Alumni on the Frontlines of COVID-19
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Crossing Borders and Impacting Lives – RJ Students Travel to Tijuana, Mexico
Raiders in Cyberspace; Our Approach to Online Learning
Celebrating Ralph Taylor’s 55 Years of Service
SUMMER 2020
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS, PARENTS & FRIENDS OF REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
DEAR REGIS JESUIT COMMUNITY, I was never a Grateful Dead fan, but the feeling of ‘what a long strange trip’ these last few months has been something I can identify with! Somehow, during this very confusing moment in the life and history of Regis Jesuit High School, I have found reflecting upon the extraordinary durability and permanence of Regis Jesuit to be a source of inspiration, especially as we continue to plan for the uncertain months ahead. Our beloved alma mater was founded in 1877 in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and relocated a couple of times before it settled in north Denver in 1883. During those 137 years, the school had to survive several threats to its vitality, including the Spanish Flu, a couple of world wars, the Great Depression, to name just a few. In other words, in many ways, we have been here before, and I remain convinced that we will once again discover an even better version of Regis Jesuit as we move forward. Our community of support is too passionate and too deep to imagine anything else.
"Now more than ever, our communities need leaders who are prepared to bring creative solutions to the complex problems facing humanity and the natural world, as always, for the greater glory of God."
In the short-term, we need only to focus on a few priorities. These include keeping our community safe, healthy and together and continuing to provide an excellent Catholic, Jesuit education to our students. A Regis Jesuit education will always be characterized by academic excellence, spiritual growth and a commitment to justice, preparing young people for college and real-world readiness. The impact of this focus was affirmed through a recent study of our young alumni from grad years 2006-14 who overwhelmingly reported being more prepared for college than their peers. This type of feedback is directly traceable to the excellence of our faculty, and Regis Jesuit will continue to ensure that our teachers have the tools, resources, training and support needed to deliver outstanding academic, counseling, service, pastoral, performing arts and co-curricular programs effectively for our students. As we look forward, we begin to sharpen our focus on ensuring the affordability and accessibility of the Regis Jesuit experience for students and families who desire the formation of a Catholic, Jesuit education; we seek to distinguish ourselves as the worldwide leader in single-gender education; we intend to more completely develop Men and Women with and for Others through our wonderful athletics programs and we commit ourselves to innovating our academic programs to promote reconciliation in our world. Now more than ever, our communities need leaders who are prepared to bring creative solutions to the complex problems facing humanity and the natural world, as always, for the greater glory of God. Leaders like our alumni in healthcare working on the frontlines of the pandemic whom we highlight in this issue. We look forward to the opportunity to continue this mission in the year ahead. I thank you for your continued belief in and support of Regis Jesuit as we navigate the latest of our new frontiers. We welcome you to this latest edition of The Raider. Gratefully,
David Card ’87
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
DEAR REGIS JESUIT COMMUNITY, There are not enough exclamation points to emphasize my excitement in returning to school with our students this year. Whatever “school” looks like in the fall, you can be sure that Regis Jesuit is eager to form young women and men while animating our community’s mission. Throughout the pandemic and the summer, our priorities remain focused on access. A few years ago, I attended a Jesuit Schools Network (JSN) Colloquium, and Fr. Bill Muller, SJ, opened our conference explaining that a primary role of a Jesuit school is providing access: to safety, to the future, to relationship. Access to safety holds a deeper meaning in light of COVID-19. Our school and families will discern the most practical ways to keep all of us safe, especially those with health concerns. We will encourage our students to discover who they are, their talents, hopes and dreams while they are with us either in person or online, and while they are with us, they will be treated with dignity and respect. They will have access to a humanistic education, a God-centered view of the world and a chance to learn and not just be taught. Our students will glimpse access to the future and skills needed to succeed, but also how to believe, how to hope and how to love so that, no matter life's ups and downs, they will—years and years from now— be grace-filled people. Finally, our students and families will access the hallmark of Jesuit education: relationship. They will access friends, teachers, counselors, coaches and Jesus, accompanying them in mercy and love to God our heavenly father. Reflecting on the early Jesuits gives me hope no matter the context for our educational program this coming year. I could only imagine St. Ignatius during his days accessing his companions mostly through written correspondence, which were not quite as efficient, but more eloquent and personal than emails. He found a way to keep animating and inspiring people through letters—letters that we still read today. Offering spiritual guidance, support and, no matter
"…educators must be welcoming and well-prepared interlocutors…" EDUCATING TOGETHER IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
what the future held, hope that God was with them wherever they found themselves. The early Jesuits not only left their homes to go to an unknown land to speak an unknown language, but they entered an unknown path into an unknown future. Trailblazers, indeed. Whereas the mode of schooling may be unknown for certain at this time, what is known is that the excellence of education and formation at Regis Jesuit will continue. Our teachers prepare for diverse methods to educate our students. Whether in person or online, our faculty and staff welcome and direct our students toward Truth: “As well as gaining knowledge, students must also have a strong experience of sharing with their educators. For this experience to be happily accomplished, educators must be welcoming and well-prepared interlocutors, able to awaken and direct the best energies of students towards the search for truth and the meaning of existence, a positive construction of themselves and of life in view of an overall formation. In the end, real education is not possible without the light of truth.” - Educating Together in Catholic Schools § 2) I am grateful for your partnership with our diverse community members accessing and building loving relationships. May we be quick and humble enough to invite God into the tensions we may face this upcoming year! Let us nurture the most important friendship, allowing our students and one another access to Jesus. Christ’s Peace,
Jimmy Tricco T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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PRESIDENT David Card ’87 PRINCIPAL Jimmy Tricco VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT Mindae Russell
TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Tom Dobbins
Raider Alumni on the Frontlines of the Coronavirus Pandemic
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Charisse Broderick King
SCHOOL NEWS
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Paul Muller
Message from the President
2
Message from the Principal
3
Crossing Borders and Impacting Lives
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ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR FACULTY & CURRICULUM Craig Rogers
Raiders in Cyberspace:
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR STUDENT LIFE Bryan Timme
Year in Review 2019-20
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR MISSION, MINISTRY & DIVERSITY Sajit Kabadi BOYS DIVISION HEAD Karen Wuertz GIRLS DIVISION HEAD Tim Bauer ’88 MANAGING EDITOR Tina Schaaf CONTRIBUTORS Tim Bauer ’88 Jason Beyer Helen Bingham Charisse Broderick King David Card ’87 Bethany Carmellini Will Cropper '98 Adam Dawkins ’98 Katie Haley Gretchen Kessler Paul Miller ’04 Will Munro ‘20 RJ Media Mindae Russell Trina Sandler Colin St. John ’01 Ryan Tierney ’20 Sydney Timme Jimmy Tricco Design: JLewers Design, LLC Print Production: Unique Litho, Inc. Printed on environmentally friendly paper using sustainable production methods.
How the Raider Experience Evolved in the Midst of a Global Pandemic Inspire & Ignite Vision 2025
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Class of 2020 Overview
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Athletics and Activities Wrap Up
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Re-Committing to Care for our Common Home
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A Work of LARK Raises $634,000 in Support of Regis Jesuit!
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THE ALUMNI RAIDER Homecoming/Reunion Recap
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Alums on the Frontlines of COVID-19
26
Alumni Career Fair
29
Class Notes
31
Raider Legacy Family Recognition
36
A Tribute to Ralph Taylor: 55 Years of Service to Jesuit Education
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Where Are They Now: Mike Meagher
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COMMUNITY NEWS Faculty Notes
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In Memoriam
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MISSION STATEMENT Regis Jesuit High School, —a Catholic educational community— engages the gifts of young men and women in a single-gender environment, fosters faith in Jesus Christ and promotes justice and mercy, develops critical minds and nurtures compassionate hearts to serve others – all for the greater glory of God.
The Raider is published by Regis Jesuit High School annually. Your comments, opinions, inquiries about the magazine, Regis Jesuit High School, its programs or community members including alumni are welcome to communications@regisjesuit.com. Story ideas and submissions are welcome as well. Regis Jesuit High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
www.regisjesuit.com
CROSSING BORDERS AND IMPACTING LIVES BY ADAM DAWKINS ’98 | RJ MEDIA ADVISER
I
n October 2019, I had the opportunity to travel to Tijuana,
from detention and while they look for a job while they await
Mexico with Dr. Saj Kabadi and Mrs. Lindsay Cummings
their asylum hearing (often up to six months later). They also
along with Maddie Proctor ‘21, Cameron Collins ‘21,
host groups like ours who come to do service, to learn and to
Armando Maldonado ’21, Cami Evangelista ‘21, Nick Faestel ‘20,
produce digital stories about the history, culture, complexity
Sophia Marcinek ‘20, Mariano Adame ‘20, Sam Stern ‘20,
and beauty of the people and places in this bi-national border
Will Munro ‘20 and Christina Nelson ‘20 for the Crossing
town, the fourth busiest border crossing in the world.
Borders digital storytelling and service program. It was my second time in Tijuana in five months. I had tagged along with a group of students and their teacher from California in May 2019 to scout the trip. Both of my trips to Tijuana were profound experiences for me personally, but being with our students in October—a truly amazing group of young people— stands at the top of my list of experiences in my 17 years as a teacher. I am excited that the trip will now be an annual RJ service immersion trip. We are scheduled to return next
On both of my trips, young families awaiting their asylum cases were with us at Gary Mar and shared their stories with us. In May, I spent time with a newly-married couple and their three-year-old son who were forced to flee El Salvador after witnessing the murders of family members and escaping threats on their own lives, including being tracked into other countries on their journey north. In October, we spent time with another young married couple and their six-year-old son
April, when we hope that the border, currently closed due to COVID-19, is open again. I am so grateful to have met our hosts, Gary and Mar Cardènas Loutzenhiser. Gary, an Iowa farm boy, and Mar, who grew up in central Mexico, met in the U.S. Navy while stationed in Japan. They now split their time between San Diego, where Mar teaches third grade at a dual immersion elementary school, and Mexico, where they own a casa affectionately dubbed “Gary Mar” in Playas de Tijuana. They, along with their amazing daughter Crystal and our program director Joy Elizondo, welcomed us as family right from the start. They all walk in the true spirit of selfless love and service. Gary tells great stories about how he used Craigslist and elbow grease to transform Gary Mar into an ideal space for their work--aiding asylum seekers and refugees for a night or two after they are released
Sam Stern '20 interviews border patrol agent
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"The trip to the border this fall was an absolute highlight of not only my 13 years at RJ but my entire life. Seeing the faces of those affected by horrific violence and watching our RJ students create a space for people to simply talk about their stories and feel human and know that they matter was profound. I know that this trip changed me and often wonder how the students who we accompanied on this trip will alter the course of their lives because of this powerful experience. I know that it will be for good and for justice.” LINDSAY CUMMINGS - PHYSICAL ED | SPANISH TEACHER The Crossing Borders delegation sharing a symbol of love and hope
who made the journey together from Honduras after family
who have built lives for their families here in Colorado, Nancy
members were killed. They themselves were being hunted.
Johnson from Casa de Paz, an organization that works with
Sharing meals, praying and serving side-by-side was moving;
people in the ICE detention center in Aurora, Joshua Utter from
hearing their stories, heartrending. Meeting so many helpers
the Jesuit Refugee Service, Sr. Helen Prejean, who was doing
in Tijuana, a network of people like Gary, Mar and Crystal who
advocacy work at the Tijuana/San Diego border around the
dedicate their lives in service to others, was inspiring and
time we were there, DACA recipients, lawyers and more.
encouraging.
Just as inspiring as the trip itself has been, the pre- and post-
To share the stories of this powerful experience, our journalism
production of the documentary has the students fully engaged
students decided to make a feature length documentary.
in the issues from a Catholic Jesuit perspective. In learning
Although the release date has been delayed due to COVID, they
about the history of human migration and researching
have continued to work on post-production and look forward
and speaking with experts on things like the history of U.S.
to premiering their original film this summer. The interviews
policy in Central America and NAFTA, as well as learning the
they conducted were varied and profound, and I could not be
difference between a refugee, an asylum seeker, a migrant
more proud of the way they opened their hearts and minds to
and an immigrant, they have gone beyond the headlines
studying the issues, being truly present and listening to the
and developed context in order to look at the complex issues
stories of so many people from all over the world.
through an academic lens and to be able to listen to and
In Tijuana, the team interviewed people from El Salvador,
empathize with the people they met along the journey.
Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela and the United
Perhaps the most moving connections for us were those that
States. From border patrol agents to Efron González, the head
bind us together in solidarity with our Catholic faith and with
of the Human Rights Commission in Tijuana, to deported U.S.
our Jesuit network. The focus on prayer and advocacy in
Military veterans Hector Lopez and Robert Vivar and Sister
solidarity with our Catholic leaders and in partnership with
Limas, a Catholic nun who runs a shelter for women and
the school’s Mission, Ministry & Diversity Office and our wider
children awaiting asylum, the documentary highlights voices
community continues to fill our hearts with hope and peace
and stories of human migration along the San Yasidro Port of
and inspire us and our students to live out faith in action. The
Entry and beyond.
class discussions, presentations and evening programs that
Some of the most moving parts of the journey happened here at home, where the students interviewed people who live and work in the Denver Metro area. Aurora, where Regis Jesuit
followed the trip were vital to processing the experience and engaging the community in dialogue around these issues of faith and humanity.
is located, is the most diverse city in the state and is home to
Providing an additional powerful connection and opportunity
refugees, asylees, immigrants and migrants from all over the
to take action came when I traveled with colleagues to
world. In the documentary, you will meet people like Jorge
accompany 16 of our seniors to Washington D.C. in November
Madroza, the former Attorney General of Mexico, Godee and
for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice. We joined
Fatouma, refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo
thousands of Jesuit high school and university students to
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
For the third consecutive year, the Administration plans to slash the number of refugee admissions for the coming fiscal year, ordering a new record low of 18,000 refugees. That would represent a 40% drop from last year’s already historic low of 30,000. We also have deep concerns about the forthcoming Executive Order permitting state and city officials to turn away refugees from their communities. We fear the collateral negative consequences, especially for refugees and their families, of creating a confusing patchwork across America of some jurisdictions where refugees are welcomed and others where they are not. Will Munro '20, Cami Evangelista '21 and Christina Nelson '20 interview Jorge Madroza, former Attorney General of Mexico
Given the unprecedented humanitarian need and the crucial global leadership role that our country plays, we strongly urge the Administration and Congress -- as they engage in the consultation phase mandated by statute --
learn, pray and advocate for policy issues from a Jesuit Catholic
to work together to restore U.S. refugee resettlement to at
perspective. We visited our state representatives and senators
normal, historical levels.”
on Capitol Hill where the students presented calls to action supported by the Ignatian Solidarity Network and the U.S.
On September 27, 2019, Catholic Charities USA also issued a
Conference of Catholic Bishops around U.S. policy in Central
statement on the changes to the refugee resettlement program:
America, DACA, Temporary Protected Status, family separation and the Remain in Mexico.
“The organization strongly opposes action by the Administration to historically reduce the number of
During a time when an unprecedented 70 million people are
refugees welcomed into the United States, a record
forcibly displaced worldwide – 25 million of them are refugees
low since the program began in 1980. We call upon the
who have been forced to leave their homes in order to escape
Administration to consider the refugee resettlement
war, persecution or natural disaster — the U.S. Conference of
program’s mission to provide protection to those in need
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued the following statement in
for humanitarian reasons. The program should return to
September of 2019:
consistent refugee numbers rather than focus primarily on its use for partisan-based purposes.”
“We are currently in the midst of the world’s greatest forced displacement crisis on record, and for our nation,
In anticipation of the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees,
which leads by example, to lower the number of refugee
our U.S. Central and Southern Province provincial Ron Mercier,
admissions for those who are in need is unacceptable.
SJ wrote in a letter to all those who work in Jesuit ministry and
Refugees are among the most vulnerable people, fleeing
Jesuit education:
war, religious persecution, and extreme targeted violence. Turning a blind eye to those in need with such callous disregard for human life would go against the values of our nation and fail to meet the standards that make our society great.
“For years, the Society of Jesus has accompanied, served, and advocated on behalf of migrants and refugees. In addition to all the ways our Jesuit family is responding to their immediate needs every day, we must pay attention to the laws and policies that affect those we serve. The Society’s Universal Apostolic Preferences call us to walk
"At first, I was focused on finding a storyline and creating a vision for our documentary. I was quickly overwhelmed by the number of stories we heard. I was there to listen and to let the camera roll. They all wanted to escape the violence in their lives, protect their families and be able to either return home safely or seek refuge." Nick Faestel '20, director and executive producer for RJ Media's Crossing Borders
NICHOLAS FAESTEL ’20
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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with the marginalized, which includes reforming the social and political systems that lead to injustice. Advocacy for just policies is an integral component of living out a faith that does justice. Recent changes to asylum policies and the unjustifiable treatment of families seeking safety in our countries call for renewed action from our community. Compassionate policy begins with asking the right questions. Rather than asking how the government can prevent or deter migrants from coming here, we should instead ask ourselves why they have chosen to make such a dangerous journey, and how we can better promote improved economic and political conditions in the countries that people are leaving. When people are forced to flee their homes and come to our countries seeking security, we should ask how we – and our governments - can welcome and protect them. We continue to call the government to enact comprehensive immigration reform
Christina Nelson '20, photojournalist for RJ Media
and policies that welcome, protect, and integrate those who seek asylum.” We look forward to more service immersion and documentary filmmaking trips to the U.S./Mexico border with our students. And I look forward to providing more opportunities for students to engage in social documentary filmmaking, including local projects. We are always looking for new perspectives, experiences and ways to connect our students with people from all walks of life. Please reach out if you have a
"This trip to Tijuana is easily on the top of my list for the best moments from high school because although it was full of lots of tears and pain, it also had many, many moments of joy and community." CHRISTINA NELSON ’20
connection for us, and continue to pray with us in peace for a better world.
RJ Media's Will Munro '20 during interview
Adam Dawkins ’98 serves as faculty adviser to the student-run RJ Media program. Crossing Borders is expected to premier this summer. Watch the trailer and get more information on where to watch the complete documentary at www.regisjesuit.com/CrossingBorders.
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RAIDERS IN CYBERSPACE: How the Raider experience evolved in the midst of a global pandemic BY RYAN TIERNEY ’20 AND WILL MUNRO ’20 | RJ MEDIA
W
hile Regis Jesuit High School is, at its core, an educational institution, the Raider experience encompasses so much more than academics. It is designed to develop the whole person through positive social interaction, prayer, service and critical thinking so that Regis Jesuit students will be prepared to encounter both the problems and the long-
awaited adventures of the world following graduation. For more than 140 years, this educational approach has been developed, adapted to new technologies, updated for modern contexts and proven its worth for thousands of young men and women. But despite the success and evolution of the Raider experience, COVID-19, and the uncertainty surrounding it, seemed to bring this model into jeopardy. Could Regis Jesuit still fulfill its mission and care for the whole student, even amid this global pandemic? The school’s transition to online learning was swift. One day after Arapahoe County confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, Regis Jesuit announced a two-hour late start on March 11 and an early dismissal on March 13 to prepare staff for the possibility of an extended closure. This suspension of in-person classes, which originally was slated to end April 17, was eventually extended to last for the remainder of the school year. With this shift came a variety of unique technical challenges for Regis Jesuit’s Ed Tech team—Mr. Will Cropper ’98 and Mr. Jason Beyer—to overcome. Internet and WiFi infrastructure,
targeted “sizing down” of the curriculum and technical issues with the Canvas iOS app (Regis Jesuit’s online learning platform) were all challenges that Cropper and Beyer cited in a joint statement. To accommodate the necessary shift to online learning,
Ms. Syd Timme teaches Mind & Body remotely using a webcam
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RJ Administrators on Microsoft Teams, participating in "crazy hat" day during spirit week
the administration also revised the school’s grading policy
used the school’s 3-D printers to generate face shields for
for this semester to help alleviate the stresses and impacts
healthcare workers. It is a community effort that “continues
of making such a sudden change in approach. In the end,
to amaze and inspire,” shared Principal Jimmy Tricco, who
as Cropper and Beyer stated, “this is an emergency online
believes that the pandemic has “put the characteristics of faith,
learning environment… done under extreme pressure and
compassion and patience…on full display.”
time constraints.” Despite this, learning has continued, and as Cropper and Beyer said, “students [are adapting] in ways that
The transition to online learning elicited a variety of emotions
will embolden and enhance their learning at RJ.”
from Regis Jesuit students. Rylie Ward ’21 described it as
Beyond the commendable work of the Ed Tech team and
her to find a routine and for her to have “commitment to
administration, teachers did an incredible job of adapting to
personal achievement.” Some students struggled with the lack
the new system. From facilitating Microsoft Teams meetings to
of in-person connection, like Calvin Bartt ’22 who lamented
proctoring tests online, they continued to deliver Regis Jesuit’s
that “FaceTiming [his] friends isn’t the same” as seeing them
excellent educational experience through cyberspace. As
at school. But this physical distancing has not equated to
Cropper and Beyer described, many teachers have gone even
disconnecting. Ward, a back on the Girls Varsity Rugby team,
further, “[crafting] engaging assignments that focus on this
credits the Regis Jesuit community for providing connection
time in powerful ways — from time capsules to compilations of
despite the current circumstances. She and her teammates
stories on human generosity and service during COVID.”
worked out every Wednesday together via Microsoft Teams
In addition, Regis Jesuit has continued to pay attention to the spiritual and emotional needs of the student community and
“extremely successful,” and noted that the change allowed
and wrote to members of Chelsea Place, a memory care facility where she completed her Service Project in January. For Bartt,
their families. The Jesuits began and continue to livestream Mass from their residence. Fr. Eric Ramirez, SJ and Dr. Patty McCulloch worked with the Communications Office to produce and share morning prayer, the Examen, and afternoon prayer via email and social media daily through the end of the school year. Counselors reached out to their students regularly to ensure that they were managing both online learning and the increased pressures that accompanied living during a global pandemic. Despite the restrictions social distancing required, the school maintained its strong commitment to service. The Ignatian Service Office, led by Ms. Christina Ortiz and Mr. Anthony Mattacchione, continued to arrange virtual service opportunities for the students. Students made cards for elders in nursing homes, collected items for food banks and even 10
REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
Classes held on Microsoft Teams became the new normal
motivation to “continue becoming the best version of [herself] possible.” For Bartt, Regis Jesuit’s spiritual education and philosophy of commitment to others has been instrumental.
“Students [are adapting] in ways that will embolden and enhance their learning at RJ.”
“Prayer has helped me through this difficult time. [By staying
MR. WILL CROPPER '98 AND
and I thank Regis Jesuit for teaching me to put others before
MR. JASON BEYER, ED TECH TEAM
home] I have been able to help those susceptible to COVID-19, myself.” Through the commitment and efforts of Regis Jesuit staff, students like Ward have learned that “distance doesn’t destroy community connection.” This fall, as Principal Tricco describes, the school might be compelled to “begin the
the transition to online learning “[was] tough… but [he has] felt
school year in online learning or in a hybrid model.” But as
connected to Regis Jesuit through [his] teachers,” who are a
the pandemic plays out, know that Regis Jesuit’s cyberspace
constant reminder that “even though they are separated, they
capabilities have been tried and true and the Raider Experience
still care about each of their students.” One common thread linking all RJ students during this crisis
will persevere, no matter the setting, continuing to forge Men and Women with and for Others.
has been the life skills they have developed on campus. For instance, while Ward says she misses the “little moments” most, she credits her “philosophy of achieving [her] goals through
Ryan Tierney ’20 and Will Munro ’20 both served as members
dedication” to Regis Jesuit, stating the school has given her the
of RJ Media’s editorial staff. Tierney heads to Harvard University and Munro to the University of Florida this fall.
RJ remained connected via virtual Masses and continued to serve the community through stay-at-home service opportunities
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A five-year plan for Regis Jesuit’s bright future
The hallmarks of a Regis Jesuit education are easy to see:
• Pursue a campus masterplan that addresses increases in
an emphasis on forming the whole person, excellence in
student enrollment, significant space deficits, programmatic
academics, service, community, brotherhood and sisterhood.
enhancements and inadequate support facilities
It’s a tradition we are proud to offer to our students and families. We observe that our alumni are indeed leaders in their communities as they give direct witness to the call to be Men and Women with and for Others. Even so, as we approach our 150th year, we are convinced that there is opportunity to create a better and deeper expression of this mission and tradition. The Society of Jesus has called us to “help form men and women committed to reconciliation and be able to confront obstacles to reconciliation and propose solutions.” We are deeply committed to our Catholic, Jesuit identity and ready to respond to this call. Therefore, we are
Inspire & Ignite Strategic Vision 2025 VISION STATEMENT Regis Jesuit High School will become the leader in secondary education at promoting the unique dignity of young women and men who, in the pursuit of excellence, are formed to be creative, compassionate, complex problem solvers for humanity, the natural world and the greater glory of God.
proud to introduce Inspire & Ignite 2025, Regis Jesuit’s strategic vision for the next five years. Conceptualization of this vision and development of the strategic priorities it encompasses began with a broad-based community discussion resulting in an updated strategic plan for Regis Jesuit High School. The Board of Trustees approved the Inspire & Ignite Strategic Vision 2025 at their November 2019 meeting, and the President’s Leadership Team has since established goals, strategies and actions to operationalize the plan. A focus on actionable outcomes and institutional alignment at all levels of the organization will ensure that this vision remains an active roadmap that guides the relevance, excellence and permanence of the mission and ministries of Regis Jesuit High School. With all elements guided by the intrinsic theme of excellence without excess, the vision imagines building upon the school’s strong Catholic, Jesuit tradition of academic and holistic formation in order to: • Maintain and increase the accessibility of a Regis Jesuit education for a diverse student body that reflects the world in which our students will live, work and serve • Continue to attract and form exceptional faculty members who cultivate empathy along with excellence • Deliver innovative curriculum that will not only prepare our young men and women with the skills to excel in college, career and life, but provide them a deeper realization of their relationship with God and service to the common good
Increase Access & Affordability Principal Jimmy Tricco welcomes students with a high-five on Compass Day
Strategic Priority: Remove real and perceived barriers to entry and retention Being admitted to Regis Jesuit High School has always signaled ability and potential in a young person. This will remain constant. Today, we recognize the opportunity to serve a student body that is more culturally, ethnically and economically representative of the vibrant and diverse metropolitan area which the school serves. The vision here is simple but essential: we desire to ensure that any family who aspires to receive the excellence and formation of a Catholic, Jesuit education can afford to do so. We believe the educational experience of every student will be enriched by a more diverse student body, helping us to promote the unique dignity of every student. By investing in access and affordability, we will remove all real or perceived cultural and economic barriers to entry and fulsome participation in the life of the school with a financial aid program that meets the needs of
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
our community.
facilities, we will not only prepare our young men and women with the skills to excel in college and career but draw them into an authentic relationship with God and prepare them to be adaptive, servant leaders for a complex world. By providing immersive opportunities for encounter for all students, we uphold our mission when our programs affirm human dignity, promote the common good, animate Christ’s teachings and compel our young men and women to reach into the margins of society in authentic and impactful ways. By investing in
Lead in Single-Gender Education Students learn about the properties of methane gas in engaging and exciting ways
and expanding our program offerings and facilities, we will provide students opportunities to explore their passions and prepare them to be transformative leaders, defined by our Ignatian values.
Strategic Priority: Become the leader in single-gender education Our model of providing a primarily single-gender academic experience alongside opportunities for our students to collaborate, serve, pray and socialize together is singular among secondary institutions in the United States and perhaps the world. We seek to explore more deeply and measure the benefits this innovative approach provides including bolstering student resilience and improving social-emotional learning. We also want to leverage our unique structure to close the gender gap for students in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math)-related areas of study and career
Transform Athletics The football team unites in prayer with Mullen following their match up
fields. By developing a comprehensive and chronicled understanding of the benefits of single-gender education for both young men and women, we will provide evidentiary proof of the value of the Regis Jesuit model.
Strategic Priority: Transform athletics into a conduit for mission and leadership Regis Jesuit has long valued the formative and life-long lessons that are uniquely provided through athletics. Teamwork, dedication, initiative, poise and perseverance are just a few of the qualities that are formed through athletic competition. These experiences lend to the formation of leaders. Because of the success of many of its athletic programs, especially in recent years, Regis Jesuit recognizes the opportunity we have to convey our mission and vision more deeply within our students and more broadly within the larger community. Our vision will be fulfilled when our athletics programs are known
Innovate for Deeper Formation Members of the Girls Division Guatemala service delegation dialogue with local peers as part of the immersion experience
Strategic Priority: Innovate to drive formation deeper Regis Jesuit is committed to advancing Ignatian education.
not only for their successes, but more importantly for how they distinctively convey what it means to be Men and Women with and for Others through athletic competition. By recommitting our athletic programs to a common vision of excellence in the Jesuit tradition, our athletic programs and our student-athletes will tell the full story of what a Regis Jesuit education is all about every time we compete.
We can more deeply engage a curricular offering that retains
The Inspire & Ignite Strategic Vision 2025 represents a roadmap
its core strength and expands to include applied learning
for a reimagined future and what Regis Jesuit is yet called to be
more fully, especially in the areas of STEAM. Our teachers
in order to best serve our mission. We look forward to sharing
understand the need to go beyond helping students retain
more details in the coming months and years as this ambitious
specific content and motivate them to investigate the world
vision comes to life and propels Regis Jesuit forward. And we
beyond their immediate environment in order to think like
invite you to join us in this vision of accompanying young
problem-solvers who lead with competence and compassion.
people in the creation of a hope-filled future.
Through applied learning opportunities and innovative
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
13
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019-20 Class of 2020 Valedictorians
Academic Scholarship Winners* NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Molly Bowers NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS Isalina Colsman, Nicholas Dermer, Jacob Storch, Ryan Tierney NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS Jack Brustkern, Katherine Ho, Peter Lengwin, Mark McIntire NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION PROGRAM SCHOLARS Jakob Cdebaca, Xavier Herrera, Paulina Shiraishi, Sarah Sykora CHICK EVANS SCHOLARSHIP Fenton Dowling and Giovanny Gordillo
Boys Division Ryan Tierney Harvard University
Girls Division Isalina Colsman University of Notre Dame
Salutatorians
JACK KENT COOKE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP Angela Serwaa-Marfo U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR Jack Brustkern UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY APPOINTMENTS Michael Anselmi – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Jackson Connelly – U.S. Air Force Academy Kenobi Kinch – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Vincent Mata – U.S. Air Force Academy Renee Montaz – U.S. Air Force Academy Colleen Mulbarger – U.S. Air Force Academy Bryce Parsons – U.S. Air Force Academy ROTC PROGRAM/CIVIL SERVICE Morgan Anderson – Virginia Military Institute Thomas Beatty – University of Colorado at Boulder, ROTC Meghan Emerson – University of Colorado at Denver, City of Denver Public Safety Cadet Program
Boys Division Eric Lee Princeton University Girls Division Sarah Mourani University of Notre Dame Hannah Smith University of Notre Dame
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
Michael Manoogian – Texas Christian University, ROTC Gordon McKeehan – The Citadel Lachlan Merrill – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, ROTC Anouk Schembri – American University, Air Force ROTC Kayla Sim – Marquette University, Naval ROTC Ryan Tierney – Harvard University, Naval ROTC Grant Woodward – University of Notre Dame, Air Force ROTC Tobias Yarrington – Purdue University, Air Force ROTC
Year in Review 2019-20
College Athletic Signings Sydney Able – lacrosse, Lewis University
Craig Kenny – baseball, University of Northern Colorado
Jalie Albrecht-Reed – rugby, Queens University
Will Kerscher – swimming, Emory University
Chase Allen – baseball, University of Michigan
Walker Kurtz – swimming, Trinity University
Bella Ames – lacrosse, Regis University
Ava Laden – soccer, Cornell University
Michael Andersen – baseball, University of Dallas
Ava Leege – swimming, Loyola Marymount University
Morgan Anderson – soccer, Virginia Military Institute
Ben Martin – baseball, Concordia University
Antonio Batuello – lacrosse, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Vincent Mata – lacrosse, Air Force Academy Casey McCloskey – soccer, St. Olaf College
Katie Berrian – golf, Creighton University Owen Best – baseball, University of St. Thomas
Jack Michalek – baseball, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Parker Biley – swimming, Indiana State University
JT Miller – baseball, Webster University
Helen Brackney – volleyball, California Institute of Technology
Jada Moore – basketball, Kansas State University
Sophia Bradac – swimming, University of Notre Dame
Evan Mullen – diving, Texas Christian University
Sean Carr – swimming, Tufts University
Manna Nelson – swimming, Seattle University
Isalina Colsman – cross country, University of Notre Dame
Ethan O’Donnell – baseball, Northwestern University
Jackson Connelly – track, Air Force Academy
Bryce Parsons – baseball, Air Force Academy
Colter Couillard-Rodak – baseball, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Bryce Sloan – football, Eastern Michigan University Earl Stephens – lacrosse, College of Wooster
Sydney Cross-Watts – volleyball, Trinity College
Hunter Sullivan – swimming, College of the Holy Cross
Keegan Daley – lacrosse, University of Tampa
Jada Surrell-Norwood – swimming, University of Alabama
Nate Dinges – baseball, Denison University
Jacob Thompsen – baseball, Long Beach State University
Luke Frederick – baseball, Benedictine College
Ryan Tierney – swimming, Harvard University
Jack Harpole – baseball, Benedictine College
Bo Wardynski – golf, University of Tampa
BY THE NUMBERS The Class of 2020 is College-Bound 99% of the 379 members of the Regis Jesuit Class of 2020 (212 boys and 167 girls) will matriculate to college
100 80 60
61%
out-of-state
46% private
40 20 0
39% in-state
54% public
27% Catholic schools
Attending 14 of the 27 Jesuit universities
16%
Jesuit schools
To see the full list of schools these new #GreatRaiders will be attending, please visit www.regisjesuit.com/Classof2020Colleges.
*We list only the names of Regis Jesuit students who receive national level or full-ride scholarships. Annually, Regis Jesuit students receive numerous competitive monetary awards totaling tens of millions of dollars in academic scholarships. The numbers reflect what was reported to the school by the members of the graduating class, so may not be representative of the total dollar amount awarded to the Class of 2020. Every effort has been made to record accurately those who have been awarded scholarships or have signed to play sports in college. We sincerely regret any errors or omissions. T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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Year in Review 2019-20
2019-20 Athletics Recap Fall Sports
Volleyball The Volleyball team finished the season with an overall record of 7-16, led by Sydney Cross-Watts ’20, the lone senior on this year’s team. Cross-Watts had 126 kills on the season alongside
GIRLS Cross Country The girls capped off an exciting season taking second place in the Continental League Championships and finishing ninth at the State Meet. Isalina Colsman ‘20 finished off her high school career as the best runner in Regis Jesuit history with an 11th place finish and a school record time of 17:53 earlier in the season at Liberty Bell. The girls head into next year’s season with a strong freshman class and solid upperclassmen leadership.
Field Hockey The Field Hockey Team finished their season with the most wins in program history, losing only one game. The team had an astounding double overtime win in the semi-finals to make their second consecutive State Championship bid, losing a close finals game by a score of 1-2 to finish as State Runners Up. With a season record of 14-2-2, the program celebrated its 10th varsity season and fourth trip to the final four, led this year by captains Zoey Dale ‘20 and Lauren Pendergast ‘20. Pendergast was selected as South Metro Player of the Year as well as First Team All-State. Dale and Cate Lord ’21 were both selected Second Team-All State with Grace Weigand ‘21 and Caitrin Lombardo ’20 receiving Honorable Mention.
Rugby This year saw the return of our Girls 7’s Rugby Program. With
Amber Harvey ‘21 who had 166 kills.
BOYS Cross Country The Boys Cross Country team won the Regional Championship with Owen Buehler ‘20 and Thomas Beatty ’20 leading the boys to place 13th at the State Meet. Buehler finished 31st overall. Earlier in the season, Beatty ran the fourth fastest time in school history, clocking 15:47. Senior leadership was the theme this season and almost all the seniors ran career bests to finish out their time in the RJ singlet.
Football RJ Football ended the season with a perfect league record of 10-0 and made it to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. David Dody ‘21 led the squad with an astonishing 1173 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Coach Danny Filleman was named the Southern League Football Coach of the Year.
Golf The Raiders started the season with a strong group of golfers this year, led by Bo Wardynski ‘20. They capped off their season winning the Continental League Title and an impressive fifth place finish at the Class 5A Golf State Tournament. Wardynski and Teddy Hummel ‘21 were named All-State Second Team players. Ryan Occhionero ‘21 finished the season with an All-State Honorable Mention.
none of the team ever having played rugby prior to the season
Soccer
and after a few setbacks earlier on, the girls found their stride
This year’s soccer team had an unbelievable season finishing
and went on to compete at the State Tournament where they
with an overall record of 16-2-2. Casey McCloskey ‘20 led the
placed second. The girls ended the season with an 8-9-1 record
team in goals with 13 on the season. Eli Hilt ‘20, Luke Galan ‘20
with many losses coming in the last minute of play.
and Brendan O’Toole ‘21 combined for a monstrous 25 goals on the season. The Raiders won the Continental League Title and took Second Place at State after playing an amazing game at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, the first time a Raider team had played in the Championship since 2008! Coach Rick Wolf was named Continental League Soccer Coach of the Year. Four members of the Boys Soccer Team were selected to represent RJ at All-State: Casey McCloskey '20 and Braden Murphy '20 -
Softball
First Team; Nick Dermer '20 - Second Team; John Krupanszky '20 Honorable Mention.
After graduating some key players last spring, the Softball team, with Coach Merideth Feik at the helm, finished the season with a 5-17 record. Chloe Valdez ‘21 led the team with two home runs on the season, while the team had a total of six home runs on the season. Two Raiders represented on the All-Continental League teams: Chloe Valdez '21 - First Team and Lanie Smith '21 - Second Team. 16
REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
Photo by Paul Soriano
Year in Review 2019-20
Tennis
Cheer
BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPS! The Raiders went
Cheer had one of their most successful seasons to date!
undefeated on the season with a 12-0 record, clinched the
The team had their highest placement at the State Spirit
Continental League Title and are State Champions once
Competition in the Game Day Division this year, first making
again! Head Coach, Laura Jones, led yet another team to the
it to finals, then placing fifth overall out of 34 teams. Cheer has
Championship and was named Coach of the Year for 5A Boys
a strong returning team and is very motivated and excited for
Tennis. Morgan Schilling ’21 took a First-Place State title in
next season!
Singles and was named Colorado Player of the Year. The No. 2 Singles title went to Andy Schuiling ‘22 and the No. 3 Singles title went to Cameron Kruep ’23. Alexander Samuelson ‘22 and Nathan Tolva ’20 took the title for No. 4 Doubles.
Poms The Poms Team made State Finals in 5A Pom for the first time in school history. They also captured third place in jazz at the Continental League Championships. They ended the year traveling to Florida for the National Dance Team
Photo by Paul Soriano
Championships where they made semifinals for the first time in both jazz and pom.
Winter Sports
Swim & Dive The Swim & Dive Team took third place at the 5A State Meet.
GIRLS
Sophia Bradac '20 won an individual title in the 100-yd breaststroke. Congrats to the five members of the Girls Swim &
Basketball Girls Basketball had another amazing season capturing the Continental League Title in a thrilling overtime win against Highlands Ranch and continuing their run until the Great 8 round of the State Tournament, their only in-state loss of the season. Congratulations to Jada Moore '20 who was named Continental League Player of the Year and was also nominated for this year's McDonald's All-American game. Moore was also named to the All-Continental League First Team along with teammate Avery VanSickle '21. VanSickle also scored her 1000th career point this season and is ranked #84 in ESPN's 2021 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings. Sam Jones '21 was named to the League Second Team.
Dive team that were named to CHSAA's All-State team: Sophia Bradac '20 - First Team for 100 Breast; Grace Dale '22, Ariana Mitsuoka '20 and Jada Surell-Norwood - Second Team for 200 Free Relay.
Wrestling HISTORY IN THE MAKING! Regis Jesuit had its first all-girls wrestling team in school history this season, pioneered by Makenna Ellmann ‘20, Joelle Macke ‘20, Riley Olson ‘22, Lizet Ramos ‘21, Olivia Taylor '21 and Katerin Urias Zamora '22. Congratulations to the wrestlers who earned recognition as All-Aurora, All-League or All-State Academic team members: Joelle Macke '20 - All-State Academic First Team; Makenna Ellmann '20 - All-State Academic Honorable Mention. The team is looking forward another great season next year.
AVERY VANSICKLE '21 CELEBRATES HER 1000TH CAREER POINT Photo by Paul Soriano
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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Year in Review 2019-20
BOYS Basketball
Spring Sports
With a 0-9 record midway through the season, the 29th seeded Raiders Basketball team rebounded to pull off huge upsets,
Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the
securing a spot in the Great 8. Their amazing run ended as they
spring sport season was suspended. However, Regis
fell to No. 5 Grandview. This was the furthest Boys Basketball
Jesuit coaches remained connected to their athletes by
had progressed in the post-season since 2016 when they also
providing workout schedules, training advice and words
made it to the Great 8. Leadership by captains Chase Allen ‘20
of inspiration during our Friday Night Lights series. Each
and Will Barbera ‘20 was a crucial part of the comeback this
Friday, the stadium lights were lit as a symbol of love and
season. Congrats to Ty Bergman '21, Alonzo Paul '21 and
hope for the RJ community, and coaches shared their
Michael Wolf '21 who were all named to the All-Continental
personal message of support and inspiration to our spring
League Second Team for Boys Basketball.
athletes from the RJ campus. View these inspirational messages at www.regisjesuit.com/FridayNightLights. In addition, throughout the spring, seniors were honored on social media for their outstanding contributions to both sports and activities. Check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds for the hashtag #CelebrateRJ2020!
Photo by Sophia Marcinek '20, RJ Media
Hockey Looking for the three-peat, Hockey advanced to the Frozen Four at Pepsi Center where they fell to Valor Christian by a score of 2-1. Five members of the team were selected to represent RJ
2019-20 Activity & Club Recap Visual and Performing Arts
at All-Conference and All-State: Nolan Sargent '20 – First Team
All-State Choir
All-Conference and First Team All-State; Leighton Walsh '20 - First
Four students represented Regis Jesuit at the All-State Choir
Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State; Gage
Festival this year: Kaz Marczyk '20 (Tenor/Bass Choir), Kaley
Bussey '20, Robbie Dembeck ’22 and Sergio Padilla ‘21 all
Schrameyer '20 (Mixed Choir), Mariana Barrios '21 (Treble
receiving Honorable Mention All-Conference.
Choir) and Blake Mann '20 (Mixed Choir).
Wrestling Three wrestlers—Antonio Segura '21, Zavier Carroll '22 and Antonio Sandora '20—advanced to the State Meet. Competing in the 145-lb weight class, Segura claimed his second consecutive title and became RJ's fourth two-time State Wrestling Champion. He was also named South Metro Wrestler of the Year by Colorado Community Media. The following members of the wrestling team also earned recognitions this year: Antonio Segura '21 - Continental League Wrestler of the Year, All-League First Team, All-State Academic Honorable Mention and All-Aurora Team; Zion Taylor '23 - All-League First Team; Zavier Carroll '22 - All-League Second Team and All-Aurora Team; Sean Gilhooly '21 - All-League Honorable Mention and All-State Academic First Team; Antonio Sandora '20 - All-League Honorable Mention and All-Aurora Team; Cullen Egan '21 and Eric Eismeier '21 - All-State Academic Honorable Mention.
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
All-State Jazz Choir Blake Mann ’20 was selected for the highly competitive AllState Jazz Choir for the second consecutive year. Blake also took second place at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) competition. He competed in the Senior Performance category.
Year in Review 2019-20
Theatre
Investment Club
RJ Theatre presented Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
The Investment Club took third place in the Stock Market
Dreamcoat. Congrats to the incredible cast, crew, pit band
Challenge held at the University of Denver in November.
and directors who brought this show that sold out every performance to life!
Photo by Paul Soriano
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Western States Honor Orchestra Jack Brustkern '20 was selected for the second year in a row for the highly selective Western States Honor Orchestra.
Mock Trial FIRST PLACE AT REGIONALS! The Mock Trial A Team took first place at regionals with Mati Rogers '20 winning the award for Best Attorney and Kenna Haverkamp '20 the award for Best Witness. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the State competition
Club Highlights
was cancelled.
Arrupe Club & RCLC In December, the girls Arrupe Club and RCLC sponsored the annual toy and food drives respectively, collecting nearly 150 toys for the children who attended Fr. Woody's Christmas Party and hundreds of food items for the families of St. Joseph's Parish in Denver.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) This year, only the second year of the club's existence, membership doubled in size and the club sent 40 of its 50 members to State. Five members also qualified for FBLA Nationals, held virtually in June, and three others finished
Mountain Bike Club
in the top ten at the State competition. Congratulations to
Headed by coach Chris Walsweer, the Mountain Bike Team
National-qualifiers Jake Stuart ’20, Will Sellers ’20, Spencer
concluded its three-month season in October at the State
Aye ’21, Sam Englebert ’20 and Ryan Ahrens ’20.
Championships in Durango. The team included eight students of all ages and grade levels and the regular season included four
Girl Up Club
races around the state at locations including Snowmass, Eagle,
The Regis Jesuit Girl Up Club,
Buena Vista and Leadville.
in partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Adidas, promoted empowerment for women through athletics by hosting the first, and hopefully annual, FitSquad event on campus in the fall of 2019. This event travels the nation with messages of empowerment for young girls through sports and helps girls break barriers in all aspects of their lives. With 300 girls attending from Regis Jesuit and other Continental League schools, the inaugural event proved highly successful.
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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Year in Review 2019-20
RJ Special Olympics
Robotics Club
At the annual Special Olympics Unified Pep Rally, beyond
Robotics Club member Phoenix Lee ’21 was selected as one of
learning more about Special Olympics and cheering for the
two finalists from the Colorado Regional for the FIRST Robotics
Unified team over the Rowdies, Regis Jesuit was presented a
Dean’s List Award.
banner recognizing its status as a 2019 Unified Champion Special Olympics National Banner School. We are the first
Speech & Debate
and only private school in the country to have been awarded
The Speech & Debate team has once again earned
this honor. We were selected as one of the 174 schools (14 here
membership in the National Speech & Debate Association's
in Colorado) out of the more than 7000 Unified Champion
prestigious 100 Club, demonstrating outstanding
Schools in the United States. We are very proud of our long
commitment to teaching students essential life skills—
history with Special Olympics and deep commitment to
including communication, research, listening, writing
fostering a community of inclusion.
and organization. For the first time in school history, Regis Jesuit hosted the National Qualifying Speech Tournament on campus hosting 17 schools and more than 400 students. Brady Oakleaf '22 (finalist) and Ben Pauka '21 (semifinalist) won awards for Extemporaneous Speaking. Kevin Reyes '21 won first place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and represented Regis Jesuit and the Rocky Mountain South District of the NSDA at the National Speech Tournament held virtually in June where he placed in the top-20 in the country.
Other Activities Ignatian Family Teach-In Last November, a delegation of 14 Regis Jesuit students and four faculty members traveled to Washington, DC to join thousands of Jesuit high schools, universities and other members of the Ignatian family to learn, reflect, pray, network
RJ Students for Life Club
and advocate together to be a voice for the voiceless and to seek justice for all, particularly those on the margins. The
The annual Diaper Drive sponsored by the RJ Students for Life
group met with Colorado law makers to advocate for legislation
Club set a new record! This year, students and their families
supporting vulnerable populations.
generously donated more than 46,700 diapers, shattering last year's record of 41,000. Over the past few years, Regis Jesuit has run the largest student-led diaper drive in the country. The diapers and other supplies were donated to Catholic Charities and Alternatives Pregnancy Center.
RJ Student Media Club Congratulations to RJ Media for taking home three top awards at the State Journalism Conference at Colorado State University: first place in video broadcast show for RJTV, first place in live broadcast for the Raider Sports Network and an honorable mention in website and social media reporting. Students of RJ Media also won more than a dozen awards at the Continental League Media Contest. The student-run journalism program has earned scores of awards this year for Elevate magazine, RJTV and their Raider Sports Network
NHS Blood Drive
broadcasts. See the full list of the Continental League and all
At the annual Blood Drive sponsored by the National Honor
the awards they have garnered this year on their website,
Society, 58 units of blood were donated — a new record for
RJ Media Now, at rjmedianow.com.
Regis Jesuit! Each unit of blood saves three lives, so our donors saved 174 lives.
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
RE-COMMITTING TO CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME BY SYD TIMME | TEACHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB MODERATOR
I
t began in the garden. In the spring of 2018, Lily Haugen, '20 saw the empty garden boxes beside the tennis courts and knew that something beautiful could grow there. The
RJ Environmental Club was ready to plant the seeds. Since then, Regis Jesuit's Environmental Club has grown tomatoes, sunflowers, beans, pumpkins and peppers. The club has also grown in size, with members of all grade levels. Early this spring, the club joined forces with the Chemistry Club and planned an awareness and action campaign during the 40 days of Lent to engage our community in Caring for Our Common Home. Plans included a waste audit at the beginning of Lent,
Students in the Chemistry and Environmental Clubs work together to conduct a campus trash audit
educational outreach, new signage for landfill, compost and recycling bins, prayer focused on care for creation, student-
Inspired by the Jesuits' call to environmental justice, we
and faculty-led activities and a second waste audit on the
completed our first waste audit on February 24, wading through,
Tuesday following Easter. Our hope was to use this time of
sorting and weighing the contents of cafeteria compost, landfill
prayer, reflection, education and action to inspire a deeper
and recycling bins after lunch on a typical school day. We
commitment to caring for our planet.
gathered data about successes (recyclable items in the correct
The focus and impetus for our campaign came from the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus— four areas vital for our world today that include promoting discernment and the Spiritual Exercises, walking with the excluded, caring for our common home and journeying with youth. Approved by Pope Francis, these preferences will serve the Society of Jesus as a guide for their life and work over the next ten years. As a Jesuit institution, we join them in their resolve to "collaborate for the protection and renewal of God's creation." We believe that care for the environment, animals and people is not a choice; rather, it is an obligation of our faith. Caring for Our Common Home is part of our mission as stewards of creation. "Our faith is one that wants creation to be cherished and renewed. A whole new way of living opens up as a consequence of a personal and passionate relationship with Jesus. We get the grace to transcend ourselves (Laudato Si’, 208). We get new strength to care for others and for creation (LS, 217). We can live with a new horizon, embracing Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom of God, of a renewed and transformed world and ecosystem where we are all brothers and sisters, responsible to each other." —The Society of Jesus' Universal Apostolic Preferences,
bins) and failures (compostable items in every bin) and started planning our educational outreach, and then…our campus closed, and our plans were interrupted. The good news is that the commitment to care for our common home continued through students' participation in building compost bins, rain collectors, starting gardens, picking up trash, reducing their home energy usage and calculating their household carbon footprint—all opportunities promoted by our Ignatian Service Office during the Safe-at-Home order. During the month of April, our community shared in online prayers for the renewal of creation, and graphic art students used their artwork to promote care for the earth on RJ social media platforms. In Laudato Sí, Pope Francis reminds us that, “All is not lost. Human beings…are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good and making a new start… and [embarking] on new paths to authentic freedom.” As we celebrate 50 years of Earth Days and the fifth anniversary of Laudato Sí, the garden boxes next to the tennis courts lie fallow, waiting for new seeds and new hopes to be planted. After having been away from our school campus for more than two months, more than ever we are eager to return to sacred ground. We've got to get ourselves back to the garden.
Caring for our Common Home
Learn more about the Universal Apostolic Preferences and Caring for our Common Home at www.regisjesuit.com/CommonHomeUAP.
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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Virtual
22
REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
A WORK OF LARK EXCEEDS GOAL Thanks to the RJ Community!
W
e are grateful to the more than 2000 parents, alumni, grandparents, friends, faculty and staff who came together
LARK 2020 BY THE NUMBERS
virtually from around the globe spanning three countries and 16
states for this year’s extraordinary and historic LARK event, A Work of LARK: Inspiring the Future. Thanks to our inspiring and generous RJ community,
DOLLARS RAISED (NET) IN SUPPORT OF OUR STUDENTS AND MISSION
our first-ever virtual LARK exceeded its goal and raised $634,000 net in support of our students and mission! All proceeds from this year’s LARK benefitted the RJ Guardian Angel Appeal
$167,000
Pre-event donations
and helped to provide emergency tuition assistance to RJ families in crisis, serve those students and families with support for technology, food and social-emotional safety, and fulfill 2019-20 school year commitments to our families and employees, including distributing the $4.4 million in financial aid that RJ promised to families. Thank you to all of our LARK Guardian
$222,500
Online Auction
Angels for your support! Special thanks to our emcees: Kyle Dyer West, Cami Evangelista '21 and Jake Stuart '20, student speakers: Olivia Bachmann '20 and Jack Brustkern '20, student singers: Delaney Card '20 and Brendan Keefe '21, Zoom tech support: Tommy Gaessler '16, LARK Co-Chairs: Mary Beth Baer and Katy
$293,250
Guardian Angel Paddle Raiser
Truitt, as well as the entire LARK Steering Committee, event support crew, sponsors and underwriters for partnering with the Advancement team to provide a HAPPY and inspiring evening we will never forget!
Stay tuned for more information about the 48th annual LARK, coming spring 2021!
RJ GUARDIAN ANGELS
92 alumni 418 current parents 93 faculty and staff
This year's LARK would not have
274 parents of alumni, grandparents, friends of Regis Jesuit
been possible without the support of Tommy Gaessler '16, who helped
73 volunteers
transition this year's event to a virtual streaming experience. Read a full bio about Tommy in the Alumni Career Fair Recap on pg. 29.
Rewatch the videos from this year’s event at www.regisjesuit.com/LARK2020.
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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ALUMNI HOMECOMING & RAIDERS REUNION 2020 WEEKEND RECAP
M
ore than 425 alumni, parents of alumni and their families returned to campus for the annual Alumni Homecoming BBQ on Friday, September 20, 2019. Attendees enjoyed catching up with friends old and new, a scrumptious dinner by Brothers BBQ (Chris '93 & Nick '95 O'Sullivan) while the kids had fun with the yard
games, inflatables and face painting. Student tour guides were also present to give tours of campus and share their Raider experience. Nearly $3000 in net proceeds funded the Alumni Class Endowed Scholarships thanks to the generosity of Sean '92 and Audra McNicholas! This year’s Homecoming football game was a classic rivalry matchup of Regis Jesuit vs. Mullen at Lou Kellogg Stadium. In an exciting game, the Raiders beat the Mustangs. Members of the Class of 1969 were invited to the field at halftime where they were recognized as part of their 50th reunion. The weekend also celebrated the reunion classes of '74, '79, '84, '89, '94, '99, '04, '09 and our Golden Grads (those who graduated 50 years ago or more). Members of these classes attended the annual Raiders Reunion Mass in the St. John Francis Regis Chapel at Regis University and many held individual class celebrations across the Denver metro area over the weekend. We look forward to continuing to make this event the largest annual gathering of the Regis Jesuit alumni community!
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
In celebration of Homecoming 2019 and the football game with Mullen, we shared a reminiscence of another matchup on the gridiron between the Raiders and Mustangs on our website. Read the full story “Tales from the Parochial League – Spinney and Wells” by Chris Cella ’71 at www.regisjesuit.com/TalesFromDPL.
Alumni Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend All alumni and their families are invited to the Alumni BBQ before the Homecoming football game vs. Mullen on Friday, September 11, 2020.* This fall's Raiders Reunion will celebrate the classes of '70, '75, '80, '85, '90, '95, '00, '05, '10 and our Golden Grads. Raiders Reunion events for all reunion year alumni will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2020.* More details to be announced in the coming months. We are seeking out alumni to help with the organization of each individual reunion class. If you'd like to help, in any capacity, please email alumnioffice@regisjesuit.com.
*As of now, in-state activities and events at Regis Jesuit High School for the 2020-21 academic year are tentative. We will continue to monitor the CDC warnings and communicate with local health agencies regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). We will notify our community immediately should information or circumstances change.
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ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
Raider Alumni on the Frontlines of the Pandemic BY COLIN ST. JOHN ’01
T
revised 12.17.09
he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Regis Jesuit alums across the board, from grocery store clerks to restaurant owners and, yes, teachers who are more used to Microsoft Teams than the buildings on Parker and Arapahoe these days.
Here, we focus and pay tribute to a special set of frontline workers: those in the healthcare industry and profile a few regarding their work and the impact of COVID-19. As we used to chant to our sports teams after a win and especially after a loss: We are proud of you.
CHRISTOPHER JOHNSTON '01 – ER Director
LILLIAN FARRELL ’14 – Medical Scribe
Being the emergency department medical director of Saint Anthony’s Hospital is a hectic gig most of the time—let alone in the midst of a global pandemic. “It's a stressful time,” Johnston says. “We've seen coronaviruses before, but because this is a novel coronavirus, it's just a whole new ballgame. You’re doing a lot of it on the fly. We're trying to figure out better ways to treat this and protect people. Things were tight there—and we still need to be good stewards of resources like PPE. What's really crazy is we're seeing plenty of COVID patients but, overall, our volumes in the emergency department are down about 40 percent. And that really concerned us because, as far as we know, COVID isn't protective against strokes and heart attacks.”
Like many alums, Lillian Farrell can draw a solid line between her life now and her time at Regis Jesuit. “I feel so fortunate that I was able to make the most incredible lifelong friends at Regis. And we still keep in touch. Luckily I'm able to see some of them still,” notes Farrell, who is onboarding into her role as a medical scribe at Swedish Medical Center. “I had an amazing support system, not just with friends, but also with the teachers. I did experience my mom's death during my senior year. And I felt just incredible support from my classmates and the teachers. The empathy was just overwhelming.”
Johnston got the itch to get into medicine when he started working in ambulances as an undergraduate at the University of Colorado at Boulder. From there, it was on to Saint Louis University for medical school and a residency at Denver Health. Looking back at his experience at Regis Jesuit he says, “There's no one that can't look back at Kairos and say that that didn't have some long-lasting impact on how you've decided to serve others,” he tells The Raider. Johnston has participated in the Alumni Mentorship Series and calls it a “blast.” “I goofed off a little in high school but the ultimate foundation of service and empathy: No one's going to pretend that it's easy to put others ahead of you, but Regis helped me decide that I wanted to immerse myself in the consequence of the world. The emergency department, specifically, was a place that would just happen to me.” Looking to the future of the COVID-19 crisis, he says, “Our big push is: We are open. We are safe and we will provide safe care.” He adds, “It's going to be incremental. It's going to be slow. And, ultimately, once we get a vaccine, which is probably a year away, it's just going to be kind of slow baby steps. We've got to What About Bob it.” 26
REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
After high school, Farrell studied neuroscience and behavior at Simmons University. From there, she landed at Tufts Medical Center. “I was really fortunate enough to work very closely alongside our infection prevention nurses at Tufts, as well as with our hospital epidemiologist,” she explains, when addressing the COVID-19 onslaught. “My takeaway was being able to see hospital leaders use educational backgrounds to make really, really hard decisions when it came to hospital policies and procedures. It was really inspiring to see all the work that they put into keeping both staff and patients safe.” For Farrell, it all comes back to Regis Jesuit. “I think the service really plays a part in my career choices. I have plans to go to graduate school for my master’s in biomedical sciences. And then, hopefully after that, apply for medical school. So, I absolutely believe that Regis had a pivotal part in my life, as a community, as well as an inspiration—seeing everybody dedicate themselves, not only to their schoolwork, but to the community and the overarching mission of Men and Women with and for Others.”
SCOTT RUPP ’11 – Medical Doctor “From the service standpoint and wanting to be in the military, I really think that stuck with me more than anything coming out of Regis,” Rupp tells The Raider when reached in Philadelphia. He’s currently an emergency medical resident at the Albert Einstein Medical Center. “I see a large number of coronavirus patients whenever I go to my shifts. There are people who are sick that are presenting with something as benign as not being able to smell or not be able to taste for a couple of days. And then there are some people who come in with respiratory distress, unconscious and have to be intubated.” After graduating from Regis Jesuit, Rupp attended Saint Louis University, where he majored in neuroscience. “It really is an unknown at this point,” Rupp says of the future of the virus. He, like Johnston, highlights that too many patients having heart attacks and strokes are staying home. “Anyone who says that they can say with 100% certainty that once you're infected, you're no longer infectious is not accurate or ill-informed. So, it's really difficult for us to predict whether or not this is going to continue to be an issue months, even years from now.” As for his future, Rupp says, “After I'm done with training in Philadelphia, I'll be going to an Air Force unit as a flight surgeon for at least a couple of years. I'm looking forward to getting back into the military side of things as an ER-trained doctor. I can definitely say that my time at Regis was absolutely invaluable. And I look forward to being able to come back and visit to see all of the changes that have happened to the campus since I've left.”
WENDY DYER ’14 – Registered Nurse “I have wanted to be in the medical field my whole life, but never knew what role I would take,” Dyer tells The Raider. After graduating from Regis Jesuit, she landed at Tufts University before heading to Georgia Southern to pursue nursing studies. While training to become an EMT she was shadowing a nurse and had an unusual epiphany. “The nurse was using a fart machine to make the patient laugh, while giving a detailed neurology report to staff,” Dyer says. “And it just clicked right then that I wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to be able to provide emotional and physical support.” She is now an emergency department registered nurse at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s. Of her time as a Raider, Dyer points to Lindsay Casas as a “huge influence on me becoming a nurse.” Casas introduced Dyer to anatomy as she assisted her in the athletic training room. “The slogan ‘with and for others’ is something I carry with me every day,” Dyer says. “So many of my classmates became nurses and I truly believe Regis was one of the reasons.”
“Just trying to screen our patients to figure out what is coming in is really hard,” Dyer says of the coronavirus crisis. “Wearing all of the gear can be exhausting, but I work with an amazing team and we all try to help each other out. We have felt so much support from the community. It has honestly been moving [with] all of the notes and food we have gotten. The nightly howls make me tear up—just to feel all the love. I have no idea what the future holds, but I hope we can remember the way we came together, helped each other and supported each other. The unknown is scary, but we are learning more every day.”
DAVE SANKO ’82 – Paramedic Dave Sanko got into the paramedic game early on: “While I was in my senior year at Regis, I completed the EMT basic class.” Sanko also had a mini-course with the Denver Police Academy before heading to Boston University—he worked ambulance shifts back in Colorado on breaks—and, after, paramedic school. His long career has taken him from working for a private ambulance company to establishing his own, Pridemark Paramedics. He sold that about ten years ago but always keeps busy. “I taught at Denver Health. I helped start their paramedic program,” Sanko tells The Raider. “I was one of the original flight paramedics with St. Anthony's Flight for Life program. I got bored and decided to become a firefighter, so I also worked part-time as a firefighter with Parker Fire for 11 years.” He continues to lecture widely and manages the EMS education and training for Centura Health. “We do the medical direction, quality control and continuing education for about 3000 paramedics and EMTs,” Sanko reports. “I like to just say I'm the glorified babysitter because paramedics are like 12-year-old boys.” Of the coronavirus, Sanko says volumes are down around 25 percent because of folks being afraid to go to the hospital, and he echoes a particular concern about strokes. And when the paramedics do arrive, he says, a lot of patients are “sicker than snot.” It bears mentioning that Sanko’s wife, Jan, is an ER nurse, as is his daughter Halee ’13. “As paramedics, we're used to dealing with carnage, active shooters, stuff all over the streets. It's usually a lot in a very short period of time and there's an endpoint in sight, and you can regroup. This thing's been going on for three months and, quite frankly, I think 2020's going to be a wash. Let's just hit the reset button for 2021.” Of his time at Regis Jesuit, Sanko says, “You know, dealing with a classroom of all boys is no different than dealing with a fire station of guys that are all high-functioning alpha males that like to screw around.” He goes on, “I think Regis, in that regard, has helped out tremendously because we're making decisions quickly. I have more time to decide now that I’m not on the streets but, overall, the entire program at Regis: You're getting a lot of information and have to use critical thinking. We're making decisions based on incomplete information.”
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Scores of RJ Alums Keeping Us Healthy We are aware of nearly 250 of our alumni who work in healthcare in some capacity. We are proud to have so many Great Raiders working in this key arena, especially now. We celebrated some of these alums in a special video at LARK and invite you to view that at www.regisjesuit.com/AlumsinHealth. Jordan R. Allison '11 Thomas J. Amolsch '65 Jeffrey Audino '96 Christina Bakhour '12 Adam Barker '94 Michael J. Barsoom '87 Mark M. Befort '78 John D. Bell '57 Michael J. Benavidez '90 Christopher R. Bentley '91 J. Harold Berberick '60 Catie Bernie '14 Jonathan Boyer '95 Paul J. Braaton '79 Aaron Brotherson '92 Kelly Brown '15 Madeline Brown '10 Paul Buck '86 Brian J. Burke '84 Thomas Burns '62 James K. Callihan '69 Ryan W. Candee '07 Roger Caplinger '85 Timothy J. Carabello '62 Robert J. Carmosino, Jr. '91 Kate Carroll '11 Keith L. Cavanaugh '88 Kevin C. Cavanaugh '87 Neil Cella '98 Joseph Chopyak '88 Rebecca A. Chott '09 Ted J. Clarke '70 Kellie Classen '07 David R. Close '64 Brian Connor '86 Dennis S. Conrad '64 Joseph P. Conrad '67 Jerry Cordova '85 A. Benedict Cosimi '56 Frederick V. Covillo '68 Daniel W. Cramer '62 Mark Crower '87 Terrence Daly '80 Kellie M. Dawson '13 Kathleen M. Dea '09 Michael A. Deal '85 John M. Delaney '58 Lindsey Dempster '06 Dino M. DeVito '77 Zachary D. Dezman '97 Rachel Diets '12 Peter J. DiLeo '65 Troy A. Dinkel '87 John R. Dixon '74 David Doig '74 Barry Doyle '98 James P. Drinkard '53 James P. Driver '75
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 28
James J. Dunn '85 Joseph T. Dunn '69 Robin Dunn '02 Joseph G. Durbano '91 Simon A. Dwyer '91 William J. Dwyer '81 Wendy Dyer '14 Robert F. Eaton '58 David H. Eby, Jr. '56 Daniel W. Euell III '63 John R. Ewing '66 Lillian Farrell '14 Daniel J. Feiten '71 Dean Fernandez '86 Claudio Ferraro '85 Gregory Franklin '97 Robert Q. Frazer '73 Molly Freimuth '14 Alexandria Garcia '07 David N. Gaudio '80 Michael Gavrilovic '12 Dennis P. Genereux '71 Timothy E. Gesner '09 Frank W. Giardino '66 Kevin L. Gleason '51 Paul A. Glennon '77 Frank W. Gold, Jr. '64 Joseph Gonzales '88 Matthew W. Good '94 Mark S. Grassman '66 Casey D. Gregory '07 Rachel Griffith '07 Mark R. Groshek '78 Joseph A. Grubenhoff '93 John P. Guenther '77 Paige Gunning '13 William Hackethal, Jr. '87 Joseph M. Hakala '48 Matthew Halfar '96 Michelle Hanna '07 Richard O. Hayes '90 Daniel B. Hayward '02 Aaron Hebestreit '98 Jay Heintz '97 Joseph Heit '70 Josh Hellweg '15 Todd Hellweg '15 Craig A. Hibbison '57 Patrick J. Hiester '73 Richard B. Hiester '65 Elizabeth Holmes '08 Timothy C. Horrigan '75 Stanley E. Hren '59 Jeffrey R. Hubbach '95 Jordan H. Hueseman '03 Hrolf A. Huey '80 David A. Huffman '62 Lorna Hummel '12
Michael G. Hunt '83 Scott R. Hutton '96 James R. Iacino '73 Molly Ininns '18 Jason Isenhart '96 John Jerrard '63 Brian L. Johnson '88 Gregory L. Johnson '81 Sydney (Fangman) Johnson '14 Christopher Johnston '01 George E. Kalousek '68 Bruce A. Kaup '70 Joshua Kelley '92 Nina Kelly '15 Richard J. Kemme '48 Philip S. Kennedy '67 Thomas E. Kiatta '63 James Kleiger '70 Stephen A. Klein '64 L. Dean Knoll '72 Martin M. Kosmicki '75 John M. Kottenstette '66 Lindsay T. Kough '81 Kelly R. Kruger '86 Ken H. Krumpholz '87 Fred Kullman '63 Kyle D. Kusek '91 Patrick A. Kusek '87 Michael A. LaConte '65 Brian Lane '87 Frank Lansville '82 Robert J. Lauvetz '60 Jay D. Law '63 Christopher Lawler '76 Michael B. Lay '92 Robert A. Leibold '80 Jillian Lesnansky '15 Phillip Longo '86 Joseph A. Lovato '85 V. Maxim Lucero '72 C. Patrick Mahoney '47 Thomas L. Malone '50 Donald J. Mares '75 Alexandra (Todd) Martinez '11 Dennis J. Matthews '64 Theodore G. McCabe '45 Caitlin A. McCarthy Thomas T. McCloskey '64 Thomas McGlone '68 Brian M. McGuire '63 Kaitlyn McNamara '08 John P. McVicar '74 Alexander K. Meininger '96 Stephen R. Meis '71 Drew Merten '11 Michael J. Meyers, Jr. '93 Thomas W. Moffatt '61 Kevin C. Montoya '95
Christopher J. Moon '85 Michael L. Moore '80 Dave Morr '73 John E. Morrison, Jr. '64 Joseph J. Morroni '93 Kaitlyn (Leister) Morton '13 Matthew Moschetto '95 Brian Mullan '97 Thomas F. Muller '84 Michael J. Murray '82 Patrick C. Nation '83 Andrew C. Nelson '96 Andrew J. Nemechek '82 Thomas H. Newman '54 Christopher Newton '98 Charles T. Novak '77 Joseph E. Novak '80 Katherine (Misgen) Nowicki '08 Barry O'Brien '92 Thomas M. O'Dorisio '61 Robert E. O'Haire III '82 Calvin J. Okey '78 Peter D. Olson '74 Owen P. O'Meara '57 Danielle Orban '15 Ryan Paterson '97 Tim Pazier '86 S. Craig Pearse '66 Christopher C. Peloquin '03 John E. Perito '49 Jerry L. Pettibone '70 Joseph G. Piacentine '77 Robert D. Pipkin '57 John S. Pirolo '77 Rex C. Porter '75 Andrew P. Post '97 Gregory A. Prince '78 Peter A. Quint '71 Robert B. Rafferty II '91 Gregory J. Recker '90 Kalina M. Reichert '14 Mason Rickard '86 Michael A. Ruder '70 Charles A. Rust '72 Lawrence G. Rust '78 Mark Ruszczycky '59 James P. Ryan '55 Henry A. Sakowski '83 Paul Saleeb '95 Marissa Sampias '08 Ernest P. Sanelli '76 David J. Sanko '82 Halee Sanko '13 Stephen G. Sanko '96 Daniel J. Satterwhite '80 Todd Sawyer '85 Emily G. Schaaf '15
Maddison Schluter '14 Kristin Schmid '08 Madison Schmitz '13 Matthew Schmitz '96 Kevin P. Scott '79 David P. Scrimgeour '71 Jerome J. Simone '62 Patrick N. Siparsky '97 Gregory S. Snyder '94 Donald L. Sowden '60 Paul B. Stack '76 Ronald Stainbrook '70 Tom P. Stanley '70 Aaron Steinke '97 Allen D. Stevens '90 Kevin D. Stewart '85 William E. Straw '67 John Studebaker '87 Christopher W. Sturbaum '81 Gregory D. Sturbaum '88 David R. Sussman '59 Stephen S. Swanson '69 Thomas I. Sweeney '74 Adrian W. Swenson '71 Mark R. Tasset '91 Charles W. Tate III '91 Allen B. Thach '76 Glenn E. Thornburg '74 H. Michael Tramutt '61 Anthony J. Vecchiarelli '47 Jesse Velasquez '94 Carlos F. Vera '80 Andrew Vranesic '95 Raymond V. Waldorf '70 Clifford K. Wanebo '55 Harold J. Wanebo '53 Daniel M. Ward '87 Rev. John J. Waters, SJ '51 Kathyrn (Blumhardt) Wegner '13 Andrew Weil '97 Steven A. West '74 Robert R. White '67 Michael Winter '64 Robert L. Winter '93 Edward Wolf, Jr. '68 Anthony J. Wright '87 Emily (Hellweg) Wright '12 Eugene Zadra '67 Martin R. Zamora '75 Marco Zarlengo '61 James N. Ziemba '77 Rachel Zinno '15 Patrick A. Zoellner '79
If your name is not listed and should be, or you would like to update your business information, please let us know by sending an email to alumnioffice@regisjesuit.com listing your name, grad year, title and organization you work with. If you are listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies and provide us with the needed corrections by emailing alumnioffice@regisjesuit.com. Thank you!
REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
RJ HOSTS INAUGURAL ALUMNI CAREER & NETWORKING FAIR
W
e had a wonderful turnout of more than 100 alumni and members of the Class of 2020 at the inaugural RJ Connect: Alumni Career & Networking Fair this past January. Special thanks to our 19 industry partners and keynote speaker Jim Zasowski, his daughter Elizabeth (Zasowski) Sanders '12 and his team at Z1CareerZone for inspiring us and
providing outstanding career and resume guidance for our attendees. The power of the Regis Jesuit High School network is strong! We hope our Great Raider alumni will join us each year for this event.
Alumni Career Fair Partners: Charles Schwab – James Lobato '96 Northwestern Mutual – Cole Cunningham '13 Zoom Video Communications – Tommy Gaessler '16 and Abraham Queen '17
“The Regis Jesuit Career Fair was a fun and valuable event to network with fellow alumni and recruit top talent.” TOMMY GAESSLER '16, DEVELOPER ADVOCATE ZOOM VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS
BCER Engineering – David Hughes (current parent) and Sara Persily Service Systems Associates – Sean McNicholas '92 and Erica Rivera Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Phil Rosnik '83 DaVita Kidney Care – Abbey Miller (staff spouse) United Dominion Realty (UDR) – Harry Alcock (parent of alum), Dan Campbell and Garrison Quinn '13 Innovest – Zach Heath '14 and John Brock '15 Implant & Oral Surgery of Colorado – Eric Lomas '06 ObsidianHR – Rok Kopp '04 US Bank – John Zimmerman (parent of alum) Regis Jesuit High School – Craig Rogers (assistant principal) RMB Capital – Don Bechter '80 and James Rosselle Utility Management Consultant – Jim Ginley (parent of alum) TIAA – Melissa Thorpe (industry partner) Robert Half Recruiting – George Denlinger (current parent) Haselden Construction – Tasha Haselden '08 and Nicole Kawulok '08 Kaiser Permanente – Kristin Richau (industry partner)
Tommy works on the Zoom App Marketplace team, supporting developers who want to integrate Zoom into their software. He codes sample apps, writes developer documentation, builds JavaScript libraries, answers questions in their developer community, and speaks at meetups and events about Zoom and coding
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RJ Connect was established to provide alumni with on-demand access to a wide variety of online networking tools, specially tailored to the Regis Jesuit network including: • A full opt-in directory of alumni • A mentorship program • A job board with current opportunities • A running feed of alumni updates, interesting content, photos and conversations • Group conversations • Events posted by RJ Alumni Relations Office and/or other alumni To date, nearly 1200 alums have already joined RJ Connect! Sign up today: www.regisjesuit.com/RJConnect
“The Regis Jesuit Career Fair was pivotal in my success at finding an internship this summer at Charles Schwab. It allowed me to connect with the many Regis Jesuit alumni at Schwab who were happy to advocate for me and get me an interview. I highly recommend RJ alumni attending and participating in the next career fair.” MATTHEW ZIMMERMAN '17
SEEKING CAREER FAIR PARTNERS! If interested, please contact Paul Miller ’04, Director of Alumni Relations, at pmiller@regisjesuit.com.
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CLASS NOTES
BELOW: Michael Byrne ’73 and his daughter Jennifer Byrne Becquet, current Regis Jesuit teacher, walked the Camino de Santiago in June 2019.
Those notes listed here are from June 2019-May 2020. If you would like to submit a class note for inclusion in next issue of The Raider (summer 2021), please email alumnioffice@regisjesuit.com.
1950s Fr. Louis McCabe, SJ ’58 recently celebrated his 79th birthday and 61 years as a Jesuit. He is working full time as a retreat director at Our Lady of the Oaks Jesuit Retreat House in Grand Coteau. Ad multos annos.
1960s BELOW: The Class of 1961 meets monthly at Overland Golf
Daniel Mondragon '79 is the resource development director at
Course. Pictured is their Christmas lunch with former teacher
Hands of The Carpenter.
and coach Guy Gibbs ’47.
1980s Vince Porreco ’81, past baseball coach at Mullen and Metro State, was inducted into the Colorado Dugout Hall of Fame on January 17, 2020.
BELOW: Celebrating Kevin Card’s ’83 wedding included (L-R): David Card ’87, Rod Card ’61, Kevin Card ’83, Brian Sandoval ’84, Sean Riley ’83 and Matt Arnold ’83.
Bill Fortune ’65 was declared a “Founder” of the Jesuits of the USA Central and Southern Province. This distinction is bestowed by the Superior General in Rome on friends of the Society of Jesus who demonstrate extraordinary support.
1970s RIGHT: Lon Savaadra ’70 celebrating Guy Gibbs' 90th
Jason Hunke '88 has moved from the Gates Foundation
birthday pictured with (L-R):
to Vulcan where he is serving as vice president of
Tom Robinson ’64, Guy
communications and marketing.
Gibbs ’47 and Lon’s mother.
1990s Five-time MLS Cup winner Brian Mullan ’97 is helping the Dan Sheehan ’70 recently celebrated his 45th college reunion from the University of Notre Dame.
battle against COVID-19 as a nurse in Colorado.
RIGHT: Chris Lynett ’98
Very Reverend Ronald W. Cattany ’71, pastor and rector at the
was recognized on the Next
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and pastor
Generation Best in State Wealth
at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church, was designated as the
Advisor list by Forbes.
honoree at the 2019 Serra Salute Dinner by Archbishop Aquila.
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2000s Chris Kelley ’01 is head coach for the Men’s Club Lacrosse team at Montana State University. Brian Strassburger, SJ '02 of The Jesuit Post put together a video series titled "Seeking God: A Jesuit Retreat." It is a series
Rachel Griffith '07 has joined a family practice clinic in Sterling, Colorado and is "excited to practice medicine in a rural area." KD (Misgen) Nowicki '08 began a pediatric rheumatology fellowship at the University of Colorado.
of talks in the style of a preached retreat based on the Spiritual
Alex Ritter '08 spoke to current students in February 2020
Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
about her journey from Regis Jesuit to Hollywood through her
The Okee Dokee Brothers, a.k.a. Justin Lansing '03 and Joe Mailander '04, are out with a new two-disc, 27-song album called Songs for Singin' perfect for all ages. Rok Kopp '04 was named chief revenue officer at Denver-based Obsidian HR. Kenneth Stable '05 was named a member of the Denver Business Journal's 40 Under 40 class of 2020. Kenneth is a member of the Regis Jesuit Board of Trustees and works in the financial services sector. He was nominated by Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado. He is a graduate of their program and still highly involved with their efforts. We are proud to count such
work as a screenwriter and production associate. She writes for the television show The Magicians which airs on the SyFy Channel. She has worked as a production associate and writers assistant on the show for the last few years and helped to pen "The Serpent," a 2019 episode of the show. She also recently finished an original screenplay set in Denver. Marissa Sampias '08 is a resident physician at Icahn School of Medicine in New York City.
BELOW: Preston Wheeler ’08 and his wife Michaela had their second son, Emric Layne Wheeler on July 6, 2019, joining older brother Ellis James.
a wonderful example of a Man with and for Others among our alumni.
BELOW: Bryan Zerr '05 and his wife Brianna welcomed Emilia Grace into this world on June 18, 2019. She was baptized into the Catholic Church on August 25, 2019 in the Blessed Rupert Mayer Chapel at Regis Jesuit. Bryan and Brianna want to thank Fr. Tom Rochford '64, Regis Jesuit High School and Our Lady of Loreto for helping make such a special event happen! Pictured below are Bryan, Emilia, Brianna and her father, Ernie Sanelli '76.
BELOW: Cody Wilcoxson ’08 and Britt DeLine ’08 were married on December 31, 2019 in Philadelphia. The bridal party included best man, Case Donovan ’08, Connor DeLine ’12, Ethan Castle ’08, Alex Cusick ’08, Spencer Jackson ’08 and John Michael Tomczak ’08. More than a dozen Regis Jesuit alums between the Girls and Boys Divisions made the trip to Philadelphia to ring in the new year.
BELOW: Mehry Eslaminia '07 played Viola in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' production of Twelfth Night last fall.
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Josh Zielinski ’08 is the manager of family services for the Samaritan House in Denver. Chris O'Dowd '09 is shaping the future of Major League Baseball with his Austin-based virtual reality company WIN Reality.
2010s The Heath brothers and their family have had a lot to celebrate recently. Ross Heath '11 married his high school sweetheart Allie Kohler '12 on December 14, 2019 with Fr. Ronny O'Dwyer, SJ '01 officiating. Younger brother Zach Heath '14 married Emily Stein on April 25, 2020 at Holy Ghost in Denver. And big brother Ryan Heath '09 was engaged to Amanda Stacy in February.
College sweetheart Anna Ballard on June 29, 2020. Fr. Phil
A special thank you
Steele ’66 officiated the wedding in New Hampshire. A large
to our alumni who participated in the Fall
group of RJ alumni and families celebrated too.
Alumni Mentorship Series on Thursday,
BELOW: John Zimmerman, Jr. ’11 married his Boston
October 10, 2019: Phil Rosnik '83, Jimmy Owenby '99, Garrett Fitzgerald '03, Emily Keller '08, Alaina Santos '08, Andrea Tagtow '08, Kay Dea '09, Liz Kamper '09, Brad Tagtow '10, Connor Wist '10, Katie Simons '11, Jess Zielinski '12, Trey Ahern '13, Natalya King '14, Kendra Schraeder '14 and Rayvon Solomon '15 Although we couldn't gather in person for the spring Alumni Mentorship Series due to social distancing restrictions, we are grateful for the 17 alumni and friends who volunteered to share their industry knowledge with current juniors this spring: Kelly Brown '09, Tommy Gaessler '16, Andrea Hendee '06,
BELOW: Alex (Todd) Martinez '11 and her husband welcomed the newest member of the Class of 2037, Sofia Rose on October 26, 2019.
Lauren Knapp '12, Emily Laff '13, Jillian Lesnansky '06, Chris Lesnansky ’11, Loren Losh '64, Brian McGuire '63, Terry McManus '63, Lydia (Templin) McPeek '09, K.D. (Misgen) Nowicki '08, Bethany Pfeiffer '15, Katie Sawyer-Stachler '08, John Schmidt, Jr. '14, Kendra Schraeder '14, Nick Smith '97 and Connor Wist '10. We look forward to hosting the Alumni Mentorship Series again during the 2020-21 school year. If you are interested in participating, please email alumnioffice@regisjesuit.com.
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BELOW: Elizabeth (Schilling) Škibola ’11 married Ante
Moriah Trantham ’12 is a lighting and electrical designer at
Škibola on August 4, 2018. They had their first child, Andrijano
AE Design. She is currently working on Regis Jesuit’s new pool
Pio, on July 31, 2019.
structure replacement. Nick DePuy ’13, a standout soccer player at the University of California Santa Barbara, was signed by the LA Galaxy.
BELOW: Kaitlyn Leister ’13 and Sean Morton ’13 were married on September 7, 2019 at Our Lady of Loreto. Fr. Phil Steele ’66 was the celebrant. On their honeymoon to Italy, they received a papal blessing for their marriage from Pope Francis.
Through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute's Bridges Program, Bridget Bowers '12 has created a collaborative course between DeSmet Jesuit, an all-boys school in St. Louis where she teaches, and an all-girls Catholic School on the East Coast. The course will focus on gender studies and dialogue between genders, through lenses of literature and psychology.
RIGHT: Lorna Hummel ’12 graduated with a master’s degree in English from Creighton University in May 2019. She also received several awards, English Graduate Student of the Year,
Subscribe to Declan Brown's '14 The Backpocket Podcast, which is described as "a comedy podcast highlighting stories of success from ordinary, average people doing the extraordinary."
Outstanding Service Graduate
Mariana Cubillos ’14 was serving in the Peace Corps in
of the Year and the Maurine
Panama until COVID temporarily suspended operations.
Hamilton Award for Graduate Woman of the Year. Lorna
David Peterson '14 was ranked the number seven top 25 Mets
is currently enrolled at the
prospects for 2020 by Amazin' Avenue, a New York Mets online
University of Nebraska Medical
community fanbase.
Center in their physician assistant program.
BELOW: Kyle Selz '12 married Rachel D'Attilo on October 19, 2019 in Parker, Colo. The couple met at Colorado State University where Kyle received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and Rachel received her degree in business administration with concentrations in corporate finance and marketing. Kyle is a project manager at US Engineering.
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BELOW: Ryan Tapp '14 and Katherine Allbritten '15 were married on August 3, 2019.
BELOW: Christina Canino ’14 and Blake Troska ’14 were
RIGHT: Ermias Araia ’17,
married in September 2019 in the Blessed Rupert Mayer Chapel
a student at Brown University,
at Regis Jesuit High School. Pictured are Regis Jesuit alumni
presented his research on small cell
who were in attendance (L-R): Katie Drexelius ’14, Maddie
lung cancer at the Cancer Research
Birchfield ’14, Jack Strobel ’14, Connor Likos ’14, John
Summer Fellowship Program
Koslosky ’14, Michael Salz ’18, Austin Knapp ’12, Kyle Troksa ’09,
last summer before traveling to
Nick Haws ’96, Lauren (Troska) Knapp '12, Neal Jones ’03 and
Zhejiang University in Hangzhou,
Scott Alcorn ’99.
China last fall. Before leaving for China, Ermias returned to his alma mater to present to the Medical Explorations Club, an organization he co-founded while he was a student at Regis Jesuit. Jenna Heinemeyer '17 was awarded a prestigious internship to become part of the global-leading investment banking firm Goldman Sachs.
BELOW: Sydney Fillipi '18 was selected as a national winner of an animation competition held by the Library of Congress in partnership with the Poster House Museum in New York City. Winning animations were posted online and on display at the Poster House Museum.
Jordan Bottom '16 will be attending Creighton University to participate in their doctorate of occupational therapy program. Tommy Gaessler ’16, developer associate at Zoom Video Communications, was named one of Colorado's top innovators under 25 for 2019 by Colorado Inno. Erika Rasmussen '16 was named as an O'Hare Fellow and will spend one year at America Media working on print, digital, audio and film projects while benefiting from mentoring and professional development opportunities.
RIGHT: Cassidy Roderick '16
RIGHT: Austin Layne ’18 was pinned
is finishing her master's
Best in Class at the United States Air
degree in theology through
Force Academy in March 2019.
the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She has helped
Cal McCoy ’18 is currently playing
build Vocations Outreach,
golf at Denver University and was
a mentorship outreach of
named MVP of the Summit League as a
Franciscan University of
freshman.
Steubenville, which promotes religious vocations by creating and compiling resources for religious communities and young adults discerning religious life. She was recently interviewed by EWTN regarding this venture. She plans to join
Nick Sangalis ’18 has been selected as a fellow at Neeley Business College at TCU. Ellie Hill ’19 was cast in her first college play as Olivia in Twelfth Night at Saint Louis University.
the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, Tennessee in August 2020.
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
35
CLASS OF 2020 LEGACY FAMILIES
T
hough they weren't be able to gather in person for the second annual Raider Legacy Appreciation Mass & Breakfast, we celebrate our graduating seniors from the Class of 2020 and their legacy parents and/or grandparents who help to carry the flame of Regis Jesuit’s enduring mission forward.
PRESENTING THE 14 LEGACY FAMILIES OF THE RJ CLASS OF 2020: Aidan Bargman ’20, parent Troy Bargman ’92 Thomas Beatty ’20, parent Charles Beatty ’91 Sophia Bradac ’20, parent Marc Bradac ’89 Lauren Birchfield ’20, parent Eric Birchfield '89 Delaney Card ’20, parent David Card ’87, grandparent Rod Card ’61 Shannon Cunningham ’20, grandparent Donald Cunningham ’57 Olivia Giardino ’20, grandparent John Giardino ’67 Layton Hall ’20, parent Robert Hall ’89 Kenna Haverkamp ’20, parent Timothy Haverkamp ’87 Charlie Henninger ’20, parent Michael Henninger '87 Josh Frank ’20, parent Gerald Frank ’80 Carina Morroni ’20, parent Joseph Morroni ’93, grandparent Thomas Morroni ’58 Grace Neff ’20, parent Andrew Neff ’96 Molly Walsh ’20, parent Richard Walsh ’82, grandparent Richard Walsh ’43†
“Congrats to all of the Regis Jesuit students for their hard work, including Shannon! AMDG+BVMH! Don't forget the latter.” DON CUNNINGHAM ’57, GRANDDAUGHTER SHANNON ’20
If we have accidentally omitted a legacy family from the Class of 2020, please accept our apologies and contact alumnioffice@regisjesuit.com to help us ensure we have our family legacy relationships updated in our database.
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
† Deceased
“Having Grace follow in my footsteps to graduate from Regis Jesuit has been tremendously rewarding. To see her experience the Jesuit education, the spirit, the service and the community and to grow into a Woman with and for Others is something that I know will guide her throughout her life. We feel very fortunate to share this RJ family legacy together.” ANDY NEFF ’96, DAUGHTER GRACE ’20
“Super proud to have my son, Charlie, as a member of RJHS alumni! The friendships I made while at RJ, combined with the stellar education are things that he's going to enjoy his entire life!” MICHAEL HENNINGER ’87, SON CHARLIE ’20
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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HONORING RALPH TAYLOR’S LEGACY 55 Years of Service to Jesuit Education BY TIM BAUER ’88, GIRLS DIVISION HEAD
T
here is a photograph of Ralph Taylor that I love. It’s
by a presence? How many rooms and halls and cafeterias and
his senior-year photo from St. Louis University High
committees and conferences and all the little things that keep a
School, a black-and-white thumbnail that appeared in
school moving into its inexorable future? Unimaginable. “Even
the 1954 yearbook The Dauphin. In the photograph, the young
then,” my father said some 30 years after the fact, “we knew
man gazes directly into the camera, unsmiling but kind-
Ralph was special.”
faced, earnest and unflappable. He offers a look that exudes confidence and surefootedness, as well as an invitation to trust. Just beneath the surface of that young man’s eyes there are
If you ask any of Ralph’s former students about their experience of him, you’ll likely get a wide variety of stories and memories, all sharing their adoration and love for Ralph.
promises of the wisdom to come.
Clearly, he has had a tremendous impact on individuals and communities, shaping lives
I came across that photo during my senior year at Regis Jesuit, as a chosen few of us struggled to complete the 1988 yearbook by the deadline. In that yearbook, we did a retrospective of a few teachers, and as my dad was also a SLUH alum just a few years behind Ralph, we combed through his old yearbooks together to locate that nugget. When my dad found the photo, I remember he smiled. “Even then,” he said, “we knew Ralph was special.” High schools by their nature are transitory
“It’s near impossible to articulate the type of wisdom he possesses. He loved the best parts of life and had the wisdom of thousands of years of the literary tradition compiled and digested in his mind.”
well beyond high school. My own journey
MATI ROGERS ‘20
everything you were thinking, but better.
enterprises. Hundreds of students fill and
teacher will tell you that pedagogical theories come and go and come back again if you stick around long enough. Teachers themselves are an amorphous grouping of individuals, flowing and changing with the seasons and national trends. That is why, for one reason at least, Ralph Taylor is remarkable.
at Regis Jesuit and moving into Hit/Lit, the class now known as American Studies. Ralph held us in his palm from day one. If you have ever watched Ralph teach, you know that he proceeds with a deliberate speed—not too excitable, but not slow. At will, he opens the file drawer of his mind and pulls the perfect reference or corollary that encapsulates While he speaks, he tends to gaze at things on the periphery of the room, as if envisioning
then exit the halls every year, to be readily replace by hundreds more. Any veteran
with Ralph started when I was just 16, a junior
something that no ordinary teenager could hope to perceive. And then he moves his hand, tracing arcs and circles in the air before him, a wizard weaving a spell, or a conductor willing his orchestra to crescendo. Nine months of that and I was ready to dedicate my life to reading and teaching.
It is difficult to quantify 55 years at an institution like Regis
So, I did. Imagine my terror when, a little more than seven
Jesuit, and to put numbers to a career that spans over half a
years later in my first job, I found myself sitting at a desk in
century. How many thousands of students, and how many
the Regis Jesuit English Office, not four feet from Mr. Taylor
more parents? How many colleagues and friends impacted
himself, chatting over a Wordsworth poem and marveling at
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
the subtle power of language. “Call me Ralph,” he said to me in those first days, after I stuttered uncomfortably over his name. A small gesture to be sure, and probably even expected from a veteran to his former student, but it meant much to a newlyminted English teacher who wanted nothing more at the time than to teach like Ralph Taylor. That was the start of my last 25 years with Ralph. Since then he has mentored me, and countless other students and teachers, with kindness and grace. Ralph’s true gift in the classroom, besides his ability to corral an unruly group of 16-year-olds, is the gift of all great teachers: he never tells you what to think. Rather he continuously invites you to consider the possibilities, to drill down into the roots of language and there to discover the element you did not even know you desired. With Ralph’s guidance you realize that the world is so much richer than you supposed, and full of complexity and wonder. Even then I knew, and I still know, that Ralph Taylor is special. After 55 years, Ralph is moving on from Regis Jesuit, and because a high school stays true to its nature, there will be hundreds of students in our halls, hopefully for a long time. But there will be a gap that those students may not recognize, a place where a pillar stood, or perhaps where a foundation was laid. We who are his legacy are left to carry on in his place – more surefooted, more earnest, more confident and trustworthy – because we have received his gift. For as long as
“One of my best and favorite teachers at Regis and the best English teacher I’ve ever had. Lucky to have learned from him.” VIKTOR REZNICEK ‘83
I can do this work, I will want to teach like Ralph Taylor.
T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Michael Meagher What were your work experiences and responsibilities before
What advice would you give young men and women today?
you came to Regis Jesuit?
The one bit of advice I can give is to keep a sense of humor and
I spent 34 years in the public school system. I taught English
to be mindful of the power of words. They matter.
and journalism and served many years as a department chair. I also coached baseball for 15 years.
Any special thoughts to send to the RJ Community?
What years did you teach at Regis Jesuit and what were the
forgiving and generous. Recognize what you have is worth
subjects you taught and the roles that you held?
protecting.
My one special thought for RJHS is to continue to be kind,
I was at RJHS from 2004-14, as an English teacher, department chair, baseball coach and served one year as acting assistant principal.
One of the teachers who had the opportunity to work with Mike in the English Department shared this reflection: “When I think about Mike, I have very distinct feelings and
What were some of your
memories. First, I always feel
fondest memories of your
happy and safe. One of the
years at Regis Jesuit?
greatest blessings I’ve had
My favorite memories include
as a teacher and person was
our all-school Masses, my daily
learning from Mike. He took
interactions with my students
care of me and loved me as I
and colleagues and my quiet
found my vocation as a teacher.
moments in the chapel.
He mentored me through rough patches and mistakes, and
What made you laugh during
he gave room for me to own
those years?
and celebrate my successes.
It seemed like each year my
He protected me and gave me
students would try to guess my
space to learn my craft and fall
age. Their estimates ranged
in love with teaching. He was
from 29 to 89 years old! Really. What do you miss most about Regis Jesuit?
always so wise, and I listened
THEN
I miss the enormous enthusiasm and good cheer of my students!
NOW
to him when he told me to be patient and stay calm or when he told me use my voice and fight for a cause. Some of my
favorite memories, which I think of often, are late afternoons
What are you most proud of during your years at RJ?
sitting in the office past five just reading over our favorite lines
My proudest moments include helping to build a strong
from Gatsby or Hemingway. It made me a better teacher, for
English program in the Girls Division. Also, I helped hire some
sure, but it was a friendship and a kinship—a testament of how
great teachers including some from the public ranks. Most are
literature can connect people in a way that other things cannot.
still on campus.
It was always a good day when Mike would sink causally into his chair, open his drawer and pull out his comb. As he brushed
Where do you live now and what are you up to?
his hair, he would say, “So kid, what’s up?” and then you knew
I am currently living in Aurora on the Meadow Hills golf course.
it was time to talk about everything or nothing, something big
My wife and I have been able to travel to Ireland and England as
in your life, or the harmless gossip of the school. I don’t think
well as to many great cities in North America. We went to Mardi
I ever heard Mike speak ill of another person or whisper an
Gras in 2018. I have also spent time helping edit my son’s (Matt)
unkindness. Here I am, 15 years later, and of all the people I
novel Irish Town, which was published this year.
respect and wish I was most like as a teacher and leader in our
What’s the best part of retirement? The best part of retirement is the freedom from clock watching!
40
REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
department or school, it’s Mike. I hope to give others half as much of the love, respect and wisdom he has given me.”
FACULTY NOTES
In this feature of The Raider, we list milestone occasions and awards or events for members of the faculty and staff.
Future Raiders 1. On July 2, 2019, English teacher Megan Langfield ’10 and her husband Justin welcomed their second child, Levi.
2. Director of Alumni Relations, Paul Miller ’04 and his wife Abbey welcomed second son, Teddy Lawrence, on August 9, 2019.
8. On December 21, 2019, Enzo Paul arrived as the first child of Director of Annual Giving & Scholarships, Bethany Carmellini and her husband Vince.
9. College Counselor Elisa Krapcha and her husband Jarris welcomed their second child, Liliana Faith, on December 28, 2019.
3. Social studies teacher, Jason Ell ’04 and his wife Roberta welcomed a baby boy, Dylan, to their family on August 10, 2019.
4. On August 31, 2019, math teacher Spencer Wagner and his wife Amelia welcomed baby Elliana, their first child.
5. Physical education teacher and head Track & Field Coach Ryan Taylor, and his wife Michelle welcomed their third child, Ashton Dean, on October 28, 2019.
6. On December 2, 2019, English teacher Jeni Rinner and her husband Jeremy welcomed their third child, Penelope “Poppy” Ann.
10. On January 1, 2020, Event Administrator Carolyn Ristow and her husband Isaac welcomed their first child, Jaclyn.
11. College Counselor Cari Maciolek and her husband Michael welcomed a baby boy, Arthur Gene, on February 20, 2020.
12. On April 3, 2020, theology teacher Adam Lomas ‘10 and his wife Annie celebrated the arrival of baby Lilia Maureen, their first child.
13. Director of Equity & Inclusion and Spanish teacher, Christina Vela, along with her husband Bart and daughter Lucy, welcomed the arrival of baby John Thomas Barton Rose on June 5, 2020.
7. Spanish teacher, Rachel Deffenbaugh and her husband G. welcomed Silas, their second son, on December 12, 2019.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
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T H E R A I D E R | SUMMER 2020
41
IN MEMORIAM The entire community of Regis Jesuit extends its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of loved ones who have died recently. The following are remembered in our prayers:
Alumni Listed in ascending order by year of graduation Thomas C.E. Kelsey '44, father-in-law of Thomas Tokarski '66 and grandfather of social studies teacher, Heidi Kabadi
John F. Sanchez, Sr. '44, father of John '64, David '69 and Gordon '72, grandfather of Tate '86, Corey '89 and B.J. '94
William A. A'Hern '45 Hugh P. Hogan '46 Paul J. Villano, Jr. '47, brother of Michael† '52 Robert L. Fedel '48 William J. O'Donnell '48 Thomas J. Reichert '49, great uncle of Cole Plummer '13
For 38 years, Mike Buckley '63 served the Regis Jesuit community as a beloved teacher and administrator. He retired in 2011 and enjoyed time with his family, friends and favorite hobbies before passing away peacefully on February 15, 2020. His Celebration of Life Remembrance Mass was held at Regis Jesuit and attended by scores of former colleagues and students.
J. Michael Farley '50 Donald J. Horst '50, brother of William† ‘48
Michael L. Buckley '63
Thomas H. May '50, brother of Timothy† ‘50, grandfather of John '24
E. Thomas Rupert '66
Rev. William C. Vollmer '50, brother of Donald ‘55
Joseph E. Tatarka '66
Gerald N. McCarthy '51
Nicholas M. Bavaro '69
Rev. Msgr. Donald F. Dunn '54, brother of Michael† '57 and
Paul Ziemba '82, brother of James '77
Stephen† '62, cousin of James Eby '06
William J. Greeley '89, brother of Todd '85
Gary B. Gunther ’55 George F. Coughlin '56, brother of James '53, cousin of Dennis '62, John† '64, Sean '92 and Matthew '98 Coughlin, grandfather of Lillian '14 and Dante '18 Farrell, uncle of Mary '14 and Thomas '15 Coughlin
Lawrence C. Blackford '57
Kara P. Geraci '12, sister of Chris '04, Nick '07 and Max '10 Timothy C. Bauer '13 Nathaniel P. Haas '13 Connor Sinks '15 Mackenzie E. Tynan '15, brother of Edward '12, great nephew of
Michael E. Dunn '57, brother of Donald† '54 and Stephen† '62, cousin of James Eby '06
Patrick Riley '57
Robert '55, nephew of Peter '71, cousin of Timothy '72, Matthew '83 and Patrick '04 Tynan, James '06 and Mary Katherine Spierings '07 and Nick Tolley '09
Cale D. Woodley '15, son of computer teacher and varsity Hockey
Robert F. Grove '60 Robert J. Stein '60
Coach Dan Woodley, brother of Grant Woodley and cousin of Shane '18 and Avery '22 Ott
J. Emmett Goggin '62
Roxford R. Azo '18, brother of Oswald '11 and Renata '15
We have also been informed recently that the following alumni are also deceased and extend our sympathies and prayers to their loved ones. Listed in ascending order by year of graduation John R. Smith '41
Richard M. Barnes '56
Gregory S. Beringer '65
Richard H. Sundell '41
Gary L. Chamberlain '56
David W. Kenney '66,
John E. Nalty '47
William J. Gannon '56
brother of Daniel '74
Paul S. Roberts '51
Robert D. Brinster '57
Jerome J. Walden '51
John W. Hough '57
Joseph F. Dulmaine '53
Nile Mason '58
James E. Hancock '54
Eugene Motnyk '59
Donald L. Dill '55
David J. Doughty '60
Gregory C. Johnson '55
Michael E. Gimeson '62
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REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
Patrick M. Dever '69 Richard J. Patton '69 Doug Schleufer '69 Matthew B. Miller '70 Theodore Fasso '80
Family & Friends Listed alphabetically by last name Deacon Ronald Ansay, father of Christopher '75, grandfather of
Lana Lechuga, mother of Joe† ’82 and Michael '84, grandmother of
Richard '06, Lauren '07, Lauren Hamilton '10 and Kaitlyn Stafford '13
Latin teacher Joey '03, Tony '05 Lechuga and Mark Segura '08
Judith A. Armstrong, wife of Robert '62
Bill Mara, former head football coach at Regis Jesuit High School
Harold Arnold, father of David '80 and Matthew '83
Frank Martorella, father of Brian '93 and Matthew '00
Thomas J. Beatty, father of Charles '91, Kevin '93, Conor '96 and
Colleen May, Spanish teacher at Regis Jesuit High School
Michael '98, grandfather of Thomas '20, Ryan '22 and Colin '23, father-in-law of theology teacher, Matthew Klassen '98
Vern L. Beyer, father of STEAM Coordinator Jason Beyer Joseph P. Boberschmidt, father of James '85 Roland Canino, father of Assistant Facilities Manager, Mark Canino and grandfather of Neal Jones '03, Christina (Canino) Troska '14, Nick Haws '96 and social studies teacher Scott Alcorn '99
Rob McReynolds, former head wrestling coach at Regis Jesuit High School
Domenic C. Moschetti, father of Gary '68, Jim '70 and Tom '73 Pamela S. Reinecke, wife of Mark '57 Mary Marlene Sarlo, mother of Robert '72 and Dan†, former RJ teacher Richard L. (Dick) Schell, brother of math teacher, Tina Janelle
David C. Churchill, father of Parker '17, Allyssa '19 and Zachary '22
Helen M. Simonson, mother of Tom '87 and Paul '89
Margot A. Conway, mother of Mark '74 and Daniel '75
Curtis Sinks, father of Connor† '15
Henry J. DeNicola, father of Philip '65
Lynne M. Smith, mother of Hannah '20
Sam DiPaola, brother of Janelle '08
Zinat Stephen, mother of Security Department Head Imtiaz Stephen
Edward J. Downey, Jr., father of Ted '94 and P.J. '96
Harold Stroup, father of John '70, Gregory '73, Chris '76, Philip '76
Lillian M. Eck, mother of William '81 and grandmother of Sarah '11 Catherine M. Farrell, mother of Security Specialist Guy Farrell Mary (Stevie) Feeley, wife of James '56 Mary Giardino, mother of Frank '66 and John '67 and grandmother of Colin '18, Olivia '20 and Liam '23
Ross S. Goscha, father of John '02 Jane E. Haack, mother of Douglas '73 Alexander V. (Sandy) Hamilton, III, father of Lexie '14 and Alec '17 Cheryl A. Jones, mother of Hunter '06 and Surf '10 David L. Kessenich, father of Caroline '22, Jack '22 and Andrew '24 Lynne K. Knickerbocker, mother of Adam '98 Thomas K. Layne, father of Lochlan '19 and Maeve '21
and Robert '77
Jennifer Toner, wife of Timothy '81 Michael E. Vance '58 Meredith L. von Tscharner, mother of Emma '13 and Matthew '17 M. Virginia (Ginger) Weber, wife of Frank† '45, mother of Paul '75, Greg '77 and Rick '86
Gerri M. Wessling, wife of John '70 Margaret M. Zarlengo, wife of Charles† '38, mother of Ron '67, Robert '68 and Gerald and sister-in-law of Henry† '25, Frank† '32 and Vincent† '39 Elizabeth J. (Bette) Zoellner, mother of Michael '74, Craig '75 and Patrick '79 and grandmother of Michael '05, Andrew '09, Ryan '16, Alex '19 and Sean '19 † Also deceased
SAVE THE DATE REMEMBERANCE MASS NOVEMBER 6 | 7:00 AM Regis Jesuit invites all alumni, students, parents, friends, faculty and staff to join us in the celebration of Remembrance Mass. At this Mass, which may need to be held virtually and livestreamed pending current guidelines in place around COVID-19, we will pray for those members of our community who have passed away this past year (October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020) in a celebration of the Eucharist. Please watch your email and RJ social media for details about this event later this fall. If you have not yet notified us of a loved one who has passed since last October, please let us know so we can add them to the poster to recognize them at this special Remembrance Mass. When submitting name(s), please include date(s) of passing to events@regisjesuit.com.
The names recorded in this section represent those made known to us between May 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. Any deaths occurring after that date will be listed in the 2021 issue. We make every effort to account accurately for the passing of any alumnus/a, student, faculty or staff member as well as that of any of their parents, spouses, siblings or children. If we are aware of other relationships the deceased had to members of our community, we do our best to list them as well. We also share news of the deaths of all members of our extended community on the In Memoriam page of our website (www.regisjesuit.com/InMemoriam). We sincerely regret any oversights or errors that may occur.
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PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If you are still receiving your son’s or daughter’s Raider even though he/she no longer lives with you, please let us know. We will update our database and send the magazine directly to him/her. Also, if you are not receiving our monthly e-magazine, The Raider Connection, and would like to, please update your email address with us. Contact the Advancement Office at advancementoffice@regisjesuit.com or 303.269.8022.
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For full details on all upcoming events at Regis Jesuit, visit www.regisjesuit.com/calendar. All events are held at the school unless otherwise noted.