2013 – 14 ANNUAL REPORT INSIDE
BLACK
GOLD
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL | FALL 2014
VIANNEY RECEIVES GENEROUS FUNDING FOR STEM
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY PAGE 10
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STADIUM TURF PAGE 11
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NATIONAL SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE PAGE 16
BLACK President Mike Loyet ’77 Principal Dr. Tim Dilg
St. John Vianney High School is dedicated to forming young men for spiritual, academic and personal excellence in the Catholic, Marianist tradition.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Vianney News.......................................................................................... 2
Assistant Principal – Academics Dennis Matreci
Randy Frisch Homecoming MVP Award Grandparents Mass 2014 Speaker Series Features Award-Winning Author
Assistant Principal – Student Development Scott Brown ’84
$1 Million Gift Expands STEM Academics.................................................................................6
Director of Athletics Terry Cochran
Alumni Profile.........................................................................................9
Director of Finance and Facilities Wendell DePhillips ’71
Peggy and Patrick Sly ’68; $1 million contribution
Patrick Sly ’68
Project Lead The Way................................................................. 10 Students participate in a nationally recognized program designed to boost literacy in STEM
Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Tim Kenney, S.M.
New Stadium Turf. ............................................................................. 11
Director of Advancement Peter Cerone ’93
Alum News.............................................................................................. 12
Director of Admissions Tom Mulvihill ’04 Director of Constituent Relations Molly Walsh
Time lapse video link
Lake Of The Ozarks Water Taxi Vianney Alum Gets Grilled KC Education Group Board Chair
Faculty Profile...................................................................................... 14 Vianney President Mike Loyet ’77
National School of Excellence............................................. 16
Director of Events Mark Schuermann ’03
Marianist Moment............................................................................. 18
Editor, Black & Gold Director of Communication Rob Staggenborg
Q&A............................................................................................................. 20
Adam Brown ’15
Swimmer, Nick Alexander ’17
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NEWS
NEWS
SAVE THE DATE Randy Frisch Homecoming MVP Award
10th & Final
Congratulations to senior Kyle Markway, who was the recipient of the 2014 Randy Frisch Homecoming MVP Award. The award is presented following the Homecoming game each year and is voted on by alumni attending the game. Markway is committed to play football at South Carolina next year.
TOM CELLA MEMORIAL TRIVIA NIGHT Hosted by Dan McLaughlin ’92
Randy Frisch graduated from Vianney in 1973 and went to the University of Missouri on a football scholarship. After graduating from Mizzou, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a defensive tackle in the 7th round of the NFL draft in 1977.
Gregory Andrew Prante, Jr.
Vianney Students Participate in 2014 Boys State Program
During the exhibition season of his rookie year, he was driving home from the airport after a game against Buffalo when his car was hit head-on, killing Mr. Frisch, who was just 23 years old at the time of his death. The Alumni Association established this award in his memory. The award honors the most valuable player of the Homecoming game.
Gregory Andrew Prante, Jr., and Brady Dickison both participated in The American Legion Boys State of Missouri June 14–21 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Ray Frisch ’78, Kyle Markway, and Dr. Tim Dilg (inset: the late Randy Frisch)
Grandparents’ Mass 2014 Vianney hosted more than 900 people at the annual Grandparents’ Mass on September 7th. Students were encouraged to invite their grandparents to a special liturgy, which was held on the worldwide celebration of Grandparents’ Day. Rev. Tim Kenney, Vianney’s Chaplain, celebrated Mass. This year’s crowd was the largest ever at the Grandparents Mass, according to event director
Brady Dickison
Following Mass, students and their grandparents were invited to a special luncheon held in their honor. While some waited for lunch, others took the opportunity to show off their school, classrooms and lockers to their grandparents during informal tours of the campus. Photos were provided as well for grandparents and their grandsons.
Mark Schuermann ’03.
Prante and Dickison were selected based on leadership, citizenship, academics, and character while students at St. John Vianney High School High School. Boys State is a pure democracy in that all citizens may vote and are eligible to hold office. The program is designed to educate and train Missouri’s young leaders in functional citizenship, leadership and government. Nearly 1,000 student leaders build an entire state government in a single week. Prante’s accomplishments, positions held, and awards earned at Missouri Boys State include: Citizen of Carver City; Member of the Federalist Party; Fireman, Ward II; Parks Committee Chairman; Delegate to State Convention, Ward II; Citizen of the Model County; City Employee; News Director — KMBS Radio. Prante attended Journalism School while participating in Boys State. Dickison’s accomplishments, positions held, and awards earned at Missouri Boys State include: Citizen of Clark City; Member of the Federalist Party; Lottery Commissioner; Delegate to County Committee, Ward II; Attorney.
Dr. Tim Dilg ended Mass with a special message of gratitude for the grandparents. “Remember,” Dr. Dilg told the students, “this is their special day so you have to do whatever they ask of you!”
Prante (son of Joanne and Gregory Prante, Sr.) was sponsored by Our Lady of Providence Men’s Club. Dickison (son of Michelle and Jim Dickison) was sponsored by American Legion Post 101 — Brentwood.
“We talk about ‘family spirit’ all of the time here at Vianney, and an event like the Grandparents’ Mass is a way to show that Vianney’s family spirit extends outward beyond our walls,” said Dr. Dilg. “I know that our students are very excited to show off their school to their grandparents. As you can see by the attendance, the grandparents enjoy this event so much.”
Sponsors afford the opportunity for students to participate in this nationally recognized program and are critical to its continued success.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2014 St. John Vianney High School Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. $20 per person / $200 for a table of 10 if paid in advance $25 per person / $250 per table at the door Includes beer, soft drinks and a silent auction for added fun!
All proceeds benefit the Tom Cella ’92 Memorial Scholarship at Vianney. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a special donation this year to the fund. This is the final year of the Tom Cella Memorial Trivia Night. Help ensure the scholarship in Tom’s name continues well into the future by attending this event or making a gift in his name.
Questions? Please contact Molly Walsh at St. John Vianney High School at mwalsh@vianney.com or call her at (314) 965-4853, ext. 166. To register, please visit www.vianney.com, go to the “Alumni” tab and click on Upcoming Events and the Cella Trivia Night. Or, you may send paid reservations to: St. John Vianney High School, Cella Trivia, 1311 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122.
Senior Danny Baker participates in the Grandparents blessing.
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NEWS
NEWS
SAVE THE DATE CALENDAR
SPEAKER SERIES FEATURES AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR The annual Vianney Speakers Series for grade school educators featured New York Times award-winning author of Teach Like a Pirate, Dave Burgess. More than 500 area teachers attended the event. Dave is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a Pirate: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator. Dave is also a U.S. History teacher at West Hills High School in San Diego who specializes in teaching hard-toreach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.
NOVEMBER
Burgess is a highly sought professional development speaker who is known for his creative, entertaining, and energetic style. His workshops, seminars, and keynotes help teachers develop practical ways to become more creative and engaging in their classrooms. Last year, Dr. Dilg invited brain-based education expert Michael Gurian for the Speakers Series. In 2015, nationally renowned speaker Jon Gordon will headline the event on September 25, 2015. Gordon wrote the best-selling book, The Energy Bus.
Open House – Tours for Alumni Sons November 2, 2014
Night of the Griffin Auction
Alumni and their sons, grandsons, nephews are invited to gain special early entry for Vianney’s annual Open House at 11:30 a.m. Get in before the crowds, and receive a special gift from the Admissions and Advancement office.
St. John Vianney High School
RSVP online at Vianney.com/Admissions to reserve your spot, and we will see you on Sunday, November 2nd!
Tribute “Roast” for Mr. Paul Rhame November 6, 2014
“Dave’s enthusiasm and love of teaching are a great example of our profession. He backs up the practical things he does in his classroom with showmanship and brain research. This workshop was superb!” Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal and the organizer of the event.”
Cocktails at 6:30 pm Roast starts at 7:00 pm Receive 2 free drink tickets You can RSVP for this event by calling Molly Walsh at (314) 965-4853 ext. 166 or e-mail her at mwalsh@vianney.com
Lt. Dan Riordan Memorial Trivia Night Saturday, November 8th at Vianney Learn more at http://www.Itdanriordan.com/calender.htm
VIANNEYTHROUGHTHEYEARS PRINCIPALS OF VIANNEY
Mr. Michael Loyet ’77
2007 – present
Dr. Timothy Dilg
2011– present
Rev. Robert Osborne, S.M.
2002 – 2006
Mr. Lawrence Keller
1995 – 2011
Rev. Richard Wosman, S.M.
1995 – 2002
Mr. Lawrence Furrer
1986 – 1994
Rev. Adolph Windisch, S.M.
1986 – 1995
Br. Joseph Grieshaber, S.M.
1982 – 1986
Br. Jerome Bommer, S.M.
1976 – 1982
Br. Richard Dix, S.M.
1973 – 1976
Br. William Chewing, S.M.
1967 – 1973
Br. Fred Wiesbruch, S.M.
1963 – 1967
Br. Kenneth Nesbit, S.M.
1960 – 1963
19602014 4 | Visit us online! www.vianney.com
The Night of the Griffin Auction and Dinner is the biggest event on Vianney’s fundraising and social calendar. We rely on scores of parents, alumni and friends to help us make this event a big success. If you have questions or would like to know more about volunteering or opportunities to donate, please contact Mark Schuermann, Director of Events, by e-mail at mschuermann@vianney.com or calling him at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144.
Tapawingo National Golf Course
“Dave has a high energy style and keeps things moving. He has a style unlike many other educational seminar presenters.
PRESIDENTS OF VIANNEY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015
JANUARY
Doors Open at 5:00 p.m. Dinner Served at 6:45 p.m. Live Auction Begins at 8:00 p.m. TICKETS cost $95.00 per person SPONSORSHIP TABLES are available for $1,500.00 Sponsorship Tables include: • A Premium Attendance Gift • Advertisement in Auction Book • Signage at the Event • Preferred Seating • Reserved Parking
Alumni Association Trivia Night January 24, 2015
WIN $10,000! This year, you can enter a special raffle for a chance to win $10,000.
St. John Vianney High School
• We are selling only 300 raffle tickets at $100 each with a $10,000 payout. • The winner will be drawn the night of the auction. • You do not need to be present to win.
Info: gogriffins.org
FEBRUARY Legacy Night MCC Basketball Matchup: SLUH at Vianney Friday, February 27, 2015 Starting at 7 pm St. John Vianney High School Field House Halftime contest – Reception to follow the game
Get your tickets fast! Once we sell 300 there will be no more available. If you would like to donate any items or trips to the Auction, contact Mark Schuermann, Director of Events, by e-mail at mschuermann@vianney.com or call him at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144.
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We are pleased to announce that Peggy and Patrick Sly ’68 are the first donors in the 54-year history of St. John Vianney High School to give a $1 million lump sum contribution. Peggy and Pat requested that this transformational gift be used for academic purposes.
This incredibly generous gift will help Vianney make significant upgrades to its academic facilities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Peggy and Pat Sly (pictured) have maintained strong involvement with Vianney since Pat graduated in 1968. He went on to become the Executive Vice President at Emerson. He currently serves on the Vianney Board of Directors and is a member of the Advancement Committee. The Slys have been faithful supporters of the Griffin Fund and have also established a named scholarship for students with financial need.
Vianney is proud to list successful architects, civic planners, engineers, builders, IT professionals, researchers, doctors, biochemists, physicists and more as part of our alumni base.
Mike Loyet, President of Vianney, said “The investment will be used to transform the school’s learning environment and enhance the academic programs to promote college readiness in STEM disciplines.”
The use of this charitable gift for STEM enhancements serves to reinforce and expand upon Vianney’s strong tradition of graduates pursuing careers in these and other areas within STEM.
“We are extremely grateful to Peggy and Pat for their ongoing commitment to Vianney.” Loyet added, “I think my heart stopped beating for a moment when Pat and Peggy shared this news with me.”
Peggy and Patrick Sly ’68
“The entire St. John Vianney High School family thanks Peggy and Pat Sly for their transformative and historic investment in our young men,” Mike Loyet said.
The donors have maintained strong involvement at Vianney. At Emerson, Sly manages the Emerson Charitable Trust and the company’s community-relations activities, a position he was appointed to in 2012. “Vianney has long had a great history of producing graduates who pursued careers in STEM and have become successful architects, civic planners, builders, computer programmers, researched, biochemists, physicists and more,” Loyet said. "Vianney did an outstanding job of forming me as a man ready to go out into the world,” Pat Sly said. “Peggy and I know Vianney does an exemplary job of forming strong Catholic men who are good husbands, fathers and role models.”
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ALUMNI PROFILE “Investing in Vianney and its future made sense to us. We are thrilled to be in a position to do so for a school that has meant so much to our family,” he added. Peggy Sly agreed.
“Thanks to the generosity of Peggy and Pat, Vianney will continue to be a leader in instructing young men on educational pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics using a college preparatory curriculum.”
Peggy and Pat Sly ’68
“There has been so much positive momentum at Vianney over the past several years,” she said. “Our family wanted to be part of this wonderful transformation at Vianney and help chart the course for a new and exciting future.”
When the Slys felt compelled to make a $1 million charitable gift, there were no shortage of deserving charities. Pat, a 1968 Vianney grad, serves on no less than seven Boards of Directors, and Peggy spends a significant part of her week serving as a volunteer at youth schools, agencies and services.
“We could not be more proud of our association with St. John Vianney High School,” she said.
Why did they choose Vianney for their gift, and why now?
The STEM initiative comes on the heels of a $1 million upgrade to the school’s athletic facilities this summer, and nearly $7 million in academic improvements since 2007.
Vianney, Pat said, gave him skills he needed to succeed and thrive in life beyond college. Vianney also gave him a group of lifelong friends, many of whom are still close today.
“Vianney is committed to preparing our students for educational and career success by offering challenging academic programs,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal.
“For Pat and I, our high school experiences were what I call game changers for us because they taught us skills we would use throughout our lives,” Peggy said. “Leadership skills for example, were developed while we were in high school.”
With the $1 million in “seed” money, Vianney will expand its academic programs in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in those four specific disciplines in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
Here are some quick facts about STEM education in America: • The United States has become a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. Yet today, that position is threatened as comparatively few American students pursue expertise in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)—and by an inadequate pipeline of teachers skilled in those subjects. •A ccording to U.S. Department of Education statistics, just 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and expressed interested in pursuing a STEM career. •S tudies have shown that 70 percent of U.S. students graduate high school unprepared for college-level science. •T he process-skills emphasized by NGSS will help change this, benefiting students whether they go into science or other fields.
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Paying It Forward
•B y 2018, projections estimate the need for 8.65 million workers in STEM-related jobs. The manufacturing sector faces an alarmingly large shortage of employees with the necessary skills — nearly 600,000. The field of cloud computing alone will have created 1.7 million jobs between 2011 and 2015, according to the report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2018, the bulk of STEM careers will be: • • • • •
Computing – 71 percent Traditional Engineering – 16 percent Physical sciences – 7 percent Life sciences – 4 percent Mathematics – 2 percent
• “ These critical thinking [skills] will have an effect even outside of science,” said David L. Evans, executive director of the National Science Teachers Association. “I think the effect will be profound.”
The Slys’ $1 million gift was historic for Vianney, said President Mike Loyet. With Pat’s service as a member of Vianney’s Board, and his loyal giving history, Loyet has gotten to know Peggy and Pat fairly well. Asked to characterize them in a few words, he does not hesitate. “Humble,” Loyet said. “Pat and Peggy are two of the most humble people you will ever meet. They do for others selflessly, and Vianney is near to their hearts. They are a remarkable family.” Pat came to Vianney from Annunciation Parish in Webster Groves. He was a class officer his sophomore and junior years, and made the Honor Roll his freshman and senior years. He wrote for the school newspaper and ran track. In his senior year, he was Vice President of the Student Council. The funds from the gift will be used to develop new science labs, with a portion of the gift being used to fund a scholarship in the name of Peggy and Pat Sly. The size of the gift has garnered all the attention, but the scholarship is one of the highlights for the Slys. Peggy, as a child, attended Catholic grade school because she got financial assistance from a great aunt who helped fund her education. The ability to give back and pay it forward for Vianney’s families, was personally fulfilling, Peggy said. “It was important for us to be able to give back and pay back kindness that was paid to us,” Peggy said. Peggy and Pat Sly have been married 43 years. They have two children, Patrick, Jr. (wife is Jana) and Colleen Mooney (whose husband is Tom). The Slys have six grandchildren (Lauren, Garren, Joseph, Brendan, Liam and Maggie).
Pat Sly ’68 voices a commercial in 2013 for Vianney at the KMOX 1120 AM studios.
The Slys met when they were in college. Pat attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas and Peggy was at St. Mary’s College in nearby Xavier, Kansas. Later, Pat would earn his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from St. Louis University. Peggy’s advanced degree in Library and Information Systems was earned through the University of Missouri at Columbia. Pat’s work life as an Executive Vice President with Emerson took the young family all over the country. They eventually would settle back in St. Louis about 15 years ago, and it has been home ever since. His love for Vianney never faltered. He remains active in alumni relations, and participates in regular Class of 1968 reunion events. Pat is currently on the Vianney Board of Directors and has seen the school’s strategic, calculated growth as a positive. The gift is being designed for STEM initiatives (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and the Slys couldn’t be happier. In his work at Emerson, Pat sees how the shortage of qualified STEM workers impact American industry. “Meanwhile, our friends across the water have put the pedal to the medal on STEM and are surpassing what we are doing here in the in the U.S.,” Pat said. “I’ve been a senior executive at Emerson for 34 years now and there is no question in my industry that finding and attracting STEM talent remains one of our nation’s biggest challenges.” The main motivating factor for the historic gift was that Peggy and Pat believe in Catholic education and believe in how Vianney forms young men. “Catholic schools offer the entire package. You cannot take faith-formation out of education if you are living a life dedicated to your faith,” Peggy said.
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PROJECT LEAD THE WAY This school year, Vianney students are participating in a nationally recognized program designed to boost literacy in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The program, called Project Lead The Way (PLTW), is the nation’s leading provider of STEM programs. Vianney is one of the first schools in Missouri to participate in PLTW’s computer science program. Project Lead the Way uses a world-class curriculum and highquality teacher professional development model, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate and community partners. This helps students develop skills necessary to succeed in our global economy.
DON HEEB FIELD DEDICATION
PLTW programs are in place in more than 5,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. According to a survey of PLTW students at the end of their senior year, 70 percent indicated that they intend to study engineering, technology, computer science, or another applied science, and 93 percent intend to pursue at least a two-year or four-year degree after high school. PLTW’s beginning dates back to 1986 when high school teacher Richard Blais began offering pre-engineering and digital electronics classes to encourage his upstate New York students to study engineering. In 1997, Blais received the support of the Liebich family’s Charitable Leadership Foundation (CLF), which helped establish PLTW’s high school Engineering program and broaden it to 12 schools in upstate New York.
The Griffin mascot joins cross country coach John Mohr, retired teacher and coach Jim Farrell, Board member David Woods ’92, former AD and coach Don Heeb, former teacher and coach Bob Hoffmann, soccer coach Dave Gauvain, football coach Paul Day, lacrosse moderator Nate Stein ’03, Chaplain Rev. Tim Kenney, S.M., junior Patrick McDonald.
The dedication ceremony included student representatives from the track, lacrosse, football and soccer programs.
Army Staff Sgt. Steven Dudak ’02, Army recruit and 2014 grad Dylan Feeney, and Capt. Mark Gadell ’01 served as the honor guard for the national anthem.
Today, PLTW is the nation’s leading provider of STEM programs.
Check out the time lapse video of the NEW STADIUM TURF at Vianney.
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ALUM NEWS
ALUMNI GOLF Thanks to all the Vianney alumni and friends who supported this year’s sold-out Vianney Alumni Association’s Golf Classic. More than $14,000 was raised from the event to benefit Vianney students. Thanks to the Boccardi Family at Tapawingo for making it a wonderful event. Money raised from the tournament helps fund the Alumni Association events and scholarships the association sponsors.
VIANNEY ALUM GETS GRILLED ON TV SERIES Vianney’s BBQ expert, Eliot Mellow ’05 was recently featured on the September 10th episode of the new Travel Channel series American Grilled. Mellow and fellow competitor Alan Bowman hosted a joint watch party to celebrate St. Louis’ inclusion in this new High Heat grilling series.
SPECIAL THANKS to the major sponsors:
CRUISIN’
• Jim Butler Chevrolet • Henderson & Waterkotte, attorneys at law
• Purk & Associates, P.C. • Throttlenet
Recently MIKE NORMILE ’67 and his wife joined three other couples on a Rhine river cruise. “I noticed that the three Vianney grads all had V-High gear on one day, so I snapped the picture,” he said. Pictured are TONY SEBBEN ’71, BOB HUGHES ’66 and MIKE NORMILE ’67 in front of their cruise ship.
SPECIAL THANKS to Alumni Board President Phil Miceli, John Bader, Brian Kohlberg, Dave Martorano, Tom Powers, Molly Walsh, and the rest of the golf committee for organizing the event. Mark your calendars for the 2015 Alumni Golf Classic, which will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 at Tapawingo National Golf Course.
ALUM NAMED BOARD CHAIR FOR KC EDUCATION GROUP Russ Ascheman ’67 was recently appointed Chairman of the Kansas City Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Board of Directors. Cristo Rey Kansas City is part of a national network of 26 schools that provides quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to young people who live in urban communities with limited educational options. Member schools utilize a rigorous academic model, supported with effective instruction, to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college. Cristo Rey Network schools employ an innovative Corporate Work Study Program that provides students with real world work experiences. Every student works five full days a month to fund the majority of his or her education, gain job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of his or her education. Students work at law firms, banks, hospitals, universities, and other professional Corporate Partners. “Our school in Kansas City has the distinction of having 100% of its graduating classes gain acceptance into colleges and universities in many parts of the country,” Russ noted.
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KEEPING THE LAKE AFLOAT Vianney alum Dave Callanan is the owner and taxi dispatcher for Lake of the Ozarks Water Taxi, Inc. According to a February 2014 story from The Lake Today, “Callanan is a taxi dispatcher, but his cabs go by water. He opened the Lake of the Ozarks Water Taxi, Inc. last summer with two boats and three captains on his team - himself, his brother Steve, and Sean Krikorian, a Key West resident who summers at the Lake and organizes Jefferson City’s Salute to America Festival each year. For Callanan, the idea of running a taxi service on the Lake came easily enough, and it came from the base source of all good ideas: a need.” His water taxi team has grown from three people to six, and his fleet’s doubled as well, including the addition of their new flagship, a 1980 Olsen from New Jersey, the article said. The wooden boat the team uses can hold 18 people, and, considering it was used to give tours of Staten Island, it easily cuts through the Lake’s waves during choppy weekends. “The logistics worked out exactly how I planned,” Callanan said. “There are a lot of things we had to figure out along the way, but for the most part it has gone pretty good.”
ON THE PITCH Eliot Mellow ’05
American Grilled is a cable TV show that travels across America to discover the best and boldest flavors competitors can fire up on their grills in an ultimate, outdoor cooking challenge. From the Virginia countryside where whole hogs are a classic, to Maryland’s Eastern Shore where blue crabs are legendary, host David Guas visits a different city each week where he serves up amazing local ingredients to test the epic backyard skills of America’s hardcore grillers. Competitors come from all walks of life, including a patent attorney, a professional chef, an electrician and a suburban mom. Despite their differences, all contestants have a passion for high-heat, tons of meat and cooking over an open flame. Each episode starts with 4 competitors, but in the end only 1 walks away with the $10,000 cash prize and the bragging rights of being the killer griller. Mellow and his uncle, alumnus Jim Randall ’76, compete under the team name ASAP (Always Smoked Absolutely Perfect.)
BABY NEWS Congratulations to Tom Powers ’00 and his wife Staci. They welcomed a son Porter Thomas Powers on September 9, 2014.
WILL LANGE ’07 graduated this past summer from Indiana State University with a masters of science degree in physical education with an emphasis on coaching. He earned his National Goalkeeper Coaching License from the U.S. Soccer Federation last March to go along with his National B Coaching License. Will continues to work as a full-time assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at Indiana State, and a part-time goalkeeper coach at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He is also a part-time youth soccer coach with the Vigo County Youth Soccer Association, all in Terre Haute, Ind.
LINDENWOOD HALL OF FAMER Congratulations to 2006 Vianney grad ANDREW HOCK, who will be inducted into the Lindenwood University Hall of Fame in October 2014. Hock, of Seagrove Beach, FL, was the 2009 NAIA National Volleyball Champion, a two-time Academic All-American, a two-time Academic All-Conference performer, and a three-time state champion while at Vianney. Hock was the head coach for Lindenwood’s JV women’s volleyball team and he has coached the Missouri Thunder club team for four years. Hock earned his B.A. in marketing and an MBA with emphasis on entrepreneurship from Lindenwood. He is the owner of Oversee Vacation Rentals in Grayton Beach, FL.
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FACULTY PROFILE
Vianney President Mike Loyet ’77 Chaminade. Mike recalls his first response when asked to join the administrative team at Chaminade. “No way, why would I want to do that?” Again, after prayer and reflection he made the difficult decision to leave Vianney for what he believed was another calling.
My Calling Mike Loyet remembers looking twice at his class lists that first year of teaching. His brother, Pat was a senior at Vianney and undoubtedly Mike would find some of Pat’s friends in his classes. The sheer horror of that caused a rift in the Loyets’ Webster Groves home.
“Pat was not a big fan of having his friends in my class,” Mike recalled. He added that the situation – no matter how you viewed it — was awkward for both Loyets. As a senior, Pat sought the independence the other students enjoyed. As a teacher, Mike had to hold his brother and friends to the same high standard as all other students. Despite Pat’s protests, it ultimately worked out for the two of them, in part because they lost their father to cancer that December. His death brought the two brothers closer together. To understand Mike’s career in education, you must first know that he fought it tooth and nail. He was pursuing an MBA and had dreams of working as a business executive when by chance he ran into Br. Jerry Bommer, S.M. at a Vianney alumni event. Brother Jerry was principal when Mike graduated in 1977. He took considerable interest in Mike’s education. After leaving Vianney, Mike attended Southeast Missouri State and earned a degree in accounting. Later he earned a Masters in Finance from Webster University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University. He also passed the CPA exam in 1988. Business, accounting and finance were in his blood. “Brother Jerry offered me the job right on the spot - to be the new teacher for the Business Department,” Mike recalled. “I respectfully declined the offer. In my mind, I was going for my MBA and then to make millions of dollars. Teaching at Vianney wasn’t part of my plan.”
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And that is a common theme in the story of Mike Loyet. It is a story about being willing to answer a call. Brother Jerry wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was persistent. He invited Mike to return to Vianney a week later to talk further. “I walked out of that second meeting with the job,” Mike said, still to this day wondering how, despite saying no, Brother Jerry insisted Mike was the right man for the position. “So many times in my career, it has come down to a calling,” Loyet said, then adding with a laugh, “I pretty much turned down all of the offers, but you know when you are called to do something.” As it turns out, the Marianist motto “Do whatever He tells you” had become a personal motto for Mike as well. Thirteen years later, he was offered a chance to go into administration at Vianney. He again declined the offer. Why leave the comforts of the classroom and locker room and, as he said, “To go over to the ‘Dark Side?’ He had been teaching accounting, business law and religion while also coaching football and wrestling and loved what he was doing — helping boys grow into men. It took some convincing, but eventually Mike would become the Assistant Principal of Academics. That first administrative job would lead him to a second administrative role at
Ten years later, Mike was invited back to Vianney to serve as its first lay president. In this role he oversees the Catholic, Marianist mission, fundraising and marketing/public relations efforts, among other duties. There were challenges Loyet inherited upon his return in 2007. Enrollment had been on a steady decline for 8 straight years. While vastly improved, the facilities still needed significant upgrades, fundraising was below par and there was a considerable debt to get under control. It’s been a magical run for Mike and the administrative team (Dr. Tim Dilg, Wendell DePhillips, Pete Cerone, Tom Mulvihill and Fr. Tim Kenney, S.M.) over the past several years. Along with the faculty and many members of the Vianney family, they have been able to turn those four glaring issues into positives. Vianney has maintained an enrollment increase over the past 8 years. Facilities, once old and outdated, now meet the expectations of the school community. The Griffin Fund this past year approached $1 million and the debt is well under control. In 2012, Vianney was named among the top 50 Catholic high schools in the nation by the Cardinal Newman Society. Also, significant campus improvements have been made, including a new Leadership Center, new Tech Center, technology upgrades, remodeled classrooms, a renovated Café, all new roofs and a new weight room. This past August, Vianney dedicated the renovated stadium. In September, Vianney was named a National School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society. Two days later, the school announced the receipt of a $1 million charitable gift from Peggy and Pat Sly – which will be used to enhance our STEM initiative. Mike has also led Vianney’s branding efforts and the “Men of Character and Accomplishment” campaign. Mike is quick to give credit to those who came before him. The previous administrations laid a great foundation. The four by four intensive block schedule, the wonderful Vianney family spirit, a focus on developing leaders and the physical improvements of the Field House, Commons and Educational Wing were all in place before Mike arrived. He is also extremely pleased with the current leadership team and the entire faculty and staff. “Together, we have created a unique and special environment for young men to grow and excel.”
Adam Berner, a senior, chats with Mike Loyet in September (inset) The president as a senior.
Dr. Joe Ojile ’77 has maintained a friendship with Loyet since the two were classmates at Vianney. In his role as a board member, an active alum, a proud member of Vianney’s Hall of Fame and a former Vianney parent, Ojile has seen his friend help Vianney not only survive in difficult economic times, but he has helped Vianney thrive. “When we first heard Mike was going to go back and teach at Vianney, I think there were some of us in our class who hoped he would stay on and eventually run the school as president and that’s how it played out,” Ojile said. “Mike is just so driven by his faith and his passion for Vianney. He has helped move Vianney forward in many, many ways and that is clear by the strong position the school is in now.” Mike draws strength from his wife of 28 years, Sheila, and his sons, Eric (age 25) and Tony (age 23). Sheila, he said, “listens to my stories each day about everything going on at Vianney and she is really great about it. She knows me and knows how I react in certain situations, so having her as a sounding board is invaluable. She’s my best friend.” Marrying her, he said, “remains my greatest personal accomplishment.” >> Continued on page 19
If you would like to make a donation to Vianney in honor of Mike Loyet, send it to Pete Cerone, Director of Advancement. Contact Pete at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118.
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Vianney Named a
NATIONAL SCHOOL
EXCELLENCE
by the Cardinal Newman Society Vianney achieves distinction as being among the top Catholic High Schools in America St. John Vianney High School has been recognized by The Cardinal Newman Society on this year’s Catholic High School Honor Roll as a 2014 School of Excellence.
however is not the national ranking, it’s the confirmation that Vianney is doing an exceptional job of preparing all students for spiritual and academic success.”
Since 2004, the Honor Roll has recognized excellence in the areas of Catholic identity, academics and civic education at Catholic high schools across the United States.
“This achievement validates the tremendous work of our school community and will serve as extra motivation to continue to build a school of excellence for many years to come,” he added.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition as one of the top Catholic high schools in the country,’ said Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal of St. John Vianney High School. “The real reward
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The Honor Roll provides a powerful resource to parents and educators by acknowledging those schools that best maintain high academic standards, uphold their Catholic identities, and prepare students to actively engage the world. If you would like more information on the honor roll, please visit: http://www.catholichonorroll.org/. “The Honor Roll schools are a reminder that Catholic education is getting better every day—not only academically, but in the renewal of Catholic identity—and we are delighted to see the increased level of competition among the schools that participated in the program this year,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. The 2014 Schools of Excellence are located in 26 states, with the largest number (eight) located in Pennsylvania, followed by Texas and Michigan, each with six, and Virginia with five.
This is the first time in school history that Vianney has received this distinction from the Honor Roll, after receiving Honorable Mention in 2012 for its academic program. Vianney is the only Catholic High School from the St. Louis metro area to receive the National School of Excellence award this year. “I commend our passionate and dedicated faculty and staff for creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for each and every young man where they can excel academically and have the opportunity to achieve in athletics and in the arts,” Dr. Dilg said. “I'm most proud of the fact that we continue to develop men of character and accomplishment who are strong in their faith.” This honor reflects highly on our dedicated teachers and staff and is a testament to their hard work and commitment to Catholic education. Likewise, our students should be recognized and applauded for their perseverance, determination, and willingness to challenge themselves spiritually, academically, and personally.
This year 71 schools received the honor of being named as a School of Excellence, and an additional nine received the distinction of Honorable Mention. This is less than five percent of the Catholic high schools in the United States.
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MARIANIST MOMENT
>> MY CALLING: Vianney President Mike Loyet (continued from page 14)
Written by Adam Brown ’15 Special to Black & Gold
BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO MY FAITH Going into LIFE retreat this past summer, I had no idea what I was about to do. I didn’t know anybody who had gone before and I had no clue what we were going to do. Sometimes I think that is the best way to do things so that I don’t judge and can keep an open mind. I had always gone to church and I was active in my parish’s youth group, but this summer I had just about given up all hope. I stopped going to Church and just about blocked God out of my life. I was tired of the struggle and just gave up. The weeks leading right up to the retreat were especially rough for me. I was unable to sleep and going through a rough time. After the first few days at the LIFE event, I had basically labeled the retreat as a waste and I had just about given up on it as well. Then I heard a speech from a moderator about looking for God in the small ways. I realized that’s exactly what I needed to do. I always read these stories of people and how they found God in the big ways, and I guess that’s what I was doing—waiting for a big parting of the clouds and a message wrapped in a bow. All I needed to do was open my eyes. I had been put on this retreat right at the time where things seemed to be going wrong all the time and nothing good was happening. Not only was I put on the trip, but I was put on it with two of my best friends. Being asked to recall my experience is another way for me to realize how God works. To be able to take a step back and look back at this summer is an opportunity for me to appreciate how God will find a way. After that speech, I really started paying attention and trying to focus on everything in the retreat. It seemed like I could relate with just about everything in some way or another. I just needed to slow down and look around. Talking with people and letting out the deepest things about me is one thing that I am absolutely awful about. I used to do that when I was younger and I seemed to get burned on it all the time, so I grew up with this new style in which I would never let anyone in. There was
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one activity that called us to do something I despised, which was letting people in and telling them about those things that always seemed to haunt me. Surprisingly I was able to recall all of the things I thought were so bad and haunted me, but after telling them it really made me think about how silly it was. I dwelled on things for so long and I always think about the what ifs. Just telling the bare story and what actually did happen, forced me to see what the events really were, not what they were imagined.
In his free time, Mike enjoys watching sports, reading and cycling. In September, he completed a two day, two hundred mile bike ride to raise money to fight MS. In 2006, he rode 410 miles on the Katy Trail in four days. Mike added, “I would never do that again.” As a teacher, Mike was tough—his given nickname, “IBM” is the stuff of legends. His toughness was borne out of his passion for teaching, coaching and helping young men to go beyond their perceived limitations. When talking about Vianney’s successes, Mike interjects that he has had the distinct advantage of a great Board of Directors and tremendous personal and professional mentors. It is a lengthy list of people, which includes former Board Chair Don Eggleston, current Board Chair Rick Davis, Chaminade’s past principal Jim Gerker, former teacher and coach Tim Clepper, former Vianney principal Larry Furrer, former Athletic Director Don Heeb, classmate Dr. Joe Ojile ’77, and Mike’s wife, Sheila.
After letting all that out I was really able to accept God back into my life because I saw the things that I was dwelling on weren’t all that bad. I can sit here all day just saying how I was changed, but that really doesn’t do it justice. The fact is, I was put on that LIFE retreat — a message wrapped in a golden bow telling me to look for the small things. I reminded myself that not everything was so bad, especially at a time when I was probably at my lowest. Not only now do I recognize how things aren’t so bad, I get to share that with others who might be going through the same things I struggled with.
Mike’s vision for Vianney is to continue to develop young Men of Character & Accomplishment in the Catholic, Marianist tradition. This will be accomplished through a dynamic and dedicated faculty and staff. To achieve this vision, Mike asks alumni, parents and friends to do four things:
Adam Brown is a junior at Vianney and participated in the LIFE Retreat this past summer with students from other Marianist schools across the U.S.
3) Pay it forward—As others have made financial investments to bring Vianney to where it is today, you must invest now for both our current and future students
1) Promote Vianney as a wonderful place to entrust your son 2) Participate in events like the Auction and golf tournaments
4) Pray for the entire Vianney family. “If we inspire our alumni, parents and friends to engage in these four actions, Vianney will continue our great tradition for generations to come” said Mike. Mike has no plans to leave Vianney and, true to form, is not looking for anything else. In fact, he recently signed his second contract extension which wraps him up until June of 2018. “I feel blessed to be in this role and I love being in Catholic, Marianist education. I believe we have many more goals to achieve and young men to educate before I receive my next call,” Loyet said.
DID YOU KNOW In Vianney’s opening years, just two Marianist brothers made up the FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT in the early 1960s. But within years, enrollment grew to a point where the department grew to five Brothers, who taught band, art, visual arts, and vocal music. As part of Fine Arts Week in 1965, drama got its start at Vianney with a production of the short play, The Sandbox. The first full-length play performed at Vianney was You Can’t Take It With You, under the direction of Mr. Charlie Eisele. As the 1970s began, Vianney was filled to capacity, and the art room was moved to the Rooster Gallery. But by 1990, rising enrollment necessitated some changes to the fine arts facilities, and the Rooster Gallery became an oddly shaped, general classroom. The gallery would stand until September 2014 when it was razed to make more space on campus.
VIANNEY’S SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECT (SSP) BEGAN IN 1979 with Mr. John Burcke as its first director. Today, the SSP projects are still going strong and are supervised and coordinated by the Campus Ministry team when it was razed due to safety concerns..
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GRIFFIN FUND VIANNEY’S 2014–15 GRIFFIN FUND HAS OFFICIALLY KICKED OFF!
Nick Alexander is one of the most prolific swimmers in Vianney history with a state title to his name as a sophomore. In all, he qualified for eight different events at the state meet last year. This year, Nick is touted as one of the top swimmers in the area. He's working toward maintaining a 3.0 GPA and is getting the attention of college and national swim coaches everywhere. Nick was recently invited to the USA Select Swim camp. Nick was one of only 30 swimmers nationally invited to participate. Nick recently posted time of 2 minutes, 2.86 seconds in winning the 200-meter backstroke at the National Club Swimming Association (NCSA) Summer Junior Nationals in Indianapolis. That time would likely qualify him for the United States Olympic Trials, the final step that leads to a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Alexander estimates that he swims 340 days a year.
Year in School: Junior Hometown: Sunset Hills, MO Grade School: Sperreng Middle School (Lindbergh Schools)
Best thing about being a junior Finally being an upperclassman Favorite Class/subject Biology Favorite Vianney memory Getting to play dodgeball my freshman year during the Homecoming pep rally
You should have received a mailing recently. We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift. We are seeking high levels of participation this year. High levels of participation demonstrate the Vianney community’s strength and shared commitment to our students. Your investment in the Griffin Fund, is not only a measure of attitudes towards St. John Vianney High School, but is essential to funding the school’s core needs. From attracting and retaining the best teachers and staff, to investing in our programs and facilities, to providing tuition assistance to qualified young men, your generosity will touch every aspect of Vianney.
Favorite Vianney swimming memory Winning state in swimming Favorite music Country Western My personal theme song would be… “Hall of Fame” by The Script
Gift Size/Amount Raised* • $25 or less – $ 7,275 • $50 or less – $13,940 • $100 or less – $41,250 All students benefit from the Griffin Fund! The Griffin Fund allows Vianney to address immediate priorities and enhance programs not covered by tuition and other sources of income. * 2013-2014 Fiscal Year
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOYAL SUPPORT! Through your generosity we enjoyed a record year through our advancement efforts.
My personal hero is Michael Phelps, Olympic Gold medal swimmer 3 people I’d like to meet Michael Phelps Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad Andrew Lincoln of Walking Dead
We surpassed the Griffin Fund goal of $640,000 for our fiscal year ended June 30, raising a total of $940,174.
Does being a state champion put extra pressure on you each year? Not really. If I know I am working as hard as I can, then I am confident in my abilities
$940,174
What advice would you give a younger swimmer who shows potential Set goals and work hard every day until you reach those goals
Do not underestimate the impact of your support and the importance of your participation in the Griffin Fund. Every time you invest in Vianney, it makes a meaningful difference for the young men under our care.
WE HAD A RECORD YEAR AT THE NIGHT OF THE GRIFFIN DINNER AND AUCTION, RAISING OVER $308,000 WHICH INCLUDED $115,000 FOR NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIPS.
$308,716 EVERY GIFT COUNTS
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! You can donate securely online at: www.vianney.com/donate-now.html
Through the generosity of many families, friends and individuals committed to honoring loved ones and providing a Vianney education to young men throughout St. Louis, the Scholarship Endowment Fund, as of June 30, has a balance of over
$2 MILLION
YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR PROVES YOUR COMMITMENT TO HELPING ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL CREATE
To make a gift by mail, make your check payable to St. John Vianney High School and send to: St. John Vianney High School, Advancement Office 1311 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit 3514
A MARIANIST COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
1311 South Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 www.vianney.com
Named a 2014 National School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society
2015 REUNION WEEKENDS: SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 Reunion Weekend
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015 Reunion Weekend
Classes of 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985
Classes of 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005
THE CLASS OF 2009 HELD ITS 5-YEAR REUNION AS PART OF THE ANNUAL HOMECOMING ACTIVITIES ON SEPTEMBER 12. MORE THAN 100 FROM THE CLASS ATTENDED THE REUNION EVENT AND POST-GAME RECEPTION IN THE GRIFFIN CAFE.