chronicle THE
OF
STRAKE
JESUIT
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY
Summer 2017
Members of the Class of ‘67 were recognized and honored at this year’s Commencement Exercises as they came together for their 50th Class Reunion Weekend. For more see page 7.
Table of Contents Features Graduation - Class of 2017 p. 3-7 From Houston, Texas to Bethel, Alaska - One Jesuit Alum’s Jesuit Journey p. 20-23 Departments From the President - 2 @8900 - 8-12 In the Classroom - 13 A View from the Art Museum - 14 Ignatian Spirituality - 15 Athletics - 16-19 AlumNews - 24-27 By George - 28
Summer 2017 Vol. 49, No. 4 Editor/Layout Rick Rivers, Director of Communications Contributors Fr. Jeff Johnson, S.J. John Fahy Fr. Richard Magner, S.J. Roja Najafi Fr. Tony Raushuber, S.J. The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (USPS 024165) Vol. 49, No. 4, Summer Edition, is published quarterly by Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036-4699.
President Fr. Jeff Johnson, S.J. Principal Ken Lojo ‘91 Director for Advancement Colin Matheny ‘02 MISSION STATEMENT To assist young men in their formation as leaders and as Men for Others through a program of rigorous college preparation in the tradition of the Society of Jesus. ON THE COVER - Jason Bugg, a member of the Class of 2017, had the honor of serving as the sword bearer as his classmates processed into the Competition Gym for their graduation ceremony.
From the President
“June is Bustin’ Out All Over”
If you are of a certain age and if you are around campus
Our other athletic camps—basketball, lacrosse, football, baseball,
during the month of June, it’s hard not to think of the joyful song
soccer, and rugby—are bursting at the seams with kids of all ages.
“June is Bustin’ Out All Over” by Rodgers and Hammerstein for their
musical “Carousel.” Surprisingly, the month of June is perhaps the
Center for Academically Talented Scholars (DECATS) program
busiest and most lively month of the year on campus. At any given
on our campus. This is our second year hosting the program that
time we have on campus nearly 600 kids of all ages as well as
brings boys and girls from grades three through six to campus for
nearly a 100 faculty and staff. Many of the staff and administration
three weeks of fun and enriching programs. Third graders bring a
are busy getting ready for the next school year, but most of the
new and different sort of enthusiasm to our campus.
faculty who stay around in June are running camps and other
programs.
curriculum to young men in grades seven and eight who come
We began the month by hosting an in-service for all the
from underserved situations. Staffed by our own faculty and a
educators in the Archdiocesan parochial schools. Almost 1200
dozen of our rising seniors, this program is an exciting way to make
teachers and administrators were led through two days of in-
a big impact in the lives of participants. Our own seniors grow in
service by Dr. Julie Vogel, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and
their appreciation for the sort of leadership required of teachers.
her staff. For many of these educators it was their first time to be on
our campus, and we were very happy to host them and join them
worthwhile endeavors. Each of these programs brings students,
in their mission as catholic educators.
faculty, and alumni together in a supportive and challenging
Summer school started that same week and many of the
atmosphere of fun. Each program strengthens, broadens, and
incoming freshmen took full advantage of classes designed to help
deepens our Strake Jesuit community as we seek to educate and
them prepare for the new school year. Our Jesuit Athletic Camp
form people in the Jesuit tradition.
(JAC) offers general strength and conditioning for hundreds of our
own students. Many young alumni come back to help out at this
love in all things,
camp, and there is a great spirit of camaraderie and hard work.
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We also host the young scholars of the Debusk Enrichment
And our Higher Achievement Program offers an enriching
So as you can see things are quite busy, but these are very
May your own summer be joyful and may you know God’s
Graduation Weekend 2017
A very Special class gift
Several years ago, Strake Jesuit adopted the
Senior Class Gift as a means for graduating seniors to select a way in which they would like to give back to the school. Over the years, members of the graduating class suggest gift ideas and then the class votes on which one they wish to make their gift. Each member of the class then has the opportunity to pledge a gift amount that they will make annually over the next four years.
The Class of 2017 took part in the process
this year and made the choice that, for them, was a very special and personal gift. They were aware that they were freshman in 2013-2014 when Br. Casey Ferlita, S.J. spent his last year as a member of the school’s staff completing 43 years of service. As a means to honor Br. Casey, the class elected to commission a portrait of him to be displayed in the Fieldhouse Gyms which carry his name. In addition, they chose to make contribution to the Br. Casey Ferlita, S.J. Scholarship for financial aid.
When it came to identifying an artist to
commission for the portrait, they looked no further than their own ranks. Vittorio Covarrubias ’17 has already been recognized as an award-winning artist. He soon took the task of capturing Br. Casey on canvas and his stunning accomplishment catches not just the physical image of Casey, but his spirit as well.
The piece was formally presented to the
school during the Baccalaureate Mass service as a part of the program when the Senior Class Gift is presented.
Vittorio Covarrubias ‘17 presents his portrait of Br. Casey Ferlita, S.J. to Fr. Jeff Johnson, S.J.
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class of 2017
20
7
1
National Merit Commended Students
National Hispanic Scholars
perfect score on the ACT
4
32
2
National Merit Finalists
perfect scores on SAT critical reading
2 National Merit Scholarship Winners
The Strake Jesuit Class of 2017 joined the growing ranks of
earned 488 college grants and scholarships worth almost $26
the school’s alumni after the 53rd Commencement Exercises
million.
were concluded on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
have a community service requirement of 100 hours that is
The Class of 2017 accumulated a long list of academic,
In the tradition of building Men for Others, Jesuit students
athletic and other accomplishments and honors. The class
required for graduation. To that end, the Class of 2017 logged
included 20 National Merit Commended students, 1 National
25,000 community service hours. They did so at locations all
Merit Semi-Finalist, four National Merit Finalists and two National
across the city, state, country and even the globe.
Merit Scholarship Winners. In addition, seven graduating seniors
earned National Hispanic Scholar recognition and 32 members of
Valedictorian. In his address at Graduation, Mr. Ledet posed the
this class earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Cumulatively, the class
question, “What does it mean for us to ‘be SJ?’ This is a question
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Andrew Ledet was selected as the Class of 2017’s
Eagle S
Graduation Weekend 2017
32
e Scouts
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appointed to United States Military Academy
scholarships and grants earned
accepted colleges
worth almost
$26 million
I’ve pondered heavily over the last few weeks. I’ve wondered
in his address to express a vision of what lies ahead. “And now,
what makes Strake Jesuit such a special place and what about
we all transition into a phase of our life where our parents will be
us encompasses this special feeling so much that we claim to ‘be
less prevalent in our daily lives,’ he noted. “Our classmates and
SJ.’ In my opinion, it is the sense of community and camaraderie,
closest of friends will now be scattered all over the United States
forged by shared experiences and common goals, strengthened
and beyond. We will learn to be even more independent than
over four years, and started the moment we stepped on campus.
we learned to be at Jesuit. But even though our independence is
I know each member of the class of 2017 is an incredibly gifted,
growing, the relationships we have built do not need to lessen the
talented, and intelligent human being capable of not only great
brotherhood. What we created at Jesuit over these four years is
personal success, but also achieving a life as a Man for Others.”
life-long. I challenge you all to care for each other like you cared
here at Jesuit.”
The Class Salutatorian, Angel Cueva Reyes, took a moment
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2017 SENIOR AWARDS Charles K. Alford Men For Others Memorial Scholarship Award is an award created to honor Charles Alford, a true Man for Others and a member of the Class of 2011, who died tragically in an auto accident early in his sophomore year. Recipient - Michael Osborn Jesuit Schools Network Award - is an award given to a graduating senior who most closely resembles the ideal of a wellrounded person who is intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God. Recipient - Evan Harris
Michael Osborn
Evan Harris
Daniel Lavery
Spencer O’Connor
Owen Dailey
Jack Macon
Richard Cook
Vittorio Covarubias
Ryan Knowles
Santiago Chavez-Okhuysen
John F. Kennedy Award - is presented to a senior whose service to the community at large warrants special recognition. Recipient - Daniel Lavery Rev. Michael F. Kennelly, S.J. Award - in tribute Jesuit’s founding President, a graduate is recognized who exemplifies his vision, labor, leadership, and dedication. Recipient - Spencer O’Connor Todd Maddox Award - is presented in honor of Todd Maddox, a member of the Class of 1999 who died tragically in an auto accident the summer after his graduation. It recognizes an exceptional graduating senior who has consistently developed and lived a Christ-like attitude, thus becoming role models for their peers. Recipient - Owen Dailey Steven Brian McConnell Award - is presented in honor of Steve Brian McConnell, a member of the class of 1978, who died very suddenly during January of his senior year as a result of spinal meningitis. It recognizes a senior who accomplishes many great things through determination, hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Recipient - Jack Macon Millard Fillmore Parsley Award - was established by one of Strake Jesuit’s founding Board members, Mr. Robert H. Parsley, in honor of his older brother in order to recognize outstanding achievements in speech and debate. Recipient - Richard Cook Frank Ribelin Award - is presented in tribute to Frank Ribelin, a man who was instrumental in the founding and growth of the Strake Jesuit Art Museum. Recipient - Vittorio Covarrubias Senior Crusader of the Year Award - is presented by The Dads’ Club to a graduate who has best responded to, and most benefitted from, the influence of the Strake Jesuit Community environment. Recipient - Ryan Knowles Richard C. Nevle Award - is presented in honor of Richard Nevle, who dedicated his life to Strake Jesuit from 1967 until his death in 2011, to a senior who stands out among his peers for his ability to inspire others through his care for those around him, his commitment to justice and his notable tendency to see the good in others. Recipient - Santiago Chavez-Okhuysen
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Graduation Weekend 2017 Jesuit Alumni Welcome Sons
Seventeen Jesuit alumni witnessed their sons join their ranks as members of the Class of 2017 at this year’s Commencement Exercises. The new father-son alumni duos are: Top Rows (left to right): Pat Mizell ‘82 and Connor ‘17, Clayton Holy ‘90 and Brandon ‘17, Chris Garcia ‘80 and Noah ‘17, Sean Lehane ‘90 and Mason ‘17, Tim Stunz 75 and Nicky ‘17, Bill Gomez ‘86 and Christian ‘17, Joe Nicknish ‘80 and Nathan ‘17, and George Brueggeman ‘73 and William ‘17. Bottom Rows (left to right): Matt Brown ‘80 and Jack ‘17, Mark Davidson ‘71 and Will ‘17, Crespin Linton ‘79 and Crespin ‘17, Chris Pesek ‘80 and Kyle ‘17, Karl Schmidt ‘86 and Karl ‘17, Jim Barlett ‘86 and Blake ‘17, and Champ Warren ‘84 and Champ ‘17. Not pictured: David Duble ‘81 and Harry ‘17 and Sean Haley ‘84 and Evan Sharpe ‘17.
Class of ‘67 Celebrates 50th Reunion
Members of the Class of 1967, Jesuit’s 3rd graduating class, celebrated their 50th Reunion during Commencement weekend at Jesuit. The weekend, which included a reception and campus tours, was highlighted by several members of the class taking part in the Graduation ceremony, including processing in ahead of the members of the Class of 2017. Those members are pictured here in the Gray Lecture Hall after receiving their commemorative medallions. Front row (left to right): Don Feehan, N.J. Santarcangelo, Abner Burnitt, Tom Caradonio, Glen Boudreaux, Jim West, Mike Guarino Back row (left to right): Jim Glenney, Edwin Murr, James Lusk, Jim Booth, Rick Sindelar, Gray Miller, Tom Standish, Jim Stewart
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@8900 John Henry Donnelly ‘20
Freshman Already a Man for Others
The name “John Henry” is famous at Houston’s Parkway
John Henry’s visits to Parkway became less regular when he
Place, and the red-headed boy behind it more famous still.
started school full time, but his appreciation for senior adults grew
no less strong as he and his family maintained their relationship
Strake Jesuit freshman John Henry Donnelly began
volunteering at the Houston senior living community when he was
with the Parkway community. The boys didn’t get to know their
just 2. He came once a week with his mom and younger brother,
grandparents well, so Parkway residents largely filled the role of
carrying a roll of stickers and a fist full of tiny toy cars. Each day
elderly relatives.
little John Henry was scheduled to visit, residents packed the
doorway, eagerly awaiting their young friend’s arrival.
Henry grow up with a grandmotherly pride. Her late husband,
David, lived in skilled nursing when John Henry first started visiting
Today, more than 10 years and several growth spurts later,
the teenager still holds a unique soft spot for senior adults. A soft
One particular resident, Lynn Mathews, has watched John
Parkway Place, and the families now consider each other close friends.
spot that he says will stay with him for the rest of his life.
“I wanted John Henry
“Volunteering with senior adults is a great experience. I hope my time with them impacted their lives as much as it’s impacted mine.”
“The kind of person John
Henry has become is just amazing to me,” Mathews
to experience that key
said. “Some teens are self-
interaction with the elderly
centered, but he’s not. Being
the way I had growing up,” explained his mom, who initiated her
with older people has really made a difference with him.”
family’s involvement with Parkway in 2004 as a way to give back
during Lent. “This population has so much to offer, especially to
remembers John Henry. “I’d go in and roll my toy cars on his
young people.”
bed. When he passed away, Mrs. Mathews gave me one of her
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“I visited Mr. Mathews every time I went to Parkway Place,”
@8900 husband’s books about cars because she remembered cars
were something special we shared.”
comfortable, respectful and appreciative of the elderly,” she
said. “I love that, because of course I’ll be one of them one day!”
Last summer, just before starting Jesuit, John Henry returned
“John Henry, largely due to our visits to Parkway Place, is
to Parkway to lead activities like Bingo and chair volleyball
“Volunteering at a senior living community like Buckner is easy
as part of the school’s initiatives to encourage freshmen to
because they’re so welcoming,” she added. “It’s important for
complete service hours with senior adults.
kids to develop a comfort with all generations, instead of just kids
their own age. Sharing different kinds of experiences like these
When John Henry walked through the doors again, Jackie
Pigott, who’s worked in Parkway Place skilled nursing for 15 years,
with your children is really special, and it brings you out of your
could hardly believe her eyes.
own little world.”
“I just remembered this tiny red-headed kid, kind of shy, so
In addition to his coursework, John Henry is heavily involved
when he came back this summer, I was so amazed at how he
in Boy Scouts, runs track and hopes to earn his Eagle Scout
had grown up,” she laughed. “I felt old!”
badge soon. He’s not sure yet what he wants to do with his
future, but he’s sure his time at Parkway Place will impact his life
Pigott has seen firsthand the palpable impact children have
on senior adults during her years at Parkway Place. Whether it’s
for years to come.
a school choir singing at Christmas time or a consistent presence
like John Henry, any interaction with children brings joy to
Henry said. “These people are fun, nice and they have a good
residents.
sense of humor. I hope my time with them impacted their lives as
much as it’s impacted mine.”
“Any time the residents see children, they show this feeling
“Volunteering with senior adults is a great experience,” John
of love,” said Pigott. “It’s this reminiscing of when they were children themselves. Seeing the intergenerational dynamic of young people interacting with the old is powerful. They connect almost on the same level.”
Mrs. Donnelly feels proud that her son has upheld an
admiration for senior adults.
This story by Elizabeth Arnold originally appeared on the Buckner Retirement Services website.
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@8900 Ione Meyer, Carlos Roman Presented Fleming Awards for Teaching Excellence
Mr. & Mrs. George Fleming, Ms. Ione Meyer, Mr. Carlos Roman, Fr. Jeff Johnson, S.J.,, and Mr. Ken Lojo
Since 2005, through a generous gift of the Fleming family,
dear friend, Gabriela Granados, for your patience in listening,
Strake Jesuit has presented two members of the school’s faculty
and the wonderful and inspiring teachers and staff who I work
the annual Fleming Award for Teaching Excellence. Announced
with and admire. I thank my parents for your gift of education,
at the school’s annual Awards Day ceremony, the Fleming
my daughter Shini, and my husband Hongbin. You are always
Award winners are selected for both excellence in the classroom
loving and help me to dream big in the classroom. Thank you to
and also for cura personalis of our students. This year’s recipients
my students who are growing in knowledge, more talented and
are Ms. Ione Meyer and Mr. Carlos Roman.
kind day by day, you help me to change. Our school is a place,
where we greet each other daily, students make lifelong friends
Ms. Meyer, who currently teaches Mandarin and AP Chinese
Language and Culture, has been a member of the faculty since
and fathers send your sons here generation after generation.”
2010 and is this year’s recipient among teachers who have been
at the school for 10 years or less. Mr. Roman, who teaches AP
me to have,” said Mr. Roman. “It is such an inspiration to come
Calculus BC and AC Pre-Calculus, has been a member of the
to work with so many fine young men who are the very face of
faculty since 1986. He is the recipient of the award for teachers
Christ and with so many dedicated and talented teachers who
who have been at the school for more than 10 years.
also deserve this award. The math department is an example
of such talent. There is no more incredible job than to teach at
“Thank you to the Fleming family for investing your passion
“Every day I give thanks to my Lord for the job he allows
for education into my formation and the formation of the entire
a Jesuit school. I thank the Fleming family for their love of the
faculty,” said Ms. Meyer. “A teacher is like a poet, who is a
teaching profession and their generosity to our school. I am
vessel, the contents of it must be emptied. I thank everyone, our
humbled and challenged to be better by this award. I thank all
administration, Mr. Lojo, and Fr. Johnson for your trust in me to
those who taught me how to be a Jesuit teacher: Richard Nevle,
do this work. I thank my language department chair, Eva Riojas,
Fr. Huete, S.J., Robert Horn, Dennis Kana and so many more.”
for your daily support, warmth and family ethos. My mentor and
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@8900 Theological Library Named in Honor of Mike Melancon
The end of the 2016-2017
school year also marked his last at Strake Jesuit for Theology teacher Mike Melancon who served the school faithfully for 42 years. In honor of his dedicated service to Strake Jesuit, his vocation as a teacher, his passion for learning, his love of good books, and his generosity in sharing these with others, it was announced that the library collection housed in the Theology department would be named the Michael Melancon Theological Library.
In recognizing his contribution
to Jesuit, Principal Ken Lojo noted, “throughout his 42 years at Jesuit,
Mike Melancon in the Michael Melancon Theological Library surrounded by his fellow Theology faculty members as well as Principal Ken Lojo and school President Fr. Jeff Johnson, S.J. They are (left to right): Jon Polce, S.J., Andrew Shaeperkoetter, Tommy Romano, Chris Cole, Mr. Lojo, Mark McNeil, Katie Burke, Fr. Johnson, Chris Siemann, and John Fahy. Not pictured: Nick Arguello, John Barone, Fr. Pasala Marianna, and Dan Pepe.
he shared with his students and
Noted as an avid reader, Mike shared his thousands of books
colleagues a deep passion for the Catholic faith, especially the
with the theology department and other interested faculty, staff,
areas of morality, and the positive relationship between faith and
and students. What has grown to become a notable collection,
reason. Rooted in his academic background and personal faith,
the books are stored on the second floor of Moran Hall. The
he was courageously passionate in his efforts to emphasize the
Theology Library has grown through the contributions of other
importance of theology as an essential component of the core
theology faculty and Mr. Melancon’s continued investment in the
academic curriculum of a Catholic school.”
collection.
Colin Matheny ‘02 Named Director of Advancement
baseball team and was inducted
School President Fr. Jeff Johnson,
S.J. announced that Colin Matheny
into Rice’s Athletic Hall of Fame. After
‘02 will serve as the school’s Director
graduating from Rice he joined Salient
of Advancement. Matheny returned
Partners, a Houston based investment
to Jesuit in the fall of 2016 as a Gifts
firm as Regional Vice President where
Officer in the Advancement Office.
he was responsible for sales and
“Colin’s passion for and understanding
marketing across the state of Texas.
of our Jesuit mission will be of great
“Returning to Jesuit has been
benefit to our school,” said Fr.
a blessing and a daily reminder
Johnson. “He has done a great job
of the tremendous opportunities
as Gifts Officer since returning to the
that our school can provide our
school.”
students. In my new role as Director
of Advancement,” Matheny said. “I
After Jesuit, Matheny attended
Rice University, graduating in 2006
look forward to serving the community
while majoring in political science.
by working to provide the resources
While at Rice he was a member of the
needed to carry out the mission of
school’s 2003 National Championship
Colin Matheny ‘02
Strake Jesuit.”
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@8900 Owen Dailey Receives Annual Maddox ‘99 Award
The Todd Maddox Memorial Scholarship Award
was established in 2000 to honor the person and memory of Todd Joseph Maddox, a 1999 graduate of Strake Jesuit who passed away in an auto accident the summer after graduating. The award is presented each year to an exceptional graduating senior who has consistently developed a Christ-like attitude and lived in terms of that attitude during his years at Strake Jesuit, becoming a role model for his peers.
The Todd Maddox ‘99 Memorial Scholarship
award was presented to Owen Dailey ‘at the annual awards dinner on Tuesday, May 23. Also recognized and honored at the dinner were the other finalists for the award, Timmy Cannon and Michael Osborn.
Timmy Cannon, Owen Dailey, Michael Osborn, and Nicki Maddox, Todd’s mother.
Among the more than 50 guests in attendance were several
past Maddox Scholarship recipients including Roberto Brunel ‘13,
representing her son James ‘10 who was a past recipient, was
Zachary Stockton ‘13, and Martin Montalvo ‘16. Also attending,
Cathy Garcia-Prats.
Engineering Team Earns Award at FIRST Championships
Spectrum 3847, the
Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes Engineering Team, earned the Gracious Professionalism award at the FIRST Championship held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST Distinguished Advisor and Pappalardo Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term as a way of doing things that encourage high-quality work,
The Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes Engineering Team with Dr. Woodie Flowers, MIT Professor Emeritus.
emphasize the value of others, and respect individuals and the
a great experience, but also communicating our efforts to the
community. Spectrum 3847 supported many teams by sharing
judges. Houston is our hometown and we wanted to help make a
batteries, chargers, supplies, logistics, and technical support.
favorable impression for our visiting teams, guests and volunteers.
Also, it was an honor for our team to visit with Dr. Woodie
“The team was awesome at Championship!,” said
Spectrum 3847 Coach/Mentor Allen Gregory IV. “They worked
Flowers.”
hard to get the robot Gamma Ray performing up to it’s potential.
We actually got to play in Championship’s playoffs for the first
FIRST Gracious Professionalism Award and being a Quarterfinalist
time. I’m so proud of my team for doing what it takes to win the
in Newton Division and the World Championships, the team won
prestigious Championship Gracious Professionalism award, not
one Gold Medal, three Silver Medals, and was a finalist at two
only helping other teams and trying to make everyone have
tournaments.
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Spectrum 3847 had a terrific year. In addition to winning the
in the classroom
Following Your Passion
A young Friedrich Nietzsche wrote that “God has given
us music so that above all it can lead us upwards. Music unites all qualities: it can exalt us, divert us, cheer us up, or break the hardest of hearts with the softest of its melancholy tones.” Nobody—not even Nietzsche!—can deny the unique power of music to tell a story and change hearts. Guillermo HernandezChing, who introduced me to these words, has crafted a career, a legacy, and a life around the importance of music. Serving as Jesuit’s orchestra director and music teacher for nearly two
by John Fahy I know with my students to give them an opportunity to become active participants in creating music.”
At the heart of it all, though, Guillermo lives out the idea
that music is much more than mere technique. In his words, music is “a means to express ideas or emotions that are indescribable by words.” And more simply, more poignantly, “music is a gift from God.” Surely, music is a gift from God to the world. But also a gift from Guillermo to the rest of the Strake Jesuit community.
decades, he has dedicated himself to helping our students become able to appreciate music in a way that he says “goes beyond entertainment.”
Few who knew a younger Guillermo might have seen
this path for him. As a young man in Costa Rica, his parents encouraged him towards the sciences. “In fact, my mother still thinks I could return to school and become a doctor!” he says. Guillermo’s musical involvement, first as a vocalist and later as a clarinet player, remained at the level of serious hobby until, as a young adult, two instructors encouraged him to change course. “It seemed that they became music teachers to bring others into something they loved and knew was good. But I was becoming a good chemist and also improving as a musician. I was at a crossroads.” Guillermo took a chance, and earned a fully endowed music scholarship at Loyola University in New Orleans. Because Guillermo’s artist father had passed on a similar opportunity earlier in life, his encouragement was especially influential: “You are presented with the opportunity to follow your passion, so go for it!”
Prior to Loyola, Guillermo’s music experience was as a
performer, but Loyola’s uniquely Ignatian educators showed him new ways to relate to music. “What stuck with me and inspired me was these teachers were so accessible, joyful, fair, and dedicated to their craft. They truly enjoyed spending time with their students. Maybe this began a practical transition for me, towards teaching,” he recalls. And in this new frame of reference, he began to think, “if I would like to teach, I would like to teach in a place like Loyola.”
In 2000, Guillermo found just that community here at Strake
Jesuit. To his colleagues (myself included), his pleasant nature, his love for music, and his cheerful whistling around campus (everywhere he goes!) are contagious and inspiring. “He is always willing to lend an ear in conversation and offer advice from past experience,” notes Band Director Ben Ware. His students benefit from that same generosity in his active and hands-on music classes. “I find tremendous joy,” says Guillermo, “in sharing what
Summer 2017
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a view from the Art Museum
Spiral Landscape by Alexander Calder by Roja Najafi, Curator
Movement had always fascinated the American artist and
sculptor, Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976). Today Calder is bestknown for his large scale kinetic sculptures known as Mobiles: a type of moving sculpture made with delicately balanced or suspended shapes that move
Art Museum has a later colorful lithograph by Calder that shows Calder’s affinity with movement. Spiral Landscape (1971) is
Alexander Calder (American - 1898 – 1976) Spiral Landscape, 1971 Lithography, Épreuve artiste 29 x 21 ½ Gift of Anonymous Strake Jesuit Alumnus Located in Agee Hall
composed of fours circles in different sizes and colors, one of which has a spiral line attached to it. The colors are limited to primary colors, and black and
in response to gravity, touch, or
off-white. The dynamic shapes
air currents. Calder Mobiles are
vitalized with color move
often comprised entirely of flat metal shapes painted solid red,
through space. Interested in astronomy, Calder compared his
yellow, blue, black, or white. Calder succeeded in integrating
mobiles discrete moving parts to the solar system. The parallel to
natural movement into sculpture by assembling elements that
solar system also works for his lithograph, Spiral Landscape: two
balance themselves naturally by weight, surface area, and
diagonally divided areas (in yellow and off-white) form backdrop
length of wire “arm.” Counterpoint to his mobiles, Calder made
for stargazing. A large circle burning red, a circle divided by an
many Stabiles; a sculpture composed of traversing shaped
S-shaped line into a blue and off-white segment, reminiscent
planes of bolted sheet metal, often painted in a single color.
of yin-yang symbol and the two smaller black circles are stars
of a spiral landscape or sky-scape. By forming combinations of
In the early 1930s Calder worked on some abstract paintings
and designs on paper. These early drawings and paintings
curved biomorphic shapes, Calder creates a swirling sense of
composed of simple geometric shapes and primary colors are
motion, even in a static lithograph such as this.
predecessors to Calder’s mobiles and stabiles. The Strake Jesuit
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Ignatian S pirituality
The Virtue of Gratitude
by Fr. Tony Rauschuber, S.J. Saint Ignatius of Loyola believed that gratitude was one of the most desirable virtues one could cultivate. Why? He believed that a truly grateful person could never be a sinful person. Ignatius wrote to Simon Rodriguez that, “ingratitude was likely the cause and source of all evil and sin.” For most in our society gratitude needs to be cultivated. American society typically values self-reliance and independence. Many resist feeling indebted to others. Christianity, however, values inclusive love and interdependence. Additionally, generosity is often a byproduct of gratitude. And generosity is another important Christian virtue and value, e.g., feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, caring for the sick and visiting the imprisoned. Ignatian Spirituality aims to develop the virtue of gratitude. For example, the Examen prayer is prayed by Jesuits, and many others, daily. An essential part of this prayer is to “review your day with gratitude.” One way to develop a grateful disposition is to thank God for blessings every day. Certainly our lives, our relationships and our talents are gifts of God. However, being grateful is easier for some than others. Many of us go through the day worrying over many things. Instead we would do well to take some breaks from worry and appreciate God’s gifts, for example, enjoy the beauty of creation around us, enjoy talking with a friend, or taking a moment to thank God for a good meal or a good night’s sleep. Journal writing is another prayer activity to cultivate gratitude. Take time to write down and become aware of what you have been given by God. Thank God that you have been given another day. Thank God for the gift of sight, hearing and smell. Thank God that you have a comfortable, safe home and nutritious food to eat. Many millions of people do not have these things. Also consider your life since birth, e.g., your parents, place of birth, the places you’ve lived, the relationships you have experienced, the education you have been given. If you are faithful in keeping a gratitude journal you will find appreciation for the many gifts God has given you. The final prayer of the full Spiritual Exercises is primarily a prayer for the development of gratitude and generosity. Specifically Ignatius asks the retreatant, “….To bring to memory the benefits received – creation, redemption, and particular gifts – pondering with deep affection how much God our Lord has done for me, how much he has given me of what he possesses, and further, how according to his divine plan the same Lord desires to give me Himself as much as He can.” For some people the virtue of gratitude comes easily. Many others need to work at it. Living gratefully is an important part of Ignatian Spirituality.
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athletics SEASON RECAPS BASEBALL
The Crusaders Baseball team had an up-and-down season which ended with
a pair of tough, heartbreaking losses. Overall the team posted a strong 17-9-2 record with an 8-7 record in district play.
After an impressive 8-2-2 non-district record to open the season,
which included a five game winning streak, Jesuit entered district play. Their up-and-down district season featured a win followed by a loss over their first six games. Still vying for a post-season berth, the Crusaders faced Taylor in the final regular season game of the season which they lost 3-2. The loss forced a play-in game the next day against Taylor once again, a game they dropped 2-0.
“I am very grateful for our seniors who have done a lot of great
things here the last four year on and off the field” said Head Coach Raul Garcia-Rameau. “You know when you are at a great place when you get to coach and teach these young men and to see how much it means to them.”
A host of players earned post-season honors. Among them were
1st Team All-District selections Riley Overstreet-1st base, William JamesOF, and Mitchell Black-utility, 2nd Team All-District selection Chandler Palumbo-OF, and Honorable Mention honorees Thomas Baltz, Thomas Parks. and Noah Garcia.
Players who received Baseball Academic All-State honors were
Riley Overstreet
Elite - Steven Polasek, 1st team - Michael Boyd, Chandler Palumbo, Thomas Parks, and Noah Garcia, 2nd team - Thomas Baltz, Mitchell Black, Jack Eumont, Brandon Holy, Makay Morris, and Riley Overstreet, and Honorable Mention - Brandon Clemons, William James, and Carl Schneider. GOLF
After graduating a stellar class last year, it was unclear which returning
players would step up and fill those key roles this season. “It was enjoyable watching the intrasqaud competition unfold,” noted Head Coach Ed Lamy. “Angel Cueva, Liam Burhans, Bradley Burgess, Austin Howard, Jack Sullivan, Clay Colvill, Michael Keene, Patrick Hardin all staked their claim to a top 5 position, leaving us with some tough decisions to make.”
The team was led by senior R.C. Renberg who was consistently the
team’s best player all season, finishing the year with the team low tournament average.
As a team they posted five top 10 tournament finishes with two of those top
five finishes and they finished 4th in district tournament. The best round of the season was recorded at the Dick Harmon Memorial. It was memorable for the boys to have success on the same course as PGA professionals play on in the Shell Houston Open.
Seven golfers earned Academic All-District. They were Liam Burhans,
Clay Colvill, Emerson Gillan, Michael Keene, Jack Killelea, Luke Murray, and R.C. Renberg.
R. C. Renberg
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athletics LACROSSE
The 2017 Jesuit Lacrosse team compiled an overall record of
9-8 and a Division I West District record of 2-3. The biggest victories of the year were a 12-8 win over St. John’s, an 11-4 win over Episcopal Houston, and a 7-6 overtime road win against Round Rock.
The team was lead on the offensive side of the field by team
captains Seamus McFarland, Sean Mowatt-Larssen, and Jacob Piekielniak. There were other notable individual offensive performances by seniors Jack Graham and Shaw Butler. On the defensive side, team captain Michael Revis, Lynn Ashby and senior goalie Spencer O’Connor proved to be the anchors.
Mowatt-Larssen was awarded All-District honors while McFarland
and Graham were awarded All-District Honorable mention nods respectively. SOCCER
The Jesuit Varsity Soccer team completed a memorable season
that had many thinking UIL State Tournament. Unfortunately, the season Sean Mowatt-Larssen
ended prematurely in the Area Round of the UIL playoffs in a 2-1 loss to Cy Ridge, the team’s first loss of the season. The Crusaders final record was 18-1-3.
The precedent was set early as the team played in five early season
tournament games at the Klein Showcase and the Governor’s Cup at Georgetown High School. Even though the team played quality opponents, Jesuit completed the five games scoring 20 goals and conceded none. The team played Cy Lakes to a 3 – 3 tie in their final non-District game, taking a 5 – 0 – 1 record into the district schedule.
In district play, Jesuit went 1-0-2 in their first three games and
then ran off the final twelve games with consecutive wins on their way to a UIL District Championship. Jesuit defeated Fort Bend Austin in the first round of the UIL playoffs by the score of 4 – 0 before falling to Cy Ridge.
The Crusaders defense was outstanding all season. Many players
contributed as they conceded just 16 goals in 22 games. Seniors Nathan Finley, Carlos Rocha, Harrison Vickers, Chase West, Patrick Wood, and Junior Tom Haney combined to deny teams scoring chances. Goalkeepers Dennis Fritsch, Sam Burton, and Andrew Karcher cleaned up what few chances the defense allowed and totaled ten shutouts in 22 games. Also contributing from several different positions were seniors Chris Sammour, Wes Capo, JP Navarro, and Alfredo Flores.
The team was listed on the pre-season topdrawersoccer.com
National rankings among schools that play in the winter as 50th in the nation. After the five straight shutout wins, the team vaulted to 16th in the nation and by mid-March the Crusaders were ranked #1 in the Diego Sordelli
state, and #3 overall.
Several players earned post-season honors. Led by District 19-6A
Most Valuable Player Diego Sordelli and Offensive Most Valuable Player Angel Cueva, earning 1st Team All-Disitrict honors were Dennis Fritsch, Tom Haney, Diego Blancq Cazaux, and Santi Chavez. Earning 2nd Team All-District recognition were Chase West, Gabriel Dominguez, and Jared Rice and selected for Honorable Mention were Nico Mattioli, Zach Till, and Harrison Vickers.
Summer 2017
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athletics RUGBY
The Jesuit Rugby team posted a 4-2 record which was their best record since
2012. With two of their wins were over district competitor Westside, the Crusaders won the Houston area division and were invited to the state championship for the first time since 2012. In the first round they played their most competitive rugby game of the season, earning a tied score line at the half against a team that put 74 on them in January. “That took tenacity and heart and earned much respect from the coaches and Rugby Texas at large,” said Head Coach Peter Rice.
Team captain Jeremy Brown showed why he deserved that title in the first
Westside game of the season when the team found themselves nearly tied at the half against an inexperienced side. Brown put the team on his back, put in 5 tries himself and assisted another. TENNIS
The Crusaders Tennis team had some noted success this year and is well
positioned for next year. Most notable among the successes were signature wins against defending Louisiana state champion New Orleans Jesuit, #1 area-ranked Clements, and area private school champion Houston Christian this year.
Jeremy Brown
At the District Tournament, the Doubles team of Hernany Martinez and
Hao Nguyen finished as runners-up and qualified for the Regional Tournament. Jesuit’s other Doubles team of J.R. Lopez and Kavi Thiagarajan finished 4th. In the 1st round of Regional Tournament, Martinez and Nguyen defeated Deer Park 6- 0, 6-1 in straight sets before losing in quarterfinals to eventual Regional champion Cy Ranch.
“Advancing to regionals was a team goal we achieved through
hard work and competitive practices,” noted Head Coach Chuck Kenny. “Our competitive schedule has allowed our younger players to develop into battle-tested players. I am very proud of our players’ accomplishments and their noticeable improvement on the court.”
Among post-season honor recipients were 1st Team All-Academic
– Austin Paull, Kavi Thiagarajan, Hernany Martinez, Hao Nguyen, Juanrodrigo Lopez, and Jack Carbo, 2nd team All-District – Hao Nguyen and Hernany Martinez, and Honorable Mention All-District – juniors Juanrodrigo Lopez and Kavi Thiagarajan.
The future looks promising for Strake Jesuit tennis as the team will
return eight of their top 10 players from this year’s squad. TRACK & FIELD
Doubles team of Hernany Martinez and Hao Nguyen
The Jesuit Track & Field Team had another outstanding season this year. The
squad was blessed with tremendous senior leadership complimented by some very talented under classmen. Over the course of the season, four new school records were set.
“None of this would be possible without our seniors and all the hard work,
dedication and sacrifice they have put in to help this program be where it is today,” commented Head Coach Chad Collier. “We are also very excited about the future and the young talent we have on all levels.”
The team finished 2nd in the District and Area Meets and 3rd in the Regional
event. Three members, Anton Horak - Pole Vault, Jason Bugg - 800 and Mile, and Matthew Boling - 400 and Long Jump, of the team earned berths in the State meet.
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athletics
Bugg turned in a school record performance in the 800
with a time of 1:50.37 to take 2nd place. The time topped the Jesuit record held by George Bean in 1980. Bean is now a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Honor. Bugg then took 8th in the Mile with a time of 4:22.06. Boling earned two 4th place finishes, one in the 400 with a time of 47.43 and the other in the Long Jump with a leap of 23’ 7.5”. He qalso set new school records in the 400, Long Jump, and High Jump.
Other top performances during the year included
Jordan Pride - All-District and All-Area in the Triple Jump, Bruno Rodriguez- All-District in the Pole Vault, Anton Horak All-District, All-Regional and State qualifier in the Pole Vault, Matthew Drury, George Ikott, Luke Stavinoha - All-District in the 4 x 100, Will Hartwig - All-District and All-Area in the 800 and 1600, Jeff Price - All-District, All-Area in 800 and 1600, All- Regional in the 800, Tyler Litton, Matthew Drury, Jakobi Robinson - All-District and Area Champions in the 4 x 400, Matthew Drury, Luke Stavinoha, Nathaniel Beal, and Nicholas Miguel - All-District in the 4 x 200. Matthew Boling and Jason Bugg
Relay Team Posts 3rd Fastest Time in the High School History, Four Earn All-American Recognition at National Meet Seven members of the Crusaders Track & Field Team competed at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina in June and four earned AllAmerican honors.. The Sprint Medley Relay (pictured here left to right) of Matthew Drury, Matthew Boling, Caleb Cavanaugh, and Jason Bugg placed second in the United States with a time of 3:20.47. That time is the third fastest in the history of high school Track and Field in that event and a new school record. As a result, all four runners earned All-American honors. Matthew Boling ‘double-down’ on that honor by placing 6th in the U.S. in the long Jump and reset his school record with a jump of 23-11. WATER POLO
The Strake Jesuit Water Polo team had an outstanding season in 2017
posting an overall record of 33-9. The season included a fourth straight season of undefeated district play and their fourth straight title. The district title once again earned the team a berth in the Region II Tournament where they finished 3rd, earning them a berth in the State Tournament.
Three of players were selected for the All Region Team with Michael Bac being
selected 1st Team All-Region, Timmy Cannon earning a 2nd Team All-Region spot, and Ben Brown earning Honorable Mention.
At the State Tournament the team finished 9th. After falling to Flower Mound,
which eventually finished 2nd, the Crusaders defeated Round Rock 16-0 in the only shut out game of the state tournament to finish out the season. Michael Bac was selected 1st Team All-State and Timmy Cannon earned 2nd Team All-State recognition. Timmy Cannon
Summer 2017
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From
Houston, Texas to
I am the youngest of five children born into my happy
how God wanted me to live my life.
Catholic family on October 6, 1961. My parents were both
people of strong faith, and we attended Mass every Sunday.
service for graduation. Students fulfilled this requirement in a
Nevertheless, the thought of becoming a priest had never
variety of ways. Some worked at a summer camp for children
entered my mind until my freshman year of high school at Strake
with muscular dystrophy. A few assisted a quadriplegic man to
Jesuit in Houston in 1976.
get ready for work each day. I spent a week working on the
staff of “Camp Cougar,” a camp for mentally handicapped
The Jesuits I met at Strake Jesuit had a big influence on my
Strake Jesuit also required one hundred hours of community
life. Fr. Norb Keller was my freshman theology teacher. He led
children. I was given charge of two campers, Bobby and
me and our class in a rigorous and thorough study of the Bible.
Greg, for the entire week. Bobby was eight and had Down’s
He helped me to appreciate God’s personal love for me and
syndrome. Greg was ten and autistic. The three of us shared the
God’s desire to guide me in life. In my Prayer class, Fr. Dutch
same dorm room, and I was responsible for getting them up and
Jenniskens taught me and three other students a variety of ways
dressed each morning. I also served as their chaperone at all
to pray utilizing a little book by Fr. Mark Link entitled You: Prayer
events during the day and helped them get ready for bed each
for Beginners and Those Who Have Forgotten How.
night. This was a wonderful and formative experience for me. In
fact, I derived so much joy and satisfaction from helping Bobby
In those days the school sponsored an annual “Poverty
Meal.” We students were asked to donate the money we
and Greg throughout the week that I came away with the firm
would normally spend on lunch to the Jesuit Missions Bureau
conviction that I wanted to spend my life helping other people.
for their work with the poor in Latin America and in return the
school would provide us with a simple meal of rice, beans, and
time alone with Jesus in the school chapel. The chapel was
cornbread. This experience was a real eye-opener for me. The
located in one of the old wooden temporary buildings situated
Jesuits explained how most people in the world do not live as
between the classroom building and the cafeteria. During the
comfortably as we do here in the United States and that their diet
lunch period, I would regularly steal away to the chapel to sit
would commonly consist of the simple foods we had just been
with Jesus present in the tabernacle. To this day, I can still feel
served. Most importantly, the Jesuits taught us that God and
the profound peace and serenity of those visits with Jesus. I knew
our Catholic faith call us to be concerned for those who are less
that he was present with me. And I took great comfort not only in
fortunate than ourselves and to do what we can to assist them.
sharing with Jesus my worries, concerns, hopes, and dreams but
This was a new concept for me and another insight concerning
also in listening to his words of love to me.
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Another powerful experience at Jesuit came from spending
Bethel, Alaska
Thus my four years at Strake Jesuit clearly marked the
One Jesuit ALUM’S JESUIT Journey
BY FR. RICHARD MAGNER, S.J. ‘80
people. There, half a dozen Jesuits each served three to four
beginning of my personal relationship with God. This was such a
rural Yup’ik villages in the Alaska bush spending a couple of
precious gift and a completely unexpected one as well. Since
weeks in each village before moving on to the next and so
my days at Jesuit this gift has continued to nourish, support,
bringing the Sacraments of the Church to the people. Many of
guide, inspire, console, challenge, and sustain me and to fill me
these villages lacked running water so we hauled water from
with love to this very day.
a central well and used “honey buckets” to ease nature. The
Yup’ik lived off the land and sea hunting seal, walrus, whale,
In addition to fostering growth in my personal relationship
with God, my Strake Jesuit experience also served to sow the
moose, musk ox, geese, and swan. They caught salmon, halibut,
seeds of my religious vocation. These seeds continued to grow
herring, pike, smelt, black fish, white fish and others. And they
over the course of many years of discernment, finally budding
also gathered a variety of delicious berries from the tundra. By
forth with my entry into the
the end of my three-month
Jesuits and years later in my
visit, I had fallen in love with the
ordination to the priesthood on June 9, 2012. And this discernment and growth has been ongoing even to the present moment.
In 2005 I attended a talk
I thank God most profoundly for showing himself to me through my experiences at Strake Jesuit, for inviting me into a personal relationship with himself, and for calling me into his service in the Society of Jesus.
by Fr. Pat Twohy of the Oregon
Yup’ik people and knew that I wanted to return.
This desire persisted for the
next ten years, and then on August 15, 2016 I very happily returned to Alaska and to my beloved Yup’ik people. I
Province of the Jesuits who
currently serve in parishes in
has spent over forty years in ministry with Native Americans,
three different communities: the town of Bethel on the Kuskokwim
specifically the coastal Salish people of Washington State. Fr. Pat
River (population 6,800), the village of Toksook Bay on the Bering
spoke passionately of his work and of his love for the people he
Sea coast (population 900), and the village of Pilot Station on
served. By the end of his presentation, I knew that I wanted to
the Yukon River (population 600). I minister in each location for a
find out more about Native ministry.
period of two weeks and then move on to the next location using
Bethel as a hub. The three locations are about 100 miles from
I got my chance in 2006 when I spent three months with
the Jesuits of western Alaska ministering with the Yup’ik Eskimo
each other.
Summer 2017
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We serve the Diocese of Fairbanks which in geographical
experienced here was 28 degrees below zero, and the thickness
terms is the largest diocese in the country encompassing an area
of the ice on the frozen Yukon River was over twenty inches!
of 409,849 square miles. The diocese is home to 11,000 Catholics
out of a general population of 165,500. (The entire population
parishioners in Pilot Station harvest fish from their net under the
of the State of Alaska by the way is only 738,432). Our diocese
frozen Yukon. The Yup’ik have learned to reap the bounties of
ministers to 46 parishes, only nine of which are accessible by
nature in every season of the year. And in May they return in their
the road system. The remaining 37 parishes are in the Alaskan
boats to the recently thawed rivers and sea to hunt for seal. The
bush communities, widely separated from each other by the
returning geese and swan are also plentiful at this time, as are
vast tundra and only accessible by plane, boat or snowmobile.
herring and smelt. I have seen the tundra change from green to
The entire diocese is served by only 15 priests, five of whom are
red to white and back to green. And come July the first of the
Back in February I had the privilege of helping some
Jesuits.
berries will be ready to harvest.
When I passed the nine month mark since my return I had
survived my first Alaskan winter. The coldest temperature I
Also during the winter, the people gather several times a
week for “Eskimo Dancing” at a community hall. Here the men
Fr. Magner, S.J., candle bearers Willie and Sophie Charlie, and Deacon Joe Asuluk.
“Eskimo Dancing” in the community hall is a regular event during the winter.
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The Chronicle
sing and play large hand-held seal skin drums while the women
them in so many ways.
dance in their traditional dresses (“cuspiks”) and holding fur
hand fans. Thus the Yup’ik people continue to live off the land
Strake Jesuit. I thank God most profoundly for showing himself to
and water, to practice their traditional ways, and to speak their
me through my experiences at Strake Jesuit, for inviting me into
native tongue just as their ancestors have done for thousands
a personal relationship with himself, and for calling me into his
of years. And while some changes have certainly come to their
service in the Society of Jesus. I never could have guessed sitting
lives such as outboard motors, four-wheeled ATV’s, snowmobiles
in the old chapel at Jesuit in 1976 where God’s call would lead
(called snow machines here), satellite dishes, cell phones, and
me. But in the forty-one years since that encounter and in my
the internet, nevertheless Yup’ik tradition and culture are alive
eighteen years as a Jesuit, God has been faithful, merciful, and
and well. The Yup’ik people treat creation with great reverence
oh so generous. I am forever in his debt and in Strake Jesuit’s as
and respect since it comes from the hand of God. They are not
well.
And I owe this privilege that I now enjoy to my years at
wasteful with God’s bounty, but put it all to good use. I feel most privileged to serve among these good people and to learn from
Fr. Magner, S.J. with two local young men. St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Toksook Bay
Summer 2017
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alumnews
Fr. Marcus Fryer, S.J. (Class of ‘00) Ordained
Fr. Marcus Fryer, S.J. ‘00 celebrates his first Mass in New Orleans on Sunday, June 11 after being ordained the day before. Fr. John Nugent, S.J. ‘00 (far right) concelebrated and Rev. Mr. Michael Wegenka, S.J. ‘05 (second from left) served as deacon.
“We testify that these men are worthy.”
member of the school’s Alumni Service Corps. He joined the
With these words, Fr. Provincial Ronald Mercier presented
Society of Jesus in 2006 and, as a novice, taught third grade at
four Jesuits for ordination on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The Most
Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School in New Orleans where he
Reverend Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans,
realized his passion for primary education. He has also served as
presided at the sacred liturgy of ordination at Holy Name of
a chaplain at a state prison in Concord, Massachusetts, and as
Jesus Catholic Church, on the campus of Loyola University New
a campus minister for the junior college at St. John’s College in
Orleans.
Belize City, Belize.
Among those four Jesuits being ordained was Marcus C.
He studied philosophy at Saint Louis University before being
Fryer, S.J. who, as a member of the Strake Jesuit Class of 2000,
assigned to Strake Jesuit in 2011. This time at Jesuit he taught
was on a retreat his junior year when he began to think about
English and Theology, coached swimming and water polo and
the priesthood. As a senior, he met a young Jesuit in formation
served as the school’s educational technology coordinator.
assigned to Jesuit and it opened his eyes to the possibility of a
In 2014, he began studies at the Boston College School of
Jesuit vocation. After Jesuit he attendedd Texas A&M University
Theology and Ministry, receiving a Master of Divinity degree
where earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in
and a master’s degree in theology and completing a summer
2004. While at Texas A&M, he worked for the school’s emergency
program following St. Ignatius’ footsteps in Spain and Rome.
medical services and as a 911 dispatcher on campus. He
Fryer also worked on campus with the Kairos and Christian Life
took classes to become an emergency medical technician
Communities programs and served as a deacon at Our Lady of
and during his junior year began working for the Cy-Fair Fire
Grace in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and St. Mary of the Assumption
Department.
in Revere, Massachusetts.
After college, while trying to decide between a career in
public safety or education, he returned to Strake Jesuit as a
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The Chronicle
Fr. Fryer has been assigned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, as
the parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Church.
alumnews
Frank Lara ‘14 Earns All-American Honors
Frank Lara ‘14, a junior at Furman, earned Honorable Mention All-American
accolades at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon in June.
Lara placed 19th with a time of 29:44.82 in the finals of the 10,000 meters after
finishing 11th in the semifinals the previous week at the East Preliminaries. Lara ran at the front of the pack throughout the prelims, posting a time of 30:04.28 to advance through to the championships. The top eight finishers in each event at the NCAA Championships are deemed first team All-Americans, with finishers nine through 16 earning second team All-American accolades. Honorable Mention All-American citations are bestowed on athletes who finish in 17th through 24th place.
Last year as a sophomore Lara earned cross country All-Region honors after
placing 21st with a time of 29:59.8 at the Southeast Regional meet. And placed fifth to capture All-SoCon accolades at the league Cross Country Meet.
As a freshman he was named to the SoCon All-Freshman team and All-SoCon 1st
team for Cross Country after placing 6th at the SoCon Cross Country Championships.
As a senior at Jesuit, Lara won the state individual Cross Country title and was
named the Texas Gatorade Boy’s Cross Country Runner of the Year.
Summer 2017
25
alumnews Passings
Weddings Kevin Lafferty ‘10 and Katie Wagner on June 3, 2017
Mr. Bill Barron ‘66 Mr. Keith Polk ‘91 Mr. John Rice ‘08 Son of Liston ‘72, Brother of Peter ‘04 Mr. Thomas Baker Father of William ‘75, Tom ‘79=, and John ‘80
Roger Walker ‘10 and Catherine Hernandez (SAA ‘10) on June 20, 2015
Mr. Richard Bogatto Father of Barron ‘78 and Grandfather of Barrett ‘09 Mrs. Henrietta Marie Rogers Flynn Mother of Patrick ‘75 Mr. John Charles Hard Father of Scooter ‘89 and Rocco ‘90 Mr. Ray Johnson Brother of Dave ‘71, Father of Bill ‘80, and Grandfather of Ben Venker ‘07, Trey Boyer ‘14, and Brett Boyer ‘16
Daniel Murray ‘10 and Marie Tillema September 24, 2016
Mr. Kenneth Anthony Kangieser, Sr. Father of Kenneth, Jr. ‘77 and Brad ‘78 Mr. J. Raul Montes Father of Raul ‘72 and Jorge ‘80 and Grandfather of Jorge II ‘16, Alejandro ‘18 and Enrique ‘21 Mr. Patrick Allen O’Brien Father of Bill ‘78 Mr. Robert Ottis Father of Emil ‘75, Anthony ‘76, and Robert ‘78
crusader kids
Mrs. Lillian Ann Tennille Mother of Alan ‘91
Chris ‘02 and Heather Cole daughter Chiara Bernadette on April 11, 2017
Mr. Bill J. Zaleski Father of Scott ‘84
Mrs. Jennifer Klumpp Mother of Nick ‘07 Mrs. Klumpp served at Jesuit from 2001-2016 as the manager of the Spirit Store and in the Library
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The Chronicle
Ryan ‘09 and Clare Dunbar son Austin Patrick on March 22, 2017
alumnews 1960s
Eugene Walker ‘65 and his wife of 45 years, Margie, are the proud parents of six children, all of whom graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, where five of the six now live. They aslso are kept busy by their seventeen grandchildren, including three sets of twins. Cliff Blanchard ‘66 has retired after 29 years with S&B Engineering. He and his wife, Jay, will celebrate their 25th anniversary last May by enjoying a river cruise on the Danube. Roy Adamcik ‘67 has owned an optometry shop in Arlington, Texas for 35 years where he still shows up 4 days a week. He is the vision doctor for the Texas Rangers. His and his wife, Cindy, have 9 grandchildren, all of whom are 6 years or younger.
1970s
Russell Guthrie’72 is retiring after 39 years of teaching. He is a Professor of Communication at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell. He and wife, Jane, plan to travel some while he expands his consulting business. Russ is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian.
Dion McInnis’74 recently published his 13th book, titled “LIFElines: Empowering All Aspects of Your Life.” Using unique tools to enable people to see their lives in new and different contexts, the revealed wisdom of one’s life then empowers creativity, strong relationships, leadership, sales and more.
1980s
Allen Carpenter ‘85, Bo Bothe ‘88, and Trey Moeller ‘89 have each been serving together on the Spring Valley City Council. They recently dedicated a new City Hall and Police Department. Allen is Mayor Pro Tem and Trey has been the liaison with the Civic Activities Board.
2000s
Chris Cole ‘02 is serving on the faculty at Jesuit as chair of the Theology Department as also serving as the school’s Educational Technology Coordinator. He and his wife, Heather, welcomed the birth of their fourth child, Chiara Bernadette, on April 11, 2018. Justin Sandy ‘02 works for Comcast Business in Houston as an Enterprise Account Executive.
Michael Bandy ‘03 graduated with an MBA from SMU in December 2017. He has been working at Pioneer Natural Resources since 2010 and has recently been promoted to Director of Strategic Planning. He lives in Dallas and he and his wife, Brittany, and have two children, Wells and Whitley. Ryan Fitzgerald ‘03 has completed his Masters in Theology from Franciscan University in Stuebenville, Ohio. He will be starting at The Catholic University of America in the fall, studying Canon Law. Ryan and his wife, Jenna, have a baby girl, Sophia Fatima. Alan Llanas ’06 graduated from University of St. Thomas in 2011 with a Political Science/International Studies major with a minor in Math. He was part of the army ROTC program at UST from which he commissioned as an officer in 2011. He is is currently serving in his second deployment with the 101st Airborne to Afghanistan. Ryan Dunbar ’09 and his wife, Clare (SAA ‘09), welcomed the birth of their son, Austin Patrick, on March 22, 2017.
2010s
Kevin Lafferty ‘10 married Katie Wagner on June 3, 2017 at Christ the Good Shepherd Chapel in Bryan, Texas. Fr. Flavio Bravo, S.J. officiated. Fellow Jesuit alumni in attendance were Julian Post ‘10, Taylor Germain ‘10, Tim Keogh ‘10, Kevin Lafferty ‘10, Jordan Reilly ‘10, Jonathan Harding ‘09, Bucky Ribbeck ‘10, Chris Herrington ‘10, and Matt Kegg ‘10.
Daniel Murray ‘10 married Marie Tillema at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio on September 24, 2016. Wesley Murray ‘10 was best man, and Philip Richard ‘10 and Michael Dillon ‘10 were groomsmen. The couple live in Austin and were expecting their first child in June. Roger Walker ’10 married his high school sweetheart Catherine Hernandez (SAA ‘10) on June 20, 2015. Benjamin Martins ’12 graduated from Baylor University in August 2016 with a degree in Finance Currently working at the Bank of River Oaks. Rudolph Reid ’13 is studying pre-med at Claremont McKenna College in California and doing his summer internship at Columbia Medical School.
Allen Carpenter ‘85, Bo Bothe ‘88, and Trey Moeller ‘89
Cliff Blanchard ‘66
Michael Bandy ‘03 with wife Brittany and Wells and Whitney
Russell Guthrie ‘72
Alan Llanas ’06
Summer 2017
27
A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW
This Olde Crusader mourns the loss of Mr. John Charles Hard. Take it from one who should know, “Johnny” was a real character. Unashamedly unabashed and vocal as he was, Johnny was our character and around these premises, folks just couldn’t help but take a shine to the old curmudgeon. Here he found himself amongst friends. Here he was at home and here was where he chose to spend his time. By the time that I was first introduced to Johnny, his sons had already graduated high school and received their diplomas. He saw them off, sending them on to make their way in life. Johnny had so enjoyed his years as a Jesuit parent that he decided to remain active and continue to participate. He promptly rolled up his sleeves and went to work for this community volunteering wherever help was needed. There’s a phenomenon here at Strake Jesuit and I call it, “the Jesuit parent who never quite graduates.” They are the folks who stay on after graduation and contribute to the collective effort needed to sustain this school. Johnny was surely The Poster Boy for that particular calling. I remember him at Spring Fling, busy serving up his wife Josie’s delicious meatball submarine sandwiches. How proud he was of her cooking and of their Italian heritage. Johnny was a tireless veteran of the concession stands and the spirit store. He poured more sodas and grilled more burgers than any other parent in the history of this school. For three decades the man was a fixture at football, soccer and baseball games. But we knew not to look for Johnny in the stands. No, Johnny would always be found either behind the counter or tending to a hot grill. It was always from his vantage point in the concession stand that Johnny watched and cheered. John Hard loved his wife Josie and their sons Rocco ’90 and Vito. He loved The University of Texas and he loved Strake Jesuit. However, during basketball season, the object
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The Chronicle
of his affections turned exclusively to the hardwoods and Jesuit hoops. Johnny loved the boys and their game. Home and away he could always be found ensconced in his front row seat, strategically positioned just behind the Crusader’s bench. The consummate homer, Johnny always expected no less than a win. To him the boys were just that good. But win or lose, Johnny Hard remained their loyal fan and wouldn’t shy away from telling anyone who would listen. On and off the court, he looked upon them as “great boys.” They were “his” boys and his affection for them was unwavering. From Jake and Michael, to Joey and Tim, Johnny was always there. Who were his favorites? It might have been Broderick, or Sammy, Ed or Reveal, maybe Stephen, perhaps John or Rasheed. Yes anyone of them might have been his favorite. But this Olde Crusader knows better. In truth, there are so many names on the Johnny Hard list of favorites that I could not possibly fit all of them on this page. Johnny cared for all the boys and he cared for them not only as basketball players, but he also regarded them as fine young men. The loudest voice ever to sing their praises was always one Mr. Johnny Hard. He was just that fond of each and every boy. Just like this Olde Crusader, John Charles Hard loved this school. He took great pride in just being a fan and loved his role as a contributing member of this Strake Jesuit community. And that dear friends, is the way I choose to remember him. Johnny will be A Hard Act to Follow. To the memory of the other Olde Crusader, I pledge my shield and my sword.
George
CASEY personal portrait
Vittorio Covarrubias’ portrait of Br. Casey Ferlita, S.J. was an online sensation. Now you can own a high quality 8 x 10 personal print of the portrait. The prints are produced on canvas material and mounted on wood frames giving them a true, portrait look and feel. This additional offer of these personal portraits will end on September 1, 2017, so act now! Proceeds from the sale of the personal portraits will benefit the Br. Casey Ferlita, S.J. Scholarship Endowment for financial aid. To purchase one of the keepsake portraits, go to www.strakejesuit.org/casey_prints.
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