Marian Matters (Fall 2010)

MARIAN

Matters

A Newsletter for Marian Catholic Alumni, Parents and Friends. . . Because Marian Catholic Really Does Matter FA L L 2 0 1 0

2011 HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCED

The Marian Catholic High School community will celebrate the achievements of its four remarkable Hall of Fame Awardees on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Olympia Fields Country Club.

The 2011 Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame Awards dinner will honor the accomplishments and endeavors of Alumnus of the Year Michael Bruni ’86, Athlete of the Year Tim Swanson ’86, Fine Arts awardee Dr. Adam Brennan ’82 and Spirit of Marian awardee Sr. Dorothy Marie Solak, O.P. As a result of recent review and recommendations by alumni focus groups, the Hall of Fame will expand beyond the Alumni Association to be inclusive of the wider constituency and will be hosted by the Marian Catholic High School community. Renamed the Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame, the Marian Catholic family and honorees of this distinction, chosen from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends, will be better represented and served. It is expected that this renaming will help dispel the perception that the Hall of Fame is an alumni-only function.

The Hall of Fame awards honors alumni, parents, faculty and friends of Marian Catholic who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field and have exemplified the Dominican traditions of unselfish service to others. Established in 1994 to honor those graduates and friends of Marian who have embodied and upheld the school’s motto “Teaching Scholars with a Soul,” this year’s class of inductees recognizes those who have personified the Marian spirit and celebrates their contributions to their respective fields, communities, church, or within the Marian Catholic community.

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MCHS Alumni & Friends in DC

by Molly Strzelecki ’97 Through the president’s office, over the last seven years, alumni relations efforts have reached out to alumni and friends across the country, hosting events that have taken them to Arizona, New York, Ohio, and California, to name a few. Most recently, Sr. Judine Hilbing, President, Mary Moffatt, Vice President of Advancement, and Carol Burke Swanson ’81, Director of Alumni Relations, traveled to Washington, D.C., gathering with a group of alumni at the Newseum, blocks away from the steps of the Capitol. The night of reconnecting and remembering Spartan days was hosted by MCHS Hall of Famer, Joe Urschel ’70 and eight other local alums.

Joe, the executive director of the Newseum, also gave the group a tour of the museum’s exhibits.

The sophistication and warmth of the reception was enjoyed by all the guests who were clearly pleased to come together under the MCHS banner. An alum couple who worried they would be “guest one and guest two and that’s all” were pleasantly surprised to see 50 plus others join them!

“This alumni distance gathering was really special in that we were able to reach so many alums representing classes across the years,” said Swanson. “What pulled everyone together was the common theme throughout the night of the Marian spirit, the camaraderie and sense of home.”

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HA LL OF FAM E ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR MICHAEL BRUNI ’86 The Marian experience for Michael Bruni ’86 began long before he walked the halls as a student. Starting at the age of eight, Bruni was a ball boy for the Marian football team and his path was set.

Marian became his second home.

“I remember vividly riding in the Savoia’s supply truck that carried all the football pads to the away games. We would follow the bus of players to our destination and help everyone with their stuff,” Bruni said. “I remember counting down the years until my best friend, Mike Feminis ’86, and I could actually wear a uniform versus just carrying them for others.”

Once at Marian, Bruni distinguished himself as a leader and athlete who played football, baseball and basketball, but most importantly, one who lived the Marian spirit.

“I think the charism of Marian is something that, if embraced, will contribute to a student’s success and happiness regardless of whatever field they go into,” Bruni said. “I think the difference at Marian is the charism that is transcended from the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. I think the whole concept of VERITAS, if embraced, will follow a student in whatever field they pursue.”

For Bruni, his own professional development as a leader in non-profit management began at Marian while on Student Council and with Operation Snowball, a statewide leadership program for high school students.

In later years, he would serve as President of the organization and help open chapters in five states, as well as international sites in Poland and in the Netherlands.

Alumnus of the Year On advice from former guidance counselor Ron Centanni, who encouraged him to apply to Purdue Michael Bruni ’86 University, Bruni did and was accepted. His involvement in politics at Purdue and continued involvement LaGrange, Illinois in statewide leadership programs helped propel him to his first job with Parkside Medical Services in the Partner, Laurus Strategies marketing department.

From Parkside he began working with the Illinois Department of Substance and Abuse. It was then This award honors an alumna/alumnus when he made the leap to development and came back to his roots at Marian Catholic as Vice-President of who has contributed outstanding and Advancement in the late 1990’s. He began his own business with a partner he met through MCHS. distinguished service in his/her chosen Today, he is a partner with Laurus Strategies, a national consulting firm that specializes in all aspects of profession and who reflects honorably business development. Bruni’s specific business line remains committed to the non-profit and government on Marian Catholic High School. affairs arena.

“My whole field, development, is all about relationships. The relationships I formed at Marian taught me incredible lessons about being true to myself and to others. The modeling the Springfield Sisters displayed about taking care of others taught me a great deal about our responsibility to each other…

Whether or not one embraced these teachings, you were surrounded by them while at Marian, those lessons were invaluable,” Bruni said.

Throughout the years, Bruni continued to remain close to Marian, its students, missions, and goals, became a popular speaker in youth leadership, and has been invited to speak at several leadership conferences and retreats.

“My Marian relationship and experience hasn’t stopped and it’s one of the primary relationships I have; I feel very fortunate for having Marian in my life,” Bruni said.

Bruni and his family live in LaGrange and are members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR TIM SWANSON ’86 Tim Swanson ’86 and his then fiancée, Stacey, were planning to marry in 1993, but the planning had to work around the Spartan football season, as both had anticipated a winning season for the Marian football team.

“We had to plan our wedding around the football season, and scheduled the wedding for the week after the state championship,” Swanson said, who at the time was assistant varsity football coach, working with defensive backs and special teams.

The football team did go on to win the IHSA Class 4A State Championship and the Swansons had their wedding as planned.

Marian athletics have always been an important part of Swanson’s life. A two-year varsity starter for the Spartan football team and a three-year starter for the Spartan baseball team, Swanson earned All-Area selections for both sports. He also played on the Spartan basketball team earning two varsity letters.

As a student at Indiana State University, Swanson received Varsity Letters in both Baseball and football, and played third base and catcher in baseball and defensive back in football.

After he finished his collegiate career, while trying to find a job and attending grad school, he came back to Marian and applied for a football coaching position, but none were available. Three weeks later, Coach Dave Mattio offered him a defensive coordinator position for the freshman football team. In 1992, he was moved to assistant varsity football coach and is now assistant varsity football coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach. In the meantime, he obtained a job in the safety department for Meade Electric.

Once again, Marian became an integral part of Swanson’s life.

“My kids have grown up at the school and have run around the football field since they could walk, pretty much knowing every player by name…MCHS was a family where I felt I was, and am, always welcome,” Swanson said.

Beyond his coaching commitment, Swanson, Ed Ziltz ’80 and Jim Dee ’80 founded the Tail Power Classic golf outing which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2011, as well as a Texas Hold’em fundraising event (co-chaired by his brother, Rob Swanson ’91) which is held every January in the Leadership Center. The events raise money for Marian Athletics.

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Athlete of the Year Tim Swanson ’86 Chicago Heights, Illinois Safety Director/Risk Manager, Meade Electric

This award honors the accomplishments of an alumna/alumnus or staff member who has participated in the Marian Catholic High School Athletic Program and has achieved a high level of recognition in athletics, either professionally, collegiately, or at Marian.

HA LL OF FAM E “Over the years, it has become a way for us to help the athletics program and encourage alumni to return to the school family,” Swanson said.

In addition, Swanson and the Tail Power crew helped with building the new Bergstrom Fitness Center, from demolition to installing floors, lights and equipment, honoring former football coach, Physical Education teacher, and Marian Hall of Famer Bob Bergstrom.

In 1999, Swanson completed his graduate degree in Occupational Safety with honors, which he utilizes in his current position as Safety Director/Risk Manager for Meade Electric.

For Swanson, coaching is a year-round commitment, scouting on weekends, going over game tapes, being in the weight room and running sports camps during the summer.

Swanson and his wife live in Chicago Heights with their two children, Patrick and Reilly Jo. Patrick is a student at Marian Catholic and Swanson is the Athletic Board President at his parish, Infant Jesus of Prague in Flossmoor, where Stacey teaches and Reilly Jo is a student.

FINE ARTS ACHIEVEMENT DR. ADAM BRENNAN ’82 From a young age, Dr. Adam Brennan ’82 had set his sites on joining the military and following in his older brother’s footsteps. But all that changed on the very first day of band practice at Marian Catholic High School.

“I knew from the first time that I saw Greg Bimm (MCHS Band Director) that I was going to be a band director,” Brennan said. “The very first day that I watched him conduct and saw how he got the sound out Fine Arts Achievement of the musicians, well, it was just inspiring.”

Dr. Adam Brennan ’82 That inspiration led Brennan to become one of the East Coast’s influential band directors. Today, he Wellsboro, Pennsylvania is Director of Bands at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, where he conducts the top wind ensemble, writes all musical arrangements and coordinates the staff of the marching band, and serves as coordinator of Director of Bands, Mansfield University undergraduate and graduate instrumental conducting.

This award honors the achievements of Brennan has recorded numerous compact discs with the Mansfield University Bands, including one with an alumna/alumnus or staff member the world premiere of Brennan’s composition for band entitled Tenebrae (Dark Hours), American Portraits, in the Fine Arts – drama, art, music, Concord!, North Central Winds, Resonance, and Sun and Shade. broadcasting and choral. A nominee He started his career as Director of Bands at Kankakee Valley High School in Wheatfield, Indiana, then should have achieved a high level or joined Western Illinois University as Associate Director of Bands before his tenure at Mansfield. He received recognition in his/her particular field. his doctorate in musical arts instrumental conducting in 2000.

The youngest of seven children, who all attended Marian Catholic, Brennan found his second home at Marian.

“I spent every waking moment I could when I wasn’t in class in that band room, being there hours early and making a pest out of myself to Greg,” Brennan said.

Although he credits his parents for their influence on his life, Brennan said the impact of Marian Catholic has to be described as a spiritual one.

“That connection to God and the importance of God in my life has never left me. Being a teacher for 25 years has given me a deep appreciation for the Catholic education that I received. The religious foundation and the relationship with God have been very, very important to who I am,” Brennan said.

Dr. Brennan has also served as the percussion ensemble arranger and pit ensemble consultant for the World Champion Empire Statesmen Drum and Bugle Corps, and was caption head of the DCI Class-A 60 Champion Northmen Drum and Bugle Corps. He is the Musical Director of America’s Ensembles and was the artistic director and arranger of the International Marine Tattoo of Rochester, New York. He is twice a past president of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmaster’s Association and has been involved in 12 world premieres at Mansfield University. In 2007, he was inducted to the prestigious American Bandmaster’s Association. He continues an active career as a composer, conductor and percussionist-performer.

His professional memberships include the College Band Director’s National Association, the Music Educator’s National Conference and the Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternities (honorary member), and the Autism Society of America.

Brennan and his wife, Kate, live in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania with their three children, Max, Ian, and Maggie and are members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro.

SPIRIT OF MARIAN SR. DOROTHY MARIE SOLAK, O.P. Sr. Dorothy Marie Solak, O.P., may be short in stature but she is long in energy. She says she draws that energy from the students at Marian Catholic High School.

“Marian kids are special,” Sr. Dorothy said. “I can love kids wherever I am, but it really is the Marian kids who are so special. They are happy to be here, and I think that is because of the Marian environment, because of the caring community.”

Sr. Dorothy is a huge part of that caring community. If she is not scheduled to feed the homeless at a local shelter, Sr. Dorothy will attend any Marian athletic competition or performance when able. When she isn’t in the stands or seats cheering students on, she can be found outside selling spirit wear, rain or shine.

“I go to as many activities as I can because the kids like to know that we are there, rooting for them and interested in their activities,” she said.

Sr. Dorothy grew up on the far northwest side of Chicago before she attended the University of Michigan where she graduated with an undergraduate and masters in history. After her graduation, she taught in the 3

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Spirit of Marian Sr. Dorothy Marie Solak, O.P. Chicago Heights, Illinois Director of Recruitment, Marian Catholic High School This award honors an alumna/alumnus, staff member or friend of Marian, who best exemplifies the Dominican traditions of unselfish service to others and outstanding contribution to Marian, his/her community, or church.

Hall of Fame continued...

Chicago Public School system for two years before she entered the Dominican Sisters of Springfield community in 1976.

She then was assigned to several grade schools and was named administrator of the order’s retreat center in Springfield before she came to Marian in 1994. She started helping in the administrative offices at MCHS, but then was asked to take on the role of Recruitment Director, a job she has since held.

“As Recruitment Director, it is my job to make sure that prospective students have a good idea of what the school is all about: academics, athletics, fine arts, clubs and organizations and our leadership program,” she said.

Sr. Dorothy makes personal visits to Catholic grade schools and attends as many high school fairs as possible. Her territory covers 75 different zip codes, including Indiana.

“I think because I love what I am doing, it is easy to be successful at it,” Sr. Dorothy explained.

Sister is also the Service Club moderator, organizer, and chaperone for yearly Appalachia mission trips, a leader at Operation Snowball, and one of the fencing coaches at Marian.

“Sr. Dorothy Marie does so much for the Marian community, yet makes the heavy and complex workload she carries appear simple and easily achievable,” said MCHS Board President Michelle Feldner Lancaster ’77. “She brings smiles to everyone, makes those around her strive to be better just because they are in her presence, always makes time for anyone who needs her, and is dedicated and committed to the mission of Marian Catholic High School…she embodies the Spirit of Marian.”

Students are drawn to her and each is treated with respect and compassion.

“Because of my interactions with the students, I have more hope and faith in the future,” Sr. Dorothy said. “I find the students to be service oriented, academically oriented, kind to each other, and they have a good rapport with the adults in their lives, especially their teachers.”

Sr. Dorothy lives in the convent at Marian Catholic High School with her fellow Dominican Sisters of Springfield. However, because of her passion for the Michigan Wolverines, she can often be found on the other side of the convent when the other Sisters are watching a Notre Dame game.

ALUMNI HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2011

Mark your calendar for Alumni Gathering & Reunions!

To better serve the needs of our Alumni who flock back to Marian Catholic for both the Alumni Homecoming Gathering and the formal class reunions, the Alumni Office will be moving these events from the school’s traditional homecoming weekend and create its own Alumni Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 14 and 15.

“This provides us with an opportunity for the entire community to concentrate on our alumni,” said Carol Burke Swanson ’81, Director of Alumni Relations. “In the past our class reunions had to share the school with the 1,100 students who attend their Homecoming Dance in the West Gym. By separating the events, we will have more resources to devote to our Alumni, making it a more special weekend.”

Please join us for the Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame Awards Dinner

The weekend will begin with the traditional Alumni Homecoming Gathering on Friday, Oct. 14, after the football game (MCHS vs. Notre Dame) with doors opening at halftime for the Class of 2006 complimentary Class Reunion.

The formal reunions for the Classes of 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1991, and 2002 will be held in the Sr. M. Paul McCaughey O.P. Leadership Center on Saturday, Oct. 15.

As we Acknowledge and Celebrate Mike Goldrick For his 50 Years of Service to the Marian Catholic Community See back cover for reservations.

If you are interested in serving on your class reunion committee, please contact Carol Burke Swanson (708) 756-9775 or cswanson@marianchs.com.

Teacher, Coach, and Dean to thousands of “Scholars with a Soul.”

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LAUNCH of the 2010-2011 MARIAN FUND Everyone knows that providing a student with a quality Catholic education takes an enormous amount of commitment: commitment of faculty and staff; commitment of families, who make sacrifices to be able to afford tuition; commitment of the Board of Directors, Dominican Sisters, and administration to ensure that students receive the absolute best Catholic education available; and commitment of the students themselves, who are self-motivated and determined to excel and succeed.

Detailed information about each of these programs is on the Marian website, www.marianchs.com (click on Advancement). The three areas of concentration this year are Unrestricted Gifts, The Sr. Simeon Fund, and Campus Enhancement.

There are almost as many ways to participate as there are unique programs. From special mailings to emails, to newsletter notifications, and Phonathon calls from students and parents, the Marian community can pledge or gift online, through the mail, over the phone, and now, by electronic transfer of funds. The case to support MCHS remains strong, the careful stewardship of gifts is ever present, and the opportunities to give have been made easier.

Even when all this commitment works in complete harmony, there still remains a gap between what tuition covers and what this quality Catholic college-prep education actually costs.

The Marian Fund is essential to bridge the financial gap. We used to refer to the Marian Fund as the Marian Annual Fund, but the word “Annual” implies once a year. Just as in a calendar year from January to December, Marian’s fiscal year from July to June, includes 365 days of opportunities to support the Marian Catholic educational mission. There are nine unique programs of giving to the Marian Fund, and donors often elect to participate in more than one program throughout the year:

You are sure to find an avenue for giving that is best suited to your individual preferences. Perhaps a Student Calendar, a Phonathon pledge and a memorial/honorarium or two? Maybe a brick to commemorate your student’s graduation, and a gift to The Sr. Simeon Fund to help other qualified students in financial distress? Or, perhaps attending alumni events and participating in a class gift is more to your liking.

As the fundraising division of the Marian Catholic community, the Advancement Department is a group of dedicated professionals who are committed to researching and implementing timely funding initiatives matching financial resources with school needs, preserving the high standards of a Marian Catholic education for generations to come. Through special relationships, careful database management, extensive Alumni programs, events, and opportunities, targeted fundraising, and prolific public relations and marketing, Marian Catholic is committed to remain the premier choice for Catholic education in the Chicago Southland.

Unrestricted Gifts Restricted (designated) Gifts Student Calendar Drive Sr. Simeon Fund for Tuition Aid Alumni & Parent Phonathons Parent Pledge Program Memorial & Honorarium Programs Alumni Reunions & Events Buy-A-Brick

Joe Boesen ’05 makes his Marian Fund pledge from his cubicle at work. “Online giving makes it really easy to do my part for the Marian Fund,” he remarked. “Everyone should try it!”

Todd Toborg ’88 participates in the “Graduation Year Giving” program by making a first-time gift of $19.88 to the Marian Fund online.

MCHS & Friends Alumni in DC continued from page 1 Post-tour, alumni and friends gathered for a reception and brief remarks from school representatives and committee host, Chris McDonnell ’01, who reiterated that as alumni find their place in the DC area and in life, they should also “find their place” within the Alumni Association.

“Find your place in staying connected with the Marian community,” McDonnell urged.

“Whether it’s simply sharing your information so that you can stay updated with all the happenings in the Marian community, volunteering to help organize a reunion or even happy hour with fellow alums, agreeing to share your career progressions and advice with a current student, or making a commitment to give annually to the Marian Fund–find your place in being involved,

so we can help ensure that future Marian students continue to have similar exceptional experiences.”

have served us well!”

Thomas ’77 and Janice (Merlo) ’78 Call.

Memories were recalled, friendships reignited, and new ones made. Below are just a few of the comments from the evening’s attendees.

“The alumni event at the Newseum was a wonderful evening. The venue was amazing and the company was even better. I was able to reconnect with friends with whom I’d lost touch, as well as discover new connections. It was suddenly like having a little piece of home right here in Washington.” Joanna Fee ’96.

“I had no idea the Marian family had such a strong presence in our nation’s capital. I was very impressed to hear fellow alumni share their stories of success and adventure, all attributable to their years at MCHS.” Bryan Klopack ’02.

“It was wonderful to meet many Marian alumni, each person more accomplished than the next. It truly says that our Midwest values, along with our Catholic education at Marian 5

Molly V. Strzelecki is a 1997 graduate of MCHS. She lives in Washington, DC, and works as a senior editor for a health care association.

Marian Sweethearts Through Forty-Plus Years When the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) came in 1988, the sweethearts knew they were in for some difficult times ahead, but neither imagined how the disease would ravage the body of the vibrant, energetic young mother.

With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one’s own immune system, resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation. -Web MD Now living in a handicapped accessible, ranch style home in Crete, the couple cherishes their time together.

“These days, every effort is made to enhance Chrissey’s quality of life, not to try every experimental drug or therapy that comes along,” says Mike. “We’ve been through so many ups and downs, promises and disappointments with this disease. We’ve learned that by holding onto our faith and our love for each other, we’ll make it through together.”

Chrissey’s typical day includes monitoring her vitals, receiving nutrition and medication through a feeding tube surgically placed into her stomach, and various other procedures to address pressure ulcers.

Preventing infection is the main concern, as any opening can become the gateway for life-threatening complications.

She gets up every day to spend a few hours with her mother. They read novels, look at magazines and play board games.

She likes to watch Good Morning America, Oprah and The View in the morning, but also keeps a keen eye on the multiple bird feeders just outside the dining room window. Mike has set up a home office at the end of the dining room table, and spends as much time with Chrissey as possible.

Although watching his partner physically deteriorate, Mike still feels that, as a couple, they are truly lucky.

“We have friends who have gone through divorce, others who have lost loved ones, and some who have children that struggle with afflictions. We are very fortunate to have each other, a wonderful daughter, and a close family,” he said.

Mike has been a member of the Marian Catholic Endowment Golf Classic Committee for a number of years and attends alumni events when he can. He made it to the Class of 1970 reunion in September, where classmates “signed Chrissey’s yearbook” with fond memories and words of encouragement since she was unable to be there in person.

The Marian family has meant a lot to both Mike and Chrissey. It was where they began their journey together. It also gave them both a great education and reinforced their faith in God. Marian continues to be a source of joy, as old MCHS friends contact them through cards, the internet, and visits.

Her sparkling blue eyes say more in a flash than many people verbalize in minutes of talking. With a special valve placed in her trach tube and by taking a deep breath, Christine (Kowalsky) Murphy ’70 speaks in short phrases, answering questions and helping spark the memory of husband Mike Murphy ’70.

Sweethearts since their junior year at Marian, the couple went to homecomings, turnabouts, and proms, making the most of their high school experience. Mike went to Knox College in west central Illinois, and Chrissey went to Northern Illinois University. Long before cell phones, the couple kept in touch via long distance phone calls, and each occasionally hitch-hiked from one campus to the other to visit. When Mike was a senior, he got an old car and the trips became less risky.

“It was really no big deal back then,” said Mike. “Hitch-hiking was how everyone got from place to place when they didn’t have a car, right, honey?” He patted her hand gently and she nodded in complete agreement.

Marriage came next for the grads in September of 1974, just as both were beginning their careers. Mike started at IBM, where today he is a Sales Manager in the Global Services group. Teaching jobs were scarce for elementary education majors in 1974, so Chrissey became a copy editor for Encyclopedia Britannica. They lived in Evanston for a time, enjoying the city life, and moved to Park Forest before starting their family. Daughter Jenny ’00 was born in 1982 and life seemed completely normal for a time.

Then, the strange and non-specific symptoms began.

Chrissey would stumble occasionally for no apparent reason, and would sometimes drop things unexpectedly. Explained away due to a hectic, tiring lifestyle and caring for a grade-schooler, it wasn’t until the symptoms became more and more pervasive that medical attention was sought.

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MCHS HIGHLIGHTS FOOTBALL GOLF Marian juniors and co-MVPs Bree Veazey and Sylvie Brick led the women’s golf team to a sixth place finish at the Class AA IHSA State Tournament.

Junior tailback Jeruel Taylor helped lead the Marian football team to a 7-3 overall record, second place in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and a fourth IHSA Playoff appearance in the last five years.

TENNIS Freshman Gaby Rosales qualified for the IHSA State Tennis tournament, posting a 3-2 record at the state tourney.

MARIAN CATHOLIC MARCHING SPARTANS NOTCH 31ST CONSECUTIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

The band was named overall champion from among 40 Illinois marching bands. At Bands of America Grand Nationals, the band placed 7th overall and first in their class.

Ten Marian Seniors signed National Letters of Intent- seated, from left: Briana Clark, Softball (University of Inianapolis), Shawna Sadler, Softball (Western Kentucky), Alexis DiGiovanni, Lacrosse (Augustana), Barbara Jean Vega, Lacrosse (Augustana); back, from left: Hannah Conway, Lacrosse (Adrian College), Becca Gray, Softball (SIU-Edwardsville), Rachel Glenn, Softball (Missouri Science and Technology), Jasmine Matthews, Basketball (Bowling Green), Simone Law, Basketball (Loyola University) and Jamie Johnson, Basketball (Lewis University).

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Editor’s Note: Mallory Eggert ’09 went on a mission trip to Haiti after the devastating earthquake earlier this year. The following is a letter from Mallory to her friends and family who generously showed their support by contributing items for the journey. Mallory is currently a sophomore at St. Louis University, and plays on the Women’s Basketball team.

Hello Everybody!!

I hope you had a fabulous Fourth of July, I know I did!

I am obviously back from Haiti, safe and healthy. It was a tremendous trip and I enjoyed every minute of it! I plan on making it an annual adventure. Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and donations. The kids absolutely loved the coloring books and crayons. We colored just about every day. The soaps came at just the right time because they seemed to be running out. The boys and girls loved the flip flops and really needed them because some were shoeless. The kids ate up all our granola bars and nuts; they thought they were delicious. With all the stuff we brought it was like Christmas, probably even more. Their teacher, Emmanuel, loved the new school supplies.

All the money donated will be used to purchase a greatly needed swing set. The swing set will be used by all the kids. The little girls were in heaven with all the hair doo-dads. They all wanted their hair done. Thank you so much for your contributions, they most definitely did not go unappreciated!

Haiti, for the most part, was exactly how I expected it to look. The streets were unpaved, some people lived in tents made from all kinds of material, but you would have never known that they had just experienced a devastating disaster. All the people were in high spirits and loved life. The culture there is much different than ours. For them everything is about sharing and paying it forward. They care more about giving than having. At the orphanage the children shared everything…even lollipops! The kids always offered what they had to us.

I basically played with kids from 7am to 9pm every day. They were so much fun! A few days we went to a different orphanage called Mother Theresa’s. There we held and fed sick babies and kids. These were the best and hardest days. After one encounter I couldn’t bring myself to eat for a day and a half. Some babies were so sick and little that I was afraid I was going to break them if I picked them up. Mother Theresa’s got hit pretty bad by the earthquake. About 100 kids were living in tents. Every kid just wanted to be held and loved, so that is exactly what we did. We were energetic and showered them with love from sun up to sun down. You had no choice but to pick up two babies at once and then have at least one by your feet because you couldn’t bear the screams. They just clung onto you with all the strength they had left. Their cries broke my heart but when they smiled all the pieces were put right back where they belonged!

That is just a little news from my trip and a few of my favorite pictures. Thanks for everything!

Love, Mallory

BUY-A-BRICK There are many ways to honor someone in the Marian family, but one of the most enduring ways is with an inscribed brick in the Legacy Walkway outside the West Gym. For a graduate, as a memorial, or to honor entire families, inscribed bricks become a lasting tribute.

Great Gift Idea The Buy-a-Brick Program allows everyone an opportunity to participate at the low cost of $100. ($75 is tax deductible) If you would like to Buy-a-Brick, please call Kathy Dalton in the Advancement Office (708) 756-9441 or email kdalton@marianchs.com.

ORDER NOW! To be included in the next round of inscribed bricks placed in time for May 2011 graduation, brick orders must be received by February 14, 2011!

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Alumni Focus Groups

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Closing Report Over the course of three evenings, more than 50 alums participated in the Alumni Focus Groups. While the meetings were held at Marian Catholic, the reach was national as alums across the country also participated via teleconferencing.

Items identified as focus for Alumni Relations: • • •

The purpose of the Alumni Focus Group study was to review current efforts, to understand, evaluate, and propose ways to strengthen and redefine the Alumni Relations and Advancement programs.

More specifically, they focused and reviewed four areas: Alumni Association, Hall of Fame, Off-Site Networking, Publications and Fund Development. Two meetings were held to discuss the main topics. A core group then met to go over each group’s top priorities to determine the main objectives listed here.

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Marian Catholic has a base of alumni who, when called upon, are generous with their time, talents and treasure with evidence that there are “more in the wings” who would be receptive to involvement in alumni programs in partnership with the Alumni Relations Office at Marian Catholic High School.

Alumni Association

Engage Alumni Reintroduce Alumni Association Link Class Representatives to Alumni Association and Hall of Fame Host Alumni Gatherings to promote the common Marian bond with a benefit to the school; friend-raising, fund-raising, and student mentoring Add new dimensions to Marian Matters and Alumni Publications Reflect the need to implement technology, including social networking, to the communication mix

The thousands of students touched by the Dominican Pillars through the past 50 years are one of Marian Catholic’s assets and treasures. The Alumni Focus Groups have set the stage for reaching out to our alumni to further engage them and connect them to the school community.

Focus Group Committee: June Ranieri Cleary ’75, Eileen Gallagher Daw ’78, Joe Hamann ’79, Joe Leemans ’85, Kevin Marvinac ’05, Colleen O’Neill Ranieri ’83, John Schumake ’74, Judy Welsh ’68, Jen Ziltz ’89

The Marian Catholic Alumni Association will be the centerpiece of the Alumni Relations program bringing alumni together in a structured environment. However, the program needs to be jumpstarted with renewed leadership, adding class representatives from graduation years and affinity groups. In addition, making the transition from MCHS student to alum is essential. It remains certain that an authentic relationship, sensitive to the needs and interests of our alumni, takes time to discern, cultivate and grow.

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1. Structure of Group • Group structure will continue to be: o President o Vice-President o Class Representatives The role of Class Representative was discussed.

One CR for each class invited and appointed by committee Add Affinity Groups, i.e. football champs, band, choir representatives Act as the go-to person for their class/group Charged by the Executive Committee to spread the word Put out the word to meet as a whole 2. Reintroduction of the Alumni Association • Intent of Alumni Association o Social o Offer more opportunities for Alumni to do something/ connect i.e. off campus events such as Sox/Cubs game

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Offer more altruistic opportunities in the school to help the students – even one on one Offer more events – small and large – for alumni to gather and participate like Marian Madness and Alumni annual fundraising Cultivate Class Representatives

Increase/Jump Start Involvement o Consider everyone a member of the AA – Use “Welcome to OUR organization” o Place article in Fall/2010 issue of Marian Matters o Have information about and define roles for people to view o Invite people to be officers o Invite people to get involved with the AA – sometimes a personal invitation is all that is needed o Have a Reintroduction Party at the Alumni Homecoming Gathering o Have Power Point’s running on the screens o Have an Alumni Association Meeting after Homecoming o Market the association via Marian Matters, email blast, Facebook, etc. o Have information and sign-up sheets at all events o Distribute T-Shirts/Decals/Alumni Pins

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Focus Group Committee: Joe Christofanelli ’80, Laura Willard Doyle ’89, Lou Giannini ’82, Jim McAteer ’89, Kathy Stocker Michels ’81, Jill Martin Raymond ’83, Kathy Skagerberg ’71, Dwight Snow ’87, Joe Zagone ’74, Ed Ziltz ’80

The focus of the Hall of Fame will shift from an event sponsored by the Marian Catholic Alumni Association to an event hosted by the Marian Catholic High School Community. Renamed the Marian Catholic Hall of Fame, the event will better represent the recipients of the award – alumni, friends of Marian and Marian staff. The nominee selection will be broadened by the additional use of Class Representatives who will help feed them into the pool of nominations.

3. Consider nominee questionnaire when they get nominated or follow a consistent vetting process with each nominee 4. Consider guest speakers i.e. faculty/staff member, alum, or other significant person

1. The Alumni Hall of Fame actually will be known as the Marian Catholic Hall of Fame inasmuch as not all nominees/awardees are alum

5. Continue with Pillar Awards which can be given every five years or so, and honored at the HOF unless another venue more appropriate

2. Use alumni class representatives to ask their class for recommendations

Off-Site Networking

Focus Group Committee: Byron Anderson ’79, John Badeusz ’79, Carla Cortes ’81, Brian Driscoll ’79, Bob Jones ’79, Jerry McIlvain ’75, Chris Ormsby ’93, Mario Pierre-Jerome ’84, Shannon Reidy ’90, Chris Rohaly ’79

There is a draw to coming together with one affinity – as graduates of Marian Catholic High School – and the best way to do that is through hosted events for Marian alumni. In addition to adding gatherings with specific purposes, i.e., networking, it is also important to come together for leisure events. The purpose should always remain the same; benefit the school through fundraising or friend-raising while giving alumni an opportunity to continue the Marian bond.

2. Host other events in Chicago or other cities for social gathering • Purchase group seats and go to Cubs or Sox games in town or travel to neighboring cities • Plan a party at a bar in Milwaukee when Cubs are playing Milwaukee Brewers 3. Event should eventually to benefit the school in some way • Friend raising • Income • Student mentoring

1. Host one big annual networking event i.e. Chicago Metro Gathering • Expand the social aspects and have a speaker/purpose such as Networking and promote the benefit to alums especially the younger alums • Chairs/Committees will do planning

Publications

4. Alumni Association Reps – Class Reps • Develop strong leaders who can act as chairs of events

Focus Group Committee: Mary Cassidy ’86, Jim Dee ’80, Laura Weeden Doyle ’89, Bill Eberhardt ’79, Mary Kate Gergel ’03, Patty Krop Glomb ’82, Michelle Feldner Lancaster ’77, Steve Tortorello ’04

Creating an engaging link between Marian Catholic and our alumni and friends is imperative and one of our tools is the publication Marian Matters. By fine tuning the publication to make it more attractive to read, the goal is to draw in more readers who are attentive to its content. However, new dimensions will be added to our communication; emails, technology based video messages, communicating through social media, and Marian’s web page will be utilized.

2. Interact with all Electronic Mediums • Marian’s webpage videos and links o Expand o Monitor • Utilize Facebook page for news and links to MCHS website information 3. Class Reps • Alumni Association information resource • Point Person for class news which will bridge the info loop between classmates & alumni office • Serve for 2-3 years • Use as source to share news/potential stories for Marian Matters

1. Marian Matters • Continue hard copy publication with attention to layout – less text, more pictures • More feature articles • Add Marian grads in the military • Memorials – keep to Marian grads & faculty • Survey of how to receive Marian Matters o On-line o Hardcopy 10

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Focus Group Committee: Mike Bruni ’86, Bill Butcher ’83, Charlie Gallagher ’77, Carlo Gozzi ’00, Peter Kroner ’05, Afam Onyema ’97, Angie Costello Rizzi ’83

Sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL, it is believed that attending Marian is a privilege for the students whose families have demonstrated their commitment to Catholic education and as alumni they carry the legacy into the world. Therefore, we have a mission that we must aggressively fund.

3. Build the Culture of Giving - Fund the Mission • Make it easy to give • Stay on message • Recruit and promote alumni led annual giving by class and reunion • Introduce a peer-to-peer program of student and young alumni giving that starts as a freshman • Promote Planned Giving to appropriate classes

1. Engage Alumni Reconnect with the Disconnects • Establish the Alumni Association • Expand Affinity Groups • Strategically segment alumni contacts • Expand Regional Alumni Gatherings • Continue Alumni & Friends Travel • Record cell phone numbers for future contact

4. Direct Technology to Constituents • Segment by affinity • Increase use of contemporary technologies/media • Expand electronic solicitation • Promote On-line Giving • Employ video/DVD, electronic media and internet social networking proportionately • Post or email 2-minute videos by interest or affinity • Produce student/alum video stories with trailer that asks for an investment to MCHS/ & e-mail

2. Foster Institutional Memory • Create mentoring and interactive social opportunities between students and alumni • Give keepsakes of student life; e.g. black & gold cross similar to Kairos. Alumni pin and pinning ceremony helps bridge alum connection.

• Use nostalgia and “Remember Where You Came From” in communications • Incorporate Leadership Training that emphasizes roots and lifetime philanthropy to current MCHS students • Facilitate alumni “direct contact” with faculty, Sisters, coaches, directors, etc.

Class Representative Job Description What does an Alumni Association Representative do?

Throughout the Alumni Focus Group discussion, two factors rose to the top in importance: jumpstart the Marian Catholic Alumni Association, and engage alumni in the process both by outside participation and also with the use of Class Representatives.

Their role is simply to act as a go-to person for their class and a contact for the Alumni Association. By spreading the news of the activities of the Alumni Association, the class representatives play an important role as a link between the two groups.

In addition to Class Representatives, the Alumni Association is also looking for people to represent various groups within the Marian Catholic Community such as band, choir, sports, fine arts, different decades, etc.

The job description is simple – serve as your group or class envoy to help connect the Marian Catholic Alumni Association with the people it serves.

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CALLING ALL ALUMNI! Join your fellow Spartans on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. as our guests at Aurelio’s Pizza, 18162 Harwood Ave., Homewood to jumpstart the Marian Catholic High School Alumni Association.

Find Your Place The Alumni Association is your organization and every alum is automatically a member.

This meeting is for both those who want to be casual members and for those who are interested in leadership roles – with each, you can find your place within the association.

Come share your ideas while enjoying hometown pizza and fun.

For more information, contact Carol Burke Swanson ’81, Director of Alumni Relations cswanson@marianchs.com or 708-756-9775.

Save-the-Date Sparty on the March Alumni & Friends Gathering Ft. Myers, Florida Hosted by Patricia (Macready) Wiggenhorn ’63 and Patricia (Pignotti) Knepler ’63

Sunday Brunch, February 20, 2011 For an invitation and more information, contact Mary Moffatt, Vice President of Advancement (708) 756-9767 or mmoffatt@marianchs.com

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1965 • 1970 • 1975

2010 REUNIONS It was two weekends of fun for Marian Catholic Alumni.

A record crowd filled the Leadership Center for food and fun after the Marian football team won their homecoming game against Notre Dame. Throughout the Leadership Center mini-reunions were occurring in every corner as alumni from throughout the years became reacquainted.

The Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. Leadership Center was the center of activity for alumni events which included seven class reunions and the ever popular Alumni Homecoming Gathering.

On Sept. 18, 2010 the Class of 1970 and the Class of 1990 met friends both old and new as they celebrated their reunion.

The next day, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, the Leadership Center was transformed for the reunions of the Classes of 1975, 1980, 1985 and 2000.

The following weekend the Class of 2005 returned to the school on Sept. 24, 2010 for their 5-year Class Reunion which coincided with the Homecoming Alumni Gathering. Nearly 100 Class of 2005 grads enjoyed the complimentary food and beverages while they shared memories and tours of the building.

The events could not have happened without the dedication and hard work of the reunions committees who not only went out of their way to make sure all of their fellow classmates knew about the event but also had a great time at the Reunion.

Bill Murphy ’65 and Kay Cowan Krusinski ’65

Jamie Smart, Mary Jane Doerr ’70, Concetta Vitelli Smart ’70 and Mike Murphy ’70

Dave Gromala ’75, Kathy Gromala, Cheryl Feldner and Mark Feldner ’75

Jim Hudzig ’65, Curt Ribando ’65 and Tom Sadler ’65

Gerard Schrementi ’70, Debbie D’Apice Schrementi ’71, Gay Petrarca Essig ’70, Kristine Fox Graham ’70, Theresa Trotier Napoli ’70 and Clara Bullaro Bradley ’70

Bill Cleary ’75, Marianne Zerante Smith ’75, Bob Smith ’75 and John Jelinek

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1980 • 1985 • 1990 REUNION COMMITTEE MEMBERS Class of ’65 Steve Desmond Millie Smrdel Engebrigtsen Tom Engstrand Sharon Malvestuto Hegeveen Irine Mytych Howland Daniel Lucsay Bill Murphy Nancy Mascitti Schreiber Class of ’70 Denise Woodall Blackstone Claire Schulze Coatar Mary Jane Doerr Gay Lynn Petrarca Essig Theresa Rocha Flamini Angela Pagoria Gehm Patrick Hogensen Gary Jagmin Mac (Gordon) McKerral Julia Molander Bill Motluck Mike Murphy Michael Quirk Concetta Vitelli Smart Barbara Scott Woodworth Vince Zerante Class of ’75 Joseph Caffarini Bill Cleary June Ranieri Cleary Art Ferrari Vern Fischer Sharon Wojslaw Jelinek Brian Kelly Mary Burke Mills Robert Slobig Dave Trump Sue Sheehan Trump

Class of ’80 Jani Bullaro Bodell Joe Christofanelli Ellen Cook Jim Dee Terry Delgado Sue Depeder Jeannie Gallagher DiLuia Rich Fordon Debbie Funkey Guth Kevin Kelly Mike Kennedy Joe King Bob Klupchak Jill Bielanski McGivern Cheryl Panozzo McGugan Tim McGugan Jackie Jurczyk Murphy Eileen Hamilton Romano Tony Rosati Eileen Morrison Santschi Anne Paredes Simutis Susan Van Etten Mary Watson Tom Wasz Ed Ziltz Class of ’85 Mary Ann Daviera Angellotti Nikki Napoli Cleary Tim Dee Karen Slobig Gallagher Armie Gasbarro, Jr. Sean Gibbons Mary Pat Donahue Griswold Sean Kelly Joe Klupchak Chris O’Hea Colleen Gallagher O’Hea Sara Ferrantella Poss Carmen Cortes Quinn Barbara Burley Radeke

Michael Riordan Kate Healey Snedeker John Waller Class of ’90 Bob Frigo Deann Grossi Erin Barry Hackett John Holecek Anthony Iaderosa Jenny Helsel Iaderosa John Joyce Kimberly Marshall Mikitka Julie Nagler Amy Lewandowski Regan Mark Regan Shannon Reidy Nichole Schau Santoro Monica Hovis Thompson Julie Torkelsen-DeLuca Class of ’00 Kerry Beukema Erica Bridges Mario Carlasare Carlo Gozzi Cassie Gray Jennifer Murphy Gribbin Nick McDonnell Jennifer Fugaj Opiola Tom Raczka Katherine Welsh Tracy Class of ’05 Chloe Blasingame Brian Coleman Josh Helsel Peter Kroner Kevin Marvinac Maureen McQuade Kevin Moffatt Becca Palmer Colleen Peabody Steve Peternell Mallory Platt Kevin Rippey John Spoonhour

Chris Meade ’80, Mary Hallissey Plepel ’80, Jerry Kelly ’80 and Jackie Hallissey Burke ’85 Steve Michel ’80, Karen McDonnell ’80, John Hennessy ’80, Didi Jackson Gleeson ’80 and Dave Merica ’80

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Susan Silhavy Angell ’85, Michelle Krause ’85, Kate Healey Snedeker ’85, Suzanne Waterous Pasha ’85 and Kim Nair Gibbons ’85

Armie Gasbarro ’85, Glen Haeflinger ’85, Mike Jemilo ’85, Pete Moutvic ’85, Joe Klupchak ’85, Jim Poynton ’85, Sean Garvey ’85 and Joe Gagliano ’85

Katie Kersten McManaman ’90, Erin Barry Hackett ’90, Shannon Reidy ’90 and John Holecek ’90

Anthony Iaderosa ’90, Sr. Agnes Ann Pisel O.P., Mark Regan ’90, Amy Lewandowski Regan ’90 and Sr. M. Blaise Galloway O.P.

2000 • 2005

Megan Friedberg, Andrew Basso ’00, Matt Glusac ’00, Jared Lonie ’00 and Brian Drake ’00

Jen Murphy ’00, Louis Nowaczyk ’00, Justin Storer ’00, Chris Nevell ’00, Cassie Gray ’00, and Peter Rohn ’00 across laps

Molly Padden ’05, Tom O’Brien ’05, Eric Clough ’05, Nicole Robinette ’05 and Aaron Sheets ’05

Ashley Mitchell ’05, Dan Roe ’05, Samantha Manuel ’05 and Jackie Farley ’05

ENDOWMENT GOLF CLASSIC TOPS $100,000!

With one of the most perfect days of the summer as the backdrop, the 21st Annual Marian Catholic Endowment Golf Classic held August 16 at Flossmoor and Idlewild Country Clubs, surpassed last year’s proceeds by over $15,000. The 26 member committee of alumni, parents, and friends of Marian Catholic, were engaged since early spring to promote and populate the event.

“Even with the economy struggling to make its way back, our repeat golfers and sponsors, as well as our first-time golfers, guests and sponsors clearly understand the importance of the Endowment Classic,” said long-time event Co-Chair Greg Underwood. “I am happy to share that this year’s Endowment Classic exceeded our initial announcement, giving us a closing total of $100,000 for student scholarships.”

Bolstered by news from Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P., President, that through solid investment, the Endowment Fund has topped $2 million, the committee, volunteers and staff, as well as golfers and guests were thrilled to learn that more student scholarships will be available this year.

“Thanks to the Marian Catholic Endowment Golf Classic, many students were granted scholarships to continue or complete their high school education,” stated event Co-Chair Mark Peifer ’81. “Last year’s needs were unprecedented, and thanks to the success of this event, many deserving students were served.”

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE 2011 ENDOWMENT GOLF CLASSIC,

AUGUST 15, 2011.

Joe Zagone ’74 gets some help lining up a putt from Byron Anderson ’79 and C.J. Biank ’06.

June Ranieri Cleary ’75, Sue Cleary Brunner ’78, Jan Oosterbaan Coleman ’78 and Eileen Gallagher Daw ’78 golfed at Idlewild Country Club.

Young alum golfers included Kevin Rippey ’05, Patrick Richel ’05, James Brodzik ’05 and Joe DiLuia ’05.

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Take a few minutes and let everyone in the Marian family know how you’re doing by updating your information on the MCHS website.

ALUMNI NOTES

Henry Troy, son of Jane (Kuraya) Gindt ’95

Caroline Marie, daughter of Brian ’96 and Erin (DeBruin) ’99 Skibinski

Christin and Michael, children of Carla (Cifelli) Carter ’67 Maeve, Eamon, and Eilish, children of Aimee Delaney Ogren ’91

Carla (Cifelli) Carter ’67 has two children who are making their mark in the marching band world. For the second year, Michael, a senior, is the Drum Major for the Chaparral High School Marching Band in Scottsdale, AZ. Daughter Christin, a sophomore, plays the clarinet. Placing second in the State competition in 2009, Chaparral hopes to win this school year.

Christopher Hoyle ’83 recently received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. He is currently living in Austin, Texas, and is working on an engineering book with associates from Northwestern.

Aimee (Delaney) Ogren ’91 and her husband, Chad, happily announce the birth of their daughter, Eilish Delaney Ogren, who was born on June 21, 2010. Eilish weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 21 inches long. She joins big brother, Eamon, and big sister, Maeve.

Joseph Hoyle ’86 married in August of 2009. He and his wife, Karen, live in Lincoln Park and both work at the American Dental Association. Joe recently completed his second Master’s Degree in computer information systems at DePaul University.

Jane (Kuraya) Gindt ’95 and her husband, Troy, celebrated their son’s first birthday recently. Henry Troy Gindt was born July 30, 2009. Jane is in medical sales and her husband is a mortgage broker. The family lives in San Diego, California.

Anthony Battaglia ’87 is an architect/capital planner for the University of Illinois and is currently the planner for Altgeld Hall and Illini Hall feasibility study. Its purpose is to investigate long and short term programmatic alternatives for the department of mathematics. The building is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which sets it apart from many of the other buildings on campus. Anthony and his wife, Gina, and two children, Dominica, 8, and Aria, 3, live in Tolono, Illinois.

Caroline Marie was welcomed by Brian ’96 and Erin (DeBruin) ’99 Skibinski on September 13, 2010. Big brothers, Russell and George, are very excited by her arrival.

MCHS Hall of Famer, Paul Pabst ’87 is a producer for The Dan Patrick Show, newly syndicated in the Chicagoland area. The popular radio show is simulcast live on TV on Comcast SportsNet from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Megan (Bischoff) Schmittel ’97 and her husband, Todd, announce the birth of their son, Evan Ryan, born September 17, 2009. Evan weighed 8 pounds and was 21 inches long. The Schmittels currently reside in Lansing, Illinois.

Jen (Renner) Haselhorst ’97 and her husband, Nathan, are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Jackson David. Jackson was born August 18, 2010 and weighed a healthy 10 pounds, 10 ounces. He joins his big sister Gretchen, who could not be more in love with her little brother.

Jackson David, son of Jen (Renner) Haselhorst ’97

Paul Pabst ’87

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Evan Ryan, son of Megan (Bischoff) Schmittell ’97

Nola Grace, daughter of Sarah (Lopez) Voet ’97

Stephanie Erazo ’06

Sarah (Lopez) Voet ’97 and her husband, Joseph, announce the birth of their daughter, Nola Grace Voet, who was born January 25, 2010.

Nola weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces and was 21 inches long.

In June, 2010, Cassie Gray ’00 relocated to the San Francisco Bay area after accepting a revenue analyst position in the athletic department at the University of California, Berkeley. She completed her Masters in Business Administration degree with an emphasis in sports finance at the University of Oregon in June, 2009, and had previously been working as a project engineer for JMI Sports, development managers for the newly constructed Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.

Caroline Wolske ’01 married Sean Schrader on September 25, 2010.

Kelly (Wolske) Norton ’97 was matron of honor; Kathryn Wolske ’10 was maid of honor. The couple reside in Oak Lawn, IL. Stephanie Erazo ’06 a 2010 graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship.

She will teach English as a Foreign Language in Spain for a year. An International Studies and Spanish double major, magna cum laude graduate, and world traveler, Erazo’s passion for international affairs and world cultures grew during her time at Spelman. She has studied in Costa Rica and Spain, and taught English to elementary school children in the Dominican Republic, along with mentoring 8th graders in the Chicago Public School system.

Jennifer Purcell ’02 with her husband Kevin Deenihan

Jennifer Purcell ’02 married Kevin Deenihan on July 24, 2010 at a ceremony held at St. Kieran Church in Chicago Heights. After a honeymoon in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the couple now resides in Dyer, Indiana. Jenn teaches kindergarten at Roosevelt Elementary School in Chicago Heights, and recently received her master’s in Reading from Concordia University. Kevin is an accountant for Ultra Diamonds at the home office in Chicago.

Marian Catholic Shopping Do your Christmas shopping at The Lucille Ferrari Spartan Shop adjacent to the Sr. M. Paul McCaughey O.P. Leadership Center. A new selection of Marian spirit wear is in stock. Spartan shop hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on regular school days. You can view more Spartan Shop selections on the website under “Bookstore.” www.marianchs.com

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SR. TERESA’S

TRAVELS Olivia Jackson ’09 – Sophomore, Psychology, Pre-Med Activities: Caribbean Dance Club -Vice-President, Lab assistant in Psychology Lab, Teagle Issue Room Assistant “Marian exposed me to material that Cornell students are reading and studying now. Also, Marian helped me understand that a lot of work goes into success.”

Nick Voll ’08 recently graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

Chantal Freeman ’09 is a sophomore at Fordham.

Left to Right Erin O’Shea ’09 – Sophomore, Operations Research Engineering Activities: Taekwondo, Undergraduate Catholic Fellowship “Marian helped to prepare me for college by helping me to develop my time management skills that have helped in balancing problem sets, extracurricular activities, and classes.”

Katie Halpin ’07- Senior, Natural Resources Development Sociology Activities: Varsity Fencing, CALS Ambassadors, Help a Life Organization “Marian was such a great experience and very much prepared me for college. It helped to give me a voice and learn to stand on my own two feet. In addition, take the Wooddells English classes and you will never have trouble writing a paper in college.”

Brittany Spanos ’10 is a Journalism major at NYU.

Dylan Johnson ’09– Sophomore, Economics, Arts and Sciences Activities: Community Partnership Board, Alternative Spring Breaks “ Marian helped me to develop strong organization skills that are crucial to success in college. In addition, the AP courses made the transition to college level work easier.”

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I N M E MO RY OF...

The Dominican Sisters of Springfield, the Alumni Association, and the entire Marian Catholic community sadly acknowledge the passing of the following members of our family:

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE (708) 755-6579 Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P. President Mary Moffatt mmoffatt@marianchs.com Vice President, Advancement Carol Burke Swanson ’81 cswanson@marianchs.com Director of Alumni Relations Gail Young gyoung@marianchs.com Director of External Communications Peg Massucci pmassucci@marianchs.com Director Marian Fund Patricia Trebe ptrebe@marianchs.com Alumni Programs Coordinator Cindy Dupczak cdupczak@marianchs.com Donor Relations Manager Kathy Dalton kdalton@marianchs.com Donor Relations Coordinator Pat Cak pcak@marianchs.com Advancement Office Assistant

A LU MNI: Babette (Wiscons) Crowe ’62 Peter Stanfa ’62 Mary (Henning) O’Sullivan ’63 Georjean (Day) Gautsch ’65 James Herrmann ’65 Marilyn (Kubida) Marlowe ’65 Mary (Graziani) Boam ’70 Gary Bunger ’72 Carolyn (Barnett) Doerr ’74 Patrick Gilles ’77 Geno DeMarchi ’99 Megan Duskey ’05 Alexander Staniec ’11

RECRUITMENT OFFICE (708) 756-9762 Sister Dorothy Marie Solak, O.P. sdm@marianchs.com Recruitment Director Diana McDonnell dmcdonnell@marianchs.com Recruitment Coordinator

PA R E NT S O F A LU MN I:

MCHS ADMINISTRATION (708) 655-7565 Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P. President Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P. Principal William Hogan Chief Financial Officer Mary Moffatt Vice President, Advancement John Heneghan Assistant Principal, Operations John Kozojed Assistant Principal, Student Activities Dr. Shirley Morris Assistant Principal, Academics

Edward Blankenberger, father of Edward ’69, Matthew ’74, Mark ’78, Andy ’82, and Anthony ’85.

Eileen Coatar, mother of Mary ’65, Bernadette ’66, Joan ’68, Joe ’69, Eileen ’71, Dennis ’74, and Genevieve ’79.

Alice O’Brien, mother of Suellen ’73, Jay ’74, Terrence ’76, Maureen ’77, Katie ’79, Kevin ’81, Patricia ’83, and Sheila ’85.

Gloria Shander, mother of Allen ’67, Robert ’70, Jeffrey ’72, Dawn ’75, and Thomas ’78.

Marian Matters is published three times a year under the direction of the Advancement Office of Marian Catholic High School. Items submitted after deadline will be held for publication in a future issue. Any questions or concerns about Marian Matters should be directed to Gail Young.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

To notify Marian Catholic of an alumnus’ death, or to order Memorial Cards, please call the Advancement Office (708) 755-6579.

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U PC O MIN G E VENTS COLLEGE DAY Thursday, January 6, 2011 10:45 a.m. to 1:20 p.m.

MCHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEETING (More info on pg 12)

Office for Institutional Advancement M AR I A N C AT H O L I C H I GH S C H O O L 700 Ashland Avenue Chicago Heights, IL 60411 (708) 755-6579 www.marianchs.com ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Thursday, January 20, 2011 Aurelio’s Pizza, Homewood 6:30 p.m.

MARIAN FUND ANNUAL PHONATHON Parent Sessions: Sunday, January 23, 2011 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 to 9:00 p.m.

Monday & Tuesday, January 24 & 25, 2011 6:15 to 9:00 p.m.

Alumni Sessions: Sunday, January 30, 2011 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 to 9:00 p.m.

Monday, January 31, 2011 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

MCHS HALL OF FAME AWARDS DINNER Thursday, February 17, 2011 Olympia Fields Country Club 6:15 p.m.

SENIOR SHOWCASE MOTHERS CLUB - Fashion Show “Time of Your Life” Saturday, March 12, 2011 Georgio’s in Orland Park 11:00 a.m.

MARIAN MADNESS NCAA Basketball Event

8th Grade

SHADOW DAY

YOU ARE INVITED MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME AWARDS DINNER Thursday, February 17, 2011 Olympia Fields Country Club Normandy Room $55 per person Cocktail Reception 6:15 P.M. Dinner 7:15 P.M.

Eighth graders are welcome to “shadow” any Marian school day day through January 7, 2011.

Seventh graders may shadow January 10 - April 29, 2011.

To schedule a Shadow Day, contact Sr. Dorothy Marie (708) 756-9762.

MARIAN CATHOLIC ENTRANCE EXAM FOR 8TH GRADERS

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR MICHAEL BRUNI ’86

Saturday, January 8, 2011 8:00 a.m.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR TIM SWANSON ’86 FINE ARTS DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT DR. ADAM BRENNAN ’82

Saturday, April 2, 2011 Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. Leadership Center 4:30 p.m.

SPIRIT OF MARIAN SR. DOROTHY MARIE SOLAK, O.P. For Reservations

CAREER DAY

contact Pat Trebe Alumni Programs Coordinator (708) 756-9405 ptrebe@marianchs.com

Monday, May 16, 2011 11:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

METRO CHICAGO ALUMNI & FRIENDS GATHERING Thursday, June 9, 2011

ALUMNI Update your information on the Marian Catholic website www.marianchs.com Carol Burke Swanson ’81 Director of Alumni Relations cswanson@marianchs.com (708) 756-9775

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Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school within the Dominican tradition of study, prayer, community, and preaching. Marian Catholic students seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents, and demonstrate ethical leadership and Christian service.