Blue Banner-V16-Spring/Summer 2014

a n b n e er u l b H A E L ’ S C O L L E GE S C H O O L S T. M I C

Volume 16 ~ Spring/Summer 2014

10 Fr. Thompson, C.S.B. ’79 Returns

17 Robert Deluce ’68 Expands 19 DiDonato ’76 Castles

a n b n e er u l b

letters to the editor

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H A E L ’ S C OL L E GE S C HO OL S T. M I C

The St. Michael’s College School alumni magazine, Blue Banner, is published two times per year. It reflects the history, accomplishments and stories of graduates and its purpose is to promote collegiality, respect and Christian values under the direction of the Basilian Fathers.

PRESIDENT: EDITOR: CO-EDITOR:

Terence M. Sheridan ’89 Gavin Davidson ’93 Michael De Pellegrin ’94

    

St. Michael’s College School: www.stmichaelscollegeschool.com Blue Banner Online: www.mybluebanner.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Basilian Fathers: www.basilian.org

Kimberley Bailey, Michael Flood ’87, Jillian Kaster, Pat

CISAA (Varsity Athletic Schedule): www.cisaa.ca

Mancuso ’90, Harold Moffat ’52, Marc Montemurro ’93,

Twitter: www.twitter.com/smcs1852

Joe Younder ’56, Stephanie Nicholls, Terence Sheridan

Advancement Office: advancement@smcsmail.com

’89.

Alumni Affairs: alumni@smcsmail.com Archives Office: archives@smcsmail.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CONTACT DIRECTORY

Blue Banner Feedback: bluebanner@smcsmail.com

School Administration Message

4

Alumni Association Message

5

Editor’s Letter

6

Letters to the Editor

7

E-mail: info@smcsmail.com

Around St. Mike’s

8

• Admissions (ext. 195)

Fr. Thompson, C.S.B. ’79 Returns Home as New President

10

Securing Our Future by Giving Back: Michael Flood ’87

12

The Men of St. Michael’s: Antoine (Anthony) Pappalardo ’90

13

Those ‘Golden’ Boys – The Dineen’s

15

Communications Office: md@smcsmail.com Tel: 416-653-3180 ext. 292 Fax: 416-653-8789

• Advancement (ext. 118) • Alumni Affairs (ext. 273)

Flying the Blue Banner: Porter Plans Expansion 17 A Castle for an Alumni King: Nick Di Donato ’76 19 Where Are They Now, Teacher Edition – Paul Dignan ’59

22

Where Are They Now

24

In Memoriam

30

The Way We Were – The ‘52 Heavy Eights

34

• Archives (ext. 457) • Arena (ext. 422) • Communications (ext. 292) • Finance (ext. 239) • Main Reception (ext. 0) • Mporium – school store (ext. 431) • Property Manager (ext. 129) • President’s Office (ext. 174) • Principal – Mr. Sheridan ’89 (ext. 139) • Vice Principal – Mr. John ’87 (ext. 156) • Vice Principal – Mr. Lee ’94 (ext. 179) Canada Publications Mail Agreement #40006997 Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

message from the president The past two years of being President of St. Michael’s College School has been a very rewarding and humbling experience. New relationships, exciting initiatives and caring for the future of SMCS have provided me with an energy that was most welcome. Within each of these areas of focus it has also been affirmed for me that the fundamental pillar of our school is community. Having the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful families and alumni provides me with the ability to articulate who we are. The Basilian vision of a school that provides a Catholic liberal arts education for young men, and co-curricular opportunities to round out character, is alive and well at St. Mike’s.

The importance of our whole school community coming together to renew SMCS cannot be glossed over. In particular, the alumni of our school must play an important role in this endeavor and will need to heed the call of incoming president, Fr. Jefferson Thompson, C.S.B. ’79.

As an alumnus and as an individual who has worked closely with the Alumni Association over the past two years, I firmly believe that our prayers, support, and willingness to work on behalf of the school will serve Fr. Thompson well. Having established himself here at St. Michael’s as an alumnus and faculty member (2001-04), and at our Basilian brother school, Catholic Central, in Novi, Michigan (2005-14), Fr. Thompson is respected for his faith, love of St. Michael’s and his interpersonal skills, amongst other intangibles. It is my belief that Fr. Thompson will be a strong addition to St. Michael’s College School. On behalf of the entire College School community, I welcome him back and look forward to working together during his tenure.

I am excited to continue here at St. Michael’s College School as principal, working with the strong administrative team of which I am a part and for which I am very thankful.

Over the next few months, Mr. Enzo Vitullo, Director of Athletics at St. Michael’s, will be retiring and I would like to acknowledge him for all of his efforts over the past couple of years. His focus on the student-athletes, and his organizational skills, which have helped to streamline our athletics programme. Moving forward, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Chris DePiero ’87 has been selected as our next Director of Athletics. Chris’ commitment to the Basilian-influenced St. Mike’s education, his understanding of sport and character development, and his ability to communicate, places us in good stead as we continue to grow our programmes and garner support from alumni.

Most importantly, the development of our young men from both a varsity and intramural level will benefit from Chris’ vision in the years to come.

As another year draws to a conclusion, it is important to thank everyone for their support of the College School over this past year, especially the alumni. Your invaluable efforts at many of our functions, role modeling at others, and financial assistance during our initiatives goes a long way towards enabling SMCS to be a leader in Catholic education. Much of the hard work, both internally and through your efforts, provides another opportunity for approximately 205 students to graduate and become the next group of alumni. I congratulate the Class of 2014 for their efforts during their tenure at St. Michael’s College School.

I ask that we all keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they leave the yellow-bricked hallways and head out into the ‘real world’. It is my belief that these young men will carry forward the traditions of St. Michael’s and, above all else, will be men of faith and character. I also hope that they, like all other alumni, are thankful for their St. Michael’s education and will remember the generations to come when they are asked for support.

Terence M. Sheridan ’89 President & Principal

Embracing change in our Community

alumni association message Hopefully by the time you read this latest edition of the Blue Banner, this winter of the Polar Vortex has (finally) passed and the warm spring air has settled in. One unfortunate effect of this historic cold winter has been some damage to the school property, most notably extensive water damage to the school chapel due to a frozen water pipe. The chapel will require quite a bit of restoration and unfortunately will be closed for some time.

It has been a long, cold winter, but that has not stopped the progress of the Alumni Association.

During the last meeting, it really dawned on me how much progress the Association has made in terms of reaching out to alumni with a wide variety of events and organizations. Everyone is aware of the two main events in the fall, Homecoming and Turkey Roll. However, in reality, the spring appears to be growing as a busier time for the school and the Alumni Association.

I strongly encourage alumni to support these fantastic spring events: - Skate for Kids - Spring BBQ for the past 10 graduating classes - MacKinnon’s Pub night – Dream Theatre Productions - The Big M Lottery & Reception - The 40th Annual Golf Tournament

- The Enzo Montemurro Touch Football Classic & Alumni Lacrosse Game 2013 marked my graduating class’s 20th anniversary.

To celebrate this, a reunion was held in the Alumni Lounge. It was great to catch up with members of my class, some of whom I had not seen since graduation.

It was a fabulous night, with proceeds going towards setting up the Class of 1993 Bursary Fund. I challenge the Class of 1994 to follow suit and organize their own reunion. Perhaps we can start a tradition of an annual 20th anniversary celebration. The Alumni Association and Advancement Office would be glad to help set up these reunions.

Last, but far from least, the advances made by the Alumni Association could not have been possible without the incredible support of President Terence Sheridan ’89. I know I can speak on behalf of the entire Alumni Association and congratulate Terry on a spectacularly well done job! We are looking forward to fostering and continuing this great working relationship with incoming president, and also fellow alumnus, Fr. Jeff Thompson, C.S.B. ’79.

I would also like to send out a special welcome and congratulations to the graduating class of 2014. Welcome to the Alumni Association, boys!

I hope you all enjoy this issue of the Blue Banner and I wish you a safe and healthy summer.

Marc Montemurro ’93 President, SMCS Alumni Association

PAST PRESIDENTS

Josh Colle ’92, Romeo Milano ’80, Peter Thurton ’81, Denis Caponi Jr. ’86, Rob Grossi ’72, Paul Grossi ’69, Daniel Brennan ’70, John McCusker ’57, William Metzler ’65, John Bonvivere ’50 †, Michael Duffy ’65, Ross Robertson ’64, William Rosenitsch ’57, Paul Thomson ’65, John G. Walsh ’58 †, Frank Thickett ’57, W. Frank Morneau ’59, Frank Glionna ’53 †, George Cormack ’49, Richard Wakely ’64 †, Gordon Ashworth ’45 †, Peter D’Agostino ’42 †, G.J. McGoey ’58 †, Paul McNamara ’40 †, Joseph Primeau ’28 †, Dick Foster ’30†.

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

editor’s letter Change is coming - not only to St. Mike’s, but to the city around us. In many cases however, the St. Mike’s community is also the driving force behind the changes facing Toronto.

Here at St. Michael’s, the College School is about to enter a new era, as Fr. Jeff Thompson, C.S.B. ’79 returns home to St. Michael’s as President, after spending the last two years as President of Detroit Catholic Central High School, one of three remaining Basilian high schools. This is an exciting time for SMCS, as it ensures that the Basilian presence and guidance, which has been so important to the success of our school, will remain in place for the foreseeable future. It is also a time for us to be thankful – thankful for Fr. Thompson’s willingness to, and excitement at, returning to St. Mike’s, but also for the effort, dedication, and selflessness shown by outgoing President Terry Sheridan ’89 during his two years at the helm. I am confident I speak for all alumni that Terry returns to his full duties as Principal with the school in a stronger position than when he took the reigns as President.

Down the street from the school, change is also coming at a fast and furious pace at Casa Loma. After many years of neglect and under appreciation for one of Toronto jewels, City Council has recently assigned management of the venerable property to a new firm Liberty Entertainment Group. Liberty is of course run by alumnus Nick Di Donato ‘79, who speaks exclusively to the Blue Banner about his plans for Toronto’s castle and how his success was made possible by his time at St. Mike’s.

Embracing change in our Community

letters to the editor Further south down Bathurst Street, at the Billy Bishop Airport a more contentious type of change has been proposed by another alumnus. Porter Airlines CEO Robert Deluce ’68 is on a mission to expand not only Porter’s operations, but the runway they use to ferry Torontonians to their destinations. In a very candid interview, Deluce speaks with the Banner about how his attachment to the island airport was fostered during his time at St. Mike’s and how his plans to expand the airport will benefit Torontonians.

Strangely enough, Deluce isn’t the only alumnus operating out of Billy Bishop, as it is also home base for Antoine Papplardo’s ’90 family airline business – Trans Capital Air. Through Trans Capital Pappalardo, who is the feature of this month’s ‘Men of St. Michael’s’ works exclusively with the United Nations to provide air support for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in some of the world’s most troubled areas. With the large SMCS presence on the island, we may want to consider renaming Billy Bishop ‘St. Mike’s South’.

Of course, one area we have always had a sizeable presence has been the world of hockey. This fact is reinforced with a wonderful article about the Dineen family written by former Blue Banner editor, Joe Younder ’56. Add to this the bevy of news about the successes and accomplishments of alumni contained in our regular session and it becomes clear that both St. Mike’s and Toronto are moving forward – with SMCS alumni at the forefront.

Dear Editor, Undoubtedly, by now, someone has told you that the photo on p. 10 of the Blue Banner, Volume 15, is of Fr. Les Costello, C.S.B. ’46, older brother of Murray ’53.

Best wishes, Howard Harvey ’47, Majors - 1946-47 Ed’s reply: Actually Howard, without your eagle eye it might have gone unnoticed. Thanks!

Dear Editor It’s not a story, but rather a suggestion. As a president of the Alumni Association, and as a publisher of the Blue Banner for a few years, I always made sure that the names of the past presidents, men who worked very hard for many years to build the Association to what it is today, were listed in every edition of the Blue Banner. If it wasn’t for the efforts of these gentlemen, you wouldn’t have the Association you have today. So how about focusing on not forgetting these men, who spent more years devoted to the Alumni Association than some of the current crew have been alive. Their names have been left out of a few editions lately. I hope that oversight is corrected from now on. I expressed my feelings concerning this to Joe Younder ’56 upon receiving the latest edition.

John McCusker ’57

Dear Editor, In response to Harold ‘Hal’ Moffatt’s ’52 article, ‘The Way We Were’, in Volume 14, of the Blue Banner, I am happy to add two photos to Harold’s entertaining stories. One shows Gordon McRae (the Hollywood movie star) in the dressing room with the Majors following a Sunday afternoon game at Maple Leaf Gardens.

The other is a team photo of the 1951-52 Majors, coached by Charlie Cerre ’26. Harold is second from the right in the McRae photo, and back row right in the team photo. Dad (Charlie Cerre) would have enjoyed Harold’s stories, as he loved coaching ‘his boys’ during this exciting era. Thanks Hal! Paul Cerre ’70 Ed’s reply: A wonderful contribution, Paul. Thanks so much for sending in these fabulous photos.

Ed’s reply: As per p. 5 of this issue, always happy to oblige a Past President, John!

Happy Reading,

Gavin Davidson ’93 Editor

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

around st. mike’s GRADE 11 CAREER DAY On Wednesday, January 22, Justice Christopher Speyer ’59 returned to St. Michael’s as the keynote speaker of the 12th Annual Grade 11 Career Day at the Centre for the Arts.

He spoke about his decisions behind choosing his three career paths. Speyer began his career as a criminal lawyer, and then served as a Member of Parliament in Cambridge, Ontario, before being appointed judge for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. As a judge, he presided over the controversial Abdullah Khadr extradition case in 2008.

The casereceived significant media coverage after

Speyer’s 2010 ruling that denied a request to extradite Khadr to face terrorism charges in the United States. After his presentation, the Grade 11s broke into smaller sessions where guest speakers from a wide range of industries shared their academic and professional experiences and life choices. Other guest speakers included Paul Acerbi ’93, Jason Annibale ’93, Robert Antenore ’92, Adrian Capobianco ’93, Jonathan Cardella ’93, Michael Cinelli ’95, Jason Ciurluini ’93, Gianni Creta ’93, Gavin Davidson ’93, Emanuele Fenili ’93, Nick Gentile ’89, Joseph LoPresti ’93, Giovanni Marsico ’95, Rino Spano ’93. A big thank you to all the speakers and Luciano Volpe ’93, who organized the event.

ST. MICHAEL’S/NIKE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT The Varsity Blue Raiders basketball team became the top ranked team in Canada after winning the annual St. Michael’s/Nike Tournament for the second year in a row.

The tournament opened on Thursday, January 9 with the induction of alumni basketball players, Sean Dodds ’83, George Papadakos ’83 and Bernard Jackson ’87 into the Blue Raiders Basketball Hall of Fame. The Blue Raiders then kicked off the tournament withwins against Holy Trinity 66-55, Ascension 56-52 and St. Edmond Campion 61-41. The championship round was a repeat of last

Embracing change in our Community

year’s final as the Blue Raiders faced Fr. Henry Carr. Thanks to great defensive pressure in the second half, the Raiders sent Fr. Henry Carr packing with a 64-46 win. Godwin Boahen ’15 was named a tournament all-star and Nelson Kaputo ’15 took home MVP honours.

JUSTYN KNIGHT '14 HELPS CANADA TO SILVER MEDAL Justyn Knight represented Canada in the North American and Caribbean (NACAC) Cross Country Championships held in Mount Irvine, Tobago on Saturday, February 22. He placed 5th and helped Canada capture the silver medal in the junior men’s division. As a rookie to the international cross country circuit, Knight completed the 6km race with a time of 18:42:64 and was the second Canadian to finish. He qualified for the NACAC championships after he captured gold in the junior men’s division at the Canadian National Cross Country Championships in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was undefeated in the cross-country season, which included an OFSAA championship - a first in St. Michael's storied distance running history. Justyn committed to NCAA Division I Syracuse University for September 2014, where he will compete for the Orange in the NCAA’s Atlantic Coast Conference.

IPAD IN THE CLASSROOM PILOT PROJECT St. Michael’s launched a year-long iPad in the Classroom pilot project to investigate the benefit of integrating tablet technology in the curriculum. In September, students and teachers in Homeroom 7B were each given an iPad to help deliver the Grade 7 curriculum (the same curriculum being delivered in all Grade 7 classes at St. Michael’s) to promote the continued growth of their organization skills, instill an understanding of the importance of using technology ethically and responsibly, and to foster an appreciation for school property. Highlights of classroom uses include collaborative multimedia word-processing, the creation of graphic art, peer brainstorming, facilitating communication between students and the faculty and the ability to access information instantly in the classroom.

ST. MICHAEL'S LAUNCHES NEW CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE In October 2013, St. Michael’s College School launched the St. Michael’s Milk Bag Club. Launched under the leadership of Joseph Narducci ’16, who after learning about MILKBAGS Unlimited, wanted to support its mission of diverting thousands of nonbiodegradable milk bags from landfills, transforming them so they can serve the poor. This club meets weekly to cut, loop and weave milk bags into mats.

Each mat is made of 1200 milk bags and has anti-bacterial properties, can be washed and dried and repels insects making them very useful in third world countries.

MILKBAGS Unlimited was founded by Angela Kesthely, following the Haitian earthquake in 2010. To learn more about Angela’s story go to www.milkbagsunlimited.ca.

DRUMLINE MEMBERS RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE ONTARIO SOLOS COMPETITION Three members of the St. Michael’s Drumline received awards at the Canadian Drumline Association’s first annual Ontario Solos Competition held at the Centre for the Arts on Saturday, January 11. Alexander Dowell ’14 and Daniel Clemenzi ’16 placed first in the Duet category. Alexander also earned first place in the Solo Multitenor category.

Daniel and Jorge Ramos ’14 received the silver and bronze medals respectively in the Solo Snare Drum category.

ST. MICHAEL'S SUPPORTS CANADIAN FOOD FOR CHILDREN This year, the St. Michael's College School community supported Canadian Food for Children (CFFC) through various social justice and student government led initiatives such as the walk-a-thon in September and Christmas shoebox and clothing drives. Thanks to the generous donations and support from parent volunteers, namely the St. Mike's Mamas, St. Michael’s was able to deliver countless items to this worthy charity. Students also volunteered to load shipping containers destined for the Philippines, Peru, and Ghana in support of the poor.

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

fr. thompson, c.s.b. ’79 returns home as new president “Homecomings are always filled with blessings.

Coming home to Toronto where my family still lives is a blessing for all of us. Coming home to St. Mike's brings me back to the campus where my own growth in goodness, discipline, and knowledge was given a head start.

To contribute now to the growth of our current students in those same virtues is for me a blessing beyond measure.

Coming home to St. Mike's also brings me back to the campus where my Basilian priestly vocation was born and nurtured. With their warm welcome and supportive presence, the whole St. Michael's family blesses me now as I begin to minister here as a Basilian priest.”

This summer will mark a major change in the administration of St. Michael’s College School as Fr. Jeff Thompson, C.S.B. returns home to St. Michael’s as President, after spending the last two years as President of Detroit Catholic Central High School, one of three remaining Basilian high schools.

Embracing change in our Community

In November 2013, Fr. Dennis Noelke, C.S.B., Chair of the Board of Directors of St. Michael’s College School, announced to the school community that Fr. Thompson has been appointed to take over from Dr. Terence Sheridan ’89, who filled the position for the last two years.

“The Board wishes to thank Dr. Terence Sheridan, who returns to his full responsibilities as Principal in July, for his leadership over the last two years,” said Fr. Noelke. “The Board believes that Fr. Thompson and Dr. Sheridan will provide the vision to lead St. Michael’s into the future, in the tradition of the Basilian Fathers.”

parative Literature from the University of Alberta in Edmonton (1998), and in 2013, a Master of Science in Catholic School Leadership from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.

At Detroit Catholic Central High School (CC) in Novi, Michigan, he taught Theology and French (2005-12), served on the Board of Directors from 2009, was a member of the School Improvement Team, a faculty speaker at every student Kairos retreat, Moderator of the Mothers’ Club, and Chaplain of the varsity lacrosse team and the academic teams.

“To say that I am both excited and humbled would be the understatement of the century. How could that new Grade 9 student, new to St. Mike’s and new to Canada back in September 1974, have ever imagined that the world was going to spin around to this day? I came to know giants in those days at St. Mike’s,” noted Fr. Thompson. “I hope that my name will learn to keep good company with theirs.”

“I regret that my teaching, administration, and ministry at Catholic Central High School have not left me sufficient time to keep abreast of new developments at St. Mike's,” said Thompson.

“I do know about the successful establishment and outstanding service of the Learning Enrichment Centre, an eminent model from which CC's on-campus visit gained valuable inspiration and advice during our on-campus visit, before the inauguration of our own highly successful Learning Strategies Center two years ago. Further, I love the performing arts, and I rejoice in the happy fact that St. Mike’s now boasts its own gem of a theatre.”

Following his graduation from St. Michael’s in 1979, Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and French from the University of Toronto (1983), a Master of Arts in English from the University of Toronto (1988), a Master of Divinity in Theology and Pastoral Ministry conjointly from the University of St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto (1991), a Master of Arts in Com-

Fr. Thompson’s life as a Basilian priest began when he professed his religious vows in 1987. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1991 at St. Basil’s Church in Toronto. He has served variously as Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at Assumption University (Windsor), at St. Joseph’s College in the University of Alberta (Edmonton), and at the University of St. Thomas

Born in Jamshedpur, India on September 18, 1960, Fr. Thompson received his elementary school education at Loyola School, administered by the Jesuit Fathers.

In 1973, Fr. Thompson and his family moved to Toronto, where he attended Grade 8 at St. Charles School before being accepted at St. Michael’s College School for Grade 9.

(Houston). He has also served as Editor of The Canadian Catholic Review. He has taught at Lycée Condorcet in Paris, France (English), at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas (English), at Aquinas Institute in Rochester, New York (English and French), at the University of Alberta in Edmonton (Comparative Literature), and at St. Michael’s College School (Theology, Philosophy, English, and French).

“Always looking to maintain and ensure St. Mike’s well-deserved reputation as the best school in Toronto, I am resolved not to obstruct anything that furthers our sacred mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge, all the while cherishing and fostering our venerable foundation and tradition,” stated Thompson. “Arriving with a helpful perspective from having experienced other Basilian high schools in action, I am genuinely interested in listening to the St. Michael’s family, so that together we may continue to build a strong vision and direction for our school into a future that will always be bright.”

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

securing our future by giving back: michael flood ’87 This year’s Annual Double Blue campaign saw a wonderful surprise donation arrive from Michael Flood. Michael sent in a first time gift of $5,000 for the brand new varsity hockey team, the St. Michael’s Majors. SMCS is ever thankful for all the gifts it receives, however Michael’s gift made us wonder… who is Michael Flood and what motivated him to give to St. Michael’s? We’ll let him tell you, in his own words.

Given my lack of artistic talents, I focused on getting involved by being a member of any sports team that I could ‘make’ during my five years at SMCS. I played on various hockey teams and the junior and varsity football teams. As I look back, I consider myself very fortunate to have been teammates/classmates with, and learned from, some very talented athletes and great leaders.

After St. Mike’s, my goal was to continue combining academics and athletics at university. I graduated from Queen’s University in 1992 and played four years on the hockey team. After playing hockey in Europe for a year, I received an MSc degree from Indiana University (and was the Assistant Coach of its hockey team) and eventually got a MBA from Western (Ivey) - a lot of school, I know!

I was fortunate to get the opportunity to start working in private equity after my MBA, ending up within TD Bank’s Private Equity Group in 2001. This enabled my family to live in the UK for six years while I opened our London office (a few of my classmates are still living in London, including Rob Lepone ’87 and Steve Fullan ’87). In 2009, a group of us spun the business out from the bank into an independent firm called Northleaf Capital - a private markets (private equity, infrastructure) focused asset management firm. I am a partner in the Toronto office.

Embracing change in our Community

SMCS taught me that there are many individual and team benefits that come from combining high quality athletic pursuits with a strong academic education. I thought it was very positive that SMCS moved to more closely tie academics with the highest quality varsity hockey available by joining the Mid-West Prep Hockey League.

Students will be able to develop their hockey and combine that with top academics while at SMCS, so they can look to continue athletics at the Canadian or U.S. college level.

In addition, with Chris DePiero ’87, SMCS couldn’t have selected a better person to lead the revamped varsity programme. Chris and I played together on a number of teams while at SMCS and played against each other in university.

I have followed his successful coaching/teaching career from afar. I always considered him to be a great leader and person (not to mention a great player) and wanted to support him, in a small way, to make the program a success.

Hoikety Choik!

What motivates you to give back?

Donations to the school’s various programmes, athletics and academics, are greatly appreciated. No gift is too small! All gifts received are issued a charitable tax receipt. If you are interested in making a donation, please visit smcsgive.com for more information on the different ways you can give.

the men of st. michael’s: antoine (anthony) pappalardo ’90 Antoine Pappalardo isn’t afraid of a little adrenaline.

Pappalardo is the CEO and Co-owner of Toronto-based airline Trans Capital Air, which works exclusively with the United Nations to provide air support for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the troubled areas of Afghanistan, Somalia, Liberia and South Sudan. Providing logistics support, supplying food, medicine and other items for troops and humanitarian workers on the ground, Trans Capital employees, including Pappalardo, put themselves in danger to make the world a better place while still earning a living.

Canadians,” says Pappalardo. “But we are a for profit business. There is no mistaking that. It is very difficult to work in such a capital intensive industry as aviation and do it for free. Keeping people safe, and planes in the air, takes serious and continuous investment.”

“We look at it from a risk management perspective and make proper assessments about potential dangers to staff, customers, and equipment.

From that, we are then able to carve out a safe operating envelope and work within that envelope. In some places and circumstances, we will refuse if we can’t assure that secure envelope,” says Pappalardo.

Trans Capital’s first UN aid mission was in 2000 in East Timor, as the country was struggling for independence against a rigid Indonesian occupation. But he has seen a lot more since: Taliban insurgency and terror attacks in Afghanistan; hot civil war and lootings in Ivory Coast; lynch mobs, kidnappings, tornadoes and earthquakes in Haiti; sabotage, mob stonings and Ebola in Liberia; tribal warfare and stray gunfire in South Sudan al-Shabab mortar attacks and IEDs in Somalia. These are the kind of incidents that define the realities of working in countries under peacekeeping mandates.

For Pappalardo, what matters most is the capability to protect and safeguard the sanctity of human life above all else.

Aviation is entrenched deep within Pappalardo’s family lineage. In the 1970s, he watched his father climb the corporate ranks at Quebec airlines Nordair and Quebecair. Moving the family from Montreal to Toronto, Pappalardo’s father launched a regional commuter airline called City Express in 1985. This visionary entrepreneurial venture put the Toronto island airport on the map, when it had for years been a sleepy aerodrome. It was an exciting time. As a young student, this is where he got his first taste of working in the industry – putting in 60-hour weeks during most summers and holidays until that business shut down in 1991.

For Pappalardo, the move to Toronto signified the beginning of his time spent at St. Mike’s and he recalls his first impressions vividly.

“The ability to contribute and enable the work of the UN and NGO’s that help to stabilize and rebuild countries is something that we and our people are quite proud of as “Yellow bricks – lots of them. Coming in at a young age,

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those ‘golden’ boys – the dineen’s Joe Younder ’56 it felt like a big place. One thing that stood out quickly was the sense of kinship and camaraderie among all the students.”

Following St. Mike’s, Pappalardo graduated with a degree in political science from the University of Toronto. Always intrigued by his father’s globetrotting, inspired by the boundless potential of international business, and having spent a year studying and working abroad, Pappalardo decided to do what was in his blood. He joined Trans Capital alongside his dad in 1996 with a long-term plan to develop the business and take over. Together, they quickly refocused the business from domestic charter flights and turned to the international realm. With Pappalardo working hands-on leading early overseas projects in Cameroon and French Guiana, Trans Capital soon leveraged their unique capabilities to begin working with the UN and never looked back.

Five continents, 15 years and 40,000 flight missions later, Pappalardo reflects on his experience and early education: “It was this aspect of the work that coincided with my keen interest in the world we live in beyond our own borders – something I began to develop while studying at St. Mike’s.”

“I always had an interest in international relations, history, political science, and the languages and cultures of the world,” says Pappalardo, who became CEO of Trans Capital in 2006. “My interests motivated me to seek out an international career, and combined with that, I think as part of our faith as Christians and Catholics, there is down deep a vocation of service to our fellow man. Through my career and my business, I wanted to lend a hand to enable a better life for the less fortunate in the world.”

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Embracing change in our Community

“Sometimes a door closes, another one opens,” according to Kevin Dineen ’81. There is perhaps no better way to describe his successful hockey journey.

After coaching the Florida Panthers and leading the team to a first Southeast Division title and a playoff spot, he was fired. Not to be deterred, Kevin applied for and got the job as Head Coach of the Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. The rest, as we all know, is history.

Hired on December 17, two months and three days later, he was wearing Olympic gold in Sochi. His journey has been a successful one. After playing for the Buzzers in 1980-81, he went to the University of Denver and was later drafted by the Hartford Whalers in 1984, scoring 25 goals as a rookie. In 1991, he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers where his father was coach and where he joined his former Buzzer teammate, Rick Tocchet.

With stops in Carolina, Ottawa and finally Columbus, he ended his career with 1,188 regular season games, contributing 760 points (355 goals and 405 assists). Then he became the head coach for the AHL’s Portland Pirates from 2005-11, winning the AHL’s Coach of the Year in 2005. He represented Canada winning silver medals at the IIHF World Championships in 1985 and 1989 and the Canada Cup in 1987. He also played in the world championships in 1987 and 1993 and at the 1984 Olympics. After all that, Kevin still remembers his time at St. Mike’s where he followed his brother, Gord ’80, in playing for the Buzzers, under coaches Rick Cornacchia and Bill Fifield.

how important education is. I think all of us had NHL dreams, but in reality, school was as important as anything we’ve done. Just to be a part of the tradition and the great things that have gone on at St. Mike’s is incredible.”

One could well say that Kevin Dineen was born into a hockey family. His father Bill ’52, the hockey patriarch, played for the Majors from 1949-53 alongside the likes of Leo Labine, Ed Chadwick ’53, Dick Duff ’55, and Murray Costello ’53, who was later his teammate in Detroit. He played for Detroit from 1954-58, winning two Stanley Cups. After 1958, he played for the Buffalo Bisons, Cleveland Barons, Rochester Americans, Quebec Aces, and the Denver Spurs - carrying with him the love of the game and solid sportsmanship.

Following his playing years, he coached the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association. On that team was Gordie Howe along with his sons, Marty and Mark. Later, in his six years as coach with the Adirondack Red Wings, he won two Calder Cups and was twice named American Hockey League Coach of the Year. If you ever had the chance between 1986-90 to travel up Yonge Street to see the Leaf Farm team, the Newmarket Saints, coached by Paul Gardner, Bill, then the coach for the Adirondack Red Wings, was always gracious and happy to see St. Mike’s alumni when the two teams played.

In 1991-92, Bill was hired by the Philadelphia Flyers and fired after the 1993 season. Sound familiar? How“We had a well-coached, talented hockey team. I can’t ever, he too, in a way, struck gold. In 2014 the American say enough about Rick Cornacchia and Bill Fifield. The Hockey League Hall of Fame inducted Bill Dineen into two of them did a real solid job of steering the guys to its ranks, along with three others. The citation read, land college scholarships, and you realize later on in life “the achievements and contributions of these four Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

flying the blue banner: porter plans expansion individuals throughout their American Hockey League careers make them an integral part of the fabric of our storied history.” Bill always had time for his players.

“I related to players fairly closely, not just on the ice, but things like family matters, too,” he said in a recent interview. “When you create that type of atmosphere, players play harder for you.” Well done, Bill. Take a bow. However, we can’t stop here. There are more Dineen’s in the game.

Gord ’80 is presently the Assistant Coach with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. He played for the Buzzers during the 1979-80 season and then spent two years with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds before he embarked on his professional career, playing 528 games with the New York Islanders, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators. Coincidentally, Steve Spott ’83, after spending 12 seasons with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, and winning the Memorial Cup in 2003, is the Head Coach of the Marlies. By the way, Spott played on that 1990-91 Newmarket Saints team.

Gord, made from that same mold as his father, is carrying on the love of the game tutoring young players in skills and leadership.

Jerry Dineen ’85, Bill’s second youngest son, played for the Buzzers from 1983-85. Following this, he went to Plattsburg State University for four years and played two years pro in in the East Coast League in North Carolina. At present, Jerry has been the video coach for the New York Rangers since the Roger Neilson days.

He recalls the time when he lived with Neil Patterson’s family while at St. Mike’s, and in his job with the Rangers, he would come across Dominic Moore ’99, Kevin Weekes, Eric Lindros, Sean Burke ’85 and others. Jerry relates that no article on the Dineens could be complete without mentioning his sister Rose “who lived in Queensbury close to my Dad and is better known as Embracing change in our Community

‘The Rose amongst the thorns’.”

“She lived in Toronto while I was attending St. Mike’s and looked after me while my Dad was coaching the Adirondack Red Wings. She would attend all the Buzzer games when I was playing in 1983-84, and would have my roomy Phil Quenneville ’85, and team mates Kevin Carley, Andy Pokupec ’85, and Sean Burke often over for dinner.”

Another important Dineen is the late Pat Dineen the matriarch of one of the NHL's most respected and successful families.

She was the “glue” that kept the family together. Rounding out the Dineen family is Peter Dineen, who played for the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings, and is currently a scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Shawn Dineen, a scout with the Nashville Predators.

With 40-plus years in hockey as a player and coach, including two seasons behind the Flyers bench, Bill Dineen is quite proud of and eager to speak of his five sons, all with current employment in the NHL. Dineen remembers his boys being involved in hockey wherever his career took him.

“We started in Seattle, then Denver, and Houston.

During the summers I'd take them to British Columbia to interact on the ice with Canadians. They learned more during their summers there (Canada) than during the rest of the year. They tell me they have the greatest jobs in the world. They are enjoying what they are doing, and they've been at it a long time," Dineen happily notes.

Things are indeed ‘golden’ in the Dineen family.

More than two million people flew out of Billy Bishop Airport over the Toronto skyline this past year. Porter Airlines provides service to 19 destinations throughout North America with a fleet of 26 aircrafts made right here in Toronto. For President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Deluce ’68, Porter represents a driving force in job creation and economic benefit. In the past seven years, Deluce has helped transformed Billy Bishop Airport into Canada’s ninth largest. As Porter continues to grow, Deluce can’t help but pave the runway for future expansion.

America and further afield.

Porter has selected the new Bombardier Whisper Jet on the basis of its unmatched ‘quiet flight’ technology. This factor was of high importance to Deluce who has faced some controversy for proposing to allow jets into the inner-city airport.

With more than 50 years of experience, Robert Deluce is one of Canada’s most knowledgeable and respected airline owners and operators. Born into an aviation family, Deluce learned the merits of airline ownership from his father, a World War II pilot who founded White River Air Service - flying summer tourists to Lake Superior in northern Ontario. Growing up in White River, the Deluce family first moved to Toronto in 1964. With the SMC boarding school recently closed, the Deluce brothers instead boarded with families connected to SMC. Connections have been very important in building Porter into what is it today and many of those valuable connections date back to Deluce’s earlier years at SMC.

“Only when we were satisfied and had performance guarantees did we even put forward the plan,” Deluce states. “Those are very important considerations and must be factored in. [Porter] would not put a plan forward if we thought there would be anything but positive results for Torontonians.”

He earned his pilot license in his teens when he moved to Toronto to attend SMC. Having grown up in northern Ontario, St. Mike’s helped introduce Deluce to the big city. He fondly remembers taking the Bathurst streetcar straight down from school to the waterfront to fly. “If it was not for my time there I would not have developed the affinity for the airport,” he remembers, “it was an inspiration for starting Porter.”

Today, that inspiration has led Porter to launch its proposal to operate the Bombardier Whisper Jets to airports throughout North

Porter has proposed the new aircrafts would be welcomed in “because it is an incredibly quiet aircraft and designed for an inner-city airport,” Deluce explains. “Of equal importance, the jets are fully capable of making non-stop flights to Porter’s newly proposed destinations.”

For Deluce, this plan has arisen out of requests made

by Porter passengers. “Many who are taking advantage of Porter today would love for Porter to spread its wings a bit,” Deluce explains. “This as an opportunity to extend Porter to newer horizons without compromising the customer service or negatively affecting the neighbouring residents.”

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a castle for an alumni king: nick di donato ’76 When Nick Di Donato was a student at St. Michael’s, he learned a valuable life lesson very early on in his career.

The proposal stands to create 1,000 new jobs and fuel economic growth, ultimately benefitting Toronto in the eyes of Deluce. The airport’s prime downtown location presents an opportunity for effortless travel between the runway and the boardroom. As with any development plan to expand over waterfront or parkland, many oppose the Porter runway extension plans. To Porter, these necessary challenges are about “navigating around the speed bumps,” as Deluce explains. As a result, Porter aims to answer all questions and concerns through transparency, facts and respect and has set up a website dedicated to that purpose.

In the past seven years, Robert Deluce has transformed Porter Airlines into an international success, most recently recognized as the best small airline in the world by CondeNaste. Today, Porter remains a gateway for business and inner-city travellers, providing excellent customer service experiences and building relationships beyond Toronto’s city limits. Deluce attributes that success and his interest in entrepre-

neurship both to his family and his formative years spent at SMC. “One of the things I remember best about St. Mike’s is the teachers, particularly Fr. Sheehan, C.S.B. ’44, who had a big impact on me,” says Deluce. “The school had a profound effect on my early upbringing and instilled in me an interest in being successful and useful.” Additionally, Deluce fondly remembers how “SMC helped introduce [him] to a big city.”

On January 27, 2014, Toronto City Council convened for a public consultation on Porter Plans to review the request and hear from members of the public. On April 1, 2014, city council delayed the decision and instead voted unanimously to negotiate with the Toronto Port Authority over the expansion.

Embracing change in our Community

The man behind some of Toronto’s most iconic entertainment and nightlife venues, including the Liberty Grand and Rosewater, recalls the late Fr. Volpe, C.S.B. ’48 giving him an assignment in which he was required to write down what he aspired to be.

Everyone in the class got the same assignment and at the end of year, Fr. Volpe would go around the class asking the boys to share their answers. At the time, Di Donato wanted to be a drummer, and when the assignment was over and every last aspiration had been read, he remembers discovering something crucial about what it takes to be successful from Fr. Volpe.

“He said to us, ‘Not one of you really gave us the answer we wanted to hear. Whatever your accomplishments, whatever your successes, the most important thing is being a good person’,” recalls Di Donato.

Being a good person is a mantra that Di Donato, President and CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, took to heart and never forgot on his way to the top of Toronto’s nightlife world. For more than 25 years, Di Donato has redefined Toronto’s hospitality experience by establishing prolific restaurants and entertainment venues that cater to upscale clientele, while garnering constant media attention.

Not only is Di Donato a powerful figure in the hospitality industry, but he also plays an influential role in shaping the present and future of Toronto. In November 2012, he was appointed Commissioner of the Toronto Transit

Commission Board of Directors.

He is also a member of Heritage Toronto, a charity and agency of the City that works with citizens to advocate for, preserve, and promote an appreciation for Toronto’s heritage.

Perfect preparation then for his latest role, as the knight who would save Casa Loma.

“Seven years ago I said Casa Loma is a really under-utilized asset to the City of Toronto and there needs to be some changes,” says Di Donato “It took seven years to acquire the property. It has taken some time and effort, but we finally succeeded. We now have the ability to do the right thing with it and make it the real jewel that it should be; not only in the event and private function space, but also as a city attraction.”

Under the management of the Kiwanis Club, who operated Casa Loma between 1937 and 2011, the castle and gardens were converted into a tourist destination. However, the 74-year tenor of the Kiwanis Club ended after a string of controversies surrounding renovations and external campaigns for new leasing openings. Kiwanis simply did not have the funds to maintain the property, and in 2011, the City of Toronto temporarily resumed management of Casa Loma, and began welcoming private sector bids for a new operator.

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“The city took everyone who was interested and brought it down to five proponents who were qualified to take on this major project,” says Di Donato. “Our proposal was 600 pages long. We spent a considerable amount of time and effort to determine how to make Casa Loma a great facility for Torontonians.”

In January 2014, the city entered a new long-term lease and operating agreement with Liberty Entertainment Group, which agreed to spend $7.4 million to continue the castle’s restoration - installing air conditioning, enhancing the special events and dining experiences and integrating new technology for school and cultural programming. Di Donato recalls the anticipation at City Hall on the day when city council voted on Liberty’s takeover because it was the same day council was voting on whether or not to take away Mayor Rob Ford’s powers following his political scandal.

towards launching Casa Loma as an evolving exhibit, significantly enhancing the original static exhibit model that the castle had adopted for decades.

“In June, which is designated Italian Heritage Month in Ontario, we will be creating an exhibit respecting Toronto’s Italian heritage. We want to continue doing that for different communities and continue to change our exhibits to relate to the people of Toronto,” says Di Donato. “In five years, I think Casa Loma will become iconic and synonymous with whatever is happening in the city.”

Changing Casa Loma’s image from a stodgy tourist attraction to a place where Torontonians want to go enjoy a nice meal without having to pay an entry fee is a large part of Di Donato’s plan for the future. The vision for Casa Loma is to become fully immersed into the city’s cultural, historical and heritage events in order to peak interest not just within tourist circles, but also within the city as a whole.

Embracing change in our Community

“We created an iconic brand. It was right next to Maple Leaf Gardens, and we were fortunate to secure a spot there because it gave us the opportunity to build a brand that was larger than life,” says Di Donato. “The fans came and the Leafs came, so very early on I learned how to deal with celebrities. We understood how to deal with unique situations and handle them well.”

Di Donato credits his experience opening PM Toronto with enabling him to devise the concept for the Liberty Entertainment Group, the company behind highvolume establishments such as The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, Spice Route, Ciao Wine Bar, Phoenix Concert Theatre, Tattoo Rock Parlour and the Velvet Underground. For Di Donato, Liberty’s main focus is the creation of spectacular events which seamlessly cater to high profile patrons while remaining accessible to the public. Much of the awe surrounding Liberty’s work is the company’s unique ability to turn a historical Toronto landmark into a profitable venture that preserves and maintains its ties to the past.

“On a day where they had complete chaos, they had one vote where they were completely unanimous, that they supported the proposal of Liberty Entertainment Group to take over Casa Loma,” says Di Donato.

This year, The Liberty Group brought Winterlicious to Casa Loma for the first time, and opened up the doors to a vintage car exhibition featuring two 1910 Maxwells and a 1914 Ford Model T. These classic vehicles commemorate the significant dates in Casa Loma’s timeline, enabling visitors to imagine the types of cars on the road at the time of the castle’s construction. In June, The Liberty Group is taking their first steps

Di Donato always saw the restaurant industry as a lucrative money-making machine. Even though he was working for Imperial, he decided to open his first restaurant, PM Toronto, which would go on to become a highly recognizable Toronto establishment.

Big talk, but with Di Donato’s track record, you tend to believe him. However, like most successful St. Mike’s graduates, Di Donato had to start somewhere.

Upon obtaining his high school diploma he earned a Bachelor of Science and Professional Engineering Degree from the University of Toronto and went on to work for Imperial Oil as a construction coordinator.

Throughout his education and into his early career,

Drive, in South Beach. Named the Cibo Wine Bar South Beach, it will be Di Donato’s first American endeavour, but don’t expect it to be his last.

Despite having a hectic schedule that could likely rival even the busiest public figures, Di Donato still retains ties to St. Mike’s and sticks to the ideals he learnt from Fr. Volpe. Aside from both his sons (Justin ’08 and Luca ’11) attending the school, Di Donato recently set up a bursary fund to support an underprivileged student, and the Liberty Entertainment Group as an organization contributes half a million dollars annually towards Toronto events.

“I think it’s important to be involved not just within your own business life or personal life, but also to contribute to the greater good in terms of civic duty. Without the discipline and without the education I got at St. Mike’s, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” says Di Donato, adding that as long as Liberty Entertainment Group is around, graduating classes at St. Mike’s will always have access to the city’s coolest prom venues.

“What is really important is that we as an organization have respect for the historical properties. Over the years, we have acquired several of them: The Courthouse, Rosewater Room, Liberty Grand and Coral Gables Country Club. And for every single one of those properties we received awards of distinction from the heritage boards,” says Di Donato.

Not content with leading Toronto’s nightlife scene, Di Donato is poised to take Liberty Entertainment Group south of the border. In September 2014, he is opening a 700-capacity restaurant on Ocean

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where are they now, teacher edition paul dignan ’59 Pat Mancuso ’90 Living in the same house in North Toronto for the past 46 years, Paul and Anita Dignan will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Boxing Day. Says Paul, “Anita will be canonized in the near future for having lived with me for 50 years in such good humour!” Both Paul and Anita were born and bred in Toronto, and although they themselves reside ‘in the Burbs,’ their three children Seán, Christopher, and Cara, all live in the “real” city, south of Bloor Street. “When the kids come up to visit ‘The Folks,’ they insist that they need a passport to come north of Eglinton!”

After a 50-year affiliation with the school, Paul has discovered that even beyond complete and final ‘matriculation’ from the yellow brick walls, the ties to St. Michael’s continue to accumulate. “In my case you really don’t need to look very far before you run into another wonderful St. Mike’s connection.” With two conservative vice principal has frequented several bars in Kensington Market, Parkdale, and Queen West. One such watering hole is The Cameron House on Queen Street, owned by Paul Ferraro ’66. “If that isn’t connecings for the Cameron House, and when I stepped up to the bar to order a Pepsi [come on Paul, be honest!], Mike McKeown ’05 was the bartender.”

Spry enough to still play some doubles tennis, Paul frequents the North York Tennis Club whose President is Eugene Kriksciunas ’70. When he feels the need to have his spine tweaked, he visits Dr. David O’Connor ’87. Bridge opponents? Mike Lavelle ’55 and Pat O’Neill ’59; former Principal Joe Brisbois ’67 shows up to play cards on occasion as well. And the knack he acquired for solving cryptic crossword puzzles came at the tutelage of a former math department colleague, Tony Adams.

Embracing change in our Community

Spiritus Trophy in 1959 as the ‘graduate who best embodies the spirit of St. Michael’s,’ Paul has been part of many Graduation ceremonies, congratulating scores of the other Spiritus winners who have followed in his footsteps.

rock’n’roll musicians for sons, this buttoned-down,

tion enough, Paul’s son, Cosimo ’05, does the book-

Paul attended St. Michael’s from 1954-59, returning as a member of the teaching faculty in September 1963. A dedicated teacher and Mathematics Department Head into the late 1970s, Paul is perhaps best remembered for his meticulous approach to the position of Director of Studies. In that role, he was responsible for scheduling courses and examinations, issuing report cards, tracking student data, and coordinating many successful yearly events like Academic Awards Night and graduation. “I officially retired in 2005 but then stayed on for a couple more years so that the transition to a new administration was as smooth as possible.”

Selected the first recipient of the

In 2006, to honour Paul’s decades of commitment to the Blue Raiders basketball programme, the expanded and refurbished gymnasium floor was christened The Paul Dignan Court. But in true St. Michael’s fashion, he is quick to honour the contribution of others before taking any credit himself. “As in all the co-curriculars at SMC, the staff members put their heart and soul into giving kids the opportunity to shine. Basketball has been no exception.

Anthony Zanardo and Frank Ribarich worked with me. Dave Tessaro coached the juniors. The Varsity Blue Raiders were blessed to have Dan Prendergast, Greg Paolini, and now Jeff Zownir ’88. All the players that came through the Blue Raiders basketball programme received very good, enthusiastic coaching.”

What’s next for the Dignans? “The advice gleaned from many retirees is to travel while you can, before age or poor health take over. We are doing our best! We have visited countries in Europe, parts of the southern United States like Arizona and the Grand Canyon, and both coasts of Canada, most recently enjoying Western Canada through the Rocky Mountaineer train excursion.”

Happy trails, Paul, and here’s hoping you meet a few more good St. Michael’s Men along the way!

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where are they now Luciano Volpe ’93 says “INSPIRE’s mission is an altruistic one: to ‘teach’ Canadian youth the importance of taking leadership with one’s own path.”

Volpe is a founding member and Acting Chair of INSPIRE, along with other St. Mike’s graduates: Rob Grossi ’92, Rino Spano ’93, and Gianni Creta ’93. The unique not-for-profit empowers Canada's young adults and future leaders through conference-based events profiling current successful Canadian leaders.

Past speakers have included: Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), Nick Di Donato ’76 (CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group), and Jim Ragas (President of Second Cup International).

“Our initiative has given us an opportunity to reach out to the community at large and the proactive interaction that has resulted is truly special,” says Volpe, who is the owner and Managing Partner of SLV International, which specializes in managing and developing high quality food brands within the Canadian and international markets. Volpe has also been an active youth mentor for University of Toronto and York University business students and alumni for years, and is the founder of the professional speaker series at St. Michael’s.

Rob Grossi is Principal at Cooler Solutions, a Torontobased design innovation consultancy. After graduating from St. Mike’s, he went onto attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Grossi has worked for the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, the Boston Consulting Group and Blackrock. He is also actively involved in community mentorship programs, including RISE, which supports entrepreneurial ventures of people with mental illness, and INSPIRE.

“With INSPIRE, our objective is to bring to life what it really takes to be successful. When our brilliant speakers share their awe inspiring stories of the hurdles they had to overcome to achieve success, and how for many of them it took several years of very hard work to get there, the message starts to get internalized,” says Grossi.

Rino Spano feels “INSPIRE is truly living up to its name and will continue to touch the lives of thousands of students.” After graduating from Glendon College and working at Dynamic Mutual Funds and CIBC, Spano began his entrepreneurial career by managing web development companies such as iBeetle.com and Nitro Interactive. Presently, Spano is Chief Operating Officer of Carino Digital Inc., a digital marketing company that focuses on marketing new real estate developments in North America, head of CASAM, a South Asian media buying service, and co-founder of Twoople Inc., a startup internet based messaging service.

Gianni Creta holds an Honours Computer Engineering degree from the University of Toronto and currently serves as Vice President of Globalive Communications, a telecommunications company with brands including YAK, WIND Mobile, and OneConnect. Creta believes that INSPIRE helps today’s youth define their own personal vision for success despite pressures from parents, peers and society as a whole.

“Many strive for success, but the definition of success may not be the same for all,” says Creta. “INSPIRE provides an opportunity for youth to hear the stories of many of today’s successful individuals and the choices they made to reach their goals.”

Gary Megaffin ’59 held a couple of jobs before entering a career in broadcasting. Deciding that ‘show-biz’ wasn’t enough to support a large family, Megaffin applied to Ontario Institute for the Studies of Education and received a Business and Commerce Certificate. He started teaching in Toronto at Parkway Vocational School, followed by College Heights Vocational School in Guelph, and finally spent five years (1971-75) at Michael Power High School. When Megaffin returned to Toronto to teach at Michael Power, it allowed him to return to broadcast at CHIN. Megaffin left radio and the classroom in 1975, though he returned to teaching in 1988 at Brother Edmund Rice Secondary School in Toronto. Retiring in 1997, Megaffin now resides in Kitchener, 40 years after he first left his hometown.

Andy Culligan ’65 retired after 36 years of teaching, with the majority served at Robin Foote Elementary in Westmount, Nova Scotia.

His past 12 years have been served as vice principal and principal. Andy's wife Maureen is still teaching at Eskasoni Elementary School. Three of their children, Jeff, Kathleen and Carolyn, live in Toronto, while Michelle is living at home finishing a business degree. 2013 was a great year for 25-year-old son Chris who captained University of New Brunswick (UNB) to the CIS championship in Saskatoon last year and then captained the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) team to the World University Championship in Italy in December. Both Andy and Maureen made it to Saskatoon and Maureen traveled to Italy.

Michael Tibollo ’79 attended the University of Toronto after graduation and later earned a law degree from the

Embracing change in our Community

University of Windsor. Today, Tibollo is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and a successful business lawyer with a practice in Woodbridge, Ontario.

In addition to his law success, Tibollo has continued to honour the SMC values through his contributions working with disadvantaged youth in the community suffering from drug addiction and mental health problems.

Romeo Milano ’80 is currently the principal and senior project manager at Safetech Environmental Ltd., an environmental consulting firm. A dedicated member of the Toronto Construction Association, Milano aims to make health and safety the theme of his tenure as its newly appointed chairman. He has sat on the board since the early 90s, while additionally advising on both the TCA Education Committee and the Career Committee.

Frank Ciccolini ’82 was among SMC Alumni who took to the pedal to raise $1 million towards the new Humber River Hospital, which when complete will be the first fully digital North American hospital. The dozen athletic alumni included: Joey Papa ’93, Patrick Ciccolini ’89, Anthony Ciccolini ’00, Frank Ciccolini ’82, Claudio Gemmiti ’79, Enrico De Pasquale ’79, Daniel Botelho ’93, Dr. Marco Fazari ’85, Frank Solda ’79, Mark Veneziano ’89 and Augy Marmelo ’82. Together, SMC cycled with a team of 70 riders over the past two years. The riders have each created online pages for fundraising and additionally, each rider covers their own personal travel and biking costs so that all proceeds raised benefit the hospital directly. Training together and competing in various races, including a chip-timed Cycling Race/Granfondo in central Italy, the team will continue this fall in Milan/Piacenza.

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George Papadakos ’83 is a basketball legend. With more than 35 years of experience dribbling and slam dunking, Papadakos has played basketball professionally in the United States, Greece and Canada. He has also been extremely fortunate to represent both Canada and Greece internationally on the senior men’s teams. After a long and successful international career, Papadakos is returning home to Toronto with a multitude of experiences, all thanks to the game of basketball.

After graduating from SMC, Papadakos left Toronto to pursue an athletic scholarship at Syracuse University for basketball, with many dreams and one very cool nickname, ‘CN Tower.’ He later went on to play for the Spartans at Michigan State University. Since then, Papadakos has “…travelled the world, met many people, been the star of the game, and the guy who never got off the bench. There have been career threatening injuries and tough contract negotiations. I have had mobs of cheering fans wait for me outside of my

At 7 ft. tall, basketball has been an integral part of Papadakos’ life for more than 35 years.

He spent his high school career in Toronto playing basketball for SMC, remembering fondly what it was like wearing the double blue. He expresses that the years he spent at SMC, “were when I honestly can say I fell in love with basketball.”

He recently expressed excitement when SMC competed in this past year’s OFSAA tournament, stating it was Coach Dan Prendergast who pushed him and supported him along the way.

home and I had fans in opposing arenas chant and curse me out. The constant has always been basketball.”

Papadakos is also thankful for the excellent and devoted SMC faculty that provided him with a top-notch education. “I was mentored from a young age that at some point a basketball will eventually run out of air, and that I needed to be prepared for that day.” The mentorship and education that he received ultimately enabled him to pursue a second career as a sales and marketing professional shortly after he retired from basketball.

Embracing change in our Community

Today, Papadakos, his wife and three children have returned to Toronto after a long career away from home. He is fascinated with the transformation of the Toronto basketball scene and how many Canadian professional players dot the rosters of teams worldwide. He is looking forward to watching his son, Johnny begin his own path in basketball in his hometown.

Randal Williams ’87 is now a senior faculty member and curriculum manager at the Kripalu School of Yoga. His very first experience on a yoga mat was as an undergraduate in the psychology department at the University of Western Ontario. Following graduate studies in Jungian Psychology in the Department of Religion and Culture Department at Wilfrid Laurier University, he moved to the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Currently, Randal is working in conjunction with researchers at Harvard Medical School, furthering Kripalu as a leader in developing and rigorously evaluating yoga-based programs to transform environments for school children, health care professionals and veterans with PTSD. Sayat Kuyumcuyan ’89 graduated from York University’s Glendon College, with a B.A. Honours degree in French and Hispanic Studies in 1994. The following year, Sayat moved to Yerevan, Armenia to work as a translatorinterpreter. For numerous years, Sayat headed the Turkish and European language broadcast departments at the

state-run Public Radio of Armenia.

He then anchored the Englishlanguage newscasts of Armenia Television Company. Since his broadcast work, Sayat has worked at the Armenian Center for National and International Studies in its think-tank and headed the Armenian Geodesy Center’s translation team that prepared the English version of the two-volume National Atlas of Armenia. Currently, Sayat is working as a translator at a news agency, News.am.

two golf courses (Morro Bay and Dairy Creek), food services at Diablo Canyon Power Plant and two catering businesses with more than 100 employees. Ryan enjoys angel investing in local start-ups and keeping current taking courses at Stanford Graduate School of Business. He hopes that SMCS alumni will reach out to him (ryan@fairwaymgt.com) to arrange to visit and play golf at the courses in San Luis Obispo (named the ‘Happiest City in America’ by USA Today) and experience some ‘old boy’ hospitality.

Sayat has lived in Armenia for the past 19 years and is married with two daughters, Rita, 15, and Eliza, 12. But he has not lost his ‘Gino’ touch, as he is the founding member of The Armenoids music band-project, which is very popular among Armenians. The ‘sound’ of The Armenoids is a synthesis of, and juxtaposition between, traditional Armenian folk music and contemporary—primarily Hip Hop, Freestyle, and Trance—music.

Matt Thomas ’94 has crossed the United States and back on his hockey odyssey, but his latest stop may give him his best chance to leave his mark on the game.

The lessons he learned on the ice with the Buzzers and in the classrooms at St. Mike's have helped guide him on his hockey journey. After SMC, Matt received a hockey scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He captained the squad in his senior season and helped lay the foundations, which eventually lead to RIT

Blaine McCauley ’93 is currently the head coach for the Halton Hills Jr. B lacrosse team and the president of the Halton Hills Minor Lacrosse Association.

Ryan Comerford ’93 left Toronto in 1997, moving to San Luis Obispo, California to start a life as an entrepreneur.

His first business was a restaurant opened in 1998.

Ryan’s company, Fairway, has since grown to include

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

after his playing days were over, before beginning a trek that would lead him from coast to coast and into the new frontier.

Matt was an assistant on the Maine Black Bears before travelling to Atlantic City, where he tasted champagne from the Kelly Cup in 2003 as an assistant on the Boardwalk Bullies championship team. Matt would eventually take over the reins in Atlantic City and lead franchises in Fresno and Stockton on his way to becoming top five all-time in wins as a Head Coach in the ECHL. Matt has recently accepted the position of Head Coach at the University of Anchorage-Alaska. With a young program always searching for talent, perhaps the new Alaskan pipeline will lead from the rink and the classrooms of SMC all the way to Alaska.

One thing never changes in Coach Thomas' mandate: the goal, whether at SMC, in Maine, at Rochester, or in Fresno, is always to win the final game!

Patrick Teskey ’96 currently resides in Innisfail, Alberta with his wife Michelle, two sons, Dylan and Matthew and their two dogs, Guinness and Holly. Patrick began his career in journalism, as a newspaper reporter in Hay River, Northwest Territories, later becoming the editor. In April 2011, Patrick became the editor of the Innisfail Province newspaper. He remained as editor until December 2011, before transitioning into the marketing world as a marketing coordinator with Stantec Consulting Ltd. in Red Deer, Alberta. Patrick was awarded the Stantec Marketing and Business Development Award of Excellence this past December.

Mike Bustos ’00 was a Top 10 finalist in the first season of Canadian Idol and subsequently became an

Embracing change in our Community

all-around entertainer, TV personality and YouTube celebrity in Manila where he now lives.

Warren ’04, and Jason Saldanha ’06 and their family were recently the feature of an article published in the Neighbours of Mississauga Road magazine. Warren is currently a senior commercial analyst at GE and Jason is a project engineer with TransCanada Pipeline in Calgary.

Warren has travelled around the world with GE’s Global Leadership Program and Jason sat on the core team for the United Way Youth Initiative and is on the executive team of the Calgary chapter of Engineers Without Borders.

and working closely with the general manager and player personnel director to prepare for the CFL draft. General Manager Jim Barker states that Magri “immediately showed considerable interest and capacity for scouting. Through his work, he helped us evaluate and keep records on a number of talented prospects for the draft and other non-import players throughout Canada.

We’re looking forward to watching Vince grow as he takes on this expanded role.”

Jordan Pandoff ’07 majored in finance at University of British Columbia, while on a baseball scholarship. He competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate

His passion for the business can be traced back to career day at SMC when Chris Zownir ’92 discussed a life on Bay Street. Pandoff owes a great portion of his success to the core values he was taught while at SMC - to strive for the best and recognize the people that provide support along the way. Pandoff holds many memories of teachers that not only made his time at SMC a good one, but one that challenged him when he needed it.

In Memoriam Fr. Thomas Mohan, C.S.B. ’48 was a dear friend to the St. Michael’s College School community, which has

Andrew Cogliano ’05, known as ‘Iron Man’, has not missed a game since starting his NHL career with the Edmonton Oilers in 2007. Andrew has appeared in all 540 regular season games over his seven year NHL career and is second in playing consecutive games among all active players in the NHL. Vince Magri ’06 continued his passion for football at McMaster, as a former four-year starter as guard and centre for the Marauders. In 2011, he returned to Toronto as the Assistant Offensive Line Coach, Football Recruiter and Video Coordinator for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. The former Kerry Blues player is entering his second season with the Toronto Argonauts, after joining the club in 2013 as the video coordinator.

At 25, Magri will now hold a dual role as Canadian Scouting Coordinator and Video Coordinator. As a scout, his duties include evaluating, identifying and ranking Canadian talent, tracking and keeping record of Canadian prospects throughout the football season,

Athletics (NAIA) across the western United States. The team began a 50 game schedule in February in California, which ran through to May - competing against universities in Idaho, Washington, California and Oregon. Pandoff then secured a job at BMO Capital Markets back home, working in the Global Metals & Mining Investment Banking Group. After working in Toronto for two years, Pandoff transferred to London, England to work with the mining team.

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ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN! shop.stmichaelscollegeschool.com Dianne Levine - Manager Shanna Lacroix - Co-Manager

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

in memoriam

By Blue Banner Staff

Fr. Thomas Mohan, C.S.B. ’48 was a dear friend to the St. Michael’s College School community, which has been deeply saddened by his passing. After graduating from St. Michael’s, he entered the novitiate in 1950 and was ordained in 1959. His first appointment as a priest was to Michael Power High School where he taught and administered for 12 years. In 1973, he was asked to found Fr. Henry Carr High School and later, in 1977, Don Bosco Secondary School. Fr. Mohan was appointed by the Basilian Community to Calgary as an Associate Superintendent of the Calgary Separate School Board in 1981.

On his return to Toronto in 1993, Fr. Mohan was appointed President and Principal of St. Michael’s College School and, with valuable guidance and vision, spearheaded the renewal of the school building and its academic programme.

In September 2000, Fr. Mohan retired to Fr. Henry Carr Farm to conduct retreats, participate in Canadian rural life, and to assist when called upon by the parishes and schools in the area. For more than 40 years, Fr. Tom Mohan exemplified the contribution of the Basilian Fathers to Catholic education throughout the country in fostering goodness, discipline, and knowledge. In 2008, Fr. Mohan was inducted into the Order of St. Michael for his contribution to St. Michael’s College School and Catholic education in Canada.

Embracing change in our Community

Bishop Michael Pearse Lacey ’36 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Houses of Providence, Toronto, aged 98. Pearse Lacey was born in Toronto in 1916. He attended St. Helen's Separate School and St. Michael's College before entering St. Augustine's Seminary in 1936. Bishop Lacey was well known in his city, in part for the numerous posts he held throughout the urban landscape. He served as chaplain of St. Michael's Hospital beginning in 1957. From 1959 to 1966 he was appointed first pastor of Transfiguration of Our Lord parish in Etobicoke, decades before the west end borough was amalgamated into the city.

Following Transfiguration, he was the rector at St. Michael's Cathedral, where he was ordained, in the heart of Toronto, until 1979.

Over the years, Bishop Lacey has also served at St. Cecilia's parish, St. Monica's parish and St. Pius X parish — all in Toronto — as well as assisting at St. Patrick's parish in Port Colborne. He was also chaplain and director of the Christian Family Movement, vicepresident of the National Federation of the Senate of Priests and an organizer of St. Stephen's Downtown Chapel. Bishop Lacey was elevated to auxiliary bishop to Archbishop Gerald Emmett Carter in 1979 and was consecrated that same year. He went to live just west of the city at St. Patrick's in Mississauga when he accepted the role of vicar for the western region of the Archdiocese of Toronto and director of Priest Personnel.

He moved back to Toronto, the city he's called home for most of his priestly life, when he retired in 1993.

With files from the Catholic Register

Evans Tannis dedicated 25 years to St. Michael's as a teacher and coach from 1968-93. Mr. Tannis is fondly remembered by past students and colleagues as a man of great humility and charm, with a wonderful sense of humour. He passed away on March 13, 2014 at The Scarborough General Hospital at the age of 85. He was the beloved husband of Cornelia, the loving father of Stephen ’87 and Robert and dear Grampa of Nathaniel ’12, Stephanie, Kalissia, Catherine and Elizabeth. He is lovingly remembered by his brothers and sister and their families.

John Gerald Midghall ’42 passed away on February 23, 2013 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Midghall was born in Toronto, Canada on October 16, 1923 and was the second eldest of seven children.

He served in the Canadian Air Force for several years and later worked as a self-employed consultant and accountant until finally retiring in 2007. He was an active man all his life and enjoyed playing hockey, tennis and golf. He also participated in many charitable and civic organizations throughout his life, serving as president of the local Civitan organization as well as the Holy Cross Men’s Club. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Madeline and his five children and their families.

Leo Gravelle ’45 passed away October 30, 2013 at age 88. An Aylmer native, Gravelle played parts of five NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings, and later spent five more seasons with Ottawa, Chicoutimi, and the Montreal Royals of the Quebec league. Before joining the Royals, Gravelle spent one

season with the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors, for whom he was league scoring champion, scoring a Memorial Cupwinning goal against the Moose Jaw Canucks. Gravelle is deeply missed by his wife, children, and 12 grandchildren.

Hugh Kelly ’52 passed away quietly on December 12, 2013 at age 79. Born in 1934, raised and educated in Toronto, Hugh practiced health, education and not-for-profit law. Kelly was a loving and devoted husband to Mary Kay (nee Brown) Kelly, a cherished father of Elizabeth Catherine, Ruth Anne, David Thomas and Sean Joseph, and a beloved grandfather of Seamus Kelly, Caitlin, Briannan, Meghan and Declan Atwell, and Colleen, Geoffrey and Sarah Hayman. He is predeceased by his sister Carol and brother Kevin and survived by his sister Miriam.

Michael Dockeray ’53 passed away peacefully on June 21, 2013 at age 77, in his home in Georgetown. He is survived by his beloved wife Judi of 50 years, his loving children Shawn and Sheri, and her husband Randy.

He was a loved poppa to his grandchildren Jacqueline, Matthew, Jacob and Madeline and dear brother of Jack ’53 and Gerry ’57. Michael is predeceased by his brother Robert ’50.

Donnell Russell Daly ’53 was described as Mr. Guelph by those who knew him. To walk down the street with him, one would be left with the impression he knew everybody. Don, Liberal campaign organizer, insurance

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

broker, Separate School Board representative, and a Board Member of the Wellington of St. Joseph’s Hospital, died at the age of 82 on December 6, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Joan, his children, Suzanne, Christopher, Shannon, Meaghan and Kerry, grandchildren Andrew, Erin, Taylor, Jennifer and great grandchildren, Kyle, Cole and Matthew.

‘Doon’ started as a boarder at the new school on Bathurst St. in 1950. He played football with Gene Cuccia ’52 and good friend and tackle, Bill Renaud ’53.

He was a good athlete and later in life was known for his excellence as a high school football referee. His continued support and love for St. Mike’s was evident by his faithful participation in Gene’s annual golf gathering, enlivening the ‘guys’ with stories of the past.

“Life was for the living, and he had such a good sense of humour,” said Joan. “More than anything he enjoyed the people in the various groups he worked with.

Politics for him was fun. He was a natural.” He will be fondly remembered and missed by his family, his community and his school.

Bill Renaud ’53, brother of Paul ’54, passed away December 26, 2013 in Kitchener, Ontario where he was raised and where he attended St. Jerome’s High School and later St. Michael’s College School. He was a member of the Senior Football Team and President of the Student Council. Bill was well known and respected in his community as President of the Twin Cities Kiwanis Club, President of the Ontario Dry Cleaners Association,

volunteer baseball coach, President of K-W Oktoberfest, 1981 Citizen of the Year, and President of the Heart and Stroke Association. He is survived by his wife, Donna, his siblings, Therese Hoffman, Audrey Ball and Paul Renaud, and his children, Michelle Krulicki, Bill, Jacquie, Jean-Paul, and Terry along with many grandchildren. His community involvement can be best described in the words: volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.

Fr. Guy Hamel ’53 of Quebec passed away on September 24, 2011 at age 78. Fr. Hamel, son of the late Wilfrid and Germaine Hamel, and dear brother of Denise Dewar was ordained in 1960. He served in the parishes of St. Ann's, Penetanguishene, St. Patrick's, Perkinsfield, St. Louis de France, Don Mills and Ste. Croix Church, Lafontaine.

He never wavered in his faith or his dedication to his community, in a ministry that spanned more than 50 years.

John Peter Johnson ’53 peacefully passed away at age 79 surrounded by his family on Saturday November 9, 2013.

He is remembered as the beloved husband and best friend of Doreen for 55 years and dear father of Paul of Calgary, Greg of Barrie, and Chris of Toronto. Johnson was the proud Poppa of six grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He leaves behind his sister Terry Bullard of Michigan and mother-in law Phyllis Petty of Barrie.

George Longo ’55 passed away with his family by his side on November 26, 2013. He was a cherished husband to his wife Julia and a loving father to George, Karen, Lou and Marci.

He is remembered as a devoted grandfather to Andrew, Robert, Matthew, Elise, Nicole, Natalie, Sarah and Luke.

Please also remember friends and family of the St. Michael’s Community: Former staff member Gabriele Ciro; Giuseppe Di Iulio, father of Pal ’69, grandfather of Dante ’05, and Davide ’03; Mieczyslaw Naranowicz, father of Richard ’73 and grandfather of Jan ’03, Eric ’04; Helen Mary Ewanchyna, grandmother of Matthew Taylor ’08; Mildred Fifield, mother of former teacher Bill, mother-in-law of Christine, former school secretary, and grandmother to Brendan ’08; Giovanni Mazzanti, father of staff member Giancarlo

Michael Garvey ’55 passed away peacefully on November 1, 2013 at Ian Anderson House at the age of 76. Garvey is remembered as a beloved husband of Peggy Egan, dear father of Mike, Tim, Joe, Dan, Sean and Leanne, and loving grandfather of 18 grandchildren.

and grandfather to Gianluca ’09, Christian ’12 and Andrew ’13; Dorothy Redican, mother of Fr. Joseph Redican, C.S.B. past president, and grandmother to Shea ’19; Peter Roniotis, grandfather of Peter ’09; Stephanie Leanne Thornton, wife of Ben Thornton ’92; Rita Thomson, mother of Paul ’65; Lorraine Madeline Barry, mother of Paul ’73, David ’77, Mark ’78, Peter ’73, Stephen ’84 and grandmother of Christopher ’10; Sharon Prendergast, beloved wife of long-time teacher, coach and administrator Dan Prendergast, mother of Dan ’89 and Ryan ’03 and grandson Benjamin ’19.

John Rosenitch ’85 passed away unexpectedly of pneumonia and complications of brittle diabetes at his parent’s home this past November. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his parents, Bill ’57 and Ann Marie, and his brother Steven. He is predeceased by his younger brother Michael in 2010.

Harold Moffat ‘52

In the summer of 2014, St. Michael’s will launch the online edition of the Alumni Business Directory.

Visit mysmcs.com and either registering as a new user * or login Search fellow alumni by last name, graduating year and industry Limited advertising opportunities are available For more information, please contact: Stephanie Nicholls at 416-653-3180 x. 273 or nicholls@smcsmail.com * Please allow 48 hours for activation

Embracing change in our Community

Blue Banner | Spring/Summer 2014

the way we were – the ’52 heavy eights Harold Moffat ’52

Rowing was still a relatively new sport at St. Mike’s as training kicked off in the winter of 1952 on rowing machines at the Argonaut Rowing Club. The facilities were unheated and after many months of training after school in frigid conditions we were overjoyed in the spring when we hit the water in an eight-oared shell loaned to us by the Argonaut Rowing Club. The Heavy Eight crew where also fortunate to be able to train under a superb coach from the Argonaut Club.

School, Buffalo; Timon High School, Buffalo.

The biggest hurdle for the St. Mike’s Heavy Eight was that our win at the Argonauts Schoolboy Regatta in Toronto was a half mile course and the Royal Canadian Henley course was one mile. We led the race for the first three quarters of a mile but faded in the stretch and finished fourth.

On May 24, 1952, St. Mike’s Heavy Eight team entered the Argonauts’ Schoolboy Regatta and in a heavy downpour competed against seasoned rowing teams from Parkdale, Western Tech and Humberside. The St. Mike’s Heavy Eight team was victorious in the half mile event and in addition St. Mike’s also won the Heavy Four race.

The win at the Argonauts Schoolboy Regatta meant the St. Mike’s Heavy Eight were now eligible to compete in the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta in St. Catharine’s. The Regatta was held on June 7, 1952 at the Royal Canadian Henley Course.

Our competitors for the race were from St. Catharine’s Collegiate Institute, University of Ottawa; Cathedral High School, Hamilton; St. Joseph High

Embracing change in our Community

Rowing was new for St. Mike’s in 1952 and although we finished fourth against the other experienced teams it was still considered a successful year for the St. Mike’s Heavy Eight.

Congratulations to the Class of 2014 Alexander Aguilera

Scott Dawson

Matthew Howard

Ethan Martin

Fernando Sanchez-Avila

Nicholas Alberelli

Jason De Angelis

Reilly Howe

Eric Mauti

Luke Sandor

Jacob Allin

Adam De Sousa

Rafael Indyarta

Alexander Mayhew

Michael Saragosa

Anthony Ameruoso

Louis Blake Del Brocco

Anthony Ioudine

David Chase McCarthy

Kevin Searle

Adriane Anlacan

Mark Del Fatti

Patrick Iuhas

Patrick Ryan McClelland Kyusung Andy Seo

Joshua Anor

Matthew D'Ercole

Parker Joyce

Matthew McIntosh

Tyrone Sequeira

Austin Anthirespillai

Vincent DeSousa

Kaion Julien-Grant

Cameron McPhedran

Ryan Sgorlon

Clay Appell

Lucas Di Fiore

Young Bin Jung

Matthew McRae

Evan Shergold

Paul Aulicino

Mario Di Nucci

Alex Kadela

Nicolas McWatters

James Liam Smith

Lucas Babando

Jose Adolfo Domingo

Paul Kennedy

Matthew Menecola

Rayshawn Smith

Lucas Basciano

Jacob Domitrovic

Robert Kennedy

Riley Mocha

Mitchell Sobie

Kristian Bassi

Alfred D'Orazio

Jordan Khan

Joseph Molinaro

Jamal Spencer-Guirgis

Christian Battista

Alexander Dowell

Giovanni Kilayko

Marcus Moore

Jason Stachelek

Michael-Vincent Bauman Michael Dunphy

Ji Suk Kim

David Morettin

Thomas Staples

Robert Bazzocchi

Patrick D'Uva

Ian Kitt

Connor Morton

Christopher Steele

Simon Belete

Connor Emeny

Justyn Knight

Michael Murphy

Luke Stegnajic

Francesco Bertucca

Paolo Endrizzi

Nicholas Kostiw

Matthew Musinka

Adrian Stellato

Cole Bettam

Nicholas Eustace

Alexander Kruczkowski

Christopher Natale

William Stone

Antonio Bianchi

Jacob Evans

Yong Chul Kwon

Tyler Neil

Jeremy Stroud

Peter Blair

Daniel Fazari

Michael La Rosa

Christopher Nguyen

Tanner Thomson

Benett Blazevski

Shane Ferguson-Wuls

William Laurin

Christopher Nolfi

Alexander Tonelli

Marc Bordin

Ryan Fitzgerald

Marc Lawrence

Marc Palumbo

Adrian Torok-Orban

Gordon Brown

Thomas Flack

Mark Lazaro

Nikola Paradina

Liam Totten

Peter Brown

Keegan Flynn

Christian Lecce

Matthew Pasquali

Jacob Townsend

Conrad Calabrese

Luke Foster

David Lee

Nicholas Patterson

Nicholas Tsihlias

Paul Callaghan

Mitchell Francis

Anthony Leo

Nicholas Perez

Nicholas Ursitti

Duncan Campbell

Cameron Fryer

Justin Leon

Gabriel Petitpas Fung

Mitchell Valic

Matteo Cancian

Angus Gaffney

Owen Leon

Nicola Pirone

Max Van der Kooy

David Carcasole

Alexander Gambin

Brandon Lista

Arthur Piszczek

Alessandro Varlese

Robert Celik

Michael Garisto

Umberto Lopardo

Alexander Post

Calvin Vaughan

James Chase

Liam Gentile

Julian Lovekin

Harrison Potter

Nicholas Vavaroutsos

Stefano Cianfrone

Alexander George

Matthew Macciacchera

Michael Puopolo

Dave Verzonilla

Jonathan Clarke

Nicholas Geringer

Miguel Maese

Lucas Quintos

Marco Violo

Nathan Clemente

Anthony Giagiari

Michael Mah

John Ramos

Marc-Alexandre Webb

Ethan Cohen

David Gianfrancesco

Nicholas Maida

Jorge Hernandez Ramos Jacob Webster

Marco

Connor Gibbs

Ryan Malone

Nicholas Rego

Nathaniel White

Mathew Cooke

Tyson Gibson

Joshua Manangan

Justin Rizek

Ryan Whyte

David Corradi

Jack Gordon

Marc Anthony Manzo

Christian Rocca

Alson Wong

Matthew Crocker

Christopher Guiney

Domenic Marchese

Adam Rochon

Matthew Wong

Anthony Crudo

Adam Hardy

Lucas Marques

Marco Rotundo

Paul Zelyk

Joel da Silva

Timothy Jack Healey

Lucas Martellacci

Matthew Roustas

Dante Dale

Jesse Hernandez

Michael Martellacci

Matthew Ruta

Silvano Dallan

Donald Houston

Jacob Martignago

Xavier Samuels

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