the towers | BCP | S U M M E R 2 0 2 3
2023
the towers FAITH + LEADERSHIP
BSoR’s New Strategic Plan Focuses on its People
Upcoming School Year Holds Great Promise the towers | SGHS | S U M M E R 2 0 2 3
RINGING IN THE NEW
the towers 2023
The Towers Magazine Summer 2023 BE N E D ICT IN E SC HO O L S O F R IC HMO N D P R E SID E N T
Jesse Grapes P R IN C IPA L
Drew Mugford ’86 BE N E D ICT IN E HE A D O F SC HO O L
Del Smith ’01 C O N T R IBUT IN G WR IT E R S
Mike Forster, Lee Coleman, Harper Mugford ’19 P HOTO GR A P HY
Kelly Lonergan, Wendell Powell Studios, Lee Coleman, Andy Garrigue, Chris Cunningham, AJ Parson
Kelly Lonergan, Wendell Powell Studios, Lee Coleman, Andy Garrigue, Tom Holdsworth, AJ Parson P H OTO GR AP HY
Mike Forster, Lee Coleman, Harper Mugford ’19 CO NT R I B UT I N G WR I T E R S
Amy Pickral ’95 SA I N T GE RT R U DE H EA D O F S C H OOL
Drew Mugford ’86 P R I N C I PAL
Jesse Grapes PRESIDENT BENE D I CT I N E S CHOOLS OF R I C H MO N D
Summer 2023
The Towers Magazine
the towers 12 S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T S
Whether on the fields, in the classrooms, or in the greater community, Maya McClellan ’23 and Annie Adamson ’24 are great examples of what it means to be a Saint Gertrude leader.
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16 F A C U L T Y F E A T U R E
Mary Riley ’84, Theology Teacher
22 R I N G I N G I N T H E N E W
The Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s upcoming 2023-24 school year will best be characterized by three words: change, flexibility, and positivity.
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COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS
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38 A L U M N A E H E A D L I N E R S
TURN TO PAGE
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BSOR’S NEW STRATEGIC PLAN (Benedictine Side)
Carol (Bagley) Amon ’64, Harrison Talton ’14, Sheila (Arrighi) Gervasoni ’73, Shuwanza Rebecca Goff ’02, Ann Marie (Caraker) Hancock ’64
44 C L A S S N O T E S
After you read the combined class notes for Saint Gertrude and Benedictine, be sure to flip the magazine and check out the news from our brother school.
56 M E M O R I A M 58 C I R C L I N G B A C K
Flip the magazine and turn to page 44 to learn about our endowment.
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 1
As I write this letter, spring and summer are in full bloom and renewal abounds. That is quite fitting as I look forward to the wondrous opportunities for renewal that lie ahead of the Saint Gertrude family. I am excited and humbled to bring our beloved school into its second century of transforming young women into faith-filled leaders. The most noticeable change for the upcoming school year, of course, is our move into the beautiful new building that graces the Goochland campus. The combination of breath-taking beauty and stateof-the-art functionality achieved by the design committee’s thoughtfulness and prayerful reflection make this building truly a wonder to behold. I encourage all alumnae and friends of the school to find an excuse to attend a campus event or arrange a visit to see it first-hand.
head of school
Any student you run into can talk for hours about all the wonderful things that compose our new home. But the building is just a building—it is, of itself, not a school, not a community, not Saint Gertrude. Our students are. Our teachers are. Our support staff members are. If you are reading this letter, you too are what makes Saint Gertrude. Saint Gertrude has always been so much more than a physical place. It is a place of spirit, mind, and sisterhood that graduates carry with them beyond the walls of our building. Jesus tells us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Wherever we gather as a community—whether it be on Stuart Avenue, Goochland, or lunch with our classmates—THAT is our school. And wherever we do so in Jesus’s name, THAT is a sacred space. As such, the opportunity for us to continue to gather two or three hundred in Christ’s name, building our faith community and forging the relationships that will endure for the rest of our lives is the true blessing, made possible by the immense generosity of our community. One of the best outcomes of our temporary sharing of facilities with Benedictine has been the strengthening of the bonds between our two schools. Certainly, events such as Homecoming and the Sponsors Ball have always tied the students in the two schools together, whether they were a city block or sixteen miles apart. However, the formation of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond has now tied our faculties together. Our teachers’ shared mission, passion, and faith are giving the current and future generations of Gators and Cadets an unprecedented comprehensive experience beyond social traditions. As much as we have accomplished, our work is not complete. We now continue to build on the success of this campaign and our growing enrollment by expanding academic offerings and student leadership opportunities, supporting the professional development of our superb faculty, and consolidating our athletic facilities on the Goochland campus. Simultaneously, we are finalizing the designs of our performing and fine arts facilities and chapel—the finishing touches on our new building. Are there challenges? Certainly. There are always obstacles, some of which we haven’t even envisioned. Continuing the Saint Gertrude experience for all our girls over the last three years has given us great confidence in our school community. Our faculty, our staff, and (especially) our
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Amy Pickral shown with daughters Adeline ’25 (left) and Tabitha ’23 (right) at Saint Gertrude’s Mother/Daughter Mass and Brunch
students have emerged with a firmer resolve and stronger desire to build a sisterhood that is the envy of any woman who is outside of it. This is a landmark year for Saint Gertrude. We have endured challenging times and are marching into the light with the strongest possible profile for success over the next century. Thanks to all of you, our campus is bustling, our community is vibrant, and our girls are proud to be Gators. We are strong. We are growing. We are together. We are Saint Gertrude.
Amy Roussy Pickral ’95 SAINT GERTRUDE HEAD OF SCHOOL
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 3
memorable moments
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On September 26, 2022, Saint Gertrude celebrated its Centennial with the public launch of the Campaign for Saint Gertrude. A special shirt honoring Saint Gertrude’s 100 years was created and it listed many of the school’s treasured traditions on the back. Shown left to right wearing the shirt are: Ann Marie Smith ’23, Payton Horan ’23, Christa Tuohy ’23, and Liv Altovilla ’23. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 5
memorable moments
6 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
Father John Mary distributes ashes on the forehead of Alexis Adeso ’25 during BSoR’s Ash Wednesday Mass. By receiving ashes and keeping them on, we publicly proclaim our intent to die to our worldly desires and live even more in Christ’s image, which we focus on during the season of repentance and rebirth that is Lent. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 7
memorable moments
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There were several opportunities for students, particularly seniors, to experience the building prior to the grand opening on August 18. With architecture this beautiful and the incredible views of the James River, who wouldn’t want to join the Gator sisterhood?
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memorable moments
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On June 2, Saint Gertrude graduated 45 Gators and welcomed them into the alumnae community. At graduation, attendees were inspired by speeches from Erin Woodson, the Class of 2023 valedictorian, Helen Counts, salutatorian, and Kay Wellhouse White ’73, this year’s commencement speaker. Members of the Class of Pink and Lime were accepted into 67 different colleges and universities and matriculated to 31 of them. Shown here is the senior class at their Senior Salute donning their college t-shirts and flashing 2-3 in honor of their graduation year. Congratulations, Class of 2023! SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 11
student spotlight
A NNIE A DA MS ON ’2 4 Entering her senior year, Annie Adamson ’24 already has quite the resume. From being a first responder for Goochland Fire and Rescue to interning for the lieutenant governor to being the school’s SCA president, an all-star athlete, and an avid hunter, the list goes on and on for Annie. She’s a jack of all trades and still has another year at Saint Gertrude to add to her ever-evolving list of accomplishments. Look out, world, here comes Annie!
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What are you involved in at Saint Gertrude? SCA Secretary (where I help lead Morning Gathering), Class President (10), Model General Assembly President (11), track, cross country, lacrosse, and BSoR Hunt and Conservation Club.
What are you involved with outside of school?
I’m an EMT, a first responder. Once a week, I volunteer at Goochland Fire and Rescue. I’ve been able to see some interesting situations, and I always tell the people struggling that “God is with you.” It’s really cool to touch people’s lives like that. Outside of that, I currently have an internship with the lieutenant governor, which has been really cool thus far. From her, I have learned a lot about how to get across an opinion in a constructive way and how to gain people’s respect. It’s really inspiring to see her work so hard for what she wants.
are so supportive of you and are intentional to celebrate your successes, especially when you’ve worked so hard for something.
What do you think are the benefits of a Catholic education?
Going to a Catholic school gives everyone a base of morals to live by and emphasizes the importance of loving others because that’s how Jesus treated us. I’ve grown so much in my faith while being at Saint Gertrude, and I really enjoy being able to have conversations with my teachers and peers about our faith.
You were recently named SCA President for your senior year. Tell me what that means to you.
As a freshman who looked up to Nan Kerner as SCA President, it never occurred to me that one day I may be able to have the same impact on aspiring young girls. This coming school year, I look forward to working with the people around me to make Saint Gertrude a welcoming and positive environment for all students to achieve goals they did not know they were capable of attaining.
What is your favorite part of attending an all-girls school?
Despite being nervous about going into Saint Gertrude and its all-girls environment, saying that I am grateful for it is an understatement. It has allowed me to raise my thoughts and opinions in class without worrying about distractions. Confidence, leadership, and a strong work ethic are all qualities I have strengthened during my years at SGHS and would attribute all of those to the all-girls environment. The relationships I have built with the girls around me I know will last many years after high school.
How has Saint Gertrude prepared you to be a leader?
How has Saint Gertrude helped you become a more confident young woman? The teachers at SGHS are really helping me grow into the woman I want to be. High school for teenage girls is a hard time when you’re deciding who you want to be. Everyone at Saint Gertrude wants you to succeed and will do whatever it takes to help you along the way. The teachers here are so supportive and have helped me grow as a leader.
What do you love most about Saint Gertrude? I love the community aspect and how everyone wants you to succeed. I also like how the academics are tough, but that you can really see the payoff of the challenge. The teachers
Nobody is born a leader, and everybody has more to learn as a leader. Over the years, I have fallen many times, but with the help of faculty and my peers I have continued to get back up on my feet, which has helped get me where I am today. Saint Gertrude has taught me to take risks because oftentimes my regrets come from what I did not do, instead of what I have done. Throughout my time at Saint Gertrude, I have come to appreciate many aspects of leadership. Whether that be leading my lacrosse team to victory in overtime or being a positive influence for the girls coming into Saint Gertrude, I have learned happiness comes from helping others in the name of the Lord.
What advice would you give an incoming freshman at SGHS?
Make friends who will lift you up and support you. Your friends help define who you will be in the future. My fellow Gators have supported me through good days and bad days and pushed me to be my best. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and inspire you. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 13
student spotlight
M AYA MC CL EL L A N ’23 As one of the two high school students from the state of Virginia, Maya McClellan ’23 recently participated in the YMCA’s Youth Advocate Program. That opportunity, coupled with her extensive leadership experience at Saint Gertrude, has her prepared and ready for the next stage of her journey. Keep reading and you’ll see it is clear that Maya is a leader on the field, in the classroom, and among her fellow Gators. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Maya!
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What are you involved in at Saint Gertrude?
SCA vice president (where I help lead Morning Gathering), Model Judiciary president, Model General Assembly lobbyist, Spirit Club, GatorAides, varsity soccer captain, and varsity field hockey captain.
What is your favorite thing to be involved with at SGHS?
I love Model Judiciary and have been involved with it all four years. We work throughout the year to take on the roles of lawyers and witnesses on one side of a trial that will be presented before a real judge. Model Judiciary has been a really great experience, and I’ve gained so much from being involved with it.
program that came together in Washington D.C. this past February for the National Advocacy Days. I was able to meet so many people and work with our senators and house of representatives to help pass certain priorities relating to the YMCA and the values it promotes. I advocated for civil education and chronic diseases, which was really interesting.
How has Saint Gertrude helped you become a more confident young woman?
Saint Gertrude has given me the opportunity to be seen and to have my voice heard. At SGHS, I’m given the opportunity to get involved in a lot more clubs and activities and have leadership roles within them. I’ve also had the opportunity to get involved with the Advancement Office and help promote the Campaign for Saint Gertrude. Those opportunities have helped me grow, get out of my comfort zone, and become a better (and more confident) leader.
What do you love most about Saint Gertrude? I love all the people who go here. I’ve made so many friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I love seeing all the alumnae come back to Song Contest every year. That loyalty shows how strong the sisterhood is here. I wake up every day, and I’m just so excited to see all the girls here. I also love all the teachers. I feel like I can go to any of them with any problem, and their support has been really important to me over the years. I don’t think I would have had that level of support at a public school. I have learned so much here at Saint Gertrude, and I am just so grateful.
What do you think are the benefits of a Catholic education?
SGHS is committed to the Catholic faith and invites us to pray every day and learn about the religion. It’s very inviting, and there’s never any pressure to become Catholic (if you aren’t already). I actually decided to convert to Catholicism because I had learned so much about the faith and wanted to commit my life to it. As a Benedictine school, Saint Gertrude instills a lot of the ideas from the Rule of Saint Benedict. It’s been interesting to learn about it in class and then be able to see theology-in-action as we go out into the world.
What do you like about being a GatorAide?
I really enjoy it because I can be there for the younger girls and help them throughout their high school experience. It makes me feel like a support system for them, and it’s a great way to get to know girls in the other classes. I like to give them my honest advice, because that’s something I appreciated from older students when I was younger. They were always so caring and helpful, and I feel like I am paying it forward by now being there for younger students.
Tell us about your experience in the YMCA’s Youth Advocate Program? I was selected as one of two high school students chosen from each state across the United States to participate in the YMCA’s Youth Advocate Program. It’s a 4-month long
What advice would you give an incoming freshman at SGHS?
My best advice is to get involved in something you’re interested in and something you might not be interested in. I never thought I’d be involved in government, and I ended up loving it! Find something that pushes you outside of your comfort zone: it’ll help break you out of your shell and you never know where it might take you!
What is next for you after graduation?
I want to major in political science and later go to law school and get my law degree. At the University of South Carolina, I am looking forward to meeting new people, joining a sorority, and bringing a positive attitude and open mind wherever I go. At the end of the day, I want to find somewhere I feel at home like I do at Saint Gertrude. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 15
faculty feature
MARY RILEY ’84 The Life of Riley Theology Teacher Mary Riley Embodies the Spirit of SGHS 16 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
She has taught the daughters of former students. And we suspect she will soon be teaching their granddaughters. Mary Riley has been a fixture at Saint Gertrude High School since 1994, having joined the faculty when Bill Clinton was America’s president, George Allen was Virginia’s governor, and Leonidas Young was Richmond’s mayor. Or, from a different perspective, Riley caught on at Saint Gertrude before Google, Amazon, and the McGriddle breakfast sandwich were even a part of the American zeitgeist. Over three decades, Riley has made her mark at the school and in the hearts of her pupils. “I have never seen a teacher put such effort into making a connection with each of their students,” said Audrey Lewis ’22, who studied under Riley for her last three years at Saint Gertrude. “She not only
taught me theology, but she also taught me to be caring to everyone around me, to be confident while being kind, and to consistently be the best version of myself.” In addition to the 29 years she has taught at the school, Riley is an alumna—a proud member of the Class of 1984. “I went to Saint Gertrude because I knew I had a lot of opportunities there,” she said. “It’s also a family tradition.” Indeed, four of Riley’s sisters attended the school before her. And she feels fortunate that she did find her way to its hallowed halls. “I loved my time at Saint Gertrude. It was just packed with fun activities,” Riley shared. “Most of my best friends are from Saint Gertrude, and I see them fairly regularly and talk to them all the time. They are my support system outside of my family.” Speaking of which, she comes from quite a family, with six sisters and four brothers.
Riley hit her stride at SGHS as a member of the field hockey and tennis teams, as well as serving as manager of the basketball team. Besides athletics, she was also a member of the choir and served as co-president (along with Maria Scott Mast) of the senior class. A class officer for each of her four years, Riley also made sure she hit the books, which earned her the title of the Class of 1984’s valedictorian. Before becoming a member of the Saint Gertrude community, Mary Riley began her educational quest at Richmond’s Saint Bridget parochial school. After her time at Gator-world, Riley headed to William & Mary, where she fell in love with English, the subject in which she would earn her bachelor’s degree (with a minor in education). At W&M, Riley stayed true to her faith. “I loved the student Catholic campus ministry,” she recalled. “In fact, that was my favorite part of school.”
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Immediately upon graduating in 1988, Riley took a teaching position at Marymount High School, but her stay at the school—located in Richmond’s near west end and run by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary order of sisters—was a brief one, as it closed five years later. And it was back to Williamsburg for Riley to toil away in earning a master’s degree. Her wild wanderings ended when she landed at Saint Gertrude at the start of the 1994-95 school year, during which she taught English and theology. It turns out that 1995 was a big year for her. Not only was it the start of her time at SGHS, it was also the year she married Tim McGranahan, a 1980 Benedictine graduate. The couple was blessed with three children: Kelly Riley McGranahan, SGHS ’19; Sean Riley McGranahan, Benedictine ’20; and Connor James Riley McGranahan, Benedictine ’24. Riley’s “other” family is, of course, that of Saint Gertrude, where she is considered a pillar of the school. “I love Mrs.
“ I have never seen a teacher put such effort into making a connection with each of their students.” — AUDREY LEWIS ’22 —
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Riley,” enthused Reeve Fenick ’24, who has asked Riley to serve as her confirmation sponsor. “She’s kind-hearted, uplifting, and one of the sweetest people. She provides a great lens through which to look at others—in treating them with respect.” While it is widely acknowledged that Riley has always played such a role, it is through her teaching of theology where it is best manifested. Even though her formal training was in English, her initial role in teaching theology came at Marymount. “They needed double duty from teachers,” she recalled. When she was hired at Saint Gertrude, principal Sister Charlotte, O.S.B., offered her a class teaching theology in addition to four sections of English. With mentor Cathy George’s encouragement and support, Riley earned her certification to teach theology. “Cathy finally told me, ‘You need to come to Jesus,’” Riley recalled. She followed that
faculty feature advice in shifting fully to theology. Though she downsized to part-time teaching during her children’s formative years, when Riley returned, in 2011, her Saint Gertrude dance card was filled 100 percent with theology classes.
“ The best part of being one of Mary’s students was that you could feel the love that she has for you.”
Those classes include a nice balance of the academic and the spiritual: prayer, lectio divina, journals, apologetics, Bible passages, and Mass readings pepper her course syllabi. Riley’s lessons in the classroom and the example she sets throughout the school provide lasting memories. “Her class was always associated with good feelings—a place where everyone could take a deep breath, talk about God and faith, and have plenty of laughs at the same time,” recalled Elizabeth (Marcello) Gresosky ’13, who was taught by Riley during her junior year. “It wasn’t just about memorizing facts. We always started each class with prayer and scripture. She focused first on reaching our hearts with Christ and then building our learning from there.” Audrey Lewis, currently at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she is a computer science and computer systems engineer dual-major (with a minor in music composition and as a member of her school’s swim team!), added: “Her dedication to each of her students’ well-being is admirable as well as inspirational. Over my three years as her student, she became a large role model in my life.” While Riley’s impact can be felt throughout the Saint Gertrude alumnae community, that impact has come back to roost at the school itself. “The best part of being one of Mary’s students was that you could feel the love that she has for you,” recalled Barbara Tait ’10, who studied theology under Riley. “She is one of the kindest people I know.” And that kindness is reflected in Tait’s approach to the students now under her stewardship as a teacher at SGHS. “The main thing that I learned from Mary as a teacher is to show my students that I find joy in what I do,” noted Tait. “And to make sure they know they are loved.”
Mary with her daughter, Kelly ’19, at Baccalaureate.
— B A R B A R A TA I T ’10 —
Riley’s impact is felt long after her charges move on to other life challenges. “I think the continuity of prayer and learning more about our faith in her classroom at such a critical and vulnerable time in life was invaluable in terms of providing a stronger foundation to head out into the ‘real world,’” said Gresosky. “She set an incredible example of how to nurture and lead as a mentor. Those are both two very practical and meaningful ways Mrs. Riley helped prepare me for life...her example is something I still strive to live up to!” Mandy Murphy Rentschler had Riley lead her through several courses before graduating in 1997 and had a student’s appreciation of her. “She was easy to talk to and always willing to give great advice for any situation or even joke around with you to lighten things up,” noted Rentschler. “It is so fun to see her still interacting this way with students to this day.” Today, Rentschler serves as dean of student life and leadership at Saint Gertrude and holds that appreciation from a different perspective. “She is always willing to lend a hand and can sense when someone is overwhelmed or stressed. There have been multiple times over the last three years that she has stopped in my office when I have a big project or deadline just to say that I am doing a good job or ask if I need help. I am not sure if she knows how much that means to me.” Indeed, Riley may not know how much she means to so many of us. But we do.
Mary’s husband, Tim ’80 with their son, Sean ’20, at graduation.
Mary and Tim with their son, Connor ’24, at his Junior Ring Ceremony. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 19
Growing the Faith M A R Y R I L E Y H E L P S A S P I R I N G C AT H O L I C S
Lilly Bevan ’22, Arden Neighbors ’22, and Maya McClellan ’23 completed their conversion to Catholicism during the 2022 Easter Vigil. While their decisions to convert came of their free will, they found inspiration, assistance, and support in the form of Mary Riley.
“ Ms. Riley is an inspiration, a driver, and a resource.”
wanted to [convert],” said McClellan. “Lilly later told us she felt the same.”
Riley found a home parish for them in Saint Michael’s when Father Dan Brady, its pastor, agreed to so serve. Riley also taught the girls — M AYA M C C L E L L A N ’ 2 3 — the lessons the RCIA leader gave to her. “Ms. Riley is an inspiration, a driver, While a Roman Catholic and a resource,” noted McClellan. “Plus, she was school, Saint Gertrude has a fairly large nona support.” Catholic presence in its student body: 30 percent. While the school’s mission does not include the Bevan had been baptized as an infant, so she active recruitment of candidates for conversion, participated in the rite of First Confession a few that same mission is designed to have its faculty weeks before Easter. She then joined her friends and staff—which is overwhelmingly Catholic—on during that Easter Vigil. That was when Neighbors display for emulation by its students. Riley, in and McClellan were baptized (wiping out all extant particular, is such an embodiment of faith. “When sins) before all three received First Communion and I saw how deeply rooted she is in her faith,” stated Confirmation. McClellan, “it made me want to explore it further.” McClellan describes herself as “a nondenominational Christian before enrolling at Saint Gertrude.” After field hockey practices, she found herself talking with Neighbors about faith-related topics. “Arden and I were talking about how much we’d learned over the years and how much we
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“There was never any pressure,” noted McClellan. “It just felt very inviting because of Ms. Riley: so rooted, positive, and full of love. She’s such a great role model that we call her ‘the angel.’” “So, I thought, ‘Why can’t I be one, too?”.
faculty feature
Love and
War MARY RILEY’S PA REN T S ME T DURING TRYING TIMES It’s difficult to come across optimistic things in times of war. Yet, Mary Riley can point to a positive thing that came from the largest war in the history of humankind: During World War II, the people who would become her parents met, fell in love, and (following the Allies’ victory) married. According to family lore, it all came together on a U.S. Army truck. Eunice Ordell Sampson, a native of Minnesota, had recently joined the effort as a physical therapist. Charles “Russell” Riley, a native of Richmond, had joined the fight as an Army surgeon. As luck would have it, they were loaded onto the back of a two-and-half-ton truck to be bused into New Orleans, where their Army identification paraphernalia was to be made. The two struck up a conversation and a mutual attraction was formed. It must have been the old Benedictine charm, for Russell was a
graduate of the school (Class of ’35). Shortly after their romantic truck ride, Eunice was headed to England to work in a hospital for service members with spinal cord injuries. Russell, meanwhile, was off to an even less attractive place: the European Theater of Operations, making it in time to serve during the critical Battle of the Bulge. Throughout the rest of the war, Russell was kept quite busy as he served as a battalion surgeon in the 9th Armored Division. In spite of their warfueled schedules, though, the two stayed in touch via frequent letter exchanges. Both served in Europe beyond the end of the war, though he was able to make his way to England, where they married, in Cirencester the site of a newly built U.S. Army’s 160th
General Hospital. Once the couple had spent enough time abroad, they were sent back to the United States as their service to the country had come to an end. But their service to their family was just beginning. Over the course of their 56 years together, they were blessed with seven daughters and four sons (enough to field their own starting football lineup), with Mary being the last member of the crew. The moral: You don’t need a fancy ride to help spark romance. Sometimes an Army truck will do just fine. Note: Dr. Russell Riley is enshrined in the Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s Hall of Valor, located within the McMurtrey-Reynolds Pavilion.
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cover story
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BSOR’S NEW STRATEGIC PLAN (Benedictine Side)
ringing in the
new
UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR HOLDS GREAT PROMISE
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The Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s upcoming 2023-24 school year will best be characterized by three words: change, flexibility, and positivity. Following three years of cooperation and accommodation, the fruits of everyone’s labors will be realized with the joyous occupation of the brand-new Saint Gertrude High School building. There is much to acknowledge and celebrate with that movement. “This is a historic year for our school, and the girls could not be more excited for the future,” said Saint Gertrude Head of School Amy Pickral ’95. “They are so grateful and feel blessed.” While the current (and future) Gators will surely benefit from the exquisite edifice they shall inhabit, the move will drive home benefits to the entire Benedictine Schools of Richmond community, including Benedictine College Prep. “I’m excited for our boys to once again be able to utilize the entire building,” said Benedictine Head of School Del Smith ’01. “There will be more space for them to work and study, and our faculty will have more consistent (dedicated) classrooms.” (This year, some teachers taught from as many as four different rooms.) First and foremost, the move will re-establish the formal, geographic bounds that help drive home the dedication that we have committed to providing single-sex education. Our two schools, operating under the umbrella of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond, represent the only opportunity in the Commonwealth of Virginia for young men and women to experience single-sex, Catholic education at its finest, as they have for over a century.
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True, both schools are strong in their dedication to the Faith. True, also, both schools emphasize leadership development in all they do. But they are equally devoted to the singlesex aspect of their approaches to education. Benedictine knows boys and Saint Gertrude knows girls. And both understand the myriad differences between the sexes. “We exist for single-sex education,” noted Smith. “That’s not just in the classroom, but in the hallways and in common-use areas. I look forward to day-to-day all-male classrooms.” The establishment of a new and separate facility underscores BSoR’s devotion to a single-gender educational environment. That dedication will be reflected in the fact that core classes will remain single sex. True, there will be some electives that shall include students from both schools, but those instances are driven by the goal of expanding our course offerings by building enough of a class roster to justify a class’s existence. In other words, we will realize a positive synergy via our combined scope. An advanced placement course that might only draw a handful of students from each school
could now have a justifiably sized course roster due to the two schools combining forces. The key benefit that is already being realized is the expansion of choices for both schools—both in curricula and in extracurricular activities. Because of the co-location and because both schools are growing in numbers, the two schools can offer a wider range of classes and after-school activities that benefit all. New classes to be offered at Saint Gertrude or Benedictine (or both) include offerings such as Forensic Science (both one-semester courses), AP (Advanced Placement) Art History, AP Comparative Government, AP Physics, and Global Military History. “I think we have a responsibility to offer classes with content our students are curious about,” said Smith. “Without straying too far from the traditional disciplines.” The opportunity to execute the physical component of the coordinateschools model is winning support from students from both BCP and SGHS, particularly those who will be the first to experience it. “I’m really looking forward to being in a building with just
the girls, and I hope it helps us grow closer and stronger in our sisterhood,” said Olivia Seaman ’25. “I like the chance for a fresh start,” said Henry Demyanovich ’24. “Still, some of the co-ed classes are nice—it helps with small-sized classes.”
NEXT YEAR BY THE NUMBERS Class Offerings
Travel Time Between Buildings SOPHOMORE
JUNIOR
7 minutes
4 minutes
“I am so lost.”
“Got to get to class.”
“Really got to get to class.” 20TH -Y EA R T EAC H ER
FR E S H M AN
12 minutes
53 17 55
B E NE DIC T INE
C OMB INE D
S A IN T GE R T R UDE
24 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
S E NI O R
FI FTH - Y E AR TE AC H E R
10 minutes
5 minutes
“Senior Lounge, here I come.”
“Got to greet my class.”
STAFF M E M B E R
AD M I NI STR ATO R
15 minutes
2 minutes
“So many people to visit!”
“It’s why God invented cars.”
10 minutes
“It’s longer than it looks.” FI R ST - Y EA R T EAC H ER
12 minutes
“I am lost.”
ringing in the new
Also of great importance: It will soon feel like the good old days once again. When the two schools were sited in what is now called the Museum District, they shared a community while maintaining their distinct home bases near one another. With the move of the Gators to the new Saint Gertrude
while building up the unique identities of the individual schools. “Having the girls here has brought the two schools closer together,” noted James Russo ’24. “I hope we don’t lose that.”
High School building completing the migration to Goochland, that dynamic is re-ignited. There is truly a balancing act that will play out over the year, in trying to retain the cross-school camaraderie that has been built within the BSoR umbrella
“I’m excited to re-institute the idea of just being with the girls,” said Margaret
PROJECTED
Teachers Teaching...
2023-24 Enrollment
534 T O TA L BSOR
AT BENEDIC T INE OR SA IN T GER T RUDE
39
IN BO T H SCHOOL S
16
SGHS
233 68 FRESHMEN 67 51 JUNIORS SENIORS 47
SOPHOMORES
BCP
301 75 FRESHMEN 67 80 JUNIORS SENIORS 79
SOPHOMORES
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 25
Weinstein ’24. “I like seeing the guys in the hallways and will probably have some classes with them next year. But I certainly won’t miss having only one bathroom.” While a school with plentiful facilities awaits Miss Weinstein and her peers, there are also plentiful realities with which to be dealt. At a high level, the ladies of Saint Gertrude shall move into a new building—for only the second time in the school’s illustrious history—and make the place their own. Meanwhile, the Cadets will settle back into the way things were prior to the arrival of their female peers. Simple, no? No. It is the opposite of simple. There are a lot of moving parts involved in scoping out next year and in doing so in a way that balances the primary goal of single-sex education with the desire to inculcate the philosophy of complementarity of the sexes. On top of that, operational considerations— such as class schedules, placement of classes, teacher assignments, and facilities usage—require careful
analysis and action plans prior to the start of the new school year. The 2023-24 school year represents the realization of dreams and a culmination from sacrifice and accommodation by all parties: Gators, Cadets, faculty, and staff. While hiccups are certain to be encountered and learnings will have to be gleaned along the way, the path forward is nothing but sunny. We will continue to maintain a focus on single-sex, Catholic education. We will continue to provide leadership
26 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
opportunities unmatched by any other school. With the opening of the new Saint Gertrude building, we will provide a setting for the young women of that school to continue to excel for the next 100 years. Meanwhile, the young men of Benedictine shall continue to thrive in a setting they can call their own. “Our parents have been enthusiastically supportive of our coordinate model,” said Pickral about the Benedictine Schools of Richmond, “Nobody else is doing what we’re doing.” “Nobody.”
ringing in the new ROBYN D’ONOFRIO, GOVERNMENT TEACHER AND COACH:
“
Going back to some of the “traditions that have been
CLINT ELLISON ’24:
Using the lecture hall (located on the third floor). I’ve never even seen it before.
”
FREDDY BARBER ’24:
My brother Jack is enrolling “next year (as a freshman). I’m looking forward to him having the Benedictine experience and brotherhood.
”
“
OWEN SMITH ’25:
We’ll be able to have more fun, and I’ll be better able to focus.
difficult to work logistically. Morning Gathering in the Great Hall will be wonderful.
”
”
MILES GR AHAM ’24:
K E L LY L O N E R G A N , LANGUAGE TEACHER:
“
Spending time in the new building and enjoying the campus as it was designed to be.
More parking space with “a shorter walk to school.” AIDAN MUGFORD ’25:
”
“
Being more like the old Benedictine. Plus, a later lunch time.
”
what most excites you about next year? SHERRY PANAS, M AT H T E ACHER :
STELL A PETERS ’25:
is gorgeous, and “theThecafélibrary has amazing views.”
atmosphere. Also, seeing the campus come to life will help the learning environment.
”
SUMMER JOHNSON ’25:
It will have a whole new “perspective. We’ll still be associated with the guys, but with an individual feeling.
”
JP JANUS ’24:
It will be great to have the “true same-sex educational experience as part of the Benedictine values.
”
“
The space and spreading “out. It will do a lot for the
Having the increased space and being creative in how we use it.
”
”
MICHAEL K APL AN ’01, ENGLISH TEACHER:
More space, with the “potential for my own
RACHEL SLOTTERBACK, ENGLISH AND HISTORY TEACHER:
Having one classroom, so the “students know where they can find me and so that I can greet the students as they arrive.
”
MCKENNA GREGORIO ’24:
A fresh start. [The new “building] will be more home and it will have a Saint Gertrude feel to it.
G R AY WA L K E R , C O M M A N D A N T:
“
WILL MCCLINTOCK ’25:
Having classes on the third floor and having designated places for my teachers.
”
classroom. If that happens, I’ll get to make it personal— to put down roots.
”
CAROLINE RE ARDON ’15, HISTORY TEACHER:
Taking on a new course “ (military history), I get to look at different parts of history and how they have impacted us.
”
JORDAN BRUNET TI ’24:
Being in a place that will “show what Saint Gertrude stands for: the sisterhood. We’ll be even closer.
”
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 27
You Have Questions; We Have Answers Key Elements
for the Approach to Next Year WH ILE NO PLAN IS F OOL PROOF, T H E B E NE D ICT I N E S CHO O L S O F R I CHM O N D’S L EAD ERS H IP, I NC L U D ING IT S B OARD OF T RU ST E E S A N D S CHO O L ADMI NISTRATI ON , ARE C ONF ID E NT T H AT W H AT T HE Y HAV E L A I D O UT F O R T HE U PCOMING S CH OOL Y E AR W IL L IM PROVE ON T HE P R O M I S E O F B E N E DI CT I N E C OLLEG E PREP A ND SAINT G E RT RU D E H IG H S C HO O L . “ I ’ M E XCI T E D A B O UT T HE C H ANG E,” SAID B S OR PRINC IPAL D RE W M U G F O R D ’ 8 6 . “ I T WI L L B E GR E AT F OR STU DENTS OF B OT H S C H OOL S TO H AVE T HE I R OWN S PACE . ”
G OLDEN OPPORTU NIT IE S F REQU ENTLY COME W IT H Q U ESTI ONS ATTAC H E D . H E RE ARE S OME CRITICAL ONE S , AS WELL AS SOME ANSW E RS .
How challenging will the actual move be by SGHS? The idea of moving an entire school from one building to another, even though it is a mere 600 feet away, may seem daunting. But the relocation of the Saint Gertrude students, faculty, and staff might be the simplest component of the upcoming year. That is because nearly everything in the school is new: desks, lockers, whiteboards, and teacher stations are already in place. Compare that with the movement from Stuart Avenue to the Goochland campus: That relocation took nearly the entire summer (of 2020) because so many things had to be moved. With the exception of teachers’ classroom setups (such as files, books, lab supplies, and training aids), virtually nothing must be physically moved in support of Saint Gertrude’s occupation of the new building.
How will the new configuration impact the school calendar? There is no anticipated change to BSoR’s overall calendar. The school year is slated to begin on August 21 with the start of orientation for Benedictine’s incoming freshmen. Meanwhile, Saint Gertrude’s new students are set to be introduced to Gator life on August 22. Saint Gertrude is scheduled to host its graduation ceremony on May 30, with Benedictine conducting its commencement the following day. The school day will continue, as it has during the past three years, to run from 7:30 a.m. (Formation and Morning Gathering) to 3:00 p.m. (Formation and Dismissal).
What are the anticipated co-ordinate impacts? The schools will continue to thrive in the spirit of “Stronger Together” and “Two Schools, One Goal.” Joint traditions, such as Sponsors Day Review, Sponsors Ball, Homecoming, Freshman Hop, Baccalaureate, and Prom will be retained without change.
28 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
Joint Masses will continue to be held in the McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion to celebrate Holy Days of Obligation and other major milestones. Special days, such as the Day of Service and the Parater Day of Giving will continue to be conducted jointly, as will days off.
How will the use of shared facilities look? Both Benedictine and Saint Gertrude will continue in the spirit of cooperation in the sharing of their best-in-class facilities. Over the course of the school year, we hope to see significant progress in the development of additional athletic fields on the Goochland campus. While the migration of all athletic facilities is expected to be finalized in the 2024-25 school year (with the transition from the OAC), the current configuration will continue to support all our teams. While a beautiful chapel for the Gators is on the horizon (as part of the next phase of the capital campaign), the Saint Gertrude faithful will continue to worship at the Mary Mother of the Church chapel. As noted above, joint school Masses will be conducted in the pavilion. For activities that might need the use of kitchen facilities (such as overnight refrigeration of copious quantities of perishable foodstuffs), such will still be available for both schools. So, those preparing for the freshman class picnic or for the orientation finale will be well supported.
ringing in the new
Will BCP have the entire “old” building? Mostly, yes. However, the performing and fine arts center for the new Saint Gertrude High School (third floor of the academic wing) will not be completed until it is fully funded through the capital campaign. Until the arts wing is finished, a few SGHS classes will be hosted in the BCP building. Some classes that are co-ed (such as AP Calculus, AP Physics, Honors French, etc.) will remain so and, although the location of those classes is yet to be determined, it is certainly possible that they will be sited in the current building. Meanwhile, the building used by both schools today will receive some refreshment over the summer with a focus on upgrading the most important rooms in it: the classrooms!
What are the expected teacher impacts?
spirit of community between the two schools and a teacher appreciation for both all-girls and all-boys education. Unlike during the past two years, the anticipation is that teachers in the Benedictine building will have, with a few exceptions, dedicated classrooms. That is, classroom sharing will be held to a minimum. At the new building, there will be significantly more classroom sharing, until the six classrooms in the performing and fine arts wing are complete.
Where will school administrators be sited? (See aerial map on page 30) The heads of schools will have their offices in the building of their respective schools, as is logical. The president of BSoR will remain centrally located with an office in the McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion. The schools’ principal and dean of faculty will each have an office within both buildings so that he/she might spend an equitable time with each of the schools.
Each school will staff a front office and have its own admissions and IT personnel. Other staff functions (such as human resources, finance, communications, and advancement) will be housed in the administrative wing of Benedictine’s building. Facilities will also continue to be housed in Benedictine’s building on the first floor. The counseling department will be spread out as evenly as possible between the two school buildings. The athletic department will now be housed in the McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion, where the advancement team previously resided.
“It will be a new challenge,” averred Mugford. “But it will be a great school year and the students, the faculty, and the staff will have a meaningful experience. They will be part of a historic year for our schools.”
Some teachers will teach in both schools, just as some have this year. One of the driving reasons for having “dual citizenship” is to help foster the
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 29
campus map 17
9 15
3
11
21 14
23
2
24
30 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
1
ringing in the new
8
17 25
13
22
20
12 19
18 4 10
5
7
6
16
5
1 Future Softball Field
10 Principal (BCP Office)
19 Commandant
2 Dean of Student Life and Leadership
11 D ean of Faculty (SGHS Office)
20 BCP Admissions
3 SGHS Head of School
12 D ean of Faculty (BCP Office)
21 SGHS Admissions
4 BCP Head of School
13 Athletics
22 IT (BCP Office)
5 Advancement
14 R obert A. Sheppard Auditorium
23 IT (SGHS Office)
6 Marketing and Communications
15 Future SGHS Chapel
24 Wrestling Field House
7 Finance
16 BCP Abbey Chapel
25 “The Shop” for Alumni
8 President
17 M cMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion
9 Principal (SGHS Office)
18 Dean of Boys
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 31
community snapshots
ACADEMICS
32 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
ALUMNAE
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 33
community snapshots
ATHLETICS
34 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
HOMECOMING
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 35
community snapshots
SONG CONTEST
SPIRITUAL LIFE
36 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT LIFE
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 37
alumnae headliners All that’s unique about Saint Gertrude – our values, traditions, diversity, the unity of sisterhood, and so much more – forms a powerful combination of advantages that help our students grow, thrive, and lead, and ultimately prepares students for life beyond our walls. The five alumnae featured on the following pages are doing just that – succeeding, leading, and serving the world at large in their own, special ways.
38 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
CAROL (BAGLEY) AMON ’64 yes, your honor
After graduation from law school (in 1971), Carol (Bagley) Amon ’64 accepted positions as a staff attorney, trial attorney, and assistant U.S. attorney before ascending to her current position of United States District Judge. In 1983 as an AUSA, she had the opportunity to serve as the lead prosecutor on a large, high-profile federal criminal trial involving the export of arms and explosives to Ireland for the Irish Republican Army. In her opinion, this was a turning point in her career as a prosecutor. As a result of this prosecution, Judge Amon was awarded the Department of Justice’s John Marshall Award, the department’s highest award, recognizing excellence in legal performance. On August 7, 1990, upon nomination by George H.W. Bush, Judge Amon was sworn in as the U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of New York. She was promoted to Chief Judge in April 2011, serving in that position until April 2016. She celebrates 33 years of service to the district this year. Hard work pays off, thoroughness is critical, and never sacrifice a careful analysis of the task at hand to the goal of expedience are a few lessons Judge Amon has learned throughout her career. The biggest challenge, though, is trying to stay current with her numerous civil and criminal cases but credits her success to maintaining a tight schedule and employing three invaluable law clerks. Judge Amon remains inspired and motivated by the enthusiasm and dedication of her law clerks who work for her for one-year terms. The legacy of Judge Amon is deeply rooted in public service, a commitment to the district court and its constituents, and a remarkable dedication to excellence. It is her hope that the District Court will continue to develop as an institution in the future. While at Saint Gertrude, Judge Amon credits being president of both the sophomore class and the honor society as critical leadership opportunities that aided to her success. While a Gertie, she learned the value of hard work by aspiring to be valedictorian and the importance of religion in one’s life. Judge Amon and her husband, Tom, met while in law school and will be celebrating their 50th anniversary later this year. Together they have three sons and six grandchildren. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 39
HARRISON TALTON ’14 full circle As a transfer, Harrison Talton ’14 faced some challenges during her transition to Saint Gertrude, including adjusting to the greater rigor of classes and establishing new friendships. However, she quickly felt right at home in the Class of Red and White, where she continues to enjoy the everlasting bond of the SGHS sisterhood. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2018 with a degree in biological sciences, Talton began her career as an associate scientist specializing in research and development in the pulp and paper industry. One important lesson she learned during her brief corporate career is to always advocate for yourself. Talton was recently named the 2023 Young Professional of the Year in the paper industry for her contributions to sustainability in consumer packaging. However, Talton was looking for something more…something different. With two younger siblings currently attending BSoR (Callie ’24 and John ’24) and her parents active in the community, Talton was pulled back in and felt the calling to serve her alma mater. Seeking to make an impact on the future leaders in our community, Talton was recently named BSoR’s director of alumni. In this role, she will work to develop and nurture the relationships between Saint Gertrude and Benedictine alumni and the schools to enhance mission, community, and philanthropic support. For the first time in BSoR’s history, there will be someone dedicated to alumni support and to increasing engagement across all decades of the alumni base. As a student, Talton ran indoor and outdoor track, and her first leadership role was being a team captain. Her motivation for her own success helped her inspire others on the team. Motivation is contagious under a strong leader, and there is no doubt that Talton is the perfect person to lead our alumni community into the future. 40 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
SHEILA (ARRIGHI) GERVASONI ’73 dedicated to the diocese
For the longest time, Sheila (Arrighi) Gervasoni ’73 really thought she would one day be a nurse. During middle and high school years, she worked as a volunteer at the old Johnston Willis Hospital and did a lot of babysitting. She then realized that she loved being with kids, especially reading to them and helping them learn new things. Gervasoni also realized that being part of a community was important for her faith formation and growth. It was then that Gervasoni changed her major to education and dedicated her life to teaching within the diocese. She wanted to express and live out her faith by teaching in a Catholic school because of her own experiences at Saint Benedict and Saint Gertrude. And after thirty-three years of service to the Diocese of Richmond, Gervasoni has retired from full-time teaching (but still allocates time to substitute teach at SGHS). When asked about her tenure of teaching, she recognized what a privilege it has been to teach so many Gerties and to watch them learn and grow over the years. She remarked on the immeasurable joy she continues to feel to this day when she sees her students grow up and hears of all their amazing accomplishments. As a Gertie, Gervasoni was encouraged to be true to herself and found good role models in several of the teachers and the Sisters. They recognized qualities in her she didn’t know she had and challenged her to step out of her comfort zone. As an educator, she aimed to do the same: to love and accept all her students and to provide a model of Catholic leadership. According to Gervasoni, teaching is a bundle of memorable moments all rolled into one big, happy feeling. And for those of us who have walked alongside Gervasoni throughout her time at Saint Gertrude, we can attest that she’s the one that gives us that big, happy feeling. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 41
SHUWANZA REBECCA GOFF ’02 a true volunteer
Shuwanza Rebecca Goff ’02 became interested in politics at a young age, as it was regularly discussed at the family’s dinner table. Her parents would allow Goff and her sister to pull the voting machine lever on Election Day to vote. When David Dinkins lost to Rudy Giuliani in New York City’s 1993 mayoral race, 9-yearold Goff wrote a letter expressing her disappointment over the results. From that moment, her interest in politics grew. Goff earned her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2006, received her M.A. in justice, law, and society in 2008, and then embarked on a journey of public service. She began her career working in the front office for then House Majority Leader, Steny H. Hoyer. Over the years, Goff worked her way up, becoming floor director of legislative operations in January 2019, making her the first African American woman to hold such a position. In this role, she aided negotiations with congressional leaders and coordinated outreach with the Senate and White House to advance legislation. After over 12 years of working on Capitol Hill, Goff became deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of White House legislative affairs for the Biden-Harris administration. In this role, she advanced White House initiatives on issues including infrastructure, postal reform, gun violence, CHIPS/Semiconductors, and two major reconciliation packages. Goff is motivated and inspired by the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of everyday Americans. One of Goff’s most challenging moments was navigating Congress during the pandemic. Without any precedents to follow, Goff and her team were tasked with ensuring the House of Representatives could meet in a safe way and conduct the necessary business on behalf of the American people. Goff has learned over the course of her career that patience, trust in the process, and perseverance tend to lead to positive outcomes. While at Saint Gertrude, Goff felt empowered from the minute she attended the school. She was inspired by the school’s traditions, commitment to service, and preparation for college. Goff believes SGHS laid a solid foundation of leadership for her and credits the all-girl environment for helping foster and instill the importance of being a strong, confident leader. After nearly 15 years in government, Goff has transitioned to the private sector where she will apply her experience from the White House and Capitol Hill to help Cornerstone Government Affairs, a full-service, bipartisan consulting firm, achieve its goals on behalf of its clients with creativity and integrity. 42 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
ANN MARIE (CARAKER) HANCOCK ’64
using her voice and faith to make the world a better place If being an award-winning journalist wasn’t enough, Ann Marie Caraker Hancock ’64 is also a famed radio and television hostess, having interviewed the Dalai Lama, Ava Gabor, Alan Alda, and Nancy Reagan, to mention a few. Her illustrious career began during her college years when she became the first female reporter at WRVA. She earned a reputation as a hard-nosed interviewer covering the capital. She insists on tough questions, hard facts, and credible sources. Hancock’s toughest challenge is speaking the truth when it offends. She has been published in USA Today and has written three books. You Can’t Drive Your Car to Your Own Funeral went to the Amazon Best Seller’s list in five categories. She currently writes for The Recorder, the oldest, continuously published newspaper of any size in the Commonwealth. Hancock credits Saint Gertrude for providing her with an academic and spiritual foundation that propelled her forward. In fact, Saint Gertrude provided her the opportunity to be the only woman invited to speak at The First Papal Conference in America. Hancock is married to Tom ’63 who she calls the light of her life. Fun Fact: Tom was battalion commander of Benedictine’s Corps of Cadets while she was S.G.A. president at Saint Gertrude. The two, however, are no strangers to challenge. Their first daughter, Cori, suffers with multiple sclerosis, and they lost their second daughter, Stacy, to a lung disease. Hancock, herself, is a recent breast cancer survivor. Their other two children, Faith and Chip, complete the immediate family, along with their children’s spouses and their five grandchildren. Hancock believes we all have free will to choose good and to choose God… to be lights in the world. With her family by her side, she is powering through with faith and confidence, and she continues to use her voice to make the world a better place. To learn more, visit authorannmariehancock.com. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 43
class notes W E WA N T T O H E A R F R O M Y O U! Submitting a class note has never been easier. benedictineschools.org/class-notes
1949 After graduating from VCU in 1953, Edmond Cadieux ’49 enlisted in USAF Aviation Cadet Corps. He was commissioned and assigned to gunnery school in Denver, Colorado where he met his wife. He married June 1965, and they had five children. All five children have since graduated from college. Edmond worked for 30 years at American Cyanamid in Lynchburg.
to as “The Gathering.” The group gathers twice per year at O’Toole’s restaurant on Forest Hill Avenue.
1960
Frank Carpin ’56 is still working after 57 years as a financial advisor, snowbirding in Florida, and trying to shoot his age in golf. He took his family to Italy, traveling to Montecassino, his grandparents’ village of Gallo Matese, and Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
2 Michael Morrissey, BHS ’60, served as emcee at a Catholic University event at the Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond on March 15. The event was to introduce Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, the 16th president of the Catholic University of America (CUA, founded in 1887), to the Richmond community. Among the VIPs and also speaking was The Most Reverend Barry C. Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond. In attendance were alumni, families, and friends of CUA, high school students or graduates with an interest in attending CUA, and members of the Benedictine and Saint Gertrude community, including Patricia Hunt, BSoR College Counselor. Associated photos are of Mr. Morrissey (Class of ’64 graduate of Catholic University) and of Bishop Knestout with Dr. Peter Kilpatrick. An enjoyable evening was had by all, inspired by the mixing ’n mingling, the lavish hors d’oeuvres, and engaging talks by the bishop and CUA’s new president.
1959
1961
1 As Jack Meagher ’59 and his classmates were preparing for their 50th class reunion in 2009, they got together several times for a planning session. This tradition is now referred
Bernie Meyer ’61 has moved to Venice, Florida but is keeping his home in White Stone.
Edmond has traveled as much as possible, including 30 cruises, four trips to Europe, and ten trips to Hawaii. He has had a wonderful life and will celebrate 68 years with his wife this year.
1956
44 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREP + SAINT G ERT R U D E H I G H S C H O O L
1963 The husband of Janice Tribble Adams ’63, Frank, claimed the promise of Resurrection on November 12, 2022. 3 Paul Del Corso, Sr ’63 retired from IBM (consultant) in 1999. In 2009, he moved to Davenport, Iowa to be with his grandchildren. In 2017, he started as a substitute teacher at the #1 high school in Iowa: Pleasant Valley.
1965 4 Kathleen Burke Barrett ’65 was honored at the Virginia State Capitol with a commending resolution by members of the Senate and House of Representatives, in recognition of her 17 years of leadership as CEO of St. Joseph’s Villa and career of service to the Greater Richmond community. Jim Donahue ’65 was elected president of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond and the Richmond Kiwanis Foundation for the 2023-24 year. Among its many activities, Kiwanis Richmond sponsors four high school Key Clubs including Benedictine with more than 75 members. After 25 years as a senior VP of sales, Mike Goode ’65 is retiring from NetJets, the private jet aviation company, at the end of this year. He will enjoy his time playing golf, visiting children and grandchildren, and attending his 60th reunion coming soon.
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1966 5 Paul S. (“Chip”) Bliley, Jr.’67 shares that Benedictine’s classes of 1965, 1966, and 1967 gathered for their annual luncheon, held at Willow Oaks Country Club. Thanks to Jerry Augst ’66 for hosting this great reunion! Linda Ward Lane ’66 owns a company called Yellow Dog Pottery, “Pots for Paws.” She creates and sells pottery in her home gallery and elsewhere. The proceeds from her pottery sales go to raise funds for animal rescue. She is still involved with photography.
1968 Bert Claytor ’68 reports that the Class of 1968 held its 55th class reunion in the spring of 2023. For information contact: Bert Claytor @ gatorparadise@gmail.com.
1969 Steve DeGaetani ’69 is working part-time since he retired as an elementary school principal in 2010. Steve spent close to 50 years serving in the educational field. He and Linda have five grandchildren, four of which are ages three through six, and the most recent being four months old.
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1970 John Guidera ’70 is living in the Philadelphia area, married to wife, Maria, for 34 years, and blessed with three grown children. 6 Richard Ranger ’70 and his wife, Catherine, are well into their second year as missionary faculty at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, Uganda. He has served as a lecturer in UCU’s schools of business and law, and along with Catherine, serve as mentors for students. Richard has served as the coordinator for a project involving engineering students from UCU and from Dartmouth College who designed and installed a prototype solar thermal water heating system for the UCU campus dining hall. Richard says it has been incredibly rewarding to see students transcend distances and
culture to form friendships and to create something meaningful. The photo shows Richard laughing during a photo shoot with members of UCU’s student government. Their visas are good through October of 2024, but they are hoping to extend their time in Uganda.
1971 7 Sue Cates Jones ’71 and her husband, Bruce, are retired and enjoying their four grandchildren: Thomas (7), Ella (4), Claire (4), and Molly Sue (1). They enjoy visiting the Outer Banks where their oldest son, Bruce, Jr., and his family live. For Glenn Supper ’71, life is about as good as it can be down on the island of Tierra Verde, FL. This is their final destination on their journey to a home in paradise. Their three children and two wonderful grandchildren live nearby. Glenn had a total left knee replacement recently and continues on his path to “self-improvement.”
1972 Maureen Ryan Nay ’72 recently retired from her position as Director of Alumni of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond. She is a past SGHS parent and a former Saint Gertrude director of admissions. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 45
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1973 1 Terri Bryan Keel ’73 and her husband, Steve, recently welcomed two new granddaughters. Evelyn Marie Shingleton, born on March 12, 2023, the first child of their daughter, Ellen, and her husband Jake. On March 28, son Sam, and his wife, Laura, welcomed Lucy Margot Keel. Lucy’s brother, Max, is excited about his new baby sister and his cousin!
1975 2 Andy Brower ’75 and his wife, Peggy are retired and hiking the Appalachian Trail. They have completed the southern half and made it to Springer Mountain on March 9. They are back in Richmond for awhile and will soon head North to complete the trail.
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3 administrator for Chesterfield County Schools and Zach is a teacher and high school coach in New Kent County. Kelly is the granddaughter of LTC Tracy M Caine, former commandant of Cadets and teacher at Benedictine. Van Coots ’76 was recently appointed chairman of the board of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Research Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. In December 2022, he was honored to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award signed by President Joe Biden.
1977 Lisa Dixon Jones ’77 welcomes her third grandchild, Matthew Collins Logan. Matthew joins his older brother, Michael, and his older sister, McKenzie.
3 Ms. Kelly Caine, daughter of Gene Caine ’76 and his wife, Brenda, was married to Mr. Zach Shupe on September 17, 2022. Kelly is an
46 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREP + SAINT G ERT R U D E H I G H S C H O O L
4 In July 2022 classmates Cary Kitchen ’79, Greg Holzgrefe ’79, Brian Slaughter ’78, and brother Steve Slaughter joined a Minnesota bike team for the 49th annual RAGBRAI 500-mile bike ride across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. Beginning in Sergeant Bluff, they spent seven days and six nights biking by cornfields, pitching their tents in small towns, and enjoying live music and meals with 15,000 other bikers from around the country. The ride averaged 70 miles per day with the fourth day, a century ride. The ride concluded with the ceremonial touching of the front tire in the Mississippi River and raising the bike overhead. 5 In early December, P. Kevin Morley ’79 published a book, “Photoadventures: Real Stories about Real Pictures by an Unfamous Photographer.” It gives the stories behind over two dozen photo assignments shot largely during 34 years as a staff photographer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Paperback and e-book are available through Book Baby, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book companies. Here is a link: https://store. bookbaby.com/book/photoadventures.
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1980 6 Edward Whitlock’s ’80 family continues to grow. Eddie and Mary-Alice now have five grandchildren—all future Cadets and Gators. Jennifer Whitlock Fischer ’07 has three children (Ava, James, and Robbie). Caroline Whitlock Titzer ’13 has two children (Madison and Ethan).
1982 In July of 2022, Mike Solari ’82 retired from the FBI after 26 years. He is now working his retirement job as security director for Diamante Golf Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. David Stumpf ’82 recently retired from the Wealth and Investment Management division of Wells Fargo and its predecessors Wachovia Securities and A.G. Edwards in St. Louis. He was with the company for 27 years. He also spent eight years at Wheat First Butcher and Singer in
Richmond. Dave spent the first 20 of those years as a sell-side equity analyst covering the banking industry before transitioning to a role leading various teams that provided strategic analytics, decision support, and data-driven insights to business partners across the Wealth and Investment Management division of Wells Fargo. He started his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a bank examiner.
1985
Dave is not sure what the future holds but looks forward to pursuing new interests and spending more time with Juli, his wife, and family. He also reports that his daughter Haley recently became engaged to Grant Leibow. The wedding will be in Austin, Texas in the spring of 2024.
9 Leo Lantz ’85 took a trip to Bath, England with his daughter, Rachel, and her husband, Paul. They visited the Bath Basilica and Roman bath house dating back to the first century. Leo was glad that he took four years of Latin at BHS so that he knew which door was the men’s bathroom. Thank you, Mr. Davis!
7 Sandy Kee Thompson ’82 recently completed the 2021 and 2022 Ironman World Championships in St. George, Utah and Kona, Hawaii. She is planning to complete two more Ironman events later this year while she is still young.
1984 8 Judy Mendez Dyson ’84 is teaching high school Honors Spanish II and III to gifted students at Robious Middle School in Chesterfield County. She moved to Robious Middle in August 2021.
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1988 10 In December 2022, Matt Gadams ’88 and Scott Carreras ’88 hosted a mini reunion for BCP and SGHS Classes of 1988. The party was held in the skybox in conjunction with the Cadets’ basketball home opener. 11 In October 2022, Leslie Beauregard ’88 was appointed the first female city manager for the City of Staunton, Virginia. She had been serving as interim city manager since February 2022. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 47
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2 David Duke ’88 finds it hard to believe that he has spent 22 years as a partner at a private equity firm. It has been an exciting ride. More importantly, David has been married for over 20 years to an amazing artist. They are parents of a soon-to-be 16 year old! David remarks that he continues to be amazed and excited at all the growth and momentum at BHS|SGHS and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
1989 Kristin Deane Giacco’s ’89 father, Brian C. Deane passed peacefully from this life on February 9, 2023.
1990 Henry Wallmeyer ’90 is the new president and chief operating officer of ClubWorks in West Palm Beach, Florida, a growing professional services platform dedicated to the private club and high-end hospitality industries.
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1992 Penn Crawford ’92 has joined fellow alumni Connor Johnson ’90 and Ed “Bubba” Johnson ’61 at the Johnson Injury Firm.
1993 Anthony Ambrogi ’93 is currently the director of college counseling at St. Catherine’s School. He is a past president of the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling. Anthony was honored last year with the organization’s highest award, the Richard Apperson Award. 1 Ann-Frances Lambert ’93 ran for the House of Delegates 79th District seat. She currently serves on Richmond City Council as the 3rd District Rep. This year her Saint Gertrude Class of 1993 is celebrating its 30th reunion and she can’t wait to see all her classmates!
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1996 Clay Shrieves ’96 has been promoted to associate director of government programs at AT&T.
1997 2 Rae Cousins ’97 is excited to announce that she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent the newly redrawn 79th District in Richmond. 3 Mary Kathleen Puccinelli Loving ’97 reports that the SGHS and BCP Classes of 1997 enjoyed catching up during the October Homecoming game. It was a great weekend celebrating their 25th reunion.
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11 October to Elizabeth Roney, from New York. Bo is working inside sales for Ferguson Plumbing. 10
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2000 4 Alana Hughes Boone ’00 and her husband, Benton Boone, welcomed a baby boy on November 6, 2021: Lewis Benton Boone III, and he goes by “Elby.”
2001 Mariah Daniel Carney ’01 and her husband, Alan Carney, welcomed a baby girl, Sloane Virginia Carney, on December 23, 2022.
past fall. The weekend events included a tour of the new SGHS building and a gathering at Brambly Park.
2005 8 On November 12, 2022, Catie Walker Rockefeller ’05 was married to Nick Rockefeller. Their family includes three dogs: Baloo, Jack, and Penny. Shelley Williams White ’05 and her husband, Tom, along with big sister Ryan Marie, welcomed baby girl, Josephine “Joey” Rollins White on November 14, 2022. Shelley’s family lives just outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
5 James Clements III ’01 and Jee Araniego were married on August 19, 2022, in Hanover, Virginia.
2008
6 Steven McDonnough ’01 shared this picture of BHS and SGHS 2001 class get-together.
9 Jessica McGurt Hall ’08 and her husband, Jimmy, welcomed their third little boy, Banks Easton Hall, on January 16, 2023.
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7 Megan Wellford Hollomon ’02 reports that the members from SGHS Class of 2002 celebrated their 20th reunion this
Bo Bell ’09 has moved back to Virginia from Buffalo last fall and settled in Hanover. He was married in
Russell Griffin ’09 married his wife, Gabrielle, in April 2022. After they graduated from Virginia Tech, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Russell works for Medtronic in medical device sales. Matt Grunwald ’09 and his wife, Kristen, currently live in Chesterfield with their two children and have another one on the way. Cal McFeely ’09 has completed his doctorate in chemistry at VCU Massey Cancer Center. He lives in central New Jersey where he works as a senior scientist in therapeutic discovery at Merck. Cal proposed to his girlfriend, Eva, in front of the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies.
2011 Miles Youngblood ’11 announces that he is engaged and has recently started a new job with Wells Fargo Advisors.
2012 10 Michael Logan ’12 married Meghan Gallagher SGHS ’12 on May 14, 2022. 11 Christine Weeks Rainer ’12 married David Rainer on February 12, 2023. Their wedding and reception took place at The Estate at River Run. They have settled in Midlothian, Virginia. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 49
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2013 1 Edward L. (“Lebs”) Breeden, V ’13 and Mary Leigh White (both ’17 JMU grads) were married on October 8, 2022, at Upper Shirley Vineyards near Richmond. In the wedding party were Lebs’ brothers, Gray ’17 and Elias ’22, and BCP classmates, Ryan Lamura ’13 and Josh Pilot ’13. Lebs and Mary Leigh live in Richmond, where Lebs works as a commercial sales, leasing, and management associate with Pollard & Bagby, and Mary Leigh is a product owner at Owens & Minor. 2 Erica Ferguson Parsons ’13 married Jarbarli Parsons on July 28, 2022.
Tyler Smith ’13 married his beautiful wife, Micki, in 2021. Tyler is now a Virginia National Guard recruiter in the Richmond area.
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2014
4 Erin Gill Jaquillard ’15 has married Parker Jaquillard, of Louisiana, on September 3, 2022, in Sewanee, Tennessee. Erin was surrounded by her favorite Gertie friends.
Harrison Talton ’14 has been named the 2023 Young Professional of the Year in the pulp and paper industry but recently changed careers and is now Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s new director of alumni, serving both Benedictine and Saint Gertrude.
2016
2015 3 Michael Duley ’15 married Sarah Lennon in Iberia, Missouri on October 1, 2022. Three other Benedictine alums were in the wedding, Brendan Vita ’15, Henry Vita ’17, and Austin Nott ’15. Michael’s sister, Caroline Duley ’17 was also in the wedding.
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Kathleen Baughan ’16 gave birth to her first born, Charles Hill Lewis, on March 30, 2023. Donaven Tennyson ’16 is living in New York City working in private equity at McKinsey & Company and preparing for business school next year. 5 Omead Zarei ’16 has been traveling to Portugal with family. He is a salesman in Richmond.
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2017 6 Jacob Gibrall ’17 is currently learning the family business, selling commercial and personal property and casualty insurance for Gibrall Insurance Agency. His girlfriend, Dawn Karns ’19, is graduating from Ohio University and is under contract to be a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond. They have a puppy Bernese Mountain dog named Archie. 7 Madison Schmidt ’17 has graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science in marine engineering and became an officer in the United States Coast Guard as an ensign in the Direct Commission Engineering Program. She was also recently appointed by Secretary Buttigieg as a member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Advisory Council.
10 9 9 Christopher LaCivita Jr. ’18 met with Congressman Rob Wittman ’77 to lobby on behalf of his company, Sportsman’s Culture, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
W E WA N T T O HE A R F ROM YOU! Submitting a class note has never been easier. Scan here to be featured in the next issue of The Towers.
In July 2022, James Marks ’18 accepted a position as a marine fishery biologist in Alaska working on catcher vessels to collect real-time data for fishery managers.
2021 10 Joseph Clark ’21, a U.S. Army reservist and contracted ROTC Cadet at ODU, completed Air Assault school on June 2, 2023. Emilia Iannini ’21 was recently elected president of her sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi at American University.
2018 8 Brian Carrera ’18 graduated from VMI in May of 2022, finished Infantry Basic Officer Leadership I Course, and is serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
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Congratulations Class of 2023! W E LC O M E TO THE B SOR ALUMNI FAMI LY!
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get social are you following us?
54 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREP + SAINT G ERT R U D E H I G H S C H O O L
B CP @bcprva B CP AT HL E T ICS @bcpcadets S GHS @saintgertrudeva S GHS AT HL E T ICS @sghsgators
B S OR @BenedictineSchoolsofRichmond
B CP @bcprva S GHS @SaintGertrudeHighSchool
B CP @school/benedictine-college-preparatory S GHS @school/saint-gertrude-high-school
B S OR @bsorrva
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in memoriam We extend our deepest sympathies to the friends and families of the following members of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond community who have recently passed away.
Frances Ahern Osborne ’49 4/16/2022
Carolyn Taylor Carpin ’57 9/8/2022
Karina Simon Slaughter ’66 3/4/2023
Raul Novo ’73 4/20/2022
Robert D. Severin ’61 9/16/2022
Earl A. McKnight ’49 3/12/2023
Madelyn Wolfe Stumpf ’40 4/21/2022
James C. Pemberton, Jr. ’67 10/12/2022
Kevin R. Dunne ’60 3/14/2023
Mary Frances Bennett Augst ’55 4/28/2022
Joseph E. Preissner, Jr. ’66 10/22/2022
Christopher L. White ’69 3/14/2023
Joseph T. Berger ’93 5/26/2022
Patrick G. Martin ’70 11/20/2022
Jerry L. Pugh ’49 3/15/2023
Lenora Caravati Smith ’45 5/27/2022
Patricia Burke Duke ’56 11/24/2022
Joseph A. Dart, III ’63 4/10/2023
Diana Eades Farrar ’67 6/6/2022
Stephanie L. Pope ’98 11/25/2022
L. Anthony Stouffs ’74 4/14/2023
Virginia Griffin Fand ’66 6/15/2022
C. Phillip Schutte, Jr. ’64 12/5/2022
Shelia Crossen-Powell ’66 6/15/2023
Michael E. Bliley ’62 6/19/2022
Anne Welsh Manson ’71 12/7/2022
Diana May Balducci ’60 7/27/2023
Joseph C. Nuara ’61 7/8/2022
Elizabeth J. Roper ’60 1/3/2023
Jon H. Betts ’56 7/28/2023
Martha H. Wilson ’17 7/14/2022
K. Todd Sitterson ’91 1/18/2023
James W. Dagenhart ’56 7/25/2022
James C. Mayfield, Jr. ’80 1/20/2023
Randall W. Morris ’93 8/7/2022
Joan Zacharias Monticelli ’54 1/22/2023
Gerald V. Johnson ’70 8/15/2022
Kenneth Ray Augst, Jr. ’55 1/23/2023
Gary J. Gaulin ’69 8/28/2022
J. Joseph Lewis ’44 2/2/2023
John R. Cronin ’60 9/2/2022
John F. Kiefer ’82 2/26/2023
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These notices were received as of Aug 3, 2023. Please contact the Advancement Office at advancement@benedictineschools.org if there is any incomplete information or to submit a condolence.
Save the Dates! Each year, the Benedictine Schools of Richmond hosts a variety of special events that support our two schools’ missions while building relationships with our loyal community members. Please join us for an upcoming event!
SEPTEMBER 21
FEBRUARY 7
Vino with a View
Parater Day of Giving
OCTOBER 6
MARCH 2
Hunt and Gather
Envision
OCTOBER 7
MARCH 15
Homecoming
Song Contest
NOVEMBER 1
MAY 4
All Saints’ Day Memorial Mass
Boxing Smoker
DECEMBER 8
MAY 30
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
SGHS Graduation and 50th Year Reunion
DECEMBER 27
MAY 31
Capital City Classic and The Gathering
BCP Graduation and 50th Year Reunion
JANUARY 26
JUNE 3
Loyal Donor Appreciation Night
Rut’s Classic Golf Tournament
All dates are subject to change. Please visit benedictineschools.org/community for the most up-to-date information.
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l i c n r i gb c a 58 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREP + SAINT G ERT R U D E H I G H S C H O O L
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the towers | BCP | S U M M E R 2 0 2 3
2023
the towers FAITH + LEADERSHIP
BSoR’s New Strategic Plan Focuses on its People
Upcoming School Year Holds Great Promise the towers | SGHS | S U M M E R 2 0 2 3
RINGING IN THE NEW
the towers 2023
The Towers Magazine Summer 2023 BE N E D I CT I N E SC HO O L S O F R I C HM O N D P R E SI D E N T
Jesse Grapes P R I N C I PA L
Drew Mugford ’86 BE N E D I CT I N E HE A D O F SC HO O L
Del Smith ’01 C O N T R I BUT I N G WR I T E R S
Mike Forster, Lee Coleman, Harper Mugford ’19 P HOTO GR A P HY
Kelly Lonergan, Wendell Powell Studios, Lee Coleman, Andy Garrigue, Chris Cunningham, AJ Parson
Kelly Lonergan, Wendell Powell Studios, Lee Coleman, Andy Garrigue, Tom Holdsworth, AJ Parson P HOTO GR AP HY
Mike Forster, Lee Coleman, Harper Mugford ’19 C ON T RIBU TIN G WR ITE R S
Amy Pickral ’95 SAIN T GE RTR UD E HE A D OF SC HOO L
Drew Mugford ’86 P RIN C IPA L
Jesse Grapes P RE SI DE N T BE N ED ICT IN E S CHO O LS O F R ICHMO N D
Summer 2023
The Towers Magazine
the towers 12 S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T S
Meet the young cadet who is a nationally ranked tennis player and an ace in the classroom. Matthew Faraci ’25, sets a high standard for his fellow classmates.
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18 F A C U L T Y F E A T U R E
Daniel Gill ’11, History Teacher, Soccer Coach, and Athletics Assistant.
24 F A I T H + L E A D E R S H I P
Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s newly unveiled strategic plan is focused on serving our students, supporting our faculty and staff, strengthening our community, stewarding our resources, and enhancing the Benedictine charism in all that we do. Learn more about what it means for the future of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond.
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COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE 23-24 SCHOOL YEAR (Saint Gertrude Side)
38 A L U M N I H E A D L I N E R S
Blake Smith ’19, Jose Cesar Vargas ’06, John Tellmann ’97, Hunter Hankley ’00, Adam Kijek ’91
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In looking forward to the 2023-24 school year, my excitement level is at an all-time high as I ponder how far we have come and what the future holds for Benedictine. That excitement is shared by our faculty and staff, as well as, and most importantly, our Cadets. For the first time in the history of our two schools, Benedictine and Saint Gertrude will share a campus, though they will do so in separate academic buildings. This moment in history will chart a path for the strongest of futures for Catholic, single-sex education in the greater Richmond area. That future is only made possible by the accomplishments and great sacrifices made over the past 100+ years of our school’s history. Throughout that time, Benedictine’s mission has never faltered and is evident in its thriving student body and strong bonds of brotherhood. Standing the test of time, Benedictine has continued to put students on the path to become successful men, strong in faith and confident in leadership.
head of school
The Class of ’23, which graduated on June 1, is a prime example of success. From a class of 62 Cadets, that group has produced two students who will matriculate to the United States Military Academy at West Point this summer, as well as six students who have earned R.O.T.C. scholarships to fund their college pursuits. The class has 16—yes, 16—graduates who will attend Virginia Military Institute, hoping to replicate the success of Blake Smith ’19 who served as regimental commander (the top military position) at VMI this past year. The Class of ’23 earned acceptances at numerous prestigious colleges and universities, including Notre Dame, the University of Virginia, William & Mary, Boston College, and Wake Forest, to name but a few. The class includes student-athletes who rang up numerous state champions, both as members of titled teams and as individual performers. While this group will be remembered for its fine academic achievements and for its stellar performances on the athletic fields, I believe the Class of ’23 will be best noted, and appreciated, for how it helped bridge the gap to bring us into the future that so proximately beckons. The upcoming school year will bring a resounding change. Think about it: Our rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores have only known the shared environment. They will experience a brave new world, as will many of our faculty and staff. While I am excited at the prospects of the new operating model, our dedication to the fundamentals that make Benedictine remains unshaken. Throughout the past three years we have remained a community that is fiercely dedicated to serving our students, united through the Rule of Saint Benedict, and bound in dedication to our mission. I am confident that collaboration will continue for our schools. What is also exciting is how our school will improve as we make progress with the new strategic plan. Its focus on faith and leadership is entirely congruent to the trajectory on which I see Benedictine. Fresh off the completion of that strategic plan, it is clear that developing leaders in an everchanging world is paramount to a Benedictine education. In addition to our military program, we
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are committed to developing separate but coordinate leadership programs between our schools by offering more opportunities and programs for our Cadets to develop essential leadership skills throughout their time at Benedictine. We have a responsibility to cultivate leadership in classrooms, on the playing fields, in our community, and on the parade deck. When you read this latest edition of The Towers, you will see that Benedictine is defined by our past stories and our future potential. This magazine highlights the courage, faith, and discipline that Benedictine instills in our young men and reinforces the fact that a Benedictine education is limitless in its future applications. From a rear admiral in the United States Navy to an agent in the Secret Service to the lead administrator of a non-profit organization, Benedictine Cadets are blazing a trail of leadership in their careers after graduation. What you should know is that there is a plethora of future stories that await their being penned sometime in the future as those Cadets starting out the upcoming school year are formed into young men of conscience, discipline, and achievement by a faculty and staff that is unmatched in its profile of excellence. I urge you to consider making a return to campus a priority this year. Your presence elevates our events and solidifies the culture that is so unique to Benedictine. Our new director of alumni relations, Harrison Talton ’14, can communicate the many ways you might support Benedictine and our Cadets. These are heady times to be on campus, and I find it thrilling to be a part of a Benedictine community whose future shines so brightly. It is my sincerest hope that each of my fellow members of our brotherhood gets to share in the excitement that is felt so strongly here. GO CADETS! Sincerely,
Del Smith ’01 BCP HEAD OF SCHOOL
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memorable moments
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Benedictine’s award-winning color guard presents the colors at Platoon Drill on the parade deck on April 5, 2023. Cadets who make up the school’s color guard play a pivotal role in honoring tradition and paying respect to those serving, both present and past, in our nation’s military.
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memorable moments
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The energy on campus for our annual Day of Giving (February 7) was electric; Gators and Cadets dashed from activity to activity, making memories, strengthening traditions, and generating excitement. Shown: Kurt Von Bargen ’04, BCP teacher and BSoR strength and conditioning coach, takes on a Cadet in the sumo wrestling ring. It certainly was a day filled with much excitement, especially with a record amount of money raised for Parater Middle-Class Scholarships! SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 7
memorable moments
8 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
On Saturday, May 13, Benedictine’s rugby team took home its first-ever State Championship Cup after a 15-12 victory over Holy Family Academy. The 2023 rugby team was led by captains Nathan Howerton ’23 and Kegan McCallum ’24 and was coached by Brendan Williamson, Adam Thomson, Russell McCallum, and Rich Ramos. Congratulations to the Cadets and coaches on a tremendous (and historic) season! SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 9
memorable moments
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On June 1, Benedictine graduated 62 Cadets and welcomed them into the alumni community. Prior to spinning the plate at graduation, attendees and graduates alike heard motivational speeches from the valedictorian, Benjamin Marks, salutatorian, Hector Cibes-Lee, and commencement speaker, Gary Piacentini ’73. The Class of 2023 Cadets were accepted into over 60 different colleges and universities, with a record number of graduates (16) attending the Virginia Military Institute. Congratulations! SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 11
student spotlight
M AT T H E W FA R A C I ’25 Matthew Faraci ’25 is only a junior, but his list of accomplishments might make it seem otherwise. In addition to his academic excellence, Matthew is a nationally ranked tennis player and a two-time (backto-back) individual drill champion.
12 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
What are you involved in at Benedictine? Tennis, Schola Choir, Key Club, Color Guard, and Altar Server for Mass.
What made you decide to play tennis?
I have been playing tennis since I was 3 but I started taking it seriously a few years ago. When I was 12, I stopped playing baseball to focus on tennis. My biggest influence in my tennis game has been my dad.
What is your favorite part of being on the tennis team?
Tennis is my favorite sport and the only sport I play at Benedictine. I really enjoy how at Benedictine, even though it’s an individual sport, we still bring all the players together and encourage each other.
Can you tell us a little about what has made you so successful in BCP’s individual drill?
I’ve won the individual drill competition the past two years. I don’t know how other people think when they compete, but I think of it as a big game of Simon Says. That mentality helps calm me, so I just pay attention and focus on what he calls. I think the mindset I have going into it has helped me be successful.
How has Benedictine made you a better leader?
I’ve been a squad leader all three quarters and that’s helped me tremendously. Daily formation and the military aspect of Benedictine has helped me with discipline. If I’m able to correct myself and make changes to myself, then I can help others and correct them. I’m leading a squad now and getting those opportunities to lead has been helpful in becoming a better leader.
Who has been one of your biggest supporters throughout high school so far?
Throughout high school, I would say Mr. Doran who is BCP’s choir director, tennis coach, and theology teacher. I’m with him a lot (because of my involvement in the Schola and the tennis team), and he’s helped me the most with my faith. He’s continually the one helping me take the next step forward and has just been one of my biggest influences.
When you talk about your faith, what do you mean by taking the next step forward?
I really mean improving my prayer life and following what God is calling me to do. I’m trying to pay more attention to the details and rules that God has set for us and understanding them. I still have a lot to learn in my faith as there is so much that I don’t know and a lot that I want to learn. However, being at Benedictine has really helped me grow in my faith.
What do you think the benefits are of a Catholic education?
Tell us about your tennis accolades.
Last February at a Richmond-area tennis tournament, I won the most improved player award for all of Richmond. I’ve also made the all-metro second team for high school tennis. And I recently made it to the quarterfinals in a USTA (United States Tennis Association) Tournament in Orlando, Florida. Only players with enough ranking points are invited to play so it was a really big accomplishment for me. This summer, I am headed back to Florida to compete in Nationals Clay Courts. In August, I’m going back to Kalamazoo, Michigan for another tournament. There is lots of tennis in my future, and I know I want to play Division 1 tennis.
There are so many benefits of attending a Catholic school. The most obvious is that you’re always practicing your faith throughout the day. Every class starts with prayer, and we go to Mass once a week. At Benedictine, every student takes theology and bioethics, and there are many opportunities to learn about and grow in one’s faith. I love a lot about Benedictine, but I would say that what I love most is that I am able to openly talk about my faith.
What advice would you give an incoming freshman at BCP?
Don’t take everything so seriously. People are going to mess and joke around with you, but you can’t take it personally. Part of the Benedictine brotherhood is joking around with one another; it builds the camaraderie. My freshman year made me more disciplined because I wasn’t used to the military structure. Lean into the military structure and the leadership program. It helped me learn how to better manage my time and stay on task. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 13
student spotlight
14 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
ROTC SCHOL ARSHIP WINNERS After four years of hard work and dedication, it has all paid off for eight Cadets who earned full ROTC scholarships offered by the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy (two of which declined the scholarship as they were awarded the best of the best military opportunity by gaining acceptance into West Point). The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is an officer training program for college students who commit to serve in the U.S. military after college. ROTC scholarship graduates will enter military service as officers with various ranks and responsibilities, including, for example, safeguarding other soldiers, executing missions critical to
national security, and managing millions of dollars in equipment. Success in such a position requires academic aptitude, physical fitness, leadership, management skills, political acumen, courage, and patriotism. ROTC scholarships are highly competitive, merit-based scholarships and require superb academics, a physical fitness assessment, essays, teacher evaluations, and an interview. Each year, the scholarships draw tens of thousands of applicants, and only 1,000 high school students across the Nation are awarded to each of the branches. Congratulations to these eight incredible Cadets on their achievements!
CHARLES BUCHANNAN
HECTOR CIBES-LEE
JOSEPH COLIZZI
M AT T HE W G A S P E R INI
United States Military Academy West Point
United States Military Academy West Point
Virginia Tech with the Navy ROTC Scholarship
University of Dallas with Army ROTC Scholarship
NICK HOWE
N AT H A N HO W E R T ON
M I C A H L I N D S AY
JACKSON MANN
Virginia Tech with the Navy ROTC Scholarship and Marine Corps Option
VMI with the Navy ROTC Scholarship
VMI with the Army ROTC Scholarship
University of Tennessee with the Air Force ROTC Scholarship
From left to right: Row 1 – Nathan Howerton, Nick Howe, Charles Buchannan, Matthew Gasperini. Row 2 – Joe Colizzi, Micah Lindsay, Hector Cibes-Lee, Jackson Mann
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 15
What clubs/sports are you involved in at BCP?
C H A R L E S : Cross country, track, Key Club, and Battle of
the Brains H E C T O R : National Honor Society, Honor Court, Key Club, senior class president, inspector general for the Corps of Cadets, wrestling, and track J A C K S O N : Key Club, track, Charlie Company commander, and football (freshman year) J O S E P H : Editor-in-chief of The New Chevron (school newspaper), Schola Choir, color guard, drill team, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, soccer (freshman-junior years), and Key Club M A T T H E W : Cross country, indoor track, rugby, Schola Choir, Key Club, and Battle of the Brains M I C A H : Honor Court N A T H A N : Soccer and rugby N I C K : Football and baseball
What is your favorite thing you are involved in at BCP and why?
N A T H A N : My favorite thing I am involved with at BCP is simply being a member of a brotherhood unlike any other. Nowhere else can you find the kind of camaraderie and bonds that are formed at Benedictine. I know that the friendships I have made during my time at BCP will last a lifetime. M A T T H E W : My favorite thing I am involved in at BCP is the Schola Choir. It is such a great opportunity to learn how to sing and use those talents for praising God. It also has allowed me to bond with an amazing group of Cadets whom I call my closest friends.
Why did you decide to apply for this scholarship?
C H A R L E S : I chose to apply to West Point because I wanted to create the best options for myself after Benedictine. West Point was an attractive choice because not only do I get to jumpstart my career in public service, but also I become a part of a distinctive and well-connected alumni network, similar to Benedictine. Receiving this scholarship is humbling, as I see this gift as a responsibility. I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, my friends, and my school for their continued support. H E C T O R : I decided to apply to the United States Military Academy for the opportunities it offers to all striving for the best. From a young age, I have always considered serving in the nation’s military. With USMA, I can not only live my dreams and serve the nation that I am so grateful for, but I can also have access to one of the best universities in the country for academics and leadership while saving my parents the trouble of paying for my education. M I C A H : I decided to apply for the scholarship because I knew I wanted to serve my country and was planning on enlisting. However, I believe we need to strengthen our country’s leadership, and I want to be able to be used by my God and my country for good.
16 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
What does receiving the scholarship mean to you?
H E C T O R : I am eternally grateful for my appointment to West Point. I could not have accomplished any of this without the help of God, the efforts of my parents, and the encouragement of my teachers and fellow Cadets. My appointment means that I can not only pursue my aspirations, but I can also make my family, my school, and my God proud of my deeds and successes. J A C K S O N : Receiving this scholarship is important to me in many ways. First of all, it’s the least I can do for my parents who have paid for my education for many years. This scholarship is also important to me because I have the chance to serve my country just as many brave men before me have, including my relatives. Finally, I have had a dream of flying ever since I sat in a Blackhawk at my dad’s work and watched Coast Guard helicopters fly over the beach. This scholarship gives me an opportunity to pursue that childhood dream. N I C K : It means the world, really because I get to do what I want to do at such a young age: go to college for free, and experience more of what the Marine Corps has to offer than a typical prospective officer.
How has BCP helped you become a better leader?
N A T H A N : At Benedictine, there are numerous opportunities to prove oneself as a leader. It is simply about whether one is willing to put aside their pride and take the initiative. It’s easy to sit back and follow the path of others, but BCP has helped me realize that to be a leader you must take action and be the first to step up to any challenge that comes your way. J A C K S O N : Benedictine has helped me become a better leader by giving me unique leadership experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. Beginning my sophomore year, I led a squad of Cadets during squad drill. In my junior year, I served many
student spotlight
From left to right: Hector Cibes-Lee, Matthew Gasperini, Nathan Howerton, Jackson Mann, Micah Lindsay, Nick Howe, Joe Colizzi, and Charles Buchannan
different NCO positions throughout the corps and led a platoon during Platoon Drill. These accomplishments taught me the difficulties of organizing and teaching my peers and led to my selection as Charlie Company commander my senior year. This year, I have learned when to have fun with my peers and when it’s necessary to be strict. It’s like walking a tightrope: to simultaneously be a good friend and successful leader. My experiences at Benedictine have more than prepared me for my future career in the Air Force.
Who has been one of your biggest supporters at BCP?
C H A R L E S : Benedictine teachers seek the best in their
students. They are humble mentors who see value in second chances and devote their lives to the education of young people. They are adept in their respective fields, whether that be in academics, the military, the Church, or sports. They share a wide range of perspectives and invaluable advice, strengthening the “whole man” philosophy of the school. For these reasons, every one of my teachers deserves this “biggest supporter” title. J O S E P H : My friends have been my biggest supporters at Benedictine. The brotherhood that BCP promotes has had a lasting impact on me, with me having a huge, readily available support system. The teachers are also very supportive and reach out when they see I am having an off day. It is like having my family at school.
What do you love most about BCP?
H E C T O R : My favorite aspect of Benedictine that I will cherish
the most is the closeness of the school community, including teachers, students, and parents. Everyone at BCP is family, and I know I can always count on the school community in times of need, and I have seen this firsthand. I think that this
school community is something completely unique and that it’s nearly impossible to find anywhere else. J A C K S O N : I love the brotherhood at Benedictine. There have been many times throughout my Benedictine career when I have seen my classmates come together to have someone else’s back. It doesn’t matter how often we joke around; in the end, we always look out for each other. I’ve seen nothing like it at any other school.
What do you think the benefits are of a Catholic education?
N I C K : The benefits of a Catholic education are not only learning about my faith, or becoming more spiritually ahead in my journey to God than others, but my ability to apply my faith to decisions I will make that influence other Marines as a future officer in the Marine Corps. M A T T H E W : I believe that a Catholic education allows you to not only grow in knowledge but grow in the faith and teachings of God and the Church. Theology is also considered the queen of sciences. Everything we learn (at Benedictine) is under the umbrella of this faith and only benefited by it. M I C A H : Even though I personally am not Catholic, the Catholic education here has strengthened my own faith. It has helped me learn more about God and truly made me the Christian man I am called to be.
What advice would you give to an incoming freshman?
C H A R L E S : My advice to freshmen would be to seize every opportunity Benedictine provides and “leave nothing on the table.” Our biggest regrets always involve inaction. J O S E P H : Set high goals, learn from the upperclassmen, be respectful to your teachers, seek to deepen your faith, and enjoy every minute that you have here. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 17
faculty feature
DANIEL GILL ’11 From Milkman to Mailman The Transformation of Daniel Gill 18 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
“Oh, the places you’ll go” — DR. SEUSS —
When he was a Cadet, Daniel Gill had no idea of the impact he would have on Benedictine. During his time as a Cadet, Gill was known by his classmates as “The Milkman.” That moniker was born of Gill’s practice of bringing the dairy beverage to the parties that might have included something bearing a bit higher octane than his beverage of choice. Still, while no party monster, he was somewhat less than the portrait of the Benedictine Man: senior private with middling grades—and just a decent athlete. Today, however, Gill (Class of 2011) is regarded as a leading light of his alma mater: a beloved yet demanding teacher, a brilliant coach, and an on-the-rise administrator. Call him “The Mailman,” as he always delivers. “I couldn’t imagine coming back to Benedictine,” said Gill. “But when I think about who I looked up to, it makes sense.” Among those he admired are his former government teacher and basketball coach Sean McAloon, theology teacher Bill Doran ’92 (still at it), and former teacher Mark Harvey (more on him later).
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 19
Today, Gill is the one who commands the Cadets’ respect, with many looking up to him. “Mr. Gill’s class was fun,” stated Jacob Moore ’23, who had Gill for history last year. “He made it fun by teaching in unique ways that I’ve never experienced before. He increased my interest in history.” Indeed, Gill seems to strive to make the subject appealing to all. “I like his style,” declared Colin Dart ’24, who is currently taking Gill’s Advanced Placement course. “He’s serious when needed, but often we have a fun and enjoyable time in his class. It’s a nice learning environment.” By the way, if the name seems familiar, it may well be because there is a long line of Gills that weaves its way through both Benedictine and Saint Gertrude. Gill squeezed in his time at Benedictine between brothers Patrick ’02, Luke ’07, and Seth ’12. For those of you who enjoy such things, there was a Gill at the school from 1999 to 2012,
except one year: 2003. Meanwhile, a pair of Gill sisters haunted the halls of Saint Gertrude in the forms of Erica Gill ’05 and Erin Gill ’15. While the patriarch of that wing of the Gill family, Pat, graduated from Benedictine in 1972, he was in good company, with four of his brothers being alumni of the school and a sister being an SGHS alum. “All of my cousins went to the two schools,” noted Daniel Gill, who estimated the total at approximately 20. But nifty family connections are no guarantor of success. Gill’s lack of military rank could be attributed to one major factor. “All I cared about was sports,” he recalls. “So, I did as little as possible elsewhere.” Gill started his college career at Mount Saint Mary’s but left the school when it eliminated its soccer program. He moved on to play soccer (and, we assume, to attend classes) at Longwood, graduating in 2015.
Gill Quiz
W H AT W O U L D A N A R T I C L E A B O U T A H IS T O R Y TEACHER BE WITHOUT A QUIZ? We challenge you to take this 10-question quiz to test your knowledge of Mr. Gill’s history. Answers are at the bottom of the page. Don’t peek! S C O R E 8 - 1 0 : You are likely either Daniel Gill’s mother
or the future Mrs. Daniel Gill. S C O R E 6 - 7 : You are likely one of his students. S C O R E 3 - 5 : You are likely a person who has yet to meet Mr. Gill. S C O R E 1 - 2 : You are likely a person who need not meet him.
1 1
2 2
While attending middle school, Daniel Gill made use of what grown-up piece of equipment?
a. Fountain pen b. Briefcase c. Coffee cup d. Laser Pointer Mr. Gill’s primary means of getting to school is a:
a. Moped b. Chevy Camaro c. Lincoln Continental d. Toyota Prius Hybrid
20 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
3 3
4 4
5 5
Due to a lost bet a couple of years ago, Mr. Gill once entertained the entire Corps of Cadets by:
a. Singing the Benedictine fight song solo b. Reciting Henry V’s Saint Crispin’s Day speech c. Juggling while blindfolded d. Doing a stand-up comedy routine To give the appearance of “coolness” during his Benedictine days, young Gill:
a. Tried smoking a pipe b. Wore tie-dyed shirts to social gatherings c. Bought a baseball cap that carried the word “Cool” across it d. Changed his email address to GillsDaBomb@yahoo.com During his middle school days, Gill was also noted for wearing what type of head gear?
a. Cowboy hat b. Fedora c. Baseball cap that carries the word “Cool” across it d. Prussian mitre
faculty feature Nevertheless, confidence was less than high. Strike that: confidence was barely there. “Grapes told me ‘I’m not sure you know enough to teach, but we’ll see.’” Gill recalled. “He knew me as a student and knew I wasn’t a strong student.”
Timing played a key role in Gill’s return to his alma mater. Then-Benedictine headmaster Jesse Grapes enticed the recent college graduate to return mid-school year. That was because history teacher Mark Harvey had fallen ill and needed some respite as he recuperated. Grapes engineered an arrangement in which Gill took over the lion’s share of Harvey’s classes, with the exception of Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH). “I wouldn’t have applied,” said Gill. “I got the text and needed a [different] job. It was just serendipity; it fell into my lap.”
But Gill became a strong teacher, driven largely by a solid work ethic and dedication to his boys. His slate this year has him teaching four history courses, including the ever-challenging APUSH course. (Concurrently, Gill has been working on a master’s degree from the University of Richmond—only needing two more classes to complete it.) He demands much of his students and they, in turn, respond. It is a well-established fact, for instance, that Gill’s classes check out more books from the school library than those of any other teacher. “Before taking his class, I didn’t read a lot,” said Daniel Lingle ’23. “After, I started to appreciate reading a lot more.”
Harvey, a 40-year veteran of the classroom who is considered one of Benedictine’s all-time greatest teachers, was able to keep teaching APUSH. Better yet, Gill was able to audit the class: a sensei-in-training learning best practices from the master.
“ He’s serious when needed, but often we have a fun and enjoyable time in his class. It’s a nice learning environment.” — COLIN DART ’24 —
6 6
7 7
8 8
Daniel Gill is a big fan of this type of music:
a. Classical b. Ska c. Punk rock d. Outlaw country At a recent Envision Gala, Daniel Gill successfully bid on:
a. A custom painting, later commissioning the artist to paint his portrait. b. A “jelly of the month” subscription but gave away most of it because “I only like grape.” c. A chance to have his photo taken with supermodel Kate Upton; resultant photo is now on his LinkedIn profile page. d. A Prussian mitre, which he wears during his lectures on the Austro-Prussian War of 1870. In his limited free time, Daniel Gill participates in the following sport:
a. Croquet b. Dodgeball c. Mixed martial arts d. Tennis
1 b; 2 c; 3 d; 4 a; 5 b; 6 d; 7 a; 8 d; 9 c; 10 b
9 9
10 10
Daniel Gill has been known to harass other teachers into making/giving him:
a. Croquettes b. Grape jelly c. Chili d. Jambalaya Daniel Gill’s social life includes local membership in:
a. A Lincoln Continental owners’ group b. A book club c. A Prussian mitre collectors club d. A fight club
Daniel Gill commissioned portrait.
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 21
Still, the man has empathy. “I understand how the kids are,” he shared. “When I see a kid acting up, I realize I would have done that exact thing. So, I have to think about how I would have been reached by a teacher.” It is an empathy grounded in Gill’s strong faith. “I feel my purpose here is to help preserve and improve Catholic education,” he said. A lifelong Catholic, himself, Gill expressed concern about the shuttering of Catholic schools across the nation. Still, he’s only one man. “I think a good classroom, or a good team must be shooting for a higher goal. That’s what makes it exciting,” he said. “The higher goal, of course, is learning how to live a good life, essentially.” Gill’s love of sports was an enduring one. The same year he began teaching, he also became the assistant head coach of the Cadet varsity soccer team under Ryan Hall (who was also Benedictine’s athletic director at the time). Gill proved himself to be adept and Hall, who was seeking some relief from the grind of being AD and wrestling coach, was comfortable enough to hand the reins over to Gill in 2017. Gill’s initiation was less than pleasant, as the Cadets were limited to a handful of wins during his first campaigns as commander of the crew. Improvement, however, has been steadily positive culminating (for now) with a return to the Virginia Independent Schools Sports Association’s (VISAA) playoffs. It marked the first time the Cadets earned a berth “ I think a good in the post-season in a decade. “He’s classroom, or a good always adapting,” noted Ben Marks ’23. “My freshman year, we were pretty team must be shooting bad. “But he changed tactics, especially for a higher goal. That’s after he went to Spain (for an international coaching clinic).”
what makes it exciting.”
The Cadets’ schedule this past fall was certainly no Of more importance than how they — DANIEL GILL — “easy way.” Peppered with perform on the pitch is how his Cadets traditional powerhouses, the do in the classroom and in life. To wit: slate looked quite daunting in August. Yet, by the end of the soccer team captain Marks is the Class of ’23 valedictorian. gauntlet, the Cadets stood with a remarkable record of 11-4Juniors Christian Lugo and twin brothers Jake and JP Janus 4, which included wins over Saint John Paul the Great (twice) rank among the highest academic performers in their class. and Saint Anne’s Belfield, and ties with Saint Christopher’s and And sophomores Oliver Muehlenfeld and Anthony Gambardella Trinity. Still, the W’s are only so important. “He has a passion are “kicking” it in Advanced Placement Macroeconomics. for growing and improving that sets a great example for our “He’s for developing us primarily as people and as players,” other coaches,” said BSoR’s Athletic Director Fran Pochily. noted Marks. “It really is a privilege to be coached by someone “He loves to talk about sports and the best ways to teach and like that.” coach young people.” While Gill places the development of his players first, he is Gill’s involvement in the world of sports extends well beyond no soft coach. “He likes to keep things strict,” asserted Nate the soccer pitch. Another of his duties involves his serving as Howerton ’23, who plans to play at VMI next year. “If things the Benedictine Schools of Richmond assistant athletic direcdon’t go in practice how he likes them to, we run...a lot.” tor. In that role, Gill is responsible for helping Pochily in all her day-to-day operations, including the supervision of coaches, Other players shared Howerton’s observation. “We can’t mess setting up (and cleaning up after) home athletic events, and around, because he treats practice like he treats school,” said enforcing the policies of the department. Colin Pinotti ’23. “He tells us never to choose the easy way.”
22 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
faculty feature
It’s a Family Affair Gill Family Tree of BSoR Graduates
Jimmy + Betty Lou Gill
Although neither Jimmy nor Betty Lou Gill attended Benedictine or Saint Gertrude, they certainly established a long line of affinity for the schools. All six of their children attended. And that half-dozen progeny went on to send their children to the schools. In fact, not a year has passed during the 21st century in which one of their grandchildren was not enrolled in one (or both) of the schools. The Gill clan is not alone in its relationship with Saint Gertrude and Benedictine. We know of several families that have sent dozens, even scores, of their members through our doors. They, like the Gills, are legacy families whose roots help keep our schools thriving.
James Jr. ’69
J. Patrick ’72
Jeffrey ’77
Timothy ’81
Martha ’85
Richard ’86
James III ’06
Patrick ’02
Allyson ’04
Timothy Jr. ’14
Michael Pilot ’10
Morgan ’15
Elizabeth ’09
Erica ’05
Jeff ’07
Jack ’16
Josh Pilot ’13
Millicent ’17
Luke ’07
Kevin ’10
Caroline ’19
David Pilot ’15
Sam ’26
Daniel ’11
Amy ’13
Katie Pilot ’21
Noah ’28
Seth ’12
Erin ’15
“Daniel has a love for coaching and athletes that makes him an enthusiastic athletic administrator,” assessed Pochily. “Daniel always jumps right in to help, looks for solutions that best serve everyone involved, and most importantly, keeps our schools’ mission at the forefront of all that he does.” It is easy to attribute the foundation for Gill’s success to the strong character that he developed as a Cadet. The fact is, Benedictine may have helped put some finishing touches on a man of strong moral character and compassion. To wit: As part of the eighth-grade Daniel Gill’s application process for admission to Benedictine, he was asked to write an essay describing how he viewed himself at age 25. In response he wrote about being a successful coach and “the kind of coach who does not allow his players to goof off and get bad grades. I would also like to have a good reputation as a good person and a strong person.” The tender-hearted young man also penned, “I would like to run a disciplined program in which no one on my team ever got in trouble and [always] had good grades.” It is our contention that the 14-year-old Gill turned out to be quite clairvoyant. For, without doubt, today’s 29-year-old Gill checks off on every wish he had written in that essay.
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 23
cover story
faith. leadership. period.
24 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
BSOR’S NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUSES ON ITS PEOPLE
The recently unveiled strategic plan of the Benedictine Schools of Richmond stands out in one simple way: it is all about people. Specifically, it is about the people who compose the BSoR (Benedictine Schools of Richmond) community, albeit with a heavy focus on students and teachers. That approach differs significantly from strategic plans of years’ past. Those efforts were heavily focused on capital programs, and rightly so, as so much infrastructure needed to be built on the Goochland campus to enable the schools’ respective moves (Benedictine in 2013 and Saint Gertrude in 2020) from the Museum District. With the Gators set to move into a stunning new building and with both schools feeling comfortable in the finest high-school gymnasium in the state, wouldn’t it be time to just relax and enjoy the glow? “In the military, there is an expression: ‘Gain the initiative and keep the initiative,’” said BSoR President Jesse Grapes. “Right now, we have great enthusiasm in the parent and alumni communities, and enrollment is growing. People are asking us, ‘What’s next?’ We needed an exciting strategic plan that focused on our people and demonstrated a bold commitment to be the best schools in the region.” That focus on improvement will be directed at all things people-related. That desire is reflected in the name of
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 25
the plan: Faith + Leadership. While those two terms have always been part of the schools’ DNA, the plan represents a formal commitment to ensuring that they are front and center; that this strategic plan will help drive the entire community toward an environment where faith and leadership are not just part and parcel to everyday life at the schools, but they are primary drivers in everything that the faculty, staff, and students do within those schools. “One thing that was clear in the surveys we completed with parents, alumni, donors, and prospective parents: they all see a need in our society for leaders of character,” said Grapes. “We are uniquely structured as a Catholic school, and one that cares about leadership, to provide that singular opportunity for
young men and women. Hence, ‘Faith + Leadership’ just rose to the forefront as the synergizing themes and title of the strategic plan.”
Each of the 47 words that compose the statement do so with good reason: There is nothing superfluous here. It took the 47 members of the strategic planning committee (see list) a lot of time and debate to get it right. The vision statement serves as the driver for all the strategic plan’s goals, objectives, and action items. The achievement of those goals will make Benedictine and Saint Gertrude, the committee believes, the most attractive secondary schools in the Richmond marketplace for students and teachers.
A critical output of Faith + Leadership was the vision statement for the Benedictine Schools of Richmond: TO B E T H E S CHO O L S -O F -CHO I CE F OR ST U DE N T S A N D T E ACHE R S WHO ARE INS PI R E D TO E XCE L , DE V E LO P AS L E AD E R S , A N D GR OW I N T HE I R FAIT H ; A CO M M UN I T Y T HAT P R OV I DE S AC C E SS F O R A L L ST UDE N T S TO B E TAU G H T BY V I R GI N I A’S B E ST E DUCA TORS , B U I L DS YO UN G L E A DE R S O F C H AR ACT ER , A N D GLO R I F I E S GO D I N AL L T H INGS .
Those people-focused goals are directed toward three distinct, yet related, groups. Taken in aggregate, these groups compose the backbone
BSoR Strategic Plan Committee C O- C H AIR Mrs. Bridget Ryan Berman ’78 TRUSTEE C O- C H AIR Mr. Jesse Grapes BSOR PRESIDENT; BCP ’22 PARENT, SGHS ’26 PARENT FAC IL ITATOR A N D CO N S ULTA N T Dr. Keith Miller
Mrs. Theresa Bahen ’76
TRUSTEE, BCP ’04, ’07, ’17 PARENT
Dr. Jennifer Bigelow
FORMER BSOR ACADEMIC DEAN
Mr. Richard Boehling ’80
Mrs. Sheila Gervasoni ’73
Mrs. Buni Neighbors
Mrs. Paige Guedri Gill ’00 Mr. Thomas Glass
Mr. Toriano Philips ’90
FORMER SGHS TEACHER; SGHS ’08, ’09, ’13 PARENT
SGHS ’12, ’16 PARENT
BSOR DIRECTOR OF IT
Sr. Joanna Burley O.S.B.
Mrs. Cheryl Goddard ’80 Mr. Hilton Graham ’98 Mr. Cabell Harris ’77 Mrs. Anne Jamerson,
TRUSTEE
Fr. Brian Capuano Ms. Jennifer Carr ’16 Mrs. Mary Keegan Cheatham ’01 Mrs. Mika Coley
BSOR LEARNING SPECIALIST
FOUNDATION BOARD, BCP ’21 PARENT, SGHS ’22 PARENT FOUNDATION BOARD
Mrs. Amy Roussy Pickral ’95
SGHS HEAD OF SCHOOL; SGHS ’23, ’25 PARENT
Mrs. Lynn Rasch Mr. Steve Reardon ’80
TRUSTEE, FOUNDATION BOARD, BCP ’09 PARENT; SGHS ’10, ’11, ’12, ’15 PARENT
Mrs. Kristina Kerns
Mrs. Pam Royall Mr. Frank Russo
BG. Norvell V. Coots ’76
Mr. Chris LaCivita
Mr. Bill Doran ’92
Mr. Alex Schattner ’16 Mr. Del Smith ’01
Mr. Doug Legan
BCP ’16, ’19 PARENT; SGHS ’22, ’23 PARENT TRUSTEE
BCP TEACHER, COACH
Mrs. Amanda Esparza
FORMER ADMINISTRATOR AND TEACHER
Mrs. Robyn D’Onofrio
SGHS TEACHER AND COACH
Mr. Michael Falcone BCP ’24 PARENT
Mr. Patrick Gallagher ’00 Mr. Rodney Ganey ’69 TRUSTEE
FORMER BSOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS BCP ’18 PARENT, SGHS ’16 PARENT SGHS ’26 PARENT
Fr. Jonathan Licari O.S.B. TRUSTEE
Mr. Greg Lilly
BSOR DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Mr. Kevin McNamara ’74 TRUSTEE
Sr. Michaela Martinez O.P. Mr. Drew Mugford ’86
BSOR PRINCIPAL, BCP ’25 PARENT, SGHS ’13, ’16, ’19 PARENT
26 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
BCP ’24 PARENT
BCP HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Richard Smith ’88 FOUNDATION BOARD
Abbot Placid Solari ’70 O.S.B. FOUNDATION BOARD
Mr. Ken Sullivan
TRUSTEE, BCP ’15 PARENT; SGHS ’13, ’19 PARENT
Mr. Joseph R. Swedish ’69 TRUSTEE
Del. R. Lee Ware
TRUSTEE, FORMER BCP TEACHER
Sr. Andrea Westkamp O.S.B.
faith. leadership. period.
of the Benedictine community, so striving to improve their experience is the logical focus of the plan. They are: 1 Students. As schools informed by
the Benedictine charism, school leaders try to “listen” (the first word and instruction in the Rule of Saint Benedict) to their students. One thing that they have heard over the years during senior-year reflections and retreats is that some of the most valuable memories for students come from “experiences” that take place outside the classroom: meaningful retreats, right-of-passage ceremonies, fun and educational overseas trips, organized and “mandatory fun” with classmates, and (sometimes) even a bit of shared suffering. T he strategic plan pays particular attention to these comments by its focus on refined and developed leadership programs for the students, a class-specific overnight spiritual retreats program, and an organized service-immersion program that will place students in “real-life” opportunities for practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy. ost importantly, the schools have M set an endowment goal to create a perpetual endowed scholarship program that will allow any interested student to attend Benedictine or Saint Gertrude regardless of his or her family’s financial condition. The schools believe so much in what they are doing to form young leaders of character, they want to make enrollment available for any and all qualified applicants. “Our next campaign will be our most critical, because it will give any family that wants to send its children [to BSoR] the opportunity to do so,” said Greg Lilly, BSoR’s admission director. 2 Teachers. The schools’ focus is
to educate all qualified students, and they aim to do so with the best teachers in the region. A key component of recruiting and retaining the best comes in the form of compensation. Over the last 10 years, the schools have moved the needle on
“ The students are truly the beneficiaries of the efforts and planning...” — ANNE JAMERSON— B S O R L E A R N I N G S P E C I A L I S T, SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBER
faculty compensation. BSoR currently rewards its teachers with pay well above the Virginia Association of Independent Schools’ average pay (based on years of experience). “ Benedictine and Saint Gertrude don’t want to be merely above average,” said Grapes. “We want to be the best, which means recruiting and retaining the best teachers in the region. And that means providing the most attractive school culture and rewarding those with the top faculty compensation and benefits plan in the region. That is our goal.” T o accomplish this goal, the strategic plan sets out to create endowments focused on faculty compensation and professional development (continuing
education). “Last year, we achieved our first seven-figure endowment solely focused on faculty professional development,” noted Grapes. “This is just the beginning. Endowed academic departments and chairs, endowed faculty benefit programs, and more are on the horizon. It is teachers that make the education, inspire students, and create enduring memories. They deserve all our support.” “ I feel fortunate to work at a school that values its teachers,” said Ashley Lowry, who is completing her 12th year with Benedictine (and second with Saint Gertrude). “I think it’s great that we’re encouraged to continue our own education through professional development.” SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 27
Second-year teacher Mauricio Acosta could not agree more, noting, “It is important and a great step forward. It’s putting in the extra mile to make us better at what we do.” The desire to enhance an endowment dedicated to faculty and staff development resonates, not only with those who will benefit from it, but with the entire community. “As
an alumni community, I believe we have an important role to preserve, strengthen, and promote academic excellence,” said Joseph Swedish ’69, former Anthem CEO and member of the Advancement & Fundraising subcommittee. “A sustainable future emanates from an endowment built from the leadership of alumni generosity.”
3 Alumni. A part of the value prop-
osition for an alma mater is the reputation of the degree. The schools continue the advancement of the educational program at the highest level via advanced placement (AP – college credit courses) offerings for top students. The schools set a goal to increase these opportunities by 10 percent, which it will surpass in the first year of the plan, adding AP
“ Divergent Thinking; Unified Outcome” L A R G E A N D D I V E R S E G R O U P D E L I V E R S R E S U LT S In assembling the team responsible for the Benedictine Schools of Richmond’s new strategic plan, the idea was to go wide and deep. “We purposely chose diverse participants,” said Jesse Grapes. “We were seeking a range of options from the schools with the broadest stakeholder group possible.” A look at the lineup confirms just how wide and deep things went. Seemingly every conceivable interested party is represented on that roster: teachers at both schools, both current and past; parents of current students and parents of graduates; current staff members and former administrators; graduates from nearly every one of the past six decades; religious and laity; Cadet and Gator. In all, nearly 50 individuals contributed their expertise, knowledge, skills, and love of school by coming together and crafting a magnificent plan.
and think comprehensively about the schools,” said co-chair Bridget Ryan Berman ’78. “We needed to understand the strengths, challenges, and opportunities of today, while identifying our ambitions for the future.” Ryan Berman, the former CEO, corporate board director, and advisor, continued: “Once the strategic plan took shape, we leveraged the talents of several professional creative writers in the group to capture its essence in a vision statement that was both understandable and inspiring.” Ryan Berman’s assertion of inclusiveness is validated by a peek at the accompanying slate of participants. In it, you see a wide range of constituent types across a wide range of years. But there are several unifying traits: proficiency, experience, dedication, and determination, to name but a few.
Imagine trying to get 47 people to agree on something. Or to agree on anything, for that matter. Some groups of that size are unable to agree on the color of the sky. Compound that challenge with the fact that the “something” on which you are trying to gain consensus has to do with an institution that every one of those uniquely visioned 47 individuals loves dearly. Further complicating the task is the understanding that many on the list can be quite stubborn—with heads as hard as Superman’s kneecap.
Of course, a group that large had no hope of fitting into the Father Adrian Harmening, O.S.B. Boardroom, the normal location for such meetings. Instead, they gathered in the Mike and Bevin Kehoe Conference Center, which is part of the McMurtrie-Reynolds Pavilion. Then, when splitting into their subcommittees, the chairs would take their groups to rooms scattered around campus. Most meetings were held on Saturdays or in conjunction with Board of Trustees meetings.
Yet, the size of the group, its varied opinions and perspectives, its level of stubbornness, and its geographic diversity were overcome as the strategic planning committee produced a robust, targeted, and definitive plan, doing so over the course of a 15 months-long run. “It was helpful to take our time
The six subcommittees were: Academics, Advancement & Fundraising, Brand, Catholic Identity, Community & Culture, and Leadership. Each of the subcommittees aligned with one of the strategic pillars and was tasked with creating and articulating a goal specific to the supported pillar. They then
28 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
faith. leadership. period.
developed objectives, action plans, and deliverables for their respective goals.
(alums), Father Brian Capuano and Mika Coley (BCP ’16, ’19 Parent; SGHS ’22, ’23 Parent).
One of the most exciting action items that the Community & Culture subcommittee developed is the idea of implementing a transformational spiritual retreats program that promotes our Benedictine values, a personal relationship with Christ, and the development of school class identity (as it pertains to graduating year, such as junior or senior). “The [subgroup] was most interested in the idea of a retreat program as a shared experience,” noted Mugford. “It’s a brand-new idea for us.” “ We purposely chose diverse
A substantial portion of the plan was data-driven, a result of a massive survey of parents and loyal alumni. Best practices and experiences of peer institutions (such as Culver Academies, Indiana) were also examined for feasibility and applicability. Sub-committees leveraged the data and insights, as well as the knowledge and expertise of their members, to develop thorough plans for each goal.
There were also task forces dedicated to Communications, participants... We were seeking The subcommittees would report Data & Analysis, and Finance back to the larger strategic plan& Reporting that supported the a range of options from the ning committee, gain additional sub-committees’ work. In all schools with the broadest perspectives, and drive toward cases, “We were looking for a consensus. “There was a lot of balance of knowledge, new ideas, stakeholder group possible.” push and pull,” Ryan Berman and expertise,” stated Ryan — JESSE GRAPES— shared. “Each time we met, Berman. “The groups spent a lot B S O R P R E S I D E N T, C O M M I T T E E C O - C H A I R sub-committees would report to of time together in small breakout the larger group on its progress, sessions. There was great energy including what had recently changed, and why. It was importin the discussions and healthy debates that ultimately resulted ant that everyone involved felt they had an opportunity to have in impressive outcomes.” input on all aspects of the plan and its evolution over time.” Each of these groupings had between five and nine members, A plan, however well intended and composed, is only effective with membership assigned by logical inclusion (subject matter via implementation. “Handoff is critical,” stated Ryan Berman. knowledge, interest, etc.). “We had a good mix of people,” “Our intention is to stay engaged, understand how the plan is said Drew Mugford ’86, who chaired the Community & Culture working, and make any necessary changes, where appropriate.” subcommittee. “We wanted additional outside-the-building perspective in order to see things differently.” Indeed, And the level of satisfaction? “I give it a 10 out of 10,” said Mugford’s group included folks with a wide range of relationGrapes. ships to the schools: Toriano Phillips ’90 and PJ Gallagher ’00
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 29
courses in Comparative Government, Art History, and Physics in the fall of 2023. The schools also plan to make themselves more attractive to legacy students via enhancements to the aspects of the school that are near and dear to graduates’ hearts, especially the schools’ Catholic identity and leadership focus. On the faith side of the house, the schools will enhance focus on the charism of the Benedictine sisters and monks. This will include an emphasis on “community” and “listening” through an alumni speaker series, spiritual direction training for the faculty, and a return to a reading of the Bible in the traditional lectio divina method continuously practiced by the monks and sisters for 1500 years. Regarding leadership, a characteristic for which the schools’ graduates have long been known, a massive investment in leadership development programs is underway. Saint Gertrude’s girl-specific leadership program is being designed after years of research and benchmarking, and it will come with a goal of becoming the top young women’s leadership development program in the country. Benedictine will, likewise, be enhancing its military leadership program with a particular focus on a curriculum that will embrace additional styles of leadership, including those more focused on business and entrepreneurship, where many graduates have made their mark. The people-focus of the strategic plan has the community excited. “The students are truly the beneficiaries of the efforts and planning; they will benefit from a strong academic program, as well as from increased educational support services that will address individualized academic support, college readiness and career awareness, and the socio-emotional needs of our students,” said Anne Jamerson, BSoR learning specialist and a member of the strategic plan’s academic
subcommittee. “With all the goals being rooted in Benedictine values, Benedictine Schools of Richmond is looking forward to offering an educational experience that will foster growth in academics, faith, and leadership.” All six strategic categories—and all the objectives in support of them—point to a single-minded purpose: strengthening the faith and leadership profiles of the students we graduate. “We have invested a lot of money into our campuses over the past few years,” said committee member Steve Reardon ’80. “This is an investment in making sure that we deliver solid academic programs, practical and hands-on leadership programs, and faith-filled moral and character development programs.” Of course, future benefits are anticipated. “There are no other schools like BSoR in Central Virginia, and it is time for us to make that clear in the market” said Buni Neighbors, a parent of graduates of both schools and a member of the strategic plan’s brand subcommittee. “We need to eliminate misguided assumptions about who we are and who we are not. This is our moment to put our stake in the ground that we are the best option for serving young women and men through single-gender education, based in Catholic values.”
30 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
From an outsider’s perspective, Benedictine and Saint Gertrude have both undergone tremendous transformations during the past several years. The new strategic plan will be equally transformative but will mostly be felt from the inside as the schools grow into that shared mission statement. “It’s nice to be able to turn around and focus on the programs and the people over the next decade,” said Grapes. “This planning process has allowed us to envision greatness.”
faith. leadership. period.
WWW.BENEDICTINESCHO O LS. O RG / ABO UT/STRATEGIC-PLA N
FAITH + LEADERSHIP
goals and objectives
— BSOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM — STRATEGIC GOAL:
Graduate men and women of character who are leaders — OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY — STRATEGIC GOAL:
“ This is an investment in making sure that we deliver solid academic programs, practical and hands-on leadership programs, and faithfilled moral and character development programs.” — STEVE REARDON ’80 — COMMITTEE MEMBER
Develop Catholics who understand and practice the faith and impart to all students an appreciation of faith in their lives — BSOR ACADEMICS — STRATEGIC GOAL:
Implement and showcase a distinguished and appealing academic program complimented by support services rooted in Benedictine values — COMMUNITY AND CULTURE — STRATEGIC GOAL:
Create an environment of unity and engagement between students, faculty, staff, and alumni — THE BSOR BRAND — STRATEGIC GOAL:
To enhance BSoR’s competitive position among families’ high school options — ADVANCEMENT AND FUNDRAISING — STRATEGIC GOAL:
Create a self-sustaining financial model that supports the schools’ capital, student access, and faculty development goals while reducing reliance on annual fundraising initiatives
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 31
community snapshots
ACADEMICS
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ALUMNI
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 33
community snapshots
ATHLETICS
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HOMECOMING
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 35
community snapshots
MILITARY LIFE
36 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
SPIRITUAL LIFE
STUDENT LIFE
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 37
alumni headliners Cadets can be found in leadership positions throughout the country and around the globe who are impactful agents for change in their homes and in their communities. The five Benedictine alumni featured on the following pages are certainly no exception – each living out his own passion and serving God faithfully no matter the path taken.
38 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
BLAKE SMITH ’19
selflessly serving others who cannot fight for themselves During his youth, Blake Smith ’19 faced hardships in academics. In fact, he considered himself the troubled kid who was unable to succeed academically. But attending Benedictine changed all that. Smith was inspired by those around him who had served in the military, particularly his football coach and journalism teacher. For the first time in his life, he felt like he had someone in his corner, believing in him, and encouraging him to take on new leadership roles. Claiming that Benedictine saved his life and set the foundation for his future success, Smith learned to become a more disciplined scholar, a confident leader, and a humble servant of his faith. In addition to the importance of working as a team and an appreciation of the brotherhood, he was shown he could achieve and grow more than he ever realized and was given the confidence to believe in himself. It was Smith’s sister, who was born with severe physical and mental disabilities, however, who gave him the inspiration and desire to serve in the military. Her disabilities gave him an understanding of his God-given abilities and inspired him to want to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. This desire, combined with his experience at Benedictine, led him to the Virginia Military Institute. And after years of hard work, perseverance, and discipline, it all paid off on April 19, 2022, when Smith was commissioned as First Captain and Regimental Commander (RCO) for the 183rd Regiment at VMI, the highest-ranking position a cadet can earn. As (RCO), he was responsible for the conduct, discipline, training, and operations of the entire Corps of Cadets regiment. Smith’s life has certainly come full circle. Once someone who needed the extra nudge is now the person leading and motivating others to be the best versions of themselves. After graduating, Smith took those leadership skills and his resilient faith in God as he commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps.
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 39
JOSE CESAR VARGAS ’06 a pilgrimage of service and protecting the vulnerable Jose Cesar Vargas has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010, he worked in public service for nearly eight years, first as a probation officer and then as a police officer. However, in 2019 Vargas made a career change and transitioned to long-term healthcare administration and later earned his master’s in public administration in 2021. Seeking to broaden his expertise, Vargas attained a certification as an Assisted Living Administrator and Certified Dementia Practitioner. And now Vargas’s current role is administrator at Saint Francis—Manchester where he has been for the past three years. Saint Francis is an assisted living community that was founded by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond in 1973 and whose mission is to serve those with limited financial means. Vargas manages the dayto-day operations, all while promoting the welfare and dignity of all residents. He is the senior-level contact for escalation of concerns of residents and their families, as well as for managing personnel matters. In addition to ensuring a dignified life at Saint Francis, his greatest motivation and inspiration comes from seeing residents and staff happy and enjoying their stay. Vargas acknowledges his most memorable career moment was when he was a police officer and assisted paramedics in rendering life-saving support to resuscitate an overdose victim. One lesson Vargas has learned along the way is to never take any situation for granted, as time is our vital asset. He lives one day at a time thankful for his extended Saint Francis family and his wife of 12 years, along with their six children. Vargas’s wife, Miesha, teaches health, theology, and Spanish at the Benedictine Schools of Richmond. As a member of the Benedictine class of 2006, Vargas learned the qualities of leadership, humility, and obedience and credits his theology teacher, Bill Doran ’92, for laying the foundation for his faith and having had an enormous impact on him during his tenure as a Cadet and as a future husband and father.
40 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
JOHN TELLMANN ’97 worthy of trust and confidence After graduating college in August 2001, and while working in the private sector, 9/11 happened. John Tellmann was doing well in the private sector but felt called to serve his country and his community. He joined the Tucson (Arizona) Police Department while the long, complicated, and volatile application process for the Secret Service ran its course. Two years later the Service came calling. Tellmann’s career with the Secret Service has afforded him many incredible opportunities including witnessing moments in history, visiting countless foreign countries, and traveling on the most uniquely identified aircraft. He has had the fortune of protecting three sitting presidents (and their families) and two former presidents. With high demands, extreme and consistent travel requirements, pace of work, and lack of control over one’s schedule when assigned full time to a protective detail, Tellmann discovered his greatest challenge was maintaining an adequate work life balance. Thus, despite the grandeur of all those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, the most memorable moment of Tellmann’s career was the opportunity to take his parents to the annual Christmas party at the White House. When asked about Benedictine, Tellmann will say that is where his sense of service and pride in his country was born and thus had a direct impact on the rest of his life. Tellmann is currently nearing the end of his career with the Secret Service as part of the protective detail for President Biden. At the conclusion, he plans to move to Wyoming and finish his career investigating financial crimes and managing any protective visits to the state. Tellmann praises his wife of twelve years for her strength and resiliency raising their four children while he has been serving our country. He’s looking forward to moving the family out west and slowing life down. As a product of Catholic education and with two Gertie sisters (Patty ’94 and Valerie ’00), he has often thought about giving back to the Catholic school system through teaching or some other contribution.
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 41
HUNTER HANKLEY ’00 roots run deep
After graduation from Benedictine in 2000, Hunter Hankley and a classmate moved to the Outer Banks. The next ten months he spent scraping by at minimum wage, thus convincing himself to pursue a career with some room for advancement. He returned to Chesterfield County and was working for the First Tee of Richmond when one day a mentor gave him some advice that would change his life: “If you want to make it in the golf business, you need to get a degree.” A few years later, Hankley earned a degree in turf and turfgrass management and was recently appointed head superintendent at The Foundry Golf Club. But it appears that golf course management was his destiny all along, as Hankely has been around the business his whole life. Hankley’s father Vince, a 43-year GCSAA member, is the superintendent at Country Club of Petersburg, and his uncle, retired Foundry Golf Club superintendent Tildon Hankley, both forged the path. However, it was Coach Joe Arnold who played a large part in who Hankley is these days. Hankley credits Coach for his willingness to take the time to help him succeed at Benedictine, and he now takes that same personal approach when dealing with his own employees. Working hard to achieve the things he wants in life and the importance of accepting constructive criticism are a few lessons Hankley also learned while attending Benedictine that he has carried forward along life’s journey. Every day, Hankley strives to make the golf course better through renovations, hard work, and dedication with the objective of having one of the best golf courses in Virginia. When not on the golf course, Hankley enjoys traveling, judging powerlifting competitions, and spending time with his wife, Shel.
42 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
ADAM KIJEK ’91
soaring to new heights When Adam “Kujo” Kijek saw the movie “Top Gun” in middle school, he realized he wanted to fly. What began as a dream for the son of a career military veteran evolved into a life of service. From Captain of “B” Company while at Benedictine, to flying missions in the P3 Orion over Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, to being appointed a Rear Admiral in May 2021, to the 40th Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (CPRG and CPRG Pacific) in the United States Navy, Kujo has lived his life committed to leading and serving others. Serving people, serving God, and serving the nation are his greatest passions. He thanks God every morning when he wakes up for the opportunity to get up and do it again, to “make it matter,” and to make a difference. After graduating in 1995 from the Naval Academy, receiving his “Wings of Gold” in 1997, and earning a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College, Kujo continued to serve in larger roles for the Navy. These days, Kujo is in command of all the maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces that the US Navy has to offer. The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force is the Navy’s primary provider of long-range airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, and Maritime ISR forces. Comprised of more than 6,100 men and women on both coasts, the force deploys continuously around the world 24/7, 365 days a year. Kujo credits Father Donald and Father Ludwig, from his days at Benedictine, as huge influences, “that, just absolutely, kind of carved out that spot in my soul that made sure I was going to be a Catholic for life and what the faith meant for me, transformative of who I am today.” A few lessons he learned at Benedictine, that he realizes now, are having a root in faith and the bond of brotherhood with a group of friends that buoy you when you are feeling down. Kujo has come to realize life is a continuous campaign of learning, centered on his Catholic faith. Wife Allison, the heart of the family, has been Kujo’s co-pilot/wingman throughout his entire naval journey. In addition to a pair of Labrador retrievers, the couple also has two sons. When he’s not working out, waterfowl hunting, bow hunting (for deer), or reading, you may find Kujo wearing a ball cap sitting in a lawn chair just being a baseball dad. In his spare time, he enjoys watching both of his sons soar to new heights. SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 43
What is OUR
[endowment?]
Gifts to our endowment “keep on giving” as they are invested, grow over time, and support both current and future needs, such as financial aid and faculty development. Dear Benedictine and Saint Gertrude Families: Together we have just launched a momentous academic year with the dedication of Saint Gertrude’s new school, culminating the Centennial celebration! Benedictine College Preparatory is getting ready to graduate its largest senior class since 2015 and we have exceeded our forecasted enrollment numbers with more than 140 first-year students between the two schools. Thanks to your personal involvement, prayer and support, the present is bright, indeed! How do we ensure such advancements continue long into the future? The Board of Trustees has identified various top priority needs— among them are these two: increase student access through scholarships and financial aid
and
recruit, retain and develop highperforming teachers.
Because of good stewards like you, we have two endowed funds that have begun to address these needs: The Father Adrian Education Fund and The Sister Charlotte Lange Education Fund named in honor of two remarkable figures in our history. Last year, we distributed $3.4 million dollars in financial aid and scholarships, which met 77% of the total financial need of our students. So, we are dedicating annual giving to grow these education funds to support our students and teachers. With your help, we can provide access to any qualified student, and support faculty and academic excellence. Please join us in considering an outright contribution, a multi-year pledge or a tax-advantaged planned gift. Kindly use the enclosed envelope to note your wishes. Thank you for this and for all you have done for Benedictine Schools of Richmond. Cordially,
JE SSE G RAPES
M ARY E L L E N ST U MPF ’ 7 0
W. J E F F R E Y K UHN ’ 7 4
Benedictine Schools of Richmond, President
Sister Charlotte Lange Education Fund, Chair
Father Adrian Education Fund, Chair
44 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
— — The endowment is a crucial part of retaining and attracting the best educators in the field. When faculty members feel valued and can also continue their education in myriad ways the school community is more vibrant and successful. A S H L E Y L O W R Y , D E A N O F F A C U LT Y
— — Each day I see smiling students in the hallway who I know would not be in the schools without the support of our donors. These students are happy to be here, and they are flourishing. I know what we are doing is making a difference. D R E W M U G F O R D , B S O R P R I N C I PA L
For more information about how you can give,
Make a gift today to support BSoR’s Endowment
pledge, or plan a deferred gift, contact: Director of Scholarship Giving, Kristina Pudner kpudner@benedictineschools.org [804-708-9581] GIVE NOW
SU MME R 2 0 2 3 • 45
l i c n r i g c ba
Circle back, flip the magazine and turn to page 44 for combined class notes for Benedictine and Saint Gertrude.
46 • T H E TOWE R S MAGA Z INE • BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
k c