FOCUS Alumni Magazine - Winter 2020
Carol Lee ‘69 Virtue, Mike Crowley ‘69 and Mary Nihill ‘70 Fitzgerald celebrate the Class of 1969’s 50th Reunion
IN THIS ISSUE
Alumni Spotlight Alumni Updates Reunion Photos Alumni Mentors Distinguished Alumni SFHS Connect Auction
t n e m ce n a v Ad e c ffi O
St. Francis is a tremendous institution that prepares not just the student but the entire person. Bygiving back to a community that provided me with many opportunities, i feel that I am able to make this exceptional experience that much more available to future students. - Alumnus ‘13
Betsy Ackerson President
Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser Director of Alumni Relations
Peg Kopec Advancement Associate
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Communications Manager
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Megan Jamen
10:00 a.m. Cantigny Golf Club
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Director of Admissions
SPARTAN CLASSIC 31st Annual Alumni Golf Outing
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Maureen Isphording
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
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James Quinn
Information Manager
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Debbie Quirk
Director of Special Events and Parent Relations
Beth Erazmus ‘89 Wiborg
Director of the International Student Program Assistant Admissions
I give to St. Francis because of all the education I received many years ago, and the spirit of love and family that I experienced while as a student, and then years later as a parent of students. My parents are the reason I hold dear to faith in Christ and for many at St. Francis who showed me the same faith and love.
Stay Connected: 630-668-5800 x 1202 St. Francis High School Wheaton IL @SFHS_Spartans sfhsspartans St. Francis High School Wheaton, IL sfhscollegeprep.org
The Statue of St. Francis at the north end of the school is a testimony to my parents, Ed and Laura Carroll, from my siblings and me and all those who are enriched by the spirit of St Francis. Love does look like something.
- Judi Carroll’75 Theriault
I give to St. Francis because I have seen the students who continue to help the community grow. St. Francis would not be the same without its students and faculty. They make it the amazing place I fell in love with. At the end of the day, it is all about creating new opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. - Sarah Salemy ‘17
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings Spartans! As we continue to reflect on our theme for the 2019-2020 school year— “Flourish” it’s truly inspiring to see how our alumni are flourishing. In all you do in your families, communities, workplaces, and schools you continue to showcase what St. Francis High School is all about, and inspire the next generation of Spartans to follow in your footsteps. What a difference you make in the lives of others. And, what an impact you have all around the world. Enjoy reading about how Suzanne O’Connell ’61 McKinney brought hope and new life to a closing Milwaukee parish and travelers from around the globe at the same time; and how our 2019 Distinguished Alumni used their skills and gifts to influence generations to come—through education and fashion. St. Francis is here for you and you are here for St. Francis High School. This past fall hundreds of alumni celebrated lifelong friendships at both the Spartan Classic golf outing and class reunions. We all had a great time catching up, reminiscing, and appreciating what it means to be a part of St. Francis High School. This spring, several of our alumni will host current students as part of an alumni mentorship program. And at our Alumni Memorial Mass we carry on our beautiful tradition of remembering those among us who have gone ahead of us on the pathway to eternal life. More and more of you are joining our SFHS Connect online community and making new connections with each other, further strengthening that Lifelong Spartan Community! The joy you each experience in giving back to the school that gave you so much is palpable. I’m sure you will be inspired by reading what motivates our alumni to stay involved and support the next generations of Spartan alumni. We give thanks for each one of you. God bless you,
Dr. Betsy V. Ackerson President
i n m Alu ht ig l t o p S “To bring God into the marketplace” - Suzanne O’Connell ‘61 McKinney on what motivated her to complete this project
Photo from http://www.mkeairportmeditationroom.org/
SFHS Alum Builds Meditation Room in Milwaukee Airport Suzanne O’Connell ’61 McKinney grew up in Broadview and has lived in Wisconsin for the last 20 years. She is the mother of four children, a semi-retired RN, and a member of the Secular Franciscans, a lay organization that promotes the Gospel.
www.sfhscollegeprep.org
In Wisconsin, she was a member of St. Stephen’s Parish. The Church was about a mile from Gen. Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, and served as a resting spot for many travelers and airport personnel. When the Church closed at that location in 2009, Suzanne felt that the absence of a quiet and reflective space created a need for something new.
She learned that O’Hare Airport had a space like this – a chapel – and she desired to make something similar possible in Milwaukee too. Inspired by the chaplain at O’Hare, Suzanne began her quest to fulfill this dream. “God needed to be out with the people, as they travel,” said Suzanne. At the time, Ryan McCue ’93 was the former Milwaukee County Board Supervisor and current
I give to St. Francis High School as a form of repayment for what SFHS gave to me. - Madison Wisted ‘19
mayor of the city of Cudahy, and she enlisted his help. They worked together to contact the right people and battle the politics between the county and the airport administration. Eventually, their work paid off and Suzanne was given the green light to begin what would become a 10year project. She and a friend scouted possibilities for the location of a chapel within the airport. She founded Interfaith Chapel of Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization, with a board of
directors that represented people of different faiths and would serve to fundraise for this project. She also contacted St. Stephen’s, which was scheduled to be torn down, and acquired their stained glass windows and wood from their choir loft, which was from the Black Forest in Germany. The dedication for the MKE Meditation Room was on November 15, 2017. Suzanne said the Meditation Room was designed for two purposes. First, the room is a place that travelers and their families can come to rest, reflect and renew. Second, the space allows for the formation of a chaplaincy program for which chaplains will be on site. Suzanne knows the need is there.
Inspirational words hang on the walls of the Meditation Room and have meaning to all people regardless of “faith, tradition or spirituality” (below); Pictures of the wood and stained glass from St. Stephen’s Church (right)
According to the Milwaukee Post on March 12, 2012, Suzanne said, “Since this is an interfaith room, services will be determined by the administrative judiciary, which will work with different denominations, always in conjuncture with the airport administration. We have had several ministers express a desire to be part of the program.” “St. Francis of Assisi was told to rebuild a church,” said Suzanne. “God put this on my heart as a Franciscan lay person. I’m proud that God put this on my heart.” Believing that this was much like the “Field of Dreams – Build it and they will come,” the Meditation Room is open 24/7 and serves all who are involved in the airport community, and hopefully provides the opportunity to make work and travel less stressful.
I give back to SFHS because I am so appreciative of what SFHS has done for me and my entire family. When I have the time, energy and finances to give, it is a privilege to give it to the high school that gave me so much. - Mark Sawko ‘75
Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser
Director of Alumni Relations 630-668-5800 x1202 bfischesser@sfhscollegeprep.org
Happy New Year! I am excited to see what this year holds for St. Francis High School and the Alumni Association! Did you know that there are now more than 10,000 graduates in our alumni network?
It has been my privilege to meet and speak with so many of you. In 2019, we traveled to Naples, Scottsdale and Milwaukee to share memories and stories with alumni attending our regional events. Our 2019 Spartan Classic, the 30th Annual Alumni Golf Outing, was rained out, but a record number of alumni and friends still gathered to enjoy a morning at Cantigny Golf Club and helped us raise more than $50,000 for alumni scholarships! Throughout the fall, eight alumni classes came together to celebrate their reunions – two of which were here at SFHS! In December, on #GivingTuesday, our alumni represented the largest group of donors and raised more than $11,000 in 24 hours! And, close to 40% of the alumni donors were graduates between 2000 and 2019! Finally, this fall we rolled out a monthly alumni newsletter to keep you informed about event dates and deadlines, as well as any school news that might be of interest. We also have a new website network for all alumni – SFHS Connect. I encourage you to join the network and discover all it has to offer you: alumni networking (for fun and professional opportunities), news and updates, links to information, and more. Looking forward to this year, there are some exciting things in the works. We returned to Naples this month (see pictures at right), another Cubs/ Brewers game is planned for August in Milwaukee, and the 2020 Spartan Classic is scheduled for September 25 at Cantigny Golf Club. Please check your emails and our website for more information throughout the year. If you need to update your contact information, plan a reunion, or have any ideas for alumni, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued support. I hope to see you in 2020!
www.sfhscollegeprep.org
VISITING WITH ALUMNI IN NAPLES
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I give to St. Francis in return for everything this school has given me - an excellent education, inspiring mentors and lifelong friends! - Alex Schmidt ‘18
In October, Fox 32 Chicago was on campus to shoot a “Pep Rally Friday” segment featuring SFHS. They showcased the best of our school and our contagious school spirit. Click on the link below to view a compilation of footage that aired that day.
Pictured (Left): Fox 32’s Brittney Payton with the student body gathered in the Spyglass Athletic Center for “Pep Rally Friday”
Wide variety of camps and clinics available for students entering grades 1-12 THEATRE
Summer Musical, Young Spartan Showcase, Stage Crew
ART
Digital Art, Art Exploration
BAND
Beginning Guitar, Intro to Jazz Band, Jazz Band, Band Camp, Music Ensemble, Drumline, Marching Band Camp
CHOIR
Swing, IMEA Choral, Vocal Arts
ENGLISH
Fun with Grammar, Writing the College Application Essay
CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT Bambino Academy
S H SF R
E M SUM
S P M A C 0 2 0 2
FRESHMAN 101 ATHLETICS · Baseball
· Softball
· Basketball
· Swimming
· Dance
· Strength & Conditioning
· Football · Golf · Lacrosse · Running · Soccer
· Tennis · Volleyball
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
· Wrestling
2130 W. Roosevelt Rd. Wheaton, IL 60187 630.668.5800 sfhscollegeprep.org
So proud to be a spartan! Who wouldn’t want to send their kids to sfhs after seeing these amazing things, listening to the students, and feeling the spirit of St. Francis? - Kerry Krystosek ‘92 Norton (in a facebook post following “Pep Rally Friday” footage)
Welcome Class of 2024! SFHS had an increase in the number of 8th grade test takers this year. The Class of 2024 Registration Mass was last week, and new this year was the video students received in advance of their acceptance letters. Click the link below to view the video.
i n m Alu s e t a d Up
My parents believed in providing a Catholic education...I donate to honor them and their beliefs. Plus, I loved my SFHS student years! - Mary Kartheiser ‘65 Jedlovic
1965
(Pictured) Mary Kartheiser Jedlovic, Pat Stranahan Murray and Beatrice Neurauter Morneau attending their 50th college r eunion at the College of St. Theresa in Winona, Minn.
2003 SFHS Faculty Visit with Alumni: (Above Left) Peg Kopec, former coach and PE teacher, poses between Molly Haggerty ‘16 (University of Wisconsin) and Kristin Kelsay ‘10 (Northwestern Assistant Volleyball Coach) at Northwestern when their teams met to play. (Above Right) Bob Mamminga, current music teacher, stands between Lily Rodriguez ‘17 and Harrison Lacy ‘16 at the University of Notre Dame, where both are in the marching band. (Below Left) Molly Haggerty ‘16 finishes her last home game at University of Wisconsin this year following in tradition and singing the Alma Mater with kids attending the game. (Below Right) Taken from Peg Kopec’s TV, Molly Haggerty ‘16 celebrates a University of Wisconsin Volleyball Semi-Final win against Baylor.
Sharon Plucinski Powers is married to Nicholas Powers ‘03. They live in St. Charles with their two small children (and are expecting another). Sharon published her first children’s book, One Scoop, Two Scoop, in April. Purchases can be made at barnesandnoble.com.
2007
Tim Glemkowski’s book Made for Mission: Renewing Your Parish Culture was published in November by Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publisher. Purchases can be made on Amazon. com.
www.sfhscollegeprep.org
I give to St. Francis because of all the memories/positive experiences I had during the four years I attended,...the love of the teachers/ coaches/staff that was given to me, and the friends that I made and still have today. - Jamie Green ‘89
2016
Jonathan Burke received AllConference honors for his performance last season on the Eastern Illinois Panthers soccer team.
2017
Laney Malloy received Athlete of the Week honors for her performance with the Southeast Missouri Redhawks volleyball team.
2019
Jack Toppen is a freshman at Georgia Tech and is participating in the Kemp Lab of the Southeast Center for Mathematics and Biology program. He assists a graduate student who is growing stem/cancer cells and is recording the cell data. More information about this lab can be found here.
(Above) Representing their respective dance teams, Claire Holman ‘16 (St. Mary’s/Notre Dame), Payton Morse ‘19 (Indiana) and Caroline Loughman ‘18 (Butler) met up at the Crossroads Classic in December.
Thank you Spartan Classic Golf Sponsors! The Abernathy Family Salvador & Cathleen Cotey ‘80 Alcantara Alejandro Argamasilla Janet & Dr. Steven Armbrust Mike ‘88 & Tammy Denemark ‘88 Armbrust Armbrust Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Bobbi Bergeron ‘62 Aschauer Dennis ‘74 & Jan Armbrust ‘74 Beck Msgr. Michael Bliss ‘79 Borter Heating and Air Conditioning Valerie Serwach ‘81 Bruggeman John ‘77 & Cindy Buchholz Buck Services, Inc. Jeanne Carroll Cassidy Tire & Service Tom & Cindy Castronovo Daniel Chrisman ‘67 Bob & Barb Churney The Cleveland & Calmeyn Families Chuck ‘86 & Mary Armbrust ‘86 DeMars Diamond Envelope Ken Dillenkoffer ‘98 & Heather Hughes Kathryn Kolasinski ‘95 & Scott Doane Dreisilker Electric Motors In Memory of Mary Feltes Dave & Becky Feltes ‘97 Fischesser Jeff ‘87 & Melissa Gerdeman Martin & Barbara Gfesser GolfDirectNow Grainger, Matching Gifts Program Haggerty Auto Group Hawthorne’s Backyard High Standard Asphalt & Concrete Klein Construction IT Savvy Kammes Auto & Truck Repair Pete Kinsella ‘75 John & Kathleen Michel ‘92 Kowalski Lake Brothers Beer Co Mike ‘77 & Trish Cullerton ‘77 Lynch Mako Mold Company Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC Next Yoga
Jay Olaszek ‘91 Dave & Kathy White ‘72 Olson Packey Webb Ford Mr. Alan Panozzo Jr. ‘97 Christine Paolella ‘08 Nick Patti ‘91 Mary Pratscher ‘93 Providence Bank R.C. Coil Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc. Ramrod Distributors, Inc. Tim & Julie Sawko ‘82 Read Charles & Jennifer Cleveland ‘87 Rego Ray ‘61 & Rosemarie Komen Reid Kelsey Robinson ‘10 Rodriguez Law Offices Roger’s Flooring Rumpel Shirt Skin, Inc. Mark J. Sawko ‘75 Mike ‘70 & Cassie Schmidt Bob & Yvonne Scholl Schumann Financial Carl & Claudia Roche ‘75 Segneri Todd Shaw ‘89 Evan Shor ‘07 Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates St. Francis Fathers Club St. Francis Mothers’ Club St. Michael School Jim & Mary Beth Stanicek ‘72 Theiss Eileen Tobin ‘00 Tour Edge Trine Construction Corp. Trinity H, LTD. U.S. Metals, Inc. Patrick ‘69 & Carol Lee ‘69 Virtue Wally’s Printing Greg ‘67 & Mary Ellen Webb John Weber WG Technologies Wheaton Oak Sports Center, Inc. Brian ‘90 & Beth Erazmus ‘89 Wiborg Wilson Sporting Goods Golf Division
Class of 1969
50th Reunion
s n o i n Reu
1984 Several classes celebrated their reunions in the fall. The Class of 1969 kicked off their 50th Reunion with multiple events over the span of four days which included two golf outings, a ladies blue blazer luncheon, a meet and greet, a school tour and a full reception at Maggiano’s. The Classes of 1984 and 1999 enjoyed their reunions back on
1989
the SFHS campus. They celebrated with classmates, went on school tours and visited their old lockers. The Class of 1979 gathered locally at Pal Joeys, the Class of 1989 gathered in downtown Wheaton, and the Class of 2014 met in Chicago after the holidays. There’s a place and time for every reunion. The Class of 1961 enjoyed an “off” year with a luncheon at Reserve 22. Their motto was “Why Wait?
UPCOMING REUNIONS: The Class of 1970 is beginning to plan for their 50th. For more information, please contact Tom Golden at Tomgolden@mediacombb.net. Classes of 1965, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 – reach out today as it’s not too early to start the planning and we can help! Please contact bfischesser@ sfhscollegeprep.org
1999 I give so more students have access to the amazing opportunities at SFHS. - Michael Meyer ‘14
I give because I am a loyal alumnus, six of my sisters also went there, and I still keep in touch with many of my former classmates. - Don Newsham ‘61
2014
1961
Celebrating 58 years - Why Wait?
i n m Alu s r o t n Me
My experience at St. Francis helped shape me as the person I am today. I would like that development to continue for many more generations. - Mike Schrader ‘01
Did you know that the Ensuring Our Future auction is SFHS’s major fundraiser each year? Have you ever attended or supported this event?
The Alumni Spartan Mentors provide an opportunity for the winning bidders’ students/ graduates to shadow them at work for a day.
This year, the Spyglass Athletic Center will be transformed for the evening into “Glimmers of Green” to celebrate and support SFHS.
This opportunity for alumni to share, and the experience for students and graduates to “intern,” help to grow alumni connections and the professional alumni network, much like SFHS Connect is doing for those who have joined.
Our fundraising goal of $412,000 will ensure that all programs for academics, pastoral ministry, athletics, fine arts, and tuition assistance are funded. The benefits of your generosity, through donations, attendance, and involvement, help to make our auction successful each and every year! Last year, we initiated another way for our alumni to be involved with the event by offering Alumni Spartan Mentorship packages that parents bid on for their current students or recent graduates.
Thank you to Angela Lord ’89, Krystian Link ’07, Matt Unger ’07 and Bridget Hannon ’09 Schuda for agreeing to share their educations, career paths and current positions with some soon-to-be and lucky recipients of the Alumni Spartan Mentorship packages won by our auction bidders! For more information about how you can support the Ensuring Our Future auction, please contact Becky Feltes ’97 Fischesser at bfischesser@sfhscollegeprep.org.
DESIGN ENGINEERING KRYSTIAN LINK ‘07
PROJECT ENGINEER Navistar, Lisle Learn firsthand what it takes to become an engineer, including the education and career path that has led to Krystian’s success at Navistar in Lisle. The day will include a campus tour including walkarounds of the production vehicles and meeting with the various functional areas within engineering (design, analysis/test, etc.). During lunch Krystian will discuss and mentor the student with regard to career development, networking and college path. The day might also include release work (CAD updates, feature coding updates), a staff meeting, meetings with other engineers, design reviews, and apossible tour of the Melrose Park facility.
When my parents supported my desire to attend St. Francis, I know they had concerns about tuition. I was always grateful for the decision they made to send me here. I hope my support today will help ease similar financial concerns of current families and afford an opportunity to those kids who, like me, really want to attend St. Francis. - Nancy Wolfe ‘69
NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT
ENTREPRENEUR
EDUCATION
BRIDGET HANNON ‘09 SCHUDA
MATT UNGER ‘07
ANGELA LORD ‘89
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATION Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Bridget’s work includes visiting officers on the job, donor meetings (sometimes with some of Chicago’s great athletes), managing 5Ks and gala fundraising events, writing press releases and conducting interviews. The shadow student will spend a day with Bridget to discover how personally rewarding her career in this profession is and how her work with this organization varies every day.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT Roompact, Chicago Roompact offers software to assist with residential learning on college campuses. This includes scheduling, non-classroom learning, roommate assistance, and more. The shadow student’s day will consist of a mutually planned agenda according to his/her interests. Interested in software? Meet with a software engineer and take a tour of the code base. Prefer sales? Listen in on a sales call. Want to know more about entrepreneurship and business? Talk about Roompact’s growth and strategy. Matt will share Roompact’s founding story, will take the student on a tour of the office, and will take the student to lunch.
DIRECTOR Casa Dei Bambini Montessori, Naperville/Aurora Angela has taught in several private Montessori schools and also was a Montessori Teacher Trainer and Professor of Graduate Students at the collegiate level. A day with Angela at the school might include meeting with prospective parents and discussing the Montessori philosophy and educational track that will best suit their child’s needs; touring the facilities and discussing tuition and amenities; supporting teachers and students; observing classrooms; and reviewing the daily administrative responsibilities. Angela is excited to share her passion with a local student.
d e h s i u g n i t s Di i n m u Al In September, the St. Francis High School Alumni Association awarded two 2019 Distinguished Alumni after a 4:00 p.m. Mass in the Slant Dome. A reception celebrating the new awardees followed. Nominated by their peers, the award recipients are outstanding alumni who have maintained high standards of excellence and who have taken their St. Francis High School education and Christian values on paths to make significant contributions in their fields of endeavor and/or have achieved outstanding accomplishments, honors or recognition on behalf of their communities and country. After working for 15 years as a radiology technician, Sheila “Peach” Enzweiler ’78 Carr decided to turn a childhood sewing hobby into a career as a fashion designer.
“...for it is in giving that we receive...” In addition to education and faith, St. Francis gave me and my children, a lifetime of invaluable friends and memories. Indebted, I give back so others have a chance to receive the same opportunities. - Jennifer Cleveland ‘87 Rego
several years, and also served on the Fashion Studies committee.
Mary Kay Farrell ’63 Hemmelman has served as a life-long educator.
Peach served on the Women’s Auxiliary Board of JourneyCare, Friends of Gorton Women’s Auxiliary Board, and was an active member of her parish and her daughter’s grade school.
She began her career in Daytona Beach, Fla., as a teacher with Embry Riddle University’s Upward Bound Program, a federally funded program that assists underprivileged high school students. Then for eight years, she taught at Sacred Heart School in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. and later, 25 years at St. Gilbert School in Grayslake, Ill.
Currently, Peach is a mentor for the American Heart Association’s Red Dress Fashion Show, and serves on the Chicago Fashion Show Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will co-chair their 2020 annual fashion show. Peach also continues to support St. Francis High School by donating to and supporting the school’s annual auctions and fashion shows, as well as through her participation in the annual golf outing.
In 2004, Mary Kay became the principal at St. Emily School in Grayslake, Ill., and in 2011 her school received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.
In 2010, she was one of 17, selected from 14,000 applicants, to participate as a contestant in Season 8 on “Project Runway.” She also participated in Season 2 of the “Project Runway All Stars.” Following these appearances, Peach worked for Project Runway and Lifetime TV at fashion shows and speaking engagements, and also mentored students. In 2017, Peach was honored as one of seven Distinguished Alumni at the College of DuPage, for her continuing work in the Fashion Studies Program, where she mentored fashion students for
During her time at St. Gilberts, Mary Kay was a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and assistant principal. In 1991, she was honored as the St Gilbert Heart of the School and later received an Archdiocesan Heart of the School Award.
She guided her faculty, staff and students to participate in outreach programs for Heifer International, and also encouraged them to serve others by running food drives and through collections for Christmas gifts, local animal shelters, and gym shoe collections for children in Africa.
(Above) Peach was awarded by Distinguished Alumni Committee representative, Colleen Carroll ’87 Clark and then addressed those in attendance.
Mary Kay and her husband Wayne founded Brody’s Court Crew, a group that raised money to assist a neighbor’s child who had leukemia;
My four years at SFHS were by far the best four of all my school years. I am still closer to the friends made during that time. Helping out and donating helps to keep a great memory alive. - Len Paolucci ‘62
and raised money for Turning Pointe, a school for children with Autism. Through her work as a member and president of a St. Vincent DePaul Society Conference, she also assisted St. Isidore Parish in Bloomingdale, Ill. to establish their own conference to target and help those in need of temporary assistance. Mary Kay has served as a Eucharistic Minister in her parish and school and was a member of the St. Francis High School Scholarship Committee.
MR. KOLODZIEJ’S CHALLENGE FOR ALUMNI Congratulations to the following alumni who, in response to Mr. Kolodziej’s alumni challenge, correctly identified the antibacterial properties inherent in eggs, the eggs which a cook once cracked on Mr. K’s burnt foot. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Sheila “Peach” Enzweiler ‘78 Carr Paul Fleming ‘83 Emily Krushas ‘06 Ritt Matt Thomas ‘97
Peach and Paul—whose answers were submitted only 17 minutes apart—were both winners. Peach has already had lunch with Mr. K and Paul will schedule lunch with him sometime soon. NEW CHALLENGE (courtesy of a former SFHS teacher who recently joined Mr. K. for a fishing trip in Mr. K’s favorite country):
(Above left) Mary Kay was awarded by Distinguished Alumni Committee representative, Colleen Carroll ’87 Clark and then addressed those in attendance. (Above) The Distinguished Alumni present at this year’s Mass (Top): Mark Sawko ‘75, Bobbi Bergeron ‘62 Aschauer, Maureen Carroll ‘62 Boyle, Sheila “Peach” Enzweiler ‘78 Carr, Joe Buchholz ‘84 (Bottom): Mary Kay Farrell ‘63 Hemmelman, Rich Haase ‘61. If you know an alum that continues to reflect the values and strengths of a Spartan please click here for the Distinguished Alumni Nomination form or please contact bfischesser@ sfhscollegeprep.org.
1. Who is the teacher in the photo? 2. In what country was the fish caught? 3. What is the scientific name for the fish in the photo? The first correct answers sent to nemosabi@hotmail.com will be entitled to a beautifully grilled steak dinner cooked in Hamilton, Montana.
i n m u Al g n i v i G
I give to St. Francis High School because of the help they gave me when I needed tuition assistance years ago. I also believe in the importance of a Catholic education. – Maribeth Treis ’77 Kerr
Throughout this issue of Focus, you will see statements like these from alumni about why they choose to give back to SFHS: Our family of eight SFHS alumni lives by the words of Saint Francis as so beautifully written, “…it is in giving that we receive.” We have been blessed in many ways and choose to share those blessings with the St. Francis family. – Patrick ‘69 and Carol Lee ’69 Virtue Some of my best life-lessons, habits, memories and friendships were formed at St. Francis. The St. Francis environment provided structure, guidance, challenge, diversity, compfort and identity to me during my “teenage years” (when life can be so challenging). To be able to support an institution that equips students with the tools to succeed in life is an easy decision. – Mike Fitzgerald ‘69
Click here to view the 2018-2019 Annual Report
We all know there is no place quite like St. Francis High School. It is the environment at SFHS that makes the school extraordinary. A gift to the St. Francis Annual Fund is the best way to help St. Francis High School flourish. Your donation will help to sustain programs and activities not covered by tuition, and will help to raise the necessary funds for enriched academic programs, faculty development and overall operating expenses. Your gift will enable us to continue to deliver an exceptional college preparatory education; retain the teachers who inspire, encourage and equip students for all that the future holds; nurture souls and draw them closer to God; create opportunities to shine on the stage and on the playing fields; and provide a place where lifelong friendships are forged. Please consider joining your fellow alumni and send your gift of support today, so that we can continue to promote and provide the unique St. Francis High School experience to future generations of Spartans.
Why do I give to St. Francis? Fond memories of a great educational experience! - Marilyn Stanton ‘66 Fisher
DONATE TODAY www.sfhscollegeprep.org
Thank you to all who participated in our #GivingTuesday campaign back in December. Because of the generous gifts from 167 donors, we raised $27,630 in 24 hours! And, more than $11,000 (or 42%) was raised from alumni donors. Congratulations to Mr. Mike Harper, Mr. Mike Lynch, Dr. Tom Juliano and Mr. Bob Mamminga who earned the most votes to compete in the Spartan Taste Bud Challenge. Click the link below to see the video from this event.
DO YOU WANT TO QUADRUPLE YOUR GIFT FOR NO MORE MONEY OUT OF POCKET? Need a Reason?
Invest in St. Francis High School and support the causes and values for which you believe: • Support Catholic education • Help provide the SFHS experience to more families • Give to multiple schools • Help fuel enrollment growth • Avoid federal capital gains • Keep money local • Don’t support the state agenda Through Empower Illinois, the official scholarship granting organization for the schools in the Diocese of Joliet, the Illinois Invest in Kids Act provides a way to fund scholarships to children who attend Catholic schools and whose education opportunities are limited by household income.
How Do I Make Sure that SFHS Gets the Money?
Your Illino Tax G is ift Who Will Benefit?
That’s easy! On the Empower Illinois website, simply select St. Francis High School on the donation page.
• YOU, the Illinois Taxpayer • St. Francis High School scholarship recipients • St. Francis High School - a gift through Empower Illinois frees up SFHS funds for other families in need.
GIVING EXAMPLES
For those wanting to avoid paying Federal Capital Gains taxes, stock transfer gifts are accepted.
How Long Does it Take?
The process is quick. It takes no more than 10 minutes to register at the Empower Illinois website. Then wait about one week to receive your PIN number in the US Mail which will be required in order to make your donation.
Please click here for a video tutorial on how to donate!
Contact Peg Kopec with any questions: pkopec@sfhscollegeprep.org.
(Far Left) In honor of his 40 years of teaching and service to the St. Francis High School communiy, the basketball court in the Slant Dome was dedicated to Coach Mike Harper after this year’s Catholic School’s Mass. Pictured are Mike Healy ‘89, Jason Gilroy ‘89, Mike Harper, Scott England ‘89. (Top Left) Mike Healy ‘89, Mike Harper, Jason Gilroy ‘89, Scott England ‘89, Jeff Gerdeman ‘87 (Bottom Left) Faculty and Staff were honored for their anniversary years (in parentheses): Kate Michel ‘92 Kowalski (20), Beth Erazmus ‘89 Wiborg (5), Mary McCarthy (5), Jillian Pettenuzzo (5), Dave Haberman (5), Cindy Johnson (30), Mike Harper (40), Bob Gorski (10), James Quinn (10), Lisa Ston (10), Jay Olaszek ‘91 (20), Michael Page (15), Diane Mercadante (15)
SFHS ct e n n Co
As a single parent with very limited resources..., I felt that SFHS supported me by reinforcing the values and faith that I tried to instill in my children. The school helped me raise my teenagers and I am so thankful that they have become caring, faith-filled loving adults. - Maureen Carroll ‘62 Boyle
FOLLOW ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In an attempt to be more cohesive and more connected to the school, we will now utlize the school accounts to keep you posted on all things alumni.
Have you ever wondered where our alumni live? Check out SFHS Connect and play with the mapping features. You can see where people live and work. Make a point to connect with alumni for jobs, vacation recommendations, or even just for a visit! When you use SFHS Connect, the map above can be expanded to include those living in other countries. Visit alumni.sfhscollegeprep.org to learn more about connecting with your peers today!
The SFHS Alum Facebook page and @SfhsAlumAssoc Twitter account will be phased out soon. As of your receipt of this publication, we will not be posting updates on either of these sites. Please take some time to follow our school accounts today: St. Francis High School Wheaton IL @SFHS_Spartans sfhsspartans St. Francis High School Wheaton, IL sfhscollegeprep.org
Starting soon:
ALUMonday Please join us in highlighting your peers on Mondays on Facebook. Send in a photo and pictures of alumni you would like to see featured. bfischesser@sfhscollegeprep.org
IN MEMORIAM ALUMNI 1961 Patricia Leahy Campbell Elaine Whitney Serauskas 1963 Barbara Kenealy Kieras 1965 Joan Bollweg Baczynski 1966 Howard “Joseph” Paver 1969 Mary McFarland 1970 Robert McGrath 1976 Tim Hamilton
FAMILY & FRIENDS 1979 Brendan English
Mother Maria Regina Bierer, IBVM Faculty 1957-1965
1984 Michael Adler Joe Cleary Kathryn Nevis
Rosemarie Ebalo Alumni Parent
1988 Steven Keough 2002 Katherine Kuhn Pagan 2004 Joe Sausen 2012 Mackenzie “Mack” Walsh
Elizabeth Maculsay Alumni Grandparent Jo Miller Alumni Parent Joseph Mirabella, Jr. Alumni Parent/Grandparent Rick Mattioda Alumni Parent
Memorial Mass Cards are available through St. Francis High School and all donations made in memory of a loved one benefit our students. Names are remembered in the prayers of the St. Francis High School family during our monthly liturgies throughout the calendar year. Call 630-668-5800 x 1129 for more information and to notify SFHS of deceased alumni. Visit sfhscollegeprep. org/condolences to view our alumni obituaries. ***Please Note: The Advancement Office will no longer email notices of deceased alumni /alumni family.
I give to St. Francis High School because 62 years of affiliation and three generations later, SFHS is an extension of values I grew up with and have tried to instill in my children and grandchildren. - Bobbi Bergeron ‘62, Aschauer
AUCTION generates the necessary funding for Academic Enhancements • Co-curricular Activities
• Tuition Assistance
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$2,500 or your choice of LIVE auction packages: •Notre Dame w/Dr. Ackerson •Ireland Trip •Elton John Tix and more!
Need not be present Winners drawn at the auction!
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Watch your email on 3-6-2020 for a silent auction remote bidding link.
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