The Beacon - Summer 2018

Volume 37, No. 2 Summer 2018

Integrity and Hard Work Rewarded

Pig & Chicken Roast and Fall Fest Fundraiser — Homecoming Weekend

Saturday, September 29, 2018 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Annual OBAA sponsored Pig & Chicken Roast Featuring the Fall Fest Fundraiser sponsored by SJNMA: • Festive social atmosphere • Fun games and activities • Silent auction items

• Raffles • Sponsorships available

Farrand Hall Gymnasium – Entrance is FREE! Pig & Chicken Roast: $20 adult; Free for children 10 and under; Cadets eat as part of their regular meal plan. Visit www.sjnma.org/event-registration.cfm to register. Proceeds benefit the Old Boys Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

Fall Fest Fundraiser: Proceeds benefit the Academy’s Annual Fund. Watch for more details at www.bidpal.net/sjnma.

Call (262) 646-7289 to help acquire auction items, discuss an auction item donation, or be an event sponsor.

Chicago • March 16, 2019 Join fellow alumni, families and friends for the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Academy will provide free parking at Plumbers’ Hall and bus transportation from the hall to the parade meeting area. After the parade, join the Academy at Plumbers’ Hall for a reception. Cost is $20 per adult, and $10 for children 12 and under; cadets eat free.

Volunteers are welcome. Contact the alumni office at (262) 646-7220 or akopaczewski@sjnma.org for details.

For tickets and details, visit www.sjnma.org/event-registration.cfm.

At the SJNMA Cadet Store, we supply cadets with items for their everyday needs as well as each component of their custom uniforms to ensure uniformity among the Corps of Cadets.

The SJNMA Cadet Store is your first place for official SJNMA logo wear and specialty gifts. We have custom items for our alumni and cadets as well as family and friends.

All major credit cards accepted.

PHONE (262)

646-7133

EMAIL cadetstore@sjnma.org

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Full House at West Point and Counting Four cadets from St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy were enrolled at the United States Military Academy at West Point as of May 2018 with one cadet in each grade level. The SJNMA class of 2018 battalion commander will be attending there in fall 2018. Over a five-year period from Wisconsin high schools, SJNMA holds the record of cadets who enrolled at West Point.

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

Editor-in-Chief Jaime L. Buege

Contributors Olivia Heckel LTC Jim Kebisek H2008 SSG Theresa Klosinski Peg Koller H2017 Anita Kopaczewski H2009 Stephen Matz Nicole Rutherford Cindy A. Trione

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SJNMA Celebrates 100 Years of Piping St. John’s Northwestern reached a milestone of 100 years of piping in September 2017, which began in September 1917 at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy with a lone cadet piper from Scotland. In 1995, NMNA brought the piping program to St. John’s Military Academy when the two schools merged. The program has become a tremendous asset to the Academy with nearly 40 cadets in the program today.

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Commencement Weekend 2018 St. John’s Northwestern celebrated the Senior Class of 2018 with a weekend of activities. The SJNMA Band, Men’s Choir, and The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA held a music performance on May 25, 2018, followed by seniors laying bricks with their names at Noble Victory Memorial Chapel and the traditional Class Stone Ceremony. On May 26, the 134th Corps of Cadets held a formal parade followed by the final formation of the Corps, Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Exercises.

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy 1101 Genesee St., Delafield, WI 53018 (800) 752-2338 www.sjnma.org The Beacon is published two times per year by the Advancement Department of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. The editorial staff welcomes your ideas and comments.

Please submit correspondence to the editor at jbuege@sjnma.org.

Board of Trustees Jack H. Albert Jr. D.Min., Academy President Dr. Crain Bliwas N1965, Chair Joe LaRocca N1969, Vice Chair Fred Leach S1974, Vice Chair Bard Boand N1967, Secretary Michael F. Henn H2016, Treasurer

Members Bob Bramlett S1970 Lee Breitkopf S1973 Andrew Filipowski S1968 Joseph Giammanco N1970 Bill Hummel N1968 Charles Krametbauer S1978 Anthony Lazzara S1948 John Leone The Rt. Rev. Steven Miller Kenneth Schneider Kathy Snodell H2018 Lilah Stangeland H1999 Victor E. Treviño S1958 John D. Wietzel S1964

Departments

2 This Side 3 Front & Center 16 Esprit de Corps ­—

Senior Speech and College Choices

18 Development Update 22 Giving Thanks 23 Old Boys Alumni Association

24 Alumni Office Update 26 Reunion 2018 28 Inspiring Alumni 30 Alumni News 33 Military Men in Service 34 Taps 36 Preserving History

On the Cover First Captain John M. Johnson IV 2018 smiles at the audience as he prepares to give the valedictorian speech during Commencement Exercises on May 26, 2018.

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This Side

Office of the President St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy Our Mission: St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy immerses young men in a culture of leadership that inspires personal growth through a commitment to excellence in Academics, Spiritual and Character Development, Athletics, and our Military Traditions.

One of the things I have always appreciated about schoolwork is the ability to start over again following the close of an academic session. While new beginnings are often needed and can be refreshing, they can also be challenging taking into new territory and causing us to look at old habits and the ways we do things. While we can repair the broken and add to the successful when we are able to pause and regroup, we are sometimes cautious and even fearful when we leave the path of familiarity.

Having said this, remember the phrase that is well tread, but certainly true, “Continuing to do the same things over and over again while expecting different results, may truly be the sign of insanity.” In this spirit we now pause, refocus and begin our planning for the 2018-2019 year.

There are many good and exciting challenges ahead for us this next year. This summer, we will initiate the enrollment of females into our programs and we will begin the new session with changes in the academic dean’s office and the commandant’s office. Change brings new ideas and the refining of existing programs that traditionally help us to grow and succeed.

This renewal of which I speak can also be a time of review of our own personal goals and growth prospects. Let us take time this summer to grasp new visions or refurbish an old effort we might have let go because of discouragement, time or even simple laziness. Let us all think of where we want to be physically, mentally and spiritually one year from this day. May we be intentional in our efforts to bridge the obstacles that may have blocked our efforts this year; now is a time to begin anew. Godspeed in your new journey.

Jack H. Albert Jr. D.Min. H2015

In Memoriam As much as I love the work I do and consider the opportunities I have had to assist or guide young people and their families, there have been times in my career when I have asked, “Why am I doing this work?” Over the years, something or someone reminds me.

Recently, I received a visit from the father of one of our alumni, Gregory Halquist, who attended the Academy for three years and graduated in 2013. Greg was always quietly pleasant and a good young man in our Corps of Cadets. Greg had played in our marching band and his talent has been missed. After graduation, he went to Valparaiso University.

Sorrowfully, Greg died last year leaving all who knew him a great void. His father presented a gift to the Academy in Greg’s memory and in doing so, related to me how pleased he was that his son had found purpose, organization and positive experiences at St. John’s Northwestern, providing Greg’s family with enduring memories of time well spent. One needs to say nothing else to explain the purpose of the Academy, and thus provide very clearly why we do what we do. The gift was well received and appreciated, yet the message was precious beyond price.

Yearbook photo of Gregory Halquist 2013

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

Front & Center

Young Women Experience Cadet Life in Summer Success Program From June 13 to 15, 2018, we had the opportunity to serve the aspirations of 17 young women from varying ages and backgrounds interested in learning about St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. The Summer Success program helped to display what cadets should expect while attending St. John’s Northwestern.

Some of the training they received were classes on proper uniform wear, female hair standards, cadet room set up, drill and ceremonies, and mess procedures. The young women also had the opportunity to rappel, climb the rock wall, conquer the obstacle course, and participate in multiple team-building activities. These young women were given tasks and performed them to the best of their abilities. Some of them came because they wanted to participate in the program. Some of the young women came because they were guided by an adult in their life.

Regardless of the reasons why they attended, the program was an overall success. Having the young women on campus for a few days before actually enrolling at the Academy helped open their horizon of what should be expected at St. John’s Northwestern or in life in general.

By providing the young women with tools and resources, they were shown how St. John’s Northwestern could truly change them as a whole. Even if they don’t return as future cadets, they left the Summer Success program with new attitudes and new perspective on life. We believe that each and every female left the program with a better attitude than they came with as well as goals to achieve in their future. We are excited to welcome some of these girls back for the summer school program as well as the fall academic program. We are also excited to meet more young women and set the bar high for our inaugural year of enrollment for female cadets.

Young women in the Summer Success program had the opportunity to climb the rock wall (ABOVE RIGHT) and participate in team-building exercises on the obstacle course (BELOW RIGHT).

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Full House at West Point and Counting “ SJNMA is the only high school in Wisconsin with a graduate in every class, including the Class of 2022. ... This is a great testament to the academic program and leadership development training of SJNMA.” — Major General Paul Lima, U.S. Army (Retired), Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Wisconsin

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lthough personal growth in self-discipline, character and leadership are some of the attributes St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy is well-known for instilling in its cadets, the reasons that initially drew them to the Academy are many and diverse. However, one common reason that frequently surfaces is an interest in pursuing a military career of some type.

As the JROTC senior Army instructor for the past 25 years, I have had the honor and pleasure of helping many of our graduates pursue both service academy appointments and ROTC scholarships for all services. In fact, in reviewing a list of our graduates over the past 25 years, there has been a total of 31 service academy appointments that were awarded to our graduates: 23 at United States Military Academy (USMA) at West

Point, New York; three at United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; two at United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and three at United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Although an accurate count of ROTC scholarships offered during that same time period is difficult to determine, I would suspect that somewhere in the range of 100 to 120 would be a good estimate.

In consideration of graduating class size during this period ranging from a high of 107 in 1998 to a low of 46 in 2008 plus the fact that 12 to 15 percent of each class included international students not qualified for appointments or military scholarships, our success of military academy appointments and ROTC scholarships awards is noteworthy.

SJNMA alumni attending the United States Military Academy at West Point are (left to right) Christopher Slosar 2017, Jacob Kelley 2016, Paddy Zhang 2015 and Christopher Wagner 2013.

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West Point Alumni

As of May 2018, four St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy alumni were attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the SJNMA class of 2018 battalion commander accepted an appointment to attend there in fall 2018.

LTC Jim Kebisek, U.S. Army (Retired), JROTC senior Army instructor at SJNMA, frequently receives updates from the alumni about their education, accomplishments and experiences at West Point. He reached out to them for this article.

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First Captain John M. Johnson IV 2018 accepted an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point in fall 2018.

Christopher Wagner 2013 is sworn in as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point

“ ... the key component to the successful cadet is that they themselves set the goal of an appointment—not their parents.”

— LTC Jim Kebisek In 2002, there were three graduates at two different service academies at the same time, two at Annapolis and one at West Point. Today, our successes are exceeding anything accomplished in the past. This past year, for what I believe is the first time in Academy history, SJNMA graduates had a full house at West Point: Christopher Slosar 2017 completed his first year (West Point “Plebe Year”); Jacob Kelley 2016 completed his second year (West Point “Yuc Year”); Paddy Zhang 2015 completed his third year (West Point “Cow Year”); and Christopher Wagner 2013 completed his fourth year (West Point “Firstie Year”) and graduated in May 2018 as an infantry second lieutenant bound for Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. This fall, John M. Johnson IV 2018 will join the three remaining alumni at West Point, continuing to give SJNMA a full house there.

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In addition to academy appointments, the class of 2018 had a total of $750,000 in U.S. Army scholarships awarded to eight of our graduates: Benjamin Kelley (University of WisconsinWhitewater), Alexander Moore (Iowa State University), Brandon Prevo (Northwestern University), Timothy Prevo II (American University), Griffin Rooke (Marquette University), Ian Staudenmaier (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse), Jordan Varghese (Loyola University), and John Johnson was offered a scholarship to Marquette University, but declined it for his appointment to West Point.

There is one question I am often asked, “Is there something special about cadets who seek service academy appointments and then actually obtain one?” After 25 years of experience working with these types of cadets, my answer is the same, “Yes there is.” Although many cadets tell

me they are interested, and in many cases cadet parents tell me that their son is interested in pursuing a service academy appointment, the key component to the successful cadet is that they themselves set the goal of an appointment—not their parents. When parents request that I remind their cadet of a certain suspense or action that has not been completed, in most cases appointments are not forthcoming. The driving force has to be the cadet himself.

A question recently posed to our SJNMA alumni at West Point was, “How did SJNMA prepare you to succeed at West Point?” Speaking on behalf of the other three SJNMA alumni, 2LT Wagner said, “St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy definitively provided us with a strong foundation and prepared us for success. It provided an edge above our peers going into the USMA. When we

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

“ When we entered the Academy our plebe (freshman) year, we were miles ahead of our peers in both overall military knowledge and social awareness of how to conduct ourselves in the military.”

— 2LT Chris Wagner entered the Academy our plebe (freshman) year, we were miles ahead of our peers in both overall military knowledge and social awareness of how to conduct ourselves in the military. While our peers spent time learning how the Army works, we could focus on getting ahead on academics and making strides in other areas of the academy. In addition, SJNMA taught us personal drive, self-discipline, time management, and strong study habits.” He believes that self-discipline is the key to success. “At any college, you must manage your own schedule and obligations. There are no teachers or parents to keep you on track, so you had better have it when you arrive or else you won’t make it.”

Major General Paul Lima, U.S. Army (Retired), is the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Wisconsin and is a great resource in assisting SJNMA cadets in attaining

their goal of a USMA appointment. He provided some insightful information in regard to SJNMA cadets seeking West Point admissions. Reviewing statewide statistics for the past five years of cadets who applied to West Point (graduating classes of 2018 through 2022): • 781 candidates opened admissions files throughout the state of Wisconsin • 283 candidates received congressional nominations • 89 cadets entered West Point In reviewing the acceptance statistics over the same five-year period from Wisconsin high schools for those 89 candidates who entered West Point: • 72 high schools had at least one cadet • 61 high schools had only one cadet • 8 high schools had two cadets • 3 high schools had more than two cadets • SJNMA holds the record with five cadets

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

General Lima stated, “I believe this tells the whole story—SJNMA is the only high school in Wisconsin with a graduate in every class, including the Class of 2022. Your graduates are doing well and taking advantage of the education available to them. This is a great testament to the academic program and leadership development training of SJNMA.” Now as we are about to move into a new era at SJNMA, which will include female cadets, the new question at hand is, “How long will it be before an SJNMA female cadet wins an appointment to West Point or one of the three service academies?” While we do not know the answer, the entire faculty and staff of SJNMA look forward to that day!

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SJNMA Celebrates THIS PAGE LEFT: Cadets show their finger dexterity on a Highland Bagpipe chanter during an SJNMA concert.

BELOW: The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA celebrate the 100th anniversary of piping at the Academy with a special ceremony in Noble Victory Memorial Chapel on January 26, 2018. Special guests from NMNA, where piping began, included (center front row, left to right) Bill Hummel N1968, Bard Boand N1967, Christine Jacobson Brookes, and Joe LaRocca N1969.

OPPOSITE PAGE FAR RIGHT: Robert Paul “Robbie” Robertson N1922 was the first cadet piper at Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, 1919.

BELOW RIGHT: The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA perform during the Field of Flags Ceremony on October 6, 2017.

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100th Anniversary of Piping

100 Years of Piping S

eptember 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of piping at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, which began in September 1917 with a lone cadet piper from Scotland.

Born in Dumbarton, Scotland, Robert Paul “Robbie” Robertson was the son of Charles and Mary Robertson and had two older sisters, Mary and Alice.

Mr. Robertson was a colour sergeant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a prestigious position in the British Army, and ended his military career as a drill sergeant. He passed away in September 1904 when Robbie was six months old, Mary was age seven, and Alice was age five.

From ages nine to 12, Robbie attended Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, Scotland, a boarding school funded by the Ministry of Defence for children of Armed Forces personnel that gave priorities to families of Scottish regiments. In August 1917, he emigrated to the United States of America by ship with his mother and sisters with the destination of Chicago, Illinois, where his mother’s sister resided.

On September 19, 1917, Robbie enrolled in Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

With the help of Colonel Royal Page Davidson N1889, headmaster of NMNA who was of proud Scottish descent, Cadet

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Robertson joined the band as a lone piper.

The following year, a field music unit was formed with him and two drummers, and a tradition began. Cadet Robertson graduated from NMNA in 1922. He became a professional piper, making an appearance at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair and leading Chicago’s Indoor Piping Ensemble. He passed away on November 28, 1990, at age 86.

In 1995, one cadet piper from Northwestern Military and Naval Academy transferred to St. John’s Military Academy when the two schools merged to form St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Today, the piping program consists of nearly 40 cadets, due in great part to Pipe Major Brian Donaldson who has successfully grown the program since he joined the Academy in August 2012. From Cardenden, Scotland, Pipe Major Donaldson’s father taught him to play the pipes and at a young age, he played with the world famous Dysart and Dundonald Pipe Band. He also he served an apprenticeship as a bagpipe maker. In 1978, he enlisted in the Scots Guards, British Army and four years later, he passed his pipe majors course at the Army School of Piping at Edinburgh Castle. After serving in the Falklands War, he was posted to the Army School of Piping as an instructor for three years.

In 1998, he became Pipe Major at the Army training regiment in Glencorse.

He served 22 years at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming in Edinburgh. Throughout his military career, he has become one of the most renowned pipers in the British Army and has received numerous awards.

In January 2018, SJNMA celebrated the 100th anniversary of piping with a special ceremony on campus. Christine Jacobson

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Brookes, daughter of The Rev. James Howard Jacobson, president of NMNA from 1944 to 1972, was among the Academy’s special guests. Mrs. Brookes said, “I grew up with the field music pipe and drum corps of NMNA, and I’m thrilled that, after the merger, The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA emerged.

I was honored to be part of the 100th anniversary ceremony, and hope for the continued growth and success of this grand tradition that is such an integral part of the Academy today.”

In addition to offering bagpipes as a fine arts course, cadets in The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA perform at parades and community events, and participate in national competitions. In early 2018, three cadet pipers received awards for several solo competitions. At the Midwest Pipe Band Association Regional Solos Contest in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, on March 3, Cadet Clayton Nelson 2022, junior piping, received first place in 2/4 March while Cadets Anders Rhode 2019, grade 4 piping, and Benjamin Tanke 2019, junior piping, placed second in 2/4 March. This was first competition for the cadets and they qualified to compete in the finals at the Terry McHugh Memorial Solo Piping Contest in Park Ridge, Illinois, on April 21. There, Cadet Tanke placed first, becoming the 2018 Midwest Junior Champion, and Cadet Nelson placed second in 2/4 March. They also competed in the Arkansas Scottish Festival at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, on April 14. Cadet Rhode placed first in Slow Air, third in 2/4 March, fourth in Piobaireachd (Pibroch), and fifth in Strathspey and Reel. Cadet Nelson placed first in Slow Air, second in 2/4 March, and second in Piobaireachd.

Cadet Tanke placed third in Slow Air and third in 2/4 March.

All three cadet pipers also were introduced to and played with the Peel Regional Police Pipe Band (Grade 5) in Toronto, Canada, and at their inaugural indoor competition with the band on March 31, they won first prize. Cadet Tanke competed with the band on June 9 where they took second place out of 10 bands. He also has been competing with The Muir of Ord tune in the 2/4 March novice junior competition.

Cadet Nelson competed in the Alma College Highland Games in Alma, Michigan, on May 26 and 27, placing first in 2/4 March with the Hugh Kennedy tune. He also placed first in 2/4 March and fourth in Piobaireachd at the Milwaukee Highland Games in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 2.

Cadet Rhode has been competing with the Father John Macmillan of Bara tune in the grade 4 novice 2/4 March competition.

The piping program has proven to be a tremendous asset to St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy under the leadership of a renowned piper and with cadet pipers who continuously perform very well, and has helped to preserve and honor a Northwestern Military and Naval Academy tradition for 100 years. We look forward to the tradition continuing for many more!

Special thanks to Christine Jacobson Brookes for providing historical information on Cadet Robert Robertson N1922.

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

RIGHT: (left to right) Cadets Clayton Nelson 2022, Anders Rhode 2019 and Benjamin Tanke 2019 at the Midwest Pipe Band Association Regional Solos Contest on March 3, 2018. (Photo by Sylvia Minnis, mother of Cadet Nelson) FAR RIGHT: Pipe Major Brian Donaldson BeLOW: The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA perform at the Arkansas Scottish Festival on April 14, 2018. (Photo by Charles Craig, father of Cadet Zachary Craig 2018)

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Commencement Weekend 2018 1

COMMENCEMENT Music Performance — May 25, 2018: 1: The SJNMA Band performs for families and friends.

2: Cadets Benjamin Tanke 2018 (left) and

Jackson Milgrim 2022 perform with The Pipes and Drums of SJNMA. 3: (left to right) Cadets Franklin Schreurs 2019, Gabriel Rutherford 2018 and Douglas Kirkhofer 2019 perform with Dan Brill, piping instructor.

4: (left to right) Cadets Dakota Stewart 2018, Sung Hwa Yoon 2018 and Yuxuan Zhang 2018 perform with the SJNMA Band.

Class Stone Ceremony — May 25, 2018:

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5: The senior class sings the Academy’s alma mater, “Amici,” around the 2018 class stone.

6: Cadet Charles Rosen 2018 lays a brick with his name on it outside Noble Victory Memorial Chapel.

Senior Luncheon — May 26, 2018: 7: Cadets Charles Normark 2018 (left) and Peter

Hill 2018, roommates their senior year, pose for a photo outside the president’s house.

8: Cadet Oluwadamilola Ogunmodede 2018 with his parents, Wale and Shade Ogunmodede, and sisters, Demi (left) and Dayo.

9: Cadet Sang Soo Ha 2018 with his mother, Kyungae Jung, and brother, Chan Soo Ha. 10: (left to right) Cadets Omer Iqbal, JonCarlo Abbinante, John Johnson IV, Matthew Cavoto and Chance Cohen

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2018 Year-End Awards

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Cadet John Johnson IV 2018 – Valedictorian, Doctor Delafield Trustee’s Medal Cadet Joseph Broucek 2018 – Salutatorian Cadet Juan Rosas Hach 2018 – Elizabeth Ross Smythe Medal, Most Respected Senior Award Cadet JonCarlo Abbinante 2018 – President’s Medal in Honor of Gen. Douglas MacArthur Cadet Chance Cohen 2018 – Zelma Garriot Morris Medal Cadet Dakota Stewart 2018 – Colonel Frank W. Mouso Medal Cadet David Coppins 2018 – James T. Regas S1951 Most Likeable Senior Award

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Cadet Charles Rosen 2018 – Alexander Roth Senior Leadership Award Cadet Spencer Engel 2018 – Marion Graves Senior Speech Award Cadet Sung Hwa Yoon 2018 – The Order of the White Rose, Priscilla Rose Medal

Letterman’s Banquet Awards 3-Season Varsity Letter Winners: Cadet Luke Slosar 2020: Soccer/Swimming/Golf Cadet Sang Soo Ha 2018: Soccer/Swimming/Baseball Cadet Santiago Canale 2019: Soccer/Swimming/Track Midwest Classic Conference Scholar Athlete Award – Cadets Sang Soo Ha 2018 and Santiago Canale 2019 Dolly Gray Medal (Scholar Athlete) – Cadet Sang Soo Ha 2018 White Knight Award (Sportsmanship) – Cadet Gabriel Rutherford 2018 Pattee Brothers’ Award (Top Athlete) – Cadet Joshua Layton 2019

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Formal Parade — May 26, 2018: 1: Cadet Kyung Jun Min 2018 holds the senior class guidon.

2: The battalion staff stands in formation as the 134th Corps of Cadets salutes the reviewing officers.

3: The 134th Corps of Cadets prepares to salute the reviewing officers.

Commencement Exercises — May 26, 2018: 4: Cadet JonCarlo Abbinante 2018 receives his diploma from Dr. Crain Bliwas N1965, chair

of the SJNMA Board of Trustees.

5: Dr. Jack H. Albert Jr. presents Cadet Juan Rosas Hach 2018 with the Elizabeth Ross Smythe Medal, which is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates moral courage exemplified by cleanliness of speech and willingness to stand by the recipient’s moral principles under all circumstances.

6: Frank Merrill S1967, 2018 Honored Old Boy, gives the commencement address.

7: Cadets Brandon Prevo (left) and Timothy Prevo II 8: Cadet Christian Atkinson 2020 hugs a senior.

9: The class of 2018 celebrates after all seniors receive their diplomas.

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Senior Speech Each year, all cadets in senior English class write a senior speech and six cadets are chosen to present their speeches in chapel. A group of faculty members evaluates the speeches according to set criteria and chooses one senior cadet to give his speech during Commencement & Reunion Weekend. This year, the chosen senior speech was given by Cadet Spencer Engel 2018 from New Berlin, Wisconsin.

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ello Dr. Albert, faculty and staff, families and friends, the 134th Corps of Cadets, and, last but certainly not least, my fellow seniors of the graduating class of 2018. I’d be very happy to introduce you to a man with incredible charm, boundless talent, and endless wit. Unfortunately, since he couldn’t be here, I’ll be talking to you fine folks today instead.

Sergeant Kirkhofer picked me up under my right arm and just told me to keep going, and so I did, but then I fell again. He picked me up, and I fell. My company commander, Lieutenant Pan, picked me up under my left arm with Sergeant Kirkhofer still under my right, and they both just kept encouraging me to keep going. I fell, but I got up. And I fell. And I fell.

Now, all jokes aside, what I want to affirm to all of you today, especially my fellow seniors, to never give up. I know—cheesy, right? I’m serious though: never, ever give up. The corps motto this year is “For Excellence We Strive,” and that shouldn’t just be limited to your time here at St. John’s Northwestern; that should continue for the rest of your life. If you pursue self-improvement, I promise you that it will pay off.

Eventually, thankfully, they realized that I could barely breathe, so First Sergeant Teel told them to continue on with the rest of the company, and I took a breather. He gave it to me straight. He told me I had to eat healthier from now on, exercise more, and work on improvement. I did those things, and I did get better at it, slowly, but surely.

We’ve all fallen down at some point: no one can argue that. I’ve done so many times over the years, so trust me when I say that I’m no saint on the matter. In fact, I gave up at this school on the first day. I’m standing here though because my parents wouldn’t let me leave; I appreciate them for that. Nelson Mandela once said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” Now, though I have fallen before, I am proudly standing amongst future graduates of this academy.

I can affirm that each cadet here today has at some point had some serious difficulties getting used to St. John’s Northwestern, and that will never change. It is a huge difference in pace from what we were all once used to, and it gets rough sometimes. The weights put on our shoulders strain us, and they bring us down, but it’s always important to get back up. Let me tell you a story.

Now, as you can all see, I’m a big guy. I was never fit, really. I’m definitely no athlete, mostly because I never had the desire to be. So all of this was a shock to me my first weekend here last September, both emotionally and physically. My second day here, I was in Foxtrot Company, and we formed up in our ACUs and had a run as a company.

I looked around at my leadership just thinking, “Are you kidding me?” It’s not that I didn’t want to run, it’s that I was convinced that I couldn’t. And I’ll be honest, at that time, in my condition, I couldn’t, and I still can’t all that well. But it was the mindset of “I cannot” that truly let me down. We started marching in double time, and I could already see that I was not going to make it. I did my best and I tried so hard, but not even 500 feet in, I fell and I ate dirt.

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Improvement. I thought it was impossible. I could never run a mile without needing a breather, my asthma keeps me from it.

But I didn’t need to be perfect, I still don’t need to be perfect, I just need to get better. And that’s what we should all be doing.

In the face of adversity, or in my case, with your face in the dirt, just do your best to get better at it, pick yourself up, and keep running. No matter how many times you fall, just keep running.

We all have hardships in our lives at one point or another, it’s an inevitable fact of life. What makes a good person is how they get back up. As General Patton once said, “Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.” Our jobs as graduating seniors are to go into the world knowing that whatever we do we will get back up and rise and improve ourselves, learn from our mistakes, and be the best bouncy ball we can be.

But this doesn’t apply to just us, seniors, it applies to everyone: underclassmen, our faculty, our families, and our friends. When any of you gets hit by the brick wall we call life, you just have to bounce back and make the most of the time you have.

Seniors: our path leads to this, our graduation, and here is where we diverge from one another. And so here, on this day, I want to encourage our successors, our underclassmen, to do as we did: strive for excellence, and just keep running. Get back up when you fall, turn your failure into success. Find your Sergeant Kirkhofer and Lieutenant Pan to pick you up when your legs will no longer carry you. You will fall, but all you need to do is get back up, learn and improve. Thank you.

Article by Cadet PVT Spencer Engel 2018

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

Esprit de Corps

2018 College Choices JonCarlo Abbinante – Carthage College Alain Avena Gamboa – Arkansas State University-Mexico Trent Blackburn – Aurora University Joseph Broucek – gap year Matthew Cavoto – University of Iowa Raymond Christensen – Milwaukee Fire Department Chance Cohen – University of Illinois at Chicago David Coppins – Morehouse University Zachary Craig – College of Lake County Spencer Engel – Carroll University Parker Fath – United States Army Drake Ferber – Lakeland University Thaddeus Goggins – Trine University Sang Soo Ha – Purdue University Joshua Handy – Augsburg University John Hayden – University of Iowa Nathan Heberer – Loyola University Chicago Peter Hill Jr. – Western Illinois University Omer Iqbal – Lakeland University Dirk Jiang – University of Arizona John Johnson IV – United States Military Academy at West Point

Benjamin Kelley – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Alexander Kraft – United States Air Force Erik Kraft – University of WisconsinWhitewater Duane Lindemann – United States Marines Collin Maloney – The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina John McCammond – Augsburg University Cade Melby – Madison Area Technical College Kyung Jun Min – Penn State University Alexander Moore – Iowa State University Charles Normark – University of Colorado Boulder Oluwadamilola Ogunmodede – Florida Southern College Ruiwen Pan – Milwaukee School of Engineering Joseph Polacek – Norwich University Vladimir Polivka – College of DuPage Brandon Prevo – American University Timothy Prevo II – American University Alexander Ring – United States Marines Griffin Rooke – Marquette University

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

Juan Rosas Hach – Tecnológico de Monterrey Charles Rosen – University of Louisville Jarod Rouette – Wilbur Wright College Zarek Rushevics – University of Northwestern Ohio Gabriel Rutherford – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Ian Staudenmaier – University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Dakota Stewart – University of Wisconsin-Madison Yuanlong Sun – City University of Hong Kong Jonathan Swanson – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Joseph Tanke – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Jonathan Turner – Waukesha County Technical College Jordan Varghese – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Benjamin Winiecke – United States Army Guojian Yan – University of WisconsinOshkosh Sung Hwa Yoon – Indiana University Bloomington Yuxuan Zhang – The University of Arizona

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Development Update “Five years ago, we dropped off a boy, and this May we will be picking up a man that’s grown so much.

He says ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘yes sir.’ He stands taller and walks prouder. He is fully prepared to succeed in life.

Thank you, St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy!”

– Montana Stewart, parent of Dakota Stewart 2018

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in The Excalibur dinner and auction held on Saturday, April 28 during Spring

Families Weekend! Farrand Hall Gymnasium was elegantly transformed for the affair, and 370 guests (highest attendance to date) were treated to a gourmet dining experience by Lancer Hospitality. For 34 years, The Excalibur has been the premier fundraising event for the Academy’s Annual Fund that benefits every cadet, teacher, program, and department on campus.

The 2018 Excalibur was an outstanding success raising $308,835 (more money than in any other year), and we could not have done it without our wonderful supporters.

THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors for your overwhelming generosity totaling $78,928 this year (compared to our highest amount last year of $56,000) to help cover event expenses!

THANK YOU to our parents who gave powerful and emotional testimonials throughout the evening (Montana Stewart – parent of Dakota Stewart 2018, Tom Polivka S1977 – parent of Vlad Polivka 2018, and Dr. Ed and Mrs. Carla Schoenenberger – parents of Quinn Schoenenberger 2016).

THANK YOU to those who donated and/or purchased at least one of more than 250 fabulous auction items!

The silent auction raised a record-breaking $45,000, and the mini live auction raised $10,750. The five top-selling auction items, which sold for a combined total of $16,800, were a Seven Night Family Vacation in Seabrook Island, South Carolina (donated by parents Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Mart McClellan), Four NFL Tickets to Chicago vs. Green Bay in Chicago (donated by parents/trustee Joe and Linda Giammanco N1970), an Academy Crest Crafted in Stained Glass (donated by parent Tom Polivka S1977), a 15-Bird Guided Pheasant Hunt and Lunch for Up to Four Hunters at Milford Hills Hunt Club (donated by David Carl S1983), and a David Yurman Bracelet (donated by Treiber & Straub Jewelers).

THANK YOU to our many volunteers who contributed their time and talent to The Excalibur’s success! We are very grateful to parent Amy Czaplewski for acquiring a slew of wonderful auction items; everyone who came to help with set-up (Lynette Ahlgren, Debra Bullerjahn, Anita Kopaczewski, and parents Amy Czaplewski, Chris Kreiter, Tom Polivka S1977, and Carla Schoenenberger); and all who helped during the event (John Bartizal S1986, Debra Bullerjahn, and parents Diane Calabrese H2014, Erin DeNova, and Geoff and Wendi Hall, the Czaplewski family, and numerous faculty, staff and cadets). We truly appreciate each and every one of our volunteers and look forward to working together in the future.

The Excalibur raised an amazing $170,146 for the 2017-2018 Annual Fund! Additionally, $138,689 was raised for the FUND-A-NEED (Operation: Lancer Shield) to provide security for every person and space on our campus. THANK YOU again to everyone who supported this year’s Excalibur! Your values and priorities are those that anchor us, now and in the future. Together, we are continuing to make a positive difference for the entire SJNMA community.

A special thank you to our TOP SPONSORS of The Excalibur! We had SEVEN at the $5,000+ level: Big Sky Cattle – Parents Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton – Friend of the Academy Fred and Teri Leach S1974 – Trustee NeuroHealth / Dr. Laurie H. C. Philipps – Parent The Polivka Family – Parents The Rosen Family – Parents Schneider Wealth Management of Wells Fargo – Trustee 18 18

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | The Beacon

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1: A new record of 370 guests attended The Excalibur 2018.

2: This ice sculpture, created by Art Below Zero, served as a beautiful focal point.

3: Montana Stewart gave a heartfelt testimonial about his son, Dakota, who came to the Academy five years ago as a boy and became a man.

4: The more than 250 auction items included fun and exotic packages.

5: Dr. Albert reminds the crowd why security on campus is our highest priority.

6: Winette Saunders and her mother, Evlin, enjoyed The Excalibur with their cadet, Nick Halyard 2019.

7: Guests enjoyed a delicious four-course strolling dinner that included many creative offerings.

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

Your involvement is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Please plan to join us at next year’s Excalibur event on Saturday, April 27, 2019, during Spring Families Weekend!

Contact: Cindy A. Trione Director of Donor Relations and Special Events (262) 646-7289 ctrione@sjnma.org

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Leaders Circle Reception The Academy proudly salutes all of our members of the Leaders Circle!

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ince 2007, the Academy has proudly celebrated the generosity of our Leaders Circle. Beginning at a commitment level of $1,000 to the Annual Fund during a fiscal year (July 1-June 30), Leaders Circle members demonstrate a powerful endorsement of our school while inspiring others to give. The Annual Fund reaches every aspect of life at SJNMA and strengthens our mission to educate young men (and now women). Leadership gifts are those that keep us on the forefront of teaching and learning and are absolutely vital to the Academy and the Corps of Cadets.

We have 187 households belonging to the Leaders Circle for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018). This includes 52 first-year members and 14 who have elevated their membership to a higher level. It also includes 83 alumni, 62 parents and 13 faculty/staff members. Together, Leaders Circle contributions total an incredible $1,836,170! The Academy gratefully applauds all of our Leaders Circle members and thanks you for your most generous leadership gifts.

For fiscal year 2018, we are also honoring seven households who have joined The 1884 Society. This gift club was introduced two

years ago and honors Leaders Circle members who have committed a three-year pledge to the Annual Fund of $1,884 or more each year. To date, a total of 39 households belong to The 1884 Society.

Leaders Circle members were graciously thanked with a special champagne reception hosted by Dr. Jack and Mrs. Betty Albert on Friday, May 25 during Commencement & Reunion Weekend. Guests were treated to delicious refreshments followed by a formal appreciation program. Announced individually, all members in attendance came forward to be recognized and have their photo taken with Dr. Albert. New Leaders Circle and 1884 Society members were presented with lapel pins, and those who upgraded in membership received a new pin. A Leaders Circle donor board is on display in DeKoven Hall (near the enrollment offices).

For 11 years, the Leaders Circle has continued to be the foundation from which the Academy builds its mission.

We salute you all for your amazing support and thank you for your generous and selfless contributions to our great school!

Save the date ... for The Heritage Society Appreciation Dinner,

Thursday, September 27, 2018 in Welles Dining Hall.

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | The Beacon

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1: Will Askew N1967 is a Premier level member of both the Leaders Circle and The 1884 Society.

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2: LTC Jim Kebisek, U.S. Army (Ret.) H2008, is one of 13 faculty/staff members belonging to the Leaders Circle. He has served as the Academy’s senior army instructor since 1993.

3: New Leaders Circle members William and Davene Guenther received their Premier level lapel pins from Dr. Albert. Their son, Ethan, will graduate from the Academy next year.

4: Michael McClure S1960 received his new Premier level 1884 Society pin for committing to three consecutive years of Annual Fund giving at the level of $1,884.

5: Upgraded Emerald level Leaders Circle members Joe and Asha Varghese received new lapel pins. They are also members of The 1884 Society. Their son, Jordan, just graduated from the Academy, and their son, Payton, will graduate in 2022.

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6: Bob and Karen Hawksley received upgraded Ruby level Leaders Circle pins from Dr. Albert. Their sons, Patrick and Matthew, graduated from the Academy in 2002 and 2009, respectively, and their son, Alec, will graduate next year.

7: Diamond level Leaders Circle members Andrew “Flip” Filipowski S1968 and Melissa Oliver received new pins for joining The 1884 Society. Mr. Filipowski is a member of the SJNMA Board of Trustees and is celebrating his 50th class reunion this year!

Leaders Circle Levels Diamond ($25,000+) Ruby ($10,000-$24,999) Sapphire ($5,000-$9,999) Emerald ($2,500-$4,999) Premier ($1,000-$2,499)

The 1884 Society Levels Diamond ($25,000+) Ruby ($10,000-$24,999) Sapphire ($5,000-$9,999) Emerald ($2,500-$4,999) Premier ($1,884-$2,499)

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

For more information about the Leaders Circle or The 1884 Society, contact Cindy A. Trione, director of donor relations and special events, at (262) 646-7289 or ctrione@sjnma.org.

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Giving Thanks

A Message of Thanks Stephen Matz, Vice President, Development and Alumni

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n previous messages to you, I have written about the importance of philanthropy, planned giving, government statutes, and even attempted to make motivational decrees.

These topics are important and bring focus to the need for charitable giving at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. However, I need to impress upon you the most important thing I will ever express within an article in The Beacon. My message succinctly stated to each of you – Thank You!

My message succinctly stated to each of you – Thank You!

The passion and affinity for your Academy is unrivaled. The engagement and comradery that exists among the Academy’s constituents from all eras is something that I have rarely experienced. The declaration of a transformative and positive experience echoes throughout all three academies and multiple generations. In short, SJNMA is a special place, an important place, and each one of you know it to your core. Many of you have embraced the idea and taken the responsibility to guard its future by making the commitment to give your best each year. The evidence is clearly reflected through the remarkable year busting through several philanthropic benchmarks.

As it says in Corinthians 9: 6-7: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Your generosity and support of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy this past year has been a tremendous boast to a mission on the dawn of a new era. The Academy is blessed to be the recipient of your generosity and will continue to strive for excellence as part of our covenant with you to be best that we can be. We are truly humbled and grateful for your continued commitment – and for all of that, I again say Thank You!

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

Old Boys Alumni Association

A Message from the OBAA President Old Boys Alumni Association Board of Directors 2017-2018 Officers Chuck Krametbauer S1978 President Jim Hoover S1976 1st Vice President Michael Fillichio S1988 2nd Vice President David Zirngibl 2002 Treasurer Michael Dayton S1971 Secretary

Board Members John Bartizal S1986 Cory Byrnes 2009 J. C. Fairvalley II S1976 David Hess S1959 Michael Hoover S1971 Joe LaRocca N1969 Keith Pabish S1977 Scott Pace N1969 Ted Roth S1974 Bill Sanders S1974 Greg Van Praag S1972 Pete Waskel S1976 Bill Wiles S1966

Thank you to all for a great 2018 commencement weekend! This year the weather gods gave us a stunning weekend, compared to last year’s rain and cold. Plenty of sunshine and warm temps made graduation a huge success.

Along with my 40th reunion, we had so many classes returning to campus.

Once again, Bud Hoffberg S1933 was on campus for his 85th class reunion, looking younger every year. Class of 1968 was most impressive with so many returning and reuniting with classmates. With the large numbers of returning old boys Friday and Saturday nights at Price Davis, I would definitely say we had a great turn out.

I would like to again reach out to the Price Davis Hilton group, Raymond deBruijn S1976, Jim Hoover S1976, and Fred and Jennifer Falbo S1988, for providing and cooking all the food for everyone. Donations for food are always greatly appreciated, but never asked. Gentlemen, please give to those who provide food and drinks along with services at Price Davis (i.e., propane, electric).

Thank you to Bill and Theresa Wiles S1966 for their contribution of breakfast every morning at Price Davis. Also, I would like to thank everyone for policing your area as well as Price Davis. I know I’m not mentioning all those who stepped up to the plate to help, so thank you. I had individuals ask me what they could help with, and I say thank you to all.

Other activities included the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and The Excalibur. I want to thank everyone supporting both of these great events, but most of all to those who helped make it possible and supported with great generosity. Our OBAA Golf Outing is July 20, 2018, with plenty of openings for golf. If you’re not a golfer, come out and have dinner and participate in the auction. We need items for the auction, big or small, so please donate. Contact Anita Kopaczewski in the alumni office for details. I look forward to seeing you there.

Congratulations to Craig Smith S1976 for accepting the commandant position. His wife, Lisa, will be a huge influence to Craig’s success at SJNMA. I want to send a special thanks to my wife, Kimberly, for standing beside me and supporting me during the events throughout the year. Honey, thank you, and I love you very much.

As I have said before, I’m so glad to be a part of the great organization of the OBAA. Alumni, please support our great academy. Without your support, we cannot grow and we cannot produce outstanding young men, so please give generously.

“Your best teacher is your last mistake.”

Charles “Chuck” Krametbauer S1978 OBAA President

H.M./Davidson and Smith/Slavin Walkway Brick Program

Donate a brick in memory of a classmate or engrave a brick in your name!

For a tax-deductible gift of $300, a brick can be personalized with the name and year, as appropriate.

For more information about the H.M./Davidson and Smith/Slavin Walkway Brick Program, call the Alumni Office at (262) 646-7220 or (800) 234-9097.

www.sjnma.org/donatenow THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

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On March 1, 2018, Duane Mlachnik S1980 left his position as director of alumni to accept a new position that he could not refuse. With his departure, Anita Kopaczewski H2009 was appointed director of alumni.

She joined the Academy in March 2003 as administrative assistant to the director of alumni and development. In 2007, she became office manager of advancement, alumni and development, and in January 2009, she was promoted to assistant director of alumni. In February 2016, she assumed the position of director of The Columbarium.

Greetings Alumni, Thank you to all those who traveled to campus for the 2018 reunion weekend.

Over 340 strong registered and attended a variety of events. Bud Hoffberg S1933 turned 102 years old this year and attended his 85th reunion! A true testament to his loyalty for his grand old school. He has seen many good changes all in the direction to sustain the upcoming 135th Corps of Cadets.

The 70th reunion Class of 1948 saw three men return, two of whom were roommates, Bill Lynch and Gerald

Stryker, and Tony Lazzara, current SJNMA Board of Trustees members, traveled from California with his son, Joe Lazzara S1969. Victor Trevino S1958, current SJNMA Board of Trustees member, traveled from Mexico to celebrate his 60th reunion along with nine men from the NMNA Class of 1958 who marched in the old boys and alumni parade. They continued to celebrate in Lake Geneva on Sunday where they took a boat tour and visited their old academy grounds. The 25th reunion class saw eight

men from SJMA and one from NMNA. The 10th reunion class from 2008 saw 12 men march together with other millennials!

We are very proud of our award winners: Frank Merrill S1967, Honored Old Boy; Doug Ledford S1961 and John Wietzel S1964, Distinguished Service Award; David Lau S1948 and Walter Lawrence N1968, Notable Man of the Academy; and John Klug, Fernando Perez and Kathy Snodell, Honorary Old Boy. Do you know anyone in

Personalize a bleacher seat at Rick Leone Stadium or a locker plate at one of our new football, basketball or wrestling locker rooms with a taxdeductible gift of $300. Proceeds help maintain SJNMA’s athletic fields.

Call the Development Office at (800) 234-9097 or visit www.sjnma.org/giving/special-projects.cfm for more information.

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

Alumni Office Update

As the 135th Corps of Cadets opens the doors this year, continue to stay engaged and involved with the Academy.

The relationships we all have and the stories you share are what makes this a special place steeped in history and lifelong friendships!

your class you would like to nominate for 2019? Send their name to me by September 1, 2018.

The SJMA Class of 1968 celebrated all weekend. On Friday, Class Agent Emil Goellner took approximately 20 men and their wives to the Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, for a class dinner and joined together with us at a variety of events on Saturday and Sunday.

Tom Chaffee N1968 was here as well.

The OBAA Luncheon was well attended with 293 pre-registrations. The All Class Reunion Dinner seated 150 with 113 pre-registrations and 37 walk-ins. Our numbers build every year, but we also lose our cherished alumni with 82 men and women of the Academy passing away in the last fiscal year. Keep them in your prayers as I know one of them had planned to celebrate his 50th reunion, but instead we read his name at the Founders’ Memorial Service on Saturday morning.

The 2018 summer edition of the “Ramparts Alumni Newsletter” was emailed on June 5. If you did not receive this email, call me to update you email address. If you have any special requests, locations for alumni gatherings, or events you would like to chair, let me know.

I will try to work on them with you or

share information with you. During reunion weekend, three men came forward who would like to start Alumni Chapters in Atlanta, Washington and Chicago. Contact me for information.

Our office is working alongside the enrollment office to encourage our families to send us their children. You all benefited by this education. It shows in your success. Send us your most precious commodity, your child or grandchild, to experience a leadership and military program like you did.

The next Fifth Thursday alumni gathering is September 5 at the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game at Miller Park. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Fifth Thursdays in 2018 and 2019. Future locations will be announced at a later date. I will gladly take any suggestions for future venues.

Homecoming will be another opportunity to join the SJN Alumni Letterman’s Club. Contact me to order the new 2018 SJN alumni letterman’s pullover. All SJN lettermen are invited to attend the Lancer Legends program during Homecoming on September 29.

The program that recognizes the honored athletes and honored athletic team will be that day as well.

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

A special appreciation goes out to all the old boys, alumni and friends who visited campus or attended one of the several off-campus alumni events this past year. Your photos and stories printed in this issue of The Beacon are a testament of your loyalty to your grand old school.

As the 135th Corps of Cadets opens the doors this year, continue to stay engaged and involved with the Academy. The relationships we all have and the stories you share are what makes this a special place steeped in history and lifelong friendships!

Stay connected with your alumni department via LinkedIn, email, phone, and Facebook. Very important: be sure to contact me at (262) 646-7220 or akopaczewski@sjnma.org if you change your email, phone or address to keep you abreast of Academy and alumni news.

Most sincerely,

Anita Kopaczewski H2009 Director of Alumni Register Today!

Fifth Thursday Alumni Gathering Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at Miller Park for Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Baseball Game

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Reunion 2018 Anniversary Classes

85th Reunion – Class of S1933 Bud Hoffberg S1933, 102 years old

70th Reunion – Class of S1948 (left to right) Gerald Stryker, Bill Lynch and Tony Lazzara

60th Reunion – Class of S1958 Front row (left to right): Mike Peters, Chuck Sansone, John Galley, Stu Parsons, Mike Hoft, John Kyle and Ron Evans; Second row: Paul Jakstas and Don Hill

50th Reunion – Class of S1968 and N1968 Front row (left to right): Michael Drake S1968, Jere Sadowsky S1968, John Carbary S1968, Ken Shields S1968, Sam Woods S1968, Tony Greco S1968, Walter Smith S1968 and Emil Goellner S1968; Second row: John Roggow S1968, Peter M. Delneky S1968, Gary Ruderman S1968, Rich Ellbogen S1968, T. Walter Lawrence N1968, Tom Chaffee N1968 and Tom Sarytchoff S1968; Third row: Charlie Winter S1968, Frank Fara S1968, Chip Swanson S1968, Sergio Autrey S1968, David Chaffee N1968, Joel Zucco N1968 and Dan Goers S1968

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | The Beacon

Reunion 2018

(left to right) Mike Bork S1993, Toney Dimiceli S1993 and Dane Hiteman N1993

35th Reunion – Class of S1983

25th Reunion – Class of 1993

(left to right) David Carl, Frank Mungo, Doug Morsbach and Mike Theobald

Front row (left to right): Ryan Mueller, Tony Brucato, Rhen Gainsley and Tom Ross; Second row: Chris Leonard, Jeffrey Giammanco, Matthew Isotalo and Yusef Muthana

10th Reunion – Class of 2008

2018 Honorees TOP ROW (left to right):

Frank Merrill S1967, Honored Old Boy

Douglas Ledford S1961, Distinguished Service Award

John D. Wietzel S1964, Distinguished Service Award

David C. Lau S1948, Notable Man of the Academy

BOTTOM ROW (left to right):

Walter Lawrence N1968, Notable Man of the Academy

John Klug, Honorary Old Boy

Fernando Pérez, Honorary Old Boy

Kathy Snodell, Honorary Old Boy

Congratulations!

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

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Inspiring Alumni

Craig P. Smith S1976 Appointed Commandant

Above: Major Craig and Lisa Smith S1976 LEFT: Craig Smith’s 1976 yearbook entry

Major Craig P. Smith S1976 was appointed commandant of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy beginning July 1, 2018.

Dr. Jack H. Albert Jr. discusses Major Smith’s military service and the leadership attributes he will bring to the Academy.

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early 15 years ago, I sat eating dinner with a gentleman, a former cadet of St. John’s Military Academy who had attended his old school for six years. His home at the time was in northern Virginia and my visit was part of a friend and fundraising effort in the first year of my appointment as head of school. Part of the discussion with this alumnus was the same I have had with many others, “What do you want to do after you retire or change professions?” Without a second thought, Major Craig P. Smith S1976 responded, “My ideal job would be commandant of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy.”

Far Left: Craig Smith S1976 at U.S. Army Airborne School, 1979 Left: Craig Smith S1976 operating as a U.S. Army military advisor in Afghanistan.

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Left: Craig P. Smith (right) receives the Defense of Freedom Medal in honor of heroism and selfless service beyond the call of duty.

One of the elements of Major Smith’s leading I have noticed in the short time he has been on campus is his keen ability to quietly observe his surroundings, and due to his experience and world view, quickly and fairly judge situations for speedy and appropriate resolution.

Dr. Jack H. Albert Jr.

We talked some more, shook hands, and parted. Over the years, we would see each other, visit and talk, and sometimes remind each other of our initial conversation. Recently, when an opportunity to hire a new commandant for the Academy occurred, the first person I contacted was Major Smith. His positive response to my inquiry has put the Academy on a great course for our resident life efforts.

We should all be impressed by and thankful for the outstanding service our commandant has provided our nation. Major Smith retired as a supervisory special agent for the United States Department of Justice. He was commissioned in the United States Army Reserves from Marquette University in 1984. In his years as an active and reserve soldier, Major Smith served with Special Forces Group during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. He served as a military advisor to the United States Army being deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq over a four-year period.

Understanding the struggles and pain of warfare, our commandant was wounded in action in June 2012. In 2015, Major Smith received the Defense Freedom Medal while working as a contractor for the United States Army.

Major Smith’s devotion to country, family and his old school, not to mention his personal faith journey, provides a sound and THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

firm foundation for this key role all aspects of cadet life at the Academy. He is well respected by his peers, and brings with him the teacher’s heart for the success he wants in his leadership role at our school.

One of the elements of Major Smith’s leading I have noticed in the short time he has been on campus is his keen ability to quietly observe his surroundings, and due to his experience and world view, quickly and fairly judge situations for speedy and appropriate resolution.

Assessment, sound review and appropriate response are significant leadership attributes, which are exercised by Major Smith, learned from his years of ever increasing leadership roles.

He brings a wealth of training to his new position, which will position the Academy strategically well as we begin taking new steps in our continued military school journey.

Major Craig Smith and his wife, Lisa, will begin their new journey in Delafield in July and will live on campus.

A properly articulated cadet life program is key to the success of any school especially one with the complexities and nuances of a boarding and day military school. I am confident Major Smith brings to the table all the components needed to address the military school challenges of today.

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John M. Green S1931

David Fitch, grandson of

Admiral Aubrey Fitch S1901,

visited campus from Texas on the way to northern Wisconsin with his wife, Cindy, on June 5, 2018. D. Fitch was interested in seeing the school where his great-grandfather attended.

Admiral Aubrey Wray Fitch S1901

Admiral Aubrey Wray Fitch was born in Saint Ignace, Michigan, in June 1883.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906 and served in several ships, received torpedo training, and was an instructor at the United States Naval Academy during the following eight years. In 1914, he was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet staff and was simultaneously commanding officer of USS Yankton. He was gunnery officer of the battleship USS Wyoming (BB-32) during most of World War I. From 1920 to 1927, he had a variety of shore duties, commanded a division of destroyer minelayers, and served with the U.S. Mission to Brazil.

In 1930 following flight training, Fitch was designated a naval aviator.

During the 1930s, he commanded three naval air stations, a seaplane tender, and two aircraft carriers as well as serving as chief of staff to Commander Aircraft, Battle Force and attending the Naval War College. In 1940, he flew his flag in the carriers Saratoga (CV-3) and Lexington (CV-2), and was with the latter ship when she was lost in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942. In September that year, he took command of the South Pacific Force’s aircraft, holding that position during the critical campaigns in the Solomon Islands. Fitch became deputy chief of Naval Operations for Air in 1944. From August 1945 until January 1947, he was superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.

He was given the rank of Admiral upon retirement from active service in July 1947. He passed away in May 1978. USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG-34) was built in 1982 and named in his honor.

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John M. Green S1931 (left) and True W. Childs S1927

Jay Tack N1960 moved to

David and Cindy Fitch

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John Milton Green S1931, now 103 years old, attended SJMA from 1927 to 1928. While sitting in his apartment reading the winter 2018 issue of The Beacon, he and his family decided to share these photos. Green was born on June 13, 1914, and changed his name from Clinton Abijah Childs while a student at SJMA. His brother, True Woodman Childs S1927, was four years older.

Foley, Alabama, four years ago after retiring from teaching for 33 years in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin, school district.

He taught history and was administrator in K-12 programs or high school and middle school programs. In 2007, he and his teammates on the championship NMNA 1957 Rifle Team received the Honored Athletic Team award. His time at the range led him to joining the U.S. Army and eventually assigned to the 1st U.S. Army Rifle Team. Through competition he was placed on the Rattle Battle team, which was based on the European form of teams. He also had become an instructor as well as advisor to rifle teams and instructors in the Reserve, National Guard, and at universities. During that time, Tack saw Dirck Schou N1960 while he was a student at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Steve FremgenS1964

Steve Fremgen S1964 is

consulting as a petrophysicist, setting his own hours. He went fishing in Alaska in summer 2017 and had lunch with old SJMA classmates, Ron Duke and Maynard Smith, both from the Class of 1964.

Salmon and halibut fishing was great, too. In the fall, he took a cruise on the Holland America cruise ship, Nieuw Amsterdam, which was on his bucket list.

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

Alumni News LTC David Ryder, U.S. Army (Ret.) S1972, visited

campus on June 8, 2018, from Huntsville, Alabama, on his way to visit relatives in northern Wisconsin. He is a writer and an author, most recently publishing “The Hound of Tooty River” and “The Diary of Anna Gorgon.”

Norm and Pam Moss S1964 in China

David Ryder S1972

Norm Moss S1964 and his wife, Pam, celebrated their 46th

wedding anniversary with a trip to China in April 2018. They visited the cities of Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. They walked on the Great Wall, visited the archaeological site of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and cruised down the Yangtze River and viewed the Three Gorges Dam. It was an experience they will never forget.

Larry Nelson S1965 and his friend, Eva Rushford, landed a

99-inch sail fish while fishing off the Gulf of Mexico between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen on March 29, 2017. They recently visited campus on June 20, 2018, on their way home to Peoria, Illinois, after spending time in Door County on a fishing trip. (right) Larry Nelson S1965 with a 99-inch sail fish he caught; (far right) Larry and his friend, Eva Rushford, on the SJNMA campus in June 2018.

Pete Delneky S1968 reflected on his 50th reunion in May 2018. The following is from an email he sent to the alumni office.

“In the aftermath of my 50th high school reunion, I felt a need to reflect and pontificate. Undeniably, the event was transformational enough to get this aging, straight, conservative male to reference a show tune performed by Barbra Streisand. It was bittersweet to learn that we have lost over 25% of our class. We did represent ourselves well with a nearly 40% turnout from coast to coast and Mexico. How great it was to reconnect, reminisce and renew. After the backlash that began with Vietnam and the multiple conflicts that followed, the concept of a military school fell in disfavor with parents looking to provide their children the best chance for success. As the number of cadets continued to diminish, decisions and compromises had to be made in order to remain solvent. One such compromise was the merger with a school of as rich a heritage as our own, Northwestern Military and Naval Academy. At the reunion, well-meaning gestures were made to embrace the change by merging the celebratory classes, ending the individual recognition by school. While our alma mater is now the fusion of that history and those traditions, they are not mine. They are not my experiences nor a reflection of memories that molded and motivated me to be who I am. No disrespect to my stepbrothers from Northwestern, but names like Harlan and Royal Davidson, and Colonel Hahn mean no more to me than Ed and Roy Farrand, or Sidney Smythe mean to them. Embracing the future should not require us to abandon the past.

I accept that the change was necessary for the survival of the Academy. I pray that the pendulum swings back to the recognition that the military format is nothing more than a vehicle to instill leadership, discipline and responsibility. Military schools are not reform schools, for the wealthy, nor a breeding ground for hawks and fascists who march in a myopic lockstep, as many perceive. I am proud to identify classmates who occupy leadership positions in areas as diverse as arts, education, business, agriculture, science, and military. The product validates the production. The successes have proven that formula has works. The one constant is most will readily attribute those successes to their experience at the Academy. I pray that the Academy will flourish once again. I pray that we can continue to march together and continue to mold a better future. AMICI USQUE AD FINEM ET FRATREM USQUE AD FINEM”

Continued on next page THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

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Alumni News Continued

Ricardo Yepiz S1987

Ricardo Yepiz S1987 visited

campus on March 6, 2018, while on a business trip to Chicago.

He is a business consultant for Deloitte and Touche in Mexico, is married to Ludmila, and has three daughters.

(left to right) Wade Voltz S1978, George Voltz and Jason Voltz with hunting dogs, Storm and Chase

Wade Voltz S1978, his brother, George Voltz, and nephew,

Jason Voltz, accompanied David Carl S1983 on a pheasant hunt at Milford Hills Gun Club on April 9, 2018. Storm and Chase are trained hunting dogs who retrieved the birds during the hunt. Located in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, pheasant, quail and chukar are found throughout this private hunting property.

Mr. Carl donated this package as part of the 2017 Fall Fest Fundraiser.

Anthony Chiu S1986 visited campus with his parents from

Hercules, California, on June 11, 2018. They were visiting his aunt and uncle in Mequon, Wisconsin. He is in the auto collision repair business, and had not visited campus for 18 years.

Anthony Chiu S1986 (far right) with (left to right) his uncle and aunt, Paul and Ada Lie, parents, Josephine and Michael Chiu, and Joe Sevenz, retention officer at SJNMA

Kevin Vosburgh 1998 is the service manager at Hawk Chevrolet, Cadillac, Subaru, and Mazda of Joliet, and assistant service manager at Toyota of Naperville and Chevrolet of Naperville in Illinois. In December 2017, he received a Bachelor of Science in business management, summa cum laude, from Rasmussen College in Illinois.

Shou Qui and Zhang Liu 2010

Shou Qui Liu 2010

and his wife, Zhang, visited campus on April 2, 2018, from Shanghai, China, where they work at JinbailinShanghai Investment & Assets Management in the trust fund business.

It was the first trip for Mrs. Liu to the United States, so they stayed at Pedla’rs Inn Bed and Breakfast in Wales, Wisconsin, where Liu spent spring break as a cadet in the SJNMA homestay program. Liu said his time at the Academy was the most precious time ever, and he hopes future graduates benefit as much as he did from the education and experience he received while a cadet.

Jordan Flaherty 2014 attended the Armed Forces Day parade on campus with his mother and a friend on May 18, 2018. He graduated from Marquette University on May 20, 2018.

Jordan Flaherty 2014

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | THE BEACON

Li Xiuyuan 2015 visited campus with Dee Nierzwicki on June 7, 2018. Originally from Guangzhou, China, Xiuyuan resides in Issaquah, Washington, and will be attending Purdue University this fall. When he attended SJNMA in 2010 and 2011, he participated in the Academy’s homestay program during holiday breaks with Nierzwicki, mother of Stephen Nierzwicki 2011.

Nierzwicki has hosted many cadets as part of the Academy’s homestay program through the years at her bed and breakfast, The Pedla’rs Inn.

Alumni from the classes of 1999, 2000 and 2001 met on April 21, 2018, at the Sports Column in Denver, Colorado, where they ate dinner and later attended a baseball game at Coors Field. (left to right) Ricky Tan 1999, Lucas Kraft 1999, Nicholas Mastracchio 2001, Ben Peterson 1999, Greg Epstein 1999, Chad Bruss 1999, Rickie Goyal 2001, Chris Tan 1999, Andrew Hurlburt 1999, Colin Overett 2002, Dominic Tatti 1999, Dan Schwartz 1999 and Mike DeMarco 2000

Li Xiuyuan (right) and Dee Nierzwicki

Military Men in Service

Military Men in Service

Kaleb Beaver 2011 of Fort Irwin, California, transferred to the Colorado National Guard as a 31b military police officer, and to continue his education.

Quinn Schoenenberger 2016 received an Army Reserve Officers Training Scholarship to attend St. Norbert’s College in De Pere, Wisconsin.

Evan Demarias 2017 visited SJNMA on January 2, 2018, on his way to the airport. He is in the U.S. Army now having completed basic training in fall 2017. On January 17, 2018, he graduated infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and went on to jump school and more training with the Airborne infantry rangers. He donated his infantry cross rifles pin to the Academy museum, which he received on December 13, 2017, at Honor Hill in Fort Benning.

Evan Demarias 2017

Cole Venus 2017, originally from Hartford, Wisconsin, graduated infantry basic training on November 10, 2017, at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is in the 82nd airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The SJNMA Alumni Office thanks everyone who serves and will continue to update our men in the service of our country.

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Alumni Howard Doyle Reed S1938 passed away January 26, 2018, in Nevada City, California. Originally from Hays, Kansas, he was a locksmith by trade and worked at a variety of companies.

As a one-year cadet, he was on the track team and played “lightweight” basketball. His classmates called him “Uncle Howie.”

Larry R. Lake S1956 passed away May 13, 2018, in Union

Col. T. Cole Hackley N1944 (Ret.) passed away March 22,

Albert Ray Kleist N1957 passed away April 24, 2018, in Palm Desert, California. He was president emeritus at GeoSoils, Inc.

2018, in Sacramento County, California. He and his wife, Carol Ann, a professor, traveled to many of the Academy alumni gatherings through the years to include the West Coast Gatherings in Las Vegas and California. The NMNA site was always a sure visit when they came to Wisconsin.

Robert J. McClelland II S1949 passed away April 2, 2018, in

Tucumcari, New Mexico, where he owned and operated Bob’s Budget Pharmacy, Inc., with his son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Kathi. He was instrumental in establishing a class at the community college in Tucumcari for the Wind Farm to teach people to maintain windmills to produce electricity.

William Gordon Ririe S1949 passed away January 12, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. He was a director and officer of Reinsurance Company of America.

David Dordick S1952 passed away in January 2018 in Buffalo

Grove, Illinois. He was the founder of the Midwest Finishing Corporation.

Charles “Chuck” W. McClure S1954 passed away April 21,

2018, in West Lafayette, Indiana. He played trombone for the Academy band. With the personal blessings of General Roy F. Farrand, McClure was allowed off campus every afternoon to assist at the nearby Wisconsin State Fish Hatchery, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in conservation. He attended Colorado A&M University and Purdue University majoring in agricultural economics.

John Wiechers N1954 passed

away January 8, 2018, in Monona, Wisconsin. He was an avid supporter of the Academy and past director of the Old Boys Alumni Association (OBAA) who worked on many committees. He was well known for his woodworking skills and donating his handcrafted birdhouses and lawn furniture to The Excalibur and the OBAA golf outing auctions for more than two decades.

John Wiechers holds the last birdhouse he made as a donation to the 2017 OBAA golf outing auction.

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Grove, Wisconsin, at the age of 83 surrounded by his loving family. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He was an employee of J.G. Milligans for 20 years and then retired after 37 years at Maxon Industries. He was a loved and respected soccer coach in the Racine area for more than 30 years.

Gene P. Seiberlich S1958 passed away February 8, 2018,

in Summerfield, Florida. He and his wife, Janelle, moved to the Villages in Florida where he enjoyed golfing, boating and photography. Nicknamed “G.P.,” his family affectionately called him “Jeep.” His professional life took him to Kentucky where he worked for SMS & Associates as a high-tech consultant.

David H. Smith S1964 passed away May 2, 2018, of congestive heart failure. He was living on his ranch 20 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, brother, Walter R. Smith S1968, and daughters, Mikel Jean Pentkowski and Jennifer Smith.

Homer Hector Dary III S1966 passed away June 13, 2018, in

Racine, Wisconsin. He was born in Racine on December 19, 1947, to Homer Jr. and Geraldine Dary. He attended St. Patrick Grade School in Racine, and after graduating from the Academy, he received a Bachelor of Arts from Ripon College in 1970. He loved gardening, watching sports, and greeting customers at a local gas station.

George W. “Bill” Collins III N1968 passed away March 20,

2018, in Rochester, Illinois.

Allan K. Houston S1968 passed away May 8, 2018. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 16, 1950, to Robert and Mary Houston. After graduation from the Academy, he attended college for a brief time before he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served during the Vietnam War. After the service, he worked for G.E. Healthcare Systems for 30 years, and enjoyed woodworking.

Douglas Thornell S1968 passed away April 22, 2018, in Farmington, New Mexico. His brother, Chuck Thornell, was a 1966 SJMA graduate.

Jeremy Chua S1992 passed away January 25, 2018, in Manila,

Philippines.

Joseph Sambrook 1999 passed away March 16, 2018, at

The SJNMA Alumni Office thanks all alumni who provide us with information on your fellow classmates.

Please continue to notify us at (262) 646-7220, (800) 234-9097 or akopaczewski@sjnma.org.

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | The Beacon

Taps

Faculty and Friends the age of 37 unexpectedly due to heart failure. He was born December 25, 1980, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and was the son of Mary Sambrook, father to Cecilie Pleet and Ryan Sambrook Pleet, and brother to Jaime Berg. Sambrook attended SJNMA from 1995 to 1999, and one of his many accomplishments was being selected senior class president. He was a member of the varsity football and rugby teams and participated in the 1998 Wales Rugby Tour. On May 26, 2018, a memorial plaque at The Columbarium on campus was dedicated in his honor with his family and friends in attendance.

Michael G. McGeady 2002 was killed in a hit and run car

accident while returning to his home on December 8, 2017. He was living in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Robert “Bud” F. Ragalie 2006 (non-graduate) passed away June

15, 2018. He was a resident of Oak Park, Illinois. He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and was a member of the 1998 state champion Little League baseball team.

At SJNMA, he was an all-conference selection in 10th grade. He graduated with honors from the Coyne Institute of Chicago with HVAC certification. He spent many years in Austin, Texas, and his favorite activities included baseball and the White Sox, music, movies, CrossFit training, cooking with his father, and travel.

Jake Richard Anthony 2012 passed away March 21, 2018,

in Terre Haute, Indiana. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, he attended the SJNMA Post Graduate program, and studied criminology at Ivy Tech Community College. He was a recent recipient of a heart transplant.

Joan Hackbert, wife of Richard Hackbert S1965, passed away

December 22, 2017, in Salinas, California, after a chronic illness.

Barb Hankwitz, wife of John Hankwitz S1960, passed away February 17, 2018. She will be interred at The Columbarium on campus.

Clarkson Lindley passed away January 2, 2018. His son, Carter

Lindley, is a 2008 graduate of SJNMA.

Virginia “Ginny” Rosen, mother of Lee Breitkopf S1973, lost her two-year battle with lung cancer February 4, 2018.

Bette Alice (Lerch) Rosenthal passed away February 17, 2018, in Woodruff, Wisconsin, after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Richard A. Rosenthal S1947, three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was the second daughter of Major Edison B. Lerch S1919 and Elizabeth Ross (Smythe) Lerch, and granddaughter of Rev. Sidney Smythe.

Sgt. Ted A. Wilson passed away April 6, 2018, in Hamilton, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War at the Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam, and afterward worked as an avionics crew chief for American Airlines for 35 years. He was the father of Lana and father-in-law of Peter Panagiotaros S1983 of Northbrook, Illinois, and grandfather of Stelios Panagiotaros 2016 and Peter Panagiotaros II 2017.

Contact: Anita Kopaczewski Director of Alumni and Director of The Columbarium (262) 646-7220 or akopaczewski@sjnma.org

Visit us online at www.thecolumbarium.com THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

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The Historical Society of Our Academies:

Preserving our Past for the Future 2

Artifact Conservation

1: These bound editions of the earliest SJMA “Trumpeter” yearbooks, dated 1893-1915, should be scanned and rebound for long-term preservation.

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2: Very few early NMNA artifacts survived the fire of 1915. This embroidery was found in an unclaimed locker in California. The individual who found it contacted the Academy and after more than one year of negotiating, we purchased it. There is some damage to the fabric and embroidery that can be corrected by a professional conservator. The ribbon around the banner reads: “RAH! RAH! RAH! NMA HI-HI-HI HIGHLAND PARK ZIS-BOOM-BAH! ZIS-BOOMBAH! ACADEMY ACADEMY RAH! RAH! RAH!” The use of “NMA” and “Highland Park” in the cheer indicate that the work was created before 1911 when the Academy’s name was changed.

3: These scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings related to Royal Page Davidson’s Bicycle Corps (circa 1898) and his first armored car (circa 1900). These and other albums related to Davidson’s celebrated work need professional conservation.

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SJNMA Museum and Archive 4: This NMNA display includes trophies, awards and medals, a diploma, and photos of significant Academy leaders.

5: This area of the museum includes SJMA artifacts belonging to the Smythe and Farrand families, antique photos and artifacts celebrating Academy crew and football, and a picture of an early 1900s football team that is known as “the ghost picture” because of the ghostly image at the back of the photo.

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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy | The Beacon

Preserving History

The Historical Society of Our Academies was established in 2017. The primary goal of the society is to preserve the history of St. John’s Military Academy (SJMA), Northwestern Military and Naval Academy (NMNA), and St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy (SJNMA), and to support maintenance of the SJNMA Museum and Archive. The historical society will oversee the museum and archive and support them through a designated fund.

T

he SJNMA Museum and Archive collects, preserves and makes available items that reflect the histories of SJMA, NMNA and SJNMA. While many items are displayed in the museum, the archive holds an extensive collection of historical documents and artifacts that tell the history of the Academy and the lives of individuals who played significant roles in this institution. Our collections include: • Yearbooks • Cadet and Academy publications • Documents, letters and diaries • Histories of founding families • History of the first armored car • Academy photographs, scrapbooks and record books • Cadet scrapbooks and journals • Cadet uniforms, insignia and memorabilia • Summer camp photos and memorabilia Hundreds of donations from alumni, families and friends have been processed since the museum opened in 1984. An extensive collection of artifacts, documents and photos from NMNA were added following the merger with SJMA in 1995. The historical society affords the museum and archive many opportunities for growth: funding for an archivist, expansion of space, and professional conservation of valuable artifacts.

Personnel A part-time volunteer has managed the upkeep of the museum and archive during the 2017-2018 school year and we have been able to hire a part-time archive assistant in the summers of 2017 and 2018.

A permanent part-time archivist/curator working 25 hours per week would be able to provide the following support: • Maintain the archive’s inventory and process new donations • Update museum and on-campus displays • Organize photographs and provide proper storage for each unique artifact • Work collaboratively with director of alumni, faculty and staff, and off-campus researchers on various Academy projects • Offer tours for visiting families and open the museum for Academy events • Work with the development and alumni offices to seek grant opportunities

THE BEACON | St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy

Facilities The archival collection has outgrown the SJNMA Museum and Archive in its current location in the basement of Scott Johnston Hall. Although it has provided a home for the museum and archive for more than 30 years, the facility was not designed to manage the specific needs that a museum and archive demand, such as climate control that supports longterm preservation.

Artifact Conservation Several items in the archive’s collection require preservation and restoration to maintain value and ensure their longevity.

These include: • Two oil murals by Louis Grell • Northwestern Military Academy needlework, circa 1910 • Century-old journals and yearbooks in need of professional scanning and rebinding

Community Outreach The Academies’ histories shaped and defined the school. Our history tells the world who we are and celebrates academy and alumni contributions to history and society. Many people in the surrounding area are unaware of the rich history of the Academies. The historical society would reach out to the wider community and other historical societies to expand interest in Academy history and its influence on local, regional and national histories.

Help and Support If you are interested in becoming a member of The Historical Society of Our Academies or in contributing to the preservation of Academy history, contact Anita Kopaczewski at akopaczewski@sjnma.org or Stephen Matz at smatz@sjnma.org. Your contribution will help our Academies’ history live on.

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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID DELAFIELD, WI PERMIT NO. 14

St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy 1101 Genesee Street Delafield, WI 53018-1498 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Upcoming SJNMA Events 2018

2019

July 20 ���������������������������OBAA Chris Madding Memorial Golf Outing, Mt. Prospect, Illinois *

March 2 ������������������������Midwinter Ball, SJNMA Campus

September 9 ��������������Founders’ Day Ceremony, SJNMA Campus

April 26-28 ������������������Families Weekend, SJNMA Campus

September 27 �����������The Heritage Society Appreciation Dinner, SJNMA Campus

April 27 �������������������������The Excalibur, SJNMA Campus

March 16 ����������������������St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Chicago *

September 28-30 ����Homecoming & Families Weekend, SJNMA Campus

May 23-26 �������������������Commencement & Reunion Weekend, SJNMA Campus *

September 29 �����������OBAA Pig & Chicken Roast and Fall Fest Fundraiser, SJNMA Campus *

May 24 ��������������������������Leaders Circle Reception, SJNMA Campus

Late October / Early November..........Cadet Phonathon November 9 ���������������Veterans Day Flag Pageant, SJNMA Campus December 16 �������������Festival of Lessons and Carols, SJNMA Campus

For more information on upcoming Academy events, visit www.sjnma.org.

* To register online, visit www.sjnma.org/event-registration.cfm.

Don’t miss any of the action ...

Stay in Touch Contact the Alumni Office at (262) 646-7220, (800) 234-9097 or akopaczewski@sjnma.org for event details and registration or to update the Academy with your news and information.

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Parents of Alumni: If The Beacon is addressed to your son who no longer maintains a permanent residence at your home, or for any change of address, please notify the Alumni Office by calling (800) 234-9097. Thank you!