Wall of Distinction Booklet

Stewart IV

stinction

The James H. Stewart IV

Wall of Distinction PMS 289

The James H. Stewart IV

Wall of Distinction PMS Cool Gray 30, CMYK

2020 - 2021

This is the official, inaugural class of Malvern Preparatory’s

James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction Mr. Alan Ameche and Mrs. Yvonne Ameche-Davis P‘71‘72‘76‘77 The Augustinian Friars Brigadier General Curtis Buzzard ‘88 Mrs. Joan Downs P‘96‘98‘98 Mr. Charles P. Kelly III ‘88 Mr. James J. Murray, Jr. P‘88 GP‘16 Mr. Donald F. O’Neill ‘57 TE Mr. James H. Stewart IV P‘86‘94 PT Hon

ames H. Stewart IV

of Distinction

The James H. Stewart IV

Wall of Distinction PMS 289

The James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction

highest quality that inspires young men to lead with

recognizes individuals who have had a profound

humility and heart. The Wall of Distinction provides

and lasting positive effect on both Malvern Prep and

our community with role models to be celebrated,

within their communities. Wall of Distinction

honored, and recognized so that our students know

honorees are wonderful examples of selfless service

what positive leadership looks like and what social

to others and to the Common Good, which

impact means.

demonstrates the Augustinian Core Values of Truth, Unity, and Love – the hallmarks of the Malvern Prep

A member of the Wall of Distinction Committee,

experience. The inaugural class of inductees

Mr. Jim Stewart passed away on August 15, 2020,

demonstrates to our students and community what

prior to the announcement of the inaugural class.

it looks like to have a lasting, positive The impact.James

recognitionIV of his lifetime of selfless service, some H. InStewart

of which is known only to those who sought his Wall of Distinction

Appropriately, the James H. Stewart IV Wall of

counsel, Jim was not only selected to be a part of

Distinction is located in Malvern’s St. Augustine special inaugural class of inductees but PMS Cool Graythis 30,very CMYK Center for Social Impact. The Augustine Center

is being honored in one final way. It is with great

provides both a location and programming for

pleasure that the Wall of Distinction will be named

students to solve problems affecting humanity now

in honor of James H. Stewart IV so that his record of

and in the future. This space helps tell the Malvern

service is forever memorialized at Malvern Prep.

Prep story of an educational experience of the

“

Regardless of his role, Jim sought first to listen and understand while serving with character, dignity, humility, and wisdom.

- Wall of Distinction Committee

”

Mr. James H. Stewart IV P‘86‘94 PT Hon Through 48 years of service to Malvern Prep,

Jim spent his entire adult life as a friend and

Jim not only served the school but thousands

counselor to anyone he knew in need. He was

of Malvern students and others as a classroom

passionate about the success of MECO,

teacher, coach, Headmaster, Head of School,

attending many trips over the years. Perhaps one

and President. He loved teaching and continued

of his greatest accomplishments was overcoming

to teach even while he was Head of School. Jim

his fear of flying so that he could support and

had an unmatched energy and spirit. Regardless

attend the service trips abroad. After each trip

of his role, Jim sought first to listen and

to one of the poorest parts of Peru, Jim would

understand while serving with character, dignity,

share that his greatest joy was watching the

humility, and wisdom. Jim was always

students come to understand that they were the

committed to and passionate about education.

ones who would be changed by the service trip, not those whom they were helping. Following

In addition to his remarkable record of service at

his retirement, Jim continued to serve by

Malvern, Jim combined his love of teaching with

volunteering his time at the Ronald McDonald

his love of football and volunteered as the Head

House on a regular basis. Malvern is grateful for

Coach of St. Dorothy’s seventh-and eighth-grade

the lasting impact Jim has made on our school

varsity football team. Jim served in this role for

community.

50 years and left a legacy of hard work, commitment, and constant improvement. It wasn’t just students and players who were impacted by Jim’s passion for education, but his four children were as well. All four of Jim and Mary’s children are teachers.

ll a W

ray G l o S Co

PM Mr. Alan Ameche and Mrs. Yvonne Ameche-Davis P‘71‘72‘76‘77 T “God provides the wind but man must raise the

Ameche went on to play for the Baltimore Colts

sails.” - St. Augustine

and was named NFL Rookie of the Year and was the star of The Greatest Game Ever Played.

Alan and his beloved Yvonne lifted the sails of

When his career ended early due to injury, he

many individuals and institutions. Alan Ameche

and Yvonne focused on raising a family and

married Yvonne, the love of his life, and together

were part of the team that founded Gino’s, the

they became a formidable duo who did so much

very successful fast-food chain. But their greatest

for so many, often anonymously.

achievement, besides raising a beautiful family,

Born in Italy, Alan’s family immigrated to the United States settling in Kenosha, WI, when he was a young boy. Alan played football in high school and went on to play at the University of Wisconsin, earning accolades like MVP,

was their incalculable support of so many in need. They became active in organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

All-American, and becoming the first player from

Malvern and its students were among the many

the U of WI to win the Heisman Trophy.

beneficiaries of Alan and Yvonne’s substantial largesse, which came in the form of general gifts, scholarships to many students in need, Board service, B.A.S.H sponsors, and other ways likely known only to them and the individual Malvern beneficiaries. Malvern and so many people stand on their shoulders.

“

Alan Ameche was famous for his incredible success on the football field but he and his wife, Yvonne, have been selected for the James H. Stewart IV Wall of Distinction and deserve our recognition and thanks for all the great philanthropic work they did humbly and without fanfare for Malvern and so many other institutions and people.

- J. Michael Riordan ’73

”

“

The Augustinians have had a profound impact on the history and day-to-day life of Malvern Prep. Therefore, honoring the entire Augustinian Order is appropriate and well deserved.

- Wall of Distinction Committee

”

The Augustinian Friars The Order of Saint Augustine includes some 2,800 Augustinians in 47 countries throughout the world. Founded in 1796, the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova was created by a decree of the Prior General of the Order authorizing the establishment of a Province in the United States under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel. In 1841, the Friars purchased a

on academics and the spiritual experience at

PMS CMalvern. It is often referred to as a journey that ootransform will students. The Augustinians l Graour y center of Augustinian life in the Province and 3 0, CM of learners at have created a true community Y our patron, home to Villanova University.

Malvern Prep, modeling the life ofK 200-acre farm 10 miles outside of Philadelphia and established what would soon become the

Malvern Prep is the direct continuation of the academy program founded by the Augustinians in 1842 for Villanova University. The educational model that the Augustinians brought to Malvern Prep is centered around each student’s journey – both his personal journey and his journey within his community. St. Augustine, our patron saint, was above all else a great teacher. The Augustinian teaching approach is focused both

St. Augustine, whose personal journey was centered on community, service to others, and lifelong learning. It is estimated that the Augustinians have helped to educate over 10,000 students at Malvern Prep in the Augustinian spirit of Truth, Unity, and Love.

We are pleased to hold as models for positive social impact, the Augustinians.

Brigadier General Curtis A. Buzzard ‘88 “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names

awards), Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert

are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things

Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Master

are, and Courage to see that they do not remain

Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Presidential

as they are.” ~ St. Augustine

Service Badge, Army Staff Badge, and numerous foreign jump wings.

After graduating from Malvern Prep in 1988, Brigadier General Curtis A. Buzzard continued

BG Buzzard has had the opportunity to work

his academic career at West Point and was

with numerous allies as he commanded our

commissioned an infantry officer from the United

Army’s Combat Training Center in Europe. He

States Military Academy in 1992. He is proud to

is currently the Commandant of the 4,400

have had the opportunity to command soldiers

member Corps of Cadets at West Point. He has

at Company, Battalion, and Brigade levels

shared, “It’s very humbling to play a small role

including many multiple combat deployments.

in the development of Cadets into leaders of

He has served 13 years with the 82nd Airborne

character for our Army.” He is proud of his three

Division, which is part of our Army’s Global

daughters and his wife, Teri, who have all

Response Force. Among his unique opportunities

embraced military life.

has been serving as the Army Military Aide for two Presidents (Bush and Obama).

YK M C , Harvard University and the Marine Corps 0 3 y rHea has deployed to both Iraq and University.

G l o o and his awards and decorations CAfghanistan, S M P include the Defense Superior Service Medal, BG Buzzard earned master’s degrees from

Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star Medal (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), Army Commendation Medal (three

BG Buzzard has lived his life training and leading men and women to serve our country. He did and continues to demonstrate and lead with courage to see that our world will not remain as it is, as St. Augustine has said. His service to his country and mankind reaches people around the globe.

“

Brigadier General Buzzard has dedicated his life to one of Service, Leadership and Caring, impacting people around the globe. He has served in the European Theater, the Middle East, and for two Presidents. His caring for those he leads as well as the people in many countries has not let him forget about his roots. BG Buzzard now serves his country and alma mater by leading the 4,400 cadets at West Point. Curtis has also returned on a few occasions to share his journey with the Malvern Prep student body. He exemplifies a Malvern Alum who ‘enters to learn and goes forth to serve.’

- Joe Redican ’60

”

“

But for the Grace of God and the love and dedication of Mrs. Downs, I may have never known about Malvern Prep. One Friday evening in March of 1992, Mrs. Downs visited my home to tell us about this great private Catholic school in Chester County; the following Saturday she brought us to campus for a driving tour, and a week later I took the entrance exam. My life was changed forever because of her selfless act of Christian Service which is a pillar of the Malvern Community.

- Toby Booker ’96

”

Mrs. Joan Downs P‘96‘98‘98 Mrs. Joan Downs will always be remembered for

Finding the best opportunities in life for her own

her lasting impact on diversity at Malvern Prep.

boys was not enough. Mrs. Downs sought to

Although small in size, Mrs. Downs has been a

establish the framework and pipeline that would

giant in stature to all who have known her.

create generational change for many young men

Mother of eight children, she has always been

to follow. She went on to help to create

a central figure in helping to mold the lives of

equitable and inclusive opportunities for these

young people in the communities in which

students to transcend society’s expectations for

she lived and served. Whether it be the

them. Her tireless work continued across two

neighborhood in West Philadelphia where she

decades to recruit boys throughout Philadelphia,

and the late Mr. Dee Downs raised their family,

Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, and South

in her church home, at the local community

Jersey. Her legacy continues today as second

center, or on the sports field, she has always

and third generations of family and friends have

been a regular and welcomed leader and role

continued to experience the Malvern Augustinian

model.

tradition.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Mrs. Downs was

While Joan didn’t win a Heisman, make

extremely instrumental in helping to facilitate

millions in business running a company, become

a demonstrable increase in students of color

a General or the like, she did so much good by

who would enroll and graduate from Malvern.

giving her best to Malvern. As a result, Joan may

Always recognizable by the van she drove, the

provide the greatest inspiration to our students

fanny-pack she wore around her waist, and the

who otherwise might think that you can only

baseball cap she wore on her head, you always

make a positive social impact if you play on the

knew when Mrs. Downs had arrived. She could

largest stage. Joan provides compelling proof that

often be found in Austin Hall for the usual

doing our best in our part of the world, however

unannounced meeting to present her newest

big or small, can make a meaningful contribution

slate of candidates to become future Malvern

to the Common Good.

Men. She spent tireless hours making home visits with families and giving personalized tours of the campus.

PMS C o

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Charles “Chic” Kelly ‘88

m a J The of

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injury. Chic didn’t think twice. And so it began.

years of Varsity Hockey. He earned an academic

He wanted to help others.

Chic left home in August with the traditional

Coo S PM eventually would earn an MBA in finance. During

aspirations of a college student. However, Chic

that time, Mr. Jim Stewart convinced Chic to come

also entertained hopes of playing collegiate

to Malvern, “just for a year” and begin teaching

hockey for Merrimack.

Theology. Chic has been at Malvern now for over

scholarship to Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. After graduating in June 1988,

Chic Kelly enrolled at St. Joseph’s University and

25 years teaching Theology and Economics.

After successfully walking-on to Merrimack’s hockey team, Chic’s life took a dramatic turn when during

Chic and his family have started The Friends and

practice he was tripped and sent headfirst into the

Family of Chic Kelly Foundation, a non-profit

boards, suffering a severe spinal cord injury. As

organization whose goal is to provide some funds

he was being taken off the ice on the stretcher,

to individuals living with a spinal cord injury who

Chic asked the EMTs and school staff if someone

lack the resources needed to carry out daily living

wouldn’t mind going over to the city’s bus depot

activities. Chic serves as a mentor and inspiration

to pick up a friend of his who was on his way up

to young people who have become paralyzed due

to visit him. This friend happened to be a fellow

to spinal cord injuries. He speaks at schools about

Malvern Prep Friar and classmate of his. Why share

overcoming spinal cord injuries, and how you can

this story with you? Because it captures the

continue to make a positive impact on your world,

essence and soul of Chic Kelly – he is always

no matter what life throws at you.

thinking of others first.

When asked how he gets up every morning with

The injury left Chic a C-5 Quadriplegic. However,

such positive energy, he replied, “When God lets

he refused to let that limit his ability to make a

you know He’s present in your life, He does it

positive impact on others. During his 8 months in

through other people.” Chic concludes with this

the hospital recovering, he was asked by a nurse

message “What you get out of life, is the result of

if he wouldn’t mind speaking with the family of

what you put into it.” Thank you for what you put

another victim who had just suffered a similar

into the lives of so many. Chic Kelly, you truly are an inspiration.

M

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Chic attended Malvern Prep and played four

“

It isn’t lost on me that God lets many people know He is in their lives through the actions and heart of Chic Kelly.

- Mr. Ron Algeo ’87 P’15

”

“

Jim has made an enduring impact on thousands of lives and thousands more yet to come thanks to his leadership with the Ronald McDonald House and other philanthropic work. His dedication to family and service to others truly exemplifies what it means to live a life in accordance with the example set by St. Augustine.

- Ryan Nassib ’08

”

Mr. James J. Murray, Jr. P‘88 GP‘16 Jim Murray has devoted his entire adult life to

Medical Society, and the Catholic Leadership

philanthropy and civic leadership, which includes

Institute’s Award for Outstanding Catholic

co-founding the first Ronald McDonald House

Leadership, among others.

(RMHC) in Philadelphia with Dr. Audrey Evans in 1974. Murray persuaded many of his peers

Jim has been guided by the spirit and teachings

in the NFL to become involved in the unique

of St. Augustine ever since childhood. He has

Ronald McDonald House concept. The Ronald

shared relationships with numerous Augustinian

McDonald Houses provide temporary homes,

brothers for decades, which played a part in his

at little or no cost, for the families of children

journey to becoming part of the Malvern

undergoing treatment for various illnesses at

Community. Through his contributions to

nearby hospitals, helping families with sick

Malvern’s MECO program since its early years,

children in 65 countries save over $930 million

Jim touched the hearts of countless Malvern

each year.

students and is still remembered for the impact he made by those who were able to share that

During his 14 years with the Philadelphia Eagles,

MECO experience with him.

Murray assumed leadership roles in a number of community projects. He helped start the

Empowered by unwavering faith and belief in

successful Eagles Fly for Leukemia campaign

the power of prayer, Jim remains involved in

and has often been recognized for his charitable

the Philadelphia community and has made an

work, receiving numerous awards including the

enduring impact on the lives of thousands

President Ronald Reagan’s Medal for Volunteers

of people.

of America, the American Medical Association’s Citizen of the Year Award, the Bishop DiMarzio Award for Leadership, the Benjamin Rush Humanitarian Award by the Philadelphia County

Mr. Donald F. O’Neill ‘57 TE “Pray as though everything depended on God.

of Malvern Prep (1842 founding as Tolentine

Work as though everything depended on you.”

Academy, 1923 move to the Rosengarten Estate

- St. Augustine

in Malvern, PA). Because Malvern Prep was able to remain open, thousands of young men have

Don O’Neill graduated from Malvern in 1957.

benefitted from the school’s uniquely

Following his time at Malvern, Don attended

Augustinian, value-centered education.

Dartmouth College graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Over the years,

Don is well known for his fundraising

Don has worked with countless Malvern boys

challenges. In 2017, Don challenged the

helping them to gain acceptance to his beloved

Class of 2017 to get 100% participation in

alma mater. He has served as Head Agent for his

the Malvern Fund. They did, and Don doubled

class and was honored by the Stephen F. Mandel

his gift!

Society for exemplary leadership and service to the Dartmouth College Fund.

Mr. O’Neill also devotes time to The Immokalee Foundation which, provides educational and life-

Don is Malvern Prep’s senior statesman and a

skill training to the children of migrant workers in

man who lives Veritas, Unitas, Caritas every day.

Florida. The Immokalee Foundation has served

His service to Malvern Prep includes serving as

1,475 children through its education program

Chair of the Board of Trustees, founder of the Alumni Association, and Chair for three capital

Mr. O’Neill is a proud father and grandfather.

campaigns. He is a lifelong Trustee Emeritus.

He is an avid sportsman and a lifelong Roman Catholic. He and his wife, Ellen, split their time

In 1975, Don was part of the seven-man Trustee

between Florida, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

team along with Alan Ameche, Ed Daly, Fr. Dave

When in Philadelphia he visits his family and

Duffy, Nick Howley, Bob Quigley, and Mike Walsh

always manages a visit to Malvern Prep.

who prevented Malvern Prep from closing its doors. To many, this was the third “founding”

“

The first time I ever met Don, I was a brand new Malvern mom, working on the BASH ad book. We needed a lead sponsor, and I sheepishly called him. His immediate response was, ‘Whatever you need.’ And ... for the last 25 years, he has always responded to Malvern with ‘Whatever you need.’

- Margaret S. Boova P’98 TE

”

If you would like to submit a nominee for consideration of this award, please contact development@malvernprep.org, using the subject line ”Wall of Distinction.”

Malvern Preparatory School offers its sincerest gratitude to the members of the Wall of Distinction Committee. We commend the Committee for their time and dedication to our school and for recognizing this inaugural class of the Wall of Distinction members who have left an indelible and lasting mark on Malvern Prep.

Ron Algeo ‘87 P‘15 Toby Booker ‘96 Margaret Boova P‘98 TE Ryan Nassib ‘08 Joseph Redican ‘60 J. Michael Riordan ‘73

ames H. Stewart IV

of Distinction

The James H. Stewart IV

Wall of Distinction PMS 289

The James H. Stewart IV

Wall of Distinction

418 S. Warren Avenue Malvern, PA 19355-2707 www.malvernprep.org 484-595-1100