From the CBA President
Dear Christian Brothers Academy Family,
I am honored to present the latest edition of our CBA Alumni Magazine, which celebrates the enduring spirit of our Lasallian mission and the remarkable individuals who embody it each day. As you explore the pages of this issue, you will find stories of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of our beloved school—each dedicated to the principles of faith, service, community, and excellence that have shaped their personal and professional journeys. These past and present servant leaders continue to inspire us, reminding us of the profound impact that Lasallian values have on our lives and the lives of the students who we serve.
As you reflect on their contributions, I hope you feel a deep sense of pride in your own role within this vibrant community. Christian Brothers Academy's mission extends beyond a mere set of ideals; it is a living, dynamic force that connects us all—past, present, and future. This mission unites us through our shared commitment to providing an excellent education while nurturing young men and women of integrity, compassion, and faith.
In this magazine, we present Vision 2030, our recently completed strategic plan that outlines the direction for Christian Brothers Academy over the upcoming years. This vision encompasses not only the future of our school but also involves all of us working together to ensure the Lasallian mission continues to thrive, adapting to new challenges while remaining true to our core values. Vision 2030 sets ambitious goals for our academic programs, campus, and community engagement, and we invite you to take an active role in this exciting journey. Whether you are an alumnus, a current parent, or a member of our broader Lasallian family, your participation is vital to the success of this vision.
We are sincerely grateful for your ongoing support, the legacy you've helped build, and the many ways you continue to enrich the vibrancy of our school community. The work of the Lasallian mission is never finished—it is a continuous journey, and each of us plays an essential role in ensuring CBA’s light shines brightly for future generations.
Thank you for being a part of the Christian Brothers Academy family. Your commitment to the Lasallian mission inspires us to move forward with confidence, hope, and enthusiasm as we face upcoming challenges and opportunities, continually providing a transformative experience for the students entrusted to our care!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
Board of Trustees 2024-2025
Chair
Mr. Christopher Harrigan ‘90
Vice Chair
Mrs. Kathleen Wiese
Secretary
Mrs. Maria Dracker Ascenzo ‘96
Assistant Secretary
Mr. John Marzocchi ‘77
President/Treasurer
Mr. Matthew Keough
Representative of Provincialate
Br. Joseph Juliano, FSC
Parents Club President
Mrs. Joyce Cardone
Faculty Representative
Mrs. Cecelia Schrecengost
Board Members
Mrs. Kimberly Boynton • Mr. Daniel Byrne ’70
Mr. James Cavale ‘00 • Mr. Donald DeKay ’72 • Mr. Matthew DeKay ‘02
Mr. Thomas Fletcher ’75 • Mr. Christopher Fulco, Ed.D.
Br. Joseph Juliano, FSC • Mr. Ed Leone ‘74 • Mr. Justin Martineau
Br. Ernest Miller, FSC • Mr. John J. Murphy IV ’90
Mr. RJ Nicolli ‘98 • Mrs. Kathleen O’Connor • Mr. Duane Owens ’81
Mr. Matthew Paulus ‘00 • Mr. John Sindoni, AFSC ’63
Mr. Thomas Sipowicz • Mr. Vince Spina • Mrs. Elizabeth Storinge Sullivan ’89
Mr. Carl Thomas ‘91 • Mr. Robert Waters ’66
Honorary Board Members
Mr. Edward Barno • Msgr. Ronald Bill, AFSC ’49
Mr. James Breuer ’68 • Mr. William Bush • Mr. Paul Drescher
Mr. Richard Engel ’82 • Mr. Ernest Etoll ’53 • Mr. Kevin Harrigan ’65
Mr. Alfred Krause • Mr. John Marshall, AFSC ‘67 • Mr. R. Daniel McCarthy ‘66
Mr. Edward Moses ’61 • Mr. Daniel Murphy ’65 • Mr. John D. Murphy ’77
Mr. John O’Connor ‘85 • Mr. Anthony Oliva • Mrs. Eileen Oliva
Mr. Joseph T. Scuderi ’53 • Mrs. Doreen Simmons
CBA Advancement Staff
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Mrs. Annemarie Mosley
Director of Special Events and Programs
Mrs. Heidi Monsour
Director of Alumni and Annual Fund
Ms. Samantha Miller
Director of Communications (Newsletter Editor)
Ms. Judy Salamone
Database and Donor Stewarship Manager
Ms. Shari Whitaker
Pictured
Members of the 2024 Class AA State Championship Football team include (l-r): Daunte Bacheyie, Zion Green, Quinten Lewis, Ronnel John, Darien Williams, Brayden Smith, Amir Butler, Marquan Saddler, Anthony Kirkman, Shawn Edenfield, Matt Hawn. Second row (l-r): Vinnie Lazzaro, Kieghlin Hicks, Adrian Weather, Noah Monsour, Nate Brown, Matt Capella, Kaden Clark, Steve Grosso, Nolen Schimpff, Tre Williams, Cody Cloutier. Third row (l-r): Khalil Cox, Isaiah Coleman, Brayden Johnson, Joey Chiarenza, Emmad Alawaad, Fedel Smith, Thomas Cooney, Donovan Collins, Johnathan Tomas, Jon Hopkins, Riley Clemons-Butenko. Fourth row (l-r): Denim Torrence, Jhadon Gary, Luca DeLorenzo, Ehren Zachery, Austin Ariola, Carter Achuff, Javon Edenfield, Gradyn Dixon, Juelz Burgos, Xavier Burdick
Back to Back! CBA Wins 2nd Consecutive State Football Championship!
Call it a Hail Mary.
Call it the Immaculate Reception. Call it Divine Intervention.
Call it a Miracle.
Call it ESPN Sportscenter’s Top Play of the Day (which it was). Call it a great team knowing how to fight through adversity. Call it Faith.
Trailing 40-35 with three ticks remaining on the clock in the Class AA State Championship, CBA senior quarterback Brayden Smith scrambled left outside the pocket and heaved a 35-yard pass to the endzone, which miraculously fell into the hands of senior Darien Williams. Chaos erupted, as the Brothers defeated fellow Lasallian school, CBA Albany 41-40 at the JMA Wireless Dome, and captured its second straight State Crown on Dec. 7.
“Wow, I’m speechless,” head coach Casey Brown told reporters moments after the game. “You never lose unless you quit. And these kids just kept fighting.”
Fight they did. They weren’t going to be denied.
“I said from the start, we are not losing this,” said Williams, who will trade in his purple and gold to orange and blue next year as a member of the Syracuse University football team shared. “It’s the last play of my high school career. Make a play. I wasn’t losing this game. We played too hard for this.”
Led by the 12th man, loud and proud Brothers Nation, the Dome, lit up in purple following the win, was filled with a sea of purple and gold, which included the Provincial of the District of Eastern
North America Brother Robert Schaefer, and a member of the CBA Board of Trustees, and Brother Joe Juliano, who traveled to Syracuse to support both schools.
With the win, the Brothers capped off another undefeated season (14-0) and secured the school’s fourth championship, its third under coach Casey Brown. In addition to last year's title, CBA won the Class A State Title in 2021 and the Class AA Crown in 2004.
“This was high school athletics at its best - two phenomenal teams, passionate communities, and a once-in-a-lifetime finish,” remarked President Matt Keough.
The finish will undoubtedly go down as one of the top high school championship games in the state of New York, ever. But, it’s the never-die attitude for which the Brothers football team of 2024 will long be remembered.
"The state championship victory is a testament to the dedication, talent, and heart of our players and coaches, whose hard work and commitment have led us to this incredible achievement,” Keough said. “I watched the game with tremendous pride and gratitude for our community in seeing our cheerleaders, students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of CBA demonstrate such incredible spirit. This win belongs to our entire Lasallian community.”
The Brothers had two rushing touchdowns in the first half from Quinten Lewis (six yards) and Isaiah Coleman (three yards). Daunte Bacheyie caught a one-yard pass from Smith. The teams were tied at 21 at the break.
CBA had two more rushing TDs in the fourth quarter from Austin Ariola and Smith.
Call it pride. Call it joy. Call it another State Title! Congratulations Brothers!
Coleman led the team in rushing with 17 carries for 104 yards. Williams caught six passes for 107 yards.
CBA was a No. 1 seed heading into Sectionals. The Brothers coasted through the playoffs, defeating Rome Free Academy 56-21 and Utica Proctor 51-13; before prevailing over Cicero North Syracuse 21-13 for the Sectional Championship.
The first stop on the road to the State Title was a trip to Cicero North Syracuse High School, where the Brothers topped ElmiraSouthside 63-12 for a State Regional victory. The following week, CBA who trailed for the first-time ever in the 2024 season, scored with 1:26 remaining in the game to defeat Aquinas Institute to punch their ticket to the Dome and the big dance.
“I think the lessons we learned from the Aquinas game, came into effect for the CBA Albany game,” Brown shared. “You have to give yourself a chance, you have to keep fighting, you have to believe in yourself, believe in your Brothers and have faith. Faith was a major part of us getting through some of the rough parts of the season. We lost one of our assistant coaches, Jon Williams, we lost Mr. Kinn, Coach Dotterer, and one of our parents continues to fight cancer. Faith and believing in each other and supporting each other was a major factor for us to have the success we did this season.”
The Brothers become the first Central New York School ever to win back-to-back championships in Class AA, the highest class in the State. The Brothers outscored their opponents 618-175 this season. CBA has now won 43 of its last 44 games, including the past 28 straight.
“I am most proud of the actions that often go unnoticed,” Keough added. “You can win and still lose. After the game, our players consoled CBA Albany players, our coaches demonstrated the utmost respect, and our community recognized that true winning is not solely based on the final score. I left the game with great joy that we won in the ways that are often unnoticed.”
Brothers United By Love
By M.C. Antil ‘72
In one sense, they couldn’t have been more different. One was an athlete, a professional one at that – an old-school hardball player, in fact. The other likely never played on a team much past Little League. One was on a lifelong spiritual journey, and a guy who read voraciously and always sought to expand minds and deepen souls – his and those under his wing. The other was a somewhat rough-around-the-edges kid from just west of the city whose idea of reading was likely checking out that day’s Vegas line for that night’s slate of ballgames.
Yet, both men were bound by something about which neither had complete control: their unfettered loyalty and undying love for CBA, along with their shared willingness to go that extra mile to help all its athletic teams in the pursuit of victory.
This past year, within the space of a few days, the CBA family lost two of its most beloved characters, both linchpin and longtime members of our athletic department: Randy Kinn, who for 50 years served as athletic trainer (as well as AD Buddy Wleklinski’s righthand man), and Tom Dotterer, who’s commitment to CBA was so deep and so unconditional that in 2016 the school not only built a magnificent new baseball diamond on our grounds in his honor, but we named it after him as well.
Randy, Class of ‘74, died behind the wheel of his car near his property in Cape Vincent on Lake Ontario, about an hour north of Syracuse, while Tom, Class of ‘53, died after a number of health-related issues, including a progressive form of respiratory failure.
The former might not have been an athlete, but he was certainly a man shaped by having grown up (and spending the bulk of his adult life) in the training room. Little seemed to offend Randy and his was a personality shaped by the barb-tossing, towel-snapping culture on which he’d cut his teeth. As a result, his language and manner could, at times, be as gruff as his exterior.
But, to hear those who knew him best tell it, deep down inside he was an absolute teddy bear of a guy – one who’d fight to the death if it meant protecting a young man or woman wearing the purple and gold of the Brothers. What’s more, he was a trainer whose primary mission in life seemed to be preparing all those under his watch to play the next game and do so at peak capacity. Said one of them, “Mr. Kinn’s particular area of genius was his ability to see through your (BS) and call you on it before you even knew what hit you. If you were faking an injury, just to duck practice, he
could see through that little charade of yours from a mile away. But if you were really hurt – really hurt – he knew it right away. In fact, if you were really hurt, there was no one you’d more rather have on your side than him.”
Randy, an Onondaga Hill native who attended Syracuse University, used to regularly volunteer as CBA’s trainer, even as a college undergraduate. Then, shortly after graduation from SU, and with his diploma hot in hand, he was hired by CBA to become – just maybe – the first full-time trainer in the history of Central New York high schools. As such, he was subsequently inducted into the CBA Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 – the first non-playing/noncoaching Brother to be so honored.
Though the papers might have reported that Randy, a lifelong bachelor, left no children, he most certainly left a loving and devoted family. And that entire family – many of whom are reading this now, and, at one point, might have even worn the purple and gold while competing in one sport or another (and had, therefore, been taped up by him) – have Randy’s fingerprints all over their lives and hearts, and are now better people for having known him and having seen for themselves his incredible passion for CBA athletics.
Tom Dotterer, as stated, was a ballplayer – a career minor league infielder who managed to hit .400 in his next-to-last season as a member of the Syracuse Chiefs, before hanging them up a year later while following a brief stint with Macon of the old Sally League. He then returned home for a life of coaching and changing young minds and hearts – along with, of course, running the family liquor store that his father had started back in the late 1940s. And while, as a coach, Tom wanted to win as much as anyone, what maybe best defined his often off-beat style was the fact that he always tried to shape his players’ character even more so than hone their physical skills. A truly unconventional tactic he deployed once was to cut a few kids who were otherwise good enough to play for him. Yet, he told each of those kids, even as he was cutting them, that over the course of the next few days, if they could convince him why they should be on his baseball team, he’d have a purple and gold uniform waiting for them. It was an unconventional method, to be sure, and it certainly ruffled more than a few feathers, but it allowed Tom to find kids who truly believed in themselves, and find young men compelled – some of them for the first time ever – to stand up for something important to them, and something that mattered deeply. It was a lesson many of those same kids would then, subsequently, carry around for the rest of their lives. What’s more, that particular CBA team not only won the state title, but the young man who scored the winning run in the final game, was one of the kids who’d originally been cut, but who’d then successfully made a case for himself to his coach.
Just as it goes without saying that, for all they meant to the Brothers in terms of our won/lost record over the course of this past half century, what those of us on Randall Road will really miss about Randy Kinn and Tom Dotterer is the color they managed to add to our daily lives – along with the character, passion, and humanity each man brought to his job every day.
Through the years, Tom grew into a voracious seeker of truth and a true prophet of inner peace – the likes of which CBA may never see again. In fact, while still in his thirties, Tom – a born and raised North Side Catholic – began to seek out a new church and community of believers, folks who made him feel more connected to God than he was feeling as a practicing Catholic. After kicking tires and kissing any number of ecumenical toads, one Sunday he walked into St. Peter’s and Paul’s, a Russian Orthodox church on Tipperary Hill, and found for himself a community of like-minded Syracusans who embraced him, and he them. As a result, Tom never ended up leaving the church – becoming, in the process, one of its longest-standing and most engaged members.
No appreciation of the life of Tom Dotterer, however, would be complete without including the story that made him a local star and turned him into the poster child of toughmindedness in Syracuse, a city he loved. It was 2013. Two men held up his liquor store. They demanded money. But Tom had no intention of just giving up something he’d worked so hard for. So, he resisted. And, of course, they shot him – in the right eye, as a matter of fact. But being a battle-tested, rock-hard ballplayer from an entirely different era of men, he was back at work less than a week later. Sure, he’d lost one eye, but the way he figured it, he had another one.
It goes without saying that Tom is in both the CBA Sports Hall of Fame and the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame – the latter distinction being one he shares with both his father and brother.
Tom Dotterer: One Man’s Reflection
By M.C. Antil ‘72
Acouple of years ago I was writing a book in real time about the Syracuse of the 1960s, told through the prism of a single high school basketball game. Because I was trying to crowd-source much of my research and fact-checking, I put the book live online, and would post chapters as I finished them. Anyway, one of my sources one day asked me if I knew Tom Dotterer. I told him no, but that I think I knew his brother from what, for all intents and purposes, was another life. Well, this particular contact told me he had a message from Tom that, while it was highly complementary, was something that doesn’t bear repeating here. So, the next time I was in Syracuse (I live in Chicago), I decided to stop by his liquor store and thank him personally for the kind words. Tom’s place, as some of you may know, was (shall we say) “spartan” in nature – a place seemingly designed more for him to hold court and wax on about his many his philosophies on life than it was designed to actually transact the buying and selling of alcohol. The night I walked in, Tom was alone. I told him my name, and he just looked at me blankly. So, I clarified: “I’m the guy who’s writing Floor Burns.”
“Well,” I said. “I just wanted to come by your store and thank you personally for your kind thoughts about my book. They really meant a lot – and, still do, in fact.”
His face lit up and he immediately repeated a variation of what he’d said to our mutual acquaintance, a message he asked this person deliver to me.
After a few more moments of niceties and general conversation, I said, “Do you mind if I tell you something?” “It was basketball season,” I explained. “Maybe 1966. And I was on the grammar school team for St. Charles.” I then told Tom that after one game his brother had pulled me aside after gym (he was our weekly gym teacher) and told me something I’ve never forgotten. That game – one in which I’d only played a few minutes, and yet somehow managed to play okay, including scoring a handful of points and making a couple of nice steals – was one he’d seen, standing in the hallway next to the bleachers and watching in earnest.
My father had been coaching St. Charles since three previous coaches that year had already quit and my dad wanted to do something in gratitude for our pastor. As far as I know, they didn’t even pay him.
But, as I said, and as I told Tom that evening, after that game his brother pulled me aside and told me, “Look, I know why your old man’s not playing you. He doesn’t want to show favoritism. But here’s the thing,” he said, looking down at me and straight into my wide-open eyes. “You should be playing more. You’re a good little player.”
He then added, “But, and this is my point, in life you’re gonna have to learn to stand up for yourself. Because, if you’re not willing to do it, you can’t then turn around and expect someone else to do it for you.”
The much older version of that man stepped out from behind his counter and stood there maybe ten feet from me. He just smiled without even moving. “What?” I asked Tom, confused at the grin plastered all over his face. “What???” I repeated.
Quietly but matter-of-factly, he said simply, “That was me.” “No,” I said, “No, no. That was your brother, Dutch.”
He continued smiling, shrugging a touch as he did, almost as if to say, ‘What can I say?” “Back then, he was Dutch...I was Dutch…Hell, my old man was Dutch. When we were playing, at some point all three of us became Dutch.”
The lump in my throat felt the size of a grapefruit, even more so as more time passed, him standing there in front of me the whole time beaming.
I’ll never forget that moment. Just as I’ll never forget the remarkable Tom “Dutch” Dotterer or his sage advice to me 61 years ago. Mostly, though, I’ll never forget that smile of his that night, just as I’ll never forget the look in my old gym teacher’s one good eye as he stood there basking in the realization that one of the first of the billions of seeds he’d eventually plant in so many young minds over the course of so many decades had not merely borne fruit, but that the kid who possessed the mind into which that seed of his had been planted was now reaching out to him to share a piece of that very same fruit.
Webster Chosen As 2024-25 Lasallian Educator Of The Year
Christian Brothers Academy faculty and staff has chosen Amanda Webster as the 2024-25 Lasallian Educator of the Year. The award was announced last June at the faculty and staff luncheon.
Webster has been a part of the CBA community for the past eight years. She taught Religion 11 for the first seven years and transitioned this year to Campus Ministry.
Webster was born and raised in Lyncourt, NY. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education degree at St. Bonaventure University, she answered the call to serve at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia with the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry program. Webster shares that serving at the soup kitchen was one of the most impactful experiences of her faith journey.
After her year in ministry, she completed her Master in Environmental and Outdoor Education degree. Before her time at Christian Brothers Academy, Webster worked as a Respite Coordinator at Catholic Charities and the Campus Minister at Bishop Ludden Junior-Senior High School.
She is joyfully married to her husband, Thomas, and together they are raising three children, Callan (9), Adelynn (6) and Landon (3), fostering a home filled with love and learning.
Webster deeply appreciates the foundation of support and values instilled by her parents, Bertha and David Lengauer, whose guidance and encouragement remain a source of strength and inspiration.
“A highlight of my CBA career is establishing the immersion trip to St. Francis Inn and witnessing our students’ spiritual lives transform,” Webster remarked.
In Their Own Words
Jayce Calocerinos '25
In November, senior Jayce Calocerinos joined seven other CBA students and faculty members Amanda Webster and Erin Moore on a mission trip to St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia.
Here is Jayce’s reflection.
I've always been a very chatty kid in school and kind of the class clown. So, to go on a trip where I didn’t get to be the source of the joke and I could have no phone, I was uninterested. But there was one teacher that saw my true heart and knew that going to serve others might just be the perfect trip for me. That teacher was Mrs. Webster.
It’s not like me to go outside of my comfort zone. Part of me wanted to go, and there was a part of me I didn’t know existed. After a lot of thought, I decided that I was going to trust and believe in God and Mrs. Webster just like she had always believed in me. I quickly came to realize that this wasn't just something I had wanted, but it was something that I had needed.
I've always kept everything on the inside,and have never really been one to open up about things. I was bullied as a kid, my
parents are divorced, and my grandpa (one of the biggest influences in my life) passed away mid-way through my 9th grade year. Not many people at all know this about me because I act like none of it affected me. So,to go on a trip that might allow people to see that other side of me actually scared me.
The very first day of the trip I started making connections with people from CBA that I would have never even thought to speak to in my life, people that are so quiet, but have such unique gifts that go unseen, exactly like the connections I made with the people at the Inn.
I had formed a strong connection with a man that came to the Inn with a different pair of sunglasses every day and he knew everything about sports. But no one knew of his other gifts and talents because it goes unseen behind his unwashed clothes and poor hygiene. I came to learn that sometimes people don't get to choose their path. They end up in these situations not by choice, but because of something they can't control. Despite the adversity he faced, he always approached life with optimism.
His courage inspired me to see challenges as opportunities.
When we went to visit a local Catholic elementary school, the kids' faces lit up. It was crazy to see just how much a group of high school students could leave such an impact on these kids’ days. One experience from the school that really stood out to me was when meeting a kid named Ezra. He was autistic and had a hard time speaking some words. I went over to talk to him and he had such a big smile on his face. Ezra was more than just what people see in him.
On day three we went into the heart of the city and that was supposed to be refreshing but was so eye opening to me to see all the needles on the railroad tracks and how life for some people really is. It also made me see that no matter how hard my life feels, it is nothing compared to what some others face every day.
Every single night we would have dinner together after serving others. But it was on night three where that really hit me because I don't get the opportunity to ever have family dinners at home anymore which is something I used to do every single day with my family when my mom and dad were still together. It’s something that I missed so much. It brought back those memories for me. Talking and laughing and sharing made something in me crack. And on that night, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I couldn't be the Jayce everyone knew me for on the outside. I was ready to show them the Jayce on the inside. Everything that I had bottled up on the inside came out.
That night’s reflection question really made me think about my life, who had always been there, and who wasn’t there anymore. I had been so upset and realized how much I missed the memories. I started bawling my eyes out because I had finally opened up.
In front of a group, I had felt so comfortable and safe within in just three days. I didn't just open the door for myself but opened it for everyone else to share that night.
When the question was asked “Let us see Christ in others and let others see Christ in us. Where did you see Christ (Love)?” my classmates who were now my best friends both stated they saw Christ in me. I started to cry even more because it felt so good that people weren't just seeing me for the way I am in school, but rather they saw my heart. I let them in, and they saw me for me which no one knew about before.
Later that night, we went to the chapel and received notes from our parents that they had written for us before the trip, and I was still bawling my eyes out. My parents had written to me and said, “We see how happy it makes you and how much it means to you to see others happy even if it's just for a moment.” That instantly stuck with me.
Day four made me so sad to leave. It’s like I was leaving a second family. The trip was only four days long which seems so short but was also so long. How could I feel so changed in just a few days? I had formed such close relationships with everyone in such little time. When we got home, I felt different. Seeing my parents cry when reading the note I had written back to them made me tear up. The mission trip helped me become so much more grateful for my family.
When we were there, a guest shared with me a picture on his wallpaper. It was a picture of his daughter, and he said he rarely gets to see her and wishes he could see her more. That helped me become so much more grateful for my parents because although they are not together, I get to come home to both of them every single day.
I formed relationships with people, that if it weren't for the trip, I don't know if I would've ever had a conversation with them. This makes me want to continue to form relationships with people that I haven't had genuine conversations with and makes me want to continue the relationships that I made on this trip.
Mrs. Webster hugged and thanked me for believing in her and going on this trip and bringing the Jayce she knew. I want to thank her for being the one to believe in me. This trip wasn’t something I just wanted, rather it was something I needed, and I will never forget the experiences I had.
There are so many other stories from this trip but instead I am going to keep them in my heart and think of everything I learned from them. And even though I will always be the Jayce who is kind of chatty and a little bit of a class clown, I am also proud to be the kid with the big heart that Mrs. Webster helped me become.
Heard in the Halls
Yang Named Semifinalist In National Merit Scholarship Program
Senior Gabriel Yang was named a semifinalist in the 70th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Yang is among 16,000 students-a select group that represents less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide-who qualified for the scholarship program by scoring amongst the highest in their respective states on the preliminary Standardized Achievement Test (SAT).
Yang has an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered in the spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalists level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar Title.
Five Students Named Commended Students In The 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program
Five students have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The students are David Curry, Janie Kang, Josephine Lachut, Eve Oakes, and Alison Sullivan.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2025 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Three Football Players Sign Commitment Letters To SU
Daunte Bacheyie (tight end), Matthew Hawn (offensive lineman), and Darien Williams (wide receiver) signed their commitment letters to continue their academic and athletic careers at Syracuse University.
Nine Student-Athletes Sign Commitment Letters
Nine student-athletes signed their letters of intent to continue their intercollegiate careers at Division I schools in the fall.
Those students are: Luke Becker, LeMoyne College (baseball); Madison Cecilia, LeMoyne College (swimming and diving); Michael Giamartino, Wofford College (baseball); Hector Gonzalez, University of Massachusetts-Lowell (baseball); Kristina Kennedy, Sacred Heart University (lacrosse); Lilah Kirch, Columbia University (lacrosse); Maeve MacKenzie, Cornell University (lacrosse); Tom Menar, Mount St. Mary’s University (baseball); Eliana Occhino, Jacksonville State University (bowling).
Sistrunk and Lee Represent CBA At All-State Music Festival
Senior Jaden Sistrunk (Mixed Chorus-Bass 1) and junior Eric Lee (Violin) represented CBA at the Conference All-State Festival in Rochester in December. All-State is the highest honor for a high school musician to aspire to. Both scored a perfect score on their Level 6 NYSSMA solos last spring to qualify for the event.
Brothers Win Third Consecutive Sectional Golf Championship
The golf team captured their third consecutive Sectional Golf championship in the fall. The team compiled a 15-0 record this season and hasn’t lost a match since Sept. 28, 2023. In addition, Luke Snyder was a medalist shooting a 73.
Marquan Saddler
Marquan Saddler signed his letter of intent to Stonehill College on Feb.11.
Three StudentAthletes Win Individual Sectional Events
Madi Cecilia won the Section III Class B 200 Individual Swimming Medley Championship. Julie Zdep and Maddie Evans won the Division 3 Doubles Title in Tennis.
Jr. High Students Perform in Mary Poppins
Approximately 50 seventh and eighth graders performed in Mary Poppins this past fall.
Senior High Students Perform In Fall Drama, Radium Girls
More than 25 senior high students in grades 9-12 participated as a cast member or as a part of the crew in this year’s Senior High Fall Drama, Radium Girls.
Peer Ministers Spread Holiday Cheer At St. Vincent de Paul
Campus Ministry Peer Ministers delivered Christmas presents to the St. Vincent de Paul daycare students prior to Christmas. Each of the 67 daycare students received a bag filled with gifts and each family received a gift card to the grocery store, thanks to the generosity of the CBA community. Santa and his elves made the day a very special one for all the little children.
Alumni Regional Events/News
New York City
President Matt Keough and Vice-President For Advancement Annemarie Mosley headed to the Big Apple on Oct. 9 for the first Regional Event of the school year. New York City-area CBA alums gathered at the New York Athletic Club, and enjoyed drinks and delicious appetizers, compliments of sponsors, Bob Fitzsimmons ’80 and A.J. Storinge, Jr. ‘86
Albany
Alumni mixed, mingled and reconnected with fellow Albany area alumni at The Fort Orange Club on Oct. 22. The event was sponsored by Daniel Santola ’67.
Boston
A great time was had by all at the Boston Regional Event held on Oct. 23 at the Double Tree Suites Boston-Cambridge. Thank you to Walter Fey ’71, JT Miranda ’07 and Stephen Pole ’91 for their generosity in hosting this event, and giving all of our alums an opportunity to gather and share their favorite stories of CBA.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY
2030
The future of CBA is rooted in our rich history and legacy. The opportunity for our current and future students arises from our ability to create and execute strategic plans that consider our past and inspire our future. Throughout our history, we have been committed to the mission of our Founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, and approached challenges and opportunities with creative fidelity to our founding story and the CBA mission.
Vision 2030, our next strategic plan and vision, embraces the spirit that has inspired our history while continuing to respond to the current needs of the students who are entrusted to our care. I would like to thank CBA Trustee Kathleen O’Connor for steering this project and Christopher Harrigan ‘90, Chair of our CBA Board of Trustees, for his outstanding vision and leadership of our Board.
2015 Strategic Plan
In 2015, the CBA Board of Trustees approved an ambitious strategic plan. The school faced the declining presence of the Christian Brothers, the declining enrollments at Catholic elementary feeder schools, and necessary general building and campus upgrades and maintenance. The 2015 Strategic Plan prioritized the school’s commitment to the Lasallian mission to ensure every stakeholder understood and embodied that mission. That year, the school adopted and implemented its current president/principal leadership model as its first step toward lay leadership.
As the enrollment at the diocesan Catholic elementary schools declined, the natural enrollment pipeline slowed. The Board recognized that CBA had to appeal to students educated at local public schools. To appeal to traditional public-school families, CBA had to be an attractive option for families attending good public schools with excellent facilities and no tuition. CBA initiated a comprehensive review of the entire campus and facilities. This review resulted in the Facilities Master Plan, which addressed all aspects of the physical plant – classrooms, library, cafeteria, kitchen, offices, athletic facilities, HVAC systems, etc. CBA also needed to increase its financial assistance to support families not used to paying tuition for education.
CBA launched the “Our Mission, Their Future” campaign to address many of the campus deficiencies identified in the Facilities Master Plan, increase the endowment, and increase annual financial support for operations by improving participation in the Annual Fund. The campaign raised $13,764,386. As a result of the plan and campaign, the school increased its endowment, increased participation in the Annual Fund, and upgraded its cafeteria to the Dining Center and library to the Learning Commons.
Current State of the School
The 125-year commitment and vision of countless trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, and benefactors has enabled CBA to thrive in the Lasallian Catholic educational mission. As caretakers of the Lasallian charism, the school has committed significant resources to supporting the Lasallian formation of its faculty and staff. Despite the last Christian Brother leaving CBA in 2023, planning and formation have led to a community of Lasallians who are fully committed to the mission of our Founder. While the Brothers no longer offer a presence on campus, a rigorous internal formation program and consistent participation in District and Regional formation opportunities have ensured that the school remains passionately committed to the Lasallian mission.
CBA students continue to excel academically. In 2019, CBA was recognized as one of 50 nonpublic schools and the only Catholic school nationwide to receive the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence designation, an honor that lasts for seven years.
The school created an Engineering Maker Space and upgraded classrooms. It committed funds to projects identified as necessary maintenance, repairs, and replacements to school facilities, such as windows, masonry, and the HVAC system. The school also renovated its entry and added displays and technology to recognize its history and honor its graduates.
In 2024, CBA earned the Advanced Placement Platinum Award, the highest honor given by the College Board. To achieve this recognition, 82% of the CBA Class of 2024 completed an AP course, 64% earned college credit by scoring three or higher, and 20% of the graduating class participated in five or more AP courses at CBA. In 2024, 232 students completed a total of 533 AP exams. U.S. News & World Report evaluates public schools using a hybrid metric known as “College Readiness.” The top-performing public school in Central New York scored 64.4, while the Syracuse City School District scored 9.3. In contrast, the CBA Class of 2024 achieved a score of 76.5. CBA consistently sees 100% of its graduating seniors accepted into four-year colleges, and the CBA Class of 2024 earned $32.6 million in merit scholarships.
Since completing “Our Mission, Their Future,” CBA has completed several additional facility updates, including a new e-Lab that offers advanced computer science and programming courses and a competitive e-sports team. The main athletic turf field and track were replaced during the summer of 2024, and the lower athletic field is scheduled for replacement during the summer of 2025. These projects were financed entirely through fundraising and supplemental revenue and did not impact tuition.
Recent renovations to the school funded through the "Our Mission, Their Future" capital campaign include the new Dining Center, Learning Commons and Engineering Lab.
The 2024 construction of the Dan Byrne ’70 Performing Arts Center fulfilled one of the goals in the 2015 facilities master plan study. The 300-seat auditorium features a complete stage and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. This addition benefits our current students who are passionate about the performing arts and positions CBA to expand its arts offerings. Since 2015, approximately $20 million has been invested in facility upgrades, which were achieved without incurring any long-term debt.
Over the past ten years, campaign pledges from “Our Mission, Their Future,” prudent financial management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and improved fundraising efforts have contributed to the endowment’s growth from $11,752,000 to $21,192,563. This achievement has allowed financial assistance to exceed $1.6 million annually, benefiting approximately 51% of the current student body. The increase in financial aid and the commitment to keeping tuition increases minimal have ensured that CBA remains accessible to well-qualified students.
Over the past decade, K-12 student enrollment in New York State has decreased by 8.4%. This decline, along with several other factors, has contributed to nearly a 19% drop in Catholic school enrollment nationwide. Nevertheless, CBA has maintained full enrollment despite these reductions, proudly boasting a student count of 751. This success can be attributed to remarkable academic performance, a commitment to Lasallian values, a strong sense of community, and excellence in extracurricular activities. The school has enhanced the diversity of its student body in both ethnic and religious aspects while upholding its core mission of providing a “human and Christian education.” CBA remains the premier choice for families seeking a safe, nurturing environment that encourages each student to achieve personal and academic excellence according to their unique gifts and talents. While CBA’s current status is strong, the years ahead will present new challenges.
Challenges Ahead
Recent closures of Catholic elementary schools and expected further restructuring within the Diocese will continue to diminish the traditional pipeline of prospective students to CBA. Additionally, overall affiliation with the Catholic Church has also decreased. These challenges occur against the backdrop of overall demographic declines in the United States. While these obstacles highlight CBA’s crucial role in providing a primary faith experience for our students, a strong strategic vision is essential to reallocate resources for recruiting and educating students who come to CBA through other pathways.
Our mission calls us to educate young people in the Lasallian Catholic tradition, regardless of their ability to pay. The City of Syracuse ranks among the cities with the highest child poverty rates in the United States. While we have increased our financial aid, we still cannot meet the financial needs of all our accepted students. Access to a CBA education for low and middle-income families will only be possible through a significantly larger endowment than our currently available funds.
OUR 5 CORE PRINCIPLES
Through this Lasallian commitment, each and every one of our students’ intellectual, physical, social, cultural, and spiritual development is of paramount concern. During students’ six year journey from seventh grade to graduation, they are transformed. CBA helps each student discover who he or she is.
While we have consistently invested in our facilities, we remain challenged by our school building’s original scope of construction - 9th through 12th-grade males.
The addition of grades 7 and 8 and the transition to coeducational continues to require essential renovations. A strong facilities masterplan that addresses this history, plans for annual investments in routine maintenance, and allows CBA to be responsive to educational changes in curriculum and technology is essential to ensuring that our community has the resources for continued success.
To remain passionate caretakers of the Lasallian mission, the school must continue to strategically approach the formation of all faculty, staff, and trustees. Throughout New York State, there has been a significant decline in teachers and administrators. A clear vision to attract, retain, and develop committed lifelong Lasallians will ensure that the mission remains vibrant across our community.
Faith Formation
Concern For The Poor
Academic Excellence Respect Inclusivity
In 2024, CBA completed the construction of the Dan Byrne '70 Performing Arts Center, a 300-seat auditorium with a state-of-the art stage, sound and lighting features.
2
2030
VISION AND
CBA will remain passionately committed to the Lasallian Catholic mission which is exemplified by faith in the presence of God, academic excellence, inclusive community, respect for all persons, and concern for the poor.
Strategic Goal: The Vice President for Mission and Chair of the Mission Effectiveness Committee will ensure that the Lasallian Catholic mission is understood, embraced, and practiced by all.
CBA will be a center of excellence for academic study and offer enriching co-curricular programming consistent with the best college-preparatory programs.
Strategic Goal: The Principal will ensure continued excellence in our academic and co-curricular programs.
3
CBA will be recognized as the preeminent option for area families seeking a school that challenges students to achieve excellence in all aspects of their lives.
Strategic Goal: The Vice President of Enrollment and Chair of the Enrollment Management Committee will ensure and maintain robust enrollment levels of highly qualified students.
4
CBA will ensure students can attend without regard to their financial ability to pay.
Strategic Goal: The Vice President of Advancement and Chair of the Advancement Committee will increase financial resources to meet the demonstrated financial need for all accepted and enrolled students.
STRATEGIC GOALS
5
CBA’s financial condition will be strong, and its tuition increases and enrollment will be managed effectively.
Strategic Goal: The Vice President of Finance and Chair of the Finance Committee will develop and implement a long-term financial plan.
6
CBA’s trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff will continually develop and form leaders who will be committed to the mission of the school.
Strategic Goal: The Chair of the Board, President, and Principal will recruit, develop, and retain strong and committed school leaders.
7
CBA will provide, maintain, and improve its facilities and technology to support and promote the physical, academic, and spiritual activities of its faculty, staff, and students.
Strategic Goal: The Vice President of Operations and Chair of the Facilities Committee will provide the facilities and technology necessary for the success of our programs and plan for the facilities and technology needed for our future programs.
8
The school will remain at the center of a large and vibrant CBA community, including alumni, parents, Board of Trustees, and CBA friends.
Strategic Goal: The Vice President of Advancement and Chair of the Advancement Committee will ensure engagement of members with the school and others in the CBA Community.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY
Vision 2030: Creating our Future
As a result of our new strategic plan Vision 2030, alumni will experience a vibrant, faith-based community that honors their legacy. They will also continue to discover meaningful ways to engage with the school’s mission through authentic interactions with fellow graduates, students, faculty, and staff members.
The strategic plan will ensure that students receive a transformative education that fosters intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth as they prepare to lead with compassion and integrity. Students will benefit from a rigorous and holistic education that encourages them to excel and equips them for a constantly changing world. They will be surrounded by peers who share a passion for faith, learning and service –individuals who would thrive at any institution but choose CBA to challenge themselves to be their best.
Parents will witness a school that cultivates a supportive and inclusive environment where their children thrive in faith, knowledge, and character while actively engaging in the Lasallian mission. They will be involved partners in their children’s experience and recognize the transformative impact of a Lasallian education.
Together, we will be passionate heirs to the Lasallian mission at Christian Brothers Academy, continuing to touch hearts and inspire minds!
Oh What a Night!
Renowned trumpet player Joe Magnarelli ’78 gave of his time and talent to kick-off the Alumni Artist series, on Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the Dan Byrne ’70 Performing Arts Center.
Sponsored by the Alumni Association, approximately 90 alumni, family, friends, and faculty and staff mixed and mingled, and enjoyed a night of music and hors d’oeuvres from Red Apron Catering (owned by Brian Bruno ’95).
For more than 40 years, Magnarelli has emerged as one of the premier trumpeters, improvisers, composers, and educators in jazz. He has played in engagements in New York and around the world with Aretha Franklin, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Mathis, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, just to name a few. Joe is also a part-time trumpet professor at the Juilliard School of Music and the Tribeca Jazz Institute.
Oh, what a night!
Alumni Notes and Quotes
1965
Edward F. Saroney III has authored and published “That Is -Is Not To Be Known.” It is his second novel. The novel details the continuing life of Sean Rousseau and his deepening relationship with Merry McEntyre as they face new trials from Merry’s overprotective son, to Sean’s discovery of an old and tattered diary recounting a nightmarish tale of a journey taken by two baseball players and a team follower of the Boston Beaneaters, in the evening of Aug. 7, 1897. Saroney’s first novel, “The Last Dodo Bird,” was published in 2020.
1971
Ernie Linek was promoted to Knight Commander with Star in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – a Papal Knighthood. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Latin: Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani, OESSH), is a Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. The Pope is the sovereign of the order. The order creates canons as well as knights, with the primary mission to "support the Christian presence in the Holy Land. It is an internationally recognized order of chivalry. The order today is estimated to have some 30,000 knights and dames in 60 lieutenancies around the world. It is recognized internationally as a legitimate order of knighthood, headquartered in Vatican City State under papal sovereignty and having the protection of the Holy See. Linek and his wife Martha Finnegan were first invested in the order in 2016.
1993
Kevin Mahoney joined Christoph Zeiss Partners, Inc., a global consulting firm backed by a Zurich-based family office, as Managing Partner of the US business and Global Co-Head of the Financial Services Practice. Although he now spends significant time between Zurich, London and Paris in his new role, Mahoney will continue to be based in New York where he lives with his wife, Carolyn and their two daughters, Ellie (6) and Emma (2). Prior to joining Christoph Zeiss Partners, Inc., Mahoney successfully sold Bay Street Advisors, a management consulting firm that he and his partners had built over the past 15 years, to private equity investors.
2007
Ashley Orlowske is a non-oncology nurse navigator and co-chair of the emergency committee at Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY. Orlowske graduated from Alvernia University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, forensic science and criminal justice. She then went on to earn her associate’s degree in nursing in 2016 and her oncology certification in nursing in 2023. Orlowske fills in occasionally at CBA as a substitute nurse.
2009
Christina (Pietrafesa) Fallon and her husband, Tom, welcomed their third son, Sean Joseph in March of 2024. Sean joins brothers Vincent, who is four and a half, and Ryan, who is two.
Fallon lives in Bucks County, PA and is an Executive Assistant to the President & CEO of Rita’s Franchise Company, which is the corporate side of Rita’s Italian Ice. Rita’s Italian Ice is located mainly in Philadelphia and New Jersey, but they have 570 shops nationwide.
2013
John Hillenbrand is a Homeland Security Program Analyst for New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Counter Terrorism, Public Safety Unit. Hillenbrand recently self-published a book on Amazon titled “Protecting A Better Tomorrow.” Hillenbrand chronicles his early influences, challenges and desires for a career in law enforcement. He details what shaped his decisions to pursue a seven-year stint in the realm of campus policing and writes about certain firsthand accounts during his time as Sergeant.
Sarah Harmatuk married Willie Walker in July 2024 at Hendricks Chapel. Groomsmen included Jack Harmatuk ‘07 and Stephen Pride ‘07. Also in attendance was Sarah and Jack’s uncle, Marty Headd ‘77. Pictured: Jarumi Bonner, Bradley Gilbeaux, Stawenky Alcindor, Navale Taylor, Willie Walker, Sarah Harmatuk-Walker ‘13, Kevin Robinson, Curtis Walker, Stephen Pride ‘07, Jack Harmatuk ‘07, Owahn Bazydlo.
Olivia Rotondo created a business idea and participated in Rochester Institute of Technology's business pitch competition, similar to ABC's Shark Tank, and won first place in the competition out of 30+ teams.
2014
Sam Lim was named inaugural Deputy Chief Diversity Officer/Deputy Title IX Coordinator at SUNY Westchester Community College. Lim manages federal Title IX and Office of Civil Rights compliance across five campuses and online. He also worked as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Diversity Officer, the President at the college, and departments across campus to identify opportunities to make programs and initiatives more accessible to students and community members. Lim received his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, his Masters of Education at Salem State University, and is a second year EdD student at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Ken Slack married Kathleen Abigail Saville on Nov. 16 at St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua, NY. Father Joseph O’Connor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Baldwinsville was the celebrant. A reception followed at the Lake House in Canandaigua. The couple both attended and met at Le Moyne College. They currently live in Baldwinsville.
2015
Nicholas Capozzi and wife Julia Kiss recently married in Tuscany, Italy. Pictured with Nick (third from left) are classmates: Camillo Spinoso, Thomas Pirro III, Anthony Santaro, and Aaron Simone. The couple live in Phoenix, AZ, where Capozzi is an Operations Advisor to the Governor of the State of Arizona.
Mary Frances Ierlan is a Manager at FanDuel. Ierlan works directly with the NFL, MLB, PGA Tour, NASCAR and teams within to promote legalized sports betting in a responsible way with their fan bases. After graduation from Marquette University, Ierlan was hired full-time with the Milwaukee Bucks as a Marketing Coordinator, after having interned with the team for two years. She then worked for a tech startup, Zoomph, a platform for sports sponsorship valuation. Ierlan has been with FanDuel for three and a half years, starting out first as an associate, before being promoted to Manager. Photo
Anthony Santaro is Vice President at Armory Square Ventures ("ASV"). ASV is an early-stage venture fund that focuses on backing B2B technology founders in underserved markets and looks to lead investments at the Seed or Series A stage. Santaro graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a minor in Accounting & Financial Management. Santaro originally attended Bentley University, where he studied Economics-Finance and Sustainability with a minor in Law before transferring to Johns Hopkins in the fall of 2017. He started his career at Wells Fargo's investment bank in the New York office.
2016
Robert George was admitted to the New York State Bar in January 2024. George earned his undergraduate business degree from SU Whitman School of Management and earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, Class of 2023. George is a general practitioner with his focus on criminal defense in private practice in the Syracuse area. He lives in Cicero with his wife, Josie.
Stephen Fournier works for Sutton Real Estate Company in Syracuse. Fournier’s role within Sutton is the asset and property management of buildings in the downtown Syracuse office and medical office portfolio. Additionally, he works with the brokerage team to facilitate real estate sale and lease transactions for clients. Fournier’s recent redevelopment of the old Sibley’s department store is an example of a project that he is very proud of. Fournier graduated from Marquette University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Real Estate. He then moved to Chicago to work for a commercial real estate development firm that focused on repositioning distressed assets in Illinois and Florida.
Alumni Notes and Quotes
2018
Catherine Burns is a Global Marketing Public Relations & Media Associate at New Balance. Burns works on the Global PR team across all performance sports (football, basketball, baseball, global football and tennis) to promote product launches, secure media coverage, execute earned PR strategies and plan events for brand awareness. Burns’ team maintains and grows relationships with external partners, including media and influencers. This comes in the form of creating press releases, tech sheets, media briefing documents and facilitating interviews for their face of brand athletes including Shohei Ohtani, Francisco Lindor, Coco Gauff, Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Maxey, Cameron Brink, Bukayo Saka, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chase Young. Since she started this position in May of 2024, she has helped secure media placements in outlets like People, Forbes, Vogue, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Complex and GQ Sports for the brand. She also manages their seeding program to build the brand's strategy surrounding sending sample product to influencers, celebrities, athletes and media across the industry, always monitoring for impact and new ways to reach our target audience.
Burns received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in 2022. She also minored in business and psychology.
Kevin Craig is the Assistant Director of E-sports at Stony Brook University. Craig was instrumental in building and launching the state-of the art E-sports facility and broadcast studio at Stony Brook. As a member of the National Association of Collegiate E-sports (NACE) Eligibility Enforcement Committee, he played a key role in establishing the American E-sports Conference, a Division 1 conference within NACE, and was honored as a finalist for both the NACE Emerging Director of the Year and NACE Emerging Program of the Year.
Since his appointment at SBU, the program has achieved remarkable success, including becoming the Redbull Campus Clutch NY Regional Champion in Valorant, the Fall 2023 NACE SSBU Grand Champions, the Fall 2023 NECC SSBU Grand Champions, and NACE Varsity Plus Valorant Division Champions.
Craig graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He was the former starting support for the two-time BIG EAST champion and national contending League of Legends team at SHU.
Ryan O’Connor currently works at ABC News/The Walt Disney Company in production management for all news shows including Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, and 20/20. O’Connor helps manage field production crews all around the USA for broadcast and streaming. A recent highlight for O’Connor was covering the 2024 Presidential Election, which he was in the newsroom for when the result was called.
O’Connor received a Bachelor of Science degree in Film & Television Management from Boston University College of Communications in 2022. He minored in Business Administration and Management.
2019
Katrina Makayan ran the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024 and raised money for the Asian Community Fund at The Boston Foundation – The first and only philanthropic fund dedicated to the AAPI community of Massachusetts. Makayan received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 2023 and her Master of Science degree in Media Advocacy in 2024, both from Northeastern University. Makayan lives in Boston, MA and is a Senior Program Associate at the Asian Community Fund and Asian Business Empowerment Council – both housed at The Boston Foundation – where she works directly with the AAPI community creating programs addressing certain gaps such as small business inequity, advocating for increased mental health services, and supporting increased funding for arts & culture creators. 2020
Justin O’Connor graduated from Bentley University with a bachelor’s degree in financial planning. Prior to graduating, O’Connor spent a semester abroad in Scotland, studying at the University of Glasgow. He currently is working for Merrill Lynch in Harvard Square, studying for his exams to become a licensed Financial Advisor. 2021
Abigail Greenfield was the recipient of a Fulbright Canada-Mitacs 2024 Globalink Research Internship grant to study Canadian Constitutional Culture in Victoria, British Columbia. Greenfield is a senior at Syracuse University majoring in history and political philosophy with minors in art history and political science.
Alumni Reunions and News
Alumni Return For Homecoming Game
Alumni and their families gathered for the annual Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate prior to the Brothers 68-12 football victory against Utica Proctor on Sept. 28.
Alumni Basketball Game
Former basketball players reunited at the John Lynch Gym on Dec. 29 for a friendly and spirited game of hoops. The alums then gathered for a post-game reception featuring pizza and chicken tenders. The Alumni Basketball game is held each year on Dec. 29. All alumni are welcome to participate.
Distinguished Alumni Honored
On Nov. 2
Eight individuals and one family were inducted as Distinguished Alumni at a dinner and ceremony at the Marriott Hotel Syracuse on Nov. 2.
This year’s recipients include pictured: Louis Steigerwald III ’72; Maureen Colasanti accepting on behalf of Mr. Robert Halczyn ’70; Dr. Elisabeth Sheridan ’01; Rear Admiral Cathal O'Connor ’84; Mark Steigerwald ’75; Virginia Adornato accepting on behalf of Dr. Dominick Adornato ’58; Hon. Brian DeJoseph ’67; Dr. Kevin Hopkins ’73; Dr. Russell Tracy ’67. Not pictured Don Tarquin ’54.
Attention Alumni Parents of Current CBA 8th Graders
The CBA Alumni Association offers an annual $500/fouryear scholarship to rising ninth graders at CBA who have alumni parents. Watch for a communication from the Advancement Office regarding details.
Alumni Association Meetings
The CBA Alumni Association hosts a monthly hybrid meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. (EST.) at the school. Anyone wishing to join is welcome in person or via Zoom. Please email or call Samantha Miller [samantha.miller@cbasyr.org / 315-446-5960 ext.1122] to be added to the email distribution list for all upcoming Alumni Association meetings and events.
Meet The Alumni Association Officers
John O’Connor ’85 is President of the Alumni Association. O’Connor is a graduate of Georgetown University (1989) and Duke School of Law Class (1992). O’Connor is a proud parent of CBA grads Jack ’13, Dan ’15, Tom ’16, and Grace ’18. Currently, an Honorary Trustee for the school and member of its Strategic Planning Committee, O’Connor lives in Skaneateles, with his wife, Kathleen and owns and operates Kopp Billing Agency, Inc with his brother Patrick, CBA class of ’88.
Kurt Finkbeiner ’77
is Vice President of the Alumni Association. Finkbeiner graduated from Colgate University in 1981. His daughters, Courtney and Cassandra, graduated from CBA in 2013 and 2016, respectively, and his grandfather, John Bailey, is a 1913 graduate. Finkbeiner, who lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Cherie, has been the Principal of KF Retirement Strategies, LLC, a Wealth & Life Management Firm, since 1988.
John Ferris ‘84 is Treasurer of the Alumni Association. Ferris is a graduate of SUNY Geneseo (1988) and earned his MBA at Babson College (1995). Ferris has worked in a variety of corporate finance positions in Boston, Silicon Valley, and Syracuse. He currently lives in DeWitt with his wife, Corrie and two daughters, Arabella, and Maxine, who just entered seventh grade this past fall. Ferris works in commercial real estate.
Matt Ural ’04
is Secretary of the Alumni Association. Ural is a graduate of Hofstra University (2009). His brother, Michael graduated from CBA in 2006. Ural has owned and operated NWS Janitorial Services, a commercial cleaning company in Syracuse since 2010. He currently lives in Syracuse with his fiancée Virginia.
Murphy Speaker Series
CBA Speaker Series Kicks Off With Brothers
Dan ’65 and Pat ’77 Murphy
Students and faculty had the opportunity to listen to real estate executive Dan Murphy ‘65 and his brother Pat Murphy ’77, current manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, as they presented “Life Lessons in Business and the Ballfield” on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Dan Byrne ’70 Performing Arts Center.
The talk is part of a Speaker Series, which was established by Michelle and Dan Murphy ’65. The purpose of the endowed speaker series is to bring national speakers to the CBA campus, and to share some of life’s enduring lessons.
"The Michelle and Dan Murphy ’65 Speaker Series will provide our students and faculty with invaluable opportunities to engage with leaders, visionaries, and experts from a wide range of fields,” CBA President Matt Keough said. “The Speaker Series will share life’s enduring lessons on a yearly basis with our students – helping them to grow holistically and preparing them for both personal and professional success. I am extremely grateful for Michelle and Dan Murphy's commitment to ensure that this series will continue to bring inspiring voices to our campus, enriching the academic experience for everyone in our community.
“As a Lasallian Catholic school, we aim to foster the growth of our students not only in academic excellence but also in character, faith, and leadership,” Keough added.
Dan Murphy has been involved with projects totaling approximately $2.5 billion across the entire United States. Pat Murphy, who was named the 2024 National League Manager of the Year, achieved national recognition on the college level leading the baseball programs at Notre Dame and Arizona State.
Prior to the talk, Pat Murphy spoke to returning members of the baseball team.
“I get excited any time I can go out and talk baseball with players like you,” Pat Murphy shared. “Dream big as you don’t know what your best is. I’m for dreaming. If you have that passion, go for it.”
President Matt Keough presented Pat Murphy and the baseball players with specialty CBA/Milwaukee Brewers sweatshirts and t-shirts, respectively, and announced the first ever endowed coaching position at CBA-The Pat Murphy ’77 Head Baseball Coaching position at Christian Brothers Academy.
“We have had a great legacy of coaches in our baseball program, and I’m honored to announce this today,” Keough remarked.
Said Dan Murphy, “I’m honored to kickoff this speaker series with my brother Pat. Through these talks, we want to provide students with the proper tools to successfully navigate today’s world.”
Dan Murphy talked about the traits of success and how to be the best version of yourself.
“Through the years, the traits of being a happy person and being successful have not changed,” Dan Murphy said. “You need to have integrity. You need to love yourself first and have a positive self-image. You need to learn how to handle adversity and stress; to give back and to dream big.”
Howser of Groton Winner of 34th Annual Corvette Raffle
CBA is pleased to announce that Don Howser of Groton, NY is the winner of the school’s 34th Annual Corvette Raffle, sponsored by West Herr Chevrolet of East Syracuse.
Howser can choose between the car or $40,000.
Howser’s winning ticket number was 086565. The second prize winner of $1,000 was Joseph Basso of Tonawanda, NY (ticket number 201616). Winning third prize of $500 was James Giacobbi ’85 of Penfield, NY. (ticket number 108097)
The names were drawn by President Matt Keough at an assembly in the Lynch Gymnasium. Also on hand was Town of Dewitt Police Officer Skibinski, EJ Jackson, General Manager of West Herr Auto Group East Syracuse Chevrolet and Tom Shallcross, also of West Herr, Kathy Wiese, CBA Board Trustee, Mike and Kyle Barker ’15 of
Club were also in attendance. Assisting with the drawing were seniors Alison Boule’, Noah Monsour, Carleigh Morgia, and Darien Williams.
“You have to be kidding me,” Howser responded when Keough called to tell him the good news. “Wow, I’m shocked.”
Proceeds from the raffle help to benefit the Financial Aid and Scholarship programs at CBA.
“The corvette raffle is one of CBA’s major fundraising events and something our school community looks forward to each year,” Heidi Monsour, Director of Special Events and Programs at CBA said. “It is a vital part of sustaining the outstanding programs and facilities we offer our students at CBA. We thank all of those who supported this year’s corvette raffle, especially our parent volunteers, and we
PRESENTED BY BYRNE DAIRY & DELI AND THE ZAMES FAMILY
Pictured (l-r): Kyle Barker, Kathy Wiese, Heidi Monsour, Jim Ennis, Sandra Winkworth, EJ Jackson, Noah Monsour, Darien Williams, Ali Boule', Tom Shallcross, Carleigh Morgia, Mike Barker, Maeve MacKenzie, Officer Skibinski, Matt Keough.
Leave a Lasting Legacy with Planned Giving
“You carry out a work that requires you to touch hearts.”
~ De La Salle
Support the Future of Christian Brothers Academy
By including Christian Brothers Academy in your estate plans, you can ensure that your legacy of faith, education, and service continues to thrive. Your planned gift will support the mission of the Christian Brothers, providing resources for education, community service, and spiritual growth.
Why Choose Planned Giving?
• Impact: Your gift will help shape the future by supporting the education and development of young people at Christian Brothers Academy.
• Flexibility: Planned giving offers various options to suit your financial situation and philanthropic goals.
• Legacy: Leave a lasting mark by contributing to a cause that reflects your values and beliefs.
How to Get Started
1. Consult Your Advisor: Speak with your financial or legal advisor to determine the best planned giving option for you.
New CBA Track Dedicated In Honor Of Legendary Track & Field/Cross Country Coach Jerry Riordan
Close to 200 alumni, faculty and staff, family and friends turned out on Sept. 28, as the new CBA track was dedicated to longtime CBA track and field and cross-country coach Jerry Riordan.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the completion of this beautiful track, but to honor a legacy that extends far beyond its lanes,” President Matt Keough remarked.
Throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Riordan had a transformative impact on his runners. Under Coach Riordan‘s guidance, the Brothers won 17 Cross Country league championships in his first eighteen years of coaching. Not only did they dominate the Central New York running scene, but his program became wellrespected statewide and even nationally.
Many of Riordan’s runners excelled in prestigious invitationals and the Brothers were a mainstay in the top ten of the Class A State rankings. In outdoor track, his feats were equally amazing. After finishing second to Nottingham in his first three years as coach, Riordan’s Raiders reeled off 36 consecutive dual meet
2. Choose Your Gift: Decide whether you want to leave a bequest, establish a charitable trust, or designate Christian Brothers Academy as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy.
3. Contact Us: Reach out to our Advancement Office to discuss your intentions and ensure your gift is used according to your wishes.
Contact Information
For more information on how to include Christian Brothers Academy in your estate plans, please contact Annemarie Mosley, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, CBA Advancement Office 315-4465960 ext 1132 Amosley@cbasyr.org
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wins over the next four years en route to four consecutive league championships. Between 1964 and 1981, Riordan’s teams won 136 out of 140 dual meets. This translated into 14 league championships and ---- sectional championships and numerous invitational championships.
“As we dedicate this track, let it serve as a reminder of Coach Riordan’s impact on our school community, “Keough said. “May Riordan Track be a place where our students continue to chase their dreams, push their limits, and support one another as true Brothers-just as he taught all of you to do throughout his time here at CBA.”
Class of 1975 Reunion
REUNION 2025
CBA 1975 Jubilee Weekend
Thursday, May 29-Sunday June 1, 2025
CBA welcomes back members of the Class of 1975 to celebrate your 50th reunion — highlights Include:
• Class of 1975 Kick off Mixer
• Golf Outing
• School Tour
• CBA Student Panel
Hotel Information
Your Special Group Rate:
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
• Celebration Dinner
• Boat Cruise on Skaneateles Lake
• 2025 Commencement
• And so much more!
$134 USD per night (includes breakfast)
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Online Reservation Link: https://bit.ly/CBA75HotelSyr
Any questions, please contact advancement@cbasyr.org
If you happen to have any contact information on any of these classmates, please reach out to Samantha Miller, Director of Alumni and Annual Giving at Samantha.miller@cbasyr.org or 315-446-5960 (ext. 1122)
Jeff Brown
Richard G. Burke
Lawrence J. Byrne
David P. Crout
Gregory J. Cywilko
Richard J. David
Clifford G. Day
Mark H. Franklin
Michael A. Fusaro
Joseph M. Goglia
Mark A. Greene
Michael J. Hammond
James Hedstrom
Wayne Herrington
James J. Hillenbrand
Patrick R. Keough
John F. Kominski
John A. Libera
Mark R. Lovas
Theodore L. Lowe
Michael A. Mantione
Paul B. Marino
Michael L. Marziale
Michael E. Montgomery
David W. Nabinger
Mathew M. Nelson
David D. Prusik
Michael J. Ransick
Ronald R. Ricchi
Michael A. Sackett
Thomas Scigliuto
Andrew Serednycky
Thomas R. Spinek
John J. Watters
William A. Wrobel, Jr.
CBA ADMISSIONS: The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Entrance Exam For Incoming Students Entering Grades 7 and 9 March 22, 2025
Regular Decision Application Deadline Thursday, April 3
Letters of Decision Mailed Wednesday, April 9
Brothers Bound Shadowing Program Wednesday, April 23
Alumni Calendar of Events
Reunions
Member of the Class of 1994 gathered at The Gig at Turning Stone for their 30th Reunion
Pictured front row (l-r): Colleen (Sorrell) Welker, Derek Seward,Jenn Squadrito Meyers, Liz (Uva) Collins, Alison (Wangerman) Clare, Adam Gasiorowski, Therese (Cannuciari) Steinhoff, Sarah (Damico) Thaler.
Back row: Nick DiVeronica, Tom McCue, Dave Giamartino, Paul Ciciarelli, DJ Honold, J. P. Pallone, Jay Salisbury, Jose Colon, Megan Popkess and Jessica (Bigelow) Viviano.
A 20th year reunion for the Class of 2004 was held at Shaughnessy's in Syracuse
Pictured front row (l-r): Katie Corbishley, Elizabeth DeJoseph, Anthony Paris, Dan Glisson, Catherine Pietrafesa, Ashely (DeMaio-Zehorek) Dadey, Katie [Grenga] Caliva.
Back row (l-r): Jess D’Eredita, Paul Vavonese, Jeff Gangemi, Karim Habayeb, Matt Ural, Jeff Brown, Lawrence Denson, Andrew Alcott, Dan Stanczyk, Bobby Waters, Lauren Robinson, Jocelyn Feldmeth, Lindsay Grant, Jeff Simbari, Sara [Giordano] Borklund, Justin Venditti, Matt Harrigan, Colin Conroy, Mack Heuber
Class of 2014 celebrated their 10th Reunion at Wolff’s Biergarten in Syracuse
Pictured front row (l-r): Sarah Lester, Allison Magnarelli, Bella Corieri, Kelly Oot, Abby Capella, Nolan Bower. Back row: Brendan Kehl (not a CBA alum), Zak Sealy (CBA ’12) Alex Drescher, Gabrielle Schug, Deshawn Salter, Erin (Vieau) Chapin, Pablo Gomez Benitez (not a CBA alum), Gideon Dixon, Nik Christodolu (not a CBA alum), Jack Brower, David Kahan (not a CBA alum), Thomas Reith, Josh Lacey
Class of 1994
Class of 2004
Class of 2014
In Memoriam
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Robert M. Kelly ’42
Eugene A. Allen ’44
Daniel J. Brown ’46
Phillip J. Prell ’48
John “Jack” D. McPherson ’51
Thomas Dotterer ’53
John E. Settineri ’53
Vincent J. Antonacci ’56
Peter F. Bayer ’56
Friends Alumni
Peter F. Caroli (Father of Anthony F. Caroli ’82 and Peter A. Caroli ’89)
Elaine Columbus (Grandmother of Jack Carpenter ’17 and Claire Carpenter ’18)
Coach Thomas Dotterer ’53 (Father of Henry Dotterer ’87; Grandfather of Henry “Kodi” Dotterer ’21)
Mary E. Duffy (Grandmother of JT Romagnoli ’13 and Andrew Romagnoli ’14)
John E. Ferris (Father of William E. Ferris ’83 and John J. Ferris ’84; Grandfather of Maxine Ferris ’30)
Jane W. Flynn (Mother of Michael P. Flynn ’68)
Peter S. Gasparini (Father of former CBA Principal Paul Gasparini)
Donald L. Grant (Father of Donald “DJ” Grant ’99 and Lindsay D. Grant ’04)
Pauline M. Gross (Mother of Stephen Gross ’78, David Gross ’80 and Peter Gross ’82; Grandmother of Shannon Gross Ervey ’12 and David Gross ’18)
Czeslaw Jamer (Father of Isabella Jamer ’16)
Daniel Kolceski (Father of Andrew Kolceski ’16 and Erin Kolceski ’20)
Senator Tarky Lombardi, Jr. (Father of Michael Lombardi ’87 and Rosemary Lombardi ’91; Grandfather of Cecilia Lombardi ’28)
Anthony “Nini” C. Sgroi ’57
Richard F. Alteri ’58
Harry Joseph McCullough, Jr. ’60
Francis A. Sacco ’61
John E. Wilson, Jr. ’62
Robert J. Bellucci ’64
Father Michael R. O’Hara, O.M.I. ’66
John A. D’Addario ’67
James W. Steves ’69
William H. McAvoy, Jr. (Former Trustee. Father of Kelly McAvoy Hassan ’94)
Panayotis “Peter” E. Koveos (Father of staff member Kristina Jordan)
Phillip J. Prell ’48 (Father of George Prell ’69 and Steven Prell ’72)
Patricia Roache (Mother of faculty member David Roache; Grandmother of Brian Roache ’07)
Mary Roberta Saddler (Mother of Leon A. Saddler ’81; Grandmother of Leon M. Saddler ’07)
Joanne Marie Speech (Wife of Norman Speech ’56; Mother of David Speech ’80, Brian Speech ’85, Erica Speech-Menar ’92; Grandmother of Daniel Abbe ’25, Sophia Menar ’21, Michael Menar ’23, Thomas Menar ’25 and Nicholas Menar ’28.)
Martin S. Sweeney (Brother of former faculty member Greg Sweeney; uncle of Molly Sweeney ’16)
George Tsikalakis (Grandfather of Isabella Canzano ’24 and Francesca Canzano ’27)
Sara M. Urciuoli (Mother of David Urciuoli ’78; Grandmother of Elizabeth Urciuoli Cominolli ’03 and William Urciuoli ’06)
John K. Hayes ’70
Ronald E. Kulba ’73
Randolph “Randy” Kinn ’74
Timothy J. Cass, Sr. ’75
William W. Pinkel, Jr. ’75
Paul Auber ’77
Paul R. Mooney ’77
