T E R T O L E A R N ” A S B O Y S A N D “ L E AV E T O S E RV E ” A S Y O U N G M E N . F O R O V E R 1 5 0 Y E A R S , A L U M N I O F L A S A L L E C O L L E G E H I G H S C H O O L H AV E L E F T T H E I R M A R K O N T H E W O R L D I N A VA R I E T Y O F I N D U S T R I E S A N D P R O F E S S I O N S . T O D AY, G R A D U AT E S O F T H E S C H O O L N O T O N LY H AV E A P R O F O U N D I M PA C T, B U T D O S O E A R LY I N T H E I R C A R E E R S . T H E R E A R E T O O M A N Y T O L I S T T H E M A L L , B U T T H E P R O F I L E S T H AT F O L L O W P R O V I D E A R E P R E S E N TAT I O N O F T H I RT Y Y O U N G M E N UNDER THE AGE OF 30 WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE A N D AT T R I B U T E M U C H O F T H E I R S U C C E S S T O T H E I R E X P E R I E N C E AT T H E I R A L M A M AT E R .

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 8

1

I was chosen by the Penn State Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department to receive the Thomas Briggs Hunter Memorial Award, which every year is given to a Mechanical Engineer that provides service to the University and surrounding community. Recently, I received a National Jefferson Award for “National or Global Service by a Young American.” Past prominent recipients include Walter Cronkite, Steve Jobs, Peyton Manning, and many others.

RYAN M. PATRICK ’09 B.S., PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY S T R AT E G Y A N D O P E R AT I O N S B U S I N E S S A N A LY S T D E L O I T T E C O N S U LT I N G P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

T H O N , P E N N S TAT E D A N C E M A R AT H O N S TAT E C O L L E G E , PA

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As the Executive Director, I was first and foremost responsible for being the leader of the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. I directly selected and led an Executive Committee of fourteen individuals that each oversaw a specific aspect of the

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

entire organization. Specific duties included running a weekly

Every time someone asked me how I ended up becoming the

Executive Committee meeting, as well as up to ten focus group

THON Executive Director, I always started by talking about my

meetings a week. I was also responsible for maintaining

experiences while a student at La Salle College High School. It all

relationships with THON’s top donors as well as the University

started with those two signs – “Enter to Learn” and “Leave to

Administration. I worked directly with the President of the

Serve.” I have used these two phrases, and specifically the latter,

University, as well as the Senior Vice Presidents for both

to serve as guiding lights in my life. At Penn State, service was

Development and Student Affairs, in an effort to keep them in

very important to me. When I was a freshman and trying to

the loop and to work together to improve THON is several

figure out what I wanted to be part of, I gravitated towards

different aspects. As the largest donor to our sole beneficiary, the

THON because it was a service-based philanthropy and I saw

Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital,

the potential for me to make a difference in the lives of others.

I held a seat on the Four Diamonds Advisory Board in order to

Because of La Salle, I had and will always have a strong desire

make sure that THON’s voice was heard and our perspective was

to be part of something much larger than myself, and to do

shared. I had several other responsibilities throughout the year

everything I can to make a difference. Whether I was participat-

leading up to THON Weekend itself, but the most important

ing in Homeless Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, Lasallian Service

responsibility I had as the Executive Director was to represent

Corps, or Kairos, we were always chasing a higher goal. It was

THON in a positive light throughout the entire year. I was often

never about what everyone could achieve individually, but how

asked to come speak at different events and to convey my experi-

we could change the world as a group. I loved that philosophy

ences and tips on leadership. I found this particularly enjoyable,

and because of it, I pushed myself to become more and more

as I felt as though I was using my story to help inspire and de-

involved with THON until I reached the position of Executive

velop other potential student leaders on Penn State’s campus.

Director, where I could make the largest impact possible.

THON raised $13,343,517.33 for the Four Diamonds Fund. The

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

funds will go towards providing superior care, comprehensive

I hope to have my MBA and playing a substantial role in a

support, and innovative research for children and their families

company located in the healthcare industry. I hope my career as a

affected by pediatric cancer and receiving treatment at the

Strategy and Operations Business Analyst for Deloitte Consulting

Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Through our efforts, any

will help me craft a better idea of what I want in the long-

costs not covered by insurance will be taken care of by the Four

term. Beyond my career, I’d love to be coaching soccer at some

Diamonds Fund. In recent years, THON’s exponential growth

level and to be more heavily involved in the Juvenile Diabetes

has allowed for the creation of nationally recognized research

Research Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for Type

programs and because of THON’s efforts, Penn State Hershey

1 Diabetes, which I was diagnosed with at the age of seventeen

Children’s Hospital is quickly becoming recognized as a world-

while attending La Salle. If nothing else, I hope to be making a

wide leader in pediatric cancer treatment and research.

difference and to be involved, at some level, in something bigger than just myself.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 9

2

SEAN P. TOOLE, S.J. ’00

3

B.A., RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

B.A. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

ANDREW Y. MACKINTOSH ’02

M.A., SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY M.DIV., TH.M., SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY ’15

S TA F F D I R E C T O R

SEMINARIAN

TA L L A H A S S E E , F L

F L O R I D A S E N AT E M A J O R I T Y O F F I C E M A RY L A N D P R O V I N C E J E S U I T S TOWSON, MD WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? Currently, I’m a full-time student at Santa Clara. I also volunteer

I assist the members of the Florida Senate Republican Caucus with the formation and passage of legislation, primarily in health and human services. During my time with the Florida Senate,

in the Catholic Chapel at San Quentin State Prison and at

I’ve been able to work on a broad range of issues including

Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Oakland. Since joining the

reforming Florida’s Medicaid program and child welfare system,

Jesuits in 2004, I have worked in a variety of settings, most

determining the impact of the Affordable Care Act on Florida

frequently among lower-income populations in seven U.S. cities

and the Legislature’s options under the law, and developing new

and two foreign counties.

initiatives to attract and fund cancer research in Florida.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

I still appreciate all of the community service, social justice,

La Salle offers opportunities to pursue areas that interest each

and retreat programs offered at La Salle College High School.

student, but also instills a sense of balance to life. I was fortu-

We began Kairos retreats at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in

nate to take Mr. Miller’s American Government and Politics class

Baltimore (where I served as campus minister and a social studies

during the 2000 Presidential election and that is where I started

teacher) based in part on my experience with the program

to understand the impact of politics and public policy. Being a

at La Salle.

member of the Crew Program taught me important lessons on teamwork, time management, and commitment. The Lasallian

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

Service Corps showed me that acts of charity and service,

The plan is to become a priest next June. After that, who knows

no matter how small, make a difference.

what God has in store?

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? Politics does not allow you to plan that far out. Within the first year of graduating from GW, I went from working as a staffer on Capitol Hill, to working on a congressional campaign where we lost by less than 1%, and ended up having the privilege of serving in the West Wing for President Bush. Five years ago, Tallahassee was not in the picture. Who knows what the future will hold?

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 10

4

M. STEWART RYAN, ESQ. ’05 B.A., FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE J.D., WIDENER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW A S S I S TA N T D I S T R I C T AT T O R N E Y M O N T G O M E RY C O U N T Y D I S T R I C T AT T O R N E Y ’ S O F F I C E N O R R I S T O W N , PA

right decision for the right reason. That decision may not always be easy or popular but if it is a decision that serves the interests of justice, it must be done. I credit La Salle for imbuing within me the type of resolve, courage, and character that it takes to make choices, no matter how difficult, for the sole reason that they lead to the right and just result. I also continue to rely on the skills and mechanics I learned through the academic setting at La Salle. These especially include strong writing and critical thinking skills. It was at La Salle that I first learned the importance of focused, well-reasoned, and logical argument and how to craft the sort of argument that sees the forest for the trees. It was at La Salle that I learned you should not fear debate. La Salle taught me that everyone need not agree with your principles or arguments, but if you are able to intelligently articulate them, those same principles will at least be heard, understood, and appreciated. Finally, my experience at La Salle taught me that not everyone shares the same personal experience that I have

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As an Assistant District Attorney in the Montgomery County

had. Understanding differences and respecting the diversity of another’s personal experience is a tool La Salle taught me and that I still utilize every day.

District Attorney’s Office, I am assigned to the Trials Division and serve on the Firearms Unit. The Firearms Unit specializes in

Beyond the credit I give to La Salle for building in me the

prosecuting violent crimes where a firearm was used in addition

character that has carried me through my young life thus far, my

to offenses related to the illegal possession and sale of firearms. I

experience at La Salle also had very practical effects on my career.

also assist local law enforcement with the investigation of crimes

While I was at La Salle I joined the Mock Trial Team. I can still

involving firearms. I have also appeared in the Superior Court

recall the first experience I had as a freshman preparing and then

of Pennsylvania to argue appeals made by those convicted of

conducting different aspects of a court case and knowing from

crimes. I recently had the opportunity to sit as second chair in the

that moment forward that I was hooked on being in a courtroom.

prosecution of a Homicide By Vehicle case with lead prosecutor

Through my participation on the Mock Trial Team I made connec-

and fellow La Salle alum Matthew Quigg ’02, who serves as the

tions that helped serve me in determining which area of law best

Captain of the Firearms Unit. I also serve as co-chair of the Intern-

suited me. Throughout my academic and now professional career

ship Program at the District Attorney’s Office and am responsible

I am proud to count my mock trial coach, a La Salle alumni and

for the recruitment and hiring of high school, college, and law

practicing attorney, as a trusted mentor. It was another alumni

school students who have an interest in serving the citizens of

that introduced me to an internship opportunity with the District

Montgomery County. Outside of my work at the District

Attorney’s Office four years ago while I was still in law school.

Attorney’s Office, I have volunteered as an assistant coach with

That was an opportunity I seized and that eventually led me to

La Salle’s Mock Trial Team and have served as a juror for High

my career. It is an absolute privilege to serve in this Office and

School Mock Trial competitions in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

without all aspects of my La Salle experience I very well may have

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

for all that La Salle has given me.

taken different turns in my professional life. I am truly thankful My La Salle experience has had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional development. I continue to regularly

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

rely not only on the academic skills I learned at La Salle but

I hope to be continuing in my service to the citizens of

also, and more importantly, on the life lessons that my Lasallian

Montgomery County in District Attorney’s Office.

experience instilled within me. I have taken to heart the saying we all see when departing La Salle: Leave To Serve. It is my pleasure to arrive at work each day in order to serve the citizens of Montgomery County as my job provides me the daily opportunity to have a direct impact on my community. Whether it is making contact with a victim of crime simply to discuss a case or achieving a result in the courtroom that keeps my community safer, I try every day to serve the people of Montgomery County. The importance and value of service to the community, and especially those most vulnerable and in need, is a concept I first encountered at La Salle and try my best to carry out in my own daily life.

My Lasallian experience also helped cultivate the sense of justice and integrity that I employ every day. The overarching mission at the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is to make the

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 11

5

MATTHEW J. ZIELINSKI ’06 B.A., UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND P R O F E S S I O N A L B A S E B A L L P L AY E R Somerset Patriots Bridgewater, NJ

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I was selected as a starting pitcher to represent the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs at the All-Star Game in Sugar Land, TX. I am ranked second in career wins, innings pitched, complete games, and strikeouts for the Evansville Otters of the Frontier Independent League and was the 2013 Strikeout Leader. I recently signed to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic for Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League, which consists mostly of top MLB prospects and veterans. While at the University of Richmond, I was named Atlantic 10 Rookie-of-the-Year and Louisville Slugger Freshman All- American.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle taught me to strive for excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and in life. The work ethic I needed to succeed while at La Salle has led me to where I am today.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I hope to still be playing but, if not, I’m sure I will still be involved

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 12

in the game in some capacity.

6

MATTHEW R. SINNOTT ’06 B.A., CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE PROJECT MANAGER AND PRODUCER

promos, and campaigns for all the major studios and networks in the television industry. I also produced an engaging admissions video for La Salle College High School.

HOW DID LA SALLE PREPARE YOU? La Salle’s extracurricular activities were amazing. I joined WEXP as a junior and realized video production, cinema, and television arts was the career path I wanted to pursue. La Salle offered great opportunities which helped prepare me for the next stage of my life.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

STORM STUDIOS

My goal is to own my own production company. I want to help

LOS ANGELES, CA

companies increase their brand awareness thorough creative and engaging video content. This content should excite current fans as well as future customers.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I currently work as a producer in the entertainment industry.

Over the last three years, I have produced numerous content,

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 13

7

G. CHRISTOPHER ROSS ’04 B.A., UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

8

DINO DEDIC, CFA ’02 B.S., LA SALLE UNIVERSITY CFA Charter (Chartered Financial Analyst)

A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R T H E WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, I N V E S T M E N T B A N K I N G D I V I S I O N

NEW YORK, NY

B A R C L AY S C A P I TA L NEW YORK, NY

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As an editor at the Wall Street Journal Magazine, I conduct interviews with cultural luminaries, write short profiles and features, and report on trends in dining and drinking. Previously, I was a food and drink staff writer at Time Out New York and an editor at Details magazine. I’ve also written for Men’s Journal and The New York Times Style Magazine.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I work in Barclays’ Risk Solutions Group, focusing on providing bespoke risk management solutions for corporate clients exposed to interest rate and FX risk. Previously, I had worked in Debt Capital Markets, originating and structuring investment grade bonds for corporate issuers.

I help run the La Salle University New York Club and have also

My experiences at La Salle helped instill a love of the written

been elected to the La Salle University’s Alumni Board of

word and taught me how to think as an individual. Running with

Directors. Through my involvement with the University, I have

the cross country and track teams, I learned the values of

participated in a number of workshops and panels to

perseverance, discipline, and brotherhood.

help students learn about careers in New York, particularly on Wall Street.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? In five years, I hope to have published a book and to be self-employed.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle College High School taught me the fundamentals of writing, mathematics, and reasoning and gave me the confidence to succeed not only in college but in a professional environment. In addition to the strong academic backbone, La Salle instilled the values of a higher purpose and importance of giving back. As an exchange student in high school, it was through the good people associated with La Salle that I received the education for which I am tremendously appreciative. Because of this experience, I constantly look for opportunities to give back by providing my time, service, and expertise to help others.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I fully expect to continue developing my professional prowess and taking on a bigger role. As a new father, I intend to serve as a role model to my daughter by helping others achieve their maximum potential, just like La Salle has done for me.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 14

9

TUCKER DURKIN ’09 B.A., JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY I N T E L L I G E N C E A N A LY S T E X E L O N C O R P O R AT I O N B A LT I M O R E , M D P R O F E S S I O N A L L A C R O S S E P L AY E R FLORIDA LAUNCH B O C A R AT O N , F L

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I work as an Intelligence Analyst for Corporate Security. Our team assesses a variety of information feeds to determine impact to our company from a security perspective. The job involves looking at and analyzing threat actors to our company and the electrical sector from both a physical and cyber perspective. I started all 59 games of my four-year lacrosse career at Johns Hopkins University where, in 2012, I received the William C. Schmeisser Award as the nation’s top defenseman and was a First Team All-American. I was the third overall pick in the 2013 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Collegiate Draft and currently play professionally for the Florida Launch. I was recently named as one of six defenseman on the final 23-man U.S. National Lacrosse team roster for the FIL World Championship.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? As a two-time All-American defenseman for La Salle College High School, I was fortunate to play on back-to-back Pennsylvania State Championship teams. Along the way, I was coached by two Hall of Fame Coaches in Bill Leahy and Tony Resch. La Salle gave me the tools I needed for success in both the classroom and on the lacrosse field.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I see myself in an established role where I can continue to grow and utilize my analytical and personal skills. I would love to continue to play and coach lacrosse in the next five years.

Being around the sport for so long, it is truly my passion.

I love helping and teaching people, for me it is the most rewarding thing I can do.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 15

10

ROBERT L. STOTT ’06 B.A., DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

11

SEAN C. SEESE, CSNA ’02 B.S., SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY, HAUB SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

EDITOR A S S O C I AT I O N S N O W, T H E A M E R I C A N S O C I E T Y

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, S E N I O R F I N A N C I A L A D V I S O R

O F A S S O C I AT I O N E X E C U T I V E S

M E R R I L L LY N C H

WA S H I N G T O N , D C

WAY N E , PA

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

I write and edit articles for Associations Now, a bimonthly magazine for the ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership that covers topics related to association management. I report on the work of groups like the American Heart Association, National Realtors Association, NFL Players Association, and the political and regulatory issues that impact trade and professional societies, nonprofits, and charitable organizations.

I also run a sports blog – FullyCoveredSports.com – where I write news and opinion articles on any and all sports teams, leagues, and personalities. I’m also an active member of the Online News Association, an organization that supports and advocates on behalf of newsrooms, independent bloggers, and startup journalism organizations.

As a Senior Financial Advisor, my team and I work with small to mid-size business owners and affluent families. Our practice centers on a financial planning process to fully understand the goals and objectives of each client. Our areas of expertise are corporate retirement plans and business succession planning. I have achieved the designation as a Certified 401(k) Professional from The Retirement Advisor University.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle taught me to develop strong bonds and relationships because they will last a lifetime. In addition, I had to learn to balance academics and sports. Grades were always more important than athletic accomplishments.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? Before stepping foot onto La Salle’s campus as a freshman, I never really understood what it meant to work incredibly hard in order to achieve a goal. Academics always came easily, and certain opportunities were presented to me without having to do a whole lot to earn them. That all changed at La Salle. For four years, I had to work harder than I ever had at anything up to that point in my life. I proved to myself that if you put your mind to something and believe you can be the best at something, you can succeed at anything in life.

And where would any La Salle gentleman be without those words we saw entering and leaving campus every day?

“Enter to Learn.” I go to work every morning expecting to discover something new that will help me do my job better.

“Leave to Serve.” Whether its leaving work in the evening or any time I step outside, I leave knowing that I have an opportunity to make a difference. While there’s no cafeteria duty at work for having my dress shirt untucked, La Salle taught me the importance of maintaining a professional look throughout the day.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? If the whole personal blog thing doesn’t take off by then, I hope to be working for a sports media company or for a sports team in some sort of communications/social media capacity.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 16

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I see myself at Merrill Lynch building my client base and strengthening existing relationships. I view my job as a career and feel that I have a great deal of responsibility. Clients entrust me in helping them live out their dreams in retirement and I do not take that lightly. My wife, Kim, and I just had our first child, Stella Mae, in May of 2014 and we look forward to the joys of watching her grow.

12

MAX S. MORGAN, ESQ. ’06 B.S., PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

13

BRIAN S. MICHEL ’05 B.S., DREXEL UNIVERSITY

J.D., RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY S O F T WA R E E N G I N E E R A S S O C I AT E AT T O R N E Y

TUMBLR

VOLPE AND KOENIG, PC

NEW YORK, NY

P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

I work with an awesome team to create the Tumblr iPhone and

As an Associate Attorney at Volpe and Koenig, P.C., an

iPad applications used by people around the world. I did the

intellectual property boutique law firm in Philadelphia, my

same for Urban Outfitters.

practice focuses on the preparation of a wide range of patent applications in various technological areas, patent

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

litigation, patent licensing, and IP portfolio management. In

La Salle fostered my interest in computers with the Lab Manager

addition, I provide support in the procurement and litigation of

program which taught me about ownership, responsibility, and

copyright and trademark matters. I currently serve as the Vice

organization.

President of the Alumni Board of Directors at La Salle College High School. In that role, I have worked to plan and organize volunteer opportunities such as Secret Santa, career/networking opportunities for fellow alumni, and helped to promote other alumni related events.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? Attending La Salle College High School was one of the greatest privileges I have ever been accorded. La Salle provided me the best education I could have received. La Salle helped me to discover my talents, set ambitious goals, and instilled the drive to pursue those goals relentlessly. I also learned how to think critically and for myself. La Salle taught me how to be analytical in everything that I read and provided me with a very strong foundation that set the tone for the rest of my undergraduate and graduate education. Ultimately, La Salle provided me with the tools for a successful career.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I can only hope that I continue to learn, grow, and achieve the goals I have set for myself. I hope to still be living with my family in the area and serving La Salle on the Alumni Board.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 17

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I hope to still be developing software for a company that leaves the world better than when it found it.

14

SEAN SMITH ’08 B.S., UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

15

ANDREW C. CLAY ’07 B.S., PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHREYER HONORS COLLEGE

S O F T WA R E E N G I N E E R TWITTER

CYBER SECURITY ENGINEER

BOULDER, CO

U . S . D E PA RT M E N T O F S TAT E WA S H I N G T O N , D C

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? My greatest accomplishment so far has been establishing a

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

successful career as a software engineer in a place that I love –

When I graduated college, I started working on a contract for

Boulder, CO. A great personal accomplishment has been being

the Pentagon Force Protection Agency within the Department

able to travel, which is one of my biggest passions. I have had the

of Defense. They are the physical security and police force for

opportunity to travel the world from Machu Picchu in Peru to the

the Pentagon and other defense buildings in the Washington

Matterhorn at the top of the Swiss Alps – experiencing different

DC area. My responsibilities were to help design, test, and secure

people and their cultures along the way.

defense systems. My direct responsibilities included working with

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

explosives) and life safety systems. I was also in charge of s

Being a Lab/Web Manager in the IT Department for all four years,

ecuring new and unique technologies and routinely briefed the

and the computer science curriculum courses which I took, played

CIO and his deputies on the current security posture and

a huge role in helping me realize my passion for computers and

threats to the networks.

CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense, and

technology. A special “thank you” to Mr. Shay and Mr. Sigmund!

La Salle also taught me that there are no shortcuts and the path to accomplishment is paved by integrity, compassion, respect, and service to others.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I see myself continuing to be a part of a global “game changer” company such as Twitter leading the way through innovation and creativity – using social media to effect positive change. I also hope to have a few more destinations checked off my travel bucket list – particularly walking the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile trek through Spain that ends at the shrine of Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

My current position is with Diplomatic Security in the Department of State (DOS). They are responsible for the “guns, gates, and guards” for all US embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions. I am a member of the Office of Computer Security, responsible for monitoring and securing every electronic system owned and operated by the DOS around the world. I lead highprofile implementation and integration projects for new computer security technologies with a current focus on database and web site security. The projects that I lead have a direct impact on the security of all data processed by the Department of State and I routinely brief the Director of Computer Security.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? I wouldn’t be where I am today without La Salle. I credit the computer and Lab Manager programs with giving me the experience and knowledge to quickly advance in Information Technology and Computer Security. Mr. Sigmund’s program allowed me to take the risks necessary in order to learn and encouraged students to lead and influence the direction of La Salle’s use of technology. The knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence I gained helped me get to where I am. The entire La Salle staff led by example and taught me values that have stayed with me.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I don’t know for sure, but am certain that it will be at a firm or organization that can benefit from my skills.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 18

16

EVAN REGAN-LEVINE ’07 B.A., GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY,

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle was an integral part of my life. It taught me how to work hard, apply myself, and take pride in all that I did. On another, and probably more important level, it taught me how to present myself as a young man. That’s not just putting on a tie and jacket – it was about being able to meet another person, speak articulately, and present as a gentleman. It seemed strange when I was there, but the focus on producing not just boys, but gentleman, was important in helping me be taken seriously later in my (still pretty new) career. I also have to give enormous credit to the

SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE

Speech and Debate program and Ray Shay. The coaching and ex-

HEAD OF MARKET RESEARCH

asset I took from La Salle to the professional world. There is noth-

perience I received has been probably the number-one tangible

J B G C O M PA N I E S

ing that sets you apart like being able to walk in front of a group

CHEVY CHASE, MD

of people and speak confidently and articulately. It’s honestly a bigger differentiator than almost anything else. I also would be remiss if I didn’t credit the support of the faculty. My teachers at

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I oversee all market research for a private equity fund and real estate developer in Washington, DC. We invest capital primarily on behalf of institutional investors and high net worth individuals in real estate developments primarily in urban, transit-oriented areas. Simply put, we make places. Since 1999

La Salle weren’t just teachers, but they were advisors, soundingboards, and friends. I’ve made few big decisions without consulting at least one of them. Without their kindness, generosity, and grace my path would have probably been very different.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

we have raised 8 funds totaling nearly $3B in equity. We’re in the

I studied government and followed a love of architecture into

process of closing our 9th fund. In my role, I work to evaluate

real estate. It’s a strange and pretty wonderful path and quite

the market for new investment and development opportunities.

honestly one that I’m still on. I do have a real passion for under-

That means making sure we’re building or investing in the right

standing how cities work. At its core, real estate equals place and

product in the right places. My firm develops and invests in office,

place is defined more than anything else by people. What I do is

residential, hotel, and retail projects. I have both tactical and

rewarding not just because it’s intellectually stimulating to come

strategic focuses day-to-day. On the tactical side I help inform our

to work and think about these questions, but because at the

development project-by-project – i.e. where we should be under-

end of the day I help make places. Great neighborhoods are the

writing apartment and office rents for specific projects. On the

set dressing for everything in life: love, loss, happiness, sadness,

strategic side I look at large sets of data and pick out important

accomplishment, and failure. All of it happens somewhere and

market-moving trends that can unlock or inform corporate strat-

we make that somewhere (better). To me, that’s an incredibly

egy and high-level investment. I work with our internal teams

intriguing idea and will probably guide me in the years to come.

but also play a role in helping our investors (often large institutions) understand the market and how it impacts the performance of their investments. I came to this role primarily through my work at Jones Lang LaSalle – a real estate services firm where I was a part of their research team and worked on local, national, and international projects for a wide range of clients. I was named “Rising Star” in Marketing/Research for the Americas Region (North and South) at JLL and was consistently recognized for innovation on the corporate level. Outside of work, I just finished up my latest volunteer project as part of a three-person team working to create and run a benefit car show in conjunction with the Volkswagen Group of America (Audi, Porsche, VW, Lamborghini, Bentley) to support a local group called Operation VetsHaven which provides much-needed services to local veterans struggling with PTSD. Our first year was a great success and planning will start soon for year two. I also serve on the Board of Advisors for a local startup real estate group focused on urban investment and frequently speak at industry-related events.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 19

17A FRANK C. DILELLA ’02

B.A., FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, LINCOLN CENTER T E L E V I S I O N H O S T A N D R E P O RT E R NY1 NEWS NEW YORK, NY

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I joined NY1 in 2004 and now produce and report for “On Stage,” the news channel’s weekly half-hour theater program.

Working the entertainment beat, I have interviewed many legendary artists including Edward Albee, Tom Hanks, Vanessa Redgrave, Bono, August Wilson, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Bette Midler, Hugh Jackman, Tom Stoppard, Carol Channing, James Earl Jones, Chita Rivera, Jane Fonda, Elaine Stritch, Angela Lansbury, Lady Gaga, Tony Kushner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Ben Vereen. In the fall of 2009, I along with my “On Stage” team were honored by the New York Musical Theater Festival for our weekly coverage of the theater in New York City.

In addition to filing reports on the Broadway and off-Broadway scenes, I have traveled internationally to cover theater in Japan, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, Austria, Germany, and Canada.

I made my Broadway debut – a cameo role – in September 2010, playing a chimney sweep in the Disney production of “Mary Poppins.” In 2012, I returned to the Broadway stage for another cameo appearance in “Newsies.” In May 2013, Time Warner Cable unveiled a spin-off of “On Stage” entitled “On Stage Across America.” I host a monthly program that shines a spotlight on Broadway theater, national tours, regional theater, and high school plays. I am also a contributing correspondent for Playbill, the national theater magazine. In January of 2013, I returned to Fordham as an adjunct professor teaching “theater journalism,” a course that I created.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle enhanced my appreciation and passion for the performing arts. Folks like Mr. C, Mr. Bloh, Colleen DurkinLapowsky, Kim Williams, and the late Mrs. Mary Jo Smith pushed me and encouraged me to go beyond my boundaries. My fondest memories of La Salle include being instructed by Colleen and Kim for four years for the annual spring musical, Mr. C’s band class, and studying/reading Shakespeare with Mr. Bloh. But perhaps the best advice I got at La Salle, and some I will never forget, was given by Mr. Gerry Miller in my AP Political Science class. He told us, “There’s a great big world out there, and you boys are foolish if you don’t explore it.” Taking our mascot – my inner “Explorer” to heart – truer words were never spoken, and for that I am grateful.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? Life is pretty good right now, so I’m enjoying the ride.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 20

17B

CHRISTOPHER G. DILELLA ’06 B.S., FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, GABELLI SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PRODUCER FOX NEWS CHANNEL NEW YORK, NY

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? “When news breaks out, we break in.” I am currently an on-air producer and writer for “Shepard Smith Reporting” (weekdays, 3:00 pm ET) on the FOX News Channel, as well as a member of the network’s breaking news unit. I works on the “FOX News Deck”, a brand-new signature studio that uses state-of-the-art technology, including 55’’ touchscreen computers, which fuse incoming news feeds with digital and social media. The News Deck team can interrupt all programming at a moment’s notice to bring viewers breaking news as it happens across all FOX platforms. Clips of my reporting have appeared on various late night programs including ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart,” and E!’s “The Soup.”

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? I attended La Salle’s first service trip to Bolivia in 2005, under the supervision of Señora Lastenia Breen. To this day, it remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

La Salle’s music and theater programs have also played an integral role in shaping me into the person I am today, thanks in great part to Mr. C, Mr. Bloh, and former director Mrs. Colleen Durkin Lapowsky. I’ve come to realize my involvement in theater, chorus, and band helped me develop various life skills including self-discipline, coordination, and self-esteem – which I continue to apply throughout my professional career.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? Now that I’ve recently become a proud homeowner, I’ll likely still be in New York and working in television or media.

The opportunities here are endless. But, who knows?

Alot can happen.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 21

18

GREGORY T. WOODS ’08 B.A., UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

19

2NDLT JULIAN TUCKER, USMC ’08 B.S., UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

POLICY INTERN

N AVA L AV I AT O R

P H I L A D E L P H I A D E PA RT M E N T O F H E A LT H

TRAINING SQUADRON THREE

P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA

O N B O A R D N AVA L A I R S TAT I O N W H I T I N G F I E L D M I LT O N , F L

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As an undergraduate student at Notre Dame, I spent an academic

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

semester and summer in the East African country of Uganda.

My main responsibility is completing Primary Flight Training in

My days were spent gathering thesis data in federal prisons

which I fly the T-6B Texan II, which is a fixed-wing, single engine,

across the country, learning as much as I could of the local

propeller driven airplane. After Primary Flight Training, I will

languages, and being awed by the hospitality of Ugandans.

move on to Advanced Flight Training where I will receive more

I was so hooked that after graduation, I moved to Uganda with

in depth training in the type of aircraft (jets, helicopters,

the Congregation of Holy Cross as a volunteer teacher. I spent a

multi-engine or tilt-rotor) that I will eventually fly in the Marine

year and a half teaching primary level math and general science.

Corps. After Advanced Flight Training, I will move on to train in

There were plenty of challenges, least of which was the mere

the specific aircraft that the Marine Corps needs me to fly and

presence of the ill-trained and foreign teacher, “Mr. Greg,” who

become part of operational Marine Corps squadron.

was charged with preparing twenty-seven students for their national exams. But within the many challenges, I encountered

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

God in a profound way – in the eager students and their patience

La Salle gives boys an exceptional opportunity to develop

with me, in their loving families, in the community of Holy Cross,

themselves into well rounded young men who are prepared for

and in the simplicity of life in Uganda.

the challenges life presents. I am certain that my time at La Salle

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? I think that La Salle has an extraordinary number of service

has been instrumental in putting me on the path I am on today.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

projects and outreach initiatives for students to get involved

I hope to be a well-respected pilot for the Marine Corps serving

with. But what makes La Salle special is the discomfort and

my country wherever I am needed and enjoying life with my

questions that stem from these experiences. I remember the

wife Michelle.

unrest I felt driving back to La Salle from outreach outings or on the plane returning from a trip to Bolivia. I started to ask questions about poverty, privilege, and justice that remain with me today. I also began to question where God was leading me. Mr. Nicoletti used to start off sophomore religion classes with the simple question, “What are you striving for – success or sainthood?” We could debate whether those two things are mutually exclusive. But for me, Mr. Nicoletti’s question was a reminder that God and faith had to be at the center of my future. I am really grateful for that lesson.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I am applying to medical school and hope to start an MD/MPH Program in the fall of 2015. In five years I hope to have found my vocation within medicine and global health.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 22

20

MICHAEL DOMINICK ’03 B.A., SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

21

ROBERT V. CRAWFORD, PHD ’04 B.S.M.E., VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY M.S.M.E., VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

C O M M U N I T Y A N D M E D I A R E L AT I O N S M A N A G E R

PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

M A K E - A - W I S H ® F O U N D AT I O N TRUMBULL, CT

FORENSIC ENGINEER T E C H N O L O G Y A S S O C I AT E S NEW YORK, NY

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I’ve been working in Communications, Media, and Public Relations for Make-A-Wish since May 2010. In my four years with the Foundation, my role has been to spread our name and our mission throughout the state of Connecticut. The mission of MakeA-Wish is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. As Community and Media Relations Manager, I am responsible for all our media presence throughout the state, including television, radio, print, web, and social media. With a vision of granting the wishes of every eligible child, it is important to constantly have a presence in the community as we look to reach more children, and look to engage more volunteers and donors to help us fulfill that mission. I also serve as a volunteer for the foundation, producing, directing, and performing various stage performances as fundraisers in Connecticut, Philadelphia, Syracuse, and New York City. Over the years, our productions have raised in excess of $35,000 for Make-A-Wish.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As a Forensic Engineer, I investigate accidents and circumstances where a product is not serving its intended purpose. In addition, I consult on product design and the proper use of codes and standards. Through forensic engineering, I determine the root cause of an accident/failure, reconstruct the most likely course of events leading up to the accident and deduce what could have reasonably been done to foresee and prevent the accident.

I then provide litigation support and expert testimony. Accident reconstruction encompasses a wide spectrum; vehicle-vehicle accidents (e.g., tractor trailers, cars and golf cars), vehiclepedestrian accidents, construction accidents, human factors (i.e., human interaction with their environment), biomechanics (i.e., injuries related to motion), product liability and premise liability, among other things. I find forensic engineering very interesting and fulfilling because of the challenging nature of

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

the work and the ever changing technical requirements related

Everyone has passions, talents, and interests, but La Salle teaches its students to use those gifts for a greater good. La Salle challenged me to work hard, to try to improve myself each day, and to value and appreciate a good education. La Salle also taught me, above all else, to be kind, to recognize the opportunities I have been given, and to use them to create good in the world. I truly believe my La Salle education, both academically and from a spiritual perspective, shaped who I am today, as it has shaped so many other gentlemen across the years.

We entered to learn, and we left to serve, and we have La Salle to thank for teaching us the importance of this mission.

to the many different types of cases.

evaporation based system for uses in large scale temperature

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

to travel, you also receive feedback and build relationships with

It is my hope to continue in my passion for the arts, grow as an actor and performer, and continue to use my interests in the arts to benefit charitable organizations such as Make-A-Wish.

Professionally, I hope to continue my work in the media at Make-A-Wish and grow into a leadership and executive role within the foundation, directing a chapter in its mission, and inspiring the community to help us strive for our vision of reaching every eligible child.

others in your field throughout the world. I was also afforded

Prior to becoming a forensic engineer, I was an engineering researcher. I investigated the lift generating potential in soft porous media under rapid compaction and also developed an regulation and microorganism nutrient feeding. While research can be highly specialized and narrowly focused, it’s pretty cool when you find out that your work has been referenced by others in their work. One of the perks of being a researcher is presenting your work at conferences, which I was fortunate enough to be able to do several times. While it can be an excellent excuse

the opportunity to travel to Germany as a visiting scholar at the Technische Universität München.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? One of the biggest pieces in life is the ongoing understanding of one’s own personal culture and the culture of one’s surrounding environment. La Salle’s culture is elegantly written at the bottom of its seal, “Virtus Scientia,” Latin meaning “Virtue and Knowledge.” Virtue is embodied in the culture of respect and

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 23

responsibility given to and anticipated from each young man at La Salle. You are expected to answer for yourself and your actions preparing you for the challenges you will face in life.

As far as knowledge goes, every school is going to have books, classrooms and teachers where you can memorize and recite facts. The teachers at La Salle give meaning to those facts by encouraging you to question where they came from and how to use them. Students not only ask why something works but to a deeper and more fundamental purpose, how does something work the way it does. This leads you to know how to think and how to ask meaningful questions and then judge and rationalize the response. It is through the culture of virtue and knowledge at La Salle that the saying arises, “Boys will be Boys, but La Salle Boys will be Gentlemen.”

22

STEVEN DEAN ’07 B.A., SWARTHMORE COLLEGE FOUNDER AND HEAD OF PRODUCT JOBSUITORS.COM NEW YORK, NY

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? Currently, I am on partner track at my company and hope to achieve that within two years. I hope to expand the capabilities of my company by incorporating my heat transfer and fluid mechanics background into the business. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively, which I hope to continue to do.

One of my greatest learning experiences is seeing the history of the world and interacting with people of different cultures.

Not to mention, trying new foods and cuisines.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? My Jobsuitors startup uses the algorithms of online dating to match jobseekers to their best-fit employers. After seeing my friends and classmates spend countless hours tweaking resumes and sending out hundreds of cover letters to companies who would ultimately never even respond, I decided to build a product that could mitigate these problems. I got together with two friends, spent a year researching the Human Resources industry, and another year building a product that could solve the problem of hiring. We’re currently putting the finishing touches on our beta and prepping for a formal rollout this year.

To help fund Jobsuitors, I consult for online dating companies as well as individual online daters through my consultancy, Dateworking.com. I help dating companies analyze their fit in the dating landscape, and I conduct product usability assessments so they can maximize conversions and organic growth. For individual online daters, I help them choose the right dating sites, craft profiles, send messages, go on successful dates, and build lasting relationships.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle completely transformed my disposition toward life.

I entered La Salle a shy, isolated introvert who had trouble making new friends. I left La Salle confident, socially-savvy, and intent upon changing the world for the better. My teachers pushed me to consider new perspectives and become a more well-rounded person. I was consistently inspired by the drives and dispositions of the friends that I made as I became more and more invested in the Lasallian community.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? When I graduated from Swarthmore College, I began connecting people to their next significant other. Now, three years later, I’ve begun connecting people to their next job. Five years from now, I want to scale my capacities on both fronts, creating businesses and institutions that can connect individuals not just romantically and professionally, but also educationally and civically.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 24

23

FELIX J. MANZI ’07 B.A., UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS FREELANCE MUSICIAN P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As a freelance musician, I play drums/percussion for a variety of bands in numerous situations, ranging from studio sessions to pit orchestras to private parties. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of performing with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on four separate tours around the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Aside from performing, I give private drum lessons in the Abington area as well as compose music for media and film projects.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? One of the most important things that I learned at La Salle was how to prepare myself for any situation. Being a musician requires me to constantly learn new material, adjust to different musical settings, and be able to play various styles of music. When I show up to a gig, I have to be ready to go.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 E5 XPLORER SUMMER 2014 2 25

Most of the time, there are no prior rehearsals, so it’s up to me to prepare for the gig. I once had to learn around 75 songs for a last minute wedding gig (which also doubled as an audition to become a new member of the band) in one week. The songs were of a wide variety of genres, so not only did I need to learn the forms of each song, but I had to be able to play each song in the right style. Thanks to La Salle, I knew how to assess the situation and begin to prepare in a way that would not wear me out. By the time the gig had come, I was prepared, knew every song, and won the audition.

Throughout my four years at La Salle, I became a much more solid musician than when I had entered. Mr. Ciccimaro, Mr. Vettori, and the rest of the music faculty (who are all actual working musicians, not just teachers) prepared me for the real world as a musician. During 4th and 5th Period Band, we weren’t just preparing for the upcoming concert like most high schools do. Instead, we were reading new charts (musician lingo for “written music arrangements”) every day. This helped me immensely for the real world. Take for example when I was on tour with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. When I first joined, I was given a case of close to 600 charts, from which each night’s set list would be created. This may seem daunting, but thanks to La Salle, it was nothing new to me. Every night was just like being in 4th and 5th Period Band and reading new charts on the spot – except this time I was getting paid for it.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I will be continuing to build and expand my career as a musician.

I hope to eventually move to Los Angeles to pursue bigger and better opportunities, not only as a performing musician, but as a composer as well.

24

DANIEL P. LOWRY ’07

ted a paper to Geology (which hopefully gets accepted) that looks at controls of Paleozoic ice ages by using a state-of-the-art climate-ice sheet model. We specifically were testing whether the arrangement of the continents or atmospheric CO2 concentration were more important in allowing for the formation of continental-scale ice sheets.

I became the 407th U.S. Miler to break the 4-Minute Mile on August 4, 2013, when I ran a 3:59:30 at the Michigan Track Classic in Saline, MI.

B.A., BROWN UNIVERSITY HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? P H D C A N D I D AT E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M I C H I G A N , D E PA RT M E N T O F E A RT H A N D E N V I R O N M E N TA L S C I E N C E ANN ARBOR, MI

I received a wonderful education – one that prepared me academically and introduced me to my love of science. I was also fortunate to have wonderful coaches in Mr. Devine and Mr. Bielecki who taught me work ethic and the importance of a training regimen.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? Last year, I had a paper published in the journal PLoS ONE from a project started in an evolutionary biology course at Brown that looked at the selection of a gene for endurance, which suggests that environments with scarce resources may have favored the gene by selecting for higher metabolic efficiency. I just submit-

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 26

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I hope to still be running as well as have my doctorate degree and working as a university professor or continuing my research in Geology.

25

EDWARD L. GUARRIERI, MCTS ’06

26

SEAN D. FEDYNA, MD ’02

B.S., SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

B.A., UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

MICROSOFT CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

M.D., UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

CITRIX CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY IN INTERNAL MEDICINE D I R E C T O R O F T E C H N I C A L O P E R AT I O N S

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

SYSTEMS SOLUTION, INC. K I N G O F P R U S S I A , PA

INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN I N D I A N H E A LT H S E RV I C E S ( N AVA J O R E S E RVAT I O N ) T U B A C I T Y, A Z

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? While in college, I managed a complete asset management database migration for the New Jersey Education Association at their

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

headquarters in Trenton, NJ. I also formed a company that designed

I currently work as a Hospitalist and am Director of the Intensive Care

and setup personal websites for other students and commercial

Unit. I also coordinate and supervise visiting internal medicine resident

websites for small businesses. I am now Director of Technical

rotations at the hospital. After finishing my residency in 2013, I moved

Operations for one of the largest Citrix Service providers in the US,

to Mirebalais, Haiti to work with Partners in Health (PIH) at a new

where I fully manage datacenter operations that consists of over a

teaching hospital constructed jointly by PIH and the Haitian

petabyte of data and thousands of daily users from all over the globe.

government. I was involved in direct patient care for in-patients and out-patients, various administrative tasks, and most importantly, was

HOW DID LA SALLE PREPARE YOU? La Salle’s amazing staff of teachers and support personnel saw the technical potential in me before I saw it in myself. Through the Lab Manager Program, Mr. Sigmund and La Salle provided me with the opportunity, tools, and responsibilities that made me appreciate my personal interests and abilities. The teachers provided an environment that was challenging and exciting, and it didn’t hurt that La Salle was committed to being state-of-the-art. I would not be where I am

involved in the education and supervision of five Haitian Internal Medicine residents in the first year of a newly initiated residency program. I rounded daily with the residents, helped them with numerous procedures and clinical reasoning, and worked alongside my Haitian colleagues to create a post-graduate medical education system similar to our American medical education system.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU?

today without the help and guidance of the amazing people at

La Salle is a special place in that it cares about your whole

La Salle College High School.

development as a person. In addition to rigorous coursework and excellent teachers, service and helping others was prioritized

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? Not sure exactly where, but I know I will be working with the most creative people to deliver the latest technologies to the world.

and accompanied by an environment where thinking critically about many of society’s problems was encouraged. The sports teams I was part of, the coaches I had, and the practices and games associated therewith, helped instill a work ethic and commitment that has allowed me to be where I am today.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I hope to remain in a clinical role with a focus on medical education and a continued emphasis on underserved populations, either domestically or abroad. I will also likely pursue sub-specialty training in a field still to be determined.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 27

27

ROBERT F. LONG ’09 B.S., PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY U N D E R W R I T I N G A S S O C I AT E – E N E R G Y V E RT I C A L PNC BANK P I T T S B U R G H , PA PRESIDENT B O B L O N G S P O RT S P I T T S B U R G H , PA

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? I am currently underwriting for the Energy Vertical, lending to major energy companies in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Texas, and Oklahoma.

I founded my sports website, Bob Long Sports, during my freshman year of college as a way to become involved in sports media. We feature a weekly call-in radio show that that highlights the major issues in sports in a caller-friendly format.

During this show we interview high-profile names across the sports world, such as Mike Missanelli, Chris Wheeler, Rece Davis, Mike Quick, and many others, and provide a Philadelphia and Pittsburgh focus amidst our national discussion.

In addition, Bob Long Sports has become an outlet for radio play-by-play services, as we have called La Salle College High School sporting events, including baseball, basketball, and lacrosse for the past three years. We broadcasted the 2012 La Salle baseball team’s playoff games en route to a state championship, as well as the 2013 La Salle lacrosse state championship run and an early portion of the 2014 La Salle basketball state runner-up season. Bob Long Sports was a major news outlet at Penn State as well during my four years on campus. During the Jerry Sandusky scandal, our team was first on the scene to many of the notable moments throughout the story, including the firing of Joe Paterno, the memorable scenes in front of the Paterno household, and the release of the Freeh Report. I was able to parlay my experiences at Bob Long Sports into an opportunity with the Big Ten Network during my senior year of college as the lead play-by-play broadcaster for the Men’s and Women’s soccer teams. I was also presented with the opportunity to work with a Merrill Reese-owned radio station as the producer and co-host of “Vuvuzela: The World Soccer Show,” a weekly radio show based out of Philadelphia on 860 WWDB. I continue to consult for the show to this day and run the technical operations of the show during our remote shows from matches, soccer pubs, and events; help to run the website; and am second-in-charge of strategic planning for the show.

Outside of radio and broadcasting, one of my passions is long-distance running. I had the honor of being president of the Club Cross Country team at Penn State University during my senior year, the largest club on campus with over 200 members.

I organized the first-and-only trip for the club to the Paul Short Race, a highly competitive Division 1 cross country meet at Lehigh University, the first-and-only Club Cross Country Regional Championship hosted on our Penn State campus, and the club’s most successful canning weekend as of 2013 for Penn State THON. HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? La Salle, through my involvement with the running program, under the guidance of Pat Devine and Greg Bielecki, as well as my involvement in clubs such as Mock Trial, my relationships with my teachers, and my relationships with my classmates, has provided me with a very clear picture of who I am, who I want to become, and how to get there. While I have moved away from the Philadelphia area at least temporarily, and my recent accomplishments may seem distant from my time at La Salle, it was the influence of some of the greatest people I know at that institution that made me the person I am today, and for that I could never repay them.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I expect to continue my passion for both sports and business, and hope to find a way to continue to serve my Alma Mater through Bob Long Sports or any other medium.

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 28

28

ANTHONY A. PHILLIPS ’06 B.A., BATES COLLEGE M.A., YALE UNIVERSITY PH.D. CANDIDATE, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST MANAGING DIRECTOR AND BOARD CHAIR PHILADELPHIA YOUTH ACTION, INC. P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE? As Managing Director and Board Chair for Philadelphia Youth Action, I oversee creative service learning training and programming that provides dynamic African-American high school and college students with leadership tools and resources to craft innovative service projects geared to increasing their peers’ involvement with leadership and service in their communities. Founded in 2003, Youth Action is a rare student-led non-profit organization that is designed and managed by African-American high school and college students and utilizes innovative events and programs to excite students to serve their community.

I was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Center for Youth and Families in Massachusetts. I am also the recipient of the University of Pennsylvania Black Wharton Student Association honor for leadership and service to Philadelphia.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? Mr. Dennis Bloh and Mr. Joe Parisi were two members of the faculty who mentored me and never gave up on me. They were not only my teachers, but also my life coaches. They pushed me to read and write better and never allowed me to accept mediocrity. In addition, I could have not made it through La Salle without the warm support of now Principal, Michael O’Toole, who actually gave me my first job as a La Salle archivist. Looking back, I can say the first work I ever did with youth came through my participation in tutoring programs led by Mr. Barna and Mr. Cipolla at the Providence Center and La Salle Academy in North Philadelphia. Serving as a student tutor for my entire four years at La Salle was my first introduction to serving others.

Since that time, service has become something very important in my life.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? I simply want to impact the world through service. Since college, I have often employed the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson to describe how I wish to live my life and those words are: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Ultimately, I find myself having completed my PhD program and continuing to serve Philadelphia and beyond through non-profit service work as well as a professor. I find service, leadership empowerment, and educational oriented non-profit work gratifying. It takes much EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 29

time and effort, yet the joy of observing non-profit programs impact the lives of others is what makes me considerably happy.

29

BRYN C. DAVIS ’03 B.A., ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE FOUNDER

B RY N & D A N E ’ S ( H E A LT H Y FA S T F O O D ) H O R S H A M , PA ( A L S O A M B L E R , PA A N D P LY M O U T H M E E T I N G , PA )

Facebook alone). We have been ranked No. 1 Healthy Lunch in Philadelphia by Philly Hotlist for the past two years and we have yet to open a location in the city. We have our flagship location in Horsham along with two mobile event trucks (food trucks) that do everything from backstage concert catering to corporate luncheons. In August, we will open a location in Ambler and, in October, one in Plymouth Meeting.

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? If there was one educational experience that paved the way to my success, it was undoubtedly La Salle. More than college or internships, it was La Salle that provided more value to me than any other institution. I am not an overly academic person, so for me the value came primarily through the style of person that La Salle taught me to be. How to speak to people, network, present myself, etc. – all of this was shaped by La Salle. I truly think about it every single day of my life. I am proud to be from

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE?

La Salle and will never forget how and what they taught me.

I was able to launch Bryn & Dane’s three years ago with only

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS?

$12,000 in startup capital that I earned while working on my

I plan to open three full-scale Bryn & Dane locations next year,

grandfather’s farm. This year, we will surpass $2.5M in revenue.

with an additional five Bryn & Dane’s Markets. From there, we

Our story has twice been published in Men’s Health (six million

will have the capability to grow very quickly. In five years, I plan

readers). We have the largest Social Media following for any

to have Bryn & Dane’s in at least ten U.S. cities, with locations

single restaurant in the Philadelphia region (roughly 28,000 on

numbering in the 300 area.

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30

THE FAB FOUR

MATTHEW C. DERRICK ’02 B.A., TRINITY COLLEGE FA C U LT Y M E M B E R , E N G L I S H D E PA RT M E N T HEAD RUGBY COACH FORMER LASALLIAN VOLUNTEER LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

W Y N D M O O R , PA

ANTHONY MIECZKOWSKI ’06 B.S., UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON FA C U LT Y M E M B E R , S C I E N C E D E PA RT M E N T HEAD CREW COACH FORMER LASALLIAN VOLUNTEER LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL W Y N D M O O R , PA

BRADEN JOSEPH BONNER, MCP, MTA ’07 B.S., CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE N E T W O R K A N D W E B S I T E A D M I N I S T R AT O R FA C U LT Y M E M B E R , C O M P U T E R A N D I N F O R M AT I O N S C I E N C E S LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL W Y N D M O O R , PA

MICHAEL V. MCCABE ’08 B.A., LA SALLE UNIVERSITY FA C U LT Y M E M B E R , E N G L I S H A N D R E L I G I O N D E PA RT M E N T S S P E E C H A N D D E B AT E C O A C H FORMER LASALLIAN VOLUNTEER LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL W Y N D M O O R , PA

HOW DID LA SALLE HELP PREPARE YOU? Men and women who are now our colleagues had a profound effect on us as students. They taught us to be Lasallian and inspired us to teach the minds and touch the hearts of the next generation of La Salle Gentlemen.

WHERE WILL YOU BE IN FIVE YEARS? Where else but at our Alma Mater – La Salle College High School.

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F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: M I C H A E L V. M C C A B E ’ 0 8 , ANTHONY MIECZKOWSKI ’06, M AT T H E W C . D E R R I C K ’ 0 2 , B R A D E N J O S E P H B O N N E R , M C P, M TA ’ 0 7

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

255 27 72 142 99 76

Graduates from

101

different elementary school and

68

zip codes

National Merit Commended Students (including two National Merit Semifinalists)

Members of the National Honor Society (Minimum GPA of

3 2014 2014

AP Scholars (a score of

% of the Class of

% of the Class of

CLASS OF

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 32

3.75

)

or higher on AP exams taken during the

will be attending

97

2012-2013

academic year)

colleges and universities in twenty-six states

34

has earned in excess of $

million in documented scholarships and grants

2 0

1 4

EXTRAORDINARY EXTRACURRICULARS Pennsylvania State Champions – 2 Baseball and Swimming

Flyers Cup Championship Hockey

Pennsylvania State Finalists – 5 Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Hockey, and Swimming

Speech and Debate National Catholic Forensic League School of Excellence Award Top 5 Debate School in America Philadelphia Catholic Forensics League Speech and Debate Champions Pennsylvania High School Speech League District 11 Champions

Philadelphia Catholic League Championships – 5 Golf, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Swimming, and Tennis

District 12 (City) Championships – 7 Baseball, Crew, Golf, Lacrosse, Swimming, Tennis, and Track and Field

E XEPXLPOL R OERRE RS US M UM MM E RE R2 021041 4 3 33 3

PHOTO GALLERY

GRAND REUNION – APRIL 26, 2014

1969

1979

1989

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1999

1974

1984

1994

2004

2009 EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 35

PHOTO GALLERY

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G R A D U AT I O N – M AY 3 1 , 2 0 1 4

JULIA K. MAHER, VICE PRINCIPAL FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION AT LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1983, was awarded a Diploma Honoris Causa during the 151st Commencement Exercises held on Saturday, May 31, 2014. Mrs. Maher officially became the 256th member of the Class of 2014 when Brother James L. Butler, FSC, President, awarded the diploma during his commencement address “for her years of service as a teacher and assistant principal and for the depth of her dedication over more than three decades.” Brother James Butler’s decision to award this dipoma and designation, a carefully guarded secret, was received with a thunderous standing ovation from Mrs. Maher’s new classmates, their families, the faculty, and the Board of Trustees.

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PHOTO GALLERY

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5 0 - Y E A R R E U N I O N – M AY 3 0 – 3 1 , 2 0 1 4

PHOTO GALLERY

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GOLF OUTING – JUNE 16, 2014

W E W E L C O M E / W E R E M E M B E R GLENN FRICKE, EDD ’65 is celebrating the birth of his first granddaughter, Maggie Winifred Eva Williams.

JOHN J. BARRETT ’53, grandfather of Mick Barrett ’14.

JAMES F. CHELIUS, JR., ESQ. ’70 THOMAS J. COLE ’49

DAVID YOST ’93 and his wife, Gina, welcomes a son, Duke Joseph, on February 9, 2014.

KEVIN DOUGHERTY ’00, and his wife, Louise, welcomes a son, James Kevin, on April 19, 2014.

MATT DERRICK ’02 and his wife, Holly, welcomes a daughter, Emilia Ann, on June 2, 2014.

MICHAEL MOSER (Office of Institutional Advancement) and his wife, Lauren, welcomed a daughter, Maeve Catherine, on May 2, 2014.

PAM SEELEY (Science Department) and her husband, Tim, welcomed a daughter, Aubrey Jean, on May 23, 2014.

RONALD C. GILETTI ’58, father of Andrew ’86 and Gregory (Dec’d.) ’82.

JOHN A. GRADY ’55 JOHN J. GRUBER ’50, brother of Edward ’54.

VINCENT J. HAUCK ’43 FRANK L. LAGAN, III ’41, brother of John ’43 and Edward ’48; father-in-law of P. James Toolan ’72; grandfather of James ’04 and Brendan ’08 Toolan.

HENRY H. LYNCH ’64 WILLIAM J. MAHER ’45, father of Andrew ’70; grandfather of Julian ’14.

EDWARD J. ROWLEY, JR. ’49, father of Mark ’82.

AS OF JUNE 28, 2014

WILLIAM L. AMON, father Cathy Winning; father-in-law of Joseph Winning ’69 and Robert Ellis ’68; grandfather of Joseph Winning ’05.

REGINA G. BORRELL, grandmother of Joseph ’97, William ’04, Andrew ’06, and John ’09.

PAMELA BRETT, wife of E. James Brett ’58.

MICHAEL J. FAY, father of Daniel ’96.

ANN FORD, former Admissions Assistant, mother of Kenneth Ford ’03.

CHARLES E. GARGAN, father of Charles E. ’73.

CARL F. GRAMLICH, father of Scott ’78.

HELEN I. GRIFFIN, widow of Honorable Francis V. Griffin (Dec’d.) ’46.

SENA L. KELLY, mother of Maureen Fenningham; mother-in-law of John C. Fenningham, Esq. ’68; grandmother of John Patrick (Dec’d.) ’93 and Timothy ’98 Fenningham.

STANTON J. SHELTON ’48, brother of Richard ’51; uncle of Eric ’90 and Tyler Crouch ’15.

MARYANN MCNICHOL, mother of Joseph ’91.

EDWARD D. REILLEY, father of Michael ’75.

ANNE SMITH, mother of Patrick ’66; grandmother of Joseph Falasco ’95; mother-in-law of R. Gregory Scott ’74.

CAROL STONIS, wife of Tony Stonis ’64.

JULIUS TARSI, father of Julius Tarsi ’70; grandfather of Julius ’92 and Nicholas ’97 Tarsi, Louis ’92 and Michael ’96 Tulio, Robert ’08, Alexander ’14 and Christopher ’18 Marzullo, Austin ’16, Matthew ’18 and Michael ’18 Clibanoff.

WILLIAM F. WARRENDER, MD, grandfather of Bill ’06, Ryan 08, and Shawn ’10.

DOROTHY (MEEHAN) WACKERMAN, wife of Charles ’37, grandmother of Donald ’01, Corey ’03, and Tucker ’09, mother-in-law of Donald Durkin ’73, sister of John ’38, William ’44, and Austin ’49 Meehan (all dec’d).

HALL OF ATHLETICS 3RD ANNUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014 7:00 PM GYMNASIUM AT H L E T E S

COACHES

JOHN HERRERA ’58

MARTY STANCZAK ’60

TWO-SPORT ATHLETE – FOOTBALL

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

AND BASEBALL – EARNING SEVEN

AND COACH

VARSITY LETTERS FOUR-TIME ALL-CATHOLIC SELECTION

WALT FARRELL LEGENDARY SWIM COACH

DAVID GATHMAN ’92 FOUR-SPORT ATHLETE – FOOTBALL, SWIMMING, TRACK AND FIELD, LACROSSE – EARNING EIGHT VARSITY LETTERS

TEAMS 1966-67 SWIM TEAM PHILADELPHIA CATHOLIC LEAGUE AND CITY CHAMPIONS

ALL-AMERICAN SWIMMER 1988 BASEBALL TEAM PHILADELPHIA CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

EXPLORER SUMMER 2014 40

Homecoming …the tradition continues.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Hall of Athletics Induction 7:00 pm

Varsity Football vs.

Roman Catholic High School

Gymnasium

1:00 pm Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School

CENTENNIAL

CELEBRATION OF LA SALLE FOOTBALL

Watch the Explorers tackle a league rival – a

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF LA SALLE FOOTBALL

rematch of the first football game played by

7:00 pm

La Salle – a 6-3 loss to Catholic High (now Ro-

Gymnasium

man Catholic High School) on October 13, 1903.

Halftime Ceremony Recognition of the athletes, coaches, and teams inducted into the La Salle College High School Hall of Athletics.

$40 PER PERSON Price includes Food Stations, Beer, and Wine RSVP by October 10, 2014 Register online at www.lschs.org or call (215) 233-2350

Explorer

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LANSDALE, PA

La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038

PERMIT NO. 93

Change Service Requested

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AUCTION Saturday, November 1, 2014 For information or to help, visit

www.lschs.org/auction