2018 GREGOR MENDEL AWARD DINNER
HONORING MR. CHRIS GHEYSENS ’89 1
INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS
SALUTES
The Gregor Mendel Award recipient Chris Gheysens ‘89 Independence Blue Cross is proud to sponsor the Gregor Mendel Award Dinner and salutes Chris Gheysens for his commitment to building healthier communities. Independence Blue Cross shares this commitment. We embrace a bold, innovative vision to change for the better the lives and health of people in our region and across the nation.
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ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL GREGOR MENDEL AWARD DINNER HONORING THE 46TH RECIPIENT
CHRIS GHEYSENS ’89 6:00 P.M. - COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Music and Entertainment by The St. Augustine Prep Performing Arts Department
INVOCATION AND WELCOME Rev. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Head of School, St. Augustine Preparatory School
Mr. Jeff Gheysens ’83 Co-chair
Mr. Steven Fabietti, Esq. ’89
Co-chair & Master of Ceremonies
DINNER AND DESSERT
Merighi’s Savoy Inn - Mr. Thomas J. Merighi, Jr. ’84
RECOGNITION OF PREVIOUS MENDEL MEDAL RECIPIENTS Mr. Dennis E. Foreman ’87
Executive Director for Advancement
INTRODUCTION OF THE MENDEL MEDAL RECIPIENT Ms. Danielle Gheysens
PRESENTATION OF THE GREGOR MENDEL MEDAL Rev. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Head of School, St. Augustine Preparatory School
ALMA MATER 1
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MENDEL MEDAL RECIPIENTS This year, Chris Gheysens joins a prominent group of community, political, business, and spiritual leaders who have been awarded St. Augustine Prep’s Gregor Mendel Medal. Mendel was a 19th-century monk and scientist regarded as the father of genetics. This is the school’s most prestigious award. St. Augustine Prep is proud and grateful to those whose example in word and deed have made a difference in the lives of our young men.
1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Lawrence Pepper, Sr. 1996 Americo Antonelli, Esq. Domenick DeRossi 1997 John J. Pastore, M.D., P.A. Judge Harry Adler 1998 Lawrence A. Pepper, Jr. Esq. Nicholas Marchione, M.D. 1999 Peter Galetto, Jr. ’71 Frank Guaracini 2000 Dr. Joseph P. Bernardini ’64 Peter Galetto 2001 Frederick N. Angelo Louis Pizzo 2002 Leon J. Mazzocchi Frank LoBiondo 2003 William J. Hallissey Anthony DiPaola 2004 Thomas J. Merighi, Sr. Casimer Dallago 2005 Rev. Stephen J. LaRosa, O.S.A. Victor Rone 2006 Frank Guaracini, Jr. Wilbert Pagliughi 2007 Mark D’Onofrio Joseph Chinnici 2008 Agostino R. Fabietti, Jr. John B. Morello 2009 Daniel S. Falasca James Bertonazzi 2010 John F. Scarpa Walter Cherniak 2011 Peter R. Capizola Carmine Catalana 2012 Kenneth F. Pustizzi, Sr. Catherine Arpino 2013 (Spring) Barbara & Dennis Gomes Anthony Napoli, M.D. 2013 (Fall) Charles “Chalky” Ottinger Dominic Toscani, Esq. 2014 Daniel J. Hilferty ’74 Hon. Philip Gruccio 2015 Anthony J. Spina Chief Mario Brunetta 2016 Paul A. Rodio ’70 Albert Fralinger, Jr. 2017 Daniel and Lisa Falasca 2018 Chris Gheysens ’89 Founding Chairman - Leo Cinaglia, 1924 - 2015 Executive Secretary - Doris DiPaola, 1932 - 2012
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3122 Fire Road, Suite 101 Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 609.383.8299 • 609.383.8496 fax 258 N. Main Road, Suite B • Vineland, NJ 08360 856.213.6228
FA B I E T T I H A L E A S S O C I AT E S . C O M
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CHRIS GHEYSENS
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2018 MENDEL MEDAL RECIPIENT:
MR. CHRIS GHEYSENS ’89 A proud 1989 graduate of St. Augustine Prep, Chris Gheysens currently serves as President & CEO of Wawa Inc., a chain of more than 790 convenience stores located in six states. Well-known for their fresh food and award-winning coffee, Wawa’s exceptional customer service and impact in the community has become their calling card through Chris’ leadership.
A native of Vineland, NJ, Chris was a member of Student Government, Hermits basketball, and the first football team in school history. His academic career would maintain the Augustinian theme, graduating from the Villanova University School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in 1993. He would later earn his Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University and serve as a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.
“THE VALUES LEARNED AT THE PREP HAVE BEEN A FOUNDATION FOR ME,
NOT JUST IN MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER BUT ALSO IN MY PERSONAL LIFE. THE PREP IS REALLY AN IMPORTANT PLACE THAT HAS AFFECTED ME SIGNIFICANTLY AND I COULDN’T BE MORE HAPPY TO BE A BROTHER AND A MEMBER OF THE ST. AUGUSTINE PREP COMMUNITY. - CHRIS GHEYSENS 6
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WHETHER YOU’RE LEADING PEOPLE OR WORKING ALONGSIDE PEOPLE, WHETHER YOU’RE BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS OR DEALING WITH TOUGH SITUATIONS, YOU HAVE TO ANCHOR THOSE DECISIONS ON YOUR VALUES AND THOSE VALUES ARE WHAT YOU’RE HAVING SHAPED HERE. THIS REALLY IS A SPECIAL PLACE, I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY WITHOUT THE PREP. - CHRIS GHEYSENS
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“The Lead Goose,” as he is affectionately known, is proud to have served Wawa associates for more than twenty years, previously holding the position of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer from January 2007 to December 2011. As President & CEO, Chris has shown a commitment to carrying on the strong tradition of servant leadership. Through it all, Chris has incorporated the Augustinian Values learned during his four years at St. Augustine Prep. His generosity of time and talent has led him across the globe, placed him hand-in-hand with the Pope, and put him in a position to impact the lives of many. Most importantly, in the spirit of Brotherhood, he has made his way back to the Prep on multiple occasions. His words and fine example have inspired the Christian Gentlemen who have followed in his footsteps at St. Augustine. Chris currently resides in Moorestown, NJ with his wife Tricia (an alumna of Our Lady of Mercy Academy) and his four children.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GREAT FRIEND CHRIS ON THIS SPECIAL EVENING.
PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN YOU SINCE
YOU WERE JUST A
BABY GOOSE! - THE PETRANE FAMILY
Invested in our community. At BNY Mellon Wealth Management, we honor those who make our community a better place, now and in the future. It is our great pleasure to support St. Augustine Preparatory School and the 2018 Recipient Chris Gheysens.
bnymellonwealth.com
@BNYMellonWealth
©2018 The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.
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The Board of Directors at St. Augustine Preparatory School congratulates Mr. Chris Gheysens on receiving the prestigious Mendal Medal Award. THE VERY REV. MICHAEL F. DI GREGORIO, O.S.A., CHAIR, PRIOR PROVINCIAL FR. ROBERT J. MURRAY, O.S.A., PH.D., HEAD OF SCHOOL REV. MR. WILLIAM C. LAUTH (G ’15 ’17) VICE CHAIR MRS. DANA K. CATALANA (P ’07) SECRETARY REV. FRANCIS J. HORN, O.S.A., J.C.D. TREASURER BOARD MEMBERS Mrs. Rose Davis Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. Rev. Christopher J. Drennen, O.S.A. Mr. A. Steven Fabietti, Esq. ’89 Mr. Cornelius J. McPeak, Jr. ’05 Mrs. Patricia B. Siganos (P ’04 ’15) Mr. R. Douglas Smithson Mr. James H. Stewart Dr. Mary Ellen J. Terrels (P ’16) Mr. Robert F. Woods 9
2018 GREGOR MENDEL
AWARD RECIPIENT
Chris Gheysens ‘89 Thank you for all you do for St. Augustine Prep.
Bob McCormick & The Staff at Toyota of Vineland
ToyotaVineland.com
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Neumann University salutes
Mr. Chris Gheysens 2018 Gregor Mendel Award Recipient
Aston, Pennsylvania www.neumann.ed u NU_StAugPrep_4.75x3.625Color_2018.indd 1
10/16/18 9:57 AM
Congratulations Chris Gheysens
St. Augustine Preparatory School’s 2018 Mendel Medal Recipient from your friends at
1.800.690.3440 • NewfieldNationalBank.bank Member FDIC
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Attorneys At Law
817 East Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 (856) 691-0100 ⧫ grucciopepper.com James J. Gruccio, Sr. ⧫ Lawrence Pepper, Jr. ⧫ Robert A. De Santo ⧫ Joseph E. Ruth Stephen D. Barse ⧫ A. Steven Fabietti ⧫ Nicole J. Curio Robert C. Litwack ⧫ Lee J. Hughes ⧫ Carol J. Kernan* ⧫ James J. Gruccio, Jr.* *Of Counsel
Congratulations
2018 Gregor Mendel Award
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KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS is St. Augustine Prep’s transformational life and tuition assistance program which provides deserving students and their families resources needed when faced with unexpected adversity or need. Thanks to the power of the KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS program, students and their families have experienced a personalized education rooted in Augustinian Values and The Brotherhood. For more information or to participate in the KEEP THEM IN BLAZERS program, please contact: Mr. Dennis Foreman ’87 by phone at (856) 697-2600 x174 or email at Mr.Foreman@hermits.com
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ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
would like to express our deepest gratitude to all that have contributed to this evening’s wonderful tribute to the 2018 Mendel Medal Recipient,
MR. CHRIS GHEYSENS
VERITAS SPONSORS
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Woods
UNITAS SPONSORS
DiMeglio Septic, Inc. Mr. Paul O’Gara & Catherine Walker Prime Law, Attorneys at Law SouthShore Lacrosse - Mr. J.C. Valore
CARITAS SPONSORS
Mr. Christopher DiFranceisco & Ms. Renee Miraglia
CHRIS GHEYSENS – SERVANT LEADER SPONSORS Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Janice Bertonazzi Mr. Walter F. Gavigan, Esq. Glenn Insurance, Inc. Deacon & Mrs. William Lauth Mr. Anthony & Dr. Rosalie Mirenda Ms. Michelle Perna & Dr. James Devine Mr. & Mrs. Oleg Shtutman
GREGOR MENDEL SUPPORTERS Damien Joseph ’21
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HOLMAN’S COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TEAM CAN HELP YOU BUILD A FLEET AS TOUGH AS YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS.
FRED MULLER | COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER 573 RT 38 WEST, MAPLE SHADE, NJ 08052 | 856-234-4901
WWW.HOLMANTRUCK.COM
HONORING CHRIS GHEYSENS AND HIS FAMILY GREAT NEIGHBORS AND TRUE FRIENDS THE HERR FAMILY
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Joe Romano, Jr.
42nd St. & Park Rd. Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
Cubes • Block
Tel. 609-263-8748 1-800-244-8748 Fax 609-263-7775
www.seaisleice.com
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CHANGING THE WORLD ONE YOUNG WOMAN AT A TIME
WISDOM
UNITY
MERCY
COURAGE
Congratulations to Mr. Chris Gheysens!
OLMA students believe in themselves and in their ability to succeed at whatever they set their minds to doing. Through a challenging academic curriculum, diverse extra-curricular program and spirit of sisterhood unique to an all-girls school, our students thrive and are forever bonded in faith and friendship.
OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY (856) 697-2008 · www.olmanj.org 1001 MAIN ROAD · NEWFIELD, NJ 08344 OLMAdj-Mendel18.indd 1
10/18/18 4:19 PM
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A special thank you to Triple Oaks Nursery & Florist and the Kiefer family – Ted, Lorraine, Joseph ’87 and Eric ‘94 for providing tonight’s centerpieces. Triple Oaks specializes in the highest quality plant material including unusual and rare trees and shrubs, gifts, and fresh flowers. The nursery also offers planting and landscaping services. In addition to a great selection of plant material, Triple Oaks offers custom flowers for weddings and other special occasions. Triple Oaks is a teaching nursery and hosts special events, concerts, plant festivals, garden walks, and much more. Visit www.tripleoaks.com for more information and current class schedule. 2359 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, NJ 08322
856-694-4272 24
Congratulations to Mr. Chris Gheysens
The 2018 Gregor Mendel Medal Award Winner
- Donald E. DeRossi
DeRossi & Son Co. // 411 South 6th St. // Vineland, NJ 08360
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. AUGUSTINE PREP ALUMNUS
CHRIS GHEYSENS RECIPIENT OF THE 2018 GREGOR MENDEL MEDAL AWARD From your friends at Chancellor Development Group, LLC
CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS GHEYSENS
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Congratulations to our Hermit Brother
Chris Gheysens On this well-deserved honor of receiving the 2018 Gregor Mendel Medal Award Thank You for all that you do for St. Augustine Prep and our entire community COMPLIMENTS OF
The Catalana Family
Carmine IV (‘76), Frank (‘78), Michael (‘81), David (‘82) Nicholas (‘07), Ryan Iaconelli (‘09), Garrett (’13), Andrew (‘14), Chad (‘17)
WWW.CUMBERLANDDAIRY.COM
WWW.INNOVATION-FOODS.COM
Proud supplier to
for over 30 years!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO 2018 MENDEL MEDAL AWARD RECIPIENT
CHRIS GHEYSENS
SOUTHSHORELACROSSE.COM
CONGRATULATES CHRIS GHEYSENS!
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Congratulates Chris Gheysens on receiving the 2018 Gregor Mendel Medal Award
THE PICKWICKIAN TAVERN & SMOKERY IS A PROUD PARTNER OF ST. AUGUSTINE PREP ATHLETICS.
Conveniently located seconds away from St. Augustine Prep at the corner of Cedar Ave. and Rt. 40! The Pickwickian features delicious burgers, seasonal specials, and fine, hand-carved meats slowly smoked on-site. Stop by today and enjoy a plate of our signature fall-off-the-bone smoked wings or visit pickwickian.net to view the full restaurant & bar menu!
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CONGRATUL
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LATIONS CHRIS!
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ONCE A HERMIT, ALWAYS A HERMIT!
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ST. AUGUSTINE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Class of 1989 33
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Alma Mater In Richland’s proud and peaceful glen where friends and joy abound. Stands Alma Mater, Home of Men, A treasure nobly found. Wherever we may chance to be Nearby or far from you, We will not fail eternally To sing your praises true. Oh St. Augustine’s Mighty Power Of our triumphant youth Watch over us each hour With eyes of love and truth. And when our days with you are done Still guide each grateful son.
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2018 MENDEL MEDAL AWARD DINNER
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HONORING CHRIS GHEYSENS ’89