Priorities #60: Winter 2014

A Magazine of the Priory ¡ Issue #60

Cabot Bingham has a

¡ November/December 2014

Need for Speed See article on page 12

TOC

Board of Directors Father Mark Cooper, OSB Father John Fortin, OSB Father Maurus Nemeth, OSB Father Martin Mager, OSB Father Benet Phillips, OSB

Woodside Priory School ¡ Celebrating 57 Years of Benedictine Education

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

18 -21 10-11 22 -25 12-15 6-9 Alumni Letters

Athletics

Fall at a Glance

Cabot Bigham has a Need for Speed

Alumni Reunion

Board of Trustees

26- 29 Rick Magnuson: He’s No Gambler

36-45 30-35

Alumni News & Notes

Anniversaries

Brian Axe John Brew Dave Brett Jennie Chiu Laure Cornish Craig Dauchy Eileen DiGiorgio Mark Gainey Cathy Gawne Sally Harris Andy Koontz Steve Krausz Bob Larson Bob Latta Father Jonathan Licari, OSB Susan Light Bruce McAuley Bud McElroy Cecelia Montalvo Jami Nachtsheim Guy Nohra Stan Pierson Stewart Putney Ray Rothrock Maureen Sansbury Bill Souders Keith Van Sickle Pamela Weiss

Priorities magazine is published in March/April, June/July, and December/January by Woodside Priory School for its alumni, parents, students, neighbors, and friends. Contact the Communications Office at 650-851-6193 or the school at 650-851-8221.

Editor: Sean Mclain Brown Contributing Writers: Sean Mclain Brown, Karen Macklin, Erin Irber Design/Production: Jim Kirkland, Copperline Multimedia Photos: Jim Kirkland, Sean Mclain Brown, Father Martin Mager O.S.B., Kelly Sargent Printing: Colorprint, Mark W. Allen

Chapel Services Priorities Corrections Policy: Priorities strives to publish accurate information and to acknowledge and correct errors. When factual corrections are made to an article, that fact is noted and the change(s) are detailed here.

Masses at 7:15 a.m. Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday Hungarian service All are welcome.

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

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Dear Priory Community,

Our fall issue of Priorities is always one of my favorites. The students are back with the energy and enthusiasm we all miss over the summer. The student mix of current and new, young and old, creates a dynamism that you will not always find in a corporate or business environment but is the core of what makes these learning years so special.

The Priory Mission states that our Benedictine values “are made real in a community where every student is known and loved.” We create a sense of self that allows inspiration, curiosity and awareness to flourish. Pope Francis has a buzz phrase that says schools are all about “creating a culture of encounter where young people feel a shared openness to grace-filled encounters which moves them beyond themselves to being in a relationship with others in and through God.” Our Benedictine values, which are treasured by all members of our community, provide an all-encompassing framework for faith, knowledge and service.

In this issue, you will read about the tremendous success of our Athletic program last fall and winter. Our teams and players won a number of awards, championships and honors that are unprecedented in our sports history. The most important aspect of our athletic program is that we mirror what we expect in our classrooms with what happens on the field or court – coaches as teachers inspiring individuals to achieve their best and teams to respect each other and the opponents they encounter. Congratulations to the coaches, students and fans who made thru hard work made dreams come true – Go Panthers!

The Priory’s mission has always been to educate students as lifelong learners, help them to explore tools for the 21st century, find ways to ignite change in their personal and professional environment, live as citizens of the world, be global stewards, and relish the diverse student population of their educational experience here.

You will also read about a number of individuals who have contributed immensely to the evolution of the Priory – Rick Magnuson who is an alum/ current parent and former Trustee, Al Zappelli, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid and Peter Agoston, Kitchen Manager who celebrate 25 Priory years, Tim Molak, Head of School who begins his 26th year and Nate Spears and Julianna Szekely who have worked in our kitchen for a combined 60 years. They are some of our longest serving lay people and have a true investment in the ministry of our Monks and have made the Priory the five star school it is today. Finally, a student profile of Cabot Bingham our very own race car driver.

The Priory’s mission has always been to educate students as lifelong learners, help them to explore tools for the 21st century, find ways to ignite change in their personal and professional environment, live as citizens of the world, be global steward, and relish the diverse student population of their educational experience here. A global mindset is nothing new here; we were founded by Monks from Hungary, we have students from 16 different countries and our staff and students attend International Benedictine workshops all over the world.

We are happy to welcome Father Jonathan Licari OSB as one of our new Trustees. Father is Headmaster at Saint John’s Prep in Collegeville, Minnesota and brings a wealth of knowledge about canon law and the Church. We also welcome Father Henrik who is visiting the Priory through the end of November. Father is a Monk from Pannonhalma, Hungary who some of our staff met at the Benedictine conference in Germany four years ago. He will be visiting with faculty and staff and talking to students in a variety of classes.

Fall weather is here, construction equipment is constructing our new 10 classroom building, the Monks are praying for each and every one of you every day, our 8 man football has the longest win streak of any team in the state of California at 20 straight and our Priory chapel continues to be the heart and soul of the campus – our sacred place.

Peace,

Tim Molak Head of School

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AT A GLANCE

FALL

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Field day offered much in fun and games as usual. On a blistering hot day water games ruled along with ultimate frisbee and the traditional class tug-of-war.

Below (L-R): Scotty Harris , Tim Dannis and Natalie Magnuson play ultimate frisbee.

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FIELDDAY!

Left: Kitchen staff gets the day off as the event was catered. (L-R) Nate Spears, Peter Ling, Rina Rojas, Jason Toy, Ruben Zambrano, Maria Garcia.

Left middle: Faculty, Jeff Wise, gets surprise cooling off at the hand of some students.

Above: Armando GonzalezZaragoza attempts to beat the heat.

Below: The seniors gather and cheer to bolster class spirit.

Above: Junior class celebrates with faculty, David Neale.

Left: Sarah Halabe does her best to run in a straight line during the 'dizzy bat' game.

Left: Ashley Jones unsuccessfully tries to catch a water balloon.

Top: Chris Perez was one of the water balloon finalist. Sadly his balloon didn't make it.

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AT A GLANCE

FALL

9 Left and below: At homecoming weekend students and parents enjoyed a festival and football game. (Above left) Alum, Jim Nell, class of '95, and his daughter, Carolina, class of '21, pose with Head of School, Tim Molak.

Below middle: Steve Marshak takes a pie in the kisser.

Top: Staff members say goodbye to the original faculty building.

Right/below: Students dress up for Halloween.

Top: Middle schoolers with their high school Panther Pals.

Top: Peter Rienhart, Sharon Fotrè and Bryan Sinclair at the Auction Garden Dinner Party.

Left: The Robotics Club at a competion held at Woodside High School.

Left and above: Middle schoolers learn confidence building skills at outdoor education camp.

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2013-14

YEAR TO REMEMBER The League Champion Priory Football team finished the season 9-0 and held onto the rivaled "Ora et Cor" trophy with a win over Stuart Hall and the "Panther Cup" after defeating Pinewood 56-22. It was the second consecutive defeated season with the schools second football championship. The continued the longest football winning streak into the 2014 season, extending the streak to 21 games.

ATHLETICS

FALL

Waterpolo: Brooks Royals takes a shot.

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Football: (Left) Garret Webber rumbles for yardage while (below) Keyshawn Ashford races for a touchdown.

The volleyball team finished the season with a record of 13-12, and began the Central Coast Section DV playoffs as the #2 seed. With wins over Alma Heights and Pinewood, the entered the championship game vs. Crystal Springs. The victory brought the Panthers their 6th CCS championship in school history.

The girls cross country team had a fantastic race at the West bay Athletic League finals. Overall, the varsity finished in 6th place out of 13 teams. The girls team qualified to race at CCS championships where they were seeded 2nd. The boys cross country team had their best finish in school history at League Finals. Priory finished 2nd place in the WBAL. Priory had the most runners in the top 10 of any school. The boys moved on to the CCS championships as the #1 seed. Both the girls and boys teams won the CCS DV championship, and competed in the CIF state championship in Fresno.

Cross Country: The JV boys cross country team at the Crystal Springs Course in Belmont take off. (left to right) Tommy Wang, Eugene Miller, Liam Bannon and Jack Smith.

It was a fall to remember - 1 league championship and 3 section championships, and 21 athletes recognized with league honors.

ALL LEAGUE HONORS Volleyball 1st Team – Marine Hall Porier Honorable Mention – Michaela Koval Cross Country Boys 1st Team – Ross Corey, Chris Gregory, Johnny Trudelle Honorable Mention – Robert Screven Girls 1st Team – Hana Marsheck 2nd Team – Maria Naclerio Football 1st Team – Will Latta, Tom Latta, James McDaniel 2nd Team – Garrett Weber, Charlie Tidmarsh, Brandon Zarringhalam MVP – Will Latta

Priory coaches produced three championship teams in 2013. Left to right: Football, coached by Doug Sargent, Matt Lai’s boys and girls varsity cross country, and Dustin Moore varsity volleyball.

Tennis: (right) Anika Khakoo and Claire Ryland play doubles.

Cross Country: The Girls Varsity team at the Crystal Springs Course. Left to right: Anjali Eichbaum, Wako Morimoto, Yuju Shin, Elise Rust, Hana Marsheck, Maria Naclerio and Sarah Halabe

Tennis 1st Team – Maggie Mei Honorable Mention – Charlotte Beriker, Mary Lin, and Amanda Lee Water Polo 1st Team – William Xu Honorable Mention – Scotty Harris

Softball: Carla Tamer takes off for first base after a solid hit. (below) Softball coach and Priory Athletic Director, Mark Stogner, instucts his infield.

Volleyball: (top L to R) Seniors Jane Ross, Liz Schilling and Anna Brett played their final Homecoming game.

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VA- ROOOM!

Cabot Bigham has a need for speed

Interview by Sean Mclain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland

Mario Andretti once said, “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.” If anyone at the Priory knows this is true, it’s Cabot Bigham.

Ask anyone. As a student he may seem in control, but his other half, the race car driver, knows what it means to push the boundaries of man and machine.

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15 SMB: How did you first get into racing?

CB: I lived several years of my life on a ranch in Santa Cruz, California. We had a tractor for property maintenance. At the age of four, my dad would give me the keys to the tractor and tell me to bring it up to the house. I was too short to reach the pedals while sitting, so I had to stand up and drive it. My passion for driving definitely came from those mornings.

SMB: How do you think your passion and talent for this sport has helped you in other areas of your life?

CB: Racing has taught me many valuable life lessons. The most beneficial has been self-discipline.

In order to continue racing, and keep my Mom and Dad sponsor, I have to maintain my grades. Traveling twice a month and missing many school days makes this challenging. In order to accomplish this, self-discipline is crucial. This skill has helped me with studying, healthy eating, and much more. I now find it easier to push myself out of my comfort zone, which helps in and out of the car.

SMB: How has the Priory helped you pursue your many talents and passions?

CB: I cannot speak highly enough of the Woodside Priory School. They have willingly helped me pursue my passion. Not many schools let a student miss classes to compete in what some see as an extracurricular activity or a hobby. For example, October and November are my busiest racing months. I missed a total of 12 school days within two months.

I have never received as many “good luck” wishes in my entire life! The entire faculty was behind me and it gave me a new found confidence and I always have the support of my teachers.

SMB: Who are some of the most influential people in your life and why?

CB: My parents are some of the most influential people in my life. Our family has been through some tough times, including divorce, yet my parents made a vow to keep my sister and I happy. My entire family has sacrificed a lot to see me pursue my dream and I cannot thank them enough for that.

In addition, my Driver Development Coach Brian Keck, has been integral to the growth of my skills as a driver.

SMB: What Benedictine value do you most identify with and why?

CB: I identify with Community. My racing would not be possible if it weren’t for the supportive Priory community. They have sacrificed their time to see me do well and I have the upmost respect for that. So thank you Woodside Priory!

Cabot Bigham’s racer ­— Small but powerful: · Engine: 115 hp / 1.6 litre inline 4 · Weight: 1,100 pounds · Speed: 0-60mph in 5 seconds

SMB: What’s on the horizon for you? What do you plan on doing in your racing and academic career?

CB: My plan is to run the Mazda Road to Indy. This is a four step ladder that leads to Indy Car, a professional formula car circuit. In 2015 I will be testing and racing a formula 1000 car. I recently attended a seminar run by Brian Herta, an Indy Car team owner. In this seminar, he stressed the importance of academics. This really motivated me to stay in school. I plan on attending a junior college for several years while a pursue my racing dream. This will allow me to take classes in the off-season and chase my dream.

SMB: What do you love most about racing?

CB: I love that racing challenges me in every aspect.

It is physically exhausting, mentally draining, and a lot of fuel burning fun. I love being challenged because it makes me get out of my comfort zone and closer to my dream.

“My plan is to run the Mazda Road to Indy. This is a four step ladder that leads to Indy Car, a professional formula car circuit.”

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Dear Priory Community,

designed to enhance and further Priory community by creating an environment

where our kids can flourish by providing the right space, the right tools and plenty

As we enter the holiday season I want to extend my

of learning support to help them develop their maximum potential. Currently,

gratitude to the community for all you do to make

this potential is limited by inflexible physical space and impractical technology.

this such an exceptional environment for our students,

Our goal is to build ingenuity by modernizing the classroom learning experience

faculty and staff.

while strengthening the school community. The effect of the new classrooms and

Response to this Year’s Annual Fund has, once again,

improved technology will further enhance the student learning experience today

been generous and timely. Before the start of this school

and increase the capacity of the Priory to attract talented students and teachers

year we received 100% participation from all Trustees

well into the future.

and all Faculty and Staff. We thank our class chairs and

Founders Club Ambassadors and, all of you, we are on

schedule to be completed by June of 2015, in plenty of time for the start of school.

track to achieve our goal for the 2014-2015 school year.

Plans for our new STREAM Center (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering,

Please make sure to mark your calendars for our Black &

Art and Mathematics) are well underway. Our architects have been working

White Gala, which will be held on March 28, 2015. Not only is this a wonderful evening, it is a perfect way to provide vital support to the school.

When asked to rate our five Benedictine values our

Priory kids put Community at the top. One very unique

aspect of the Priory is that every day it’s not about “me” it’s about “us.” Priory values an environment where kids win by helping each other achieve their maximum

potential. Consequently, we have a community of happy,

passionately authentic, innovative teenagers. The new

facilities covered by the Campaign are purposefully

Construction of our ten new classrooms on Benedictine Square is still on

closely with our faculty to ensure that the new learning spaces maximize

Priory values an environment where kids win by helping each other achieve their maximum potential.

educational opportunities. The early footprint of the two story building has been completed and includes three new labs, a robotics lab and four art rooms.

In the end, it’s only because of your generosity that we are able to make these

I wish you and your family a most blessed and happy holiday season.

plans and dream these dreams. And for that, I am most grateful!

Sincerely,

Siobhán Lawlor

Director of Development

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Alumni

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Joe Cowan Remembers

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Headmaster Father Christopher Hites

I was one of those kids who started high school in a dense fog. I was overwhelmed, timid, and lacked academic enthusiasm.

Naturally my parents were concerned. Somehow they learned of the Priory, only 5 years-old at the time.

Without my knowledge, they enrolled me in the summer school program – as a dorm student.

Father Christopher was 49 year old when we met.

He was of average height with wavy snow-white hair combed straight back. He possessed the body of a Greco-Roman wrestler with an expansive chest, broad shoulders, and thick upper arms. While a man of great charm, he was, at times, maddeningly rigid. Looking back I see he had an extremely difficult job. In the ongoing cultural skirmishes that pitted the Order of Saint Benedict against post-war California youth, it was Father Christopher’s job to hold the line. He was the enforcer. Classmate Jim LaTerza called him “The Great White Buffalo”.

Late in 1995, 31 years after graduation, I visited the Priory to find Father Christopher gone. His health was in decline. He went back his 1,000 year old spiritual home, the great Archabbey of Pannonhalma, never to return to California. I regretted never properly thanking him for that second chance which proved so pivotal to the successful course of my life.

In 1996, I purchased my first computer. During that initial euphoric period of internet wonder and nonstop browsing, I discovered Pannonhalma to be Europe’s first monastery to support an on-line presence. So I typed into the “to” box the address of Pannonhalma Webmaster Mihaly Kiskeri, mihaly@osb.hu. Subject: “Please deliver this message to Father Christopher.”

I started with my name, class, and a list of my classmates. I thanked him for his willingness to accept me as a less than ideal transfer student. I wrote of how much I admired his life of sacrifice, dedication, and inspiration. I noted this to be my first ever e-mail then clicked “send”.

The screen flickered, and who knows where it went. Then came the reply several days later:

Read Joe’s full speech at: http://prioryca.org/alumni/alumni-speeches/

photo by Jim Kirkland

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Dear Joe,

“He possessed the body of a Greco-Roman wrestler with an expansive chest, broad shoulders, and thick upper arms. While a man of great charm, he was, at times, maddeningly rigid.“

Only the joy was greater than the surprise of receiving your Internet letter.

Reading it, I had no difficulty to recall your face, even the place you occupied in my classes. There remain only pleasant memories of your quiet, cooperative personality which - along with many others - made my dedication to education fruitful and rewarding.

What you express in your letter concerning our student-teacher relationship reinforces my happy memories and makes the declining days of my retired life happy and rewarding.

I have been at my mother-abbey since May 1994. My retired life is refreshed by the presence of the excellent college prep school, several students of which are close to me. I am helping them through private English classes.

Not unexpectedly, meanwhile sure signs are warning me of the approaching end of the course of my life. I leave my comfortable room only for a short daily walk - still missing the splendid sunshine of California especially in this winter of Central-European April. (Recently changed to a sudden spring) Please, give my heartfelt greetings to your former classmates and to any of the priory alumni you may come across.

With special friendly remembrance, Fr. Christopher P.S. This is my first internet letter too.

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Tim Cain Gives Thanks

Alumni

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Father Martin came out from Saint Anselm’s while I was at the Priory. He quickly became friends with my whole family, even the 3 of 7 who did not attend the Priory. I was the third of the four boys in our family to graduate from the Priory, but I was clearly the one he felt needed the most supervision.

That will soon be 40 years ago, and a lot has happened, most of it with his help: • Father Martin was our priest when my wife Margie and I got married in ‘88, • He baptized our first daughter, Sophie, in ‘92, • He baptized our second daughter Gracie in ‘93 • He baptized our third daughter Mia in ‘97, • He was the priest who performed my Dad’s funeral in ‘98, • He repeated that performance for my Mom’s funeral earlier this year, • …and I suspect he’ll still be available for mine whenever that time comes.

“Father Martin is a very accomplished and giving individual, and in addition to all that, he is a very wise monk.”

photo by Jim Kirkland

When Margie was pregnant with Sophie I decided to buy a cheap table-saw and some hardwood, thinking that building a crib couldn’t be nearly as hard as a grandfather clock.

As soon as I asked him a few simple woodworking questions, the project moved from my garage to his clock shop and the quality went up exponentially. All three of my daughters spent their early years in that work of art and five other nieces and nephews have as well, making it the most loved piece of indoor furniture of his that we have.

When my Dad died in ‘98, we asked Father Martin to turn a small load of teak into an outdoor bench to install at the Little League field on Alpine Road, where my Dad had coached and watched hundreds of our games. That bench has been out there under the redwoods in right-center field for 16-years now and has just been restored and re-installed for the next 25. The brass plaque Fr. Martin had made in my Dad’s honor has been moved over a couple of inches to make room for a matching one in memory of my Mom. Even though my parents are buried only 15 minutes from my house, I strongly prefer this bench as a place to go to remember them. Ask any little league parent and they’ll tell you it will always be the best seat in the house at game time.

Almost all of you have seen his amazing photography, heard him play his guitars and banjo, witnessed the frenzy at auction time for those unbelievable custom designed and hand-made grandfather clocks, and probably heard a sermon or two. Don’t discount that last talent. Father Martin is a very accomplished and giving individual, and in addition to all that, he is a very wise monk.

Read Tim’s full speech at: http://prioryca.org/alumni/alumni-speeches/

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ALUMNI REUNION 23

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C O B On September 5th-7th, Priory hosted the annual Alumni Reunion for the class years of 1964 (50th anniversary), 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009. Alumni spanning 50 years enjoyed catching up and celebrating.

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Shown on these pages: A) Alumni Reunion all years group shot B) Peter Draeger, Tim Cain chat with Joe Montero.

C) Tom Broderick and Joe Cowan D) Sean McLain Brown and Nataniel Rothrock E) Tori Patton and Kendall Bell F) Robert Chewey G) Tim Cain and Fr. Martin H) Eric Bambury, Ed Sun, Tyson Trish, and Paul Trudelle

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I) Mike Szabados, Arshia Ehsanipour, David Calbert, James Hickman J) Ricky Dolezalek and Tim Molak K) Chip Hennen and Jim Lee L) Erin Irber, Saxon Amdahl and Simon Wong M) Kevin Kasenchak, D.C. McEachern N) Joe Montero and Simon Wong O) Tom Broderick, Fr. Pius and Joe Cowan P & Q) Tim Cain presents Fr. Martin with a special memory book to celebrate his 80th birthday.

ALUMNI REUNION

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A) Erin Kinstler, Alyssa Thunen, Mallory Cadwell, Steve Marshek, Byrd Bannick, Mike Szabados, and David Calbert B) Saxon Amdahl with Fr. Maurus C) Jorg Larreynaga, Andrew Leahy, and Carl Spanoghe D) Chuck Arnold and Steve Voisin E) Chuck Arnold, Richard McCoy, and Ludwig Benko F) Jim Collins and Jim Lee G) Joe Cowan H) Byrd Bannick, Mallory Cadwell, and Alyssa Thunen I) Class of 1999 J) Chris Taylor, Bob Chewey and Tony Juri K) Class of 1984 L) Class of 1999

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M) Class of 1964 N) Darren Zulberti and Tim Molak O) Class of 1969 P) Class of 1979 Q) Darrin Zulberti R) Class of 1984 S) Fr. Pius and Greg Furey T) Class of 1989 U) Class of 2009

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Rick Magnuson is

 NO 

GAMBLER

A Small Town Boy-Turned Angel Investor Says Betting on Priory Is Easy

by Karen Macklin photo by Jim Kirkland

Rick Magnuson started out as a small town boy growing up surrounded by historic buildings and alpine lakes of the sleepy mining town of Wallace, Idaho. Today, he’s a successful Northern California angel investor who has helped to launch multiple technology startups (several of which have gone public), as well as a former Priory board member who is strongly committed to philanthropy.

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H “I think of Rick as the consummate Priory parent leader.

His contributions to all areas of progress at the school over the past 10+ years including Trustee Chair, Capital Campaign, annual Founders Club and oversight of the Finance Committee set the standard for the rest of us.”

—Hank Plain Former Priory Board member

How did he get from there to here? A little bit of luck and a whole lot of ambition.

“I knew I wanted something bigger,” he says today, remembering what it was like to leave Idaho as a teenager. Of course, Magnuson didn’t start out as an investor; he started out as an Economics student at Stanford University. When he arrived in Stanford, in 1974, Bluegrass music was in the air and the technological revolution was starting to brew. During his last year as an undergraduate, he began working as an accountant at Tandem Computers, Inc., where he got his first taste of the world of venture capitalism. Magnuson went on to simultaneously pursue business and law degrees at Stanford, in the university’s highly competitive JD/MBA program, which he completed in 1982. In the last year of the program, he was hired on at Menlo Ventures, became a partner in the firm after two years, and remained there until 1996. “I’ve always liked money,” says Magnuson with a laugh, when asked why he was drawn to investing. “Also, I’ve always been interested in the strategies of risk and reward.”

Magnuson learned a lot at Menlo Ventures and, after 12 years of experience investing in a wide range of companies, he realized that his favorite companies to work with were smaller ones that were just starting out. That’s when he struck out on his own to become an angel investor for promising startups. “I love working with small companies and start-ups,” he says. “I love the puzzles presented by technology and strategy, situations in which you’re trying to find a product or service that matches with a specific market, build it quickly, and stay ahead of the competition.”

Magnuson, who says he joins the boards of nearly two thirds of all of the companies he invests in, also likes investing at the ground level because a company is the most malleable in its initial stages. In a company of 20 people, he says, if something isn’t working, it can be easily changed. In companies with hundreds or thousands of employees, structural or institutional change is a lot harder to execute.

Some of the tech companies Magnuson is proud to have invested in over the years include IKOS Systems, Inc., Progress Software, PlaceWare (which was acquired by Microsoft), and Jigsaw data (which was acquired by Salesforce). He’s also currently investing in the peer-to-peer lending company, SoFi, and a new business in his old hometown, the Wallace Brewery. “Wallace is an old mining town where the mines have been mined out,” he says. “It’s pretty depressed, economically. Actively investing in this brewery is a way to give back to Wallace.

It will provide jobs and economic activity.”

Of all the companies Magnuson invests in, the brewery, he says, is the only one that has a strong personal connection for him; the rest he has chosen because he thinks they will be successful businesses that will eventually turn good profits. But, Magnuson says, his investment in a company always initiates in him a feeling of care and personal responsibility. “Once you get into a company and you’re building it, there’s a feeling of community and you want to support it,” he says. “These are people’s jobs. These people have kids.”

Magnuson’s startup investing savvy has played a role in another part of his life: It’s made him a smart investor in nonprofit organizations, like Priory. “I’ve

29 got the background from investing to pretty effectively size up how things are run at the management and board levels, and to analyze the finances,” he says, adding, “Priory is a very well-run organization.”

Magnuson became familiar with Priory when he and his wife, Amy, started sending the first of his four children to the school. Since then, three have graduated (Charles in ’04, Molly in ’06, and Max in ’08), and their youngest daughter, Natalie, will graduate next year. “We looked at various alternative schools and Priory was at the top of the list,” he recalls about their decision to send their children there. “It’s really an ethics-based community. They treat students as human beings and respect them as individuals. Our kids are all different and they all came out of Priory with dimensions of respect and community.”

Magnuson was on the board of Priory for 6 years and served as Board Chair for two. During that time, Magnuson was bestowed the St. Benedict medal; the Priory’s highest honor for commitment and dedication of time, talent, and treasure to the monastic community and school. Ray Rothrock, Priory Board member, says “through good and bad times, Rick was a trusted partner, saver, helper, and leader.” But Priory is not the only institution to which Magnuson offers his time and money. He also strongly supports his alma mater of Stanford University, the Community Services Agency in Mountain View, and Hidden Villa (an environmental nonprofit) in Los Altos. Meanwhile, he and his wife created the Rick and Amy Magnuson Foundation, which grants scholarships to kids coming out of his hometown.

“Everyone needs to give back either time or resources,” he says. In his case, it’s often both. Magnuson’s preference is to give consistently to the same group of organizations each year, and build relationships with those organizations.

Frequently, he also sits on the board of the organization, or has some input as to how it functions. He chooses the places he supports very carefully, which is not surprising for an angel investor. “If I’m going to put time into a nonprofit, I really want it to be well run,” he says.

Though he invests in a range of causes, from environmental protection to community services for those who are financially disadvantaged, he has a special place in his heart for education, particularly places like Priory and Stanford, which enable people to be lifetime learners. “Education is the way to keep everything going,” he says. “Investments in education pay off for generations.”

Magnuson says the most important thing to do in regard to philanthropy is to get young people to learn about it early on. If you’re a parent, he suggests setting up a fund for your children that enables them to contribute monthly to nonprofit organizations, or simply talking about the family’s philanthropic causes at the dinner table and setting a good example. He encourages new Priory graduates to start giving small donations early on, before they have ample funds to give substantially, because it helps to flex the muscle of giving.

“You just need to get started. It’s like a lot of things in life. Get in the habit.

Figure out what’s important in your life. Figure out what matters the most to you – humanities, arts, environment, social services. Pick two or three organizations.

Donate $50 a year. The sooner you do it, the more effective you’ll be later on.”

“The Priory has been fortunate over the decades to always have people/families – I think sent to us by Divine Providence- who are a perfect Priory match/fit and become indispensable – Rick Magnuson is one of those people.”

—Tim Molak

Head of School

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CLASS NOTES

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ALUMNI

Note: If you would like to become a Class Agent for the upcoming reunion, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@prioryca.org or (650) 851-6138. And remember to check out Woodside Priory Alumni Association on Facebook for additional photos and updates!

Reunion Years

1965

50th Reunion

1970

45th Reunion

1975

40th Reunion

1980

35th Reunion

1985

30th Reunion

1990

28th Reunion

1995

20th Reunion

2000

13th Reunion

2005

10th Reunion

2010

5th Reunion

1967

1988

1962

Joe Hilbe has had three books published this year including: Shults & Hilbe, Quasi-Least squares regression (Chapman & Hall/CRC), Hilbe, Modeling Count Data, (Cambridge University Press), and Miner, Bolding, Hilbe, et al, Practical Predictive Analytics and Decisioning Systems for Medicine (Elsevier).

1967

John Bueler and former Head Master Father Christopher Senk had lunch with Father Martin and visited the campus.

1974

David Jim met alumni, Nelson Ying ‘86 in Hong Kong. They are pictured after a game of golf.

1984

Tak Viravan is directing the Broadway musical WATERFALL, showing May 29-June 28, 2015. Based on the Thai novel Behind the Painting by Sriburapha, Waterfall follows a young Thai student who falls in love with the American wife of a Thai diplomat. The story of their forbidden love parallels history as the new democracy of Siam moves into the vortex of the increasingly anti-American Japan. With a gloriously romantic score, WATERFALL is a modern love story of timeless scale.

1988

Jean Henri Lhullier has been recently conferred the rank of Official Knight of the Equestrian Order of Saint Agatha by the Republic of San Marino. Lhuillier was appointed in 2007 as the honorary consul-general of San Marino in the Philippines. He received the knighthood in recognition of his active and consistent efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between San Marino and the Philippines.

1974

Pride.

You’ve got it.

You know it.

Keep it alive.

prioryca.org/give

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1996

Raymond Lau recently relocated to Hong Kong and founded Lau Equity. Lau Equity is a private investment company, which invests across a broad range of sectors and geographic areas in private equity, public equity and fixed income. In addition, he enrolled in Executive MBA program by Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Business School.

1997

Nellie Maldonado and fiancé Mario got married July 20, 2014.

1998

1998

Gloria Carreon (formerly Lando) had Father Martin baptize her son Collin in the Priory Chapel. She and Collin are pictured with her sister Joan ‘99, also a Priory alumnus and their husbands. Welcome Collin!

2003

Scott Kimbal is attending graduate school at Claremont School of Theology.

2005

Cynthia Sleight spent the last three months living in the Normandy and Provence regions of France. In August, she met up with fellow Priory alumna, Susan Lyon, in Paris. In December, she heads to Thailand, Laos, and New Zealand for a few months.

2007

2005

1997

Christine Ahlstrom graduated with a Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Southern California in May of 2013. She is now working as a Student Services Advisor for the Global Health and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs in the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California.

Will Farino just moved back to San Francisco after launching Lyft offices all over the country for a year.

He is now a program manager at their headquarters.

Values.

You learned them.

They define you.

Pass them on. prioryca.org/give

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2008

Raphael Sofaer went to Officer Candidate School in June 2014 and graduated in September with his commission as an Officer in the Navy. He is now waiting to start Nuclear Power School and training to get on a submarine.

2009

Kayla Patterson received her undergraduate degree from University Oklahoma, with dean’s honors.

She took an internship with San Francisco District Attorney and a The Pedro Zamora Public Policy Fellowship with AIDS United in Washington DC. AIDS United’s mission is to end the AIDS epidemic in the United States. Kayla is now a first year law student at Tulane University and tributes Priory as having a huge impact in her college years. She plans to go into public interest law.

2010

2010 2014

Wyatt Farino just got home from two months in Switzerland staying with Chapman friends.

Maia Thielen has moved to Las Vegas to pursue opera, following a job at the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio. Since moving to Sin City she has won two vocal scholarships, and made her stage debut with Blue Man Group.

2011

Travis Johnson spent his junior year abroad in Japan while attending New York University. He is studying Japanese and majoring in animation. He recently worked on the animation for a film that went to Tribeca Film Festival.

2013

Michael Brett organized a charity car show to help raise homeless awareness through High Point University’s Motorsports Club.

Julia Farino just started at Marquette, where she was originally recruited to play D1 lacrosse. They also awarded her a merit scholarship.

2014

2014

SAVE A TREE! (It may be yours)

Marine Hall Poirier with student Kiki Sargent, was in town with the Oregon volleyball team to play Stanford.

Will Latta had his first start in a college Cal Lutheran game (as a freshman); played cornerback nearly the entire game and returned the kickoffs.

Sarah Reid stopped by the Alumni Office to say "hi" and got some Priory swag!.

Receive Priorites online as a “Flipbook” and enjoy the knowlege that you are living fully in the modern age. Sign up at prioryca.org/news/ecopy

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Al Zappelli

Director of Admissions, Gateway to Priory

by Sean McLain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland

Ask anyone at the Priory and they’ll likely say, Al Zappelli is always willing to lend a helping hand.

For more than 25 years, Al has dedicated his time, talent and treasure to the Priory community serving as former Director of Development and currently as Director of Admissions.

“What makes me excited about coming to work each day is the sense of purpose of being at a place like the Priory,” says Al. He continued, “and that purpose is driven by the five Benedictine values.”

The Bay Area is awash with independent schools but what really sets the Priory apart is that everything we do arises from and is measured by the five Benedictine values. Al believes one of the ways in which those values are translated is that all Priory employees, from maintenance staff to faculty (and everyone in-between) are teachers.

“What I love about the Priory is that we are all teachers, one way or another.” He added, “and what I love about my job is that I get to welcome prospective parents and students. Admissions’ most important job is to help families feel at home in a very unique place as they enter the Priory experience.”

The Priory is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley’s hotbed of innovation, change, and growth. Al says he has seen tremendous growth as well within the school community, but that through all that growth, the Priory has remained “true to its Benedictine mission… I’m glad to have been offered the opportunity to be a part of it.” In addition, Al says, “ I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention having the privilege of raising my family on campus was special. It’s rare to have a job where the place you work offers you the opportunity to share that community with your family.”

When asked what Benedictine value he most identifies with Al says he can’t just choose one. He says, “The truth is, the five values are woven together and compliment each other. The magic is that the values are the glue that makes the Mission work.” It’s true, the values all work together for a synergy that is hard to find anywhere else. You see it in the faces of the students and faculty, you see it in the hospitality of the kitchen staff and when you arrive at the Priory, you feel it when Al and his Admissions team welcome you. Al says that “hospitality is more than just a handshake, it’s welcoming someone into your life and that cannot be done without the integration of the other four values.” He added, "I enjoy the opportunity to meet with our parents throughout the world and bring the Priory message to prospective students in many countries."

Al has signed lots of admissions letters over the years, and he says, “Through it all, I’m hopeful my interactions were respectful and provided a sense of hope moving forward.”

“Al Zappelli has crafted, with amazing success, an admissions program which enables people to see and understand what it means to receive a Priory education.”

—Fr. Martin

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Peter Agoston

Day in and day out, this master chef, renowned photographer, and former Marine lives the values of Hospitality and Community

by Sean McLain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland

For more than 25 years, Peter has sautéed, baked, and tantalized our appetites all while making us feel at home in his kitchen. For Peter, the Benedictine value of Hospitality and Community are values he infuses into every morsel of food served in his kitchen.

The Benedictine values of “Community and Hospitality are more than just words, everything we do in this kitchen is done so that everyone is welcome and has a sense of comfort and home when they come to our kitchen.” At the center of all cultures, sharing food is perhaps the one experience that allows us to break down cultural barriers and divisive differences. Food is what “allows us to create and share in good memories,” says Peter.

Peter came to the Priory after having served in the Marine Corps and at the time, didn’t know Hungarian monks founded it. “I was surprised when I discovered that this place had Hungarian monks. I’m Hungarian, so finding this place seemed doubly fortuitous.”

He’s more than just a culinary guru, former Marine, and renowned nature photographer, he’s also a respected teacher. Everyone at the Priory, staff and faculty, are teachers. Peter takes that to heart. Students often seek him out for advice. Peter says, “many students confide in us and like many of the faculty here, we hope that we can help guide them in their lives.”

For Peter, the joy of cooking is also about educating people to make healthier food choices. Peter says, “I get great satisfaction from serving great food and making people feel good. We’ve introduced healthier options in our kitchen, more variety, and as much locally sourced food as we can. We want our students to learn from the experience here in the kitchen, more than just filling their bellies.”

Peter says it best: “It feels good to know I’ve made a difference in the lives of students. It’s what gets me up in the morning and it’s what makes me feel good about what I do here for the Priory community.” So the next time you’re on campus, be sure to visit Peter and the rest of the kitchen crew. This is a place where everyone is welcome.

“Peter Agoston has gone far beyond expectation in listening to the student voice and responding with meals which rival those at many fine restaurants.”

—Fr. Martin

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Tim Molak

Head of School and former Dean of Students helps shape the landscape of Priory’s future

by Sean McLain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland

Tim Molak knows what it means to wear lots of hats, literally and figuratively. One might expect that of the Head of School, but Tim really goes the distance. As the gala MC, Tim’s enthusiasm and auctioneer-like chatter during live-auction is legendary.

Anytime something is asked of him, no matter how silly, if it’s for the good of the school, he says without hesitation, “I’ll do anything.”

Entering his 26th year of service to the Priory community, Tim says that what he most enjoys about serving the Priory is the variety. “No two days are the same which I like, working for the Monks brings me great satisfaction,” says Tim. He added, “I really feel at home in a school run by a religious order because it is all about community, faith and service. I like the fact that educating the heart and soul is core to graduating the type of student we want to send out in the world.”

Tim believes that the sacrifices of the monks who have lived, worked, and died in service to God and the Priory community is what makes the Priory such a special place to so many people. He says, the Priory fits perfectly into the historical Silicon Valley story because “It [the Priory] was really a story about a “religious startup.” The arrival of the Saint Anselm Monks in 1975 rounded out the vision as an American school with Hungarian roots. Tim says his love of the Priory is his “greatest contribution…and I feel I can never do enough to further our mission and be of service to the Monks and their ministry.”

When asked what Benedictine value resonates most with him, Tim says that Hospitality seems to weave through everything he has done in service to the Priory community. He added, “A hospitable attitude costs me nothing but goes a long way in creating an inclusive feeling vital to creating the community we want at the Priory for our students faculty, staff and Monks.”

“The Priory has made a difference in my life and my family,” Tim says. He continued, “the Priory has had an impact on all facets of my life. I live here, my daughter grew up on campus, my family has visited me here and there are so many Monks and lay people who are part of my life because of the Priory. The life the Monks model appeals to me because of its simplicity, repetition and focus on what is most important to living a purpose filled life.”

“Tim Molak is a man of vision who understands the complexity of education and is able to unfold the future of the Priory with grace and a smile.”

—Fr. Martin

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Julianna Szekely

Serving healthy portions of food, smiles and warmth

by Sean McLain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland

Renowned for her generous helpings of food, Julianna makes everyone feel at home in the Priory kitchen. Her infectious smile and heartfelt greeting, “hello, how are you?” is part of what makes the food at the Priory so tasty.

For 29 years Julianna has served the Priory community, not only heaps of delectable food, but authentically positive care and concern. Juliana says, “the Priory feels like family and home. We are all one family and food is what brings us together.”

When recovering from surgery last year, Julianna says the Priory family reached out to her with visits and numerous “get well” cards and well wishes. When she returned, she said the Priory family “arranged for dinner for me everyday for weeks.”

She added, “Father Maurus even brought me flowers and administered the Sacrament.” She says this with a happy lilt in her voice even as tears begin to well in her eyes.

Julianna lost her husband and son in years past and she said, “Everyone [Priory community] circled me with their care and love.” She attributes the Priory community and monks for helping her through her grief and healing. It’s said many times, but the Priory community puts faith into action everyday to which Julianna can attest.

Service to the students, faculty, staff, and to the monks is what Julianna says gets her up in the morning with a happy heart. Julianna says serving makes her happy because it’s one small way that she can give back to those who have given her so much happiness and care. You’ve heard it before. It’s the Priory Way. The perfect blend of the five Benedictine values makes for a perfect recipe and model for how we should treat each other. And nowhere is this more apparent and apropos than what happens in the Priory kitchen day-in and day-out.

“Julianna is “mom” to so many kids as she loads mounds of food on their plates and greets them with a kind word and a smile.”

—Fr. Martin

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Nate Spears

Chef extraordinaire, student mentor

by Sean McLain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland

When Estella Spears hired her son to help out at the kitchen, gas was $1.19 a gallon, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was in theaters.

Nate Spears holds the distinction of the most years served for a lay staff member at the Priory. For 34 years, Nate has cooked food with a smile to all those that entered the Priory kitchen. He says, “There isn’t anything I’m afraid to cook, I always give my best when I cook and serve.”

It’s true. The Priory is one big community and as Nate often says, “we’re all brothers and sisters here at the Priory, we have a good time.” When asked his favorite time of day, Nate prefers breakfast. He likes to be the first to serve and give people a positive start to their day with a good meal (his scrumptious cheesy eggs are famous!).

Nate’s creativity and prowess in the kitchen is legendary. It’s common to see alumni visiting with Nate and to share in a meal. In addition to the special mentor relationships that Nate has formed with students over the years, he says he really values the people who started it all—the monks, both past and present. Nate says, “my most special time at the Priory is being able to share moments with the monks.” He added, “What a great job I have, it’s not every job where you can serve people, make them happy, and talk about God.” Nate is more than just a guy serving food behind a counter. When Nate isn’t cooking, he serves as a deacon at his church and is the facilitator of a special Friday night service called Power Night where he arranges guest speakers and acts as MC. When looking back on his time at the Priory, Nate says that he takes the time to learn something new everyday. Nate probably can’t count the number of meals he has served over the years, but his positive influence is easily measured. Visit the Priory kitchen for breakfast and see for yourself. Nate Spears is a man that takes Christ’s example to heart—he loves to serve and serves to love.

“Nate has become an institution at Priory. He knows every student and what they want for breakfast, is responsible for much of the good humor in the kitchen, and is the final authority on Giant’s baseball and Niners football.”

—Fr. Martin

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NEWS

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MONASTERY

Priory Classroom Crosses

by Father Martin Mager, O.S.B.

At the end of the 2014 school year the Faculty Office Building was dismantled by a voracious excavator in a matter of just one hour. It was a military building in its former life and was purchased as surplus by the Priory for the sum of one dollar in the late fifties.

There are those, I would guess, who think the price was way too high! When it was moved to the campus and situated in its new resting place it became the first monastery of Woodside Priory. It served in that capacity until 1971 when it was replaced by the present monastery building on the top of the hill.

The structure was then transformed into the Faculty Office Building, providing space for teachers and counselors where they might prepare classes, meet with students, or just relax between classes. It served well in that capacity for over four decades in spite of its questionable ability to deal with the heat of Summer and the chill of winter. In the many years that it stood as the focal point of Benedictine Square (formerly Red Square) virtually every student and faculty member passed through its portals. Although not an elegant structure it was always rich in memories.

The crosses I have made for every classroom in the Priory have been given special meaning by the fact that they not only represent the Christian Faith but also the ties to the past history of the Priory School and monastery. They are made from the weathered redwood boards of the building. The back of the crosses show the wear and heavy paint of those four decades, while the front shows the beautiful grain and color of old growth redwood. The corpus or image on the front were purchased from a monastery in Hungary, further adding to the historical sense of the crosses.

It is my hope that these symbols of faith will remind students and faculty of every faith community that the Benedictine value of Spirituality is a gift to be nurtured and lived throughout the journey of all of our lives.

Parting Shots A rather dapper youngster remembers wanting no part of this photo. But his mother insisted. The image was taken in 1936 in his village outside of Budapest. Can you tell who it is?

Answer: Fr. Pius

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Woodside Priory School 302 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 (650) 851-8221 fax (650) 851-2839

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Celebrating Our 56th Year

P R I O R Y

Cocktails & Silent Auction Dinner & Live Auction

March 28th, 2015 Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club

For questions or to volunteer: gala@priorypanther.com